Hard-Charging 4-H Steer gains Michael Phelps moniker after swimming across the Columbia River and running for miles eluding owners and authorities before collapsing near railroad tracks.

The Microwave Tower Fire, burning 5 miles west of Mosier, has grown to 1,306 acres with 53% containment. The fire, which started on July 22, 2024, is believed to be human-caused and is still under investigation. The fire is burning in brush, timber, and grass.

The Microwave Tower Fire expanded into another 400 acres as it burned during the weekend, burning down cliffs to  Interstate 84 on Sunday.

The Boil Water Advisory currently in effect for Mosier residents will likely be in place until Tuesday, July 30, according to Engineer John Grim.

Due to the loss of water pressure in the city’s distribution system on July 22, 2024, potentially harmful bacteria could be in the water supply. If these bacteria are present, they could make you sick and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems.

With lower wind speeds and subdued fire behavior, crews worked to secure more of the fire’s east end with hand line, dozer line, and water drops from helicopters and other air resources. The fire continued to back down on a north-facing ridge along I-84 just west of Mosier and will likely do so through today. Smoke can be observed along the highway.

Update, July 23, 10:30 a.m. — 100 structures are within the fire’s immediate reach, estimated Spokesman Andy Dwyer. The fire is in the urban interface bringing in engines and firefighters who will work from a defensive tack to keep homes from burning.

Today Mosier Community School hosted an event featuring a traditional Pow-Wow dance, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Native American tribes in the region including the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Yakama, and Umatilla tribes. The event was organized by Lucille Begay, the Native American Liaison at Columbia Gorge ESD and a substitute teacher.

An investigation revealed that the driver of the Nissan struck a red F-150 pickup and struck the guardrail before coming to a stop.  The man was arrested on multiple counts including driving under the influence and reckless driving.

If you've been to Rock Creek Park in Mosier during the past six or seven months, you've probably noticed the security gate at the entrance to the park. This gate is now operational, which means that anyone wanting to drive into the park will need an access card.  Access cards replace the paper passes. Good News, the cost won't change.

When officers arrived, Troopers estimated that a crowd of more than 100 were gathered in the Rowena Crest Parking lot as 50 sports cars and their drivers were “racing and burning out their tires on US 30 and in the parking lot.”

Santa has sent us letters and drawings from local 2nd and 3rd graders to help us rekindle the magic of this holiday season through these innocent and hopeful writings. Santa has quite a group of pen pals from The Dalles, Dufur, Mosier and Lyle. Check them out here.

The Marsh Band at The Dalles Civic Auditorium tonight, Sept. 22, kicks off a week of great music at local venues around the Gorge. Check out what’s happenin’ here in arts, entertainment, and untypically good times.

Columnist Jim Drake discovers some super free powers through our local libraries. He also takes a deep dive into local entertainment at venues around the Gorge. Come on and take the ride - Drake is punching your card for free.

A grass fire that took out some trees near Mosier on Wednesday, July 13, set the Fire Boss scooper planes into action for the first time this fire season. The planes, stationed at the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport in Dallesport, are fitted with pontoons that can scoop water from the Columbia River and then make quick strikes on fires. The blaze near Mosier did not have a chance.

On November 22, 2021, Mr. Marsalis was found inside a house in Mosier belonging to Mr. Charles Keller. Marsalis had barricaded himself inside and ransacked the home. Later, Marsalis was found in possession of items from Mr. Keller’s home. Mr. Keller has been missing since November 11, 2021.

A semi-truck appears to have sideswiped an Oregon State Police cruiser in a seven-car pile-up on Interstate 84 at about 5:43 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 30. The crash occurred at milepost 71.5 in the eastbound lane, according to The Dalles Police Log.

Some 980 customers lost electrical service this morning in Mosier when a fuse tripped on a Pacific Power Line near Hood River.

The growing awareness of the worldwide climate emergency was evident on the evening of March 3rd when the City Councils of White Salmon and Mosier passed nearly identical Climate Crisis Resolutions unanimously.

The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office is working through a series of reports involving a stolen vehicle from Washington, stolen license plates in Mosier, multiple car prowls in Dufur, and one man fleeing from police in Madras on Saturday afternoon. No one is in jail. But people are missing a lot of their belongings.