At the end of Wednesday, May 12th Wasco County had received 2905 ballots for a 16.05% return rate, according to Wasco County Clerk Lisa Gambee. Voters have until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18, to drop off their ballots.

UPDATED MAY 7th, 2021 to include comment from Wasco County Republican Committee Chair Betsy Hege “I put together a list of Republican candidates that were running and that list ended up on our website,” said Hege. “I deeply regret it because of what happened.”

To help you select our future community leaders, CCCNews has reached out to all candidates to get the inside scoop on who is best suited to serve our communities.

The Original Wasco County Courthouse is opening on a limited basis as the 2021 tourist season begins.

A third surge of COVID-19 cases has begun in Wasco County, threatening to curtail gatherings, in-door dining and shopping, among other group activities, according to local health officials.

North Central Public Health District wishes to thank the many volunteers who have helped make possible our ever-larger and more frequent vaccine clinics, as we work together on our best chance to help end the pandemic.

A cow mutilation in Wasco County has rancher Doug Johnson shaking his head. Not only about the monetary loss of his four-year-old heifer and the calf he now has to bottle feed, but also in the way the animal was killed. WARNING - This story contains images and descriptions that could be disturbing to readers and viewers.

Thirteen Juniors are competing in the Wasco County Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program set to go off tomorrow, Saturday, March 20. Talents including tap dancing, singing, violin, a monologue, color guard, even balance beam will be on display. The program has been year’s in the making. Read all about the participants here.

Looking for a way to serve your community? Wasco County is seeking candidates for the Wasco County Special District Election on May 18, 2021.

The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their All About The Cherry event during the month of July 2021 to highlight the cherry industry.

Ken Catlin of Beachwood Eatery can bring the wings. The long-time resident of The Dalles said he and his wife, Nancy, were ecstatic to hear that restaurants will be able to open to 25 percent of dine-in capacity next week.

25 percent capacities to be allowed at dine-in restaurants, gyms, and visits at long-term care facilities to open up, with new COVID risk assessment. Learn more here.

Hosting exchange students goes a long way toward global understanding. The Columbia AFS-USA chapter is currently seeking host family applicants. The program intends to deliver meaningful intercultural experiences that provide the knowledge and skills needed to help create a more just and peaceful world. Learn more here.

Through last Saturday, Feb. 13, the entities listed below have administered 5,517 vaccines, including first and second doses. Check here for the breakdown of vaccines by agency or group.

Bob Haechrel hit on a question of fairness in regards to tax breaks for Google on their construction of two new data centers at the former aluminum plant site in The Dalles. It was just one of several comments Wasco County Commissioners received at their Wednesday public hearing.

North Central Public Health District reports the 24th death in Wasco county due to COVID-19. A resident of Columbia Basin Care passed away on Jan. 27 at Mid-Columbia Medical Center. The resident tested positive on Jan. 22.

NW Natural customers in Oregon can expect a credit on their February bill, as the company issues $9.1 million in bill credits for services provided at the company’s underground natural gas storage facility at Mist, Oregon, as well as from efficient pipeline capacity management. The average credit is expected to be $9.

Sadly, we are reporting a 23rd person has died in Wasco County from COVID-19. Educators and those 65 and older become eligible for the vaccine in the coming days and weeks.

Vaccine demand far exceeds supply, so the public’s patience is appreciated. Check here to see who is receiving vaccinations and where the process stands.