Police pursue pickup in West TD; spike strips deployed; suspect flees on foot
A Red Ford Pickup was seen by multiple eyewitnesses with The Dalles Police and Wasco County Sheriff’s Office in Pursuit. Even with spiked tires, the suspect led law enforcement officials on a speedy chase through town.
(Photo Credit: Kyiah Rose via Facebook)
Wood requested mental health commitment prior to carjacking arrest in TD
A man arrested on suspicion of stealing a car at knifepoint on Jan. 24 at a restaurant in The Dalles had appeared in Wasco County Circuit Court earlier the same day requesting to enter into a mental health commitment.
Man jailed on charge of arson after fire breaks out on West Sixth Street
A 66-year-old male is in jail accused of arson after police were called out on a disturbance and the place he was living caught fire some three hours later. Oregon State Police Arson investigators are sifting through the scene for evidence.
COVID pushes hospitals to capacity; Canyon Rim in Maupin endures outbreak
Hospitalization rates are rapidly climbing in Oregon and in the Gorge as COVID cases spike. Now is the time to get vaccinated if you haven’t -- and get your booster dose if you haven’t. Case in point, Canyon Rim Assisted Living in Maupin had been COVID free until an outbreak last week.
Dufur, Biggs Junction to get $5.2 Million in Utility upgrades
U.S. Senators Wyden and Merkley brought home $5.2 Million in grants for major upgrades in Biggs Junction and Dufur.
Grand Jury Indicts Cantwell on attempted murder for firing shots on deputy
Grand Jury Indicts Logan Cantwell, 23, on charges of attempted murder after Wasco District Attorney alleged he fired on a Wasco County Deputy after a chase led them near Shaniko. Cantwell is currently being lodged in the Skamania County Jail.
Money Available For Art and Humanities Projects
The Wasco County Cultural Trust Coalition is now accepting grant applications for 2022 projects. Grants are available to individuals and organizations for projects in the arts, humanities, and heritage.
Locals To Put Electric Farm Equipment To The Test
Electric tractor? Yep. An utter void in electric farm equipment a decade ago is fast turning to a field of entries that are claiming equal power to diesel or gas models but with a reduced fuel cost and a smaller carbon footprint.
Ageless Awards: And The Winners Are...
2600 years ago, Chinese philosopher Confucius championed that respect, obedience, and care for one's parents and elderly family members are the root of humanity. Some local seniors are turning that principle on its ear reaching deep into their 70s and 80s to continue to care for others and put thousands of hours into community service. Find out who they are in this year’s Ageless Awards.
Local Food Study: Healthy Food does not come cheap; many still insecure
The first community food assessment in more than a decade found the food system is well connected in the Gorge, with strong organizing work being done in tight-knit communities, especially in rural areas like South Wasco County and Sherman County.
Wasco County sees rise in property taxes; Bills to be mailed by Oct. 25.
Total Wasco County Property Tax Assessments increased $1.2 million when compared to the 20-21 tax season, according to the latest report from the Assessor’s Office. Real market values continue to trend upward for most residential properties in Wasco County. Many commercial properties saw a correction and downturn in real property values.
Commissioners likely to Vote on Google Tax breaks on Wednesday, Oct. 20
Wasco County Commissioners are set to consider a deal on Wednesday, October 20, to abate some $147 million in taxes on two new Google data plants. Ultimately, the question is do local leaders believe the taxes and fees set against Google will be enough for the community good. Will they give as much as they take in community resources?
Carjacker gets 90 month prison sentence
29-year-old Marcos Vargas received a 90-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to charges related to a chase that started in Arlington, led to a carjacking of a Subaru in The Dalles, and ended in a wreck on Highway 97 near Maupin where he fought with officers, was tazed and taken into custody.
Delta Variant spiking COVID Cases In Wasco County; Just 44 Adult ICU Beds Available Statewide
The Oregon Health Authority’s daily report on COVID-19 cases in Wasco County shows a continuing rise as the Delta variant of the virus is outpacing peak numbers from last fall. Wasco County registered 105 cases in the past three days, Aug. 23- Aug. 25.
Winners announced in $10k COVID Lottery for Wasco, Sherman & Gilliam counties
North Central Public Health District has announced three winners in the $10,000 COVID-19 lottery held for people willing to get vaccines. They all rolled up a sleeve to become winners. Read More Here.
The Cherryville Chant - thud, thud, thud
The incessant thud hitting the bottom of plastic bins like a thumb on a coffee can. Ladders, three-legged, move about in rapid succession, and hands walk through leaves like spiders. Cherry Season is on.
Willer grabs Port Seat with Margin of 38 votes; Incumbents Fare Well in Election
Tuesday’s election brought a tight race for the Port of The Dalles Position 3 as John Willer and Marcus Swift squared off. Races for Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation as well as the D21 board also had some interesting outcomes. Read more here.
Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue approves Burn Ban That Will Start on June 1st
Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue approved a burn ban that will start on June 1
TD Rotary Pitches Tent, Takes Ballots
The Dalles Rotary is hosting the Ballot Drive-Thru collection from 7 am - 8 pm on today, May 18 - the final day of the Election.
Clerk on Eve of Election: 'Make Us Work'
Wasco County Elections Clerk Lisa Gambee had a challenge for voters this morning. “Make us work,” she said. “We spend our hard-earned tax dollars to send these ballots out. Drop them off,” she said.