The embrace of autumn is upon us, and what better way to savor the season than by joining The Dalles Farmers Market for their highly anticipated "Harvest Festival." On October 14, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., City Park, located at 5th & Union, will be transformed into a vibrant hub of fall festivity and culinary creativity.

Henri Matisse once said, “Creativity Take courage.” Georgia O’Keeffe is quoted as saying, “I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.” Every artist has a unique perspective and approach to their work that may not be understood solely from looking at or reading about their art.

The Dalles Public Works crews will be cleaning stormwater catch basins throughout the City. The purpose of this work is to protect property and the environment. Cleaning catch basins allows for efficient drainage into the stormwater conveyance system.

Commissioners also heard from Washington State Parks Commissioner Holly Williams, who said she met recently with Gorge Commission Executive Director Krystyna Wolniakowski about adding electric vehicle charging stations to parks in the gorge and made a startling discovery: "They are not expressly permitted in the 2020 Gorge Plan," she said.

Mt. Hood National Forest fire personnel plan to begin burning piles of slash this fall season. If weather and moisture levels remain favorable, pile-burning operations could begin as early as October 16 and continue through the next several weeks as conditions allow.

Witches walks and graveyard ghouls are grabbing the limelight this Halloween Season as costumed gatherings call out to our inner devils. Check out this guide to all things wicked in Jim Drakula’s gorge guide of brain bashes.

Autumn has made it to the gorge and with the crisp fresh air, a record-breaking fall run of chinook salmon has made its presence known. Fishermen and women from the area have descended on the Columbia River for their chance at catching a “king”. It is a sight to be seen, our picturesque backyard filled with fishing boats.

As a way to promote healthy living and possibly reduce mental health challenges like stress and depression, the Sherman County Prevention Coordinator, OSU Sherman County Extension, and Greater Oregon Behavioral Health Inc (GOBHI) recently offered a free class at the Sherman County Senior Center.

Skamania and Klickitat County seniors can apply to receive assistance to pay their energy bills through local events held in an ongoing partnership with Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP), local PUDs, and the Skamania and Klickitat County Senior Services. 

Our annual Haunted House morphs a bit every year.  Being able to separate the downstairs scary stuff and have the upstairs available as options for light and cute fun is one recent addition. Upstairs the WS Mason Lodge will be stationed amongst decorations, and somewhat depends upon who wants to participate in this on Halloween.

The Sandy River Delta parking lot will be closed for re-striping during the mornings of Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 11 and 12. These dates are subject to change depending on the weather.

Serious Theater in partnership with the Wasco County Cultural Trust Coalition bring art and music together in a special event happening on Sunday, October 22 at 2:00 P.M. The Dalles artist Yvonne Pepin-Wakefield will create a painting on glass while pianist Garry Estep provides accompaniment.

 “We have a duty to protect the citizens and visitors of Klickitat County; therefore, using advanced technology such as the Flock Cameras will assist deputies in our mission to protect our residents and visitors to Klickitat County,” Undersheriff Carmen Knopes said. Not all see it that way. “These systems are ripe for abuse and a great tool for authoritarians,” one citizen commented.

The Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting CGCC student scholarships as they pursue career, education, and lifelong learning goals. The Foundation is thrilled to share the success of its 23rd Annual Founders Cup Golf Tournament, held September 9, 2023, at the Indian Creek Golf Course in Hood River, Oregon.

The Dalles Area Chamber, in collaboration with Google, is excited to present a FREE training session for Nonprofit Board and Leadership on October 19, 2023, from 9:00 am to 11:30 am. This engaging training will take place at CGCC/Theatre Room located at 400 E Scenic Drive, The Dalles. This opportunity was made possible by a Google Community Grant.

The couple and their family have worked diligently during the past 14 years to bring this incredible and ornate yard to fruition.

With the recent and forecasted cool wet weather, local Fire Districts, Wasco County, and the Oregon Department of Forestry have agreed to lift the seasonal burn ban on Monday, October 16, 2023, at 12:01 a.m. This will allow for burning in barrels and small debris piles. Larger slash pile burning is not included in this lifting of the ban.

On October 30, 1938, Halloween, The Mercury Theater on the Air presented a radio show in the format of newscasts and musical entertainment. Most listeners tuning in missed the introductory presentation and thus believed that they were indeed listening to emergency newscasts about cylinders from Mars falling on the Earth.

At the heart of The Next Door, Inc. (TNDI) is our Therapeutic Schooling program. Our two alternative schools in Hood River and The Dalles are staffed by incredible, empathetic, and hard-working educators, led by a phenomenal School Administrator, who collectively make the success of our therapeutic schooling program possible.