The vision of Q-Life is for every address in Wasco County to enjoy a higher quality of life and participate in education, healthcare, and the economy through a high-speed internet connection at a price point that they can afford.

“The Wasco County Clerk's Office concluded the demand recount of the District Attorney contest late this afternoon,” said Wasco County Elections Clerk Lisa Gambee in an email. “70 boxes totaling 6,795 ballots have been hand counted. There was no change in the results.

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Closes July 15, 2024.

Economic Investment, schools, tourism, property tax reductions? There are no bad ideas at this point. So tell local officials how to spend Google dollars before their next joint meeting set for July 23 at 5:30 p.m. They want your input before any decisions are made.

The City and County are at a true crossroads when looking to the future - they have the happy problem of a lot of money and how to manage it responsibly. Wednesday’s meeting was a contrast between two ideas. Spend Google dollars as they receive them on worthy projects and or reduce taxes now, or put it into an endowment and have money to use later? Forever.

The purpose of the debris burn ban is to ensure the safety of Wasco County residents. Human-caused wildfires are the number one cause of wildfire starts in  Oregon and this burn ban aims to reduce that statistic. We urge all residents to abide by these restrictions and educate those who may be unaware of their importance. 

Seven fire agencies pulled together to tackle the problem of creating defensible space as wildfires are expected to be a looming threat in years to come as tinder-dry conditions likely to persist in most of Wasco County.

The elections team wrapped up counting all available ballots before heading home at 11 pm last night, including the drop boxes in Simnasho, Maupin, Dufur, The Dalles, and Mosier. 

Even though five candidates are vying for Wasco County Commissioner, Position 2 and there is a heated race for Wasco County District Attorney between Kara Davis and Travis Marston, turnout stood at a little less than 26 percent this morning, Gambee said. She implored locals to fill in their ovals and turn in their votes.

Wasco County in Oregon is receiving nearly $6 million to create fuel breaks and defensible space to protect Maupin, Pine Grove, Tygh Valley and other communities.

On Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 6:51 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Hwy-26, near milepost 93, in Wasco County.

On Saturday, April 27th, Senator Jeff Merkley held his annual Town Hall in Wasco County. At each of his town halls, Senator Merkley presents a flag that was flown at the capital in Washington, D.C. to an organization that he feels has gone above and beyond to serve their community.

“Taking the lessons learned from the pandemic, reliable high-speed internet is just as important as reliable electricity and water. Ensuring safe and affordable provision of essential human services is what utilities do, and what I do,” said Kline.

Voter turnout on whether to build a new high school in The Dalles started lagging behind last week and Election Day is tomorrow, Nov. 7th with a firm deadline of 8 p.m. If you’re going to vote, do it now and make your voice heard.

GOBHI has made preparations to sell its former property at 401 E. 3rd St. to Wasco County. The downtown 3rd Street building would serve as office space for county staff and existing tenants. The price for the building last stood at $3.8 million. The two-story building sits on .52 acres - Tom Peterson

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.

Wasco County Sheriff Lane Magill has thrown his hat in the ring for the primary election on May 21, 2024. Thus far Magill and County Assessor Jill Amery are the only two incumbents that have committed to running for their respective positions. However, Chrissy Zaugg is looking to step up into County Clerk Lisa Gambee’s shoes as she will not run again.

In The Dalles, Forecasters from Weather Underground are calling for 102 degrees today, Aug. 13, with a high of 111 degrees on Tuesday, Aug. 14, and then backing down to 101, on Thursday, Aug. 17.

How do you stop a fire? Don’t have it in the first place. Wasco and Hood River county fire districts along with the Oregon Department of Forestry have banned burning on June 11 in hopes that people turn to chipping or composting rather than matches to deal with outdoor debris.

Wasco County saw a 20 percent turnout where just one in five voters cast their ballots on Tuesday in the May 2023 Special election as many seats went uncontested. Check out all the election results here for Wasco, Sherman and Gilliam Counties.