Free news: This story was produced by the Oregon Journalism Project, a nonprofit investigative newsroom for the state of Oregon.

Free news: Maryhill invites the public to celebrate that legacy at its Centennial Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Free news: The week of Aug. 31, contractors for The Dalles Art Center will begin to refresh the five sun faded murals showcased on The Dalles roundabout. / Durante la semana del 31 de agosto de 2026, los contratistas de The Dalles Art Center comenzarán a renovar los cinco murales.

Free news: On Thursday, Aug. 27, a City of The Dalles Public Works contractor will cut and remove trees near Brewery Grade. / El jueves 27 de agosto de 2026, el contratista de Obras Públicas de la Ciudad de The Dalles cortara y retirará árboles cerca de Brewery Grade.

Free news: he City of Mosier will host the official grand opening of Jacob’s Skatepark on Sept. 12 from noon to 5 p.m. The five-year project memorializes Mosier skateboarder and musician Jacob Rogers at the downtown Mosier family-friendly facility between Hood River and The Dalles.

Free from our Home and Garden publication: Fortunately, it’s possible to preserve your harvest — and your sanity — without jeopardizing your health. 

Free from our Home and Garden publication: After years of designing homes, I’ve learned to trust my instincts. I can usually tell when a room feels off, when a layout isn’t going to function well, or when an idea that sounds great in theory might not be quite as great once we put it on paper.

Free from our Home and Garden publication: If you have a concrete project on your list, now is the time to start planning — not when the weather turns cool and everyone else is trying to get on the schedule.

Free from our Home and Garden publication: Keeping high-quality fresh produce in your kitchen means you’ll be ready to whip up nutritious yet convenient lunches, after-school snacks and dinners at a moment’s notice.

Free from our Home and Garden publication: Honey Bee colonies have seen an increase in losses over the past few years. Newspapers, magazines and other periodicals have taken the cry to a crescendo level. To place some perspective to this news, the USDA conducts an annual survey of commercial operation, finding that the number of colonies has not declined.

Some Oregon House and Senate Republicans said it would be up to voters to decide if eastern Oregon Rep. Greg Smith should continue serving after ethics violations.

What's happening this week? Free event listing for the Columbia River Gorge.

TROUT LAKE — Home energy bills can be expensive, and local government agencies feel the sting of those costs, too. Across Gorge communities, small agencies like school districts and fire departments are taking advantage of state grants for small-scale solar projects, both to set themselves u…

As I write this, the Grasshopper Fire is burning intensely through the place I call home. It has burned several hundred acres of my family’s land and, while we are fortunate that our homes are still standing, some of our neighbors cannot say the same. At least six homes and 15 other structur…

THE DALLES — Continuing a century-long tradition of investing in projects that strengthen community life, The Dalles Lions Club Charitable Trust recently presented a $30,000 contribution toward the Federal Street Plaza splash pad project.

THE DALLES — During the week of August 24, 2026, a City of The Dalles Public Works contractor will cut and remove trees near Brewery Grade.

Free news: The Cascade Locks Historical Museum will bring "Riveting History: 100 Years of the Bridge of the Gods" to the Oregon State Capitol in Salem. It will be on display Sept. 3 through Oct. 1 as part of the Capitol History Gateway exhibit program.

Free news: The Executive Order (EO) issued by the White House regarding childhood vaccine schedule recommendations does not change the WCHA’s position on evidenced-based vaccine guidance.

Free news: This story was produced by the Oregon Journalism Project, a nonprofit investigative newsroom for the state of Oregon.

Free news: Deputy Joel Carmody received the Oregon State Marine Board’s “Service Excellence Award” for his consistent and exemplary efforts in his marine career, leading through the 2025 boating season.

Free news: Stuart Watson and fellow Hood River resident, writer and editor Marin Smith will talk about Watson's poetry collection, “Death is the Dismount," poetry and literature from 6-7 p.m. on Aug. 13 at the Hood River Library, 502 State St.

Free commentary: For the last two years, I’ve had the joy and honor of reporting with Columbia Gorge News.

Free: “Several years ago, during one of the many wildfires that have swept through the Pacific Northwest, I wrote the following poem,” writes Leah Stenson of Mt. Hood-Parkdale. 

A doe and her fawn blend in well among the tall wheat stalks east of The Dalles last month. Have a nature photo to share? Send it with a short description to news@gorgenews.com. 

Update: One Community Health has postponed its 40th anniversary celebration, scheduled for this Saturday, due to forecasted poor air quality. The celebration has been rescheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Hood River location.

What’s Happening is a listing of nonprofit and community events with nominal fees. As a free service of Columbia Gorge, News, items may be edited for length. Notices run as space allows. Send to trishaw@gorgenews.com. Full listing always online at columbiagorgenews.com.

Free news: This year, The Next Door recognizes the U.S. Forest Service - Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area for their unwavering commitment to a partnership that has helped connect local youth to nature, career pathways, and hands-on experiences for more than 30 years.

Free news: Visitors and travelers with upcoming plans to visit Hood River are encouraged to monitor the situation carefully and to make informed decisions about their trip. 

Free news: Smoky conditions are expected to continue this morning and gradually improve as easterly winds both calm and shift westerly later today.

Free news: At about 7:29 a.m. on Aug. 1, the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a deceased male in the Eagle Creek drainage near Cascade Locks. Another hiker reported the male fell approximately 50-80 feet from a cliff above Punchbowl Falls.

Free briefs: Active RX program, Northern Wasco County People’s Utility District (NWCPUD) Board of Directors

Free news: “Before I Die,” a public art installation, is located on W. Jewett Boulevard in White Salmon, and Mayor Marla Keethler wants rehabbing the project to be “put on the books for discussion.”

Free news: Columbia Gorge News earned a first-place General Excellence award in the national Better Newspaper Contest and a second-place General Excellence award in the Pacific NW News Contest, which includes Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.

Free news: Hood River County School District (HRCSD) hosts its annual Ready, Set, Learn! District and Community Resource Fair on Thursday, Aug. 13 from 5-6:30 p.m. at Hood River Valley High School.