Free news: The Hood River County Fair will return July 22-25 at the Hood River County Fairgrounds, bringing together community members from across the county to celebrate the hard work, accomplishments, and talents of local 4-H and FFA youth.

Free news: As the number of children entering foster care continues to rise in Wasco County, Columbia Gorge CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is expanding its local presence through a new satellite office in The Dalles and the addition of seven newly trained volunteer advocates.

Free commentary:  Something I heard has stayed with me ever since. “Can we even stay in business?” No Oregon business owner should have to ask that question. 

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

Free news, online only: On Monday, July 13, the City of The Dalles Public Works will begin work on the 700 block of E. Third Street to replace a water service line from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both lanes will be open outside of the work hours.

HOOD RIVER — Join Columbia Gorge Master Gardener Association (CGMGA) for a night out at the movies. OSU Hood River Extension Central Gorge Master Gardeners are excited to present Growing Cities, a feature documentary that examines urban farming in America. This 92-minute film will be offered…

Free news: Dallesport/Murdock candidate night July 9; Link service adjustment; scammers pose as Gorge Commission; interested in coins? The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce board; Lyle scholarships; 

Free commentary: Two hundred fifty years ago, the Declaration of Independence was adopted in Philadelphia. But America did not become a country only in that room. It became a country as the news moved from community to community.

Free news: The inspection will take place Monday through Friday, July 13-17 and July 20-24, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Most inspection activities will take place underneath the bridge, with minimal impacts expected.

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 azizac@gorgenews.com. Full listing always online at columbiagorgenews.com.

Free photo gallery: Hood River fireworks from photographer Stephen Datnoff

Free news: The fires over the previous weekend were at the top of everyone's mind at the June 30 Klickitat County Commissioners morning workshop session.

Free news: With national firefighting resources stretched to their limits, statewide fire restrictions remain in effect for all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout Oregon and Washington.

Free commentary: Based upon our roles promoting the strength of the military and protecting U.S. national security, we are concerned that several states that have previously objected to the Administration’s domestic National Guard operations have recently deployed troops to Washington, D.C. We applaud your prudence in keeping the Oregon National Guard out of our capital at this time.

Free news: Skamania County Department of Emergency Management has released a resource listing of emergency alerts, Ready-Set-Go evacuation tips and an evacuation route map.

Free commentary: According to the USDA Forest Service, Hood River County is among the Oregon communities identified as having higher wildfire risk. 

Free commentary:  Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of courageous individuals signed a declaration that would forever change the course of human history. They boldly asserted that all people are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Free news: Mayor Paul Blackburn administered the oath of office for Evan Morgan and Noah Linder, new Hood River Police officers, at the June 22 city council meeting.

Free news: The League of Women Voters of Klickitat and Skamania counties will host a Klickitat County sheriff candidate forum at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, at the Mt. View Grange, 1085 N Main Ave.

Free commentary: If the American flag had her own anthem, no offense to the “Star- Spangled Banner,” I think she’d choose “Stand By Me.”

Free news: A total of 21 free libraries have been placed throughout the Gorge region. This project provides hands-on, real-world skills for CTE students and gives them opportunities to truly give back to their communities.

Free news: With fireworks sales beginning June 23, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is reminding people to celebrate the Fourth of July responsibly and legally.

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

Free news: The newest Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Cart stopped by the Oregon Veterans Home on June 25 on its way from Seattle to the Salt Lake City airport, escorted by Patriot Guard Riders and various local law enforcement agencies.

Free news: Hood River County Veterans Service Office is hosting an America’s 250^th birthday party on June 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at River of Life Assembly Church, 979 Tucker Road.

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