Graduation photos from around the Gorge.

Urban Renewal Agency (URA) Administrator Will Norris said they have been working with ODOT to take over this section of the Heights for a year and a half.

THE DALLES — City council’s May 26 meeting began with a moment of silence, reflective stories, and heartfelt condolences in honor of late Wasco County Commissioner Phil Brady, who passed away unexpectedly on May 19.

WHITE SALMON — Swiping, liking and meeting up through dating apps hasn’t worked out for White Salmon resident Kristina Lancaster, who said the two online dates she’s been on were disappointing at best.

HOOD RIVER — The Hood River community will again come together in celebration as the fourth annual Hood River Pride Celebration returns June 5-6, with a weekend of vibrant, inclusive events honoring the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies.

A few days before Memorial Day weekend, Glenwood High School students turned out to assist Glenwood Women’s Club president Carla Dillenburg and club member Becky Branson to place flags on all the veterans’ graves.

Maryhill Museum of Art after 100 years

THE DALLES — Erica Carillo, of The Dalles Middle School, got a surprise announcement that she was Oregon’s 2026 Education Support Professional of the Year on May 20 amid a student carnival and talent show she organized.

HOOD RIVER — Waucoma  Bookstore is hosting local author Nan Fischer (writing as Cleo Ballard) for a book signing event on Friday, June 5 from 5-7 p.m. at the bookstore (212 Oak St., Hood River).

CASCADE LOCKS — The Cascade Locks City Council met on May 11 for its sole meeting this month. Its next regularly scheduled meeting falls on Memorial Day and is canceled.

THE GORGE — From the high points of Pushpum, you can see all the way from the Gorge to the Blue Mountains. This high ridge along the northern Columbia River (or Nch’i-Wàna, the Big River) near Goldendale has been sacred to the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation since the beginning of their people.

HOOD RIVER — The May 11 Hood River City Council meeting saw all seven members present, including Mayor Paul Blackburn. The evening’s theme was parking.

With bright symmetrical green leaves sprouting out of the Tree of Heaven’s crown, the plant almost earns the namesake based on looks alone. Corrie Podolak, conservation outreach coordinator at Underwood Conservation District (UCD), will tell you otherwise.

WHITE SALMON — “This is the beginning of a dream,” said Ubaldo Hernandez, director and founder of Comunidades. “It’s still a dream but we need to make it happen and we’re going to need the help and support of our community.”

MOSIER — Edi Schmidt, 6, of Mosier, is currently in the running to become a 2026 Jr. Ranger through a nationwide campaign from The National Wildlife Federation.