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2 weeks ago | 
columbiagorgenews.com | Aileen Hymas
THE DALLES — The Dalles City Council convened for its regular meeting on June 9, with a packed agenda that ranged from the annual tourism report to passing the fiscal year 2025–26 budget, street vacations, and updating the city’s fee schedule. Chamber reports on tourism spendingThe Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Lisa Farquharson delivered an annual report for their tourism contract, which was just renewed last month following a competitive bidding process.
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2 weeks ago | 
columbiagorgenews.com | Aileen Hymas
THE DALLES — Any visitor who pays to stay overnight in The Dalles will see a “transient lodging tax” added to the bottom of their hotel or vacation rental bill: 1.5% for the state, and 8% for the city. In the 2024-25 year, the city has collected approximately $1.45 million through this tax, roughly double the amount it collected in 2014, 55% of which goes toward promoting tourism.
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2 weeks ago | 
columbiagorgenews.com | Aileen Hymas
By Aileen HymasFor Columbia Gorge NewsTHE DALLES — Any visitor who pays to stay overnight in The Dalles will see a “transient lodging tax” added to the bottom of their hotel or vacation rental bill: 1.5% for the state, and 8% for the city. In the 2024-25 year, the city has collected approximately $1.45 million through this tax, roughly double the amount it collected in 2014, 55% of which goes toward promoting tourism.
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1 month ago | 
news-journal.com | Aileen Hymas
THE DALLES — Wasco County officials are voicing support for Sheriff Lane Magill’s decision not to rehire a lead probation officer terminated after admitting to multiple instances of “Hitler interplay” at the office. “The days of ignoring or sweeping this type of behavior under the carpet are long gone,” Sheriff Lane Magill said in an email to Columbia Gorge News. An investigation reported by the Oregonian shows Shawn C.
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1 month ago | 
columbiagorgenews.com | Aileen Hymas
By Aileen HymasFor Columbia Gorge NewsTHE DALLES — Wasco County officials are voicing support for Sheriff Lane Magill’s decision not to rehire a lead probation officer terminated after admitting to multiple instances of “Hitler interplay” at the office. “The days of ignoring or sweeping this type of behavior under the carpet are long gone,” Sheriff Lane Magill said in an email to Columbia Gorge News. An investigation reported by the Oregonian shows Shawn C.
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1 month ago | 
columbiagorgenews.com | Aileen Hymas
THE DALLES — In a marathon-like, nearly-four-hour meeting on May 12, The Dalles City Council considered an appeal from the Neighborhood Association for Responsible Development, addressing concerns related to the proposed subdivision on Smith Ridge. After extensive discussion involving residents, the developer, and city staff, the council ultimately denied the appeal and upheld the subdivision’s original approval.
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1 month ago | 
columbiagorgenews.com | Aileen Hymas
By Aileen HymasFor Columbia Gorge NewsWASCO CO. — With low housing inventories across the country driving up home prices and keeping many potential homebuyers out of the market, state lawmakers and local governments have spent the last several years pushing for changes aimed at adding more homes. A state figure backed up by Community Development Director Kelly Howsley Glover says Wasco County needs close to 660 new homes by 2040 to catch up with demand.
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1 month ago | 
columbiagorgenews.com | Aileen Hymas
By Aileen HymasFor Columbia Gorge NewsTHE DALLES — In a marathon-like, nearly-four-hour meeting on May 12, The Dalles City Council considered an appeal from the Neighborhood Association for Responsible Development, addressing concerns related to the proposed subdivision on Smith Ridge. After extensive discussion involving residents, the developer, and city staff, the council ultimately denied the appeal and upheld the subdivision’s original approval.
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1 month ago | 
news-journal.com | Aileen Hymas
THE DALLES — A tech upgrade for dispatch and records-keeping in The Dalles aims at shifting law enforcement toward “evidence based policing,” according to city Chief of Police Tom Worthy. The upgrade includes not only smoother dispatch and records-keeping, but also data points law enforcement plans to use in directing police activities. “It’s not just my opinion of where crime is, but what does the data say?” Worthy said at a city council meeting April 28.
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1 month ago | 
columbiagorgenews.com | Aileen Hymas
By Aileen HymasFor Columbia Gorge NewsTHE DALLES — A tech upgrade for dispatch and records-keeping in The Dalles aims at shifting law enforcement toward “evidence based policing,” according to city Chief of Police Tom Worthy. The upgrade includes not only smoother dispatch and records-keeping, but also data points law enforcement plans to use in directing police activities. “It’s not just my opinion of where crime is, but what does the data say?” Worthy said at a city council meeting April 28.
