Northern Wasco County People’s Utility District announced the recipients of its 2026 Economic Development Program, awarding funds to four organizations whose projects promote economic growth and community vitality within the PUD’s service territory. The PUD awarded $18,520 to Muirhead Canning for its “Freeze Drying in Wasco County” project that expands tradition into a new product line — and with it, the opportunity to bring even more visitors to the area. The expansion has already created new jobs at Muirhead’s Mill Creek Road facility. The Dalles Lions Club Charitable Trust received $10,000 to put toward funding toward a water feature for the new Federal Street Plaza. St. Peter’s Landmark Preservation received $7,500 for the Old St. Peter’s North Side Beautification project, which will replace a deteriorated curb and add a new sidewalk along the north side of one of The Dalles’ most iconic buildings. And Various Artists, LLC was awarded $2,500 toward The Golden Thread, a mural project in the alleyways of downtown The Dalles.
Visit Hood River Awards $40,000 In Grants
Visit Hood River has awarded $40,000 in matching funds to six local organizations through its annual Community Investment Grant Program, marking the largest funding distribution in the program’s five-year history. In response to both the quality and quantity of applications received this year, Visit Hood River increased total funding by 49% over 2025, awarding $40,000 across six projects. The recipients of this year’s Community Investment Grant Program funds include $10,000 apiece to Pear Bloom Farm to support creation of the Hood River Flower Trail, and the Columbia Land Trust for restoration of the Powerdale Catwalk. The Central Gorge Master Gardeners Association received $7,000 to support establishment of a new Outdoor Learning Center, while the Art of Community was awarded $5,000 for its Big Art Outdoor Gallery for the next two years. $4,000 awards were given to Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association to develop a new website and Wylde, Wind, and Water for free weekly community watersports programs and a three-week camp for Hood River’s Migrant Education students.
MCCAC Seeks Donations Of Cooling Supplies
Mid-Columbia Community Action is seeking donations of items that can be used to help keep people cool as temperatures warm. They are putting together cooling packs to give to those who are homeless or don’t have air conditioning in their home. Community Action Executive Director Leslie Naramore says they are seeking donations of bottled water, shelf-stable snacks, electrolyte packets, rechargeable hand fans, cooling towels, lip balm, and sunscreen. Donations can be dropped off at Mid-Columbia Community Action offices at the Gloria Center on 2505 West 7th in The Dalles or 606 State Street in Hood River.
D21 Holding Reunification Exercise Monday
North Wasco County School District 21 will conduct its first Reunification Functional Exercise on Monday, June 15, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Innovations Academy on the Wahtonka Campus. The exercise is part of the district’s planning for school safety and emergency preparedness. The functional exercise will use guidance from the I Love U Guys Foundation Standard Reunification Method, a nationally recognized protocol designed to safely and efficiently reunite students with their families following a significant emergency. District Office staff and community partners will practice roles, communication procedures, and logistics that would be required during an actual incident. Reunification is one of the most complex components of school emergency response. This hands-on exercise will allow staff to practice the process in a controlled environment, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen coordination across departments. This is a functional training exercise only. There is no emergency, and normal operations at other district locations will continue as scheduled.
Hood River Vets’ Service Office Plans 250th Celebration June 27
The Hood River County Veterans’ Service Office will hold a celebration of America’s 250th Birthday on June 27. It will be an opportunity for Veterans and their friends to become connected with Veterans’ wellness resources. Hood River County Veterans’ Service Officer Lynetta Hickman says there will be a number of local and Veterans Administration offices represented there. There will also be light refreshments, and an America’s 250th birthday presentation as well. The event will be on Saturday, June 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at River of Life Assembly Church on 979 Tucker Road in Hood River. For information, call 541-386-1080.
Wasco County Man Given 23 Year Sentence For Child Sex Abuse
A Wasco County man who pleaded guilty in May to sexually abusing a four-year-old girl two years ago, then failed to appear for his sentencing and spent two weeks on the run before being arrested in Portland, was sentenced on Tuesday to 23 years in prison. Wasco County Circuit Court Judge John Wolf imposed the maximum sentence on each of three counts against Lucas Blevins, and ordered the sentences to be served consecutively, resulting in a total term of imprisonment of 275 months. Blevins has also pleaded guilty for his failure to appear for his originally scheduled sentencing hearing on May 13, and is scheduled to be sentenced on that matter next month. Wasco County District Attorney Kara Davis said the victim and her family have endured significant hardship throughout the course of this case, noting statements made both in court proceedings and on social media sought to discredit the victim and her mother. She added the victim’s mother demonstrated unwavering commitment in advocating for her child.
HR City Council Appoves Budget; Talks Small Grants
The Hood River City Council approved its 2026-27 budget on Monday. Most of the discussion before the approval revolved around a very small portion of it, $15,500 for disbursement of small grants. Councilor Gladys Rivera called for $5,000 of it to go towards mental health support for those impacted by immigration issues, $1,000 for sponsorship of youth sports programs, and committing to allocate a specific budget percentage to funds for small grants in the future. But that led to the question of how the fund came to be in the first place. Urban Renewal Administrator Will Norris noted it might be funds from brick sales for the downtown fountain that were made years ago and be dedicated to the Stratton Gardens’ maintenance. The Council passed the budget, and will discuss the small grants fund at a future meeting.
TD City Council Approves Pay Increases For Klebes & Kara
The Dalles City Council approved pay increases for City Manager Matthew Klebes and City Attorney Jonathan Kara. Both will receive a 2.7% cost of living increase and 3% step increase other employees get, and 2 1/2% merit increases. Councilors approved the moves unanimously. Councilor Tim McGlothlin says it is important for the City to keep their pay rates in line with similar communities. Mayor Rich Mays noted it was harder to develop comparables for Kara, as many cities the size of The Dalles contract out for legal services. The Council also approved the 2026-27 budget as presented from the budget committee.
TDPD Target Of Vandalism
The Dalles Police Department building was the target of vandalism on Monday night. In a social media post, the department says an individual broke several glass doors at the department’s office and caused other minor damage. Officers responded and took the person into custody for criminal mischief and burglary in the second degree. That person was lodged at the Northern Oregon Regional Corrections Facility in The Dalles. The department said its facilities staff also responded, cleaned up the broken glass, and they experienced no disruption in service.
Matthews Receives 150 Month Sentence In Hayes Death
A 32-year-old man received a 150-month prison sentence in the April 2024 death of a Hood River man who was run over by a pickup truck when he caught three people trying to steal his bicycle. Johnathan Matthews pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, Robbery in the Third Degree, and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle following a judicial settlement conference in the Hood River County Courthouse on Monday. Hood River County District Attorney Matt Ellis says Matthews had stolen the truck from Jacobs Sanitation in The Dalles, and with co-defendants William Hardy, Jr. and Elizabeth Bowman drove to Hood River, where Hardy attempted to steal a bike owned by Stephen Hayes and put in the bed of the pickup. Hayes ran out of his home, and grabbed the passenger side of the truck as Matthews tried to drive away. Matthews sped and swerved, dragging Hayes, throwing him to the ground, and running him over. Hardy pled guilty to robbery, theft, and burglary charges as part of an agreement to testify against Matthews should the matter have gone to trial, and his sentencing is pending.