'Thoroughly Modern Millie'

The show must go on, and The Dalles Wahtonka drama department presented the first performance of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” despite the temporary absence of director Lowry Browning to family illness. Even mass incarceration, above, couldn’t stop the talented cast from storming the stage. The musical continues with 7:30 p.m. performances Friday and Saturday, and an additional 2 p.m. matinee Saturday. Final dates are March 18-20, with 7:30 p.m. performances and a March 20 2 p.m. matinee. Cost is $7 adults, $5 children.
Mark B. Gibson photo

Gorge kill bill still alive

Legislators get more time on gorge funding

A bill to kill the Columbia Gorge Compact and thus the Columbia River Gorge Commission is still alive in the Washington State legislature today, despite the mandated end of the regular session.
Governor Christine Gregoire immediately called for a week-long special session to start Monday. That’s because the state’s House and Senate are still $200 million apart on how to plug a $2.8 billion funding shortfall to balance the state’s budget.

Oceans: EPA eyes state role

Acid poses marine life threat

SEATTLE — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday it will consider ways the states can address rising acidity levels in oceans, which pose a serious threat to shellfish and other marine life.
The agency’s decision was announced in a legal settlement with the Center for Biological Diversity. The environmental group sued the EPA last year for not requiring Washington state to list its coastal waters as impaired by rising acidity under the Clean Water Act.

Med turn-in aids streams, kids

Proper disposal helps assure drugs don’t wind up in the wrong place

Local residents have the opportunity Saturday to simultaneously clean out their medicine cabinets, improve the planet and do a good turn for local young people — and they don’t even have to get out of their cars to do it.
A prescription drug turn-in event planned from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center, 1112 W. Ninth St., The Dalles, can help do all of that. A drive-through location will be set up in the parking lot during the event, as well as inside the senior center.