Neita Cecil covers faith, Columbia Gorge Commission, fire and general news.
Recent Stories
Group hopes to restore Celilo Falls
A new non-profit group has lofty goals: to permanently lower the Columbia River, restoring Celilo Falls and its native fishery; and reconnecting Celilo Village to the river by rerouting the nearby rail lines and freeway to Washington.
Growers wary over GMO wheat
Dry local wheat less prone to fungal disease Wasco County wheat farmers are closely following the worldwide reaction to the discovery of genetically modified wheat in an eastern Oregon wheat field.
Google building height approved
Planning commission OKs plan for new 80-foot tall structure In a quick hearing Thursday, June 6, The Dalles Planning Commission unanimously approved an application by Google to build a new building up to 80 feet tall at its data center campus.
A few moments of Calm
When life seems overwhelming, meditation can help Sometimes, the stress of working as a nurse in the OB gets to Jill Kieffer, so she’ll steal away to a back room and close her eyes for a few minutes of meditation.
New pest brings stronger pesticide back to cherry orchards
Sprayers are taking more care to avoid streams in application The good news is the median level of malathion detected in local streams dropped 82 percent in 2012 from 2011 — despite the fact that its use has stayed the same.
Churches rally to help homeless students
Area churches have begun a program to feed 20 homeless high school students on weekends, and they plan to continue the program into the summer and next fall.
Gorge Commission takes on fourth priority
The Gorge Commission last month created a list of three top issues to consider as it prepares for its maiden attempt at a collaborative problem-solving process.
Sermons: A research paper each week
Catholic priests follow three-year lecture cycle A local minister once likened writing a Sunday sermon to doing a school research paper every single week —— a daunting task, when viewed in that light.
Church news in brief
Speaker’s Forum The Mid Columbia Fellowship of Churches invites the public to its monthly Speaker’s Forum at The First United Methodist Church at 5 p.m. May 28. The speaker will be US Army Chaplain Daniel Thompson, who will be talking on “Partners in Care.”
Fire board Pos. 2: Carmen Gronquist, stepping back
Carmen Gronquist filed for an open position on the Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue District board, believing it is important to volunteer for the community.