Mid-Columbia Today

In the first half of the show Mark previews the Pig Bowl on September 26 at 7 p.m. at the Wahtonka campus in The Dalles and talks about the families benefitting from the Law Enforcement vs. Firefighters football game with Scott Rector (learn how to donate at the Pig Bowl Facebook page), then with no guest it's "random neuron firings" on a variety of subjects.

The show starts with Sarah Fox previewing Season 17 of the Sense of Place series (senseofplace.org), then it's White Salmon Valley School District Superintendent Rich Polkinghorn on early enrollment numbers and an update on the K-12 campus project.

In the first half of today's program, Hood River County School District Superintendent Bill Newton talks about various topics, including efforts to encourage school attendance, and an update on long-range planning.  Then it's White Salmon Mayor Marla Keethler on adjustments to the 2026 budget and planning for 2027.

In the first portion of the show, Mark talks with Mid-Columbia Center For Living Clinical Supervisor for Jail Diversion and Aid & Assist programs Breana Hesse, then History Museum of Hood River County Executive Director Lisa Commander previews upcoming events and exhibits at the museum.

Today, Janice Crane from the Cascade Locks Historical Museum talks about the upcoming Bridge of the Gods 100th Anniversary Celebration (September 19, noon-8 p.m. at Cascade Locks Marine Park), then after a phone issue Danny Cosgrove of the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center tells us about their upcoming observance of Japanese American history in the Gorge, Apples & Ancestry (September 25-26 at the Discovery Center).

In the first part of the show, Mark talks to Christopher Janetzko and Carol Hayes of Columbia Gorge CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates for Children) about a pair of upcoming fundraising events and the continued need for volunteers to serve as advocates (go to columbiagorgecasa.org for information).  Then, Dr. Ryan Petering from Skyline Health discusses sports medicine and how to deal with injuries without surgery.

Mid-Columbia Community Action Executive Director Leslie Naramore and Shelter Services Manager Liz Leon discuss the beginning of a capital campaign to create a "mini Gloria Center" in Hood River, then Home Visiting Nurse Kate Karlson and Daron Ryan of the Hood River County Health Department talk about expanded services for parents and their children that are now available.

To start a holiday-shortened week, Mark talks with Hood River County Administrator Allison Williams and Commission Chair Jennifer Euwer about fire-danger issues and revenue options, then Wasco County Commission Chair Scott Hege goes over the proposed endowment fund under consideration.

On today's show, Mark talks with Dr. Mike Foss from Alpine Veterinary in Hood River about preventing avian influenza in your flock at home, interacting with wildlife, Chronic Wasting Disease, and what to think about when using alternatives to pesticides and herbicides.

On today's show, Caralee Holtmann previews the Huckleberry Festival, September 11-13 in Bingen, then OSU Extension's Paola Escobedo talks about OSU Open Campus and the importance of filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

We talked with Eric Bosler from Oregon Master Gardener Association for the whole show! In the first half... Mark talked with him about the recent emerald ash borer infestation in the Northwest, along with the tree of heaven infestation. In the second half... He and Mark talked about the upcoming Hood River Front Yard Garden Tour on September 12th, how autumn is a good season for planting, and about inoculating a tree. 

In the first half... Mark talked with Dan Kenealy of the Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association about their upcoming 2026-2027 season, including getting ready for their first show in September. In the second half... Mark talked with Dr. Kenneth Lawson, the President of the Columbia Gorge Community College about their upcoming fall semester, how enrollment is going, and the new athletic program for the college. 

On today's show, Mark talks about election turnouts, the lack of candidates in Hood River municipal and county elections, and worries people have become so disenchanted with politics they are tuning out completely, then he's joined by The Dalles Mayor Rich Mays to discuss efforts to protect The Dalles' watershed during the Grasshopper Fire, progress on First Street, and the Basalt Commons project.