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Get Ready for Summer

Be prepared to help plants through heat and dry weather As the warmer weather returns, it’s time to evaluate your garden for the upcoming summer. Oregon State University Extension Service experts offer tips for preparing for heat and drought. Water Landscape Strategically Water early in the morning when temperatures are lower. Rather than a little […]

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The Godfather of Grapes

Midwesterner makes his name in Columbia Gorge wines By Rodger Nichols Lonnie Wright did not plant the first vineyard in the Columbia River Gorge, nor establish the first winery, but his efforts throughout the years helped turn a few scattered plots of grapes into a thriving industry. Today, more than 40 wineries and 90 vineyards […]

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Generations on the Line

PUD lineworker follows in his father’s footsteps By Rodger Nichols One of Northern Wasco County PUD’s newest employees was born for the job. Apprentice lineman Karl Wilson’s father, Jim, is a lineworker. Karl grew up with the opportunity to travel with Jim to various jobs around the region from their home in Dufur. “He had […]

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Stars and Stripes Forever

With the help of strong leadership, local Scouts display patriotism around The Dalles By Rodger Nichols Ten times a year, the members of Scout Troop 398 in The Dalles rise early with a mission. Teams of adults and Scouts go to work at local cemeteries and along the streets of The Dalles to install 500 […]

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Teaching Safety First

Northern Wasco County PUD’s community outreach starts in first grade By Rodger Nichols Safety is a priority at Northern Wasco County PUD. Part of the PUD’s safety program is outreach to the community, which includes educating children about electrical safety through annual presentations at elementary schools. Northern Wasco County PUD and Wasco Electric Cooperative recently […]

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The Perfect Job

One of the PUD’s newest employees says public power is a big part of his life By Rodger Nichols For some people, finding the right career can take some time. For others, the career comes to them. The latter was the case for Bernie Predeek, who grew up in White Salmon. His father was an […]

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An Extensive Route to Oregon

Extension agent has found her place supporting the Gorge and local farmers By Rodger Nichols Ashley Thompson is a woman of many interests. She took a winding path to The Dalles and her job as a horticultural extension agent. Ashley grew up in Taylor, Pennsylvania, which is an anthracite coal mining area. Her family emigrated […]

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Pot Up Your Plants

Solve space restrictions with container gardening Don’t let a lack of yard space keep you from gardening this spring and summer. Many vegetables grow well in containers on a patio, porch, balcony or windowsill. Limited garden space precludes being able to grow some larger vegetables, according to Brooke Edmunds, Oregon State University Extension Service horticulturist. […]

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Hydro History

Hydropower tells a complicated tale of the nation’s energy history By Paul Wesslund Electricity generated from hydropower tells an interesting story about today’s energy trends that is deeper than just water flowing over the dam. It’s a story about a renewable resource that once generated nearly a third of the nation’s electricity, a share that […]

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The Fighting What?

Some mascots make it challenging to root, root, root for the home team By Rodger Nichols With the Super Bowl coming up February 12, and the National Basketball Association and National Hockey League seasons in full swing, there are lots of team mascots in the news. While there are plenty of lions and tigers and […]