Big checks and even bigger records: The Dalles Grocery Outlet shattered its fundraising high, delivering $7,686 to help keep the St. Vincent food pantry stocked.

As The Dalles prepares for its largest Independence Day celebration in years, major sponsors say supporting the event is an investment in community, patriotism and local tradition.

Cody Miller’s recent return to The Dalles to operate Grocery Outlet did not come without some hard-earned experience. The 33-year-old essentially has been moving for the past 15 years, learning how to motivate people to keep a clean well-stocked store. He also avoided a couple of fists on the way. Read more here.