The Dalles Civic Auditorium Children’s Theatre presents “Aladdin Jr.” March 1 & 8 at 7 p.m. and March 2 & 9 at 2 p.m. Aladdin JR. brings to life the beloved 1992 Disney film and the 2014 Broadway adaptation. It showcases over 30 talented students ages 8-13, from Oregon and Washington in an epic stage production that will surely leave spectators mesmerized.

Oregon State Police responded to two separate incidents on Interstate 84 in the past two days, both involving reckless driving that resulted in crashes and arrests.

In the heart of Wasco County, a remarkable partnership between the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and local ranchers is transforming the aftermath of devastating wildfires into an inspiring story of resilience, collaboration, and innovation. Together, they are spearheading a cutting-edge drone-based reseeding effort aimed at restoring critical habitats and enhancing the landscape for wildlife and agriculture alike.

On Presidents’ Day, as the country reflected on its leadership, around 150 people gathered in downtown Hood River to do more than reflect—they came to resist. Standing outside the water fountain on State Street, the crowd was loud but peaceful, determined yet welcoming, a powerful contrast to the unease that has settled into the national conversation.

Yesterday, Feb. 14, a Blue Toyota Prius eluded the Oregon State Police in The Dalles. The vehicle fled east on I-84. At about 1530 hours, the Sherman County Sheriff’s Office located the vehicle in Biggs Junction.

Oregon State Police responded to eight different wrecks on Interstate 84 near Multnomah Falls this morning Feb. 13 at about 10:45 a.m. Portland News Media were espousing claims of 100 vehicles involved. OSP has yet to confirm the total numbers. Westbound lanes were still shut from Hood River to Troutdale at 4:25 p.m. this afternoon.

We take it outdoors in the wilds of downtown retail in The Dalles this week with Skookum Outfitter’s Allison Turner as we get the lowdown on upcoming events from TD Main Street’s Cynthia Kortge and a debrief on that delicious Chocolate Crawl and a quick kibosh on the rumor that Rite Aid is closing.

Joann Fabrics is closing 500 stores nationwide as part of its latest bankruptcy filing. The loss is hitting hard in The Dalles, where Joann was the go-to place for fabric, patterns, and craft supplies.

Four Rivers Early Learning Hub, in partnership with Books for Kids Columbia Gorge, proudly announces the allocation of $7000 in early literacy grant funding to local programs serving young children.

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Wind chills of 5-20F.
* WHERE...Western and Central Columbia River Gorge, the Corbett area and the Hood River Valley.
* WHEN...Until noon PST Friday Feb 14th 2025.

Cypress Creek Renewables (Cypress Creek) is pleased to announce the continuation of its Energizing Tomorrow’s Leaders scholarship program. After awarding $81,000 in scholarships across 21 counties in 2024, the program is being offered to high school seniors in 26 counties this year, including in Klickitat County, Washington.

The Dalles Main Street is excited to announce the first First Friday of the new year, our annual Chocolate Crawl, set to take place Friday, February 7th from 4-7 pm in historic downtown The Dalles. This event is full of sweet treats for all of the special people in your lives as a variety of shops offer extended hours, discount deals, and delicious food and beverages just in time for Valentine’s Day. This year the Chocolate Crawl will feature all of your favorite locations!

The opposite of this concern for others is indifference. If you find yourself thinking, “Oh, that’s just the way it is and there’s nothing I can do about it,” you’ll feel worse. Don’t let yourself go down that rabbit hole. It’s time for a change.

Rewards doubled to $400 for people who report certain illegal fishing offenses which lead to an arrest or citation in Oregon. Cash rewards encourage people to participate in the conservation of Oregon fish and wildlife by calling the Turn In Poachers (TIP) Line if they suspect poaching. Reporting parties may remain anonymous.

Kerry Cobb is offering classes in Irish Story Telling and the History of Women in Visual Arts this spring at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center. Get all the details here.

Mt. Adams Institute’s Sense of Place series is proud to present "Of Salmon and Basketball: A Conversation with Buck Jones" on Wednesday, February 12, featuring an evening spent in conversation with Buck Jones, an enrolled Cayuse member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), a Columbia River Treaty Fisherman, and Salmon Marketing Specialist at the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC).

Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) is adjusting routes for its Mobile Food Bank to work within its budget for 2025. As a result, stops in Mill A and Lyle will be ending soon.

Working Man’s New Brunch packs a flavorful punch in Hood River Heights. Neighborhood hang bangin’ with some awesome flavors coming from scratch cooking including Chicken and Waffles and Eggs in Purgatory. Time to get tortured.