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Rumors and readers prompt a search for the original Sugar Bowl and we came up with a lot more than that. Thousands of Wasco County kids may have never danced or rode a pony had it not been for the original tavern and ice-cream handout.

Harper Kane shows off some fancy footwork at a recent Riverside Gymnastics Academy outdoor practice. The statewide freeze on athletic clubs is putting the kibosh on indoor activities. So coach Audrey Hinatsu took it outside. Closures, however, are sacking revenue generators for nonprofit clubs such as Riverside as well as privately run athletic clubs. The Oregon Health and Fitness Alliance is asking Gov. Kate Brown to allow limited reopenings.

A couple of construction projects in The Dalles have crews burning the candle at both ends. J.J. Castro Crew members Jaime Tello and Sergio and George Herrera were piling broken concrete this morning, Wednesday, Dec. 16. The work is being done in front of a new building in The Port of The Dalles near Klindt’s Cove.

City of The Dalles Small Business Relief Grant began accepting applications from eligible small businesses and small non-profits, based in The Dalles, today, Dec. 15. The application period will close at 5 p.m. on December 21, 2020.

Local businesses hurting from the pandemic can now apply for grants that need to be awarded by the end of the month. MId-Columbia Economic Development District- MCEDD- turned on the online applications this morning.

Starbucks Officials have yet to release a statement in regards to why the Starbucks in Cascade Square in The Dalles has temporarily closed. Jory Mendes, a Starbucks media relations representative, is looking into the situation and expects to provide comments in the near future.

A tidal wave of contributions for The Salvation Army has poured in during the past 24 hours, according to multiple officials and business leaders.

“What a great community we have,” said Chris Zukin who sits on the advisory board for The Salvation Army.

Have someone hard to shop for? I’m sure you do. Well look no further - we have a whole list of local shops that surely have that gift for someone special on your list. Check out local boutiques, music, art and home goods store right here. Great people with great presents for family and friends. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and I’ll take a new dress! :)

Local businesses hurting from the pandemic may see some financial relief in the form of grants in weeks to come. That may be good news for businesses such as restaurants or gyms that have seen a vast drop in revenue or even forced to temporarily close such as in the case of athletic clubs. Grants to be available as early as next week.

Mark Gunter owner of Gorge Granite Works goes over measurements with Mauricio “Mo” Carrera earlier this year. Carrera, 19, is a recent graduate from The Dalles High School class of 2020. Gunter, originally from Georgia, said his family has quarried granite for years. He originally came to the northwest pursuing a career in fisheries before he became his own boss in The Port of The Dalles and began doing custom Granite work.

With the rapid spike in COVID-19 cases in Oregon, Gov. Kate Brown demanded gyms and fitness studios to close their doors tomorrow, November 18th. Local gym owners are concerned about the future of their businesses, several saying they are on the brink of closure. They also fear for the mental health of their club members and their workers who will go unpaid.

Tow company puts driver on administrative leave after refusing service to a Biden supporter near Goldendale. The company says it will double its investment into inclusion and diversity training.

Jerrod Donnell, the 31-year-old owner of Alpine Plumbing & Mechanical, has just contracted to purchase a highly visible building in The Dalles - 822 E. Second Street - just east of Dinty’s Market and a block west of the round-about. Donnell is buying it from David Wallace of Precision Automotive and is in the process of getting it ready. The two have been friends for years.

The Dalles Main Street is having a Shop Local Holiday Campaign for the months of November and December! Once a week starting next Tuesday, November 10th, we will hold weekly drawings for gift bags. We hope to have two to three winners a week! Gift bags will include prizes like gift cards, merchandise, discounts to local businesses, and special deals!!

A former marine and a holder of three black belts is putting a family spin on the former Pastime Saloon & Restaurant in Dufur. “This will be a family place,” said new owner Russell Niemeyer. “No hanky-panky going on. And it’s my job to see that it stays that way.”

The Hood River City Council directed $195,000 in CARES Act funding to local partners that aid social services agencies, business organizations, and individuals economically impacted by COVID-19.

The injection of millions of dollars, improved fueling, and a push to provide more facilities, maintenance and avionics has the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport on a roll for 2020 as more pilots are opting to land.

The Dalles Main Street is hosting a virtual raffle this fall 2020, with the raffle being a 25%/75% split with one grand prize winner taking home up to $5,000 . Five Second place winners will receive a limited edition, 2020 The Dalles Main Street hoodie, designed by local artist Denae Manion