Ramsay Signs arrived this morning, Jan. 11, with multiple cranes to lift four neon signs into place in The Dalles downtown core. Some alleys and side streets have been temporarily closed for the day while the work is being completed.

Joe Gibson, David Benko and Jesse Yankee, left to right, take a look at the signs that will be mounted on buildings downtown The Dalles on Monday. Gibson said up to six cranes will be in operation throughout the central business core as they lift the signs into place.

Some creative minds will put a cool new twist on The Dalles Downtown on Monday, Jan. 11. Just watch for Joe Gibson’s cranes and swinging neon signs.

UPDATE: 01/06/21 Last Stop Saloon has reopened for dine in, in defiance of state guidelines. CCCNews Investigates what’s going on with Wasco County Business Alliance’s recent stand against state restrictions and finds controversy, concern, confusion, commentary and above all: The Dalles communities mutual desire to build strong communities with strong economies. 

On December 31, 2020, Columbia Basin Care joined a historic moment as employees and residents rolled up their sleeves to be among the first in the nation to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. "I'm so excited!" says Julie Kimbell, a certified medication aide who stands first in line for the Covid-19 vaccine. "Getting this vaccine means I can protect our residents, my family, everyone!"

Jeff Teel has been hired as the new Chief Operating Officer at Northern Wasco County PUD, working under PUD General Manager Roger Kline. The PUD and Teel face large challenges as the customer-owned utility continues to provide local residents with inexpensive electricity in an ever-changing environment of power policy.

Randy Olmstead has applied to The Dalles Community Development Department to split 5 lots into 9 on West 12th street near where it intersects with Myrtle St. The request to re-plat asks to create lots ranging in size from 4,025 square feet to 4,921 square feet in the high-density residential zone.

On Thursday, Sara Hearn won the coveted Diamond General Manager of the year honor out of a field of more than 1,000 other national and international Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott. “I was not even looking to change jobs”, the Lyle High School grad said of taking a position with the company in The Dalles in 2014. . “I just went to see what they had, and I met Patrick the owner, and it was golden.”

Some 5,000 NW Natural Gas customers in White Salmon and Hood River have lost service, and will not likely see it restored until Tuesday and Wednesday this week, according to company officials.

Thanks to our readers - CCCNews is carbon neutral with 5 metric tons of high-quality CO2 offsets purchased from Bonneville Environmental Foundation’s improved forest management offsets portfolio. And it was not that difficult or costly as you, our readers, are willing to embrace a digital format and forgo the cost of print and its environmental impact.

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.