The Dalles City Council unanimously approved Google tax abatements for two new data centers to be built at the former aluminum smelter site in the Port of The Dalles at their regular meeting Monday, Oct. 25.

It looks fairly unanimous as The Dalles City Council is leaning heavily in favor of a deal to abate taxes for two new Google data centers. They are slated to decide on Monday night. Economist David Swensen differs in opinion when it comes to the overall benefit a data center brings to a community.

With this grant, Advanced Manufacturing students now have a welding jacket, angle grinder, a ball-peen hammer, vice grips and clamps. Construction Technology students receive a hardhat, headlamp and other safety equipment they’ll need for class and job site. Plus, all the students receive $160 to purchase work boots.

An agreement to cut property taxes nearly in half for two new Google data centers jumped its first hurdle on Wednesday, Oct. 20 when Wasco County Commissioners unanimously approved it at their regular meeting at 2 p.m.

TD Riverhawk Sports Notes by Billy Brost - Oct. 19 Athletic Director Billy Brost gives us a rundown on all things Riverhawk Athletics. On Saturday, Oct. 16, our competition and defending state champion cheer program went to Sherwood, and came home with a HUGE win in their 5A Large Division for Gameday Championships. Volleyball, Cross Country and Soccer are in action Thursday, Oct. 21.

Wasco County Commissioners are set to consider a deal on Wednesday, October 20, to abate some $147 million in taxes on two new Google data plants. Ultimately, the question is do local leaders believe the taxes and fees set against Google will be enough for the community good. Will they give as much as they take in community resources?

The 2020 crop year is one to be celebrated by the 37,200 farms and ranches that make up Oregon’s diverse agricultural community. Oregon is home to more than 225 commodities, everything from cattle to cherries to hazelnuts and wheat. And Production was great in 2020, according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

Wheels of Hope provided Tiffany McLaren and her sons a 2014 Ford Focus SE to help them meet their daily travel needs. Tiffany’s son Micah, 11 years old, has a rare vascular disease, has gone through 2 brain surgeries and has ongoing therapy appointments. Tiffany was without a vehicle and relied on others for transportation.

The Oregon Health Care Association recently awarded Leana the 2021 Nurse Leader of the Year for nursing facilities. This award recognizes the achievements and commitments of nurse leaders who successfully lead their communities to deliver outstanding person-centered care and achieve a heightened quality of life for residents.

How much water does Google need to cool two new data plants in The Dalles? They're not spilling any details, "trade secrets," they say. But their request, which could be in the billions of gallons, has City Councilors looking at a massive potable water infrastructure upgrade that would increase water production capacity by 75 percent in the near future - billions of gallons per year.

The Columbia Basin Care Foundation has awarded $12,500 in scholarships to seventeen local area students pursuing careers in health care during the upcoming college 2021-2022 school year.

Dirt Hugger’s Tyler Miller got some help from Crestline Construction’s Steve Mandero and Kevin Henderson on the installation of a 12-inch storm drain on the property at 749 Snipes Street this morning, Sept. 17.

Wasco County and the entire Columbia River Gorge are seeing a housing market like no other. Inventories are remaining at an all-time low and prices are continuing on a skyrocketing trajectory. Average prices jumped $92,200 in the four-county area - Wasco, Hood River, Skamania and Klickitat.

Scott Clements, President of Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation, said, “with the apartment homes at risk of converting to market, we’re excited to acquire the property from the current owners, and bring resources to the table to address the much needed physical improvements.”

Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley has announced that $2 million in federal funding is headed to the Columbia River Gorge to support economic revitalization efforts. The announcement is the culmination of a years-long effort to fulfill a promise made when Congress passed the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act.

Wasco County Commissioners voted to recognize June 19th as Juneteenth in celebration of the federal government’s final execution of the Emancipation Proclamation. Commissioners also cut a deal with Hood River County to continue building code inspections.

The Fire Boss and their pilots are giving firefighters a strategic advantage as the converted crop dusters can quickly respond and pummel flames through scooping water on the Columbia River. They are quickly becoming a fan favorite for government agencies looking to out blazes before they get too big.

Grocery Outlet is helping to feed the hungry in The Dalles.

A new partnership appears to be brewing in Dufur as some untimely deaths have pushed back the opening of Papa’s Pastime during the past year.