The program features all the latest scuttlebutt in Downtown TD with The Dalles Main Street’s Cynthia Kortge and CCCNews’ Josh Albert and Tom Peterson.

Recent state and national reports have not been good for some major restaurant operators as news that the iconic Shari’s Cafe & Pies goes out of business and Denny’s announces the closure of 150 locations. 

As CCCNews approaches its five-year anniversary, we have hit 5.5 million views. That's good news for us as we deliver local, honest stories for our communities and even better news for advertisers looking to grab some eyes in the gorge. To celebrate, we offer a $300 discount for businesses wanting to push sales and increase name recognition.

A crew with Williams Northwest Pipeline works on dismantling a concealed flare this morning, Oct. 3, near The Dalles Bridge. Concealed flare ushers smart pig through its inline pipe inspection. Who knew?

Noel Betanzos Cruz, Antonio Betanzos Cruz, and Jesus Ayala paint the Pioneer Building at 301 E. Second Street this morning, Aug. 22. The building was purchased in September 2022 for $750,000 and the owners Brandon Rush and Anthony McNamara of Vancouver, Wash., applied for and received approval from the city to convert the second-floor office space into “residential apartment units of varying size” in Jan. 2023.

A community survey asking for ideas on how to use the money received 345 responses and they generally fell into seven categories - schools, tax relief, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, housing, and homelessness.

So tell us what business is now operating in the former location of the Economy Grocery? Send your answers to tom@cccnews.com by Sunday, Aug. 4 at 4:23 p.m. Those sending correct answers will be entered into a raffle for a $25 gift certificate to Shannon’s Ice Cream. If you answer in the chat, you will be notorious and regarded as folk hero, a titan known for stealing fire from the gods.

Rivermark and Advantis credit unions have been cleared for a merger expected in late 2024 or early 2025. The combined organization will have nearly 180,000 members and manage $3.3 billion in assets, making it the third-largest credit union in Oregon with 19 branches, mostly in the Portland metro area.

Serrato of Serrato Construction said he was taking care of the cleanup as much of the old restaurant was dismantled and placed in the east parking lot during the recent remodel. Pho Sai Gon, a Vietnamese restaurant is set to open at the location shortly.

The vision of Q-Life is for every address in Wasco County to enjoy a higher quality of life and participate in education, healthcare, and the economy through a high-speed internet connection at a price point that they can afford.

From the foothills of California’s Central Valley, The Josh Day Band combines modern country with timeless classic rock for an entertainment experience at The Bargeway Pub in The Dalles on Friday, July 19 at 7 p.m. Find all things entertaining in our gorge guide here.

The Next Door Inc. (TNDI) and Burgerville in The Dalles are teaming up for a community fundraiser in July! From 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17th. Twenty percent of proceeds will go toward schools tailor-made for local kids.

Movement is afoot on the construction of a new Washington Federal Bank on West Sixth Street as the contractor has moved in and fenced the property before demolition.

Meet Wasco County Queen Audriyona and learn what is happening at the Wasco County Fair this year. Tickets are on sale now at a discount. Events kick off with Family Day on Aug. 15 and run through the 18th at the fairgrounds in Tygh Valley.

Ellen Woods Potter brings a background in both philanthropy and business in the Gorge as she takes over for Sally Johnson who was instrumental in leading the Art Center back into a strong financial position. Before her recent hiring at the Art Center, Potter was Co-owner and General Manager at Working Hands Fermentation in Hood River where she managed staff and coordinated events.

But the Beatles, the Fab Four, hated? Mark Thomas said the albums were burned in the bible belt. But why?

Mark Thomas is putting it all together at the Gorge’s best stop for new and used music. Vinyl, CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray, even a few 8-tracks and 45s. And vintage stereo equipment to make it sound freaking awesome! Check him out at 414 E. 2nd St., Monday through Saturday.

Ok, puzzlers, tell us the make and model of the vehicle and send your answer to tom@cccnews.com by Sunday, June 9 at 7:23 p.m. Hint: the recently retired City of The Dalles Clerk shares almost the same name (sp) with the car.

The City and County are at a true crossroads when looking to the future - they have the happy problem of a lot of money and how to manage it responsibly. Wednesday’s meeting was a contrast between two ideas. Spend Google dollars as they receive them on worthy projects and or reduce taxes now, or put it into an endowment and have money to use later? Forever.