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.

Last Saturday The Yarrow School of Collective Wellness hosted a ‘Transliterate’ ZOOM workshop. The workshop was geared towards helping cisgender* people deepen their understanding, care, and relationships with transgender people. The workshop kicked off Transgender Awareness Week in the Columbia River Gorge, which takes place from November 13th-19th and culminates in Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20th.

He has touched hundreds of thousands of people, said Kasey Buckles. Some of the most recognizable programs in our area that prop people up came under his command. What will follow his 43 plus years at the Mid-Columbia Community Action Council, Inc.? Only Jim Slusher knows.

Wasco County had 23 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend, with 17 coming on Saturday. There are no new large outbreaks in the county at this time that meet the threshold of public reporting (five or more cases at businesses with 30 or more employees). Rather, a majority of Saturday’s 17 reported cases were due to family get-togethers. This falls in line with what is being seen throughout Oregon: Social gatherings are a driver in COVID transmission.

Washington Gorge Action Programs is participating in GivingTuesday for the first time this year in an effort to highlight everyone who makes the agency successful, and it will be setting a new goal to raise $50,000 for the Covid-19 Relief Fund which will all go directly back to support Skamania and Klickitat County residents in need.

Is there anything more satisfying than coming out of the cold and filling yourself with a blend of vegetables or meat and broth that gets tastier with each following spoonful until you are looking at the bottom of a bowl and a haze invades your brain - an inexplicable sleepy warm bliss like a baby being cradled? Total security can reside in that pot, if just for a short while.

“The Radio Play Disaster” will be available to watch online at Broadway On Demand on November 13th-14th, and November 20th-21st ONLY and tickets are AVAILABLE NOW. To order yours follow the link. Money from the play will go to funding future high school drama productions.

Columnist Jim Drake takes a look at local entertainment- online and off. Two drink minimum required before entering. Mark Daly, Hapa Hillbillies, Granada Theatre, Freebridge Brewing, Bargeway Pub, Mandolin Camp, Lesley Saunders

Bremik Construction continued to hammer away at two new Columbia Gorge Community College buildings this morning, Thursday, Nov. 12. The Skills Center will provide a state-of-the-art metal fabrication program and training in construction and other trades. Local companies looking for specific trade skills are expected to direct the curriculum to build a compatible workforce. The hope is to support and expand the local economy through skilled workers.

After multiple unfair labor practice violations, Mid-Columbia Center for Living (MCCFL) has reached an agreement with Oregon AFSCME and the workers at MCCFL who are in the midst of bargaining their first contract after their union was certified in July.

Michael Knopf, MCPO, US Navy, Retired led a prayer and shout out to all branches of the Military today, Nov. 11 at Veterans Memorial at Sorosis Park in The Dalles. During the Veterans Day event, one member of the Patriot Guard Riders fainted and an ambulance and fire engine arrived to assist.

Larry Fairclo of The Dalles has spent years putting together the pieces of his father’s Army career. The journey brought him a newfound respect for those that have served. He also uncovered that his dad, Bud Fairclo, was a quiet hero, much more likely to talk about horses than his experiences in war.

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.

On Oct. 15 Portland General Electric (PGE) permanently shut down Oregon's last coal-fired power plant located in Boardman. The plant was built in 1980 and ever since has caused alarm for environmentalists and gained the attention of regional media due to it being one of the largest single sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the state.

Several groups are set to gather on Veterans Day to pay respects to Veterans and Active Duty men. They are asking locals to observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m. in respect to those that have and do serve. They will host a brief gathering at Kelly View Point Memorial across from Sorosis Park at 11:30 a.m. Masks are required and Physical Distancing is requested.

Here's our weekly update to keep you informed in the Mid-Columbia Region. November 6th, 2020.

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John Coats braved the rain this morning, Friday, Nov. 6, making this nice climb up Dry Hollow Road. More rain is expected through the day and then dry out tonight. Temps are supposed to dip this weekend with the low on Sunday in the 20s. Make sure to check out CCC News Let’s Talk tonight. It’s our 2-minute news roundup with entertainment highlights with Yahaira Alvarez.

With brushes in-hand, Kiwanis members spent the beautiful afternoon enjoying the camaraderie and sealing picnic tables and benches at the barbecue area at Sorosis Park. The project has been long-needed at the popular gathering site. The service provided a huge boost to Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation, which received hundreds of hours of free labor.

Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation (NWPRD) have big plans in store for Thompson Park Skate Park in The Dalles. This morning a two-man crew out of Missouri worked to install the first section of the park's upgrade. Two brightly colored rails, a curb spine, and two bench ledges went in today. But that’s just the beginning.

Contractors are making quick work of a houseless shelter project on Bargeway Road today, Nov. 5. While electricity will not be available until next week, a push is on to get them open this weekend as a cold snap is impending.