Jerry Christensen, Mike Woodside, Bob Perkins and Mike Richardson enjoy a cup of joe this morning, Friday, Feb. 26, at Kainos Coffee one East Second St., The Dalles. It’s the first day of reopening after COVID restrictions were reduced.

North Wasco County School District School Board is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Carolyn Bernal as Superintendent beginning on July 1, 2021.

Looking for a way to serve your community? Wasco County is seeking candidates for the Special District Election on May 18, 2021. The last day to file for candidacy is March 18th. The purpose of this election is to elect board members for the various districts such as schools, fire, water, library and more.

Soft white wheat prices in the mid-Columbia hit $7.65 per bushel yesterday and were still sticking there this morning, according to Mid Columbia Producers cash bid.

Governor Kate Brown today announced that 16 counties improved in risk level, with 10 of those improving from Extreme Risk to High, Moderate or Lower risk categories.

Make your voice heard. The City of Hood River is currently seeking public input on: its Transportation System Plan (TSP) Amendment, Safe Routes to School projects, and a Heights Urban Renewals streetscape plan.

Steve Bradley found a few friends to keep him company on his evening jog in east The Dalles on Tuesday, Feb.23. His run, no doubt, brought a lot of smiles wherever he went, and hey, that’s as many legs as a baseball team. Forecasters are saying the weekend is shaping up with temperatures in the 50s and partially sunny days.

Dry Hollow Elementary staff took the 100th day of school to a new level this year with a host of crazy characters and a car parade to celebrate the effort students and parents have put into distance learning. The celebration is typically held for kindergarten, but it was expanded this year to give the whole community a chance to celebrate. See the YouTube here.

Wasco County has dropped from the COVID-19 “Extreme Risk” category back down to the state’s “Lower Risk” category effective Friday, February 26th.

The Dalles City Councilors heard from one resident that they believed the proposed agreement with Google was a “done deal.” Councilors disagreed, noting they were taking testimony In preparation of deciding on whether to give the global tech giant tax breaks. Public testimony, however, swayed heavily toward approving the deal.

Luciano Alvarado, 15, in black shirt and shorts, kicks a ball to his partner at a Riverhawk soccer practice held on the lower field at Dry Hollow Elementary School on Monday afternoon. The practice was led by Varsity Coach Matt Dallman. Students were just sledding on this field last week.

The Dalles City Council will discuss and take public testimony on a 20-year deal with Google that could bring two new data centers and millions of dollars in taxes, fees and payments tonight, Monday, Feb. 22nd, starting at 5:30 p.m.

Mel Mendez, 63, and owner of Gameopoly on Second Street The Dalles was after it early this morning, Monday, Feb. 22. Mendez said he picked up this display cabinet while attending a flea market in Portland during the weekend. He said business has been slow, and the flea market was similar. “People are still not spending money,” he said. “It will turn around. You got to be hopeful.”

TD Schools announce schedule for reopening

The Sunshine Mill Winery and Drive-Up was chosen for the seventh edition of the Oregon Short Film Festival that will take place from February 25 through February 28, 2021. Learn more about it here.

Today, Wasco County District Attorney Matthew Ellis announced that 67-year-old Clay Parsons received a 66-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to assault in the second degree.

I found a lot more about Phil Pinto this week. He is the current The Dalles Masonic Lodge Master, and the organization just earned the 2020 Outstanding Philanthropic Group by Mid-Columbia Health Foundation. The Masons provide an immense amount of support to local students and teachers and the community at large.

25 percent capacities to be allowed at dine-in restaurants, gyms, and visits at long-term care facilities to open up, with new COVID risk assessment. Learn more here.

Hosting exchange students goes a long way toward global understanding. The Columbia AFS-USA chapter is currently seeking host family applicants. The program intends to deliver meaningful intercultural experiences that provide the knowledge and skills needed to help create a more just and peaceful world. Learn more here.

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