As of Monday, Oct. 7, Wasco and Hood River counties is off around 10 percent compared to the past midterm election of 2018. But there is still time. You have until 8 p.m. to get your ballots dropped off today, Tuesday, Nov. 8. And all ballot boxes in Oregon are open until 8 p.m. regardless of weather conditions.

Attention writers in the Columbia River Gorge! As you probably already know, November is National Novel Writing Month! But did you know that you can pick up a NaNoWriMo take and make kit full of writer's goodies at The Dalles Wasco County Library? (While supplies last.) Or that there is a writing contest for 12-19 year olds happening at the White Salmon Library? Well now you do! Keep reading to check out what’s going on for aspiring and accomplished writers in the Gorge this month!

Emotions were running high as Bob Thouvenal calculated the scores while Caleb Caldwell and Tyson Long finished at 18:10. Wide-eyed and a little in disbelief, he turned to The Dalles parents huddled on the hillside near the finish line. “I think we won!”

The Dalles Community Development Director Joshua Chandler recently signed the approval of an administrative decision to allow Google to site and construct one single-story data center with a separate office building and associated infrastructure.

In light of the forecasted winter weather this coming week, the Wasco County Clerk's Office, in conjunction with The Dalles Rotary Club, has canceled the 5th Street Ballot Drive-Thru Collection on Tuesday, November 8th.

Music, comedy, film, aerial artists, auditions - it’s all here. Check out what’s happening in arts and entertainment in The Gorge.

A break-in was reported at 10:32 a.m. on Thursday morning after it was discovered, according to the Wasco County Sheriff’s log.

With the National Weather Service calling for 9 more straight days of snow on Mount Hood, skiers are already itching for that first run. But before you go, get your equipment in order. There are two ski swaps this weekend according to our miners on Facebook and the Web. Both are in Hood River.

Over the past month Koch has received a court appointed attorney, been granted a waiver of extradition, and entered a plea of not guilty.

Dowen Michael Jones, 47, of Rufus, Oregon, was lodged at the Northern Oregon Corrections (NORCOR) facility on multiple counts, including Attempted Murder, according to the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office.

The Wasco County Elections Clerk and the Board of Commissioners have been named in a civil suit alleging that voter tabulation machines have not been properly certified and the plaintiffs have asked for an injunction, calling for a hand count in the Midterm election.

Wasco and Hood River counties are reporting low voter turnout for the Nov. 8 Midterm election thus far.

The Dalles Trick-or-Treaters were out in force this Halloween! Many braved the cool fall weather and light rain showers for some treats, snacks, and fun.

On the back of the pullovers were quotes from the season, from the silly “are we running today?”, to the oft-repeated “chin down, eyes up!”, and encapsulated with one of the seniors’ reasons for improving: “I decided to be fast.” Last Wednesday, Oct. 26, the entire team followed that advice at the Tri-Valley District meet, racing their best season times, and earning multiple spots to the State meet.

After years of delay due to the covid pandemic, the Tile Project, a community art fundraiser for The Hood River Warming Shelter, is finally ready for unveiling. The 3 panel project is the result of 108 souls ranging in age from 6 months to much older and everyone in between, painting a tile with the theme “What Home Means to Me”.

Art Mendoza, Owner of La Michocana Store, stopped a robbery at his store in The Dalles last month and has already had his day in court with the robber. The would-be thief was sentenced to 18 months behind bars last week.

Mindfulness classes are gaining traction both locally and across the nation. Now in their second term of Mindfulness class, Brian Greeley's students at The Dalles High School are undoubtedly finding success and the amount of positive feedback Greeley has received from students has been overwhelming.

Put your hand in the Candy bowl, but don’t get a sucker- find some real entertainment in this week’s entertainment guide for the Gorge. We got venues covered up and down the Mid-Columbia - Music, Entertainment, Art, parades, comedians and some jumpers.

So you’re basically a family of weird artists? I ask about 20 minutes into our conversation, and the pleasing look that alights on their faces means they know it’s a compliment. To be clear: my understanding of weirdness is a deeply affectionate and creative one; this might be one of the coolest and most artistic families I’ve encountered in a long time.