As we write to wish you and yours a very happy holiday season, we find ourselves pondering the current and future existence of Local News here, and across the region

In a surprise announcement this week, WAGAP learned that effective immediately, Second Harvest is discontinuing service to food assistance programs across rural communities in Washington.

Hood River, OR - In November, Lake Taco, an authentic family Mexican restaurant run by Maria and Enrique Ortega, was in danger of closing down forever. Now, thanks to donations from the community, Lake Taco now is in the process of moving into a new location in downtown Hood River.

The National Weather service has issued a winter storm warning for the central and western Columbia River Gorge from 7:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on December 8th. The storm warning does not extend into the Eastern Gorge, as only a half inch of snow is forecasted to fall in The Dalles, OR today. 

Two outstanding youth vocalists, Emma Ortega, and Wren Greeley-Havard from the Columbia River Gorge have been selected to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City as a part of the 2023 Carnegie Hall Honors Performance Series. The young women are currently raising money on GoFundMe to cover the costs of this once in a lifetime opportunity.

A community member who is experiencing houselessness has been hospitalized due severe hypothermia from prolonged exposure to the winter weather. City of The Dalles Police, community members, local health services, the Department of Human Services, and Mid-Columbia Community Action Council responded to the incident in a timely manner resulting in the administering of lifesaving care and securing shelter for the individual.

Mary and Dennis Davis have greeted a lot of people in their service with The Dalles Floozies and Friends. And this year was no different as some 150 boats brought thousands of tourists to the community. Estimates put the total drop in our community around $700,000. But Dennis and Mary’s commitment to teasing tourists? Priceless!

We’re coming into a manic weekend as the days count down to Christmas. And the presents are already dropping as art, music and entertainment are piling up like packages at the post office. This weekend brings us Brewer’s Grade, Anna Veimeister and Aaron Myer to name just a few. Check our latest here and stuff your stocking with some good times.

Oregon Tradeswomen is now enrolling for our Laborer-focused pre-apprenticeship training for women and transgender individuals in The Dalles on Jan. 24th. The introductory class provides insight into the trades and students can elect to enroll in a 5-week course that could lead to an apprenticeship and good money.

Dec. 5 at 1:50 p.m. - The Dalles bridge on U.S. 197 is now open following a delay that extended the regularly scheduled weekend closure.

North Wasco County Schools will be operating on a 2-hour delay, Monday, December 5th.

Rachel Carter with Columbia Gorge Motors reports that 220 participants showed up for the Second Annual Turkey Trot 5k Run/Walk Family Fun Run. Not so simple. The run started at 8 a.m. But here’s the gravy. The Trot brought $8,760, Rachel Carter said today, Dec. 2.

Moe Dixon and Tess and Patrik Barr will play a free show at Riverside Community Church in Hood River on Friday, Dec. 2nd at noon. Dixon will also play The Pines in HR starting at 6 p.m. Miles From Nowhere, a four-piece band from Central Oregon will bring a set filled with Classic Rock, Blues, Country and Alternative to Zim’s in TD on Saturday, Dec. 3, starting at 7 p.m.

Where the movie actually sings is in its dark meditation on grief, loss, and the weight of responsibility left to the living. Overall, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is an interesting entry in the Marvel universe, but a mixed bag to be sure.

The Snow Sisters and Goldendale Reindeer Farm are creating a ton of holiday magic for local youths this Christmas Season as they offer events around the Gorge. Tegan Shermikas takes along for the ride as the Sisters work their magic. Sounds pretty fun. We wish we were 5 again.

Check out our Give Guide for Giving Tuesday in the Columbia River Gorge.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning in the Central and Western Columbia River Gorge from 4 p.m. Nov 29th to mid morning Nov. 30th.

Mt. Adams Institute presents a Sense of Place lecture featuring the historic Mitchell Point Tunnel past and present. The presentation will occur in-person at the Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River, Oregon, and via livestream on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 7 p.m.

The Dalles celebrated the 33rd Starlight Parade and Community Tree Lighting on Friday, Nov. 25th as well as a Shop Small event and a Family Night at The Dalles Civic which included socializing, sleigh rides, a showing of the Grinch, cookie decorating, ornament painting, and a letters to Santa writing station.

LGBTQ+ community members and allies gathered in The Dalles, OR on Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022 to hold a vigil for victims of the Club Q shooting in Colorado which occurred the night of November 19th, just minutes before Transgender Day of Remembrance began.