Google just received the green light to build the second of two data centers at 3500 River Road in the Port of The Dalles within the past two years. 

The project is a continuation of the utility upgrades on West 2nd and for The Port of The Dalles area in general, allowing for expanding developments that produce larger flow amounts in both sewage and storm runoff. This latest contract will continue the work started in Spring 2018.

The Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District is hoping to put a five-year levy on the ballot in May of 2024. The levy would pay to build a new aquatic center, develop Westside Park, and purchase Parkdale Park. But first, they need to secure land for a new aquatic center.

Public Works Director Dave Anderson told Councilors that the Oregon Department of Transportation did an inspection and report on the structure crossing Mill Creek Near Safeway and recommended replacement.

The Mid-Columbia Human Trafficking Task Force in partnership with Haven hosted their second annual human trafficking awareness walk event on January 11, 2024. During the event Karen Shultz, Victim Advocate Coordinator for the Wasco County District Attorney’s Office, and trafficking survivor, bravely stepped forward to share her story to help raise awareness of human trafficking in the gorge.

Stop in Bargeway for music from Al Hare, Great Deals, Great Music, and Great Drinks, and leave the cold weather outside! Not enough? Need more? Keep reading here as we’ve got all the gigs including energetic folksters Fox and Bones in the Gorge’s most inclusive guide.

New funding from Google will support a regional effort to build both climate and economic resilience in the Columbia River Gorge. Google is providing $150,000 to The Dalles-based nonprofit Wy’East Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D). 

A recommendation from traffic safety officials in The Dalles asks for a dedicated officer to enforce rules around, speeding, failure to stop, using phones while driving, failing to signal, and failure to yield to pedestrians. “Until drivers start getting tickets and are hurting in the pocketbook, it is not going to make any difference,” The Dalles Traffic Safety Commission Chair Mike Kilkenny told The Dalles City Council.

“I’m glad everyone put their differences aside and did what was right for the people; that’s what was important to me,” said Deborah Sandoz, who opened the warming shelter on Dec. 13 with the help of multiple volunteers and Dave Lutgens and Courtney Crawford.

Looking for bald eagles and fun activities to to this weekend? Look no feather — The Dalles Dam invites the public to their 14th annual Eagle Watch event on Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Columbia Gorge STEM Hub recently announced the recipients for the 2023-2024 Microgrants. This year, 20 educators and community partners across four counties and five school districts received grant funding to support STEM-related projects and initiatives happening in the Gorge. This year’s microgrants are estimated to impact over 4,330 students and 148 classrooms or teachers.

A 19-year-old woman walked away after busting through a guardrail in her Nissan Murano on Interstate 84 near Hood River and her car came to a stop on the railroad tracks on Sunday, Jan. 21.

The Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, is pleased to announce the continuation of Oregon Regional Teacher of the Year to honor exemplary educators in every region of the state. Last year’s winner was Fifth Grade Dry Hollow Elementary Teacher Wesley Mitchell. Sharpen that pencil and make your nomination today at oregonteacheroftheyear.org

In the news, it is so often that bad news gets the biggest response from readers, but that was simply not so here at CCCNews during the past four days. Reporter Cole Goodwin proved that stereotype wrong. Their story about saving birds has become our most popular to date, garnering more than 80,000 views in the last four days with readership throughout the U.S.

“I am committed to ensuring that those who commit crimes are held accountable, that the people they harm are heard, and to work hard to reduce the impact of addiction and mental illness,” Davis said in announcing her candidacy.

It appears Dave DesRochers took on a good part of an entire city block, blasting the chunky white stuff of the sidewalk like a superhero neighbor. He rounded his corner on Second Street, took out a section of Washington Street and then headed down Third Street.

Owning and running a restaurant is not a get-rich-quick business. It’s hard work, long hours. I asked Kaye and Barry, what is most rewarding? “The positive things people say on Facebook and Google. The comments mean the world to us. This place is like a little bit of Americana, to have a dream and have it work out so well,” answered Kaye. Barry beamed, “Worth the ride!” 

Winter can bring some unusual birds to your bird feeders! Have you seen any of these birds this winter?

Sidewalks got snow? Pull out the shovel. Time to roll.

Despite additional snowfall in the Columbia River Gorge, Interstate 84 was reopened this morning making it possible for mail delivery today. Postal service employees were out in The Dalles this morning with vehicle tires chained. Even the employees had their feet chained.