HAVEN from Domestic and Sexual Violence, in The Dalles released an official statement today about the secret indictment of former HAVEN Executive Director, Tara Koch. Koch was arrested Thursday, July 7th, 2022 in Washington County on 26 counts including theft, identity theft and forgery. HAVEN alleges that Koch stole more than $96,200* from HAVEN. Koch will be tried in Wasco County on all 26 charges.

Oregon Tradeswomen’s Mary Ann Naylor said it is a perfect time for women and people of color to enter the trade industry. Major projects in the gorge could call for huge demand from skilled professionals. A recent $150,000 grant from Google is opening up opportunities at both state and local levels. “Tell them to be tough-skinned to get through their apprenticeship and the world is your oyster, said local Electrician Brennah Miller, “and you can go anywhere.”

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office deputies launched a search-and-rescue mission after a climber fell several hundred feet near the Old Chute area of Mt. Hood. The climber was transported off the mountain with serious injuries to an area hospital.

We got you covered for all things red, white and blue and rock-n-roll too this weekend. Check out this schedule of fireworks displays and other events for Fourth of July weekend here in The Dalles, Hood River, Goldendale, Stevenson, White Salmon and Cascade Locks. Photo of past Fort Dalles Fourth Fireworks display in The Dalles courtesy Macnab Photography.

Check out all the latest entertainment and music news including Ruins, Granada, Columbia Center for Arts, Goldendale, Fort Dalles Riders Club, Bargeway Pub, River City Saloon, Double Mountain, Zim’s, Working Hands Beer, Stave and Stone, White Salmon Library, Kickstand Coffee, HR Library, Jacob Williams, Route 30, Skamania Lodge, Maupin.

Hattie Fletcher, experienced whitewater rafter shares her first column on whitewater rafting as recreation in the Columbia River Gorge.

To reduce fire risk, some local governments in the Gorge have regulations or bans on the use of fireworks. Those intending to use fireworks to celebrate this Fourth of July, will need to know a few things in order to keep it legal and keep themselves and others safe.

In wake of the Supreme Court’s decision on Friday June 24th, 2022 to overturn Roe v. Wade, eighty-eight elected prosecutors from around the nation, including Wasco and Hood River District Attorney’s Matt Ellis and Carrie Rasmussen committed to not prosecute those who seek, assist in or provide abortions.

The college awarded 195 certificates and degrees this year. Approximately 70 graduates participated in the ceremony, held in the outdoor amphitheatre on The Dalles Campus.

Comunidades will host a community event to commemorate Juneteenth on Sunday, June 19th at the Riverside Community Church, 317 State St Hood River, OR 97031. The event will start at 3 p.m. and will end at 6 p.m.

The main event is a 6-hour kiteboarding endurance race, designed to embody the battle that someone facing cancer endures every day. This year, the competition has expanded to include windsurfers, and wingfoilers.

In celebration of Nature Photography Day on June 15, Friends of the Columbia Gorge has announced Jesenia Robles of Hood River, Oregon, as the grand prize winner of Our Gorge Connections, Friends’ seventh annual photo contest.

On June 1st, 2022 Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Primary Care Association, One Community Health (OCH) opened two Test-to-Treat Centers at OCH clinics in Hood River and The Dalles. These centers are “one-stop shops” for COVID services such as rapid diagnostic testing, evaluations, and administering of anti-viral treatments such as Paxlovid and Molnupiravir on site.

Check out Maiden NW and this week’s roundup of shows and entertainment, including Zim’s, Granada, Route 30, Working Hands Beer, River City Saloon, Taphouse 64, Tabby’s Hole, Ruins, TD Arts Center, St. Peter’s Landmark, White Salmon Library, Grateful Vineyard, Jackson Park, The Dalles Library.

We’ve all been young and made poor decisions, no doubt, but children and youths might not understand the levity of what seems like a harmless action. So, it is important to talk it through with kids so they understand that their idea of fun might land them in pretty hot water. With the last day of school set for Friday, June 10, parents might do well by having a quick discussion with their children about when jokes turn bad.

Activities include a color run/walk, pronoun button-making and “Let’s taco ‘bout it,” which will feature tacos, an informational discussion of LGBTQ+ issues and a viewing of the documentary Texas Strong. Interested people may RSVP for the events, request accessibility accommodations, and get the Zoom links by emailing EQUAL@cgcc.edu.

First Book, a non-profit organization that has distributed 64,315 books to kids in need in Wasco and Hood River Counties, is seeking donations to help fund their 2023 season.

Richard Murrow is just one of the dozens of shows to see during the weekend as warm weather has venues popping like bubble wrap. Venues include Bargeway Pub, Maupin, Ruins, Granada, MoCo, Route 30, Double Mountain, Everybody’s Brewing, Grateful Vineyard, St. Peter’s Landmark, Zim’s, TD Library, Thunder Island, HR Library, The Pines, Jackson Park, 64 Taphouse, TD Eagles, White Salmon, Red Carpet Karaoke and Tabby’s Hole.

The closure will begin just after midnight on June 10, and then it will reopen on Sunday, June 12.

The Cemetery Tales video was one of two videos to win the silver award in the category “non-broadcast biography.” Director/ producer Joe Garoutte said, “The gold award in that category went to a series about Randy Travis, funded by Warner Music Nashville. It’s pretty tough to outdo that kind of money!”