Columbia Community Connection was established in 2020 as a local, honest and digital news source providing meaningful stories and articles. CCC News’ primary goal is to inform and elevate all the residents and businesses of the Mid-Columbia Region. A rising tide lifts all boats, hop in!
All in Hood River County
Mt. Hood National Forest is implementing new camping fees at seven campgrounds on Barlow and Hood River Ranger Districts beginning Friday, July 14.
Visit Hood River (VHR) has announced the 2023 Summer First Friday series will continue on July 7th, to be held on Oak Street, downtown Hood River.
This year’s cherry harvest is off to a slow start due to an unusually cool spring and summer weather. Orchardists report that high yields across the region are causing significant market impacts.
Hood River City Council held a public discussion on a 72-hour parking ordinance. The 72-hour rule would prohibit vehicles from parking within the public right of way for a period of more than 72 hours. The topic sparked a lively discussion, with many viewpoints and concerns voiced by the council.
Vital Reset, a psilocybin center in Hood River, OR was officially licensed on Friday, June 16, 2023. The center, located in the heart of downtown Hood River at 1020 Wasco St, Suite J, hopes to open their doors by mid to late July of 2023. The center will serve clients age 21 and over who are seeking alternative treatment options for mental health, personal and spiritual growth, and end of life peace by the mid to late July of 2023.
Hood River, OR— After 22 years (Hood River) and 5 years (Wasco) of individual county efforts to improve the literacy of underserved children, First Book Hood River County and First Book Wasco County are combining their literacy efforts and adding Klickitat and Skamania Counties to become “Books for Kids Columbia Gorge”.
Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) is making significant progress on $1.6 million in grant and weatherization funded renovations to The Oregon Motor Motel thanks to the hard work of staff, volunteers, and local contractors. All of whom are rallied around completing the renovation of the 54-room motel which is expected to provide at least 50 transitional housing and shelter units with coordinated supportive services integrated on site in collaboration with community partners.
Through its annual Community Investment Grant Program, Visit Hood River announces the awarding of $27,600 in matching funds to six local organizations.
In a push to secure federal loans to construct a new Hood River Bridge, toll increases are currently being considered and the public is being asked to take a survey to consider two different menus of increases. Cost per auto and pickup would see an increase from $2 to $3 or $3.50 cash and from $1 to $1.75 or $2 on the BreezeBy system, depending on which toll option is used.
Retired lawyers and volunteers have joined forces with Portland Community College C.L.E.A.R. Clinic to assist individuals in the Gorge seeking expungement.
SafeSpace Child Advocacy Center of The Gorge celebrated breaking ground on its planned new facility on Friday, May 26, in Hood River.
The public is invited to attend forums to gain deeper insight into the candidates that are applying to be the next president of Columbia Gorge Community College on June 5, 8, 9 and 12 in The Dalles and Hood River as the Columbia Gorge Community College board nears a decision on the institution’s next president.
Van Tilburg has been the Health Officer for Hood River County Health Department for five years. “I love the challenge, the enthusiasm and the impact of public health,” he said. He now serves as health officer for both NCPHD and Hood River County.
Hood River Fire & EMS is celebrating good news after receiving $384,025 in grant funding from the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM).
Support The Next Door Inc.’s Gorge Youth Mentoring Spring Raffle for your chance to win one of two amazing stays at the Oregon Coast!
Beyond the picturesque scenery and abundant outdoor recreation, Hood River is a place that celebrates the diverse beauty of its residents and visitors. It is a community that believes in the right to live and travel freely, just as you are. In partnership with the Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance, The Next Door, and the Hood River Hotel, Visit Hood River will celebrate these rights and the LGBTQIA+ community and visitors June 2-3 with a lineup of inclusive and welcoming events at the Hood River Pride Celebration.
Bargeway Pub kicks it off with a Little Music City Showcase of three singer-songwriters on Wednesday, May 24 as venues up and down the Gorge are staging some great talent. Pick a show and go.
College board members, following recommendations of a 13-member search committee, last week announced the selection of potential successors to Dr. Marta Yera Cronin, who will be leaving the college effective June 30 to assume a community college presidency in Pennsylvania.
As of May 17th, at 10:45 a.m. Hood River County Special District Election has seen an overall voter turn out of 35.84%. Current results show that over 74% of voters voted yes on the Hood River County School District Levy Renewal. Meanwhile some contested races are still too close to call.
The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office and Hood River City Police responded to a drowning at the Hood River Marina on Friday, May 12th, 2023. The remains of a Hood River man were recovered from the Marina the following day.
