Virginia McKay, a 25- plus year veteran with Windy River Gleaners was at it again this morning, Wednesday, Oct. 28. Food boxes were prepared for some 950 people in East The Dalles. Cars were lined up past the overpass on Old Highway 30.

The Next Door is holding its annual Stories of Hope event to raise money and spread awareness to support over two dozen programs aimed at supporting and empowering people with health promotion services, family services, youth services, economic development services, and treatment services in Wasco, Hood River, Skamania, Klickitat, Sherman, Gilliam, and Wheeler counties.

As of this morning, 7,560 of 18,403 ballots for the Nov. 3 general election had been returned in Wasco County, according to Wasco County Clerk Lisa Gambee. These numbers include ballots dropped off over the weekend but not all of the mail, she said.

Assistant Manager Maria Bartlett was messin’ with Squatch at the West Second Street Market across from Casa El Mirador this morning, Monday, Oct. 26. The new mural, painted by Samantha Bates was completed last week. The market is run by Hattenhauer Distributing Company.

The low water level on the Columbia River near the Union Street underpass reveals pilings from the past this Sunday Morning, Oct. 25. Their symmetrical placement and sheer number beg the question of what stood here at one point. If you know, please tell us about them in our new forum feature.

Renaldo Cruz, owner of Tacos Del Rios at 421 Union St., The Dalles, and friend Ignacio Torres work on the last of the season’s peppers on Friday afternoon. Del Diablo peppers, habaneros, and some others that are so hot they that if you write the name down it catches on fire were plucked from plants that saw their last days.

On Sep. 10th state officials and food providers released a statement saying food insecurity has been increasing statewide in Washington and Oregon. Due to the pandemic, this trend is expected to carry on for months ahead. The Lyle Good Food Pantry teamed up with Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) to provide meals to local families and community members. Their efforts in curbing the food insecurity in our region have supplied an average of 50 local families with a food box each month.

The Parade must go on! The Starlight Parade will look a little different this year with a little role reversal. Floats will be parked on 3rd street and the public will drive past to view the decorated floats.

Almost a third of ballots had already been returned to Wasco County this morning, Friday, Oct. 23, according to Wasco County Clerk Lisa Gambee.

Columbia Community Connection News presents a new weekly roundup of honest local news. Featuring The Dalles' own Yahaira Alvarez, CCC's newest video journalist.

The Dalles Artist Chris Pothier began installation of the All Together The Dalles Mural at 811 E. Second Street this morning. The mural is a painting of a photomontage of iconic buildings in The Dalles area that are stacked into a mountain within the landscape of The Dalles. Everything seems out of place giving our historic places and landscape an entirely different look and, perhaps, appreciation.

Kaila Garwood is selling the last of her dahlias as frost’s wicked fingers are threatening her pedals. The mother of two has been selling the bouquets from her front porch during the past several weeks. But freezing temperatures will soon have her out of business. She is located at 520 E. 7th St., The Dalles. Forecasters are calling for a low of 27 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday and 23 degrees on Sunday. Oh, snap!

Al Hare is gigging through the virus, but he has had to flex his style. He now focuses on solo and duo performances to accommodate changes at music venues. He has also christened The Dalles “Little Music City” based on the high ratio of music venues per capita in his hometown.

Steelhead are now distributed throughout the lower 100 miles of the Deschutes River. Anglers are reporting good fishing, with a chance at big B-Run Idaho fish that rest out in the first mile of the river around the mouth.

Yesterday, Dog is My CoPilot paid an unexpected visit to Columbia Gorge Regional Airport in Dallesport when weather and logistics rerouted them from their usual stop in Troutdale. Dog is My CoPilot is a non-profit organization dedicated to the safe transport of at risk animals in overcrowded shelters at no cost. The plane landed at about 2PM and departed by 3PM. Dog is My CoPilot founder and president Peter Rork M.D. piloted the plane.

Where do you go to reset and refocus? Is it a real place or just a state of mind? People in and around town were asked where they go to relax, what makes it so special, who they enjoy their space with, if COVID-19 has made them feel differently about their happy place, and what they notice about themselves after they leave their calming space. Take a look at the positive outlooks these locals have…

The Hood River City Council directed $195,000 in CARES Act funding to local partners that aid social services agencies, business organizations, and individuals economically impacted by COVID-19.

Columbia Gorge Postpartum Support group supports new parents in the transition from pregnancy to birth, breastfeeding, caring for your new infant, and all aspects of the postpartum experience. they welcome you and your partner to come to weekly meetings to ask questions, make new friends, get lactation and feeding support, and feel connected to others going through a similar experience.

Montira’s Thai Cuisine at 302 W. Second St. is cooking up something good this morning, Wednesday, Oct. 21. Their marketing department - my money is on owner Ken Sommerfelt- is also having a little fun with it.

Of the 18,403 ballots sent out for the Nov. 3 general election, 2.,425 have already been returned surpassing return rates during the past two elections, according to statistics provided by Wasco County Clerk Lisa Gambee.