Spring is on its way and considering the oddness of the past year, everyone seems ready for some light and color in their lives. So, this month I’ve chosen some art that celebrates life and renewal that I hope you will enjoy. As always, send me your thoughts, poems, and ideas. I love hearing from you. Warm regards, Kerry Cobb

Eman Queveda, 19, of The Dalles took a little time out on Monday afternoon to test his skills at the skatepark. Below Jake Mick, 27 of Hood River went riding the rails. Lots of sun and 55 degrees made everything alright, and the rest of the week is looking good as well with temperatures hanging in the 50-degree area.

Mid-Columbia Medical Center has an easy and free way to dispose of expired or unwanted medications now. Medications can be dropped off at a kiosk located at the entrance of the MCMC Emergency Department. cccnews.com columbiacommunityconnection.com

The latest Wasco County Library Newsletter is chock full of activities and events for the upcoming month of March. Check it out here.

Rotary members and guests will get a thorough look into Link Transportation at the Club’s meeting set for noon on Wednesday, Feb. 24.

Ken Catlin of Beachwood Eatery can bring the wings. The long-time resident of The Dalles said he and his wife, Nancy, were ecstatic to hear that restaurants will be able to open to 25 percent of dine-in capacity next week.

Hosting exchange students goes a long way toward global understanding. The Columbia AFS-USA chapter is currently seeking host family applicants. The program intends to deliver meaningful intercultural experiences that provide the knowledge and skills needed to help create a more just and peaceful world. Learn more here.

Through last Saturday, Feb. 13, the entities listed below have administered 5,517 vaccines, including first and second doses. Check here for the breakdown of vaccines by agency or group.

The deadline to apply is March 8.

Mother Nature powder coated The Dalles this morning, Thursday, Feb. 11. Forecasters apparently pegged this one right with snow expected today and Friday. Accumulations are expected to be between four to 10 inches in the next two days. And temperatures are predicted to drop into the 20s and stay there during the next three days.

“Getting on the Map of the National Vote for Women Trail” is the topic of the first program of the Original Wasco County Courthouse 2021 Regional History Forum. The program begins at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6.

February’s newsletter is virtually awesome! With virtual entertainment and storytimes. Google applications and activity kits, tween activities, and science also abound. Check it out in this quick read and enrich your or your child’s life.

The Dalles Kiwanis Club will feature speakers Darcy Long-Curtis on the homeless shelter project, Sheriff Lane McGill and Don Warren with an update on Main Street plans. Meetings are held on Thursdays at noon via ZOOM. Learn more here.

Willamette Valley Tree Clearing crews, a contractor for the Bonneville Power Administration, used chainsaws to cut grass, rabbitbrush and sage under a transmission tower near Petersburg School east of The Dalles this morning, Jan. 28.

NW Natural customers in Oregon can expect a credit on their February bill, as the company issues $9.1 million in bill credits for services provided at the company’s underground natural gas storage facility at Mist, Oregon, as well as from efficient pipeline capacity management. The average credit is expected to be $9.

Because of this thoughtful and caring community, The Next Door’s year-end fundraising campaign had its most successful year yet.

Skiffs of snow laid bare the travel of a few intrepid souls on Skyline Road in The Dalles on Thursday Morning, Jan. 21. Heavy fog and a few flakes gave the ridge an eerie appeal. Similar flakes could make their way down the hill some on Sunday this weekend as forecasters are calling for temps in the 20s combined with precipitation in The Dalles.

A free COVID-19 testing event is taking place this Thursday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Northern Wasco County Aquatic Center parking lot, at 602 W. 2nd St. in The Dalles. Click here to make an appointment.

Fritz and Vera brought their owner to the Riverfront Trail in The Dalles this morning, Thursday, Jan. 14 to enjoy some sniffing and tranquility as the Columbia River went undisturbed by even the slightest breeze. Joyce Brake of White Salmon said it was a nice respite after she dropped her two children at St. Mary’s Academy for school.

David Daniels of The Dalles worked on his 1965 Westcoaster Mailster on Montana Street on Monday. Daniels said the vehicle was originally sold for US Mail Carriers back in the ‘60s. It has a maximum speed of 35 mph and a 7.5 horsepower two-cylinder motor.