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 The Dalles
Teodolinda Tapia has dreamed of being the owner and cook of her own restaurant for decades. Well, it’s finally coming true as she will bring new life to the defunct Tijuana Restaurant near Dinty’s in east downtown The Dalles. The native of Michoacan, Mexico, intends to enchant locals with her Chili Rellenos in weeks to come.
— Aug. 4, City Manager Matthew Klebes addresses his new job. — Aug. 11, Eliott Gloeb, OSU Extension Faculty Research Assistant for Wasco County. — Aug. 18, Zoom meeting (no meeting at Spooky’s) Allison Specter from Project Lemonade. — Aug. 25, Business meeting in preparation for the Sept. 8 Kiwanis Steak Feed.
Al Barton was recently selected as the new Executive Director for the Center for Living after serving for a year as an interim in that position. Barton is picking up the pieces since Dr. June Gower tendered her resignation a year ago. Her tenure of fewer than two years was marked by financial challenges, union organization and substantial loss of employees. “I feel super fortunate,” said Barton on Friday, July 29. “There is plenty to do, and it’s a good time to be doing it.”
Some locals in The Dalles may think they’ve had enough cherries to last a lifetime. But the Baldwin Saloon is breathing new life into this familiar fruit. The result? A loving celebration of local foods that satisfies your summer cravings.
"We cannot stress enough how grateful we are to all the volunteers who have come out for Clear the Cans events this year," said Steve Drynan, Executive Director of Home at Last Humane Society. "We need our entire community to come together to help keep this shelter funded and provide high-quality animal management services to our region."
"Two years ago, in the middle of the pandemic, Oregonians and the ag industry came to us when they couldn’t move their meat products due to a shortage of inspection services,” said ODA Director Alexis Taylor. “After much hard work, collaboration, and determination, we designed a program that creates additional opportunities for producers and processors to grow and satisfy local demand.”
East Scenic Drive will be the focus of bank stabilization work that started today, July 27th. The work is estimated to last a month to complete and the road will be closed to thru traffic for the duration of the work.
TDHS Grad Emily Peterson hits midpoint on Pacific Crest Trail on her way to the Canadian Terminus. 1,325 miles down. 1,325 miles to go. Trail magic, chocolate cake, and hope of seeing Oregon in August fuel hiker’s feet.
Impending infrastructure failures push Council to make expenditures to repair water and sewer systems now rather than later.
The Dalles Mayor Rich Mays and Council honored Zora Richardson at The Dalles City Council meeting on Monday, July 25 for her contributions to the local community as well as for representing Wasco County and the City through the Distinguished Young Woman Scholarship program.
With temps to go triple digits for the next few days, some 10 Wasco County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers who previously helped at vaccine clinics will now, for the first time, help at Mid-Columbia Community Action Council’s (MCCAC) cooling center. Here is a complete list of cooling shelters in Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Klickitat and Skamania counties.
North Wasco County School District is pleased to announce the hire of Dr. Lauren Merklin as the new Director of Teaching, Learning and Assessment. Merklin, holds both a masters and doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Administration brings an extensive background in leadership, professional development, and school strategy to the District team.
Music is in play. Check out this week in entertainment, including venues Working Hands Beer, Wasco County Fair & Rodeo, Ruins, Double Mountain, Columbia Center for the Arts, Zim’s, TD Library, CG Bluegrass Festival, Lavender Daze, Granada, The Pines, Mid Columbia Concert Association, Taphouse, White Salmon Library, Jackson Park, Tilly Jane’s, Everybody’s Brewing, TD Eagles, Stave and Stone, Jacob Williams, Sunshine Mill, Arlington, Grateful Vineyard, HR Library, Gorge Gear sale, Klickitat Canyon Days, Kickstand Coffee
The deadline to file for candidacy with the City of The Dalles is fast approaching! The City of The Dalles has three positions up for election in the November 8th, 2022 election: City Mayor; currently held by Rich Mays, City Council Position #1 currently held by Timothy McGlothlin, and City Council Position #4 currently held by Scott Randall.
Who was Mary Magdalene? And why is she Important? Claire Sierra MA, LFT, author of The Magdalene Path explains the importance of this previously disparaged Catholic Saint and invites the public to Pray the Rosary with her on the 22nd of July, to celebrate Mary Magdalene.
Tree crews began cutting down branches on this Maple at The Dalles Post Office drive-through mail drop-off this morning, July 20.
Employees at Mid Columbia Forest Products have been back to work since July 11 after a fire shut the mill down on West Second Street on June 23. “We were down 12 (business) days,” said Owner Matt McCall today, July 19. “The vacuum system is up and going, but it still needs a few modifications.”
Chenowith Water district has lifted its boil water order after receiving a negative result for the presence of E. coli bacteria in its water system today, July 19. The PUD tested positive for the bacteria on July 14 and 15. E. coli can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. PUD operators added chlorine to the water system over the weekend to kill bacteria.
The Columbia Gateway Urban Renewal Agency Board will meet today, July 19th, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss next steps for the First Street Project, updates to the Urban Renewal Incentive program, and hear an update from City Manager Mathew Klebes on recent staffing transitions at the City of The Dalles.
Pfits Services LLC will be conducting tree trimming and removal services along W. 2nd Street next to the United States Post Office in The Dalles on Wednesday, July 20 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Right lane of W. 2nd Street as well as the sidewalk on the Post Office side of the road will be closed during the process of cutting and removing some trees next to the road.
