What ICE Costs Our Communities: ICE detains two community members
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained two community members in The Dalles last week. The recent arrests expose the fragile existence of those trying to earn a living and make a contribution in The Dalles while putting the entire local LatinX community on edge as people are taken without warning, often in unmarked vehicles. It also exposes a system that on one side attempts to reform individuals at the local level, only to re-criminalize them on a federal level.
Coming to a Wall Near You
The City of The Dalles is showcasing The Walldogs teaser mural, which is currently being crafted on 103 E. 3rd St. It’s on the wall facing the parking lot and City Hall. The mural is intended to get the community members excited for what's to come in September 2021. The city is encouraging onlookers to gather, wearing their masks, watch, and interact with the artists as they work.
Flagstone outbreak prelude to 58 COVID cases in a single week; Health officer urges effort to socially distance, wear masks, wash hands
During the week of Sunday Sept. 20 to Saturday Sept. 26, 58 cases of COVID-19 were reported, which is the highest number during a single week since the beginning of the pandemic.
TD Subdivision appealed to Land Use Board Of Appeals
Attorneys for Legacy, Jordan Ramis PC, sent the notice of intent to appeal the decision to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) on Tuesday. Columbia Community Connection received a copy of the letter the same day.
Update: Man hit on Fourth and Washington treated and released
One man was injured and taken to the hospital after a two-car collision at the intersection of Fourth and Court streets at about 12:30 p.m., today, Sept. 28.
Getting Spooky this year in The Dalles
The Dalles Main Street has decided to cancel their downtown Halloween trick-or-treat event due to social distancing precautions. If your plan was to take the kiddos to downtown fear no more, there are many other alternatives to supply your children with a fun and safe Halloween celebration! Community members of The Dalles express their dynamics of celebrating Halloween this year.
Clarity from Supreme Court on Wasco DA to bring ‘smooth transition’
Incoming Wasco County District Attorney Matthew Ellis said the recent Oregon Supreme Court decision that puts District Attorney Eric Nisley back in office is welcome news. It’s clear now. Nisley will hold the office until Ellis takes the reins on January 1.
What Happens to Your Recyclables?
Recycling has always had its struggles, and China’s “National Sword” policy, enacted in January of 2018, has continued to place more limitations on local recycling facilities. The Dalles Disposal Service Center receives between 2,500 to 3,000 pounds of recyclables a day, so where does it all go? Jim Winterbottom is the district manager of Waste Connections. He takes us over the pitfalls of recycling in our community, and how we can work together to better improve it.
Community puts Bill Byram Back on the Road
On Monday, the 21st, Bill Byrum was riding his motorcycle when he took an exit going eastbound off I-84 to enter The Dalles. It was his second day riding his new bike, so he was still adjusting to it. Bill lost control and hit a car leaving him severely injured. He was taken by LifeFlight to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland.
Request made to divide property on E. 14th, TD, into three lots
Billy and Diana requesting approval to partition an existing 17,755 SF property into three parcels of 10,961 SF, 2,954 SF and 3,840 SF respectively. LOCATION: Property is located at 2323 E. 14th Street and is further described as 1N 13E 2 DC tax lot 7300. Property is zoned High Density Residential (RH). Columbia Community Connection serving Wasco, Gilliam and Sherman Counties, The Dalles, Dufur, Tygh Valley, Maupin, Goldendale, Wishram, Dallesport, Lyle, White Salmo & Hood River.
National Voter Registration Day 9/22
Tuesday, September 22nd is National Voter Registration Day. This day is a reminder for citizens to register to vote, or to check their current voter registration leading up to the November General Election. All Wasco County residents are encouraged to participate by registering or updating their current voter information.
Consistent Cruisers
Don and Sherry Helms enjoy their sunny stroll this morning, Monday, Sept. 21, on The Dalles waterfront trail. Don and Sherry have been happily married 47 years, and have been residents of The Dalles for 42 years. The Helms walk the trail nearly every morning, except when the smoke recently altered their routine. With smiles on their faces, they are joyous to be back outside under blue skies.
Orginal Wasco Courthouse to end season Saturday, Sept. 26
Last day of the summer tourist season at the Original Wasco County Courthouse is Saturday, Sept. 26. The 1859 building at 410 West Second Place, The Dalles, welcomes visitors from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Colonel Wright Elementary School May Be Getting a New Name
Edited to include comments from NWASCO School Board Chair John Nelson on September 21st, 2020 12:00 PM
Colonel Wright Elementary School may be getting a new name! And it's about time, as many former students will tell you learning to spell “Colonel” correctly at any age is difficult. But even worse for many community members is the history attached to the name of the elementary school. For years community members have expressed discomfort over the name of the school, saying it honors a legacy of bloodshed instead of learning, growth, and community.
Sorosis Park Taken-Over By Beetle
Pine trees make up 80% of the tree species in Sorosis Park. But sadly they soon will all be cut down. The Ips Beetle is to blame for this destruction, quickly taking over the pine trees in the park and killing all of them in a short 3-year span. Columbia Community Connection serving Wasco, Gilliam and Sherman Counties, The Dalles, Dufur, Tygh Valley, Maupin, Goldendale, Wishram, Dallesport, Lyle, White Salmon, Hood River
Update on The Ruins - The Mystery of SC
The Ruins: News Update from facebook and Friends
Dianne Espy informed CCC News that her friend, Steve Curtiss, was the gentleman who carved his initials into the stone foundation. Look for an updated story on Monday once we get the chance to sit down and chat with Steve. Many folks on facebook also had the following interesting facts to add about the ruins.
$2M EPA Grant to Boost Colombia River Basin Ecology
On Wednesday the 16th the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $2 million in grants to improve the ecology of the Columbia River Basin. Locally, Columbia Riverkeepers received $91,991 for projects to improve water quality and fish habitat in Hood River and Wasco counties.
Air Quality in TD not so good. AQI Monitor clogged with Pollutants
The smoke is so bad? How bad is it?
It’s so bad that it broke the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Air Quality Monitoring Station on Cherry Heights in The Dalles.
Fire Touches TD Resident with Family in Estacada
Lindsay LeBreton is a long-time resident of The Dalles where she lives with her husband Ryan and is raising her family. But she grew up in the small town of Estacada where her parents, Jon and Debbie Kling still reside. The ongoing heartbreak of the Oregon wildfires has recently made way into her hometown of Estacada. CCC News spoke with Lindsey regarding her family’s struggle to leave behind their home and flee to safety.