When I wrote a column on big institutions, government, utilities, and trillion-dollar corporations, I owed readers two things at once: a clear point of view and clean, verifiable facts.

In my recent column about data centers and public costs, I oversimplified a few details, and while they remain true, it’s not the whole picture. This is the clarification: what was missed, and why the core community question still stands.

Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC), in partnership with Mid-Columbia Center for Living (MCCFL), is pleased to announce the conversion of 21 units at The Annex into permanent supportive housing (PSH).

Affordable Housing is a complicated topic, especially in a region like the Columbia River Gorge, where development opportunities are limited.

At The Next Door, we believe that caring for others is a form of self-care. When we show up for our community, we strengthen our own sense of purpose, resilience, and belonging. That belief comes to life through the people who pour their hearts into this work.  

Matthew’s support of The Next Door (TNDI) comes from one simple belief: that we’re always better off when we work together. In that work, he’s discovered that caring for others can nurture your own sense of purpose, community, and connection.

Caroling by local students, take-and-make STEAM kits, teen gaming, and holiday closures highlight a full slate of late December events at The Dalles Public Library, with programs for children, teens, and families.

For many people, FFA is easy to misunderstand. Some still think it’s just about farming or kids who plan to stay in agriculture. That view misses the point — especially here in our county, where we see firsthand what FFA really does.

Clinics at the Water’s Edge medical building in The Dalles will remain closed through the weekend as Adventist Health Columbia Gorge works toward a modified reopening following extensive damage caused by a violent windstorm early Wednesday morning.

The Columbia Gorge STEM Hub, a department of the Columbia Gorge Education Service District, is launching a new Little Free Libraries project designed to increase equitable access to literacy resources while providing hands-on, career-connected learning opportunities for local students. 

The City of The Dalles Public Works Department is making sure equipment is in good repair and stocking up to prepare our response to winter storm events.

The Dalles Public Library is offering a full slate of December programs, from concerts and holiday storytimes to gaming, crafts, and art classes for all ages throughout the month.

The City of Hood River has declared a State of Emergency following federal immigration enforcement activities in the area and their impact on the community. The Hood River City Council directed City Manager Abigail Elder to declare a State of Emergency in the City of Hood River at its December 8 regular meeting. 

The Wasco County Planning Division is seeking qualified applicants to fill three upcoming vacancies (primary and alternates) on the Wasco County Planning Commission. These are volunteer positions that play a vital role in shaping the future growth and development of Wasco County. The three vacancies will begin terms in early 2026.

Due to challenging site conditions, work on E. 10th St. between Quinton St. and Roberts St. to replace and upgrade a stormwater sewer main has been rescheduled to the week of December 8 - 12, 2025. This City of The Dalles Public Works project is part of the ongoing work on E. 9th St. and Quinton St.

The Dalles Public Library hosts December events including holiday crafts, gaming, movie night, nature journaling, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, offering free activities for all ages.

The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of Lynn Cox as Tourism Director for Explore The Dalles, effective August 1, 2025. Cox brings over two decades of leadership experience in destination marketing, community engagement, and customer experience design, most recently with Intel Corporation’s Sales and Marketing Group.

Insitu, Washington Federal Bank, Columbia Gorge Education Service District, Washington Gorge Action Programs, Mid-Columbia Community Action Council, and The Next Door Inc. are teaming up to host a winter coat drive for local area youth! As we approach the cold winter months, you can donate new and like-new coats for all ages now through the end of December. 

Circuit Court Judge John A. Wolf has been appointed by Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice Meagan A. Flynn to serve as the next presiding judge of Oregon’s Seventh Judicial District.

If you’ve walked through a supermarket lately, you’ve probably noticed produce prices that feel too high. Meanwhile, farmers like me are getting paid prices that are too low — often far below the cost of growing the food in the first place.