Voters in the mid-Columbia are wasting little time this election season. Ballot returns for the general election are coming in at a record pace in both Wasco and Hood River counties.

Calling all ghosts, goblins, and gremlins, Halloween is just around the corner, and it's your time to shine. On the corner of E 8th and H St. in The Dalles a ninja turtle doll and metal robot are seen frolicking in the yard of spook! Do you have any Halloween themed decorations or costumes plans that will out-do your neighbor? Want a little friendly competition?

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.

The City of The Dalles began a search for a new Police Chief on Monday, Oct. 19th. Current Chief Patrick Ashmore said he plans on retiring in April after serving for five years in the position. The salary range for the position is $86,205 to $106,021 annually, not including benefits.

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.

Tom Olson of Dufur excavates dirt and rock while Glenn Harding measures the depth this morning, Tuesday, Oct. 20. The two have good weather to look forward to today with a high of 65 degrees. But prognosticators are calling for a chill over the next four days with highs dropping into the 40s on Friday and Saturday.

The Klickitat Chapter of Trout Unlimited, a local, volunteer-led nonprofit dedicated to improving and restoring local rivers and streams, has been entered in the Embrace A Stream Challenge, an online contest sponsored by Orvis and Trout Unlimited. From Nov. 2-8, the chapter has a chance to win its share of $20,000 in cash prizes to help fund the Mile One restoration, an initiative to collaboratively work with the United States Forest Service and other partners to restore habitat, decrease erosion and provide safe access to the lower Klickitat River in Lyle.

The last HISTORY missives were way back in February, when we had five well-attended Regional History Forum programs at the Original Courthouse. The last MUSIC announcement was for the Cascade Singers’ “St. Pat’s at St. Pete’s” event that never happened— you'll recall that March 17, 2020 was the very day everything closed down because of COVID-19. We’re still in the precautionary stages re: the virus. But some things are happening. So get out your calendar and check some links and prepare to find out what’s happening.

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

Voters are set to decide the fate of a law that would allow the use of “Magic Mushrooms” in the treatment of mental health conditions. If Oregonians approve the measure, it would make Oregon the first state to legalize the use of psilocybin to treat mental illness in adults 21 years of age and older.

Residents of Columbia Basin Care will judge a pet photo contest during the next few weeks. Send in your best pet photo. The announcement of winners and prizes will be announced in November.

Mike Honald of Honald Crane keeps a steady hand on the controls as he maneuvers a box from the top of the roof of Building 1 at Columbia Gorge Community College this morning, Friday, Oct. 16.

When you’re driving east on 12th Street in The Dalles, you can’t miss it. The building comes into view as your rise up on the hill. It seems out of place amongst the homes in East The Dalles. It’s kinda old school. Thompson School, that is.

John Dombroski with Columbia Gorge Food Bank in the Port of The Dalles uses a forklift to move hundreds of pounds of butter this morning, Thursday, Oct. 15. The Food Bank distributes to partner agencies that in turn get the food to residents in Wasco, Sherman, and Hood River counties.