With the rapid spike in COVID-19 cases in Oregon, Gov. Kate Brown demanded gyms and fitness studios to close their doors tomorrow, November 18th. Local gym owners are concerned about the future of their businesses, several saying they are on the brink of closure. They also fear for the mental health of their club members and their workers who will go unpaid.

Last Saturday The Yarrow School of Collective Wellness hosted a ‘Transliterate’ ZOOM workshop. The workshop was geared towards helping cisgender* people deepen their understanding, care, and relationships with transgender people. The workshop kicked off Transgender Awareness Week in the Columbia River Gorge, which takes place from November 13th-19th and culminates in Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20th.

He has touched hundreds of thousands of people, said Kasey Buckles. Some of the most recognizable programs in our area that prop people up came under his command. What will follow his 43 plus years at the Mid-Columbia Community Action Council, Inc.? Only Jim Slusher knows.

Wasco County had 23 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend, with 17 coming on Saturday. There are no new large outbreaks in the county at this time that meet the threshold of public reporting (five or more cases at businesses with 30 or more employees). Rather, a majority of Saturday’s 17 reported cases were due to family get-togethers. This falls in line with what is being seen throughout Oregon: Social gatherings are a driver in COVID transmission.

Washington Gorge Action Programs is participating in GivingTuesday for the first time this year in an effort to highlight everyone who makes the agency successful, and it will be setting a new goal to raise $50,000 for the Covid-19 Relief Fund which will all go directly back to support Skamania and Klickitat County residents in need.

Is there anything more satisfying than coming out of the cold and filling yourself with a blend of vegetables or meat and broth that gets tastier with each following spoonful until you are looking at the bottom of a bowl and a haze invades your brain - an inexplicable sleepy warm bliss like a baby being cradled? Total security can reside in that pot, if just for a short while.

Cascade Singers won’t be singing this Christmas. They’ll be humming. Christmas “Hum-Along" with limited seating and COViD-19 precautions takes place Friday, Dec. 11, Saturday, Dec. 12, and Sunday, Dec. 13 at Zion Lutheran Church, 10th and Union Streets in The Dalles.

“The Radio Play Disaster” will be available to watch online at Broadway On Demand on November 13th-14th, and November 20th-21st ONLY and tickets are AVAILABLE NOW. To order yours follow the link. Money from the play will go to funding future high school drama productions.

Mike Pincock, 41, of The Dalles, ties a piece of rebar to a screw while prepping a home site for a foundation on East 19th Street in The Dalles on Thursday. Pincock and Jimmie Ramsey were working on the sight in preparation for pouring concrete later on this month.

Columnist Jim Drake takes a look at local entertainment- online and off. Two drink minimum required before entering. Mark Daly, Hapa Hillbillies, Granada Theatre, Freebridge Brewing, Bargeway Pub, Mandolin Camp, Lesley Saunders

Winter weather is coming to the PNW this Friday the 13th. The storm is predicted to bring high winds, heavy rains, and snow to Oregon and Washington.

Bremik Construction continued to hammer away at two new Columbia Gorge Community College buildings this morning, Thursday, Nov. 12. The Skills Center will provide a state-of-the-art metal fabrication program and training in construction and other trades. Local companies looking for specific trade skills are expected to direct the curriculum to build a compatible workforce. The hope is to support and expand the local economy through skilled workers.

After multiple unfair labor practice violations, Mid-Columbia Center for Living (MCCFL) has reached an agreement with Oregon AFSCME and the workers at MCCFL who are in the midst of bargaining their first contract after their union was certified in July.

Michael Knopf, MCPO, US Navy, Retired led a prayer and shout out to all branches of the Military today, Nov. 11 at Veterans Memorial at Sorosis Park in The Dalles. During the Veterans Day event, one member of the Patriot Guard Riders fainted and an ambulance and fire engine arrived to assist.

Larry Fairclo of The Dalles has spent years putting together the pieces of his father’s Army career. The journey brought him a newfound respect for those that have served. He also uncovered that his dad, Bud Fairclo, was a quiet hero, much more likely to talk about horses than his experiences in war.

Tow company puts driver on administrative leave after refusing service to a Biden supporter near Goldendale. The company says it will double its investment into inclusion and diversity training.

On Monday, Nov. 9, a video went viral on Twitter showing an individual being refused service based on their political views. A tow truck driver with Rivers Edge contacted through AAA refused towing service to a patron near Dallesport after showing up on the scene and viewing a sticker in support of Joe Biden on the back of their car.

Likely the most recognizable building in The Dalles, Old St. Peter’s Landmark got a sprucing up on Monday, Nov. 9 with the help of The Dalles High School Honor Society. Maybe this inspires you to a bit of your own yard work. There is no better time. Residential customers can dump yard debris at The Dalles Disposal transfer station during November at no cost. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday Through Friday.

On Oct. 15 Portland General Electric (PGE) permanently shut down Oregon's last coal-fired power plant located in Boardman. The plant was built in 1980 and ever since has caused alarm for environmentalists and gained the attention of regional media due to it being one of the largest single sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the state.

Several groups are set to gather on Veterans Day to pay respects to Veterans and Active Duty men. They are asking locals to observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m. in respect to those that have and do serve. They will host a brief gathering at Kelly View Point Memorial across from Sorosis Park at 11:30 a.m. Masks are required and Physical Distancing is requested.