Local hospitals are being inundated with as many as 85 calls an hour. So instead of calling your doctor to see if you’re eligible, visit Washington’s handy Find Your Phase website: https://form.findyourphasewa.org/210118771253954.

The North Wasco County School Board delayed making a decision on hiring a permanent superintendent for the district tonight, Friday, Jan. 22.

Sadly, we are reporting a 23rd person has died in Wasco County from COVID-19. Educators and those 65 and older become eligible for the vaccine in the coming days and weeks.

Karl Vercouteren gives us the lowdown on the Original Courthouse Regional History Forum for February 2021. Looks to be interesting. What happened along the Vote for Women Trail? Did Sir Francis Drake really land in Oregon? Who is George Vause, and do you know your local electrical history? Find out in this series of ZOOM forums.

Skiffs of snow laid bare the travel of a few intrepid souls on Skyline Road in The Dalles on Thursday Morning, Jan. 21. Heavy fog and a few flakes gave the ridge an eerie appeal. Similar flakes could make their way down the hill some on Sunday this weekend as forecasters are calling for temps in the 20s combined with precipitation in The Dalles.

To better educate and serve students, The North Wasco Education Foundation is looking to increase its numbers through the recruitment of a more diverse group of volunteers. Hispanics, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and other groups, as well as families whose resources are challenged, should have a seat at the table.

A free COVID-19 testing event is now underway this morning, Thursday, Jan. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Northern Wasco County Aquatic Center parking lot at 602 W. 2nd St. in The Dalles.

Columbia Basin Care is pleased to introduce Jasen Tennison as Executive Director, overseeing a staff of 100 employees and ensuring quality care for over 60 senior citizen residents. Located in The Dalles, Oregon, Columbia Basin Care is the region's only independent, nonprofit care facility for short-stay recovery and long-term care.

“I like the square snowman,” said Courtney Lehman of Kainos Coffee in Downtown The Dalles. “Is that Cubism?” You bet it is, Courtney. And there is Impressionism, Pointillism, even a splash of Jackson Pollock. It’s all part of an art contest held at Dry Hollow Elementary this month. Check it out at Kainos Coffee.

The Dalles Police Officer Jeff Keinlen has been put on administrative leave while The Wasco County District Attorney’s Office conducts an investigation into the officer’s credibility and truthfulness as a witness.

A free COVID-19 testing event is taking place this Thursday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Northern Wasco County Aquatic Center parking lot, at 602 W. 2nd St. in The Dalles. Click here to make an appointment.

The move allows federal agencies to shift management of wolves to state agencies across Columbia River Basin.

Behind the MIG welder and grinder, Stefanie Wilkinson was working her magic on a 1972 El Camino at Jack’s Body Shop on Second Street in The Dalles. Shon Wilkinson, 45, his daughter, Stefanie, 26, and Job Brown, 22, work as a team on auto body projects at the shop on East Second Street. Being a woman in Auto Body? No problem. Dealing with rust. Well, that's another topic, entirely.

Sunshine and free time tumbled together into an incredible day of outside fun today, Jan. 18. Both Riverside Trail and The Dalles Skatepark were bubbling with activity as temperatures in the mid-40s felt a lot warmer with the heat of the sun. Riders of scooters, recumbents, bicycles and runners, walkers and their dogs, and even picnickers could not resist this, the Greatest January Day Ever.

Tyler O’Brien welds on the push knee of the Lori B tugboat at Bernert Barge Lines in the Port of The Dalles this morning, Jan. 18, Martin Luther Kind Day.

The severe wind gusts early Wednesday morning, January 13, caused damage to the Fort Dalles Museum. A massive section of one of the historic pine trees broke during the wind and caused some damage to the roof and southwest corner of the Surgeon’s Quarters.

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate MLK Day in Oregon? Oregon State University's 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on January 18th, 2021 will kick off a week of events focused on helping the Oregon State community learn about and reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. King and collaboratively envision ways to carry his work forward.

Do we want a world of more people with less opportunity, peace, good health and prosperity or fewer people with more of each? The documentary, 8 BILLION ANGELS dives into the topic. An interactive community movie screening & discussion with filmmaker Terry Spahr on January 26 at 5 p.m. will follow. Learn more about it here.

A new CD of music from Gorge musicians Richard & Tova Tillinghast emerges from the tumultuous year of 2020. The overall vibe of “Random Perfect Plan” is strictly acoustic and most tunes harken back to the earthy, roots-folk style found on previous albums like 2008’s “Sweet by and By” and “The Door is Open,” from 2014.

BREAKING NEWS: An RV fire at Columbia Hills RV Park in Dallesport, Washington occurred at around 10:30 on the morning of January 14th, 2021.