The housing market is on fire nationally. And The Dalles is helping to stoke the flames. Some 296 homes sold during 2020 and the housing market is now close to drying up entirely as listings have dropped to just 24 this month. The lack of supply is pushing prices higher and creating barriers for first-time homebuyers.

Because of this thoughtful and caring community, The Next Door’s year-end fundraising campaign had its most successful year yet.

On Jan. 22 at approximately 7 PM, officers with The Dalles Police Department responded to a report of an armed robbery on West 7th Street. Donald Lewis told police that armed individuals forcibly entered his residence. A struggle ensued and Lewis was forcibly restrained and severely assaulted and sustained significant injuries. Police are requesting information about the incident.

The North Central Public Health District organized and executed a large vaccine event today at the Fort Dalles Readiness Center today, Saturday, Jan. 23. Organizers scheduled 150 people in the morning and 150 people in the afternoon to receive the vaccination.

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.