A bunch of energetic Colonel Wright Elementary students - 20 to be exact - were caroling throughout the community last week in The Dalles. It was a cool 10-show, city-wide tour as they performed for different groups, ranging from retirement homes to service groups to public locations. Another public performance is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 15.

Five years ago as I packed my belongings to move from a large house into a small apartment, I counted over one hundred nativity sets. Good grief. My movers were undocumented refugees from El Salvador and belonged to a local Christian church. When I asked how many families were in their congregation the men shrugged their shoulders but their wives knew. I quickly was able to unload thirty sets. They were delighted, and I was happy too.

The Steltzer family recently purchased the former Chronicle building at 315 Federal Street with the intent of renovating the building for a natural food grocery and deli as well as creating space for six other like-minded businesses. The project will transform the building which has been shuttered since the summer of 2018. They hope to be open in late spring or early summer of 2023.

Kathryn, answers local questions about the holidays in her new advice column.

As we write to wish you and yours a very happy holiday season, we find ourselves pondering the current and future existence of Local News here, and across the region

In a surprise announcement this week, WAGAP learned that effective immediately, Second Harvest is discontinuing service to food assistance programs across rural communities in Washington.

Portland musician Kathryn Claire's performance of “Winter Songs” set for tonight, Friday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. at The Dalles UCC Church in The Dalles has been postponed to a date uncertain.

North Wasco County Schools will be closed today, Friday, 12/9/22, due to inclement winter weather.

Hood River, OR - In November, Lake Taco, an authentic family Mexican restaurant run by Maria and Enrique Ortega, was in danger of closing down forever. Now, thanks to donations from the community, Lake Taco now is in the process of moving into a new location in downtown Hood River.

The National Weather service has issued a winter storm warning for the central and western Columbia River Gorge from 7:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on December 8th. The storm warning does not extend into the Eastern Gorge, as only a half inch of snow is forecasted to fall in The Dalles, OR today. 

Two outstanding youth vocalists, Emma Ortega, and Wren Greeley-Havard from the Columbia River Gorge have been selected to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City as a part of the 2023 Carnegie Hall Honors Performance Series. The young women are currently raising money on GoFundMe to cover the costs of this once in a lifetime opportunity.

A community member who is experiencing houselessness has been hospitalized due severe hypothermia from prolonged exposure to the winter weather. City of The Dalles Police, community members, local health services, the Department of Human Services, and Mid-Columbia Community Action Council responded to the incident in a timely manner resulting in the administering of lifesaving care and securing shelter for the individual.

Mary and Dennis Davis have greeted a lot of people in their service with The Dalles Floozies and Friends. And this year was no different as some 150 boats brought thousands of tourists to the community. Estimates put the total drop in our community around $700,000. But Dennis and Mary’s commitment to teasing tourists? Priceless!

We’re coming into a manic weekend as the days count down to Christmas. And the presents are already dropping as art, music and entertainment are piling up like packages at the post office. This weekend brings us Brewer’s Grade, Anna Veimeister and Aaron Myer to name just a few. Check our latest here and stuff your stocking with some good times.

“Our team has been up early assessing the weather and road conditions and have made the decision to move to a full closure today. We appreciate your support and understanding, stay safe out there!” said a D21 spokesperson.

Oregon Tradeswomen is now enrolling for our Laborer-focused pre-apprenticeship training for women and transgender individuals in The Dalles on Jan. 24th. The introductory class provides insight into the trades and students can elect to enroll in a 5-week course that could lead to an apprenticeship and good money.

Dec. 5 at 1:50 p.m. - The Dalles bridge on U.S. 197 is now open following a delay that extended the regularly scheduled weekend closure.

North Wasco County Schools will be operating on a 2-hour delay, Monday, December 5th.

Rachel Carter with Columbia Gorge Motors reports that 220 participants showed up for the Second Annual Turkey Trot 5k Run/Walk Family Fun Run. Not so simple. The run started at 8 a.m. But here’s the gravy. The Trot brought $8,760, Rachel Carter said today, Dec. 2.

Cascade Singers to spread the music with six concerts in TD