Columbia Gorge Community College Foundation recently awarded $200,000 in scholarships. Its annual Scholarship Luncheon was also held to honor the individual, corporate, and institutional donors who support the Foundation’s mission to ensure access to the tools and resources needed by our students to find success in both school and life.

Winter has officially arrived in the Columbia River Gorge! Yesterday, November 30th, marked the first wide spread snowfall of the season, with between 2”-6” of snow being reported gorge wide.

ELFF will be held on just one day this year in The Dalles - Tuesday, Dec. 5 between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Instead of firefighters going from neighborhood to neighborhood, participants are asked to drop off their food items at Fire Station 1 at 1400 W. 8th Street, The Dalles, and enjoy some holiday cheer. 

On Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 23, 2023) Oregon State Police troopers responded to the Love’s Truck Stop in Klamath Falls for the report of a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot. A U-Haul truck had been abandoned in the parking lot for approximately two days. When the troopers arrived, they could hear barking from the back of the enclosed truck. 

One step at a time is how Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) is ensuring a deliberate and thorough approach to its dedicated Equity and Inclusion program. Sasha Bentley is leading the charge as the new Equity and Inclusion director. She is working from the inside out, starting with bringing people together in an equitable and safe work environment.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Kia Sorrento, operated by Samuel Burgus (33) of Umatilla, was slowed in traffic due to a detour related to another crash.  As the Kia slowed and prepared to merge into the slow lane, a Dodge Ram 1500, operated by Miron Kosovan (23) of Kennewick (WA), failed to slow for traffic and struck the rear end of the Kia in the fast lane.

The Bistro at Domaine Pouillon Winery takes in the stunning confluence of the Klickitat and Columbia rivers, bringing a beautiful flow of nature’s wonder with a stimulating selection of wines to enhance the experience. Don’t forget the sharp cheddar, grainy mustard and pickled green beans.

Bargeway Pub & Catering is dedicating Waterfront Wednesday, tonight, Nov. 29, to a toy drive and to the wonderful lyrics and fretwork of Eli Howard. The no-cover show begins at 6 p.m. People are encouraged to bring a new toy to ensure that local boys and girls get a visit from Saint Nick. That’s just the tip of the iceberg in this week’s most inclusive entertainment guide. Check it out here.

As the winter months quickly approach, Insitu, Washington Gorge Action Programs, and The Next Door Inc. are teaming up to host a coat drive for local area youth and we need our community’s help! Now through February, you can donate new or like-new outerwear ranging in all sizes from toddlers to teens, with an urgent need for coats and boots for older kids from 12-18 years of age. 

Santa is at the top of the list for Family Holiday Night on Saturday, December 16, 2023, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Goldendale Grange Hall. The free event is open to all and will include ornament and cookie decorating and making a marshmallow snowman.

The Dalles Worship Choir is in its 19th season of Christmas concerts.  Founded and under the direction of Shawn Lutz (local private music instructor) in 2004.  This ecumenical choir has approximately 44 members this season from six different churches.

Contractors at the new Google data center site were busy this afternoon, Nov. 28. The walls for the first of two data centers were erected for the first 288,000-square-foot facility months ago. Google’s contractor Whiting-Turner has now submitted a second request to site and construct the second data center at 290,000 square feet to the City of The Dalles planning department.

John Adams at the Habitat for Humanity build at 13th Street and Kelly Avenue in The Dalles. The former School Teacher has 18 houses under his belt through volunteer work and 22 gallons of donated blood from his arm. Who said there is no Superman? Read more about this hidden hero.

The Dalles Chamber, in collaboration with Columbia Gorge Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Blossomly Cultura, is thrilled to announce a special listening session titled "Turning Dreams into Goals," specifically aimed at supporting Latino-based businesses, both new and established. This event is scheduled for December 6th, 2023, at 6 PM, taking place at the Gorge Wine Library.

While officials are still figuring out the cause of death for Shana Marie Henry, 45, of The Dalles, her passing on a 23-degree night next to the railroad tracks in TD has spurred volunteers into action in providing a warming shelter for the chronically houseless.

The winning brews for Everybodys were its Co-Pilot Pilsner, earning gold in the category of American Style Pilsners, and Everybodys season Mexican Lager, earning bronze in the category of Australasian/Latin America/ Tropical Style Light Lagers.

The City of The Dalles Police Department has completed the transition to a new duty sidearm. TDPD is committed to keeping our police equipment modern, well cared for and ready to perform when it is needed. The Department recently planned for a lifecycle replacement of all of our duty sidearms, which included an upgrade to the sighting systems.

Sense of Place, will feature Mountaintop to Backyard: The Beauty of the Gorge’s Native Plants on December, 13th, 2023. This event will be offered in person at the Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River, Oregon, and via livestream. 

The Starlight Parade illuminated the streets of our charming town last night, ushering in the holiday spirit with a dazzling display of Christmas floats. The community came together to celebrate the festive season, and the parade was a radiant testament to the creativity and enthusiasm of local participants.

Klickitat County authorities are charging 58-year-old Larry Duane Kleven with three counts of Second-Degree Murder in the Box Canyon road double homicide case, following his initial arrest and subsequent release on bail.