The Great Gorge Melt is here! March is all about cheesy, melty goodness, and you can be part of it while making a real impact in the fight against hunger. Visit any of these participating restaurants, order their featured grilled cheese or quesadilla, and $2 from every purchase goes directly to Columbia Gorge Food Bank.

United Way of the Columbia Gorge supports local nonprofits through grant funding, and in the 2024-2025 funding cycle, we awarded $309,500 to 30 organizations that are making a real impact in our community. Nonprofits have until Feb. 28 to apply. Find out how here.

The proposal submitted by Urban Patterns in partnership with Freebridge Brewing includes a restaurant, brewpub, brewery, small retail space, and workshops where people can learn about brewing beer and other fermented drinks. 

Northern Wasco County PUD (NWCPUD) has  announced the launch of its 2025 Board of Directors' Scholarship Program, offering three $10,000 scholarships to support local students pursuing careers in the utility industry.

Rising grocery prices stressing you out? Want to stretch your food budget by growing, eating and storing some food that you grew yourself? Interested in gardening and want to grow plants, be outside and get some physical activity, too? Need tips and budget-friendly ways to have a vegetable garden in the space that is available to you?

“When the employees are treated well and they feel like they're supported and cared for by their employer, that just rolls downhill and forward to the people that we care for,” said Davina Craig, a nurse at Providence Hood River Hospital. “We come back better and stronger to deliver the best possible care at the most local level.” 

The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development has announced the 2025 Native American 40 Under 40 honorees, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated leadership, initiative, and dedication to their communities.

The Dalles Civic Auditorium Children’s Theatre presents “Aladdin Jr.” March 1 & 8 at 7 p.m. and March 2 & 9 at 2 p.m. Aladdin JR. brings to life the beloved 1992 Disney film and the 2014 Broadway adaptation. It showcases over 30 talented students ages 8-13, from Oregon and Washington in an epic stage production that will surely leave spectators mesmerized.

Oregon State Police responded to two separate incidents on Interstate 84 in the past two days, both involving reckless driving that resulted in crashes and arrests.

In the heart of Wasco County, a remarkable partnership between the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and local ranchers is transforming the aftermath of devastating wildfires into an inspiring story of resilience, collaboration, and innovation. Together, they are spearheading a cutting-edge drone-based reseeding effort aimed at restoring critical habitats and enhancing the landscape for wildlife and agriculture alike.

On Presidents’ Day, as the country reflected on its leadership, around 150 people gathered in downtown Hood River to do more than reflect—they came to resist. Standing outside the water fountain on State Street, the crowd was loud but peaceful, determined yet welcoming, a powerful contrast to the unease that has settled into the national conversation.

Yesterday, Feb. 14, a Blue Toyota Prius eluded the Oregon State Police in The Dalles. The vehicle fled east on I-84. At about 1530 hours, the Sherman County Sheriff’s Office located the vehicle in Biggs Junction.

Oregon State Police responded to eight different wrecks on Interstate 84 near Multnomah Falls this morning Feb. 13 at about 10:45 a.m. Portland News Media were espousing claims of 100 vehicles involved. OSP has yet to confirm the total numbers. Westbound lanes were still shut from Hood River to Troutdale at 4:25 p.m. this afternoon.

We take it outdoors in the wilds of downtown retail in The Dalles this week with Skookum Outfitter’s Allison Turner as we get the lowdown on upcoming events from TD Main Street’s Cynthia Kortge and a debrief on that delicious Chocolate Crawl and a quick kibosh on the rumor that Rite Aid is closing.

Joann Fabrics is closing 500 stores nationwide as part of its latest bankruptcy filing. The loss is hitting hard in The Dalles, where Joann was the go-to place for fabric, patterns, and craft supplies.

Four Rivers Early Learning Hub, in partnership with Books for Kids Columbia Gorge, proudly announces the allocation of $7000 in early literacy grant funding to local programs serving young children.

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Wind chills of 5-20F.
* WHERE...Western and Central Columbia River Gorge, the Corbett area and the Hood River Valley.
* WHEN...Until noon PST Friday Feb 14th 2025.

Cypress Creek Renewables (Cypress Creek) is pleased to announce the continuation of its Energizing Tomorrow’s Leaders scholarship program. After awarding $81,000 in scholarships across 21 counties in 2024, the program is being offered to high school seniors in 26 counties this year, including in Klickitat County, Washington.

The Dalles Main Street is excited to announce the first First Friday of the new year, our annual Chocolate Crawl, set to take place Friday, February 7th from 4-7 pm in historic downtown The Dalles. This event is full of sweet treats for all of the special people in your lives as a variety of shops offer extended hours, discount deals, and delicious food and beverages just in time for Valentine’s Day. This year the Chocolate Crawl will feature all of your favorite locations!