Mt. Adams Institute is excited to announce the line-up for the popular Sense of Place Lecture Series. Now in its 11th season, the series will feature virtual lectures rather than in-person events as a way to mitigate risks associated with Covid-19. Sense of Place features presenters with a unique knowledge of the Columbia River Gorge and who consider the natural, cultural, and political history that has shaped this place. The presenters can include scientists, tribal members, authors, farmers, and many others from throughout the Pacific Northwest

Dreaming of epic pow turns? Well, it's that time of year to pull your skis and boards out of the closet. The resorts on Mount Hood have been working to create a fun and safe season ahead for guests and staff alike. Be prepared for what’s to come this year before driving up to your favorite ski resort.

The Sunshine Mill Winery will be hosting film festivals and 3 nights of Halloween themed movies for the month of October. They have converted their gavel lot into a drive-in movie theater equipped with a gigantic viewing screen. The drive up movies at the mill can host around 40 cars, tickets run about $30 a car for each day or each night session of the film festivals and $20 a car for the Halloween movie nights. Add on Snack packages are available for the Halloween movies, costing $10 which includes a soda, popcorn, candy, and a hotdog.

Sponsored by David Rogers at Seal Kote Plus Inc. - Rowena wildlife clinic has been dedicated to helping injured animals for 20 years. Nestled in Rowena, OR, this non-profit clinic is ready to assist and help native animals of the Columbia River Gorge. Injured animals brought to Rowena are gracefully cared for and released back into their natural habitat after being cared for.

Haunted history, macabre accounts, and funny anecdotes of Downtown The Dalles will be on-demand during the 2nd Annual The Dalles Main Street’s Ghost Walk. Starting October 9th through Halloween, The Dalles Main Street invites walkers to take a self-guided tour of Downtown The Dalles. Tour-goers will use a map provided at check out to find locations with posters, use their smart device to scan the posted QR code, and be instantly taken to a short video story of the location’s haunts or hilarious history.

Words from Drew Myron, marketing director of Columbia Basin Care in The Dalles

THE DALLES — Laura Ashbrenner, a fashion illustrator and Oregon artist, turns 106 on October 3, 2020. What's her secret to a good long life? "Stay ornery," she says with a sly smile.

The City of The Dalles is showcasing The Walldogs teaser mural, which is currently being crafted on 103 E. 3rd St. It’s on the wall facing the parking lot and City Hall. The mural is intended to get the community members excited for what's to come in September 2021. The city is encouraging onlookers to gather, wearing their masks, watch, and interact with the artists as they work.

The Dalles Main Street has decided to cancel their downtown Halloween trick-or-treat event due to social distancing precautions. If your plan was to take the kiddos to downtown fear no more, there are many other alternatives to supply your children with a fun and safe Halloween celebration! Community members of The Dalles express their dynamics of celebrating Halloween this year.

Recycling has always had its struggles, and China’s “National Sword” policy, enacted in January of 2018, has continued to place more limitations on local recycling facilities. The Dalles Disposal Service Center receives between 2,500 to 3,000 pounds of recyclables a day, so where does it all go? Jim Winterbottom is the district manager of Waste Connections. He takes us over the pitfalls of recycling in our community, and how we can work together to better improve it.

On Monday, the 21st, Bill Byrum was riding his motorcycle when he took an exit going eastbound off I-84 to enter The Dalles. It was his second day riding his new bike, so he was still adjusting to it. Bill lost control and hit a car leaving him severely injured. He was taken by LifeFlight to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland.

It’s that time of year again; the leaves have begun changing colors and the air is getting crisper. Fall is nearing and winter is to follow. Already thinking spring and the sunshine to come? Read on to learn how to best prep your garden for the winter months ahead.

Gorge residents who live or work in Klickitat or Skamania Counties, are encouraged to participate in the 10-minute survey for Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) and then enjoy a free slice of pizza at one of three local restaurants, Beneventi’s Pizza in Bingen, Andrew’s Pizza in Stevenson or Uncle Tony’s Pizza in Goldendale. Surveys are available in English and Spanish online at www.wagap.org or you can pick up a paper copy at one of WAGAP’s Offices in Bingen, Stevenson or Goldendale.

Tuesday, September 22nd is National Voter Registration Day. This day is a reminder for citizens to register to vote, or to check their current voter registration leading up to the November General Election. All Wasco County residents are encouraged to participate by registering or updating their current voter information.

Pine trees make up 80% of the tree species in Sorosis Park. But sadly they soon will all be cut down. The Ips Beetle is to blame for this destruction, quickly taking over the pine trees in the park and killing all of them in a short 3-year span. Columbia Community Connection serving Wasco, Gilliam and Sherman Counties, The Dalles, Dufur, Tygh Valley, Maupin, Goldendale, Wishram, Dallesport, Lyle, White Salmon, Hood River

The Ruins: News Update from facebook and Friends

Dianne Espy informed CCC News that her friend, Steve Curtiss, was the gentleman who carved his initials into the stone foundation. Look for an updated story on Monday once we get the chance to sit down and chat with Steve. Many folks on facebook also had the following interesting facts to add about the ruins.

Overgrown and dilapidated stone buildings sit in the hills of Brewery Grade - they are at the front entrance to The Dalles when taking the Interstate 84 exit near the Sunshine Mill. What were they? Columbia Community Connection serving Wasco, Gilliam and Sherman Counties, The Dalles, Dufur, Tygh Valley, Maupin, Goldendale, Wishram, Dallesport, Lyle, White Salmon, Hood River

On Wednesday the 16th the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $2 million in grants to improve the ecology of the Columbia River Basin. Locally, Columbia Riverkeepers received $91,991 for projects to improve water quality and fish habitat in Hood River and Wasco counties.

Lindsay LeBreton is a long-time resident of The Dalles where she lives with her husband Ryan and is raising her family. But she grew up in the small town of Estacada where her parents, Jon and Debbie Kling still reside. The ongoing heartbreak of the Oregon wildfires has recently made way into her hometown of Estacada. CCC News spoke with Lindsey regarding her family’s struggle to leave behind their home and flee to safety.

A wild Hop plant caught growing alongside Mill Creek. Hops are typically used in beer making, these little nodes are used primarily as a bittering, flavoring, and stability agent. Most of the floral and citrus flavors found in beer are due to hops. Beer making isn’t the only use for these little green puff balls, when steeped as a tea, hops can aid in digestion, due to their anti-inflammatory effects. The oils from hops also make a great agent in soaps, and candles due to their pleasant aromas they give off!