Happy International Forest Day from Columbia Community Connection News! We are proud to announce that we have planted 100 trees in celebration of International Forest Day this March 21st, 2023! The trees have been purchased through a donation to OneTreePlanted.org who will soon plant the trees in a deforested area of Oregon where they will play a crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of the planet.

If you’ve driven through downtown The Dalles since February 1st, you may have noticed a new business has arrived in the downtown: Columbia Gorge LipoMelt. Columbia Gorge LipoMelt is a facility that is bringing access to cutting-edge weight loss, body contouring, pain relief, wrinkle reduction, and skin treatment services to the gorge.

The Northwest Muralfest’s final mural was installed at 408 w 4th St The Dalles 4th St in The Dalles ,today, March 21st. To celebrate the the completion of the project, The Northwest MuralFest has announced the premiere of the The Dalles MuralFest Walldogs Movie that was made to document the event.

The neighborhood of Cherry Heights, just outside The Dalles, was shaken by the discovery of a suspicious death on March 18, 2023. According to a press release from the Wasco County Sheriff's Office, the investigation into the death is ongoing and further information will be released as appropriate. Amanda Harman has been identified as the victim.

The City of The Dalles Public Works Department has announced that it will begin the first phase of a storm water catch basin project on E. 4th Street and Union Street on March 20, 2023. The project's first construction area will be on E. 4th Street between Union and Court Streets, and the work is expected to be completed on March 22, 2023.

Discussion Continues: Teachers, staff and union representatives asked for help from school board members in dealing with students with behavioral issues at The Dalles public schools. Educators have seen an uptick in behavioral problems that started at the beginning of the school year and have continued into March with little change, according to school staff at the meeting. 

As one long-term community supporter noted, “I went to summer art camp at The Center and have many fond memories. I keep thinking that if 2% of the population in The Dalles committed $10 a month - we can keep this place alive for our kids and grandchildren.”

A free, 2-day walk-in vaccine clinic is scheduled this Friday and Saturday, March 17 and 18, from 11 a.m. to 6  p.m. each day, at 523 E. 3rd St., The Dalles. 

The first annual Kilt Crawl in downtown TD on St. Paddy’s Day be callin’ out like a wee lamb chased by a fox. You got to save it, laddies. Don’t be afraid. Chase after it ‘til the wind leaves your chest heaving like a donkey on a hillside.

Fort Dalles Museum’s seasonal opening is coming with some interesting new details as the local archive of all things The Dalles has several new exhibits including a curation of an opium pipe, needle and spoon found in a tunnel entrance south of The Dalles Mercantile.

During their March 15th, 2023 meeting, Wasco County Commissioners heard public testimony from the Wasco County Public Library board concerning alleged IGA violations by the City of The Dalles, declared a state of drought emergency, and discussed the State denying the county’s declaration of a state of emergency concerning homelessness.

Wasco County District Attorney Matthew Ellis has released his mid-term report to the public. The report details the DA Office’s challenges and accomplishments over the past two years including staffing, case trends, supporting the creation of speciality treatment and mental health courts, updating policy, resentencing old cases to be consistent with current laws, and more.

Eli Howard hits the Bargeway on Wednesday, March 15 at 7 p.m. Howard was at The Dalles Art Center last May with his full ensemble, Eli Howard & the Greater Good. Good show! And there is much more on tap in this week’s edition of all things entertainment in the Gorge. St. Patrick’s day be bringing some fine acts and chances to swing your lover to and fro, even some kilts to keep your pint chasing comfortable.

Seventh-Graders at The Dalles Middle School took in some local history today, March 14 as local docents expounded on the history of people featured in the new murals painted in the downtown corridor.

On Monday, March 13, The Dalles Art Center sent out an email letting members know that if $3,500 cannot be raised by March 31, the Board plans on moving ahead with “the painful responsibility of closing The Dalles Art Center by April 15th. This is a public appeal to all residents and businesses to help us avoid such a devastating loss to the community.”

Second Saturday piggybacks on The Dalles Little League Field Clean up on Saturday, March 11. Sunny weather and a good crowd made quick work of major clean up as Columbia Gorge Toyota and Honda and The Dalles Beautification Committee pitched in with some 20-plus volunteers.

The Dalles-Wasco County Library hosted a hobbit-approved breakfast event on Saturday, March 11th, in celebration of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novel, The Hobbit. The event, titled "Second Breakfast", was a part of the library's two-month long celebration of the book, and brought together families, friends, and individuals from the community to enjoy a morning of fun and food.

The White Salmon Arts Council is teaming up with Margie’s Outdoor Store to provide exposure and more than $1,000 in prize money to area artists for celebrating the local legend of the Klickitat Ape Cat, a mysterious and very large black panther-like creature that has been reported prowling the forests and canyons of the Columbia River Gorge for decades.

Learn about upcoming events, ways to celebrate Women’s History Month and discover the incredible stories of women who made history in the Mid-Columbia region. From the fierce warrior Colestah to the trailblazing politician Shemia Fagan, these women have left a lasting impact on our community.