One of the country’s longest-tenured and most iconic open water swimming events – the Columbia River Cross Channel Swim – proudly returns to mark its 80th year on Monday, Sept. 2, rekindling the Labor Day tradition along the picturesque banks of the Columbia River.

Buddy's Arcade, a vibrant community hub that has been open for less than a year, is celebrating remarkable success in supporting student art and giving back to the community. Buddy's Arcade has recently undertaken a fundraising initiative to provide much-needed art supplies for the local Cascade Locks Elementary School.

As the Bridge of the Gods reaches its 98th year in service connecting the Oregon community of Cascade Locks with Stevenson and North Bonneville in Washington, the Port of Cascade Locks is thinking about its future. Despite its age, the bridge is in good working order and not in need of a full replacement like the Hood River Bridge and the I-5 Interstate Bridge. However, as with any aging piece of infrastructure, the bridge would benefit from a few key upgrades to improve safety and resilience and extend its usable life.

In a collaborative effort, the Hood River County Sheriff's Office, along with several other law enforcement agencies, conducted a sting operation to lure child predators in Cascade Locks on October 21, 2023, leading to the apprehension of two suspects.

It’s time to light that fuse.

Patriotism is blowing up all over the Gorge as the towns of the Mid-Columbia are riding the Fourth of July Rocket into a deluge of parades, runs, food, music and good times with our neighbors. The Dalles, Hood River, Goldendale, Cascade Locks, White Salmon, Stevenson, and Skamania County are all offering a charcuterie tray of fun peppered with gunpowder.

However, representatives from Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), which provides power to the City of Cascade Locks, have now confirmed to Columbia Insight that BPA does plan to charge the city a higher rate for its electricity due in part to the new data center’s power usage. According to a recent City of Cascade Locks memo obtained by Columbia Insight, these new increased rates are expected to cost the city an additional $570,000 a year.

Kids participating in SMART Reading programs have the opportunity to read each book and cast their vote in person. This year, for the first time ever, SMART is opening up the contest to all children in Oregon. Kids can read the selected titles and cast their votes at https://bit.ly/BookAward2023 until midnight on Sunday, Feb. 26. 

Columnist Jim Drake discovers some super free powers through our local libraries. He also takes a deep dive into local entertainment at venues around the Gorge. Come on and take the ride - Drake is punching your card for free.

We got you covered for all things red, white and blue and rock-n-roll too this weekend. Check out this schedule of fireworks displays and other events for Fourth of July weekend here in The Dalles, Hood River, Goldendale, Stevenson, White Salmon and Cascade Locks. Photo of past Fort Dalles Fourth Fireworks display in The Dalles courtesy Macnab Photography.

Thousands flocked to Cascade Locks this weekend, Aug. 20-22, as the annual PCT Days kicked into high gear after a hiatus during COVID. Above - “Wild” - that’s his trail name- ran the obstacle course at the Merrell booth. He knocked it off in 20 seconds while the camera person was also blown over. See black shoes.

Just over thirteen months since the global pandemic brought an end to live performances, the Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association is poised to present its first new theatrical performance, Tom Jones’ and Harvey Schmidt’s beloved romantic comedy The Fantasticks.