Oregon State Police were jammed on Thursday, Feb. 13 as snowy and icy conditions sent them on a run of 13 motor vehicle accidents including a double car fire and two wrecks where people had to be cut out of their vehicles. 

This gravestone above lies behind the Columbia Gorge Community College sign on the Scenic Drive curve at the college's entrance in The Dalles.  It lies outside the upper boundary of Pioneer Cemetery.

But why?

Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) is proud to announce that Emilie Sanchez-Lopez, Equitable Funding Support Navigator, has been honored with the prestigious Rising Star Award at the 2025 Student Success and Retention Conference in Portland.

Local kids and parents took advantage of the sweet pow at Dry Hollow Elementary today as D21 called a snow day on the edge of a four -day weekend. Can you say, That’s Snow Cool!

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.

A Hood River man was killed when his Subaru Forester left the road and hit a rock wall on Highway 35 in the Mount Hood National Forest near Cooper Spur Road on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 5:23 p.m., according to Oregon State Police.

In a long-anticipated move, Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) will start phase one of a remodel plan for its main office at 115 W Steuben Street in Bingen. The project targets creating a better footprint for the many programs under its umbrella, opening up some needed office and conference spaces to improve client services. 

...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.

Do you want to go with me? Circle one: Yes or No? It’s the love notes of entertainment tapping your love strings like an Eddie Van Halen Solo. Bargeway is bringing the honeydrip with a Valentine Date Night. This Giggin’ Guide is oozing with amor as local venues are waiting to love you to death.

The City of The Dalles is excited to invite students to participate in the annual “If I Were Mayor” contest, an incredible opportunity for young voices to be heard and make an impact in their community. This contest encourages students to showcase their ideas on leadership, local government, and how they would improve the City for future generations.

Downtown The Dalles was buzzing with energy Friday night as chocolate lovers indulged in the annual Chocolate Crawl, the first First Friday event of the year hosted by The Dalles Main Street. 

Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC), the region’s leading homeless services provider, announced that Leslie Naramore will join the organization as Interim Executive Director. Leslie begins her new role after more than seven years serving as the Executive Director of the MCCAC’s counterpart in Klickitat and Skamania Counties, Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP).

Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) is making waves in the manufacturing world with its Advanced Manufacturing and Fabrication program. On a snowy February Friday, the college took delivery of a cutting-edge Mazak Optiplex 3015 2.5kW CO₂ Laser, further enhancing its ability to support local industries in prototyping and manufacturing.

A Vancouver, Washington, man was arrested early Sunday, Feb. 9th, after allegedly driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 84 while intoxicated, according to the Oregon State Police.

When freezing temperatures occur, individuals experiencing houselessness are at a significantly increased risk of health complications, particularly hypothermia, due to their lack of adequate shelter and clothing, making extreme cold weather a life-threatening situation.

Workers with Valencia General Contracting, LLC of The Dalles were hard at it this morning, Feb. 10 at a beautiful Craftsman Style home in the 500 block of East 8th Street.

Question of the Week: Who Are you Rooting For in the Super Bowl?