Local Venues keep it rollin’ this February as spring looks to descend like a mountain lion from a tree to devour the musical heart of our fleeing winter. Get yourself to the table and and sink your teeth into our local art and music scene before it thaws like an ice dream of musical notes stacked like columnar basalt that fall and roll into a hill of un-hikeable scree….ch.

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.

Local motel owner and business partners purchase the cinema and accompanying 4.32 acres in West The Dalles and are looking for an entrepreneur with unique ideas to move the property forward.

Co-owners Chuck and Debra Gomez have restored the art deco theater into a performing arts venue.  A band appearing on the evening of Feb. 22 necessitated the earlier starting time for the history program.

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.

Annual closure of locks set for Lower Columbia River Dams in mid-March. Massive dams are modern marvel for commodity distribution via barges but also draw ire from Tribes and conservation groups frustrated by low Salmon and Steelhead returns.

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 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.