White Salmon, Wash., Oct. 31, 2025 — This week’s CCS News Podcast features a conversation with three of the leaders behind the new Community Roots Wellness Hub in White Salmon, a collaborative mental health and community-services center that opened earlier this fall.

Rita Pinchot, Kay Alton, and Juan Reyes joined the podcast to discuss how a multi-agency partnership transformed a former Comprehensive Healthcare building into a shared space designed to make accessing help easier for families in Western Klickitat County.

The hub officially launched on Wednesday, Oct. 29, with a family-friendly open house featuring DJ Charlie Kittens, youth activities, and free food. Located at 432 NE Tohomish St., the central White Salmon site brings mental-health therapy, trauma-informed care, youth support, and wrap-around wellness services together under one roof.

Partner agencies include Washington Gorge Action Programs, The Next Door, Inc., Washington Therapists Collective, Education Service District 112, Carelon, and One Community Health. The coalition spent the summer renovating the site, coordinating service plans, and developing a streamlined referral system aimed at eliminating the maze of handoffs that often prevents people from receiving timely help. A grant opportunity from Southwest Washington Accountable Communities of Health allowed the groups to move quickly from concept to launch.

Project manager Paul Lindberg said the layout blends private therapy rooms with flexible workstations, allowing staff to collaborate between appointments and offer warm handoffs to neighboring providers. “It’s just the right person knowing the right information at the right time,” Lindberg said.

Organizers say the space is designed not only for treatment but for connection. A youth area is planned as an after-school hub with social activities, leadership opportunities, prevention programming, and healthy snacks. Jennifer Pauletta described it as “a safe place for youth after school,” noting that the hub’s greatest strength is its ability to place multiple supportive resources within reach in a single, welcoming location.

The open house also gave residents the chance to meet service partners, including state Rep. David Steuben of Washington’s 117th District, and offer feedback on what services are most needed. That input will help guide hours, programming, and how the groups share the space moving forward.

On the podcast, Pinchot, Alton, and Reyes emphasized the hub’s mission: reducing barriers to care, offering community-centered support, and keeping people from having to travel far or retell their story multiple times. The model mirrors a growing regional shift toward co-located services, similar to The Gloria Center in The Dalles, which opened last year as a multi-agency navigation center.

The coalition plans to continue refining schedules, programs, and referral systems as the hub settles into regular operations. The full podcast episode is available now on CCS News.

From Wasco County Planning Division:

By Stephanie Krell

The Dalles, Ore., Dec. 9, 2025 — The Wasco County Planning Division is seeking qualified applicants to fill three (3) upcoming vacancies (primary and alternates) on the Wasco County Planning Commission. These are volunteer positions that play a vital role in shaping the future growth and development of Wasco County. The three vacancies will begin terms in early 2026.

About the Planning Commission

The Wasco County Planning Commission is an advisory body appointed by the Wasco County Board of Commissioners. The Commission is responsible for reviewing land use applications, making recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on comprehensive plan amendments, and considering changes to the County's land use ordinances. Members serve four-year terms and must be residents of Wasco County.

Who Should Apply?

We encourage all interested Wasco County residents to apply, particularly those with a strong

interest in:

• Land Use Planning

• Community Development

• Local Government Processes

• Sustainable Growth

How to Apply

Interested applicants must complete and submit an application for review by the Planning Commission Advisory Committee.

The deadline for completed applications is Monday, January 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

Please submit your application by:

• Mail or In-Person: Wasco County 401 E. 3rd St., Ste. 200 The Dalles, OR 97058 401 E 3rd St., Ste 200 • The Dalles, OR 97058 • www.wascocountyor.gov Pioneering pathways to prosperity.

• Email: christinemc@wascocountyor.gov

The Planning Commission Advisory Committee looks forward to reviewing applications and welcoming new members who are committed to serving the residents of Wasco County.

For questions regarding the application process or the Planning Commission, please contact the Wasco County Planning Division at 541-506-2560 or wcplanning@wascocountyor.gov.

By Tom Peterson

THE DALLES, Ore., Dec. 11, 2025 — The City of The Dalles has been selected as one of T-Mobile’s newest Hometown Grant recipients, securing $49,840 to install shade canopies at Federal Street Plaza and expand its usefulness as a year-round public gathering space.

The project was submitted by the city and chosen from a competitive pool of more than 900 applicants. The shade canopies are considered a key addition in a community that experiences summer heat, providing much-needed relief and making the plaza more usable during peak temperatures.

City officials say the plaza is designed to become a visitor- and resident-friendly anchor for downtown, creating a comfortable, welcoming space that encourages people to stay longer and return more often. Increased foot traffic supports a healthier local economy by driving sales activity throughout the downtown corridor.

“We are absolutely excited about it — we were selected out of 900 applicants and we landed in the top 3 percent to get one of these grants,” said City Economic Development Officer Jacob Anderson. “It shows this project is worth investing in and the city is doing its part. This is the cherry on top. We had not designed shade structures in the project… now we can include it since we got this grant.”

T-Mobile announced 25 new grant recipients nationwide on Thursday. Across Oregon, the company says it has now provided $200,000 to six towns through the Hometown Grants initiative.

From Washington Gorge Action Programs:

By Tamara Kaufman

Bingen, Wash., Dec. 10, 2025 — Nearly 75 percent of children in Washington under age five are cared for by parents, family, friends, and neighbors who may be eligible to apply for subsidies. This is according to the Child Care Aware of Washington website. 

“It is very typical for the people closest to young parents to pitch in and help them bridge childcare, especially when their children are little,” said Johanna Roe, Klickitat County Childcare Committee (KCCC) project coordinator and grant writer. “In fact, the most common care providers for infants and toddlers, and for school-age children before and after school care, are immediate family members like grandparents, aunts and uncles, siblings, friends, and neighbors.”

Roe and KCCC help people navigate systems to help create more childcare options in Klickitat County. So far, the group has supported six people in completing the licensing process to open their own childcare businesses, adding 48 new slots in Klickitat County. 

Another modified option is the Family, Friends, and Neighbor Care program (FFN), which helps parents and providers qualify for subsidies under the Working Connections Child Care program. 

“FFN providers are unlicensed and not regulated by the State,” Roe said, “but the advantage is parents can rely on people they trust to provide safe, stable care for their children. To receive subsidies for this classification of childcare, it’s important to become aware of the eligibility requirements.”

The FFN provider wanting to obtain subsidies has to be registered with the State. Health and safety requirements must be met in accordance with WAC 110-16-0015. State law governs FFN provider responsibilities, including allowing parents access to their children at all times, having a working telephone line available for 911 emergency calls and other inbound and outbound calls, and not caring for more than six children at a time, including the provider’s own children. Providers related by marriage or blood can care for children in either the provider’s home or the child’s home; providers not related must give care in the child’s home. All FFN providers must have an annual technical assistance visit in the home where care is provided.

This type of child care is considered licensed-exempt by the State of Washington. Providers still need to navigate forms and receive some training to qualify for the current $4.50-per-hour subsidy rate. Roe noted that most trainings must be completed within 90 days of the subsidy authorization date. She said that KCCC liaisons are available to help FFN providers connect with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to begin the application process, or an FFN provider can call 1-844-626-8687 directly to reach the customer service center. 

“In rural areas such as ours, the network of FFN providers needs to be recognized as extremely important,” Roe said. “It's also a way to meet the needs of families or single parents who work non-traditional schedules. Often, there are few options, so this is one way parents can navigate childcare. Families who choose this type of care really have to know and trust the caregiver.”

Some other advantages of FFN childcare include acknowledging existing bonds between the children and family members, friends, or neighbors, as well as supporting shared language, culture, and values. Raising a child with special health or behavioral needs may also benefit from FFN caregivers who are already familiar with the child’s care plan.

“This FFN program provides caregivers the opportunity to gain some very basic but essential health and safety training,” Roe said. “I encourage FFN providers to make use of the subsidy programs available to lower the cost of childcare for local families.”

More information about the Family, Friends, and Neighbors (FFN) care program and regulations can be found online at tinyurl.com/FFNReqs, by phone 866-482-4325, option 8, or by email at dcyf.ffn@dcyf.wa.gov.

Learn more about the Klickitat County Childcare Committee at https://www.wagap.org/klickitat- county-childcare-committee. The site includes helpful links and a quick resource guide for someone starting their journey to become a licensed childcare provider. For questions, email kccc@wagap.org. 

#  #  #

Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Community Action Agency that helps individuals, families, and communities. WAGAP addresses basic human needs, including food, shelter, energy assistance, and more, in Skamania and Klickitat Counties. For more than 50 years, WAGAP has helped people help themselves and reach self-sufficiency. Learn more at wagap.org, or contact WAGAP at (509) 493-2662 or info@wagap.org.

The Dalles OR., Dec.10, 2025. On a quiet street in The Dalles, in a pair of century-old houses that now brim with  art supplies, sunshine, and the happy chaos of young children, Playful Learning  has created something unmistakably special. The warmth of the place is  immediate: soft afternoon light, tiny cots arranged for nap time, and the sense of  calm that settles only in spaces where children feel safe.  

Owner Eliza Hernandez built this school from the ground up — literally. What is  now a bright, open preschool classroom was once a detached garage attached  to a 120-year-old home. She first converted it as a space for her daughter. Later,  she reshaped it into something bigger: a child-led early learning program rooted  in curiosity, creativity, and a deep belief in community.  

““I started this school for children to have a nurturing, holistic experience in their  formative years,” she said, describing the school with affection. “It’s super cute. I  love it.” She pointed out how much time children spend outdoors and how, on  sunny days, “they are just begging to go.”  

Inside, the environment is intentionally open. Soft rugs, natural materials, quiet  corners for reading or drawing, and clusters of workspaces welcome children to  explore. The space feels alive — but never overwhelming — shaped by the  rhythm of the children rather than rigid rules.  

Both Playful Learning houses have 16 children. The classrooms sit side by side,  each with its own teacher and identity but joined under the same philosophy.  Eliza talked affectionately about the provider next door, saying, “This is Kendra…  also my best friend, also the best person in the world.” 

The two schools operate like siblings. Throughout the day, children roam  between outdoor spaces and indoor rooms, returning to their own classrooms  until the moment — around 2:30 — when both groups merge for enrichment. “At  like 2:30 our classes combine and then we do enrichment,” Eliza explained.  During those hours, the yard fills with bus drop-offs, after-school energy, and the  larger mixed-age community that makes Playful Learning so unique.  

A School Born From a Childcare Desert 

Eliza’s decision to open Playful Learning was shaped by experience, motherhood, and a clear understanding of what local families were facing.  

We do live in a childcare desert, and Playful Learning has grown and become a 5  star program recognized by the State of Oregon for Quality Recognition and  Improvement System even during challenging times like COVID.  

“We live in a childcare desert,” she said plainly. 

She described how families began enrolling (10 years ago) even before the  renovation was finished. “People came even when the walls weren’t done,” she  said. The need was that strong, and the trust in her vision was that immediate.  

When she opened the second classroom next door, she followed the same  guiding thought: If I build it, they’ll come. And they did. 

A Child-Led, Reggio-Inspired Approach  

Much of Playful Learning’s calm and stability comes from the school’s Reggio inspired philosophy — something Eliza described with clarity and conviction.  Rather than following a predetermined curriculum, teachers observe children  closely and build learning experiences from what they see emerging.  

Her description was simple but deeply felt: “It’s not like a strict curriculum… we  learn with the children… listening… creating the curriculum based on their  information and their knowledge.”  

Projects often stretch across months. A construction unit brought families  together with real tools. A music performance included both houses. Some  explorations, she said, may even take a year to fully unfold.  

“Hands-on,” she summarized, describing children in the sandbox with work  clothes, exploring, testing ideas, and learning from each other.  

This long-term, relationship-based approach means children don’t just arrive  each day — they belong. After years in the program, many take on leadership  roles naturally, becoming guides for new students and helping shape the culture  for the next group of preschoolers.  

“We’re learning sign language and Spanish,” Eliza noted, sharing how language  learning threads gently into daily life. 

Where Community Is the Curriculum 

More than anything, Playful Learning is a community. Eliza emphasized this  through the story of her own children: the friendships built at Playful Learning  have lasted into their teen years.  

She tells parents the same thing: at Playful Learning, the power is not just in the  teachers — it’s in the group. “You’re really not buying me as a teacher or  Kendra,” she said, “you’re really buying the community,” explaining that children  “learn from peers way more than they learn from me.”  

Families often ask her when to enroll — Is it too early? Should they wait? Should  they stay home?  

Eliza answers with something simple and tender: “Babies don’t keep.”  

She encourages parents to cherish time at home while also recognizing that a  quality preschool environment gives children something home cannot always  replicate — practice engaging with the wide world, both the good and the  challenging parts.  

A Place Where Children Feel Safe, Seen, and  Understood 

The magic of Playful Learning is not flashy. It’s quiet. It’s steady. It’s in the way  children drift confidently from one area to the next, in the gentle transitions, in the  way older children place a reassuring hand on a younger one’s shoulder.  

Eliza described this year’s group of preschoolers as her “golden year,” saying,  “Most kids I’ve had for three years, they’re like family to each other, there’s  unspoken language of love throughout our classroom and seen throughout the  day.”

And in these two neighboring houses, filled with light, creativity, and the smell of  fresh outdoor air drifting in through open doors, you can feel the environment she  envisioned when she first began: child-led, play-rich, grounded in relationships,  and as warm and steady as the sun that keeps the children asking, every day, to  go outside. 

Playful Learning is also one of the Preschool Promise sites in the Four Rivers’ region. Preschool Promise is free, full-day preschool for eligible families that’s paid by a grant through the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care . Not sure if you qualify? Maybe your income is close to the limit, or you're just not certain. Please reach out to Erica at Four Rivers Early Learning and Parenting Hub and she can review your situation with you. Many families are surprised to learn they qualify! Call/text 541-965-8319 or visit the Preschool Connection page: https://fourriversfamily.org/preschool-connection.

GOLDENDALE, Wash., Dec. 9, 2025 — Quick coordination between the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office, UPS and staff at S and S Auto Value helped recover $11,000 that an 84-year-old resident had allegedly been coerced into sending to scammers in California.

Deputy Tim Neher received the report on Dec. 2 after the individual realized they had been targeted by a computer virus scam and contacted law enforcement. Scammers reportedly convinced the person to mail cash through UPS to a vacant rental home often used in similar schemes.

Neher followed the shipping trail to S and S Auto Value in Goldendale, the originating UPS shipper. Employee Andy Halm was preparing to close the store around 5:45 p.m. when Neher walked in. “I told him, ‘Open as long as you need me,’” Halm said, noting that store manager Corey Stiff also stayed to assist.

Halm said they immediately began trying to reverse the shipment. “Tim came in and asked about UPS. We looked at the UPS webpage and tried to change the address, and it didn’t work,” Halm said. “We gave the code to UPS and called them and waited 15 to 20 minutes, then got transferred for another half hour, and were able to get the package sent back.”

Halm, who previously worked in banking, said scam recoveries almost never happen. “It’s crazy — people just lose their money. This never happens,” he said. “Pretty awesome deal we got it turned around.”

He noted that the outcome hinged on timing. “The package was sent ground. If it had been overnighted, we would not have been able to stop it,” he said.

The package arrived back in Goldendale on Dec. 3 and the full $11,000 was recovered and returned to the victim. Deputies also contacted the individual’s family to ensure there was no further contact with the scammers.

Halm said the experience was meaningful for everyone involved. “It made me feel good,” he said. “Good to know that Tim did a good job and we were able to help on our side. Makes us all feel good.”

The sheriff’s office urged residents to speak with friends and relatives about financial safety, particularly those who may be vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated scams.

Tuesday, Dec. 9

Little Music City was founded in The Dalles, Oregon by a group of individuals passionate about music and their community. www.littlemusiccity.com/

Tuesday December 9

Dave Tallman at Last Stop Saloon, 7 p.m.

Reddy Black at Zim’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 10

The Secret Salsa Society is your place for Salsa Dancing in the Gorge! Join the weekly dance at a fun, local venue. Expect to hear Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha Cha Cha, Timba, Cumbia, and more. Suggested donation $3 per person. All Ages event and Beginners are welcome! Beginner lessons at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 10, Crush Cider Cafe (Hood River), 7-9 p.m.

Thunder Island Events

Thunder Island Brewing in Cascade Locks presents live music, trivia nights and more.

Wednesday, Dec. 10, Holiday Night Market - Wednesday, December 10, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. in the Tent featuring local artists and live music from Quinton Parker! Shop local art including knits, reclaimed wood art, gift wrap, cards, jewelry, stickers, home goods, body care, paintings, hats, photography and so much more!

Thursday, Dec. 11

Two Runner / Emily Love

The Trout Lake Hall in Trout Lake, Washington brings live music and community events to its historic venue. www.troutlakehall.com/

Thursday, December 11th, 2025

$18 Advance // $20 Day Of Show
6pm Doors / 7pm Show
All Ages

TWO RUNNER

Two Runner is songwriter Paige Anderson and fiddler Emilie Rose from the hills of Northern California. The folk duo emits a ray of unprocessed realness through their well-crafted songs and instrumental skills.

Mt. Hood Winery in Hood River hosts live music featuring local and regional musicians.

Thursday, Dec. 11, Almost Home (Pacific Northwest Emergent Art-Folk), 3-5 p.m.

Little Music City was founded in The Dalles, Oregon by a group of individuals passionate about music and their community. www.littlemusiccity.com/

Thursday December 11

Jeff Carrell at Bargeway Pub, 6:30 p.m.

Minn Minnick at Last Stop Saloon, 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 12

The Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association

The Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association was founded in 2005 with the mission of bringing outstanding performances to the Gorge.

On This Shining Night

Voci Community Choir

December 12, 13, 7 p.m.

Hood River Valley Christian Church

Dec. 14, 2 p.m.

The Dalles Civic Auditorium

Tickets and info: www.gorgeorchestra.org

The Granada Theater in The Dalles presents family entertainment, movies, regional touring acts and more.

Friday, Dec. 12

Saturday, Dec. 13

Granada Theatre’s last regular Friday/Saturday movie of the year and one NOT to be MISSED! The rare, seldom shown holiday special:

‘TENTH AVENUE ANGEL’

w/Margret O’Brian and a very young and beautiful Angela Lansbury!

And since this one takes us all back to a kinder gentler time in America, 1948.

Kevin Selfe at The Pines

Join us on Friday, December 12 for an evening of music at The Pines 1852 tasting room in Hood River, OR.

Jimi Bott- Drums, Allen Markel - Bass, Kevin Selfe - guitar and vocals.

6-9 p.m., no cover.

Saturday, Dec. 13

A Holiday Spectacular with Mitch & the Melody Makers

The Trout Lake Hall in Trout Lake, Washington brings live music and community events to its historic venue. www.troutlakehall.com/

Saturday, December 13th, 2025

$15 Advance // $15 Day Of Show
6pm Doors / 7pm Show
All Ages

MITCH & THE MELODY MAKERS

Mitch and the Melody Makers, Portland’s favorite party band, return to Trout Lake Hall for this year’s Holiday Spectacular! An annual tradition combining your favorite vintage holiday tunes, the best seasonal deep cuts, and guests and surprises sure to put a festive smile on your face. We enforce a strict No ‘Santa Baby’ policy in this band, so grab your friends, co-workers, even lovers, and join us for an evening you won’t forget (until New Year’s)!

The Ruins in Hood River presents National and Regional touring musical acts, films, and other community events. www.theruins.org

Bodhi Mojo w/ Eel Sallad

Saturday, Dec 13

6-9 p.m.

Doors at 5:30 p.m. Indoor venue. All-ages.

Tickets are $10 in advance (click here,) or $15 at the door.

www.tickettomato.com/event/9751

Bodhi Mojo is a psychedelic, five-piece jam band rooted in the good feels. Characterized by mind-bending jams and heartfelt songwriting, they never play the same show twice and leave you yearning for more.

The Band formed in 2019 and made a splash on the PNW music scene. Focusing on DIY festivals/shows, Bodhi quickly grew a wide following throughout the Pacific Northwest.

The latest pursuits include releasing a full-length album,' Midnight Dojo', in July and hosting their own Mojo Family Festival. There's so much to take in from this group as they continue to rise in the scene; be sure to stay tuned on Instagram, Spotify, and Bandcamp!

You can find Bodhi Mojo playing throughout the Pacific Northwest at venues and festivals - they call Portland, OR, their home.

Children must remain under supervision at all times. This venue is not a suitable place for children to run around or play.

Tickets: $10 advance | $15 door

Sunday, Dec. 14

A John Prine Christmas with Jenner Fox Band

The Trout Lake Hall in Trout Lake, Washington brings live music and community events to its historic venue. www.troutlakehall.com/

Sunday, December 14th, 2025

$20 Advance // $25 Day Of Show
5 p.m. Doors / 6 p.m. Show
All Ages

A JOHN PRINE CHRISTMAS

Ever wonder what John Prine has to do with Christmas? Ever wished the beloved songwriter had more to do with sleigh bells, eggnog, and Old Saint Nick. Well, in 1994 Prine released his 11th LP titled, “A John Prine Christmas.” The critics didn’t acclaim it much, but with titles such as “Silent Night All Day Long '' and “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” it’s still Prine at his lovely wry best, bringing Christmas home.

Working Hands Fermentation in Hood River presents live music, trivia nights and more.

Sunday, Dec. 14, Open Mic (all ages), 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Little Music City was founded in The Dalles, Oregon by a group of individuals passionate about music and their community. www.littlemusiccity.com/

Sunday Dec. 14, Rich & Blonde at Last Stop Saloon, 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 15

Everybody’s Brewing in White Salmon brings local and regional music to the stage.

Monday, Dec. 15, Chasing Ebenezer (Folk Rock), 6-8 p.m.

Solera Brewery in Parkdale

Monday, Dec. 15, Trivia Night, 6 p.m.

Want to get your event onboard? Send the details to Entertainment Guru Jim Drake gorgeentertainment@gmail.com
and make it a Great Show!
‘Cause they can’t go if they don’t know.

Thanks for Reading! If you enjoyed Gorge Giggin’ Guide Highlights please check out our Local Calendar for a deeper dive into what’s happening in The Gorge! You can even Upload your own event - Subscribe to Stay in the Know!

THE DALLES, Ore., Dec. 9, 2025 — A growing community effort is underway to make sure Chenowith Elementary students have what they need — and a little more joy — heading into the holidays, as Giving Trees return to several downtown locations.

Two trees are now up: one at Freebridge Brewing, 710 E. Second St., hosted for the second year by owners Steve and Lori Light, and another at Wines on Second, 316 E. Second St., organized by Matt Ensel. A third Giving Tree, arranged by the Salvation Army, is also on display at Brick City Games.

“There is a lot of need in our community,” said Jocelyn Paris, a K–5 educator at Chenowith Elementary who helped organize the effort. “We want to give some kids some joy back and tell them that you do matter in our community.”

Paris said the requests on the trees are striking in their simplicity. Children often ask for warm jackets, waterproof boots, books, coloring books or mittens — basics that are getting harder for many families to afford. “These requests are really humble,” she said. “They’re not asking for a lot.”

Some letters include notes that families are struggling to pay bills or need help with food or fuel. Before Thanksgiving, Paris counted 78 letters already hanging on the Freebridge tree and expects 50 or more additional requests as the season goes on.

Paris credited Steve and Lori Light for their enthusiasm in helping host the tree again this year. “Steve is really jacked about this,” she said. Last year, community members noted the couple stepped in to help fill remaining needs for students still missing items before Christmas.

“It’s fun giving without expectation,” said Steve Light. “That’s the spirit of Christmas.”

While the wish lists are modest, Paris said donors are welcome to add something fun if they choose. “You can go rogue and buy a dollhouse or colored pencils,” she said. “Something fun.”

Once a letter is taken, purchased items can be returned to Freebridge Brewing by Dec. 18. The Gorge Roller Derby Team will wrap gifts on Dec. 19. Packages will then be delivered to Chenowith Elementary for pickup or taken directly to families as needed.

“I see the poverty every day,” Paris said. “The hardship, the challenge kids face. It’s not their fault. Everybody wants better for their child. They’re doing the best with what they have. This is a way to show these kids they matter.”

The Dalles, Ore., Dec. 8, 2025 — Due to challenging site conditions, work on E. 10th St. between Quinton St. and Roberts St. to replace and upgrade a stormwater sewer main has been rescheduled to the week of December 8 - 12, 2025. This City of The Dalles Public Works project is part of the ongoing work on E. 9th St. and Quinton St.

A westbound lane closure on E. 10th St. between Quinton St. and Roberts St. will remain in place for three days during the week of December 8 – 12, 2025. Full street closures on E 9th St. from Oregon St. to E. 10th St. will remain in place. Motor vehicles and bicyclists will be detoured to adjacent side streets. Pedestrian and sidewalk access will remain open through the duration of this work.

Work hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on each scheduled work day. But the trench must remain open until work is complete.

Please proceed with caution in this area during lane and street closures. Please observe all temporary traffic control devices. Thank you for your attention to traveling safety during this work.

No parking will be allowed within the project areas to allow room for large equipment to safely work. No parking signs will be placed on the curb 48 hours before the project begins.

Go to thedalles.org/e9thst to view an online map on Perimetermap.com.

If you have questions, please contact the Public Works Department at (541) 296-5401.

THE DALLES, Ore., Dec. 7, 2025 — A minivan allegedly stolen from the Salvation Army in Happy Valley, a suburb of Portland, turned into a Saturday-afternoon mess east of The Dalles, after the suspected thieves reportedly crashed the vehicle on Interstate 84.

According to the Oregon State Police, troopers responded around 3:37 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, to a single-vehicle crash involving a white 2023 Toyota Sienna near milepost 93 eastbound. Investigators said the Toyota was traveling east when, for unknown reasons, it allegedly left its lane, struck a guardrail and came to rest blocking both eastbound lanes.

Troopers later learned the vehicle had been reported stolen earlier in the day out of the Happy Valley area from the Salvation Army Cascade Division. The driver, identified as 51-year-old Jon Scott Paul of Happy Valley, allegedly sustained injuries in the wreck and was transported by ambulance to a Portland-area hospital.

Paul was cited and released for reckless driving and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. A passenger, identified as 26-year-old Joseph James Ybarra of Hillsboro, was uninjured and also cited and released for unauthorized use of a vehicle.

OSP said River’s Edge Towing removed the heavily damaged Toyota from the roadway.

No additional injuries were reported, and both men are scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 5, 2026. Authorities continue to investigate how the minivan taken from a Happy Valley nonprofit ended up wrecked in the Gorge.

CCCNews is awaiting comment from the Salvation Army and will update the story when that information becomes available.

THE DALLES, Ore., Dec. 7, 2025 — It appears that criminals like to visit  Oregon’s State Parks too, as was proven this weekend when a late night theft tallied some $25,000 in losses.

But they’re not great at leave no trace.

Oregon State Police are investigating a late-night theft on Saturday at Viento State Park after suspects allegedly broke into a maintenance yard and stole two John Deere Gators worth about $10,000 each, along with a flatbed trailer they used to haul them away.

Bold.

Troopers responded Sunday morning, Dec. 7, after park staff discovered cut locks at the park yard gate several miles west of Hood River. Thieves were then able to get into multiple secured shipping containers. Investigators said the suspects entered the yard, breached the containers, and loaded the Gators onto a dual-axle flatbed trailer stored inside before hauling them off.

Park employees also reported that numerous hand and power tools were missing. Before leaving, the suspects allegedly removed the trailer’s license plate and left it at the scene.

The trailer has since been entered as stolen, and park staff expect to provide VINs for the Gators later this week so they can also be listed in law enforcement databases.

Replacement cost on a base model Gator is about $10,000 each. 

Rangers believe the theft occurred sometime between 4 p.m. on Dec. 6 and the morning of Dec. 7. The investigation remains ongoing.

The Dalles, Ore., Dec. 8, 2025 — The Dalles Public Library hosts December events including holiday crafts, gaming, movie night, nature journaling, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, offering free activities for all ages.

Monday, Dec. 8
Herb Kit Take & Make, all day. The Dalles Public Library. Free. All ages. Pick up a mini herb kit while supplies last. Kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Monday, Dec. 8, through Saturday, Dec. 13
Drop-In Holiday Craft: Snowman Tins, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. The Dalles Public Library. Free. All ages. Drop in and create a snowman tea tin. Supplies available while they last each day.

Tuesday, Dec. 9
Hot Cocoa & Winter Fun, 3–4 p.m. The Dalles Public Library teen room. Free. Teens. Weekly winter-themed crafts and activities with hot cocoa. Held every Tuesday in December.

Wednesday, Dec. 10
Nintendo Switch & Xbox Gaming, 3:45–4:45 p.m. The Dalles Public Library teen room. Free. Teens. Open gaming with Nintendo Switch and Xbox consoles.

Wednesday, Dec. 10
DIY Culinary Crafts: Panini & Soup, 4:30–5:30 p.m. The Dalles Public Library meeting room. Free. Teens. Make-your-own paninis and soup bowls. Library staff will operate heating equipment; aprons provided, with gloves and handwashing required.

Wednesday, Dec. 10
Movie Night at the Library: Audrey Hepburn, 6 p.m. The Dalles Public Library. Free. All ages. Hosted by the Swoon Society Book Club. December’s selection features an Audrey Hepburn film connected to the book “When in Rome” by Sarah Adams. Open to all, even those who have not read the book.

Friday, Dec. 12
Fun Fridays for Teens: DIY Heating Pad, 3:30–4:30 p.m. The Dalles Public Library teen room. Free. Teens ages 11 and up. Hands-on crafting activity.

Saturday, Dec. 13
Photos With Santa & Mrs. Claus, 1–3 p.m. The Dalles Public Library. Free. All ages. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit from the North Pole to spread holiday cheer.

Saturday, Dec. 13
Open VR Gaming, 2–3 p.m. The Dalles Public Library teen room. Free. Teens. Open virtual reality gaming with six available headsets.

Saturday, Dec. 13
Winter Nature Journaling Workshop, 3–4:30 p.m. The Dalles Public Library. Free. All ages. Guided journaling begins in the new books section with journal decorating, followed by outdoor observation activities.

When Governor Tina Kotek rolled out her new “Prosperity Roadmap,” she put words to something many Oregonians have sensed for a long time: our state’s economic climate has been slipping. Oregon’s rankings in national business competitiveness have fallen, and employers across many sectors have struggled to keep up with shifting rules, rising costs, and slow-moving processes.

So when the Governor says she’s ready to tackle Oregon’s “lousy business reputation,” I welcome the intent. Any genuine effort to strengthen our economy matters. But many of us hear this announcement with a mix of hope and hesitation—because the warning signs have been visible for years.

As a family farmer, I see how rising labor costs, regulatory complexity, transportation bottlenecks, and long permitting delays affect day-to-day operations. While those challenges look different in Portland or Salem than they do in The Dalles, the broader impact is the same: fewer opportunities, tighter margins, and investment often drifting toward states that make business simpler and more predictable.

And any honest conversation about Oregon’s business climate must include housing, mental health, and addiction—three issues that shape the environment every employer, worker, and family is living in.

Housing costs across Oregon—especially in our cities—have outpaced wages for years. Meanwhile, the homelessness crisis is being intensified by the lack of mental-health capacity and the devastating rise in addiction. These realities affect everything from safety to downtown vitality to whether people feel confident bringing their families into our urban centers. You don’t need to run a business to feel that strain.

If Oregon is serious about reviving economic competitiveness, then progress on affordable housing, expanded treatment options, accessible mental-health care, and safe, functional public spaces must be part of the roadmap. Trying to strengthen the business environment without addressing addiction and mental-health failures would be like patching the roof while ignoring the foundation underneath.

Urban and rural Oregon rely on each other more than we often acknowledge. City restaurants depend on rural growers. Farms depend on the freight networks that run through our cities. And every Oregon household depends on a stable, competitive economy that attracts employers rather than watching them leave.

Governor Kotek is saying the right things. She’s acknowledging real problems. Now comes the hard part: steady, practical, bipartisan work to restore predictability, rebuild trust, and confront the housing, addiction, and mental-health challenges that touch every corner of the state.

Oregon doesn’t just need new slogans or studies. We need results. If this state wants to keep its talent, attract investment, and rebuild trust with the people who create jobs and grow food, then policies must start matching the rhetoric. The Prosperity Roadmap will only matter if it delivers real, visible change on the ground—in our cities, in our small towns, and across the industries that keep Oregon moving. For all our sakes, it’s time for Oregon to stop talking about being open for business and finally prove it.

About the author.

I was born in 1961 into a second-generation farm family in The Dalles. I grew up on a tractor seat, moving irrigation pipe with my sisters before school, and spent my summers picking cherries alongside the children of migrant families who returned year after year. My wife, children, and parents have all worked the same land. I’ve served as county Farm Bureau president, sat on the county fair board, and continue to support 4-H and FFA. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when farmers are squeezed out—not just of business, but of the conversation.

The Dalles, Ore., Dec. 5, 2025 — Downtown businesses are staying open late tonight for First Friday, offering special prices, extended shopping hours and small-scale celebrations organized by The Dalles Main Street.

This month’s event includes pop-up vendors at The Workshop, 116 E. Second St., featuring Made from Love Stuffies, food from The Wagon Social Club, and Nature’s Bell handmade soaps, among others.

Across the street at Skookum Outfitters, pop-up Pizza The Gathering will be making handmade pies as the shop offers discounts as deep as 50 percent off.

Farther east on Second Street, Kaahreena Ochoco, owner of Vibe Consignment at 416 E. Second, said the shop will host a Free People clothing release as part of its 12 days of “vibeness.” Other businesses are expected to participate in tonight’s activities, including Brick City Games, Herbal Revival, Studio Fit and Wines on Second.

From the City of The Dalles:

By Amie Ell

The Dalles, Ore., Dec. 5, 2025 — The City of The Dalles is aware that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently conducted activity in the community. The Dalles Police Department was not notified in advance and did not participate in that activity.

Because events like this can create questions and concerns, we want to make sure residents have clear and accurate information about the role of The Dalles Police Department and the rights of individuals during any encounter with local or federal law enforcement:

• The Dalles Police Department did not participate in any recent ICE activity.

• Officers may lawfully respond to public safety needs near ICE activity such as traffic hazards or medical emergencies. In those situations, City Police officers are present for safety, not for immigration enforcement.

• Under Oregon law, local police do not enforce federal civil immigration laws and do not participate in civil immigration enforcement.

• The City of The Dalles does not have the authority to control whether federal immigration agencies operate in the community, and state and federal law define and limit the role of local police in those actions.

• The Dalles Police Officers do not ask about immigration or citizenship status in routine interactions, except when required by law.

• Individuals may always request an interpreter.

• Even if someone believes an arrest is unfair or mistaken, they should not physically resist and instead ask to speak with a lawyer or use the appropriate complaint process.

To help inform the community, the City has created a webpage that explains what The Dalles Police Department can and cannot do under Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise law. The page also outlines individual rights and provides links to State resources.

For more details and resources, visit: thedalles.org/PSespanol or thedalles.org/ORSPL

The City of The Dalles remains committed to providing timely and factual information so all residents understand how immigration enforcement works in Oregon and what to expect from their local police.

From The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce:

By Lisa Farquharson

The Dalles, Ore., Dec. 5, 2025 — The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of Lynn Cox as Tourism Director for Explore The Dalles, effective August 1, 2025. Cox brings over two decades of leadership experience in destination marketing, community engagement, and customer experience design, most recently with Intel Corporation’s Sales and Marketing Group.

Raised in The Dalles, Lynn returns to her hometown with a passion for showcasing the region’s unique story, where history, creativity, and outdoor adventure intersect. In her new role, she leads destination marketing efforts, manages strategic partnerships, and oversees the promotion of The Dalles as a premier travel and recreation hub in the Pacific Northwest.

“Lynn’s leadership and expertise are already making a powerful impact,” said Lisa Farquharson, President/CEO of The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce. “Her deep roots in The Dalles, paired with her national experience in customer experience and storytelling, bring a fresh energy to our tourism initiatives. She understands both the heart of our community and the business of destination marketing. Lynn’s collaborative approach and her ability to bring people together create a powerful bridge between innovation and authenticity — the balance our region needs as we continue elevating The Dalles as both a destination and a community. Her leadership strengthens our momentum and reinforces the shared purpose that moves this work forward.”

Before joining Explore The Dalles, Cox managed executive experience programs for Intel’s Global operations, where she led cross-functional teams, launched award-winning engagement initiatives, and helped drive measurable business impact. She has completed professional development programs with the Disney Institute, CX University and is currently pursuing certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP).

As Tourism Director, Lynn will lead campaigns highlighting local attractions, dining, lodging, and outdoor recreation, while strengthening partnerships with businesses and regional tourism organizations.

“I’m excited to collaborate with our partners and businesses to amplify The Dalles story,” Cox said. “There’s a genuine spirit here that people feel the moment they arrive, and I want our tourism efforts to reflect that energy and authenticity.”

For more information, visit www.explorethedalles.com or contact The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce at 541-296-2231

ABOUT THE DALLES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Since 1883, The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce has been dedicated to promoting business growth, community engagement, and advocacy across the Columbia Gorge region. The Chamber provides value to its members through advocacy and leadership, promoting a vigorous economic climate for business, community, tourism, and education.

The Dalles, Ore., Nov. 20, 2025 — Celebrate the archaeology and history of the Columbia River Gorge and beyond at the Archaeology Roadshow on Saturday, December 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the River Gallery of Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, 5000 Discovery Drive, The Dalles, OR 97058. The event is free and open to the public.

We’ll have over twenty-five pop-up exhibits and hands-on activities hosted by universities, tribes, archaeology companies, museums and nonprofit organizations. This family friendly event introduces visitors of all ages to local heritage and the science and art of archaeology in a fun, engaging way, while instilling a sense of stewardship and respect for the past.

This year’s theme is “The Archaeology of Art & Craft.”

Come check out the robotics demonstration hosted by a First Tech Challenge robotics team. Maryhill Museum of Art, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Fort Dalles, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and many more organizations – will showcase ways “art and craft” are core to the human experience, from food preparation and tool making, to clothing and personal belongings.

Enjoy Indian Tacos and huckleberry treats prepared by Something Else Frybread.

Experts in archaeology and geology will be on hand to identify the personal artifacts visitors bring. Stone, bone, plant and historical items are welcome. Limit – 3 objects. No financial appraisals.

For more information on the Roadshow, visit: www.archaeologyroadshow.org

By Tom Peterson

The Dalles, Ore., Dec. 4, 2025 — SPR Bicycle shop owner Calvin Lepinski spent more than a decade searching for one of the rarest bicycles ever produced, only to learn that one had been sitting for years in a Skyline Road barn — a spot he had walked past in his teens while hunting.

If you saw him ride it, you would understand why. 

The bike’s split-frame design allows the rear to slalom up and down the sidewalk as the entire back half of the bicycle pivots independently from the front handlebars and fork. It “snakes” through turns with an articulated, almost S-shaped motion. 

It’s pretty sick.

The veteran bike mechanic passed one by and didn’t even know it when he was a teenager

“I was within probably 30 feet of it, and I just had no idea it was in there,” he said of the barn on Skyline Road in The Dalles. 

His obsession to find a SwingBike started around 2010 while working as a mechanic at Discover Bikes in Hood River. A coworker mentioned the old SwingBikes, and Lepinski immediately looked them up. “I have to have one,” he recalled thinking. But the bikes were nearly impossible to find.

Inventor Ralph Belden in Cascade Locks sold them locally before marketing them on a national level, getting the endorsement from Jimmy Osmond of The Donny & Marie Show on ABC. 

The bikes sold like Big Wheels in the ‘70s. 

“There’s so few of them because who wants to get rid of one?” Lepinski said rhetorically. “They only made them for a few years.”

What he didn’t know was that a family friend owned one of the earliest SwingBikes made — a low-number serial bike from the mid-1970s stored in the barn he walked by when he was hunting.

And in 2023, the the friend on Skyline road mentioned he owned one - actually brought it into the shop. And as a gift to Lepinski for his birthday he agreed to sell it to Calvin, ending a search that stretched across most of his adult life.

That was just the beginning, however. The bike was rough. 

“There was duct tape and a towel all around the seat, it was just looking ratty with a bent crank,” he said. “I took the entire thing apart, every piece possible.” He added new tires, chains, brake cables and a custom gel-padded seat and cover. He even tracked down reproduction vintage decals.

Learning to ride the restored machine was quite a different challenge. 

“The very first pedal I did, the rear twisted underneath me,” he said. “I almost crashed just trying to get it moving.” Even with years of riding experience, “It took probably took almost an hour to be able to ride it. It rides like a snake going down the road,” he said. “It is definitely the most smiles per mile.”

Crowds react instantly when he takes it outside. 

“I get swarmed by people,” he said. “Most have never seen one or even heard of a SwingBike. People are like, let me pull out my phone, let me pull out my phone.”

He laughed that sometimes he can barely pedal because people are coming up to him. “I want to just ride this thing, but I understand it. That’s why I love it.”

The bike’s history adds to the appeal. Inventor Ralph Belden of Cascade Locks demonstrated an early version, the Pivicycle, around 1969. The commercial SwingBike hit the market in 1975 and was sold only through 1978. 

Lepinski’s long pursuit of the SwingBike mirrors his climb in the bicycle world. Lepinski began as a mechanic in Hood River before launching his own shop in The Dalles in 2012 in a small garage bay on the west side.

“Basically I had a garage and a little mini office,” he said. He later moved near Ideal Homes, then into a cramped Washington Street storefront where he spent nearly nine years until a two weeks ago.

Two weeks ago, he opened SPR’s new shop at 307 E. Second Street — his first true full-size space with close to 2,000 square feet. 

“It’s four times as big” he said. “Customers can actually shop properly and not be overwhelmed.” He looked around the open floor and added, “I see a whole lot of empty room in here. I see a lot of potential.”

The store carries a growing lineup of accessories — fenders, helmets, tools, bags, racks, saddles, lubricants — and more bikes than ever before. Lepinski recently added Marin to his brand list, expanding offerings in the mid-range and kids’ mountain bike categories. He continues to stock Fuji, SE, Breezer and others, with a mix of new and used options, trade-ins and consignments. “I always seemed to bring in more and more products,” he said. “I didn’t know where I was going to put it when I ordered it, but I figured it out.”

Lepinski’s focus remains on matching riders to the right geometry and comfort. “I ask a ton of questions,” he said. “Whatever feels more comfortable is the bike you’re going to ride.”

He also maintains a strict customer-first policy in the shop. “The best way is to come in person,” he said. “I prioritize anyone that’s standing in front of me over the phone or messages.” Calls get returned at the end of the day or the next day if business is busy. “I don’t want anyone in the store to feel like they’re not being prioritized.”

SPR is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. The shop can be reached at 541-980-8418.

For Lepinski, the SwingBike and his new shop are similar in one way - born from his tenacity - that creative energy he used to push him through small westside garages, crowded downtown shops, thousands of repairs to open his new shop. A tenacity that led him on a 13-year search for a bicycle he once unknowingly walked past while hunting near Skyline Road.

PHOTO GALLERY

From The Next Door Inc.:

By Jordan Flores

The Dalles, Ore., Dec. 3, 2025 — Insitu, Washington Federal Bank, Columbia Gorge Education Service District, Washington Gorge Action Programs, Mid-Columbia Community Action Council, and The Next Door Inc. are teaming up to host a winter coat drive for local area youth! As we approach the cold winter months, you can donate new and like-new coats for all ages now through the end of December. 

Donations can be dropped off at the following Insitu and Gorge community locations during business hours:   

• Hood River: 
  - Insitu (Waucoma 4th Floor Lobby): 902 Wasco Street 
  - The Next Door Inc.: 965 Tucker Road 
  - Washington Federal Bank: 115 Oak Street 

- Itty Bitty Thrifts: 1802 Cascade Avenue 

• The Dalles: 
  - WaFd Bank: 1014 W 6th Street 
  - The Next Door: 1113 Kelly Avenue 
  - Columbia Gorge ESD: CGCC Campus, Building 2, 2nd floor 
  - The Coffee Shop: 116 E 2nd Street 
  - Mid-Columbia Community Action: 2505 W 7th Street 

• Bingen: 
  - Insitu (Eagle Point Lobby): 118 E Columbia River Way 
  - Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP): 115 W Steuben Street 

• White Salmon: 
  - Whitson Elementary School: 450 N Main Avenue 
  - Harvest Market: 77 NE Wauna Avenue 

Thank you to our community, partners, and volunteers who help make the Winter Coat Drive possible. Together, we can ensure everyone in need has the proper clothing to stay warm this season. 

The Next Door Inc., (TNDI) the largest social service agency in the Gorge, was founded in 1971 to address the unmet need of support services for youth. Today, TNDI’s employees facilitate over 35 programs that strive to fulfill our mission of opening doors to new possibilities by strengthening children and families and improving communities in Oregon and Washington. For more information, please visit https://nextdoorinc.org/  

From the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon:
By John Wolf

The Dalles, Ore., Dec. 3, 2025 — Circuit Court Judge John A. Wolf has been appointed by Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice Meagan A. Flynn to serve as the next presiding judge of Oregon’s Seventh Judicial District.

Judge Wolf, who has served on the bench since 2011, will begin a two-year term succeeding Judge Karen Ostrye, who has held the presiding judge role since 2022.

As presiding judge, Judge Wolf will oversee the district’s judicial administration, including participation in court, county, and public safety committees. He will also supervise the trial court administrator on matters such as budgeting and court operations, while continuing to perform his regular judicial duties such as conducting hearings and trials, and reviewing warrants.

The Seventh Judicial District has four elected judges who preside over circuit court cases in Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, and Wheeler counties. The presiding judge is nominated by fellow judges in the district and formally appointed by the Chief Justice with input from the other Justices of the Oregon Supreme Court.

Judge Wolf will continue to preside over a wide range of cases, including civil, probate, family law, juvenile, small claims, violations, and criminal matters across all five counties. He also oversees the district’s Family Treatment Court.

In addition to his judicial duties, Judge Wolf has served on the Council on Court Procedures, is the president-elect of the Oregon Circuit Court Judges’ Association, and is a member of the Judicial Conference Conduct Committee.

Prior to his election to the Circuit Court, Judge Wolf practiced law privately in The Dalles and served as a pro tem judge for The Dalles Municipal Court.