From Columbia Gorge Community College:

The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 9, 2026 — Columbia Gorge Community College instructor Robert Wells-Clark is the 2026 Oregon Career and Technical Education professional of the year.

The Oregon Association for Career and Technical Education (Oregon ACTE) recently bestowed the award on Wells-Clark of The Dalles.

Wells-Clark is training in high-demand technical fields, including advanced manufacturing, fabrication, welding, construction trades, and, in partnership with local industry, specialized skills like CNC programming, CAD design, and 3D printing. The effort supports the local economy in the Gorge and statewide as graduates earn more money and contribute to successful businesses.

The statewide award honors exceptional leadership and innovation in advancing postsecondary career and technical education (CTE). Wells-Clark was selected for his outstanding contributions to program development, student success, and community partnerships throughout the Columbia Gorge region.

“Robert brings remarkable energy and vision to his work at CGCC,” said Dr. Jarett Gilbert, vice president of Instruction at CGCC. “His leadership directly strengthens pathways for students into high-demand technical careers, and this recognition is a testament to his dedication.”

Wells-Clark will be presented his award certificate at the Industrial Training and Assessment Center Open House Feb. 20th on The Dalles Campus, and formally recognized during the Oregon ACTE Conference, held April 29–May 1, 2026, in Seaside. As Oregon’s state-level award recipient, he will also advance for consideration in the ACTE Region V Post-Secondary Professional of the Year competition, with nominees from 17 western U.S. states.

“It’s an honor to represent Columbia Gorge Community College and our students,” said Wells-Clark. “CTE programs are changing lives across rural Oregon, and I’m grateful to be part of that work.”

For more information about career and technical education programs at Columbia Gorge Community College, visit cgcc.edu/cte.

About Oregon ACTE

The Oregon Association for Career and Technical Education is the professional association dedicated to the advancement of CTE educators and programs statewide. It is affiliated with the national Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE).

About Columbia Gorge Community College

Columbia Gorge Community College serves communities throughout the Mid-Columbia region of Oregon and Washington, offering accessible pathways to education, workforce training, and lifelong learning. Learn more at cgcc.edu.

The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 10, 2026 — One person was hospitalized Friday night, Feb. 6, after a structure fire tore through a home in the 3000 block of Mill Creek Road, according to fire and law-enforcement officials.

Crews from Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue responded to the fire at about 9:45 p.m. and arrived to find heavy fire coming from the structure. Fire officials said the occupants were able to exit the residence, though one individual was treated at the scene and transported to a hospital for further evaluation.

Oregon State Police later reported the fire involved a mobile home at 3207 Mill Creek Road with four tenants inside at the time of the blaze. According to police, one tenant — described as non-mobile — was transferred and admitted to the hospital due to injuries. Another tenant who was believed to be in the room where the fire originated could not be located or interviewed.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined and is under investigation. The origin and cause investigation was conducted jointly by Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office and Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue, with assistance from an accelerant detection canine team. Wasco County Sheriff's Office is leading any potential criminal investigation related to the incident.

Multiple fire and medical units responded, including Medic 21, Engines 21 and 22, Truck 23, Tenders 21 and 23, and command staff. Oregon State Police said a fire marshal from an outside agency also assisted in the investigation. Wasco County PUD and sheriff’s deputies provided support at the scene.

Fire officials said callback personnel and Klickitat County Emergency Medical Services assisted with unrelated EMS calls while crews worked the fire. A fire crew remained on scene overnight.

No further details were immediately available.

The 2026 Oregon Wheat Foundation scholarship recipients are:

George Barnett, Wasco County
Ryder Steward, Gilliam County
Addison Smith, Sherman County
Madison Cranston, Sherman County
Hunter Hansell, Umatilla County
Katelynn Melville, Wallowa County
Owyhee Harguess, Wallowa County
Keira Counsell, Union County
Taylor Weishaar, Union County
Ella Wilde, Baker County
Addie Saunders, Malheur County
Sophia Seeder, Marion County

Scholarship winners are selected on school and community involvement, scholastic performance, and an essay on the wheat industry. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA, according to its website.

Annually, the foundation selects up to 12 graduating high school seniors who are children of a grower member of the Oregon Wheat Growers League, whose parents are employed by a grower member, or who have worked for local growers.

“The Oregon Wheat Foundation is pleased to support such an exceptional group of students this year,” said Amanda Hoey, Oregon Wheat CEO. “These students have a deep commitment to their communities and a bright future.”

The Oregon Wheat Foundation was formed in 1980 to raise funds for specific projects, including the annual scholarship program. The foundation works to promote Oregon’s wheat industry by providing funding for education and the welfare of communities.

For more information, go to owgl.org. Or, to learn more about the scholarships, click here.

By Tom Peterson with assistance from Aaron Girdham

Parkdale, Ore., Feb. 6, 2026 — U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., spoke Friday during a town hall in the Columbia Gorge, warning that democratic norms in the United States are under direct threat as concerns over immigration enforcement, surveillance, affordability, agricultural consolidation and the 2026 elections dominated the discussion.

About 125 people packed the Mt. Hood Community Center in Hood River, applauding as Merkley entered the room. The event opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, with much of the crowd loudly repeating the word “all” during the phrase “with liberty and justice for all.”

One longtime Parkdale resident said he attended the meeting “to hear what Mr. Merkley has to say that relates to our community.” Asked what he thought of the senator’s work in Oregon, the resident pointed to Merkley’s pamphlet, Ring the Alarm Bells.

“I strongly recommend reading the pamphlet Mr. Merkley wrote for this occasion,” he said. “It contains some very divisive language and comments, such as, ‘Being angry and frustrated alone is depressing and discouraging, but being angry and organized is energizing and effective,’ on page 15.”

He said he believes Merkley’s bills and actions have been harmful to the state and criticized what he described as aggressive language toward the presidential administration. “It’s OK to have a different opinion,” he said, “but that does not mean you must lash out against the other party.”

The resident said he attended because Merkley represents the entire state, not just one political party.

‘Authoritarian assault’ and defending democracy

Merkley described what he called an “authoritarian assault” by the Trump administration and said Americans are confronting conditions few believed possible.

“Who would have ever thought we would be in this situation,” Merkley said, referring to the need to defend democracy in the United States.

He held up a 10-page booklet titled Ring the Alarm Bells, summarizing his 22-hour speech on the U.S. Senate floor outlining what he described as the “10 rules of Trump’s authoritarian playbook.” Merkley said those strategies include voter suppression, intimidation tactics and the consolidation of power among a small number of corporations, including in the technology sector, creating oligarchies capable of setting prices.

Elections and voter intimidation

Merkley said he is deeply concerned about voter intimidation ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, particularly following public comments suggesting federal immigration enforcement could be deployed near polling places.

“So after the night before yesterday was when Steve Bannon said to send ICE in,” Merkley said. “I look to the federal laws. The short answer is: federal law doesn’t allow it.”

He said existing federal law already bars federal law enforcement from polling places, but he expressed concern that those protections could be bypassed through an emergency declaration.

“We’re in a place where we normally count on the federal government to follow the law,” Merkley said. “But the problem is this president may declare an emergency and ignore it.”

Merkley said strengthening state and local laws could provide an additional legal backstop.

“If you have state law, you might be able to get court injunctions based on state law,” he said. “That could provide a backup if the federal law is ignored.”

He added that intimidation strategies extend beyond polling places.

“It is the gerrymander, it is a national voter database, it is discouraging vote by mail, and now it is the strategy of sending intimidators,” Merkley said. “We never thought we’d be in a situation where we can’t trust the federal government to run a fair election.”

Immigration enforcement and civil liberties

Much of the discussion focused on immigration enforcement and civil liberties. Jennifer Hacket of Hood River said she attended the town hall to hear directly from Merkley, noting her work with the Hood River Latino Network.

“ICE is having a big impact on this community,” Hacket said. “I’m seeing people’s constitutional rights violated.”

She cited what she described as non-judicial search warrants and said she opposed people being taken from their homes and then denied due process in deportation proceedings.

Merkley publicly thanked Arturo Levya and the Hood River Latino Network, calling the organization “a beacon of hope” for immigrant families in what he described as one of the community’s most vulnerable populations. Members of the network wore shirts reading, “Hunger is a policy choice.”

ICE, sensitive locations and ‘secret police’

Responding to a question from a nurse with Healthcare Without Fear, Merkley said he is working on policies to keep Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers out of sensitive locations such as hospitals and polling places.

“The majority party does not want to fix these things,” Merkley said.

“We now have a secret police in America,” he said, citing ICE officers who he said are not wearing badges, are covering their faces, driving unmarked vehicles and detaining people.

“I’m going to do every damn thing I can do” to stop what he described as illegal ICE enforcement practices, Merkley told the crowd.

Land, water and surveillance concerns

One audience member raised concerns about the recent transfer of U.S. Forest Service land to the City of The Dalles, describing a roughly 150-acre area she said includes the headwaters of the Dog River.

She characterized the transfer as a “water grab” by Google, alleging it would divert water away from Hood River to support data centers in The Dalles and contribute to surveillance of Americans.

In response, Merkley said he opposes facial recognition technology and warned that the federal government currently lacks meaningful policies to address artificial intelligence.

“It’s all a huge threat to privacy and freedom in America,” Merkley said.

He said surveillance authorities expanded after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, including provisions of the Patriot Act, have helped normalize facial recognition technologies, including Flock cameras used by law enforcement agencies.

Merkley said AI policy must be debated openly on the floor of the U.S. Senate. When he asked whether the crowd was worried about AI, nearly every hand went up.

Housing, affordability and consolidation

Affordability emerged as the second most common concern Merkley said he hears across Oregon.

“The Federal Poverty Level no longer accurately reflects reality,” he said. “Housing and health care have gone way up, and the GDP is being concentrated at the very top while everyone else is getting squeezed.”

Doug Baker of the Big River Community Land Trust thanked Merkley for supporting legislation that will bring $2 million to affordable housing efforts in Hood River County. Baker said the funding marks the start of Big River’s effort to build 40 homes that will remain “permanently affordable.”

Merkley said the project is one of several recipients under a bill directing $225 million toward community projects statewide, including drinking water and wastewater system improvements.

Merkley also said he supports banning private equity firms and hedge funds from purchasing residential housing, arguing the practice drives up housing costs. He noted that this is one issue on which he and President Trump agree.

Agriculture and fruit growers in the Gorge

Asked about fruit growers in Wasco and Hood River counties, Merkley said consolidation among buyers and processors is a longstanding problem across agricultural markets.

“The consolidation of the middleman is a huge factor,” he said. “We’ve seen it with meat packers—four companies controlling the market—and that kind of informal price-setting is a real problem.”

Merkley said growers have also raised concerns about uncertainty tied to tariffs and trade retaliation.

“With orchards, you don’t just switch crops,” he said. “You plant trees and you’re committed long term.”

He said antitrust enforcement typically runs through the executive branch and the Farm Bill, which has been repeatedly delayed.

“That’s the place where I can try to bring pressure,” Merkley said. “But once folks are consolidated, they’re rarely broken back apart.”

Merkley said he plans to have his field team speak directly with local growers.

“Often co-ops are the response,” he said. “When they’re run by and for orchardists, that’s a beautiful thing—but you have to maintain control.”

Health care and the 2026 elections

Merkley sharply criticized what he called Trump’s “Big Ugly Betrayal,” pointing to cuts in health care tax credits and nutrition assistance while approving $75 billion in funding for ICE.

“Meanwhile, 20 million people are having their health care screwed up,” Merkley said, adding that about 70 percent of those affected live in states that voted for Trump.

He dismissed a recent House vote extending health care tax credits as meaningless, saying the Republican-led Senate has no intention of bringing the measure forward.

“It was cover your ass,” Merkley said.

Merkley said he supports a Medicare option allowing Americans to buy into the program, creating competition he said would lower overall health care costs.

He closed by urging civic engagement ahead of the midterm elections.

“If we’re going to save our republic, the next election matters a hell of a lot,” Merkley said. “On deciding how our country is run.”

The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 8, 2026 — The Dalles Public Library will host a mix of creative workshops, games, and family-friendly Valentine-themed events from Feb. 9 through Feb. 14, with programs for children, teens, and adults throughout the week.

Monday, Feb. 9
Piece by Piece Puzzle Program, 1:30–3:30 p.m. Drop-in jigsaw puzzle program with coffee and light refreshments. Participants may work together or individually. Teens and adults.

Monday, Feb. 9
Dream Study Group: Gifts from Our Subconscious, 5–7:30 p.m. Registration required. Join Nancy Turner, M.Ed., for an exploration of dreams as metaphorical messages offering insight and personal guidance. Adults.

Tuesday, Feb. 10
Obstacle Quest: Library Edition, 3:30 p.m. Team challenges throughout the library with snacks provided. The winning team receives a prize. Teens.

Wednesday, Feb. 11
Adult Art Club: Free Create, 1 p.m. Bring a project or use library supplies in a relaxed creative space to share feedback and ideas. Adults.

Wednesday, Feb. 11
Heart-Shaped Waffles, 2:30–3:30 p.m., teen room. Make heart-shaped waffles and enjoy a Valentine-themed snack activity. Teens.

Thursday, Feb. 12
Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic, 11 a.m.–noon. Virtual author talk with Dr. Lindsey Stewart. Registration required. Adults.

Thursday, Feb. 12
Family STEAM Night, 6 p.m. Build telescopes and, weather permitting, observe the moon and stars outdoors. All ages.

Friday, Feb. 13
Special Fun Friday for Kids: Sugar Rush, 3:30 p.m. Build candy race cars and race them down the Sugar Rush Speedway ramp. Kids.

Friday, Feb. 13
Fun Fridays, 3:30 p.m. Weekly rotating activities including crafts, games and trivia. Teens.

Friday, Feb. 13
Winter 2026: Olympic Games, 5 p.m. Quick 30-minute games in the main part of the library honoring the Winter Olympics. All ages.

Saturday, Feb. 14
Show & Share: Portland Pilots Men’s Basketball Team, 1 p.m. Supersized show-and-tell with basketball tricks and a skills demonstration. All ages.

Saturday, Feb. 14
KidQuest: Adventure Awaits!, 3–4:30 p.m. Role-playing game adventure program for ages 6–11 with snacks. Kids.

Saturday, Feb. 14
Couples Swing Dance – Valentine’s Day, 3:30–4:30 p.m. Registration required. One-hour swing dance session with Don Slusher. Hors d’oeuvres provided. Adults.

The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 6, 2026 — Inside the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, about 50 volunteers are donating hundreds of hours to restore the historic Jantzen Beach Carousel, sanding, repairing and repainting century-old wooden horses in a community-driven effort.

This photo gallery provided by Simon Benko captures the hands, paint and patience behind the progress, showcasing volunteers at work as the Jantzen Beach Carousel slowly spins back toward life.

Click here to read CCCNew’s original story on the carousel.

The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 6, 2026 — A portion of the First Street parking lot near the corner of Federal and First streets is now closed as work begins on the First Street Streetscaping Project.

The closed area will be used as a laydown yard for materials and equipment supporting the project. The closure is expected to remain in place through May 2027.

Public parking areas west of the Transportation Building remain open and available.

The First Street Streetscaping Project will extend from Union Street to Laughlin Street and includes rebuilding deteriorating retaining walls, sidewalks and curbs, along with new landscaping and a protected bike lane. Engineers estimate the project cost at nearly $7 million, including design and contingencies. The work is being funded through Urban Renewal.

City officials said they appreciate the community’s patience as the downtown improvement project moves forward.

More information and construction impact updates are available at thedalles.org/DTProjects.

A month-long exhibition at Columbia Center for the Arts celebrates Black and BIPOC creativity across mediums—while raising funds for the Black in the Gorge Scholarship Fund

By August Oaks

Hood River, Ore., Feb. 6, 2026 — Columbia Center for the Arts (CCA), in partnership with Black in the Gorge (BiG), is proud to present Black Infinity House, an immersive gallery exhibition featuring Black and BIPOC artists from across the Pacific Northwest. Running February 6 through March 1, 2026, the exhibition is curated by August Oaks and will be on view at Columbia Center for the Arts, 215 Cascade Avenue, Hood River, OR. 

Black Infinity House follows the momentum of 2025’s Rooted in the Gorge exhibit and expands the region’s commitment to celebrating and uplifting BIPOC artists and makers through visibility, community-building, and cultural connection. Featuring a wide range of mediums—including drawing, painting, photography, textiles, ceramics, sculpture, fashion, digital work, and mixed media—the show highlights the breadth of creative talent thriving throughout the Columbia Gorge and beyond. 

At the heart of the exhibition is a concept rooted in the idea that Blackness is infinite—a living, evolving, and expansive cultural force that cannot be reduced to a single definition. 

“The Black Infinity House art exhibit is focused on highlighting the visions, expressions, experiences and imaginations of local, Black artists across multiple mediums,” said curator August Oaks. “This artists’ showcase is an experiential exhibit… meant to demonstrate Black art through the process of its creation, consumption and cultivation.” 

Designed as an experiential “house” within the gallery, Black Infinity House invites visitors to move through three themed spaces:
● The Studio — exploring identity and artistic creation
● The Living Room — centered on culture, gathering, and creative consumption
● The Porch — connecting cultivation, nature, rest, and safe space

“This isn’t some stuffy art show with a few paintings hanging from sterile, white walls. Making art doesn’t feel anything like that… This is an immersive art experience meant to celebrate the vibrant sense of magic that resonates in culture and connectivity,” says Oaks.

The exhibition also features materials and community support from local businesses including Ice Cream for Crow Vintage, ADHD Records, Artifact, Hood River Stationers and the Gorge Rebuild-It Center. 

“It’s been so awesome to be able to collaborate with our local community. The openness and support to not only acknowledge our culture but celebrate our history in such an important and creative way has been so cool and incredibly special,” says Robin Allen of Black in the Gorge.

In addition to celebrating artistic excellence, the exhibition also serves as a fundraiser supporting the Black in the Gorge Scholarship Fund, created to assist Gorge residents who identify as Black/African American, Black biracial, or Black multiracial in pursuing educational goals across all ages and stages of life.

Opening Reception

The public is invited to attend the Opening Reception on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 5:00–7:30 PM, at Columbia Center for the Arts.

Exhibition Details

Black Infinity House
Columbia Center for the Arts 215 Cascade Avenue, Hood River, OR 97031
February 6 – March 1, 2026
Opening Reception: Friday, February 6 | 5:00–7:30 PM

About Black in the Gorge Black in the Gorge (BiG) is a local mutual support organization focused on community care, cultural programming, and strengthening connection for Black, biracial, and multiracial residents of the greater Columbia Gorge region. BiG also leads fundraising efforts for the Black in the Gorge Scholarship Fund.

About Columbia Center for the Arts (CCA) is a nonprofit arts organization in Hood River, Oregon, dedicated to enriching the community through visual art exhibitions, performances, and cultural programming. 

Black Infinity House Schedule

Feb. 1–March 1
A gallery-wide celebration of Black and BIPOC artists and creatives, featuring work across multiple mediums in an immersive exhibit experience. Free and open to the public.
Opening reception: Feb. 6, 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Improv with Jade and Emily | Community workshop
Feb. 10, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Drop-in improv night with no experience or sign-up required. Participants are invited to play, laugh and build confidence in a supportive environment. For ages 18 and older. Free.

Candlemaking with Mister OK’s Essentials (adults only) | Workshop
Feb. 13, 6–7 p.m.
An adults-only candlemaking class designed for an early Valentine’s date night or a Galentine’s outing. Participants will create a candle, learn the basics of candlemaking and stay for a movie. For ages 18 and older.

NOPE | Film screening
Feb. 13, 7 p.m.
An adults-only screening of NOPE, a genre-bending thriller directed by Jordan Peele.

Candlemaking with Mister OK’s Essentials (family friendly) | Workshop
Feb. 14, 11 a.m.–noon
A family-friendly candlemaking workshop where participants can create a candle together while learning the process step by step.

The Wiz | Film screening
Feb. 14, noon
A screening of The Wiz, a musical reimagining of The Wizard of Oz suitable for all ages.

Paint and Sip with Jade | Workshop
Feb. 19, 6–8 p.m.
A guided paint night led by Jade, offering participants the chance to create, unwind and leave with a finished piece. For ages 21 and older.

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner | Film screening
Feb. 20, 7 p.m.
A screening of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner in celebration of Sidney Poitier’s birthday.

Intro to pyrography: Keepsake boxes | Workshop
Feb. 21, 1–3 p.m.
A hands-on workshop led by DeLoné introducing the art of pyrography, also known as wood burning. Open to beginners and experienced makers.

Improv with Jade and Emily | Community workshop
Feb. 24, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Another drop-in improv night with no experience or sign-up required. Open to participants ages 18 and older.

Basquiat | Film screening
Feb. 27, 7 p.m.
A screening of Basquiat, exploring the life of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat and New York City’s 1980s art scene.

By Tom Peterson

The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 5, 2026 — Inside the former Elks Lodge in downtown The Dalles, the National Neon Sign Museum glows with neon signs spanning more than 120 years of American roadside history. Upstairs, under a single spotlight, another form of craftsmanship is quietly being brought back to life.

Volunteer Linda Wilson stood beside a carved wooden horse from the historic Jantzen Beach Carousel, brush in hand, carefully painting its ornate exterior.

“I have fun with it,” Wilson said. “I’m mixing a color to make a wash to put scales on the romance side of this one.”

The “romance side,” Wilson explained, is the outward-facing side of the horse — the portion visible to riders as they approach. It is richly detailed and decorative. The opposite side, known as the “money side,” is far plainer, since riders have already paid once it comes into view.

Stamped into the horseshoes are the words “11 Worth,” identifying Leavenworth, Kansas, where the horses were carved and assembled. Wilson said some research points to german prisoners held there during World War I were among the craftsmen responsible for carving and assembling the figures.

Nearly a century of use has left its mark. The horses have undergone multiple repairs and layers of paint over the decades, including copper patches. Epoxy rebuilds of worn features — such as a carved sunflower worn nearly flat after generations of riders brushed past it.

“They are so beautiful,” Wilson said. “It’s an honor to work on them. Someday I’m going to ride one.”

Downstairs, in a brightly lit white room, three women worked steadily on other horses stripped to bare wood. For months, volunteers have been filling cracks and sanding surfaces as part of the painstaking restoration process.

“My intent is to preserve these horses for another 100 years,” said volunteer Therese Wunderlich of The Dalles. “We have spent hundreds of hours sanding. We started using wood filler for the cracks, but found that resin works a lot better.”

The work underway inside the museum is part of a much larger effort to restore the Jantzen Beach Carousel, a massive attraction built in 1921 and brought to Oregon in 1928. In 2023, stewardship of the carousel was awarded to the Neon Sign Museum following a statewide selection process led by Restore Oregon.

The carousel includes more than 80 carved horses and two chariots and is considered one of the largest traditional carousels in the United States.

Kirsten, David and Simon Benko have made the carousel’s revival a family effort. The Benkos said their roles span stewardship, planning, documentation and community outreach, with each contributing to the long-term goal of returning the historic ride to public use while preserving its artistic and historical integrity.

Local artist Denae Manion has spearheaded much of the hands-on restoration, helping organize volunteer efforts and guide painting and surface-finishing techniques. According to the Benkos, Manion’s experience and steady leadership have been central to maintaining consistency and quality across the restoration process as work continues on multiple horses.

Son, Simon Benko said the first year of the project focused largely on research, planning and relationship-building before visible restoration began.

“This is not about rushing,” Simon Benko said. “We’re just stewards of these horses. Our responsibility is to do it right so the next generation has something documented and preserved.”

According to the Benkos, restoration work is being done in “families” of four horses at a time, grouped by style and position on the carousel. More than a dozen horses are currently in progress, with teams handling woodworking, painting and surface preparation.

Shortly after the museum was selected as steward, David Benko attended the 50th annual convention of the National Carousel Association in New England, visiting more than two dozen carousels in several days and building relationships with operators, artists and restorers.

“One woman in her 90s could barely walk off the bus,” David Benko said, recounting his experience during the tour. “Then she saw her horse, recognized it, and suddenly she was running toward it. That’s what this does.”

“That was the moment it really became real,” he said. “You realize not just what you have, but what it can mean to a community.”

Restoration is being done in groups of four horses at a time — often referred to as “families” — based on their placement and design on the carousel. More than a dozen horses are currently in various stages of restoration, with volunteers specializing in woodworking, painting, surface preparation and documentation.

The Benkos said documentation is a central focus of the project, noting that earlier restoration efforts decades ago left little written record. Today’s work is being carefully recorded so future caretakers understand the materials and methods used.

Beyond the technical work, the Benkos said the carousel’s power lies in its ability to connect people across generations, often evoking strong emotional responses tied to memory, art and place.

The restoration is taking place inside the museum, allowing the public to observe the process firsthand. The museum is completing its lower-level Argon Education Center, which will include classrooms, a working neon shop and a dedicated carousel restoration area with live demonstrations.

The museum is also producing a documentary chronicling the carousel’s history and revival. More than 25 interviews have already been recorded as part of the project, according to the Benkos.

Long-term plans call for construction of a dedicated carousel pavilion adjacent to the museum. Early concepts include a fully enclosed structure designed to protect the carousel while making it visible to the public.

Long-term plans call for construction of a dedicated carousel pavilion adjacent to the museum. Early concepts include a fully enclosed structure designed to protect the carousel while making it visible to the public.

The museum hopes to have a significant portion of the carousel restored by 2028, marking 100 years since it arrived in Oregon.

The Benkos said the project is moving forward deliberately, with an emphasis on craftsmanship, education and community involvement.

Volunteers, donations and grant funding continue to be sought as restoration progresses. More information is available at JantzenBeachCarousel.org and through the museum’s social media channels.

From Tammy Kaufman of White Salmon-Bingen Rotary:

Beaverton, Ore., Jan. 29, 2026 — Rotary District 5100 with 62 clubs in northern Oregon and southwest Washington is accepting applications through March 1 for its 2026–27 Global Grant Scholarship, a competitive international study program supported by Rotary International.

The scholarship, funded through The Rotary Foundation, supports professionals pursuing graduate-level study abroad aligned with one of Rotary’s Areas of Focus. Eligible programs include master’s degrees, doctoral programs, certificate programs, or approved research projects, for up to four academic years.

Rotary District 5100 selects one candidate each year to advance to the Global Grant Scholarship application process. The award provides up to $30,000 annually for approved educational expenses.

Rotary’s seven Areas of Focus are peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; community economic development; and protecting the environment.

“This is a high-level study abroad program designed to immerse students in another culture while they study at a foreign university,” said Tamara Kaufman, chair of the district’s Global Scholars Committee. “The selected scholar becomes part of the Rotary family by participating in a club near where they are studying and remaining connected to a club here in our district, which spans northern Oregon and southwest Washington.”

Applicants must already be fluent in the language of instruction, including terminology specific to their field of study, and must have a letter of admission to a foreign academic institution with studies beginning in late summer or early fall 2026. Candidates must also demonstrate a long-term career plan focused on measurable and sustainable change in their chosen field.

“Our motto is Service Above Self,” Kaufman said. “Our goal is for a Global Scholar to help make a positive difference in the world and to maintain a lifelong relationship with Rotary after the scholarship period.”

Kaufman, a member of the White Salmon-Bingen Rotary Club in Washington, said Rotary offers ongoing opportunities for both local and international service.

“We have a tremendous network to do good in the world,” she said. “Our club is currently working on an environmental project in Guatemala and a community economic development project in Kenya, in collaboration with partner clubs in Rotary District 5100 and Rotary clubs on the ground.”

Rotarians, their relatives and Rotary employees are not eligible to apply. Members of Rotaract clubs, Rotary’s global service network for young leaders ages 18 to 30, are eligible.

Applications will be reviewed, and selected candidates will be invited for interviews. The district’s chosen applicant will then work with the committee to apply to The Rotary Foundation for the Global Grant.

More information is available at https://rotarydistrict5100.org/global-scholars/. Applicants must submit a letter of intent, a resume or CV, and letters of reference to RD5100GlobalScholars@gmail.com by March 1, 2026.

About

Rotary District 5100 includes 62 clubs and more than 2,100 members across northern Oregon and southwest Washington. The district focuses on local and global service projects aimed at creating sustainable community impact. Learn more at rotarydistrict5100.org.

The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 3, 2026 — Energy company Avangrid Inc. announced Tuesday that two adjacent utility-scale solar projects near Maupin are now operational, marking the first commercial solar facilities of their kind in the county and adding roughly 200 megawatts of alternating-current capacity to the regional power grid.

The projects — Daybreak Solar and Bakeoven Solar — together deliver 269 megawatts of direct-current capacity, or about 200 megawatts alternating current, according to the company. Power from the facilities is being delivered to Portland General Electric through its Green Future Impact program, which allows large industrial and municipal customers to procure new renewable energy resources without shifting additional costs to other ratepayers.

Based on average household electricity use in Oregon, the combined 200 megawatts of alternating-current capacity from the two projects is enough to supply electricity for roughly 40,000 residential homes annually.

Avangrid Chief Executive Officer José Antonio Miranda said the projects represent a major infrastructure investment in Wasco County, citing job creation and grid reliability benefits. Company officials estimate the facilities will generate about $40 million in local tax revenue over their operational life and support several permanent operations and maintenance jobs.

According to the Oregon Department of Energy, both facilities were approved through the state’s Energy Facility Siting Council process and could be built out across more than 3,000 acres and includes a 100-megawatt battery storage system, a collector substation, an operations and maintenance building, and an approximately 11-mile, 230-kilovolt transmission line.

State records show the Energy Facility Siting Council approved a request for amendment in November 2021 that split the original Bakeoven approval into three separate projects — Bakeoven Solar, Daybreak Solar and Sunset Solar — while retaining shared infrastructure across the sites.

Avangrid said construction of the two facilities supported more than 300 construction jobs, primarily filled by local union labor. Contractor Global Electric Inc., which has worked on the Bakeoven site, reported scope that included inverter and transformer installation, photovoltaic module mounting, grounding systems, fiber and SCADA installation, and medium-voltage electrical work.

“Our region has a history of energy production, and now we are finding other ways to harness our abundant regional resources like the Eastern Oregon sunshine and Columbia Gorge Winds to meet growing demand from the new ways we are using electricity,” said Phil Brady, Wasco County Commissioner. “The Daybreak and Bakeoven facilities will help meet our growing demand while contributing to our local economy and supporting our local tax districts such as the Wasco County Library and the Deschutes Rim Health Clinic.”

Electricity from the projects is being procured through PGE’s Green Future Impact program, which serves large customers such as Intel seeking to meet renewable-energy and carbon-reduction goals. Madison West, Intel’s global head of sustainability, said the facilities support the company’s target of achieving 100% renewable electricity across its global operations by 2030.

Avangrid also said it is using sheep grazing at the sites as a vegetation-management strategy to reduce fire risk and maintenance needs. The company reported that approximately 3,000 sheep are being used at the two facilities under agreements with an Oregon sheep rancher.

Avangrid operates about 2.5 gigawatts of generating capacity in Oregon and employs roughly 375 workers statewide. The company opened a national training center in neighboring Sherman County in 2024 and operates more than 80 power projects nationwide with a combined capacity exceeding 10.5 gigawatts.

Tuesday, Feb. 3

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

Tuesday, February 3

7:00 PM Reddy Black Trio at Zim’s Sports Bar & Grill

Wednesday, Feb. 4

Thunder Island Events

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

We love our community, believe in giving back, and celebrate the organizations that bond our communities. Join us for our Community Night on the first and third Wednesday of the month. We will donate $1.00 of every beverage sold between 5pm and close to a featured non-profit organization.

This week's Launch Party and Troll Hunt Community Night will be benefiting a local non-profit, Main Street Cascade Locks! This event is open to the public and all are welcome to join.

This Launch Party and Troll Hunt (with prizes) will kick off the community-wide centennial of The Bridge of the Gods in October 2026. Main Street Cascade Locks is coordinating with businesses, government agencies, tribal governments and non-profit organizations to present a spectacular festival of events.

Live Music at Tabby’s Hole in One

Tabby’s Hole in One Clubhouse at the Hood River Golf Course presents live music with local and regional bands.

Wednesday, Feb. 4, Open Mic with Kerry Williams, 6-8 p.m.

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, Feb. 4, Crush Cider Cafe (Hood River), 7-9 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 5

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

Thursday, February 5

6:00 PM Al Hare at Bargeway Pub

7:00 PM Jeff Minnick at Last Stop Saloon

Music with David Ramirez/Sharon Silva

Live Music at Trout Lake Hall

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

Thursday, February 5th, 2026

$19 Advance // $23 Day Of Show
6pm Doors / 7pm Show
All Ages

DAVID RAMIREZ

David Ramirez took a little time to get back to himself, and now he’s dead set on making music for himself—for the sake of the music, and nothing else. “I love all the records I’ve made in the past,” says Ramirez. “But in making them, there was always the thought in the back of my mind of where and what it could get me. I made both creative and business decisions with a goal in mind; a goal that often never came. This time it was all about just the joy of making it, about having fun with it.”

The Austin, TX-based singer-songwriter—whose career has seen six full-length studio albums, three EPs, countless collaborations, and an illustrious supergroup project in Glorietta—spent a season of rest away from his focus on writing songs. In the wake of the end of a long relationship, he wanted to prioritize processing his grief as a human, not as an artist bleeding onto the page.

SHARON SILVA

Sharon Silva is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter known for her emotionally resonant lyrics and powerful, expressive voice. As a founding member of the indie-folk band The Wild Reeds, Silva helped shape their signature harmony-driven sound before stepping into her solo career.

Friday, Feb. 6

The Quick & Easy Boys w/ Gold Souls

The Ruins in Hood River

Friday, Feb. 6

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

13 Railroad Street

Doors at 5:30pm. Indoor venue. All-ages.

Tickets are $15 in advance (click here,) or $20 at the door.

(Please note: Advance purchase tickets stop being available at 11:59pm the night before the show and then are only available at the door on the day-of. Pets not allowed.)

The Quick & Easy Boys are a power trio out of Portland, Oregon, who create their own blend of rock and roll. Imagine the Minutemen, the Police, and Band of Gypsy’s rolled into one.

Live Music at Trout Lake Hall

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

Friday, February 6th, 2026

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

THE. MUDDY SOULS

Born in the belly of Eugene, Oregon, The Muddy Souls are a progressive bluegrass band emerging from the Pacific Northwest. Formed in 2018, the band has produced four original albums and played over 300 shows across the US, Canada Europe, and beyond. Through intricately woven arrangements, meaningful lyrics, vocal harmonies, and improvisational jams, this band is sure to get you grooving on the dance floor. The Muddy Souls will take you on a musical journey, opening hearts and nourishing souls.

SKILLETHEAD

ORIGINAL, TRADITIONAL, MODERN

Setting roots in the high and dry Central Oregon desert, Skillethead calls forth the best of bluegrass old and new. They ground themselves firmly in the bluegrass traditions of driving fiddle tunes, layered harmonies, and single mics, all the while weaving in inspiration and originality gleaned from genres far and wide. You can expect to hear a Stanley Brothers number right alongside a stirring original or a rollicking rock cover done in Skillethead's own unique fashion. The spectrum reaches far and wide, the bluegrass universe is expanding, and Skillethead is on that ride!

Live Music at The Pines

The Pines Tasting Room in Hood River hosts live music featuring local and regional musicians.

Friday, Feb. 6, SuperNova (rock), 6-9 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 7

An Evening With Shafty (Phish Tribute)

Sat, Feb 07 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

The Ruins in Hood River

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

Tickets are $20 in advance (click here,) or $25 at the door.

(Please note: Advance purchase tickets stop being available at 11:59pm the night before the show and then are only available at the door on the day-of. Pets not allowed.)

Shafty: What began as essentially a goof – a chance to throw down some familiar dancy beats and jam for whoever felt like listening - ultimately lit a spark under the off-the-radar powder keg of Phish fans in the Portland, Oregon music scene. More time was spent talking about the possibility of putting a Phish tribute together than actually practicing, prior to their first performance at local basement pub The Goodfoot Lounge, in February of 2012.

Event by Gorge Roller Derby

The Dalles Readiness Center

A new year and a new season are rolling into The Dalles as Gorge Roller Derby (GRD) opens its 2026 campaign with a fast-paced doubleheader on Friday, Feb. 7, at the The Dalles Readiness Center.

The evening features two full bouts, starting at 4 p.m. with the GRD All Stars taking on a mystery opponent, followed by a 6 p.m. matchup between GRD’s Blood N Gorge and Emerald City Roller Derby. Doors open at 3 p.m., giving fans time to grab seats and soak in the pre-bout buzz before the first whistle.

The event is open to all ages and wheelchair accessible, with children 6 and under admitted free. Limited tickets will be available at the door for $15 general admission and $8 for students.

Hosted at Fort Dalles Readiness Center, 402 E. Scenic Drive, the season opener promises hard hits, quick jams, and the kind of hometown energy Gorge Roller Derby is known for—marking the start of another high-octane season on the track.

All ages – Wheelchair Accessible – 6 & under free

Fort Dalles Readiness Center 402 E Scenic Dr. The Dalles, OR
97058

Doors Open at 3:00PM Bout starts at 4:00PM

LIMITED Tickets are available at the door Regular $15 Students $8

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

Saturday, February 7

6:00 PM Chic Preston at Bargeway Pub

7:00 PM Second Hand Jam at Zim’s Sports Bar & Grill

8:00 PM Al Hare at Last Stop Saloon

Sunday, Feb. 8

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

Sunday, February 8

7:00 PM Rich & Blonde at Last Stop Saloon

Black Infinity House: Art Exhibit

Exhibit runs Feb 07 - March 1,
WED-SUN, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Columbia Center for the Arts, 215 Cascade Avenue, Hood River

“The Black Infinity House art exhibit is focused on highlighting the visions, expressions, experiences and imaginations of local, black artists across multiple mediums.

The premise of the show comes from a concept I grasped when reading The Black Aesthetic II. The early pages of the book’s discussion illuminate the fact that Blackness is infinite. People may try to define what it means to be black; but it comes in all different forms, especially as we, as a people, constantly create new spaces and phenomenal forms of culture in order to to express ourselves and own our incredible power in safe environments —specifically made for us, by us.

This artists’ showcase is an experiential exhibit with three quadrants in the gallery that together are meant to demonstrate black art through the process of its creation, consumption and cultivation. Art will be displayed in three sectors called The Studio, The Living Room, and The Porch, respectively.”
There is no charge for admission.

Monday, Feb. 9

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

Monday, Feb. 9, Reb Conner (Soul, Country, Jazz, Pop), 6-8 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/

Monday, February 9

7:00 PM Al Hare at Last Stop Saloon

Coming Up: Tien Hsieh
Mid Columbia
Community Concert

The Dalles Civic Auditorium, 323 E 4th St, The Dalles

Tuesday, Feb 10

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Tien Hsieh is a formidable virtuoso and also a magnetic musical persona.

TICKETS:

www.midcolumbiacommunityconcerts.com/events/tien-hsieh

About The Event

As one reviewer from the San Francisco bay area recently quoted, "Serious, composed, tiny and full of music, Tien Hsieh lets her artistry on the piano express a warmth and freshness of ideas that surely none but a poet could explain". Another reviewer said she "...delivered electrifying performances of music of monumentally heroic difficulty. Works by Messiaen, Beethoven and finally Liszt's Rhapsodie Espagnole were breathtaking in their technical quality and interpretive maturity." Her Schumann Humoresque, Op. 20 was described as 'Grand, relentless, madness explained, love caught through fingertips and galloping hooves trailing off to pastoral dreams.'

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!

By Tom Peterson

THE DALLES, Ore., Feb. 2, 2026 — Work is underway at the former Staples building next to Safeway in The Dalles as preparations continue for the arrival of a TJ Maxx clothing store.

This morning, Chris Cruz of Dickerhoof Construction said they expect their portion of the project to take about two months. The work includes shoring interior walls to accommodate changing rooms, installing a new water main, and creating plumbing stub-outs for a restroom at the rear of the building.

The 24,477-square-foot space was gutted last year following the closure of Staples in March 2025. The current phase marks the start of tenant improvements needed before TJ Maxx can begin its own interior build-out.

The project is being managed by Riviera Enterprises LLC and Dickerhoof Properties, which own and lease the building. Earlier plans called for exterior and interior upgrades, including a redesigned facade to give the store a distinct presence within the shopping center.

Developers have previously said the goal is to open the store later this year, potentially in time for back-to-school shopping, though an exact opening date has not been announced.

The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, conducted an operation in the Parkdale area Tuesday morning in an effort to locate a fugitive wanted on multiple local felony charges, according to an announcement on facebook.

The report makes no mention if anyone was arrested.

Locals in Hood River this morning reported seeing the law enforcement officers at the Sheriffs’s Office on Sherman Street and tactical vehicles were observed driving too and from the Parkdale area.

CCCNews has reached out to the Hood River County Sheriff’s office and will report additional information once it is received.

Sheriff’s officials said the operation was focused on locating and apprehending a potentially violent suspect believed to be in the area.

The sheriff’s office also addressed community concerns about possible immigration enforcement activity, stating that it does not assist with immigration enforcement, as prohibited by Oregon state law.

THE DALLES, Ore., Feb. 2, 2026 — A 35-year-old man remains hospitalized following a stabbing last week in Cascade Locks, as investigators continue to seek information and family members raise funds to help cover medical costs.

Andrea Anderson of Astoria said her son, Kevin Anderson, was “jumped and stabbed 8 times” on Thursday, Jan. 29, and is being treated at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland. One of the stab wounds punctured his lung, she said.

“He’s not out of the woods,” Anderson said in an interview today. “Yes, he is conscious, but he is still being treated.”

According to an Oregon State Police incident log, troopers received a report of an assault at 11:02 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, in Cascade Locks. Police said two individuals suffered stab wounds. One person was taken to a local hospital, while the other was transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, a Level I trauma center, indicating potentially life-threatening injuries.

Oregon State Police are assisting the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation, which authorities described as a multi-agency response due to the severity of the injuries.

Investigators listed two people as persons of interest: Kevin Paul Anderson, 35, of Carson, Washington, and Joseph James Sampson, 34. Authorities emphasized that a person of interest is not the same as a suspect and does not imply guilt or that charges have been filed, but rather that investigators are seeking additional information.

As of Friday, police had not announced any arrests, charges or a possible motive. Officials have not released details about the relationship between those involved, the weapon used or the precise circumstances leading up to the stabbing.

Andrea Anderson said she has not received additional details from law enforcement about the incident. She said the stabbing occurred at a shack near the river in Cascade Locks and may have involved mental health issues.

Kevin Anderson works at the WKO sawmill in Carson, Washington, according to his mother. She said he had been preparing for a court process related to visitation with his daughter prior to the stabbing.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover medical bills, medication and other expenses not covered by insurance. Andrea Anderson said the full extent of her son’s recovery needs is still unknown.

“He has a long road ahead,” she said, adding that community support will help ease the financial strain while he focuses on healing.

CCCNews has reached out to the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office for additional comment and will report updates as more information becomes available.

The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 1, 2026 — From hands-on playdates and STEAM activities to author talks, crafts, and teen programs, The Dalles Public Library is offering a full slate of free events for all ages during the week of Feb. 2–7.

Monday–Saturday, Feb. 2–7

Pint-Sized Playdates, all day. The Dalles Public Library. Ongoing hands-on play activities for preschool and school-age children, featuring themed tabletop stations such as crafts and engineering challenges. This week’s theme is “Bites & Beats,” exploring music- and food-themed activities. Children must be accompanied by an engaged adult; drop-offs are not permitted.

Wanted: Kid Librarian of the Month, all day. The Dalles Public Library. Children ages 7–11 may apply to be Kid Librarian of the Month by submitting an application at the children’s librarian desk. Selected participants will enjoy a special breakfast with their family and the children’s librarian and create a personalized book display in the children’s wing. Applications are due by Saturday, Feb. 7. Children must be accompanied by an adult; drop-offs are not permitted.

Monday, Feb. 2

Spice Kit Take and Make, 10–10:30 a.m. The Dalles Public Library. Take-home spice kit activity for teens and adults.

Dream Study Group: Gifts from Our Subconscious, 5–7:30 p.m. The Dalles Public Library meeting room. A guided discussion exploring dreams as symbolic messages from the subconscious, led by Nancy Turner, M.Ed., retired psychotherapist. This is a four-class series meeting Mondays Feb. 2, 9, 23 and March 2; no class Feb. 16 due to the Presidents Day closure. Registration required.

Temporary Tattoo Parlor, 5:30–7 p.m. The Dalles Public Library children’s wing. All-ages event offering a variety of fun temporary tattoos.

Tuesday, Feb. 3

Little Learners Lab: Kids in STEAM, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. The Dalles Public Library children’s wing. Hands-on, play-based STEAM activities for toddlers and preschoolers focused on curiosity, creativity, and exploration. Children must be accompanied by an engaged adult; drop-offs are not permitted.

Wednesday, Feb. 4

Heart Garland Craft, 2:30–3:30 p.m. The Dalles Public Library teen room. Teens will create heart-shaped garlands using recycled book pages and simple craft techniques.

Thursday, Feb. 5

Playdough Storytime, 10:30–11:15 a.m. The Dalles Public Library children’s wing. A preschool storytime combining early literacy activities with hands-on playdough play. Materials are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Children must be accompanied by an engaged adult; drop-offs are not permitted.

Swashbuckling Heroines and High Seas Adventures with Novelist Vanessa Riley, 4–5 p.m. Virtual event hosted by The Dalles Public Library. Online discussion with author Vanessa Riley about her novel “Fire Sword and Sea,” inspired by the legendary pirate Jacquotte Delahaye. Registration required.

Friday, Feb. 6

Fun Fridays for Teens (11+): Ice Cream Sundaes, 3:30–4:30 p.m. The Dalles Public Library teen room. Ice cream sundae social for teens.

Fun Fridays: The Great Fort Build-Off, 3:30–4:30 p.m. The Dalles Public Library children’s wing. School-age participants will work in teams to design and build creative forts.

Much Ado About…What, Exactly? A Shakespeare Class, 4–6 p.m. The Dalles Public Library makerspace. A six-week introductory Shakespeare class focusing on “Much Ado About Nothing,” covering Shakespearean language, performance and interpretation. For ages 13 and older. Registration required.

Winter 2026: Olympic Games, 5–5:30 p.m. The Dalles Public Library main library. A series of short games inspired by the Winter Olympics. Additional sessions are scheduled for Feb. 13 and Feb. 20.

Saturday, Feb. 7

DIY Book Window Bookmark Holder, 2:30–4:30 p.m. The Dalles Public Library meeting room. Arts and crafts workshop for teens and adults. Participants must attend the first two sessions, Jan. 17 and Feb. 7; later sessions are optional. Registration required.

The Dalles, Ore., Jan. 31, 2026 — At the recent Northwest Ag Show in Salem, agricultural leaders said out loud what many farm families have known for years: Oregon agriculture is in crisis.

According to reporting by Capital Press, nearly 70% of Oregon farms are operating at a net cash loss, and the state is losing about one farm a day. Those numbers aren’t political. They’re arithmetic. And they match what rural communities are watching happen in real time.

Out here, the crisis doesn’t arrive with headlines. It comes quietly — in delayed repairs, postponed replanting, and conversations about succession that never quite happen because the margins no longer allow for it. Eventually, it ends with land being sold that was never meant to leave the family.

Much of today’s pressure comes from a growing disconnect between agricultural policy and agricultural reality. Farming is a biological system. Crops and livestock don’t follow office calendars, and labor needs don’t arrive evenly throughout the year. Regulations designed without regard for seasonality and timing increase costs while reducing flexibility — often hurting both farmers and workers in the process.

Most farmers want fair treatment for the people who work alongside them. We live in the same communities, send kids to the same schools, and depend on one another year after year. But when policy ignores how farming actually works, good intentions collide with biology — and biology always wins.

What’s most concerning isn’t just the loss of farms, but which farms are disappearing. Oregon isn’t losing agriculture altogether; it’s losing family-scale operations — the middle layer that supports local schools, equipment dealers, packing houses, and rural economies. Those farms don’t simply close. They’re absorbed, consolidated, and restructured.

Once that middle disappears, it doesn’t come back.

Some farms are turning to agritourism or direct sales to survive, and those efforts can help keep land in production. But diversification is a lifeline, not a replacement for a functioning agricultural economy. Food still has to be grown, harvested, and moved — and that requires viable farms and local infrastructure.

As Oregon leaders head into the short legislative session beginning in February, it’s critical that agriculture — and the working families tied to it — remain in sharp focus. Decisions made in short sessions still carry long consequences. For farmers, those consequences show up quickly and don’t fade easily.

Credit is due to farm leaders for acknowledging the severity of the situation. Saying it out loud matters. But acknowledgement alone won’t stop the losses.

If Oregon wants agriculture to remain a living system — not a nostalgic talking point — policy must reconnect with reality. That means recognizing farming as seasonal and biological, understanding that when margins disappear stewardship disappears with them, and accepting that losing a farm a day isn’t progress. The question now is whether anyone in power is willing to look.

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.

By Tom Peterson with assistance from Aaron Girdham

The Dalles, Ore., Jan. 30, 2026 — A Wasco County jury found Jason McCollum guilty on Friday of all nine charges in a violent 2021 home-invasion robbery that left 73-year-old Donald “Donny” Lewis severely injured and stripped of what he described as his life savings.

The verdict came after jurors deliberated for roughly three and a half hours following closing arguments in Wasco County Circuit Court. The jury began deliberations around 10:30 a.m. and returned its decision shortly after 2 p.m., prompting Judge Janet Stauffer to reconvene court.

The jury — made up of eight women and four men — confirmed the verdicts were unanimous.

McCollum, a 50-year-old Portland man, entered the courtroom wearing new Levi’s, white Adidas shoes with black stripes and a black jacket with a faux-fur collar. He sat facing forward and showed little visible reaction as Stauffer read the verdict aloud.

McCollum stood trial on charges including first-degree kidnapping, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary and first-degree assault stemming from the Jan. 22, 2021, beating and robbery of Lewis.

Following the verdict, Wasco County District Attorney Kara Davis asked the court to immediately take McCollum into custody, arguing he posed a flight risk and faced a lengthy prison sentence.

“He almost killed a man,” Davis said. “He’s looking at a decade and a half. This was a brutal crime and it is appropriate to take him into custody.”

Defense attorney Per Olson asked that McCollum remain released until sentencing, telling the court his client was employed street sweeping, complying with electronic monitoring and continuing substance abuse recovery efforts.

Stauffer remanded McCollum into custody.

After deputies handcuffed McCollum and escorted him from the courtroom, Olson said the defense would focus on mitigation at sentencing and pursue an appeal.

“We look forward to sentencing where we will bring forward mitigating information about Mr. McCollum,” Olson said.

John Lingo, who is a friend of Lewis, attended the entire trial. He initially thought jurors might be divided.

“I thought the jury might be 60/40 because they didn’t get to see everything,” Lingo said. “They did a good job. It was tough sitting there for a week and having to listen to what happened to Donny...”

Lewis said he felt relief following the verdict.

“I’m relieved and glad McCollum is off the street,” Lewis said. “I’ve had a lot of anxiety he was out there and still beating up old people.”

Lewis praised investigators and addressed The Dalles Police Capt. Jamie Carrico across the courtroom.

“The Dalles Police Department should be applauded for their efforts,” Lewis said. “They went way beyond to get these guys. It’s five years later, and this is what it takes.”

Turning toward Carrico, Lewis added: “Tell ’em all they can go home early tonight. Society appreciates it. It’s been five years, but they kept going.”

Carrico later said the verdict affirmed the investigation.

“The justice system worked,” Carrico said.

Davis added: “We’re glad we could get justice for Donny.”

Victim’s advocate program director Karen Shultz said the trauma Lewis endured was immeasurable and that she could see relief when the verdict was read.

“When the guilty verdicts were read, you could see the relief,” Shultz said. “It was finally over.”

The trial capped five days of testimony that included graphic details of the assault, surveillance evidence tied to a rented vehicle and testimony from a cooperating accomplice who said he was forced to participate in the robbery under threat of violence.

Lewis testified the attackers zip-tied him, beat him unconscious and stole a safe containing $150,000 in cash, rare coins and family military medals. He underwent multiple surgeries and told jurors he continues to suffer long-term injuries.

Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

Read CCCNew’s story about trial days two and three here.

Read CCNews’ story on opening statements here.

From Empowered Movement Aerial:

By Arwen Ungar

Bingen, Wash., Jan. 30, 2026 — From the wreckage of a ship tossed by a mighty storm, a magical adventure lifts into the air. Through playful aerial movement and imaginative theater, performers swing, climb, and soar as they explore a strange new world shaped by the sea. 

Silks become waves, masts, and secret pathways, guiding the characters as they meet curious sea creatures, friendly sky beings, and unexpected helpers along the way. With every twist, tumble, and flight, the journey becomes one of bravery and self-discovery, reminding young audiences that even after getting lost, amazing things can happen—and sometimes the greatest treasure is discovering how strong and capable you already are.

Featuring original aerial and theater, this performance will inspire and delight students of all ages. Barnaby King, world-renowned clown and performer, leads the audience on an epic adventure from the wreckage of a ship tossed by a mighty storm, a magical adventure lifts into the air. Through playful aerial movement and imaginative theater, performers swing, climb, and soar as they explore a strange new world shaped by the sea. 

Silks become waves, masts, and secret pathways, guiding the characters as they meet curious sea creatures, friendly sky beings, and unexpected helpers along the way. With every twist, tumble, and flight, the journey becomes one of bravery and self-discovery, reminding young audiences that even after getting lost, amazing things can happen—and sometimes the greatest treasure is discovering how strong and capable you already are.

Empowered Movement Aerial, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is announcing its annual aerial and theater performances on Feb 21 at 7 p.m. and Feb 22 at 2 and 5:30 p.m. at the Bingen Theater. 

THE DALLES, Ore., Jan. 30, 2026 — Two people were stabbed on Thursday in Cascade Locks, and the Hood River Sherrif’s Office called in the Oregon State Police Portland Major Crimes Detectives to inform then of the serious assault.

According to an Oregon State Police incident log, troopers received the report Jan. 29 at 11:02 a.m. in Cascade Locks. Two victims suffered stab wounds. One was transported to a local hospital, and the other was taken to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland, a Level I trauma center, indicating potentially life-threatening injuries.

OSP is assisting the Hood River County Sheriff’s office in the investigation.

CCCNews has reached out to the Sheriff’s office for comment and will report back when additional information becomes available.

OSP identified the incident as an assault and confirmed the investigation involves a multi-agency response due to the severity of the injuries.

Investigators listed two people as persons of interest: Kevin Paul Anderson, 35, of Carson, Washington, and Joseph James Sampson, 34. Authorities emphasized that a person of interest is not the same as a suspect and does not imply guilt or that charges have been filed. But more importantly, the men are being sought to provide additional information.

As of Friday, police had not announced any arrests, charges, or a possible motive. Officials have not released details about the relationship between those involved, the condition of the victims, the exact location of the stabbing within Cascade Locks, or the weapon used.

OSP Major Crimes detectives typically respond to cases involving extreme injuries, potential homicide risk or complex felony investigations. Authorities said the case remains active and additional information will be released when available.