It’s officially winter in Oregon, which often means a sharp spike in energy bills as you crank up the heat. Homes can lose up to 60% of the energy used to keep the space warm through inefficient equipment, poor insulation and hidden air leaks.
News from around the Gorge
Free news: Washington State election results; Fish Passage and Forest Roads talk; Street closures in The Dalles; Another street closure for The Dalles
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HOOD RIVER — Foul play is afoot in the cozy confines of Monkswell Manor, also known as the Bowe Theater, where two ensembles from Hood River Valley High School (HRVHS) will perform Agatha Christie’s classic stage whodunnit “The Mousetrap” for two weeks, opening on Feb. 20.
THE DALLES — An Oregon State Police Fish and Game K-9 unit and two commercial vehicles crashed at Highway 197 and Bret Clodfelter Way, The Dalles. The Dalles Police responded at 7:30 a.m. on Feb. 17.
Free news: “Free Speech and the Press” is the topic of a community-wide forum on Thursday, Feb. 19 at the Rockford Grange beginning at 6:30 p.m. Childcare and youth activities will be provided.
Public Works Director Jeff Hunter wanted to make things perfectly clear at the Feb. 10 Klickitat County Commissioners meeting. Before the Bluebird Solar project begins, he told commissioners, there would be some graveling on Dot Road and paving on the approaches to Wood Creek Bridge on Schrantz Road.
HOOD RIVER — After working on mega projects worldwide, including Chernobyl, replacing the Hood River Bridge doesn’t daunt Mike Fox.
New faces, positions for city leaders.
Free news: Mt. Adams Institute (MAI) has announced that it will cease operations and formally dissolve effective Dec. 31. The decision was approved by the MAI board of directors following extensive reflection and an emergency session held on Jan. 28.
Free news: The funding will enable the development of more than 40 additional permanently affordable homes for purchase on sites including Avalon Drive in Hood River. BRCLT thanks Senators Merkley and Wyden for their support of this funding to help address the severe challenges of affordable housing in the Gorge.
Sports
HOOD RIVER — Winter in the Gorge brings short days, cold nights and, if we’re lucky, a fresh dusting of snow across the valley and mountains. While the season can make outdoor recreation feel out of reach to some, local organizations are offering outdoor programs for youth to get out and enjoy the snow.
Business
Featured
Preparatory work leading to replacement of the Hood River Bridge is under way this month, as contractors conduct riverbed borings from barges anchored near the Oregon shore.
Featured
Final hearing held as statewide debate over the operations ignites once again during Oregon’s short session.
On Aug. 6, 2025, Sushi Okalani celebrated its 20-year anniversary. The celebration took place at The Ruins, the same location where they held …
Featured
WASCO CO. — Suze Riley, sole proprietor of Maupin Coffee Co., really does it all.
THE DALLES — The Columbia Gorge’s largest city, commonly cited as a robust agricultural hub above all, is rarely acknowledged as a creative destination by outsiders. But for residents Marcus Swift and Rian Beach, founders of the nonprofit, all-volunteer event organizer The Dalles Overground (TDO), its vibrant creative foundation represents a community hungry for broadened cultural programming and further artistic avenues.
Featured
THE DALLES — On Jan. 15, Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) published an investigative article detailing The Dalles’ push to expand its water reservoir capacity in the Mount Hood National Forest through a bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz.
Gorge Life
BINGEN — Big Britches Productions has received 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and will begin full nonprofit operation on April 1. The community theater company operates at the Bingen Theater, presenting five productions annually and drawing audiences from Trout Lake to Parkdale, The Dalles to Stevenson.
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- Klickitat County preliminary election results, Feb. 9 Special Election: WSVSD bond, levy passing
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- Big River Community Land Trust secures $2 million grant to advance Hood River affordable hous-ing project
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Latest News
- News briefs: Feb. 18, 2026
- Big Britches Productions becomes nonprofit
- HRVHS presents ‘The Mousetrap’
- Emergency declaration work continues for Hood River City councilors
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