The Dalles City Council will wait another two weeks before approving a resolution to allow the City Manager to have the authority to approve change orders on capital projects of up to 20 percent. Two Councilors, Ben Wring and Dan Richardson, were unable to be present at Monday’s meeting. Earlier in the day, Wring had communicated two remaining questions, most notably whether a total dollar amount limit could be included. City Attorney Jonathan Kara said a survey of other Oregon cities found no single statewide standard, adding they had settled on the 20 percent figure after studying change orders the City approved over the last 25 years. Kara added the change order authority is intended to increase efficiency in finishing projects and avoid delays waiting for Council approval that could end up costing even more money. The City Manager currently has authority to make changes up to $100,000. The subject will be discussed again on November 9.
Election Turnout Up From Four Years Ago, Down From 2024
With one week remaining until Election Day, voter turnout in Wasco and Hood River counties is running behind the pace set during the 2024 election, but ahead of 2022. In Wasco County, 4,695 ballots have been returned, representing 24.47 percent turnout. That compares with 5,736 ballots, or 30.42 percent turnout, at the same point in 2024. In 2022, the county had received 4,110 ballots, with turnout at 22.16 percent. In Hood River County, 4,805 ballots have been returned, for a turnout rate of 28.29 percent. At this point in 2024, the county had received 5,521 ballots, representing 32.92 percent turnout. In 2022, 3,825 ballots had been returned, for a turnout rate of 23.53 percent. Both counties are ahead of their 2022 turnout levels but remain behind their 2024 pace.
Pile Burning Planned On Pinchot
Cooler, wetter fall weather is creating favorable conditions for prescribed pile burning on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. On the Mount Adams Ranger District, Forest Service crews plan to begin burning this week along Forest Service Road 66, near South Prairie Lake, the Big Tire junction, and Mann Butte. Trained firefighters will ignite and monitor piles of woody debris when conditions are safe. The material comes from forest thinning and fuels-reduction projects designed to reduce wildfire hazards ahead of next summer. Burning may continue periodically through the spring, as weather and conditions allow. Smoke may be visible from nearby roads, trails, and waterways, but air quality impacts are expected to be minimal. Current air quality information is available at fire.airnow.gov. No closures are anticipated. Firefighters will remain on scene during ignition and patrol the area afterward. The Forest Service asks the public not to report these planned burns. For more information on upcoming operations, visit the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Facebook page.
Repair Help Available For Low-Income Home Owners In Washington
Low-income homeowners in Klickitat and Skamania counties may qualify for help with essential home repairs through Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation. The organization has received a Washington State Department of Commerce grant to help rural households address health, safety, and home durability issues. To qualify, households must earn no more than 80 percent of the area median income, and homes must need repairs. Eligible properties may include any single-family residential structure. Priority will be given to seniors age 60 and older, people with disabilities, families with children age five and younger, and veterans. Funding is limited, but eligible residents can ask to be added to the program’s waiting list. To learn more or apply, visit Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation’s website at columbiacascadehousingcorp.org, and select the home repair program. You can also email info@columbiacascadehousingcorp.org, or call 541-296-5462.
October 26 Prep Sports Scoreboard
Boys Water Polo
Barlow 17, Hood River Valley 3
Girls Water Polo
Hood River Valley 11, Barlow 7
Ihrig Hopes For Data Center Ordinance By Middle Of Next Year
Klickitat County Commission Chair Ron Ihrig indicated he would like to have a data center ordinance in place by the middle part of next year. Ihrig has a list of things he wants to see in an ordinance governing what the County would require for data center location, including where they would be allowed and water usage. In addition, he says the County has contacted Klickitat PUD about developing language for the structures to have their own power sources. Ihrig also pointed out their noise will have to be addressed. An interim data center ordinance is currently being reviewed with legal counsel, with Ihrig noting they do have outside legal counsel they are working with through the County’s prosecuting attorney’s office that specializes in land use.
Hood River Downtown Urban Renewal District Still Has Funds
The urban renewal district for downtown Hood River still has about a million dollars in it, a few years after work on it was finished out. City Manager Abigail Elder says it is a similar situation as they are dealing with for the Waterfront Urban Renewal District, deciding what to do with the remaining funds so they can close out the district. The Urban Renewal Agency board, which is made up of the Hood River City Council, is currently going through a process of determining potential projects for the $1 million remaining in the Waterfront account.
Antelope Man Dies In Highway 97 Accident
Oregon State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near Madras that claimed the life of a 77-year-old Antelope man. Troopers say the crash happened Saturday afternoon, at approximately 3:03, near milepost 75 in Jefferson County. According to the preliminary investigation, a southbound Honda Civic, driven by Thomas Derrig Jagels, attempted to turn left into the path of a northbound Ford Sprinter van driven by a 67-year-old man from The Dalles. The van was unable to stop or avoid the collision. Jagels was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the van reportedly was not injured. Authorities say the highway was not impacted during the investigation. Oregon State Police were assisted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Fire and EMS, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
The Dalles Public Works Asks Residents To Keep Streets Clear Of Leaves
The City of The Dalles is asking residents to help keep streets safe this fall by properly disposing of leaves and keeping storm drains clear. Leaves can clog drains, cause flooding, and create slippery conditions when they freeze. Residents should not rake leaves into the street. Instead, compost them at home, use yard debris containers, or take them to the transfer station in compostable paper bags. Please remove large branches from roadways and park off the street during sweeping hours, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Dalles Disposal is also offering free leaf disposal throughout November, starting next Monday, for city residential customers. Bagged leaves are accepted weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the transfer station on West First Street. Plastic bags are not accepted. For more information, call The Dalles Disposal at 541-298-5149.
East 13th Paving Work Cancelled
The Dalles Public Works Department has canceled the remaining work for a pavement preservation project on East 13th Street between Washington and Union streets due to unfavorable forecasted weather conditions. Paving that was originally scheduled to take place this week has been canceled. The City says in 2026, its crews installed new ramps throughout the project area ahead of the repaving project. The asphalt cut outs around the new ramps will be hot patched this year. Some temporary grading was done, and potholes were filled to improve the driving surface until paving can be rescheduled as early as spring 2027, weather permitting. The Americans with Disability Act ramp improvements will prepare East 13th Street for full-width paving from Washington to Union in 2027.