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Governor Approves Carriger Solar Project

Posted on by mbailey

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson on Thursday announced his approval of the controversial Carriger Solar project in Klickitat County near Goldendale.  Ferguson called the project a win for the state, saying building more clean energy provides affordable, carbon-free electricity, creates construction jobs, boosts economic development and keeps the air clean.  The Governor had directed the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council to further engage with the Yakama Nation on the project, and while a tribal member of EFSEC was the lone no vote on the project from that panel, Ferguson found EFSEC met their legal obligation.  He did add that EFSEC must improve its engagement with Tribal Nations according to best practices going forward.  The Carriger Solar project adds 160 megawatts of solar energy and 63 megawatts of battery energy storage resources to Washington’s grid.  According to project developer Cypress Creek Renewables that would power up to 32,500 homes.  Construction on the project must start by July 4, 2026, to qualify for federal clean energy tax credits, which are needed for the project to remain financially viable.

 

Cox Named Explore The Dalles Tourism Director

Posted on by mbailey

The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce has named Lynn Cox as Tourism Director for Explore The Dalles.  Chamber CEO Lisa Farquharson says 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.  In her new role, Cox will lead destination marketing efforts, manage strategic partnerships, and oversee the promotion of The Dalles as a premier travel and recreation hub in the Pacific Northwest.  As Tourism Director, Cox will lead campaigns highlighting local attractions, dining, lodging, and outdoor recreation, while strengthening partnerships with businesses and regional tourism organizations.

Wolf To Take On Presiding Judge Duties

Posted on by mbailey

 Oregon Seventh District Circuit Court Judge John  Wolf has been appointed by Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice Meagan A. Flynn to serve as the next presiding judge of  the District.  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, 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.

Wasco County & Oregon OEM Reach Agreement On Rowena Cleanup

Posted on by mbailey

It appears phase two of the Rowena Fire cleanup will get underway next week.  Wasco County Administrative Officer Tyler Stone announced at Wednesday’s County Commission meeting that an agreement between the County and the Oregon Office of Emergency Management for the state to spend $3.5 million on the cleanup effort has been executed.  Stone expected their contract with Crestline Construction would be completed Wednesday, with mobilization for the work to start next week.  Stone says they have received 34 right-of-entry forms from property owners.

More Time To Comment On Hotel Proposal

Posted on by mbailey

The Hood River City Planning Commission went into a further comment period for an application for a Site Plan Review permit to build a 135-room hotel on the site of the former Hood River News building on 419 State Street following a two-and-a-half hour public hearing this week.  The controversial proposal by applicant Line 29 Architecture has generated significant opposition for a myriad of reasons, most notably for traffic, parking, and building height concerns.  The further comment period includes time for all parties to provide evidence and testimony ending December 8, seven more days for all to rebut the new material, and then a final seven-day period for the applicant to deliver a final rebuttal.  In final comments during the hearing, Robert Cullen of the hotel development team said they are not asking for exceptions or variances.  The Planning Commission will convene again on the application at its January 5 meeting.

Klickitat County To Appoint Interim PA Next Week

Posted on by mbailey

Klickitat County Commissioners plan to appoint an interim replacement for outgoing Prosecuting Attorney David Quesnel at their meeting next Tuesday.  Quesnel submitted his resignation last week, effective December 14.  The County will begin advertising for a replacement to fill the remainder of Quesnel’s term, which runs through the end of 2026.  But Commission Chair Ron Ihrig says they need to make an interim appointment to run the prosecuting attorney’s office until a permanent replacement is selected.  The Prosecuting Attorney’s position will be up on the election ballot in 2026.

 

DUII Enforcement Effort Planned For December 19

Posted on by mbailey

The Dalles Police Department, Wasco County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon State Police are planning a high-visibility DUII enforcement for the night of December 19.  This impaired-driving saturation is in partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Traffic Grant Program.  Law enforcement will be out reminding everyone the Holidays are meant for responsible fun times with friends and family, not drunk and/or drugged driving.  ODOT and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say during the December months from 2019 to 2023, there were 4,931 people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, including 1,038 people in December of 2023.  Nighttime driving in December 2023 was significantly more dangerous than daytime driving, with almost half of drivers involved in fatal crashes between the hours of midnight and 2:59 a.m. found to be drunk.

Next Door Annual Appeal Underway

Posted on by mbailey

The Next Door is in the midst of its annual appeal.  Executive Director Janet Hamada says their goal is to raise $250,000 by the end of January, which is what they have raised in the past few years.  The Next Door houses 36 different services that work in Hood River, Wasco, and other counties throughout the region.  In the last year, Hamada says they have reached 15,760 people, with 1,058 active clients, the majority of which are children and their parents.  To give to The Next Door go online to its website at nextdoorinc.org, or visit their offices on 965 Tucker Road in Hood River or 1113 Kelly Avenue in The Dalles.

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