The Dalles Riverhawks advanced to the Oregon Class 4A Girls Soccer Final in the most dramatic way possible. Ariana Gonzalez stole the ball inside the penalty box and used her left foot to put the ball inside the right post and score with four seconds remaining to lift the Riverhawks to a 2-1 semi-final win over Scappoose. The game’s other goals came in the first half. The Dalles scored nine minutes in on a Natalia Elias free kick. But Scappoose came back to tie in the 24th minute on a goal by Amalie Anderson. The two teams then stayed tied until Gonzalez provided her heroics in the waning seconds. The Riverhawks will play Marist in the 4-A final on Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. at Liberty High School in Hillsboro.
Hood River Veterans Day Ceremony Unveils Nisei Highway Marker
American Legion Post 22’s Veterans Day ceremony in Hood River featured the unveiling of the Oregon Nisei Veterans Historical Marker installed on Highway 35 honoring the contributions of second generation Japanese Americans. Post 22 Commander Carl Casey told the gathering that during World War II the names of 16 Nisei soldiers whose names were removed in 1944 from the Hood River community military honor roll that was displayed on the outside wall of the former county courthouse. He pointed out all Veterans deserve our gratitude and respect. Eric Ballinger said his grandfather served in World War II, adding if not for the perseverance of the Nisei, he would not be living their dreams of a better life. His daughter, Mia Ballinger, spoke to the importance of the Highway 35 marker, saying it continues a legacy that should be remembered and commemorated. Afterwards, there was a dedication ceremony for the marker at its location on Highway 35 where the Nisei Veterans Highway sign is located.
Hood River Council Moves Toward Changes To SDC Exemptions
The Hood River City Council gave its approval to having staff prepare a pair of changes to its ordinance that allows full or partial exemptions for systems development charges, specifically to encourage affordable housing developments. One revision would change the current language of “low-income housing” to a more specific definition targeting up to 120 percent of the Area Median Income. Some councilors were hesitant to go that high in AMI, but Councilor Ben Mitchell pointed out Hood River may have the highest housing costs in the state. The other completely removes a federal funding requirement, which addresses an impediment toward giving an SDC exemption to a Habitat for Humanity project. Councilors did decide to leave in a requirement for 40-year deed restrictions to preserve the unit as affordable housing. Municipal staff will bring back ordinance language to the Council’s November 24 meeting.
Rowena Cleanup Discussions Continue
Wasco County and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality officials continue to hash out the details to proceed with cleanup of properties in the Rowena fire area. Commissioner Scott Hege says this resolves around permits that could drive the cost up, and where the money to do the cleanup will come from. Hege noted Oregon 52nd District State Representative Jeff Helfrich is spearheading preparing the financial request to the Oregon Legislature’s Emergency Board. Hege added that with winter coming, he wants to get the details finished and the cleanup started as soon as possible.
HRVHS Canned Food Drive Starts Next Week
Hood River Valley High School’s student body will be starting their annual Canned Food Drive for FISH Food Bank next week. Both non-perishable food and monetary donations will be accepted beginning next Tuesday, as third period classes compete for prizes and there are various goals set for the school as a whole. But HRVHS ASB President Felipe Mendez says the main motivation is to help the community and those in need. Students will be collecting food and monetary donations at Wal-Mart for four weekends beginning on November 22. A link will be placed on the Hood River Valley High School website beginning November 18 for those wishing to donate online.
Hood River Veterans Day Ceremony Can Be Viewed Online
Registration for Hood River’s Veterans Day ceremony Tuesday morning at the River of Life Assembly Church is at capacity, but it can still be viewed online. Event co-organizer Linda Tamura says it will be available for viewing at Anderson Tribute Center and on its Facebook page, and on Instagram at PDX JACL. The event put by American Legion Post 22 will mark the Oregon Nisei Veterans Historical Marker installed on Highway 35 honoring the contributions of second generation Japanese Americans and officially commemorates Highway 35 as the Oregon Nisei Veterans World War II Memorial Highway. It begins at 11 a.m. Tuesday morning. There will also be a dedication ceremony for the marker at 1 p.m. at its location on Highway 35 where the Nisei Veterans Highway sign is located. The program also will honor 16 Nisei soldiers whose names were removed in 1944 from the Hood River community military honor roll that was displayed on the outside wall of the former county courthouse.
The Dalles Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday
The annual Veterans Day parade in The Dalles will take place Tuesday. It starts at 11 a.m., and will go down the usual parade route in downtown The Dalles. The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Lisa Farquharson is inviting everyone to line the route. It’s the start of a busy time for parades in The Dalles. In a little more than two weeks, on November 28, the annual Holiday Starlight Parade will take place. Visit thedalleschamber.com to learn how you can take part in that event.
TDPD Detectives Receive Award
Detectives from The Dalles Police Department were awarded the Unit Citation for Excellence Award from The Oregon Police Officers Association at the organization’s annual awards ceremony on Friday. The award given to Austin Ell, Sam Perez, and Juan Castro was in recognition for their part in the capture of a homicide suspect from Hood River in April who was located after an extensive manhunt in The Dalles. The trio worked closely with other members of the Columbia Gorge Major Crimes Team. They developed information that the suspect was attempting to obtain a handgun. Despite vague tips, cases of mistaken identity, and false leads, Ell located the suspect at a camp near downtown The Dalles. As officers responded, the suspect fled on a stolen bicycle. The Dalles Police officers swiftly apprehended him without the use of force. He was then turned over to the Mid-Columbia Major Crimes Team.
Hood River County Holds Open House On Forest Management
Hood River County Commissioners recently held an open house on County Forest management. It was part of the every ten-year review of the County’s plan for managing its forest policy. Members of the recreation community along with forestry representatives were on hand. County Commission Chair Jennifer Euwer noted a main theme from attendees was continuing to generate revenue from the County Forest. Recreational users of the forest expressed their appreciation for how the forest is managed to allow recreation uses to occur on the timber lands, and a desire to see that continue.
Prescribed Fires Planned To Start This Week
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is planning prescribed fire operations starting this week, pending required approvals. The agency estimates this work to continue over a few weeks as weather conditions allow. Prescribed fires planned for the area include pile burnings in the Drano Lake area in Skamania County, and the Herman Creek Horse Camp area and the Wyeth Pit area east of Herman Creek in Hood River County. Prescribed fires are used to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns. Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed burns. The NSA will evaluate weather conditions in the hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.