Wasco County Commissioners received a number of different options for dealing with the vacancy left by the passing of Phil Brady, but decided they weren’t ready to move forward at this point. County Administrative Officer Tyler Stone and Counsel Kristin Campbell presented Commissioners Scott Hege and Jeff Justesen with options ranging from taking applications from those who would commit to not running for the seat in November to a direct appointment of advancing primary candidate Mike Urness to simply leaving the seat vacant until the election. Stone pointed out that under Oregon law for filling a non-partisan vacancy, it’s up to the Commission to decide how to proceed. The Commission will discuss the subject again at its July 1 meeting.
Klickitat County Puts Public Records Position In Prosecutor’s Office
Klickitat County Commissioners approved creating a full-time position in the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to coordinate and respond to a growing number of public records requests. Government agencies around the country have seen public records requests increase, often times by political groups asking for large quantities of records, and it has become difficult for small counties like Klickitat to keep up with them in time parameters required by state law. Commissioner Lori Zoller says the liability the County would face outweighs the cost of a position. To make the position budget neutral, the Commission will not fill a position within their own department.
Expedited Review Of NSA Structure Replacement Gets First Hearing
The Wasco County Commission held a first hearing Wednesday on amendments to the County’s National Scenic Area Ordinance to allow for expedited review of replacement structures destroyed by disaster, such as last June’s Rowena Fire. The Columbia River Gorge Commission moved forward earlier this year with adjusting its management plan to pave the way for the amendments. Wasco County Planning Director Daniel Dougherty says this will allow applications for replacement structures to be approved at the administrative level. Dougherty noted the amendments allow recreational vehicles to be placed on Scenic Area properties on a temporary basis, along with an accessory building. A second County Commission hearing will take place July 1, when approval is expected.
WS Schools Talking To Moody’s To Establish Bond Rating
As the White Salmon Valley School District moves toward selling its first round of bonds to create a K-12 campus, Superintendent Rich Polkinghorn is working with financial services company Moody’s to establish a bond rating for the district. Polkinghorn says the district will make a presentation to give Moody’s background to establish the rating. The district won’t be selling its full capacity of bonds all at once. Because there are time limits on how long the district can wait to spend the proceeds, there will be multiple sales as the project advances.
Those Impacted By Rowena Fire Feeling Personal Toll
It has been just over one year since the Rowena Fire, and for those who lost their homes as a result of the blaze, it has been a whirlwind as they seek to rebuild not just their residences but necessary infrastructure. And for some, the personal and emotional toll has begun to add up. Rowena Long-Term Recovery Group co-chair Kelly Howsley Glover says they are trying to provide support and provide mental health resources. Those who went through the Rowena Fire and would like support can email rowenarecovery@mccac.com or go to rowenarecovery.org.
HR County Prohibits Use Of Fireworks
The discharge of fireworks in Hood River County is now prohibited. That will stay in effect until the Oregon State Forester lifts ODF’s Regulated Use Closure. The use of fireworks is already prohibited in the City of Hood River. In addition, open campfires are now prohibited on the Hood River County Forest except with designated fire rings at county campgrounds. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are permitted. Motorized trail use is prohibited on Middle Mountain, Pinemont, and Fir Mountain. Motorized Off-Highway Vehicle use remains permitted within the Northwest Area Trail System under a special ODF waiver. All vehicles on Hood River County Forest roads must carry either a shovel and a gallon of water or a 2 1/2 pound fire extinguisher must be on hand.
ODF Establishes Regulated Use Closure
The Oregon Department of Forestry has put into effect a Regulated Use Closure in The Dalles Unit of the Central Oregon Fire Protection District. Among the restrictions now in effect on ODF-protected lands: Fireworks are prohibited, and smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads. Open fires are prohibited, except in designated areas. The use of portable appliances using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed in clear areas free of flammable vegetation, but one shovel and a gallon of water or a 2 1/2 pound fire extinguisher must be on hand. Chainsaw use and the cutting, grinding, and welding of metal is prohibited between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Motor vehicles are prohibited on ODF lands, except on improved roads. They are allowed if a landowner or their employees are conducting activities associated with their livelihood.
WSP Seeks Witness Help In Hit-And-Run Involving Cyclist
The Washington State Patrol is looking for a witnesses to a fatal Monday morning hit and run involving a man riding a tricycle on Highway 97 near Maryhill. The WSP says the incident occurred on northbound Highway 97 at milepost 1 shortly before 6:15 Monday morning. The WSP is seeking witnesses who traveled through the area Monday morning and may have seen anything relevant to the collision, or who traveled through that area and have dash-camera footage from that time. If anyone has any information regarding the collision, or if you saw the male on the tricycle in the area prior to the collision, please contact Detective Conor Schwilke via email at Conor.Schwilke@wsp.wa.gov. The victim was identified as 69-year-old James Born II from Indianapolis, Indiana.
Judge Takes McGeeney Release Bid Under Advisement
Circuit Court Judge John Olson took under advisement whether to set a bail amount that could lead to pre-trial release of 47-year-old Bryan McGeeney, who faces 46 different charges, including 38 felonies, involving a 14-year-old girl. During a court hearing on Monday, Hood River County Deputy District Attorney Danielle DeCant told Olson that given the nature of the charges, McGeeney should be deemed unreleasable. But defense attorney Jeffrey Wallace countered that McGeeney has no prior record, should be presumed innocent until proven guilty, does not pose a threat to the community, and that he needs to be able to post bail to assist in his own defense. DeCant did tell Olson if bail was set, she would want numerous conditions placed on release, including no contact with the victim or any minors. Olson set another hearing for Thursday morning to render a decision on bail.
White Salmon Fuel Mitigation Continues
The Washington Department of Natural Resources’ fuel mitigation project, underway since 2019, continues to strengthen White Salmon’s ability to withstand wildfire. Mayor Marla Keethler says work is currently focused on the north and west side of the community, in the Puckerhuddle area. Keethler notes that the work could not take place without buy-in from landowners. 60% of property owners have to consent to the work in any given area. Keethler says after this year, they should have reached a point where the project has made a complete box around White Salmon.