Wasco County Commissioners Scott Hege and Jeff Justesen will wait until their next meeting July 15 before making a decision on how to proceed with filling the vacancy on the panel left by the passing of Phil Brady on May 19. But both indicated they were leaning toward not using an application process. Hege said with only six months left in the term to be filled, and the election in November, going through applications would probably take too much time, leaving either appointing someone without that process or leaving the seat open until the November vote as their options. Hege did say he and Justesen are covering all the work that needs to be done. Justesen said he will be ready by the July 15 meeting to move forward.
Wasco County Mulls Oak Ranch RV Park Direction
Wasco County Commissioners heard a staff presentation on the proposed finishing of a partially-built RV park that is part of the 159-acre parcel just west of The Dalles that the County purchased in 2022. The County received a $1,000,000 grant for the Oak Ranch RV Park two years ago from the Oregon Parks and Recreation District requiring an $884,900 match, but they have not moved forward as of yet. County Administrative Officer Tyler Stone told the Commission there initial attempt at receiving bids for the project were higher than what the grant would cover, so some value engineering has removed several amenities. He added time is becoming a factor, with the state pressing for the County to either start the project or return the grant to be used elsewhere. Commissioners Scott Hege and Jeff Justesen both said they have a lot of questions about the project, and they will discuss it again at a July 15 meeting before taking any action.
Locations To Accept Recycling Not Taken At Curbside
There are now locations in both Hood River and The Dalles to recycle materials not accepted in curbside recycling carts. The new RecycleOn centers are funded by paper and packaging manufacturers under Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act. They will be located at Hood River Garbage and The Dalles Disposal. Accepted materials include plastic bags and stretchy plastic, plastic lids and caps, plastic package handles, plastic buckets and pails, shredded paper in a paper bag, and aluminum foil and trays. Residents can find a complete list of accepted materials and site hours at RecycleOn.org/OregonCenters.
Goldendale Man Sentenced For Victimizing Minor Girls
A 42-year-old Goldendale man was sentenced in federal court in Yakima to 27 years in prison after pleading guilty to victimizing minors online and possessing child pornography. According to court documents and information presented at sentencing, Corbett Lloyd Craig used social media over the course of more than three years to contact two minor girls to coerce them to provide him with sexually explicit videos and images. The U.S. Attorney’s office in Yakima says thousands of additional images of child sex abuse material was discovered during a search of Craig’s home. Craig had been convicted on sex abuse charges in Clackamas County in 2017. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Serrano said despite court intervention and treatment, Craig continued to victimize children and made it clear he will not stop.
Wasco County Commission Approves NSA Ordinance Amendments
The Wasco County Commission formally approved 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. There was no testimony offered during Wednesday’s second hearing on the amendments 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 the change will make it easier for those who are impacted by disasters. Both Commissioners Scott Hege and Jeff Justesen voted in favor of the amendments.
Names Sought For Federal Street Plaza
The City of The Dalles is inviting community members to help name the new Federal Street Plaza currently under construction. Community members are encouraged to submit names that reflect the history, character, culture, geography, or community spirit of The Dalles. Community members may submit up to three proposed names. Each submission must include a brief explanation describing the inspiration or significance of the proposed name. Proposed names should reflect the history, character, culture, geography, or community spirit of The Dalles, and be appropriate for a public gathering space. Include a brief explanation for each proposed name. The Federal Street Plaza Ad Hoc Committee will select three finalists for a community vote, and the final name will be announced during the plaza’s grand opening. Name submissions may be made through July 21 by completing the online form at thedalles.gov.
Progress Continues On Lyle Hill Fire
Klickitat County Emergency Management has again reduced the evacuation advisories associated with the Lyle Hill Fire. Areas that had been Level 2 “Get Set” have been reduced to Level 1 “Be Ready,” and Level 1 advisories in the community of Lyle have been lifted completely. More accurate mapping has reduced the size of the fire to 233 acres, and containment is at 60%. Doug’s Beach has reopened, as has the Centerville Highway, but the Lyle Cherry Orchard Trail remains closed. Officials with the Southeast Washington Interagency Type 3 team in command of the fire scene says great progress has been made, hiking into the Lyle Cherry Orchard Trail system to extinguish fire visible from Highway 14 and Interstate 84. Firefighters are laying hose to get water to more areas of the fire, building direct line where possible, and felling hazardous trees near the perimeter of the fire where needed. A temporary flight restriction remains in place over the fire.
MCEDD Starts Strategic Plan Process
Mid-Columbia Economic Development District will start its process to outline a five-year Regional Economic Development Strategy during the month of July. Meetings will be held to bring together participants from Hood River, Wasco, Skamania, Klickitat, Sherman, and Gilliam counties to identify economic development strategies based on current trends. MCEDD Executive Director Jessica Metta says the goal is to develop a strategy that assists a wide variety of needs. The first meeting will be on July 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Hegewald Center in Stevenson, and will focus on sharing the region’s economic and demographic data and trends. Everyone is invited to participate, visit mcedd.org to register.
Fire Restrictions In Place For Mt. Hood Forest & Scenic Area
Following a dry spring and expected warm and dry conditions across much of the forest, public use fire restrictions will be implemented across Mt. Hood National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area beginning Wednesday. All campfires, charcoal or briquette fires, pellet fires, or any other open fires are prohibited across the entire Forest, including in developed campgrounds. Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated campground, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter cleared of flammable material. Fireworks and other explosive devices are prohibited on national forests all year long. Portable cooking stoves, lanterns, and heating devices using liquefied or bottled fuel, such as propane, are still allowed as they can be switched off instantly.
HR Chamber Director To Step Away
After more than five years as the leader of Visit Hood River, Chief Executive Officer Katie Kadlub has announced her intention to step down from the role. Her departure includes her leadership roles at both Visit Hood River and the Hood River County Chamber of Commerce. Kadlub will play a role in the search and hiring of her successor and will remain in place until mid-December or until the position has been filled and her replacement has been onboarded, whichever comes first. Chamber officials say Kadlub leaves behind a track record of progress and accomplishments, and significantly improved organizational financial stability. During Kadlub’s tenure, Visit Hood River introduced the Community Investment Grant Program, launched the stewardship-based “You’re our People” marketing campaign, and made significant progress in the DEI and LGBTQ spaces, as well as the overall inclusivity of Hood River as a travel destination.