With plenty of reservations, Hood River County’s Budget Committee approved moving on to the County Commission a budget for 2026-27 that puts a twelve-month hiring appropriations freeze in place and spends down reserves by $2.7 million to balance the budget. It came after five meetings in which the panel wrestled with how specific they should be in the direction it gives, all while the County awaits a report from consultants Baker Tilly on how to become more efficient and be able to operate as revenues continue to lag behind increases in expenses. Most of the discussion was around leaving currently vacant positions unfilled, and how much flexibility administrators should have should more vacancies occur. County Commission Chair Jennifer Euwer said Administrator Allison Williams and department heads are going to be the one making the painful job decisions, even though the monetary situation is uncomfortable. The budget now heads to the County Commission for final approval at its June meeting.
Klickitat Wildfire Resource Hub Launched
A number of Klickitat County agencies and organizations have launched the Klickitat Wildfire Resource Hub. Wildfirereadyklickitat.org is a new digital “one-stop shop” designed to provide residents with the tools and information necessary to prepare for and mitigate wildfire risks. Rather than duplicating existing data, the site acts as a gateway redirecting users to the most current and authoritative resources from partner agencies. The website is organized to assist Klickitat County residents at every stage of wildfire preparedness: Before Fire, During Fire, and After Fire. The website is a collaborative project of the West Klickitat Fire Adapted Communities Working Group, including Mt. Adams Resource Stewards, Underwood Conservation District, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Klickitat County’s Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management, and the Columbia River Gorge Commission. It was funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation through a grant to the Resource Legacy Fund.
Applications For 4th Of July Parade In The Dalles Available
The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce says registration is now open for the 2026 Fourth of July Parade in downtown The Dalles. The Chamber is encouraging community members, businesses, organizations, schools, clubs, nonprofits, and families to participate in this event. The Chamber says due to rising event and operational costs, a $15 parade entry fee will be introduced for 2026 to help support the continued success, safety, and sustainability of the parade. Additional event details, parade applications, and participation information can be found through The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce website. To register visit TheDallesChamber.com.
Heat Pump Rebates Available
Homeowners in Wasco, Sherman and Hood River counties can receive financial help to offset the cost of installing an energy-efficient heat pump through NeighborImpact’s Heat Pump Rebate and Grant Program. The program provides financial assistance for qualifying heat pumps in owner-occupied homes, with grants and rebates available up to $5,000 or $7,000 depending on the specifications of the unit installed. The program is administered locally by NeighborImpact with funding from the Oregon Department of Energy’s Community Heat Pump Deployment Program, established by the Legislature in 2022. Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, helping households improve energy efficiency and prepare for extreme temperatures. Homeowners may qualify for a rebate if they already installed and paid for a qualifying heat pump on or after Dec. 15, 2025. Homeowners who have received an estimate from a qualified contractor but have not yet moved forward with installation may qualify for a grant to help cover part of the cost. Applications are available online at www.neighborimpact.org/north-central-heat. NeighborImpact is a private nonprofit Community Action Agency serving Central Oregon since 1985 with select expanded programs serving North Central Oregon since 2025.
May 21 Prep Sports Roundup
Baseball
The Dalles 9, Molalla 1: Hunter Bustos drove in three runs as the Riverhawks knocked Molalla out of share of first place in the Tri-Valley Conference, and gave themselves a chance at a Class 4A playoff berth as an at-large team. Evan Ortega pitched a four-hitter, striking out nine. The Dalles will learn if their OSAA ranking will be good enough for a playoff berth on Saturday.
Softball
The Dalles 14, Molalla 4: Ainslee Eisland went four for five and drove in three runs as the Riverhawks to finish their Tri-Valley Conference season with a league title. Morgan Donivan homered as the Riverhawks will now wait to find out who they play in round one of the Oregon Class 4A playoffs on Tuesday.
Washington Class 1A Softball Tournament First Round
Lynden Christian 17, Columbia 6: The Lyncs offense was relentless scoring in all five innings. Danica Herman had three hits for the Bruins, who finish the season with a 17-10 record.
Track and Field
The Dalles earned 14 state meet berths for the boys and nine for the girls at the Tri-Valley Conference championships as both the Riverhawk boys and girls finished second in the team standings. For the boys, David McCracken won both the 100 and 200 meters, Noah Preston was victorious in the 400, Derek Goulart was first in the high jump, and the four by 400 meter relay team won its race. Riverhawk winners for the girls on the second day of the meet included Evelyn Rogers in the shot put and Flamingo Duyck in the 800.
Columbia’s Samantha Evans won girls’ high jump to help the CHS girls finish in a tie for third at the Southwest Washington Class 1A District Championships at Seton Catholic.
The Oregon Class 1A Special District 3 Championships started Thursday at South Wasco, and will continue through today. Among the area winners in day one finals were Dufur’s Zeb Stelzer in the boys’ 3,000 meters, Sherman’s Tyler Geary in the boys’ javelin, Trout Lake’s Jade McLean in the girls’ pole vault, and Dufur’s Ruby Wilson in the girls’ 3000 meters.
Boys Tennis
Oregon Class 4A Tournament in Corvallis
Boys Doubles First Round
Case Johnston/Clark David, St. Mary’s def. Zach Pothier/Jesus Chavez, The Dalles 6-0, 7-5
Tyler Do/Jacob Peizner, OES def. Julian Rodriguez/Gunderson Emmett, The Dalles 6-3, 6-1
Urness To Be Lone Name On Ballot
The Wasco County Clerk’s office, based on an interpretation of Oregon’s law from the Secretary of State’s office, says Mike Urness will be the only name to appear on November’s general election ballot for County Commission Position 3 in the wake of incumbent Phil Brady’s death on Tuesday. Brady was the top vote getter in the three way primary, with Urness a close second, and Dick Schaffeld not far behind in third. Under normal circumstances, both Brady and Urness would have advanced to the November election. The Secretary of State’s office advised the Wasco County Clerk’s office that under provisions in state law, when one nominated candidate dies before a non-partisan general election, only the remaining nominated candidate will appear on the November ballot. The Clerk’s office will proceed with the standard timeline to certify the primary election results. As far as filling the Commission seat for the remainder of Brady’s unexpired term through the end of 2026, that falls to the remaining commissioners. The County says they will announce appointment procedures and a timeline in the coming weeks.
May 20 Prep Sports Roundup
Track and Field
Hood River Valley’s Syl Perrin won the girls’ 3,000 meters and Diyora Khudoidodova the girls’ high jump on the first day of the Northwest Oregon Conference Championships at Putnam. Also qualifying for the state meet with second place finishes were Solomon Parson in the boys’ javelin and Francisco Solberg in the boys’ pole vault. The NWOC meet will continue on Friday.
The Dalles’ Willow Ziegenhagen won the girls’ javelin and Laura Black took first in the girls’ pole vault at the Tri-Valley Conference Championships at Molalla. Competition continues today.
Baseball
Hood River Valley 5, Centennial 0: Tyson Harjo pitched a masterful three-hit shutout, striking out ten and walking only one. Davin Snyder scored three times and drove in a run for HRV as the Eagles won for the 19th time this season.
Estacada 9, The Dalles 6: A Riverhawk comeback from a 7-0 deficit fell just short. Evan Ortega went two for four and drove in a run.
Softball
Hood River Valley 15, Centennial 5: Kenadie Lucas three for four and struck out nine in relief in the final home game of her high school career. Graceyn Hanshaw had a three for four game at the plate while driving three runs.
The Dalles 4, Estacada 3 (8 innings): Siyra Faulkner’s two-out base hit drove home the winning run. Ainslee Eisland homered and drove in three runs for the Riverhawks.
Commissioners Pay Tribute To Brady
A red rose was placed where Phil Brady normally sat during Wasco County Commission meetings in the wake of his death from a heart attack on Tuesday. The Commission meeting moved forward Wednesday morning, opening with emotional tributes from both of the other Commissioners on the panel. Commission Chair Scott Hege expressed his condolences to Brady’s family, and paid tribute to him, noting his kindness to others and acknowledging his lifelong passion for teaching and learning. Fellow Commissioner Jeff Justesen remembered Brady for working as a teacher at NORCOR’s juvenile division while he was managing that facility. Brady grew up in The Dalles, where his father ran Brady’s Market. He would graduate as ASB President from The Dalles High School, then go on to study physics at Gonzaga and pursued become a Catholic priest with the Jesuits before leaving to become a teacher. He later lived in Venezuela with his wife Mary Jo and his daughters as Catholic missionaries. Brady went on to teach science for eighteen years at The Dalles High School, The Dalles Middle School, and at NORCOR Juvenile. He served on numerous boards in The Dalles area, including as chairman of the Mid-Columbia Medical Center board.
Wasco County Asking Secretary Of State’s Office For Guidance On Election
The death of Phil Brady on the day of the primary election leaves questions about how to proceed in regards to the seat he held. Brady was running for re-election, and was the top vote-getter with 2,571 and would have advanced to the November general election with Mike Urness, who received 2,474. Dick Schaffeld was third with 2,111. County Administrative Officer Tyler Stone told the County Commission on Wednesday that they are seeking guidance from the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office on how to proceed. Stone says County Counsel will be meeting with state officials to go over how the County should proceed.
Wasco County Seeks Drought Declaration From The Governor
Wasco County has requested Oregon Governor Tina Kotek make a drought declaration for the County. County Emergency Manager Sheridan McClellan outlined for the Commission the dry conditions expected this summer coming off a drier and warmer winter than usual, and the agricultural resources that could be impacted. A state declaration opens up the County to receive various forms of financial assistance to withstand some of the impacts of drought. The Governor has already issued drought declarations for 12 Oregon counties.