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Author: mbailey

TD Council Approves Planning Code Updates To Include Hearings Officer

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The Dalles City Council approved an ordinance that includes a number of different updates to its planning codes, including using a hearings officer to review quasi-judicial decisions, allowing the Planning Commission to focus on policy matters.  Community Development Director Joshua Chandler told the Council the intent is to have a hearings officer in place by mid-April.  Changes to procedure and noticing, adjustments to meet state law, and provisions for affordable housing were a part of the revisions.  The Council passed the ordinance unanimously.

 

MCFR Responds To Residential Fire

Posted on by mbailey

Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue crews responded early Tuesday afternoon to a residential structure fire near Pentland and Garrison in The Dalles.   Crews were able to quickly get the fire knocked down.  MCFR says the residents were home at the time and alerted 911, and no injuries were reported.  Pentland was closed between West 13th and 14th for a time as crews fought the fire.

Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Approach Lane Closures Thursday

Posted on by mbailey

Temporary lane closures will be in place on roadways approaching both ends of the Hood River–White Salmon Bridge on Thursday to support work associated with the Hood River Bridge Replacement Project.  The Port of Hood River says the lane closures will be on the Washington side of the bridge Thursday morning from 8:30 a.m. to noon, then move to the Oregon side from noon to 4:30 p.m.  The closures are needed to complete on-land geotechnical drilling near the bridge approaches as part of ongoing engineering and design efforts.  No work will occur on the bridge deck.  Flaggers will be on site to manage traffic safely.  Although minimal traffic impacts are anticipated, travelers are encouraged to allow extra time for unforeseen delays.

Flu Cases On The Rise

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Flu appears to be on the rise in the Columbia Gorge region.  The Columbia Gorge Respiratory Risk Rating kept by area health agencies show flu is above normal levels and is increasing, and we are entering the peak flu season.  Daron Ryan of the Hood River County Health Department says people need to take steps to prevent flu shots, including getting a flu shot.  Ryan adds it’s important to wash your hands to prevent disease transmission.  The Respiratory Risk Rating shows COVID at a normal level, and RSV is picking up, but does not seem to be at a peak yet.

Work Underway On Supportive Housing At The Annex

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Mid-Columbia Community Action is continuing to prep apartments at The Annex in The Dalles to be used as permanent supportive housing in partnership with Mid-Columbia Center For Living.  The partnership with Center for Living will enable Community Action to provide comprehensive wraparound services to residents, including case management, healthcare connections, mental health support, and employment assistance.  Center for Living Executive Director Al Barton says the amount and types of support will be varied.  The construction work will be completed in phases, with the first clients expected to enter the program in February.  Community Action expects that the entire room conversion project will wrap up sometime in the spring.

 

Gorge Commission Passes Amendment To Expedite Home Replacement

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The Columbia River Gorge Commission unanimously passed amendments to the National Scenic Area Management Plan to expedite the review process to replace homes and other structures destroyed in disasters, including this past summer’s Rowena and Burdoin fires.  A vote on the amendments had been delayed from late fall to get input from tribal governments.  That resulted in provisions to do cultural resource inventories when necessary, which NSA Deputy Forest Supervisor Casey Getz says would be expedited.  Gorge Commissioner Alex Johnson noted natural disasters will happen again, and the Commission needs to prepare for it.  Part of the amendment expressly allows a rebuilding landowner to place a recreational vehicle and a storage structure on the property on a temporary basis.  The amendment now goes to the Secretary of Agriculture for concurrence.

TD Council Approves Resolution Acknowledging Immigration Impacts

Posted on by mbailey

The Dalles City Council unanimously approved a resolution Monday night acknowledging the impacts associated with heightened federal immigration enforcement activity, and lists community support actions.  Those actions would include a statement of concern that reaffirms the City’s commitment to accessible municipal services and lawful City operations while setting accurate expectations about City authority and limitations.  Councilor Scott Randall felt the resolution set the right balance between humanitarian values and respect for the rule of law, and acknowledges the duty to serve community and the limited authority the City has with federal law enforcement.  Fellow Councilor Dan Richardson added it is a modest response to current events, but also represents what can be done locally.  The resolution includes provisions for communication and information sharing while addressing misinformation, exploring financial partnerships with other organizations to support children and families, and training staff and developing internal readiness.

Councilors Approve Declaring Hood River A Sanctuary City

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Hood River City Councilors voted on Monday night to declare Hood River a sanctuary city.  The move came after hearing testimony over two meetings from residents asking the City to take a more prominent position in opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the area.  There was some concern about losing access to federal loans and grants, but Councilor Gladys Rivera said there is no evidence of cities losing funding over sanctuary laws.  All cities in Oregon are required to comply with the state’s Sanctuary Promise Act prohibiting state and local police and governments from assisting in the enforcement of federal immigration laws.  Councilors all brought up the need to continue working on issues related to the impacts of immigration enforcement in the community, and update the City’s actions accordingly.

Homeless Point-In-Time Count Set For January 28

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Mid-Columbia Community Action Council and Washington Gorge Action Programs are preparing for the 2026 Point-in-Time Count on January 28.  The Point-In-Time Count is a literal count of all people experiencing houselessness in the community on a single night.  Required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the tally provides data that informs funding decisions and policy development for programs addressing houselessness in the region.  MCCAC serves as the lead agency for the count in Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman Counties, while WAGAP does the same in Klickitat and Skamania Counties.  Both organizations work with local partner agencies to collect surveys from individuals or households experiencing houselessness during regular client engagement or through outreach in the community.  Surveys will be collected the week of January 26.  The 2025 count revealed that 253 individuals were experiencing houselessness across Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman Counties.

Rescuers Reach Mt. Hood Climbers After Fall

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Rescuers reached two climbers from the south side of Mt. Hood over the weekend, one of whom was injured after a fall into White River Glacier.  The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office says it was joined by the Crag Rats, Portland Mountain Rescue, and Timberline Lodge in the rescue.  The Sheriff’s Office notes climbing conditions are challenging with variable snow conditions and warm temperatures.  Go with a guide, use proper equipment, don’t glissade wearing crampons, take adequate clothing, and don’t be afraid to turn back when conditions are difficult.

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