A man was arrested on charges connected to the theft of a large amount of quarters from a laundromat in Cascade Square in The Dalles. According to The Dalles Police Department reports, 37-year-old Michael Andrew Barresse was arrested by Hood River police and lodged at NORCOR on charges including theft, burglary, and criminal mischief. The police reports indicate someone broke into the Wash ‘n Shop on Monday and stole tools and a large amount of coins, primarily quarters. The report also says Hood River police were alerted to subjects cashing $500 worth of coins, leading to the arrest. The Dalles Police also are investigating a break-in at the Columbia River Hotel on Bret Clodfelter Way early Monday morning. Police reports say someone broke a window on the side of the building, destroyed lottery equipment and flooring, and managed to steal an ATM machine.
Author: mbailey
Hood River Urban Renewal Looking At Extension Of Waterfront District
The Hood River Urban Renewal Agency Board has decided to have staff move forward with increasing the maximum indebtedness for the Waterfront Urban Renewal District to act as insurance should costs to complete stormwater line replacement go above estimates. Urban Renewal Administrator Will Norris told the board that if current estimates hold up, funds the district has on hand would cover the rest of the project, but if there is any significant jump, without the indebtedness the City’s stormwater utility fund would have to cover the remaining cost. The proposed increase in indebtedness is for $2.15 million and add two years to the life of the district that is currently set to expire next year. A resolution will be developed for the board to approve, and then notice would be given to impacted taxing districts and the public for a 45-day comment period.
The Dalles Receives Good Audit Report
The City of The Dalles received its audit report for fiscal year 2022-23, and it found no significant issues with the municipal financial picture. Andrew Sherwood of KDP Certified Public Accountants told the City Council the overall audit went smoothly with clean, unmodified opinions. The City once again received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Financial Officers Association.
Signal Light Installation In Downtown Hood River Underway
Installation of a traffic light at 2nd and Oak streets in downtown Hood River is now underway. The entire intersection will be closed to vehicle traffic, with detours rerouting vehicles to nearby Cascade, State, 1st, and 3rd Streets. Pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to continue to travel through the intersection and access businesses despite sidewalk closures – crossing through the middle of the intersection instead. Businesses will remain open and accessible during construction. Construction is scheduled to be completed by Memorial Day.
February 12 Prep Sports Roundup
Boys Basketball
Wilsonville 65, Hood River Valley 39: Kallen Gutridge scored 26 points as the defending 5A champion Wildcats pulled away. Sawyer Clemett scored 12 for HRV.
Lyle-Wishram 51, Trout Lake 49: The Mustangs advance to play at Condon tonight in a Big Sky League playoff game.
Girls Basketball
Wilsonville 85, Hood River Valley 16
Traffic Stop Ends In Narcotics Seizure
A weekend traffic stop in Hood River resulted in the seizure of generous amounts of narcotics. The Hood River Police Department says an officer stopped a vehicle driven by an individual that was known to have suspended driving privileges. The driver exhibited several signs of impairment during the traffic stop. A search of the vehicle yielded over 16 grams of fentanyl, 20 grams of Methamphetamine, and nearly 5 grams of heroin, along with a large amount of cash. The driver was taken into custody on the charges of DUII-Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession and Attempted Distribution of Schedule II-Fentanyl, Unlawful Possession and Attempted Distribution of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Heroin and Felon in Possession of a restricted weapon.
HR County Creates Grant Writer Position
Hood River County has created a new position to bring a grant writer on board. The County has been dealing with grants in individual departments for years, but County Administrator Allison Williams says it is easier to ensure compliance with terms of federal grants in particular with a dedicated grant writer. County Commission Chair Jennifer Euwer said American Rescue Plan funds will be used to pay for the position for the next two years, and then the hope is the position becomes self-sustaining.
TD Community Action Team Heads To D.C. In Early March
The Dalles Community Action Team will be heading to Washington, D.C. in early March to pitch local projects for federal funding. Port of The Dalles Executive Director Andrea Klaas expects it to be an interesting trip, with the federal government running on a continuing resolution and some programs that have funds available for local projects sunsetting. Projects that will be pitched include the search for more buildable industrial lands, and work on the Port of The Dalles Marina boat ramp and the permits necessary for it.
Mosbrucker’s “Ivan’s Law” Passes Washington House
Ivan’s Law, introduced in the Washington State House by Goldendale Representative Gina Mosbrucker, has won bipartisan approval in that chamber. The bill is named after a 24-year-old Yakama tribal member who took his own life while in jail in Klickitat County. After hearing many stories from citizens on the impact of fentanyl, Mosbrucker says her legislation begins with an educational outreach campaign. Ivan’s Law also would assist hospitals with the cost of fentanyl screening in emergency rooms and promotes effective intervention. The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
Bridge Aesthetics Committee Appointed
The Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Replacement project has appointed 22 members to its new Bridge Aesthetics Committee, which will be responsible for providing ideas and concepts for the look and feel of the new bridge and its amenities. The project recently won a $200-million grant from the federal government and is in the process of selecting a firm to design and build the bridge. Over the next several months, the Bridge Aesthetics Committee will meet to consider details like potential colors, textures and finishes for the bridge, furnishings that include railings, traffic barriers, overlooks, lighting, and benches, artwork and landscaping, and signs. The committee will meet four times and will hold public events to present ideas to the public and gather feedback on the way to developing aesthetic guidance that bridge designers will consult. The committee consists of public agencies and nonprofits with a connection and vested interest in the Columbia River Gorge, as well as community members residing in the area. Its first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., and the public can attend on Zoom by going to hoodriverbridge.org.