Wasco County is working on a memorandum of understanding with The Dalles Little League and The Dalles Babe Ruth that will outline the care and maintenance of Kramer Field this spring and summer. County Commissioner Scott Hege reported to the rest of the Commission on the status of Kramer Field, which the County owns, during their meeting on Wednesday. Hege says he has been working with youth baseball organizations on a memorandum of understanding that would have the County committing to caring for irrigation needs, fertilization, and weed control. Commission Chair Steve Kramer noted with other facilities acquisitions in recent months, this will be a part of the County increasing its maintenance needs. The Commissioners said there won’t be time for major repairs before games begin this spring, but the County can fund more immediate needs.
Author: mbailey
White Salmon Council Appoints Fire Authority Reps
The White Salmon City Council appointed its three representatives to serve on the recently voter-approved Western Klickitat Regional Fire Authority. City Councilors Jason Hartmann, Ben Giant, and David Lindley will serve as three of the six commissioners for the authority, as called for in the draft plan for the agency. The other three seats will be held by the three commissioners of Klickitat Fire District 3. The official formation date for the new entity is September 30, but the appointed leadership is expected to meet in advance of the effective date to begin setting up administration and operations for the fire authority. In addition to the six Commissioners, the work group undertaking the setup for the fire authority will also include representation from the District 3 volunteer firefighters, the White Salmon Fire Department, and members of the public who served on a citizen task force leading up to the new organization.
Waters’ Fish Barrier Adoption Plan Passes House
The Washington state House of Representatives approved a bill authored by 17th District Representative Kevin Waters that would improve the state’s efforts to remove fish barriers. Taking the idea from the state’s Adopt-a-Highway program, Waters has proposed using private donations for fish barrier removal. House Bill 2045 would have the Recreation and Conservation Office keep a list of fish barrier removal projects for donations. Donors giving more than $10,000 would get a sign at the location with their name. A $100,000 donation would prompt a plaque signed by the governor. Waters’ “Adopt-a-Fish Barrier” bill passed the House 95-2, and is now headed to the Senate.
Sense Of Place Host Receives Humanities’ Storytelling Fellowship
The host of the Sense of Place event series is one of the newest recipients of Oregon Humanities’ Community Storytelling Fellowship. Multimedia producer Sarah Fox of Hood River is one of seven to receive the $5,000 grant to support a storytelling project focused on or created in collaboration with their communities. Oregon Humanities says Fox is planning to share stories about the working lives of Hood River County residents. The resulting stories will be shared in Oregon Humanities magazine and other publications. Oregon Humanities Communications Director Ben Waterhouse says they the stories produced through the Fellowship will allow more Oregonians to see their experiences represented, fill information gaps, and encourage readers to work toward a more inclusive and civically engaged state.
Circles Of Care Seeking Volunteers
The Circles of Care program in Wasco and Hood River counties continues to seek volunteers to help older adults who have requested periodic help or simply friendly visits. Scott McKay says Circles of Care matches volunteers with older adults who have requested periodic help with things like grocery shopping or transportation. Volunteer information is available at ageplus.org/circles-of-care, or by calling 541-397-0724. There will be a volunteer informational meeting on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center in The Dalles.
February 8 Prep Basketball Scores
Boys Basketball
Lyle-Wishram 57, Ione-Arlington 56
Girls Basketball
Perrydale 39, Dufur 25
Ione-Arlington 46, Lyle-Wishram 27
Crane 76, South Wasco 26
NORCOR Deputy Jailed After Indictment On Misconduct Complaints
A Northern Oregon Regional Corrections Facility deputy was arrested Thursday after being indicted by a Wasco County grand jury following a nearly five-and-a-half month criminal investigation into alleged misconduct complaints. According to a statement from NORCOR, Josue Perez was taken into custody without incident and is currently being housed in Umatilla County facing charges of first and second degree Custodial Sexual Misconduct, first degree Official Misconduct, and Sex Abuse III. The statement says Perez has been employed as a corrections deputy at NORCOR since January of 2022, and was placed on administrative leave in August of 2023. No other details regarding the case have been released. The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, and referred it to the Wasco County District Attorney’s office.
February 7 Prep Sports Roundup
Southwest Washington Class 1A Boys Basketball District Tournament
First Round
Montesano 75, Stevenson 58: The Bulldogs host Hoquiam in a loser-out game on Friday evening at 6 p.m., and now must win three straight to advance to the state tournament.
Boys Basketball
The Dalles 87, Estacada 46: The Riverhawks moved into a tie for second with Crook County in the Tri-Valley Conference.
Dufur 42, Sherman 41 (OT): The Rangers broke a tie atop the Big Sky Conference and remain the only unbeaten team in the league.
Spray-Mitchell-Wheeler 56, Horizon Christian 54
Girls Basketball
The Dalles 65, Estacada 34: The Riverhawks slide into third in the TVC with the victory.
Sherman 45, Dufur 36
Spray-Mitchell-Wheeler 54, Horizon Christian 26
Boys Wrestling
Hillsboro 55, Hood River Valley 24
Girls Wrestling
Hillsboro 66, Hood River Valley 12
Resolution Center Moves Up Wasco County Project List
Wasco County Commissioners decided to add the proposed Columbia Gorge Resolution Center to the 2024 top ten list of community enhancement projects seeking state and federal funding. It was not included in the draft list developed by the Wasco County Economic Development Commission. But County Commissioner Steve Kramer said he talked with Oregon Health Authority officials about the project to build regional facility offering programs for people struggling with mental and behavioral health challenges and drug or alcohol addiction, and the appearance on the list would help the chances for funding, particularly given Governor Tina Kotek’s stated priorities for the current legislative session. Other projects on the list include an aviation maintenance training hangar at the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport, water system improvements in Maupin, and a joint city hall, fire station, and community center in Mosier.
Skamania Sheriff Confirms Finding Body Of Missing Portland Woman
The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Wednesday that a body they recently discovered was that of 47-year-old Jeannie Enyeart, who went missing from Portland in late January. According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies on January 29 found an abandoned vehicle stuck in a snow berm in Stevenson. Officials said they quickly contacted Portland police and told them the vehicle was involved with Enyeart. The two departments say they searched the area and the vehicle, eventually recovering Enyeart’s body. In a statement from Skamania County Sheriff Summer Scheyer, they shared that it was a difficult case and information had to be restricted to obtain justice for Enyeart. Enyeart’s fiancé Jon French was arrested and made his first appearance in court Tuesday on charges of second-degree murder and second-degree abuse of a corpse.