Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation is about to close on the acquisition of the Rhine Village Apartments in White Salmon. CCHC has been working on the acquisition for a couple of years to preserve the 36-unit complex as affordable housing, as the covenants from its construction over 40 years ago were about to expire. CCHC Executive Director Joel Madsen said they didn’t want to move forward with the purchase until they had accumulated funding to make substantial improvements to the complex. Madsen says they have been able to line up $6.7 million in funding to cover the purchase and the renovations. He says income requirements will remain up to 80 percent of median income.
Author: mbailey
HR Holidays Set For Friday
The annual Hood River Holidays Winter Wonderland Festival will take place Friday evening in downtown Hood River. The festival will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with the lighting of the tree in Overlook Memorial Park taking place at 7 p.m. Street closures for the event will be from 4:15 p.m. to 8 p.m., and include Oak Street between 1st and 6th, State between 1st and 3rd, and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Streets between Oak and State.
The Dalles Art Center Offering Holiday Classes
The Dalles Art Center is offering a number of classes with a holiday theme over the next couple of weeks. Center Executive Director Sally Johnson says there are a number of options for adults and kids. The complete class list is available at thedallesartcenter.org. The Center is also getting ready for its holiday party, which will take place next Thursday, December 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Center is located at 220 East 4th in The Dalles.
November 29 Prep Basketball Scoreboard
Boys Basketball
Hood River Valley 90, Columbia 61
Dufur 52, Central Christian 45
Klickitat-Glenwood 41, Stevenson 36
Heppner 57, South Wasco 20
Mannahouse Academy 65, Horizon Christian 38
Gaston 76, Lyle-Wishram 45
Girls Basketball
Hood River Valley 58, Columbia 25
The Dalles 55, De LaSalle North Catholic 27
Dufur 37, Central Christian 23
Heppner 56, South Wasco 54
Mannahouse Academy 50, Horizon Christian 23
Gaston 56, Lyle-Wishram 15
Corbett 92, Stevenson 36
TD Council Upholds Meadow Advertising Appeal
The Dalles City Council unanimously upheld an appeal by Meadow Outdoor Advertising of a Planning Commission decision that would have prevented the company from replacing an existing billboard adjacent to a city street with a larger one on East 2nd. The Community Development Department and the Planning Commission had denied the application, finding the proposed billboard would have exceeded the maximum number allowed per mile under municipal code. But Meadow argued the finding was based on a radial mile, while the City had in the past approved billboard placement on an actual road mile measurement. Councilors said they should stick with the road mile standard, with Councilor Tim McGlothlin noting the ambiguity in the city’s code apparently was to have been addressed 30 years ago. Councilors also noted the subject of whether to use a road mile or radial mile standard should be addressed at a policy level, not while deciding a specific application.
TD City Council Approves STR Moratorium
The Dalles City Council approved a moratorium on new non-owner occupied short-term rental licenses in residential zones for the next 12 months while the City determines what kind of revisions should be made to their regulations on STR’s. The action came after Councilors had received complaints about STR’s in recent months. Mayor Rich Mays says staff will come back to them with options, and there are a wide range to be looked at. The moratorium does not prevent current operators of existing STR’s from applying for a license renewal in 2024.
HR Council Hears Parks & Rec Pool/Community Center Concept
Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District Director Mark Hickox made a presentation to Hood River City Councilors about the district’s plans to seek a bond measure and operating levy this May to replace the aging Hood River Aquatic Center with a new pool, splash pad, and community center facility along with other projects. Hickox presented a concept where the new pool would be located on the current Collins Field. City Councilors had numerous questions, most notably about public feedback and the shuffling of ownership of lands among agencies. The bond measure Hickox outlined also could include development of a Westside Park and other smaller developments, enhancements to the Indian Creek Trail, plus a park shop and maintenance equipment.
Klickitat County Solar Development Discussion Moves To Planning
Earlier this month, Klickitat County Commissioners adopted a moratorium on large-scale solar development over one acre in size in a number of townships in the Goldendale and Centerville valleys, and now the issue heads to the County Planning Commission for consideration of what kinds of regulations should be in place for those kind of developments. Commissioner Lori Zoller says it will be a complicated process given the number of issues to consider and the partners that will be involved. Zoller adds state and federal endangered species law will need to be wrapped into whatever regulations are put in place.
City of Hood River Reminds Residents To Keep Leaves Out Of Street
The City of Hood River is reminding residents to keep their leaves out of the streets. City Manager Abigail Elder notes it’s important to get your leaves taken care of for a couple of different reasons. One is to keep sidewalks clean and safely passible, and the other is to avoid catch basins becoming clogged. If there are catch basins near your property, please help keep them clear of leaves and debris to keep water draining and streets from flooding. Hood River residents may utilize their yard waste and compost roll-bin provided by Hood River Garbage for weekly pick up. Hood River Garbage also offers a yard waste drop-off at a discounted rate on Wednesdays, where residents may drop off leaves for $5 a load. Make sure all garbage cans are placed in a safe place off the street to allow access for street sweepers.
HRPD Traffic Stop Discovers 1/2 Pound Of Meth; Two Arrested
The Hood River Police Department arrested two people last week following a traffic stop, seizing over a half-pound of methamphetamine. According to the department, during the traffic stop an officer observed several signs of impairment being exhibited by the vehicle’s driver, Kevin James Hill, who was out on Parole from Clackamas County. He was taken into custody on suspicion of DUll-Controlled Substance, and the officer later discovered a confirmed stolen firearm out of Jackson County from June of 2023 concealed on him. The passenger, Cassandra Leeann Hill, was also taken into custody for concealing over a half pound of methamphetamine on her person. The pair, both from Baker City, were booked and lodged at NORCOR on several charges.