The future of the North Central Public Health District may soon become clearer. NCPHD directors have been discussing since Gilliam County withdrew from the district last summer whether it would be better to remain a separate entity or go back to being a Wasco County department with Sherman County contracting for services. Wasco County Commissioner and NCPHD board member Phil Brady told County Commissioners during a worksession Wednesday that the board will take up the question at a meeting next week. District Executive Director Shellie Campbell said a number of legal issues were still to be answered, and are expected to be addressed at the NCPHD meeting. Commissioner Steve Kramer said he thinks public health should be a County department, but Commissioner Scott Hege was ambivalent and felt a key question was whether the current district would want to come back under the County umbrella.
Author: mbailey
Hood River Police Arrest Man After Finding AR-15 Disguised As Toy
Hood River Police arrested a man after finding him in possession of a loaded AR-15 rifle that had been deliberately spray painted in an attempt to disguise it as a toy gun. According to a statement from the police department, the weapon was found when an officer initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle on Sunday. The rifle had an obliterated serial number, which police say they are seeing more and more of. The vehicle’s driver, who was a felon, admitted to possession of the rifle. The HRPD statement says the driver was lodged at NORCOR on the charges of felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful concealment of a firearm, and obliterating or changing identification marks on a firearm. The passenger was also lodged at NORCOR on two outstanding Wasco County arrest warrants, and for providing false information to a peace officer.
TDPD Releases Video Footage From Recent Robbery; Seeks Public Help
The Dalles Police Department has released video footage from a recent armed robbery in hopes of generating tips to identify the suspect. The robbery occurred at Denny’s Restaurant on 1710 West 6th at 2:41 the morning of July 23. The department says no one was physically harmed during the incident. A video surveillance segment has been posted on the department’s Facebook page. The department says even though the quality of the footage is somewhat limited, they are hoping someone will still be able to confirm the identity of the suspect. If you have any information regarding the robbery, please contact the Dalles Police Department at 541-296-2613, reference case number D23-1445, and ask to speak with a detective. You can also download “The Dalles Police Department” app from any Apple or Android device to submit anonymous tips.
First Book In The Gorge Now Books For Kids
The First Book organization in Hood River and Wasco counties has become Books For Kids Columbia Gorge. The non-profit organization seeks to get books into the hands of underserved young children. The organization’s Nancy Johansen Paul says the main reason for the change is because the national First Book organization will no longer accept checks, and that’s how most local contributors support their efforts. Paul says they have created their own name, but will still be affiliated with the national organization. Gorge Ecumenical Ministries will serve as Books For Kids Columbia Gorge’s fiscal agent. The group will now also be serving Klickitat and Skamania counties.
CGCC Adds Second Cohort For Aviation Maintenance Program
Columbia Gorge Community College says it has added a second cohort to its new Aviation Maintenance Technology program. A second instructor, Tyson Aldrich will join lead instructor Bryan Despain to allow for the addition of 16 students per year. In addition to starting a second cohort, CGCC is moving the program’s hands-on workspace to the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport in Dallesport. A bill passed in the Oregon Legislature this year enabled instruction to take place in an airport hangar visible from the college’s campus in The Dalles but located in the state of Washington. The program initially launched in the fall of 2022 following official recognition by the Federal Aviation Administration. The new cohort is now open for registration for fall 2023. Classes start September 25th.
Families In The Park Celebrates 40th Season
Families In The Park returns to Hood River’s Jackson Park this month for its 40th anniversary season. The Hood River Lions Club and the Gorge Community Foundation are presenting this year’s five concert series every Thursday night of August that is free to the public. This year’s series starts on Thursday evening with local favorites Hit Machine. The concert begins at 7 p.m. in Jackson Park.
YouthThink Readies For New School Year
As the calendar turns to August, YouthThink of Wasco County is planning for the upcoming school year. Executive Director Debby Jones says they are anxious to work in the County’s schools in a larger way than they have in the past. Jones notes they can help with trainings for staff to deal with classroom behavioral issues. She also says YouthThink will be looking to provide supports to parents of children of all ages through their parenting classes and parenting cafes.
Fire Crews Deal With Brush Fire Along I-84 West Of Cascade Locks
Fire crews dealt with a brush fire on Monday night along Interstate 84 west of Cascade Locks. Cascade Locks Fire and EMS said the fire occurred at milepost 33 west of Dodson near Benson Park. It was about one-half acre in size. Fire progression was stopped fairly quickly, with Corbett Fire District 14 and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area crews assisting. The Oregon Department of Transportation says The Historic Columbia River Highway will remain closed until late today between Oneonta Creek and Multnomah Falls as a result of the fire. The closure will help the crews in their fire suppression efforts in the brush fire two miles east of Multnomah Falls. Access to Multnomah Falls remains open from the parking lot at Interstate 84 Exit 31 or when heading east on the Historic Highway from Bridal Veil Exit 28. Earlier in the day, Hood River fire crews dealt with a small fire near Eliot Park and Indian Creek.
Highway 14 Construction Delays Near Cape Horn To Start
Over the next several months, travelers in Southwest Washington who use Highway 14 through the Gorge should plan ahead for delays east of Washougal. Starting Wednesday, Washington State Department of Transportation contractor crews will begin work to replace an existing damaged debris flow fence located along SR 14 between mileposts 25 and 26 near Cape Horn in Skamania County. The highway through the work zone will be limited to one lane with flaggers from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, with delays of up to 20 minutes. The transportation department says construction activity on Fridays and Saturdays may be needed. Any work occurring on those two days will take place along the westbound shoulder of SR 14 from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. In observance of the Labor Day holiday, no work will be performed between Sunday, Sept. 3 and Tuesday, Sept. 5. During rockfall activity, the debris fence helps contain rocks and debris by holding it between the fence and the slope, reducing the number of rocks and debris that fall onto the road and into the travel lanes of the highway, which improves safety and reduces emergency road closures.
HR County To Up Administrator Salary Range; Hecksel Extends Stay
Hood River County Commissioners came out of an executive session on Monday and approved two motions associated with their on-going search for a new county administrator. One was to accept current administrator Jeff Hecksel’s offer to remain in the position through December 8. Hecksel announced his plans to retire in January, and initially intended to step away from the post in August. The other motion was to reset the upper annual salary limit in their advertising of the administrator’s position to $197,000. Commissioners did not elaborate during open session on why they made that move. When Hecksel was hired seven years ago, the County did take months in their search process, and raised their salary range when they put the vacancy out for a second time.