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Author: mbailey

MCCAC And Hood River Shelter Services Merge

Posted on by mbailey

The Mid-Columbia Community Action Council and Hood River Shelter Services have collaborated in recent years to provide shelter services in Hood River, and now the organizations will formally merge to provide coordinated services throughout the region.  The merger was officially announced Tuesday.  The boards of both organizations have been coordinating details to bring the two together in recent months, with the Hood River Shelter program brought under the MCCAC umbrella.   Community Action Executive Director Kenny LaPoint said Community Action is committed to continuing to provide shelter services in Hood River County, and the shelter will be open at the same location on Oak Street for the coming winter season.  Former Hood River Shelter Services director Sarah Kellems is taking on a new role as Community Action’s Development and Engagement Coordinator.  The Hood River Warming Shelter was founded in 2009, and was under the non-profit umbrella of Gorge Ecumenical Ministries.

 

Lewis To Be Huckleberry Fest Grand Marshal

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The Huckleberry Festival is this weekend in Bingen, and this year’s grand marshal is former White Salmon Valley School District Superintendent Jerry Lewis.  Lewis retired from the job two years ago, but returned to the position on an interim basis this past spring to help the district deal with a major financial shortfall.  One of the festival organizers, Chris Connolly, says Lewis is being recognized for his contributions to the community.  Saturday’s Huckleberry Festival Parade will begin at 11 a.m., and run through the town from east to west.

 

 

 

Camp Creek Fire Containment At 16%

Posted on by mbailey

Containment of the Camp Creek Fire in the Mount Hood National Forest near the Bull Run Watershed has been increased to 16%.  Size of the fire remains at 1,902 acres, as rainfall on Sunday slowed the growth and rate of fire spread.  Warmer and drier conditions are expected for the remainder of the week, which may increase fire activity.  But Operations Section Chief Matt Call says it will also allow crews to carry out firing operations that have been hampered by the wet weather.  The fire is burning in heavy, dry fuels such as deep duff, rotten logs, and timber litter under a dense canopy.  Current fire behavior includes widespread smoldering and creeping which will continue due to long term seasonal drying.

Cowlitz Complex At 8% Containment

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Containment on the Cowlitz Complex of fires on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest has increased to 8%, with the size of the complex holding at 697 acres.  The Cowlitz Complex is composed of several dozen relatively small fires spread acres across about 500,000 acres of the Pinchot.  A handful of the fires were declared “out” on Monday, allowing resources to be moved to other fires in the complex.  Very little smoke has been visible from these fires over the past week; however, a shot of sunshine Tuesday may result in some visible smoke production from the Grassy Mountain Fire.  A break in the cloud cover Tuesday afternoon is expected to bring a period of sunshine, though another weak front was expected to pass through, bringing clouds and light drizzle.  Temperatures will be 5 to 10 degrees warmer than yesterday.

Hydrant Flushing In Downtown The Dalles

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The Dalles Public Works Department will be flushing fire hydrants in the downtown area this week.  Fire hydrants are flushed in order to clean out deposits, sediments and rust from distribution pipelines, help minimize water quality problems, test fire protection water pressures, exercise hydrant valves, and identify hydrants needing repair or replacement.  Motorists and pedestrians are asked to avoid driving or walking through the water coming directly from a hydrant while it is being flushed.  If it is not possible to avoid the area, please proceed with caution.  Occasionally main flushing causes water flowing from a tap to be discolored from stirred up sediment or milky white caused by tiny air bubbles.  Although discolored water won’t make you sick, you can flush the pipe by running the water for several minutes before drinking or washing.  If the water does not clear, please contact The Dalles Public Works office at 541-296-5401.

Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Tolls Go Up Friday

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New toll rates for all vehicles on the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate bridge will go into effect at midnight.  Base toll rates for passenger vehicles will increase for cash-paying customers to $3.50 per crossing. BreezeBy customers will see an increase to $1.75 per crossing for two-axle vehicles.  Toll rates depend on vehicle class with large trucks, RVs, and trailers paying $4.00 per axle for cash customers, $3.00 per axle with BreezeBy.  The new toll rates were set based on the recommendation of the newly formed Hood River White Salmon Bridge Authority, citing the need to raise $75 -$150 million in local toll revenue to complete the funding package for construction of the replacement bridge.  All of the new toll revenue will be paid out to a separate Bi-State replacement fund to build up cash reserves required for a federal construction loan.

 

Deadline For TD Government Academy Applications Now Wednesday

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The deadline to apply for The Dalles Local Government Academy has been pushed back to Wednesday.  The academy is designed to give community members a chance to learn more about how local government operates.  Executive Assistant to the City Manager Amie Ell says they will combine classroom-style presentations with tours of municipal operations.  Academy sessions will be held every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. from October 17 through November 9, except on Halloween.  To be eligible you must be at least 18 years of age and be a resident of The Dalles.  To get an application go to thedalles.org or call 541-296-5481, ext. 4408.

Light Rain Falls On Camp Creek Fire

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Light rain falling on the Camp Creek Fire in the Mount Hood National Forest near the Bull Run Watershed is expected to continue into Friday morning.  Crews continue to work on using existing forest roads to serve as points to establish containment lines. Operations Section Chief Matt Call noted a lack of visibility is limiting use of air resources, even though they remain available should they be needed.  The fire size remains 1,969 acres, with no containment figure at this point.