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Author: mbailey

WS Schools Talking To Moody’s To Establish Bond Rating

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As the White Salmon Valley School District moves toward selling its first round of bonds to create a K-12 campus, Superintendent Rich Polkinghorn is working with financial services company Moody’s to establish a bond rating for the district.  Polkinghorn says the district will make a presentation to give Moody’s background to establish the rating.  The district won’t be selling its full capacity of bonds all at once.  Because there are time limits on how long the district can wait to spend the proceeds, there will be multiple sales as the project advances.

 

Those Impacted By Rowena Fire Feeling Personal Toll

Posted on by mbailey

It has been just over one year since the Rowena Fire, and for those who lost their homes as a result of the blaze, it has been a whirlwind as they seek to rebuild not just their residences but necessary infrastructure.  And for some, the personal and emotional toll has begun to add up.  Rowena Long-Term Recovery Group co-chair Kelly Howsley Glover says they are trying to provide support and provide mental health resources.  Those who went through the Rowena Fire and would like support can email rowenarecovery@mccac.com or go to rowenarecovery.org.

HR County Prohibits Use Of Fireworks

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The discharge of fireworks in Hood River County is now prohibited.  That will stay in effect until the Oregon State Forester lifts ODF’s Regulated Use Closure.  The use of fireworks is already prohibited in the City of Hood River.  In addition, open campfires are now prohibited on the Hood River County Forest except with designated fire rings at county campgrounds.  Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are permitted.  Motorized trail use is prohibited on Middle Mountain, Pinemont, and Fir Mountain.  Motorized Off-Highway Vehicle use remains permitted within the Northwest Area Trail System under a special ODF waiver.  All vehicles on Hood River County Forest roads must carry either a shovel and a gallon of water or a 2 1/2 pound fire extinguisher must be on hand.

ODF Establishes Regulated Use Closure

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The Oregon Department of Forestry has put into effect a Regulated Use Closure in The Dalles Unit of the Central Oregon Fire Protection District.  Among the restrictions now in effect on ODF-protected lands:  Fireworks are prohibited, and smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads.  Open fires are prohibited, except in designated areas.  The use of portable appliances using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed in clear areas free of flammable vegetation, but one shovel and a gallon of water or a 2 1/2 pound fire extinguisher must be on hand.  Chainsaw use and the cutting, grinding, and welding of metal is prohibited between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.  Motor vehicles are prohibited on ODF lands, except on improved roads.  They are allowed if a landowner or their employees are conducting activities associated with their livelihood.

WSP Seeks Witness Help In Hit-And-Run Involving Cyclist

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The Washington State Patrol is looking for a witnesses to a fatal Monday morning hit and run involving a man riding a tricycle on Highway 97 near Maryhill.  The WSP says the incident occurred on northbound Highway 97 at milepost 1 shortly before 6:15 Monday morning.  The WSP is seeking witnesses who traveled through the area Monday morning and may have seen anything relevant to the collision, or who traveled through that area and have dash-camera footage from that time.  If anyone has any information regarding the collision, or if you saw the male on the tricycle in the area prior to the collision, please contact Detective Conor Schwilke via email at Conor.Schwilke@wsp.wa.gov.  The victim was identified as 69-year-old James Born II from Indianapolis, Indiana.

Judge Takes McGeeney Release Bid Under Advisement

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Circuit Court Judge John Olson took under advisement whether to set a bail amount that could lead to pre-trial release of 47-year-old Bryan McGeeney, who faces 46 different charges, including 38 felonies, involving a 14-year-old girl.  During a court hearing on Monday, Hood River County Deputy District Attorney Danielle DeCant told Olson that given the nature of the charges, McGeeney should be deemed unreleasable.  But defense attorney Jeffrey Wallace countered that McGeeney has no prior record, should be presumed innocent until proven guilty, does not pose a threat to the community, and that he needs to be able to post bail to assist in his own defense.  DeCant did tell Olson if bail was set, she would want numerous conditions placed on release, including no contact with the victim or any minors.  Olson set another hearing for Thursday morning to render a decision on bail.

White Salmon Fuel Mitigation Continues

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The Washington Department of Natural Resources’ fuel mitigation project, underway since 2019, continues to strengthen White Salmon’s ability to withstand wildfire.  Mayor Marla Keethler says work is currently focused on the north and west side of the community, in the Puckerhuddle area.  Keethler notes that the work could not take place without buy-in from landowners.  60% of property owners have to consent to the work in any given area.  Keethler says after this year, they should have reached a point where the project has made a complete box around White Salmon.

Hood River County School District Establishes Five-Year Strategic Plan

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The Hood River County School District has established its latest five-year strategic plan.  District Superintendent Bill Newton says their vision and mission didn’t change from its previous plan after a year of work on it.  Newton says the strategic plan acts as what they point back to in determining what to focus on.  As an example, Newton cited their efforts to improve the district’s student information system that has been included in the strategic plan.  The district has acquired a new system called Synergy, and Newton says how it will train staff on it is included in the strategic plan.

SmokeReadyGorge.Org Available For Smoke Information

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Local officials are reminding people that when there are smoky conditions in the Gorge, people can get guidance by using the SmokeReadyGorge.org website set up by Oregon State University Extension, the Hood River County Health Department, and the Healthy Gorge Initiative.  OSU Extension’s Lauren Kraemer says preparing in advance for smoky conditions is very important, and having the right supplies like masks and filters on hand.  SmokeReadyGorge.org includes a checklist for what you should have on hand in case of smoky conditions.  It also features a map showing local air quality monitors at schools, orchards, and more.

Water’s Edge Starts To Reopen

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Adventitst Health Columbia Gorge has begun to reopen its Water’s Edge building that was damaged during a strong December 2025 wind storm.  Clinics are opening today on the second floor of the building, including Columbia Gorge ENT, Internal Medicine, and the Sleep Clinic.  The December winds blew off a large portion of the Water’s Edge roof, and caused significant water damage.  Repairs continue on other floors of the building.  Adventist Health says it plans to continue returning additional clinics and offices into the building over the summer.