Republican Joe Kent officially on Wednesday conceded the race to represent Washington’s 3rd Congressional District after being defeated by Rep.-elect Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. In a written statement, Kent wrote he called Perez to concede Wednesday morning and that he accepted the outcome of the election, which he called “definitively determined” after after counties in the 3rd District concluded individual machine recounts, per Kent’s request. The results showed that Democrat Perez won the race with 160,323 votes, or 50.14 percent, leading Kent’s 157,690 votes, 49.31 percent. In the recount, she gained nine votes compared to his additional five. In his statement, Kent noted he will have more to say in early January, presumably about his political future. The Washington secretary of state’s office is anticipated to recertify the election results this week.
Author: mbailey
NCPHD Says CDC Advises Providers On Antiviral Medications For Flu
North Central Public Health District says the Centers for Disease Control has sent out an advisory to healthcare providers regarding the importance of prescribing antiviral medications for patients with the flu this year. Seasonal flu activity is high across the United States. The CDC estimates that for the season to date, there have been at least 13 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 7,300 deaths from flu. Antiviral treatment is an important additional tool alongside the flu vaccine in the prevention and control of flu. The flu is nearing record levels in Oregon, according to modeling by Oregon Health & Science University. In the Columbia Gorge, the percentage of flu tests coming back positive is climbing. It stood at 39% for the week ending Dec. 10, which is higher than previous years. The NCPHD says it’s not too late to get a flu shot. Everyone 6 months and older is eligible. Call your doctor’s office for an appointment, or visit your local pharmacy. All of the local pharmacies offer the high-dose flu vaccine for those 65 and older.
Suspected Hood River Thief Arrested In Central Oregon
The Hood River Police Department says a man suspected in the theft of $9,000 in merchandise from Hood River businesses has been arrested in central Oregon. In a Facebook statement, the HRPD says a tip obtained by The Dalles Police Department provided a break in the caste. The tip led Hood River Police to the suspect who was eventually arrested in central Oregon. The investigation also produced the seizure of more than $7,000 in cash as evidence. The Dalles Police, Bend Police, and the Deschutes County Community Corrections Department were all involved in the investigation.
December 20 Prep Sports Roundup
Boys Basketball
Willamette at The Dalles, ppd. to January 7
Columbia at Riverside, ccld.
Stevenson at Centralia, ccld.
Horizon Christian 60, Dayville-Monument 16
Sherman 52, Griswold 16
Dufur at St. Paul, ccld.
Girls Basketball
The Dalles at Horizon Christian (Tualatin), ccld.
Columbia 42, Riverside 17
Dayville-Monument 22, Horizon Christian 21
Sherman 40, Griswold 25
South Wasco 55, Myrtle Point 51
Wrestling
Best of the West in Pasco
Columbia won one out of four matches, defeating Kiona-Benton 41-18. Calvin Andrews won all four of his matches on the day. Goldendale lost all five of its matches.
December 19 Prep Basketball Scores
Boys Basketball
Sherman 58, Dayville-Monument 28
Dufur 38, Perrydale 35
Girls Basketball
Columbia 45, Trout Lake 38
Sherman 41, Dayville-Monument 28
Dufur 49, Perrydale 39
North Douglas 62, South Wasco 29
Eastbound I-84 Reopens At Troutdale
ODOT has announced I-84 eastbound from Troutdale has been reopened.
Port of HR Commission Gets Set For New Year
The Port of Hood River Commission has set as one of its tasks for the upcoming year to begin to plan how to replace tolling revenue from the bridge when a new one is in place under a separate governmental authority. Port Executive Director Kevin Greenwood says they would be looking at replacing three million dollars annually in some way, whether it’s replacing revenue or reducing what it does. Greenwood says they believe the Port remains an important part of Hood River, and there are plenty of areas for the Port to work on next year and in future years. Among the tasks for this coming year, working on getting infrastructure to Anchor Way and First Street in so development of Lot 1 can move forward.
Holiday Shopping Season Brings Mixed Results
The holiday shopping season is proving to be a mixed bag. The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Lisa Farquharson says it has been good for some and slow for others. She says most retailers are down compared to last year, as inflation and other economic factors play a role. Farquharson continues to urge local residents to shop locally, noting that money spent in the region stays in the community.
HR Law Enforcement Makes Fentanyl & Cocaine Seizure
Hood River law enforcement report they seized large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine during a traffic stop earlier in the month. According to a statement from the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office, a sheriff’s officer with assistance from a Hood River Police officer found the narcotics in the vehicle along with two concealed firearms, one of which was stolen and within reach of the driver, who was a convicted felon. The driver was taken into custody on a statewide warrant, and a passenger was also lodged at NORCOR. Both were facing multiple charges. About 2,200 fentanyl pills and over 81 grams of cocaine were seized. They had an estimated street value of approximately $30,000.
Sherman County Looks For Help In Wrong Way Driving Investigation
Sherman County Sheriff’s Officers are investigating a wrong-way driving incident on Interstate 84 last Saturday evening. The Sheriff’s Office says deputies tried to stop a white, early 2000’s 2-door Honda Civic at 9:12 Saturday night. The vehicle began driving the wrong direction on I-84, first from about mile post 104 to 107 it was eastbound in the westbound lane, then from about mile post 104 to 102 it was westbound in the eastbound lane. The car then crossed the Biggs Bridge into Washington and disappeared. If you witnessed the incident or have information about it, please contact the Sherman County Sheriff’s Office.