The Hood River County School District has been getting more electric-powered buses. Superintendent Bill Newton says they have been successful in receiving $2.8 million in grants, some to pay for solar panels at Wy’east Middle School to allow the gym there to be used as an emergency shelter with a battery that is actually in a bus. In addition, Newton says they have gotten an electric van, two larger EV buses, and charging stations. He notes these buses are effective in the local area. Newton adds the technology behind EV buses continues to improve, making them more efficient.
Author: mbailey
White Salmon Council Prepares 2025 Budget
The White Salmon City Council will be looking to adopt its 2025 budget at its meeting Wednesday evening. A final public hearing will be held prior to approval. The budget includes the 1% property tax increase the City can adopt. Mayor Marla Keethler says their budget is tight, but they’ve also done a good job of managing it and finding new revenue sources. She notes it is important that they continue to focus on the key goals the community has identified with the resources on hand. Wednesday’s meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the White Salmon Fire Hall.
The Dalles Chamber CEO Attends Conference On Disabilities & Tourism
The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Lisa Farquharson recently attended a conference on how to make tourism destinations accessible to those with visible and non-visible disabilities. Farquharson says those people can face a number of hurdles to traveling. She says some of the things that can be done are simple for a business to do. In an area where tourism is largely based on outdoor activities, Farquharson says things like better signage can be a big assist. Farquharson notes those with disabilities make up 15 to 20 percent of the tourism market.
November 15-16 Prep Sports Roundup
Washington Class 1A Volleyball Tournament
First Round: Stevenson def. Lynden Christian 26-24, 27-25, 25-23
Quarterfinal: Chelan def. Stevenson 25-14, 25-12, 25-21
Consolation: Cashmere def. Stevenson 25-22, 25-18, 25-18
Oregon Class 1A 8-Man Football Playoffs
Quarterfinals
North Douglas 42, Dufur 36
Crosspoint Christian 58, Sherman 40
Oregon Class 1A 6-Man Football Playoffs
Quarterfinal
South Wasco 52, North Lake 45: The Redsides advance to the semi-finals, and will face top-seed Powers this Saturday at 1 p.m. at Cottage Grove.
Washington Class 2B Football Playoffs
First Round
Freeman 43, Goldendale 34
MCCAC Issues Report For 2023
Mid-Columbia Community Action Council says it supported over 3,000 community members in 2023 through more than $4.4 million in program services and client assistance. The agency recently released its 2023 annual report. MCCAC Executive Director Kenny LaPoint says the opening of The Annex Traditional Housing and Shelter facility in The Dalles during 2023 was a major milestone in their efforts to address houselessness in region. The report says 149 people were transitioned into long-term stable housing, 200 community members at risk of eviction maintained their housing, over 17,000 nights of shelter were provided in Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties, and over 2100 people received utility assistance. MCCAC’s report also said 51% of utility assistance and weatherization program participants identified as Native, Latinx, or BIPOC community members.
Festival Of Trees Tickets On Sale
Tickets are on sale now for Adventist Heath Columbia Gorge Foundation’s Festival of Trees gala on December 6 at The Dalles Civic Auditorium. The Foundation’s Amanda Evans says they have 15 groups committed to decorating trees to be auctioned off to benefit the Celilo Cancer Center Patient Assistance Fund and equipment needs at the hospital in The Dalles. Tickets for the gala are $20, and available at mcmc.net. It begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 6, and it is a 21-and-over event. The trees will be on display for the public the on Saturday, December 7 from at the festival’s annual community day from 9 a.m. to noon.
Funding For Westside Middle Housing Incentive Put In Place
The financial sources to seed a Middle Housing Construction Incentive Program for Hood River’s Westside Urban Renewal District were put in place. The Hood River Urban Renewal Agency board approved accepting a $500,000 loan from the Oregon Investment Board, and then the City Council approved providing a matching loan of the same amount. Urban Renewal Administrator Will Norris says the loans won’t be disbursed until the Westside district begins to provide incentive payments to builders, and that will not happen for at least six months, and probably a year. The money will be paid back through funds accrued by tax-increment financing for the Westside district.
Lance Named Q-Life Executive Director
Dr. Liz Lance has been selected as Q-Life’s first executive director. The agency board says Lance brings extensive operational leadership experience along with a personal understanding of broadband’s transformative impact in Wasco County. She has over a decade of strategic technology leadership experience, most recently serving as Chief of Staff at the analytics firm Performica. With Q-Life, Lance will focus on expanding the agency’s 17-mile fiber optic network further into Wasco County while maintaining reliable, cost-effective telecommunications infrastructure that enhances regional economic development. Lance is currently the Secretary for Dufur Volunteer Fire and Ambulance.
HR County Evaluating Future Building Needs
Hood River County has started the process of evaluating its building needs in the future. County Commissioners recently approved a contract with DLR Architects to update a 2015 space needs and site evaluation report, covering the Courthouse, Sheriff’s Office, and administrative functions. County Administrator Allison Williams says they will be starting in a couple of weeks. Williams noted the current cost of new courthouses is a $1,000 a square foot, which means Hood River County may need to be creative to find a way to address its building needs.
November 13 Prep Sports Scoreboard
Washington Class 2B Volleyball Tournament at Yakima Valley Sundome
First Round
Freeman def. Goldendale 25-9, 25-16, 25-10
Consolation
Davenport def. Goldendale 23-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-18