Washington Gorge Action Programs has raised about $40,000 during its season of giving. Executive Director Leslie Naramore says she is very happy to see the communities of Klickitat and Skamania counties support their efforts, noting the money goes toward helping people when other funding is not available. She adds the funds can help people who don’t necessarily meet the stringent requirements of different programs. To donate, go to wagap.org.

Boys Basketball

Scappoose 57, The Dalles 49:  Scappoose outscored the Riverhawks 16-8 in the fourth quarter to grab the victory, as Skyler Schmidt scored 27 points.  Styles DeLeon led The Dalles with 23.

Horizon Christian 63, Elgin 5

South Wasco 65, Stanfield 29

  Girls Basketball

Stanfield 62, South Wasco 32

Elgin 39, Horizon Christian 15

The Hood River County Commission has decided to move an option for redrawing commission districts that would move Cascade Locks from District 1 with the Westside area to District 4 in the Upper Valley to a public hearing, but it was with some reservations.  The County Charter calls for the districts to be as close to equal in population as possible, but Commissioner Arthur Babitz wasn’t sure any of the four options they’ve looked at gets that done effectively when taking growth patterns into account and in some cases splits the City of Hood River between three commissioners rather than two, and the only one that came close is the option that is moving forward.  Commission Chair Mike Oates reported he had received mixed opinions from Cascade Locks officials on moving to District 4 or staying in District 1.  The subject goes to a hearing early in 2022.

The White Salmon Planning Commission will consider the draft of revisions to the city’s short-term rental ordinance during a meeting on Wednesday.  The multitude of changes have gone through a lengthy process that most recently involved City Councilors going over them in fine detail.  Mayor Marla Keethler says the Council didn’t make any sweeping departures from what originally came from the Planning Commission.  She adds the intent has been to find a balance between allowing STR’s as a use that many local residents rely on while preventing people from out of the community from buying homes and making them full-time STR’s.  The Wednesday meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. on Zoom.  Log-in information is available at white-salmon.net.

The City of Hood River has released a survey to get public input as the City Council prepares to develop goals and a work plan for 2022.  Mayor Kate McBride says they are looking for feedback on a variety of topics.  The survey is available online through January 16 at cityofhoodriver.gov, and in print at City Hall or various locations around Hood River.  McBride says the Council will hold its planning session in mid-February.

Hood River County COVID-19 Coordinator Daron Ryan told County Commissioners on Monday that there are currently 28 active COVID cases in the County.  Ryan says that’s up from prior weeks, but also observed Hood River County tends to lag behind national trends.  Ryan noted that Hood River County remains at the top of vaccination rates in the state, at 87% of those 18 years of age or up receiving at least one dose.  She says the County Health Department is focusing on boosters and vaccinating children.  Ryan added they are planning to do more pop-up vaccination events in January.

The latest figures from The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce showed that lodging stays last summer were back to the levels seen in 2019, and even a bit higher than that.  The figures were presented last week to The Dalles City Council.  Chamber CEO Lisa Farquharson says she was surprised by the results, but she says it is great for the community, adding it leads to dollars being spent in The Dalles.  Farquaharson says the visitors who came in 2021 were tired of being pent up rather than coming for a specific purpose, in particular Portlanders looking for a quick getaway.

Engineers have told the Port of Hood River that the 16 wire ropes that lift the span on the Interstate Bridge will have to be replaced.  Port Executive Director Michael McElwee says they are targeting the project for fall of 2022, and is one of two major bridge projects next year.  It’s about a $1.5 million project.  McElwee adds in the spring the Port will be repaving both the north and south approach ramps to the bridge, and he says that will cost between $500,000 and $600,000.  McElwee notes while they continue to work for a new bridge, it is necessary to keep up with maintenance on the current bridge to ensure in it safe.

The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office says two deputies received recognition by the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association for actions taken in the performance of their duties.  Deputy Caitlin Plese was given the Life Saving Award, while Deputy Joel Carmody was presented with the Distinguished Action Award.  They were both recognized with these awards for their actions in dealing with persons in crisis.  In a statement, the Sheriff’s Office said the deputies’ calm approach, de-escalation techniques and sound judgement brought about positive outcomes in each of their respective situations, ensuring the preservation of life.

Boys Basketball

The Dalles 63, Dallas 33

Woodburn 61, The Dalles 54

Horizon Christian 68, Klickitat-Glenwood 32

Dufur 41, Horizon Christian 32

South Wasco 75, Klickitat-Glenwood 20

Spray-Mitchell-Wheeler 61, Sherman 45

Ione-Arlington 64, Sherman 46

White Swan 68, Goldendale 64

Girls Basketball

Klickitat-Glenwood 35, Horizon Christian 17

Dufur 62, Horizon Christian 9

South Wasco 66, Klickitat-Glenwood 31

Sherman 27, Spray-Mitchell-Wheeler 24

Ione-Arlington 48, Sherman 32

Stevenson 51, Kalama 25

White Swan 40, Goldendale 36

Wrestling Hood River Valley’s Mason Steffers won the 170 pound B bracket with three straight wins at the Liberty Tournament.

Goldendale’s Bryce Waddell won four matches at Best of the West Duals in Pasco.

Girls Wrestling Madison Kiemele of Goldendale won four straight matches to take the 145 pound bracket at the Best of the West tournament in Pasco.