The Hood River City Council unanimously directed municipal staff to prepare a utility rate setting resolution for the upcoming fiscal year based on the recommendations made by a consulting firm.  It would include rate credits for non-residential stormwater mitigation efforts offset by a broadbased rate increase across all stormwater customers, and water and sewer rate assistance for those making 60 percent below the area median income to be paid for by a broadbased phased-in rate increase across all water and sewer ratepayers.  It also includes a program to provide rate credits applied to electricity bills equal to the water and sewer discounts for low income households where water and sewer charges are included in their rent.  Mayor Kate McBride said the recommendation stems from the most thorough utility rate review the City has undertaken in many years.  The resolution will come back to the Council for a final vote at a future meeting.  

North Central Public Health District is planning for how they will distribute COVID-19 vaccines in their three-county service area as supplies increase.  District Health Officer Dr. Mimi McDonnell told the Wasco County Commission they plan to get doses out in Wasco, Gilliam, and Sherman counties in as many ways as possible in addition to the clinics they currently hold in the Fort Dalles Readiness Center.  McDonell adds the anticipation is as more and more people are vaccinated and supplies increase, the expectation is larger scale events will decrease.

Boys Soccer Clackamas 2, Hood River Valley 0:  Cameron Gaines scored both of the Cavaliers’ goals in the first 21 minutes of the game as the 6A school ran its record to 5-0.   Girls Soccer Madison 3, Hood River Valley 0   Volleyball Pendleton def. Hood River Valley, 3 games to 0 Crook County def. The Dalles 25-16, 25-21, 25-17 Dufur def. South Wasco 25-22, 25-10, 26-24 Sherman def. Bickleton 25-15, 25-17, 25-14   Southwest Washington Class 1A Volleyball Tournament Goldendale def. Tenino 3 games to 0

The Hood River City Council will continue deliberations in two weeks on language for an ordinance to create code to allow construction of what is termed “middle housing,” including duplexes, triplexes, and cottages, in all residential zones in the latest attempt by the City to encourage construction of affordable housing.  But it was apparent Councilors will be approving the ordinance once a number of details are hashed out, including parking requirements.  A second night of testimony brought a mixed bag of public opinion, with some urging passage to create more workforce housing opportunities, while others worried it would change the look and feel of Hood River.  Councilor Erick Haynie is seeking an amendment to require the City to review the code on an annual basis to determine if it is effective.  Deliberations will continue on March 29 at 6 p.m.  

Hood River County Health Department Director Trish Elliott told County Commissioners on Monday that the Oregon Health Authority has indicated starting March 29 the County will start to receive about two thousand doses of COVID-19 vaccine per week.  Elliott says that’s in the vicinity of four times what they currently receive.  Elliott told the Commission they do have a plan for increasing the capacity to provide vaccinations.  She said the health department had administered just under four thousand COVID vaccinations, and their community partners are adding to that amount.  Elliott also said the County has had only six positive COVID-19 cases diagnosed in the last week, and they are only monitoring six active cases at this time.

Boys Soccer Trout Lake 2, Horizon Christian 0   Southwest Washington Class 1A Girls Soccer Playoff Montesano 9, Goldendale 0:  Goldendale plays at Elma in a consolation round match tomorrow at 6 p.m.

The candidate filing deadline for the May 18 Special District elections in Oregon is this Thursday.  Seats on various special district boards including ports and school districts will be on the ballot.  Open positions and filing information, including who has already filed to be on the ballot, are available on elections pages on both the Wasco and Hood River county webpages.  People can also call the Wasco County Clerk’s office at 541-506-2530 or the Hood River County elections office at 541-386-1442 for assistance.  Filings are accepted until 5 p.m. on Thursday.  It is also the last day for someone who has filed to withdraw.

North Central Public Health District reports through the end of the week ending March 6, over 8,400 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in its three-county service area of Wasco, Sherman and Gilliam counties.  Entities providing vaccines include NCPHD, Mid-Columbia Medical Center, One Community Health, Sherman County Medical Clinic in Moro, Arlington Medical Center, South Gilliam Health Center in Condon and Deschutes Rim Clinic in Maupin.  Local long term care facility residents and staff were vaccinated by national pharmacy chains.  Local pharmacies, including Safeway and Bi-Mart in The Dalles in Wasco County and Murray’s Drug in Condon in Gilliam County are vaccinating people currently.  The NCPHD says Wasco County has vaccinated 19.48 % of its population, Sherman County 20.71% and Gilliam County 20.54%.

The Port of Hood River meets Tuesday, starting with a worksession to discuss future uses of the Ken Jernstedt Airfield.  Port Executive Director Michael McElwee says they are discussing the core question of “what does the airport want to be” given it is a small visual flight rules airport with an increasing number of people living in proximity to it.  The worksession begins at 4 p.m. Tuesday, and proceeds the Port’s regular meeting begins at 5 p.m.  Log-in information is available at portofhoodriver.com.

The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce is taking requests from Wasco County businesses for two upcoming rounds of free personal protective equipment distributions by Business Oregon, but the deadline to submit request forms is Tuesday at 4 p.m.  One of the rounds of supplies will be distributed on Friday, but the second round is meant to cover the next six months.  Chamber CEO Lisa Farquharson says businesses need to think long-term for the final round.  Forms are available at thedalleschamber.com.