The Oregon Department of Forestry says the seasonal burn ban in Wasco and Hood River counties will terminate on Monday.  The ODF announced that fire season in its Central Oregon District will terminate fire season on Friday.  Continued cool moist weather over the last few weeks has significantly reduced the fire danger within the district, but officials add while the risk is diminished erratic winds and lack of precipitation can quickly cause a rise in fire danger.  Monitoring weather forecasts, following prevention tips such as having a shovel and water available when burning, and being aware of fire risk will help limit wildfires this fall.  The ODF is asking people to wait to burn until after the seasonal burn ban is terminated on Monday.  Check with local fire departments to determine if a burn permit is needed before burning.  Logging debris and slash burning requires a burn permit from the local ODF office in The Dalles.

Small nonfarm businesses in Skamania, Klickitat, Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.  These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought that began July 24.  Small nonfarm businesses, agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.  Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance.  Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance.  Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at disasterloan.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955.

Cross Country Columbia topped Stevenson in a dual cross country meet on Strawberry Island.   The Bruins’ Jacob Lockman, Tommy Ziegler, and Gerald Hoff topped the boys’ race with a 1-2-3 finish, while Joules Hope and Lillian Nelson ran 1-2 for CHS in the girls’ race, with Isabella Spencer of Stevenson finishing third.   Volleyball Lyle-Wishram def. Liberty Christian 25-20, 25-20, 25-11

Volleyball Hood River Valley def. Crook County 25-18, 19-25, 25-18, 21-25, 15-12:  The Eagles move into a tie for second with the Cowgirls, one match behind Ridgeview in the Intermountain Conference.  Katie Kennedy had 26 kills, 16 digs, and five service aces for the Eagles. Pendleton def. The Dalles 20-25, 25-20, 25-13, 25-27, 15-10 Columbia def. Stevenson 3 sets to 0 Dufur def. Ione 25-16, 25-14, 25-15 Echo def. Sherman 25-23, 25-22, 22-25, 25-23 South Wasco def. Condon-Wheeler 25-12, 18-25, 25-9, 26-24 Sunnyside Christian def. Trout Lake 26-24, 14-25, 25-23, 25-15   Girls Water Polo Hood River Valley 9, David Douglas 7   Boys Water Polo Hood River Valley 13, David Douglas 9

Fire destroyed an abandoned barn in the western portion of Hood River early Tuesday morning.  According to Hood River Fire and EMS, they responded to the fire in the 800 block of Rand Road at around 5 a.m.  Firefighters found the barn fully engulfed in fire, and the structure collapsed shortly after their arrival.  Incident Commander Captain Manuel Irusta said the fire was in the upper portion of the barn when the roof collapsed, and crews did a “great job” of keeping the fire from spreading to the nearby trees.  No loss amount has been determined, but the barn is a total loss.  Hood River Fire & EMS was assisted by West Side Fire District and the City of Hood River Public Works.

Wasco County continues to progress on its comprehensive plan review, Wasco 2040.  The County Commission recently approved the first reading of revisions to Goal 3, relating to agriculture.  Commissioner Steve Kramer says at this point the review continues to center on language cleanup.  A second reading of the Goal 3 revisions is planned for October 17.  At the Planning Commission level, the first evidentiary hearing for topics that include water conservation, land use planning incentives, agri-tourism, and economic development will take place on November 6 at 3 p.m. at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center.

The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District terminated the Regulated Use Closure in effect for lands within the District as of this morning.  Cooler fall weather combined with precipitation over the weekend has reduced the need for these restrictions.  Fire Season remains in effect for the District.  While the risk of ignitions from certain activities is diminished there is still the potential for fires to start or become out of control based on current fuel conditions.  Campfires/warming fires should never be left unattended and should be fully extinguished when you leave.  The seasonal burn ban in Wasco and Hood River counties remains in effect.  At this time, all open burning, including burn barrels is prohibited.

An ammonia leak in the Pine Grove area led to a closure of Highway 35 and surrounding roads for a period of time on Monday afternoon.  According to the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office, the leak at a cold storage facility prompted precautionary closures.  Highway 35 was closed Paasch Road to Dethman Ridge Road, along with Mason Road and Van Horn from Highway 35 to Eastside Road.  There were no injuries reported.  The incident began just after 2 p.m. on Monday, with roads being reopened at around 4 p.m.

Boys Soccer Horizon Christian 11, Open Door Christian 1 Girls Soccer Goldendale 3,  Granger 1  

Hood River County Commissioners are moving into a new phase into their budget discussions with the public, planning two open houses on the subject in late October and early November.  These will come off of a series of focus group meetings on different sections of the budget and county services.  Commissioner Karen Joplin says the open house will use a drop-in format with stations based on the focus group subjects.  Joplin and fellow Commissioner Rich McBride says the panel has been considering presenting as options a prepared food and beverage tax, and a property tax measure, but Joplin added one of their goals is to incorporate visitors to the County in generating more revenue.