The Hood River County Chamber of Commerce is reminding residents that free metered parking in downtown Hood River is in effect on afternoons from noon to 6 p.m. during the holiday shopping season.  A Chamber spokesperson says there has been some confusion about the hours the free parking is in effect.  Although meter feeding is not necessary between noon and 6 p.m. through December 24, all other City parking rules will be enforced.  This includes signed time limits on metered parking and reserved parking in the State St., Cascade St., Columbia St. and Front St. parking lots, which require paid passes.  Sunday parking is always free all-day long.

Boys Basketball

Columbia Adventist 39, Columbia 30

Estacada 50, Stevenson 47

Culver 68, Dufur 55

Horizon Christian 51, Open Door Christian 47

South Wasco 85, Lyle-Wishram 43

Damascus Christian 60, Sherman 29

Kalama 69, Trout Lake 38

 

Girls Basketball

Dufur 55, Culver 32

South Wasco 56, Lyle-Wishram 40

Damascus Christian 63, Sherman 32

Hood River County Sheriff Matt English announced he will run for a third term in the position in 2020.  In announcing his re-election bid, English said he remains committed to finding long-term solutions to stabilize funding for the county’s public safety services.  He also wants to continue developing partnerships and working collaboratively in the community.  English was first elected to the post in 2012.  He ran unopposed for re-election in 2016.

 

The Dalles City Council approved a rate increase of approximately 2.15% for The Dalles Disposal Service.  The Dalles Disposal had requested the increase as the result of anticipated increases by the Wasco County Landfill for both its gate rate and pass through Household Hazardous Waste Tax.  The rate increases will take effect on January 1.  In other business, the Council approved amendments to a City ordinance revising the definition of a “transient merchant” to separate those operating food trucks from other types of vendors.  That will create a new Mobile Food Vendor chapter with three classifications targeted to those selling ready to eat foods.

Gladys Rivera was selected to take an open seat on the Hood River City Council.  Rivera was chosen from a field of three applicants to the seat that had been vacated two months ago when Kate McBride was chosen to move into the Mayor’s chair after Paul Blackburn’s resignation.  Rivera said she looked to serve as a bridge for those who are underrepresented in the City, and that there is a need for a better sense of community with an equitable, inclusive environment for all.  Rivera was chosen over Angel Reyes-Borton and former Councilor and mayoral candidate Susan Johnson.  In the first vote of Councilors, Rivera received four voters and Reyes-Borton two to move into a final vote, which Rivera won 5-1.

The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce is taking nominations for its Distinguished Citizens Award through Friday.  Chamber Executive Director Lisa Farquharson is encouraging everyone to nominate deserving individuals that they know.  Categories include outstanding woman, man, volunteer, agricultural person, youth, business, educator, and first responder.  To make a nomination, go to thedalleschamber.com.  Awards will be given at the Chamber’s annual banquet on January 16.

Boys Basketball

Knox Grammar School (Australia) 61, Hood River Valley 44:  A ten-point run by Knox to start the third quarter broke open a close game in the international exhibition.  Josh Pain led Knox with 21 points while Mickey Yoone added 17.  Noah Webster’s 12 led the way for HRV.

Goldendale 52, Columbia 50

Central Christian 60, Horizon Christian 44

Girls Basketball

Columbia 60, Goldendale 55

 

           

Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Congressman Greg Walden are welcoming news that the Forest Service has awarded ”call when needed” contracts to providers of wildfire-fighting large air tankers.  The trio pressed for the contracts to be awarded in a September 2019 letter to Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen.  The first solicitation for the contracts was issued in July 2018.  The “call when needed” contracts allow the Forest Service to put approved aircraft into service when those aircraft are needed, and do not require the Forest Service to pay for those aircraft when they are not needed.  Wyden said Oregonians need the broadest possible range of options for fighting wildfires, and Walden added this is welcome progress, but there is more work to do to reduce the threat of wildfires in the West.

The Ports of Cascade Locks and Hood River have reached an agreement to bring the “BreezeBy” electronic tolling system in use on the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge to the Bridge of the Gods.  The new system will go live at the Bridge of the Gods on January 6.  In Cascade Locks, BreezeBy transponders will replace the Port of Cascade Locks “Local Stickers” and coupon books that have traditionally provided local commuters with discounted tolls.  Bridge users that have signed up for BreezeBy will pay only $1.25 per crossing of the Bridge of the Gods, and $1.00 at the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge, versus a $2.00 cash toll at both bridges.  Toll rates depend on vehicle class, with larger class vehicle tolls determined by the number of axles.  The Port of Cascade Locks will discontinue sales of coupon books on December 20 and will no longer accept them or local stickers for discounts on February 3.  New BreezeBy accounts can be created online at portofcascadelocks.org.

Free metered parking in downtown Hood River on afternoons during the holiday shopping season is starting today.  Hood River County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kate Schroeder says this year the free parking will be offered from noon to 6 p.m. through December 24.  She says downtown businesses requested the free parking not start until noon to make sure customers get to use the spaces.  Although meter feeding is not necessary during the afternoon hours, all other City parking rules will be enforced.  This includes observing signed time limits on metered parking and reserved parking in the State St., Cascade St., Columbia St. and Front St. parking lots, which require paid passes.  Sunday parking is always free all-day long.