Worksource Oregon and the Oregon Employer Council Columbia Gorge will host an event next weekend in The Dalles to help provide information and support to veterans in the area.  Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist Jennifer Borne says the The Mid-Columbia Veterans Stand Down on November 7 will attempt to reach out to veterans who are at-risk, in economic distress, or homeless.  There will be the ability for veterans to receive medical and dental services, housing assistance, employment services, and learn about social security and Veterans Administration benefits.  Coffee and lunch will be available.  The event will take place Saturday, November 7 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in The Dalles Civic Auditorium.

Oregon State Representative Mark Johnson says he wants to make sure local voices are heard as an Oregon Solutions program group tackles safety and congestion issues in the Colulmbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.  The Hood River Republican was named by Governor Kate Brown to be a co-convener of the group along with Multnomah County Commissioner Diane McKeel.  Johnson says the popularity of the Gorge area for tourists has brought with it issues that need to be solved to ensure the natural resources retain their beauty and accessibility.  But he also notes first responders in the region have seen their workloads increase significantly without a corresponding jump in resources, and the issue needs to be on the table.  Johnson says the group made up of state, federal, and local government officials and stakeholders hopes to have some recommendations that can be put in place for next tourism season.

Oregon Class 1-A  Volleyball Tournament First Round Dufur def. Echo 24-26, 25-22, 25-12, 25-16:  The Rangers advance to play at Powder Valley in round two on Saturday. South Wasco def. Columbia Christian 30-28, 25-20, 26-24:  The Redsides move on to visit top-ranked Country Christian on Saturday.

A local group has been cleared to seek signatures to get a measure to prohibit the transportation or conveyance of water from any source in Hood River County to support a commercial bottled water operation.  The group Local Water Alliance says it will begin to look to gather 2,000 signatures after the County had originally decided not to certify the measure over concerns it dealt with more than one issue, which is not allowed under state law for initiatives.  The group had filed an appeal in circuit court, but County Elections Supervisor Kim Kean said county counsel decided to stipulate with them and accept their petition, clearing the way for the signature gathering.  The measure is aimed at preventing a proposed Nestle water bottling plant from being located in Cascade Locks.

The Dalles City Council has approved development of a policy on how to address funding requests from various organizations.  Mayor Steve Lawrence feels decisions on a number of the requests for general fund or transient room tax monies are made on emotion rather than based on policy.  He says some things would become a line item in the municipal budget, while others would be considered on a case-by-case basis.  He said the policy will include submission and review requirements, and meet a purpose within set definitions.  Lawrence says interim City Manager Julie Krueger will put together a process for implementation, and then the City will use it for a year to see how it works.

The Hood River City Council is considering tightening restrictions on open burning within the city limits.  Councilor Laurent Picard prompted the discussion, outlining a number of different reasons why burning is inappropriate in the City, including health, safety, and fire hazard concerns.  Councilors didn’t go as far as wanting to consider a full ban, but instructed City Manager Steve Wheeler that they did want to tighten some regulations.  Wheeler said that will include smaller burn piles and spark arrestors.  Wheeler expects municipal staff will come back with some proposals in a couple of months.

Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue lifted the temporary burn hour restriction Wednesday, allowing burning between dawn and dusk with a valid burn permit.  Residents within the MCFR district who possess a valid burning permit will be allowed to burn approved materials from dawn to dusk daily when conditions allow per the regulations listed on the burn permit.  Outdoor pile burning and the use of burn barrels are allowed outside of The Dalles city limits.  Residents within The Dalles city limits are prohibited from using burn barrels, while outdoor pile burning is allowed until December 1.  Burn permits are available on-line at mcfr.org and the district office at 1400 West 8th in The Dalles.  Those with questions can call Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue at 541-296-9445.

Volleyball Oregon Class 5-A Play-In:  The Dalles swept Parkrose 25-14, 25-21, 25-15 to advance to the state tournament.  The Riverhawks will host Silverton in a first round match on Saturday at Kurtz Gym.  Columbia River Conference champion Hood River Valley learned they will host Bend in a first round match, also on Saturday. Sunnyside Christian def. Lyle-Wishram 19-25, 16-25, 25-11, 25-17, 15-6 Goldendale def. Zillah 21-25, 25-17, 25-18, 26-24   Boys Soccer Hood River Valley 3, The Dalles 0:  HRV clinched the Columbia River Conference championship with the win, and will host a first round Oregon Class 5-A tournament game next Tuesday.   Girls Soccer Hood River Valley 3, The Dalles 0:  Cielo Rivera, Ami Santillan, and Makena Zorza all scored for the Eagles, who will host a first round state playoff game next Wednesday. Kalama 6, Stevenson 3 Naches Valley 11, Goldendale 1

The Dalles City Council has decided not to implement a planned five percent increase of water rates set to go into effect in November.  Mayor Steve Lawrence says the City’s water revenues were about 135-thousand dollars higher than what was originally budgeted, noting the drought was a partial reason for that, with a spike in municipal water use.  Lawrence added they were also making changes to a list of planned capital improvements to the water system to remove projects that may not actually be needed, but emphasized replacement of the wooden Dog River water main remains a top priority.  A resolution passed in November 2014 scheduled a five percent increase in water rates every November through 2020, but the Council would review the need for the increase annually.  In other business, the Council approved going out for a state grant to pay for a study of housing needs in The Dalles.

The Hood River County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing Wednesday evening on a proposed communications tower ordinance.  Community Development Director John Roberts says the ordinance focuses on three areas that the applicant must address:  demonstrate the need, why co-location on an existing tower is not possible, and proof of exploration of concealment technologies.  Roberts points out under federal law, the County can only regulate time, place, and manner of the placement of the towers.  Roberts noted the draft ordinance is modeled after a similar document in Washington County.  The Planning Commission hearing will begin at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Hood River County Administration Building.