North Central Public Health District says it has been notified of a presumptive case of meningitis in a Dufur School student.  District Director Teri Thalhofer says the district has identified all exposed individuals, and they are receiving appropriate treatment.  School or casual contacts are not considered at risk.  Typical symptoms of Meningococcal Disease include a high fever, headache, stiff neck, and a red rash often involving hands and feet.  Thalhofer notes it is not a highly contagious disease, and is transmitted only through direct contact with respiratory droplets from sneezing or coughing, or through kissing or sharing eating utensils.

Two Skamania County residents were arrested late last week after an intensive nine-month investigation into the trafficking of heroin and prescription medications.  Skamania County Undersheriff Dave Cox says 25-year-old Jared Hinzman of North Bonneville was booked into jail on three counts of delivery of controlled substance, and 53-year-old Katherine Gregory of Stevenson faces four counts of that charge.  Cox says the investigation continues, and more arrests will be forthcoming in the next few weeks.

Heading into 2015, Klickitat County Commissioner David Sauter says there will be an emphasis on continuing with infrastructure projects.  Sauter says there are several road projects that will continue, along with continued work at the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport.  The Airport board recently decided to go ahead with construction of a new flex space building, along with construction of a new hangar.  Sauter says Lifeflight will take up about 40 percent of the new building, and they are actively marketing the rest of the facility.  He adds they will also continue to partner with area ports on economic development issues.

With paving on State Street in downtown Hood River finished and striping in place, parking meters will go into effect soon.  City Manager Steve Wheeler says those meters won’t be in operation until January 5.  Wheeler notes construction on the restroom facility on State Street will continue until mid-winter, depending on weather.  In addition, parking in downtown Hood River is free through Friday.

A flood watch issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect through Monday for the Hood River and the Eastern part of the Columbia Gorge as heavy rains come through the region.  The flood risk for the Hood River was downgraded from “major flood” to “flood,” but water flow is forecast to rise to a peak of 14 feet by Sunday at 2 p.m.  There has been snow on Mt. Hood, a reported 1 ½ feet at Mt. Hood Meadows, and that could escalate flooding risk.

With a forecast of up to six inches of rain this weekend, the National Weather Service has issued a flood alert warning for the Hood River for Sunday night.  Hood River County Emergency Management says the Hood River is one of three major rivers in Oregon projected to possibly overflow, with the river’s flow rate expected to jump from four feet to 16 feet, with a rapid rise anticipated Saturday evening to Monday morning, peaking at 10 p.m. Sunday.  Landslides and major debris flows are possible.  Hood River County Emergency Management says the Sheriff’s Office, Public Works, and other emergency officials are on standby.  Reverse 911 and Flash Alert will be used to notify citizens.

Klickitat County Commissioners have decided to extend their moratorium on the establishment of new marijuana-related businesses in unincorporated areas of the county while the County Planning Commission looks at zoning issues surrounding those operations.  County Commissioner David Sauter says they are asking the planning panel to look at the marijuana businesses just like any other land use question.  The current moratorium will now sunset on April 30.  The 18 marijuana production, processing, and retail facilities currently operating in unincorporated areas of Klickitat County are not impacted by the moratorium.  Sauter noted the issue is contentious, with County residents seemingly split on the issue.

Area Oregon House members John Huffman and Mark Johnson have received their committee assignments for the upcoming legislative session.  Huffman, from The Dalles and representing the 59th District, will help craft the state budget for the upcoming biennium as a part of the Joint Ways and Means Committee, and will also be a part of the Joint Education Committee, Joint Capital Construction Subcommittee, Joint Legislative Administration Committee, and the Veterans and Emergency Preparedness Committee.  Johnson, the 52nd District rep from Hood River, will be the Vice Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee, and will take part on the Revenue and Higher Education, Innovation, and Workforce Development panels, along with membership of the Joint Committee on Tax Credits.