More public lands in the Columbia Gorge are being closed.  The U.S. Forest Service is temporarily closing all National Forest System lands within the boundaries of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to public access.  That closure means that dispersed use and unofficial “user” trails are also off limits.  Developed recreation sites on the Mt. Hood National Forest and Gifford Pinchot National Forest were also closed.  The Washington State Department of Natural Resources announced the closure of all DNR managed lands.  Pacific Power is closing most of its recreation sites in Oregon and Washington.  A complete list of closures can be found at pacificorp.com.

Oregon 59th District Representative Daniel Bonham says a special session of the Legislature remains a possibility for next week.  A special legislative committee on dealing with coronavirus has been meeting over the past two weeks and is coming up with a list of actions legislators can take to help the state’s economy get through this.  Bonham notes the work is taking place is bipartisan, adding progress must continue.  He said a number of concepts have gone to the Legislature’s legal counsel for drafting, and some negotiating will follow after that.

Both Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley welcomed Wednesday night’s passage of a two trillion dollar stimulus package to deal with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the House is expected to pass it Friday.  Merkley said during a Wednesday conference call with reporters that it’s not a perfect solution, but he’s pleased it is moving forward, noting the nervousness people are feeling right now both for their health and their economic future.  Wyden, who was a chief negotiator of the package, said it was the right step toward helping alleviate the economic pain so many are feeling.

Klickitat PUD commissioners unanimously approved allowing for methods to help provide relief for those customers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.  The utility has suspended disconnection of services due to non-payment; and late payment fees are being waived.  Customers are encouraged to maintain contact regarding their accounts and to call customer service if they become affected by this situation.  Payment arrangements can be made to help mitigate the economic impacts.  Customers are also encouraged to access additional assistance programs such as Operation Warm Heart and Washington Gorge Action Program.  Account information is available 24/7 through SmartHub which can be accessed either through klickitatpud.com or through the SmartHub app on smart phones and devices.  Customers can contact customer service representatives via telephone at 800.548.8357 or 800.548.8358.

Columbia Gorge Community College is preparing to embark on delivering it spring term instruction online.  Spring term begins on April 6, and CGCC President Dr. Marta Cronin says they have told students to expect the entire term will be conducted online as they don’t want to start them online and then have to transition back into the classroom.  Cronin adds enrollment has held up so far after seeing record enrollment in winter term.  Information on CGCC’s spring term is available at cgcc.edu.

Fish and wildlife departments in Oregon and Washington are closing recreational salmon and steelhead fisheries in the Columbia River.  Washington’s closure is now in effect, while Oregon’s goes into effect at the end of Thursday.  Oregon and Washington jointly manage fisheries in the mainstem Columbia River bordering both states and seek to have concurrent regulations.   At this time, other ongoing fisheries in Oregon remain unchanged, and fishing for species other than salmon and steelhead will still be allowed in Oregon portions of the Columbia River as described in permanent agency rules.  Anglers are reminded to follow the rules for social distancing and maintain at least 6 feet distance from other people and minimize non-essential travel, as directed in an executive order issued earlier this week by Oregon Gov. Kate Brown.  The Columbia River salmon and steelhead fishing closure will lasting until at least April 8.

The Department of Health and Human Services will award the state of Oregon $3.2 million in funding to help provide meals for older adults.  The funding is being allocated from The Families First Coronavirus Response Act that Congress passed, and the President signed, in early March.  Oregon Second District Congressman Greg Walden said fulfilling the nutritional needs of older adults is especially important as COVID-19 poses an increased risk to their health.

The Oregon Health Authority announced Wasco County’s first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in a resident of the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles.  The new case brings Oregon’s total to 266 cases in 20 counties.  North Central Public Health District officials say they are working closely with the Oregon Health Authority to identify any additional cases and protect the residents and staff of the Oregon Veterans’ Home.  The district says the individual is a male resident in the 60-80 year-old range.  He had no known contact with a confirmed case, and had not traveled to a country where the virus is circulating, so the case is being investigated as a community-acquired case.  He has been in isolation since last Thursday.  Wasco, Sherman and Gilliam Counties have formed a Unified Command to respond to COVID-19 challenges in close coordination with Oregon Health Authority.  NCPHD officials say test results are now coming from multiple laboratories and are delivered electronically to providers, counties, and OHA throughout the day.

The Klickitat County Emergency Operations Center in Unified Command with the Klickitat County Public Health Department are pleading with the community to Stay Home, Stay Healthy!   Klickitat County has reported six COVID-19 cases, five in the central portion of the County and another in the western portion.  They are reminding residents about Washington Governor Jay Inslee’s proclamation calling for people to immediately cease leaving their home or place of residence except to conduct or participate in essential activities, or for employment in essential business services.  This prohibition shall remain in effect until at least midnight on April 6.

The Mid-Columbia Senior Center’s Quilters are asking the community to sew handmade face masks for people who come in frequent contact with the public, including our most vulnerable citizens, seniors and immune-compromised individuals.  Drop them off at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center’s front door.  If you are interested in becoming involved with this project, please send an email to rachel.midcolumbiacenter@gmail.com or contact the Center directly at (541) 296-4788.  For more detailed information about how to make a face mask and where to drop them off, go to the Center’s website at www.midcolumbiaseniorcenter.com.