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Pool Proposal Unveiled

Posted on by mbailey

The Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District unveiled its design for a new swimming pool facility to replace the aging Hood River Valley Aquatic Center.  The proposal is a hybrid of three options that had been developed, going with a permanent roof rather than the current tent, remaining at the current site with a single story building while swapping the orientation of the main pool and warm water pool to improve access.  District Board President Christy Christopher explains the roof would be more durable and cost efficient, while other decisions were made to keep the cost down.  The latest estimate of the cost for the project is $43 million, but Christopher says they are still looking for ways to trim the amount.  District Executive Director Mark Hickok also said they will need some kind of operations levy as well.  Many of those details will get discussed at the next district board meeting on Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. at the Aquatic Center.

 

Bentz Backed Bill For FTC Social Media Study Passes Committee

Posted on by mbailey

A bill co-sponsored by Oregon Second District Congressman Cliff Bentz to require the Federal Trade Commission to conduct a comprehensive study on social media among individuals under the age of seventeen has passed out of committee.  HR 6290, the Safe Social Media Act, was unanimously approved by the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.  Bentz said he has heard from parents, teachers, and mental health professionals who are worried about what social media platforms do to kids.  He adds the Act will require the study to gather data to learn how and what social media is impacting children.

Packer Orchards Hearing Continued To February

Posted on by mbailey

The Hood River County Planning Commission continued into February its public hearing on Packer Orchards Farm Stand’s appeal of a County administrative decision on required conditions to modify the existing farm stand permit for the Farm Stand operation on land zoned exclusive farm use on Thomsen Road.  At issue is the amount the business can take in from fee-based events or incidental product sales, which by state rule is limited to 25% of the farm stand’s income.  Packer Orchards has appealed ten of the conditions listed in the permit.  Planning Commissioners heard three hours of testimony on Wednesday evening, and while oral testimony was closed, left open the opportunity to submit written testimony for 14 days, with a 14-day rebuttal period for all parties followed by another 14 days for the appellants final rebuttal.  As a result, the Planning Commission will reconvene on the matter on February 11 at 5:30 p.m. in the County Administration Building, when the panel will deliberate and make a decision.

Grant Approved For Vets Resource Center At CGCC

Posted on by mbailey

The Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs has approved a grant to re-establish a student led Campus Veteran Resource Center at the Columbia Gorge Community College campus in The Dalles.  Wasco County officials say the primary goal for the center is to support rural veterans not only in transitioning to college, but in completing degrees and certifications and successfully entering or advancing in the workforce.  The center plans to focus on three core pillars: mental health, fellowship, and stewardship to help veterans at CGCC have the support they need to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.  For more information on the Campus Veteran Resource Center, call 541-506-2502.

Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Closure Early Friday Morning

Posted on by mbailey

The Hood River–White Salmon Interstate Bridge will be closed to all traffic early Friday morning from 12:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. for scheduled maintenance.  During this nighttime closure, crews will finalize preventive maintenance on wire ropes, install a new expansion joint on the south end of the bridge, performing guardrail repairs, locating and verifying electrical wiring.  For updates, please visit portofhoodriver.com.

MCCAC Taking LIEAP Applications

Posted on by mbailey

Mid-Columbia Community Action is now taking appointments for those in Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties who want to apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program.  MCCAC Executive Director Leslie Naramore says they received word on Tuesday that funding for the program has been released, and they can resume setting up appointments.  Naramore says it’s difficult at this point to say how many people they will be able to help this year.  The Low Income Energy Assistance Program provides funds to help those who struggle to pay for heat during the winter.  For an appointment call Mid-Columbia Community Action at 541-298-5131.  If you are a senior citizen or disabled, mention that so you are prioritized within the program.

Klickitat County Chooses Takos As Interim P.A.

Posted on by mbailey

Klickitat County Commissioners tapped County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Alex Takos as the interim Prosecuting Attorney in the wake of the recent resignation of David Quesnel  Takos told the Commission with the assistance of fellow Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Cranston, he will keep the office moving while the Commission considers more permanent moves.  The Commission is taking applications for the permanent replacement until December 19.  That selection will hold the office through the end of next year, with the Prosecuting Attorney position on the 2026 ballot.  In other business, Commissioners approved both the 2026 County Budget and Six-Year Transportation Plan.

TD Watershed Bill Passes House, Heads To Senate

Posted on by mbailey

A bill to transfer ownership of 150 acres of Forest Service land within The Dalles’ municipal watershed to the City of The Dalles was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday.  It now heads to the Senate for consideration.  The City relies on its municipal watershed for 80% of its annual water supply, and owning the acreage will make it easier to expand the size of the Crow Creek Reservoir.   Mayor Rich Mays says the transfer will strengthen the City’s ability to protect water quality and improve system management.  Oregon Second District Congressman Cliff Bentz said the transfer was one of his highest priorities.

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