Oregon State Police are investigating a serious-injury crash involving a semi-truck and passenger car on Interstate 84 near Arlington. The crash happened Thursday morning at about 6:49, near milepost 137. State Police say a Freightliner towing three trailers, driven by 32-year-old Edwin Alexander Gomez of Pasco, Washington, left the eastbound lanes for an unknown reason, crossed the median, and struck a westbound Ford Edge. The Ford rolled over. Its driver, 51-year-old Pratapa Reddy Koppula of West Hills, California, suffered minor injuries. Gomez also suffered minor injuries. A passenger in the semi, 26-year-old Ashleigh Darlene Krupkat of Kennewick, was seriously injured and taken to an area hospital. Police arrested Gomez on suspicion of DUII, reckless driving, recklessly endangering another person, and fourth-degree assault. Westbound I-84 was affected for about eight hours while crews handled hazardous materials, investigated the crash, recovered the vehicles, cleared debris, and repaired the median.
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Seven Arrested After Warrant Operation
Seven people were detained Friday morning after a law enforcement operation in west The Dalles. The Northern Oregon Regional Tactical Team assisted the Mid-Columbia Interagency Narcotics Team in serving a search warrant. The warrant authorized officers to search a specified location for evidence. No one was injured during the operation. Nearby residents were notified of the activity through a reverse 911 call. The investigation remains ongoing. Any potential charges will be referred to the Wasco County District Attorney’s Office for consideration. The operation involved the Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam and Hood River County Sheriff’s Offices, along with The Dalles Police Department.
Scenic Area Prescribed Burns Could Begin Monday
The Columbia Gorge Community College Small Business Development Center is launching two nine-month programs designed to help local business owners, managers and employees strengthen their operations. The Retail and Restaurant Small Business Management programs run from October through June, combining monthly expert-led workshops with one-on-one business advising. The Retail program begins October 5th and is offered online. A full $900 scholarship means qualifying participants can attend at no cost, while funding lasts. Topics include customer service, finances, digital marketing, artificial intelligence tools, hiring and inventory management. The Restaurant program starts October 13th at the CGCC Hood River campus, with some sessions held at local businesses. A $700 scholarship reduces the nine-hundred-dollar tuition to two hundred dollars. Both programs have limited scholarships and space, available first come, first served. Registration and more information are available through the Oregon Small Business Development Center Network or by contacting CGCC’s Small Business Development Center.
CGCC SBDC Launches Business Retail & Restaurant Programs
The Columbia Gorge Community College Small Business Development Center is launching two nine-month programs designed to help local business owners, managers and employees strengthen their operations. The Retail and Restaurant Small Business Management programs run from October through June, combining monthly expert-led workshops with one-on-one business advising. The Retail program begins October 5th and is offered online. A full $900 scholarship means qualifying participants can attend at no cost, while funding lasts. Topics include customer service, finances, digital marketing, artificial intelligence tools, hiring and inventory management. The Restaurant program starts October 13th at the CGCC Hood River campus, with some sessions held at local businesses. A $700 scholarship reduces the nine-hundred-dollar tuition to two hundred dollars. Both programs have limited scholarships and space, available first come, first served. Registration and more information are available through the Oregon Small Business Development Center Network or by contacting CGCC’s Small Business Development Center.
September 24 Prep Sports Scoreboard
Football
Dufur 55, Echo 12
Boys Soccer
Hood River Valley 2, Woodburn 0
The Dalles 3, Gladstone 0
North Clackamas Christian 4, Trout Lake-Horizon Christian 1
Girls Soccer
Hood River Valley 5, Woodburn 0
The Dalles 7, Gladstone 0
Kalama 3, Columbia 0
King’s Way Christian 10, Stevenson 0
Volleyball
Hood River Valley def. Milwaukie 25-20, 25-8, 25-12
Lyle-Wishram-Klickitat def. Horizon Christian 25-13, 25-22, 25-14
Dufur def. South Wasco 25-13, 25-15, 25-15
Sherman def. Condon 25-13, 25-21, 25-17
Kalama def. Columbia 3-0
King’s Way Christian def. Stevenson 3-1
CRGNSA Lifts Fire Restrictions
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area have lifted all Public Use Restrictions on campfires, smoking and other activities. Officials are still urging visitors to use caution. Vegetation remains dry and can ignite from even a small spark. Smokers should dispose of cigarette debris in an ashtray. Drivers should avoid tall grass and areas with dry vegetation, where hot exhaust systems or catalytic converters can start fires. Make sure towing chains aren’t dragging on the ground, and maintain proper tire pressure to help prevent sparks from exposed rims. And if you build a campfire, make sure it’s completely out and cold to the touch before leaving. Officials also warn that fire restrictions may remain in effect on neighboring state and private lands in Oregon and Washington. Visitors are responsible for knowing the restrictions wherever they’re traveling.
Early Indication That CGCC Enrollment Is Up
Full numbers are not in yet, but enrollment at Columbia Gorge Community College appears to be up significantly. Fall term started this week. CGCC Marketing and Communications Director Tom Penberthy says early indications are enrollment may be up across the board. Adult basic education enrollment is seeing an increase, as many people seek training for different fields. Penberthy also indicated they are seeing a rebound in dual credit program enrollees from area high schools.
Underwood Cutoff Closed Saturday For Roadwork
Washington State Route 141 Spur, also known as the Underwood Cutoff, will close west of White Salmon this Saturday for roadwork. Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews will close both directions of the highway at milepost 5-point-6, near the White Salmon River. The closure is scheduled from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, while crews replace a damaged culvert beneath the roadway. WSDOT says completing the work before winter will help protect the roadway and keep water flowing safely underneath the highway. Drivers affected by the closure can use State Route 141 through White Salmon as an alternate route. Motorists are asked to slow down, follow detour and directional signs, and use caution around the work zone.
Mt. Hood Forest Fire Restrictions Lifted
Fire restrictions have been lifted on the Mt. Hood National Forest, following recent cooler temperatures and precipitation. Fire managers say visitors should still use caution, as conditions can quickly turn warmer, drier and windier. Three large wildfires burned on the forest this summer and fall, including two caused by human activity. Fire Staff Officer Dirk Shupe is reminding visitors to make sure campfires are completely out and cold to the touch before leaving. Industrial Fire Precaution Levels have also been reduced to Level One. That means firewood cutting and other activities involving chainsaws and equipment can take place throughout the day. Two forest closures remain in effect for the Grasshopper and Austin fires, while crews continue suppression and repair work. For current fire conditions, restrictions and closure information, visit the Mt. Hood National Forest website.
Wasco County Approves Endowment Fund Plan
Wasco County Commissioners approved an ordinance to place its share of Google Strategic Investment Program funds into an endowment fund to grow and provide a steady source of funds for the County to use in the future. There was some testimony suggesting setting aside some of the money for other, more immediate uses. But Commission Chair Scott Hege said it was an opportunity for the County to set a direction to provide a source of revenue in the future. Hege noted the support of the County’s administrative team for the proposal. He added that how the money is spent will be up to future commissions. The vote to move forward was unanimous.