Adventitst Health Columbia Gorge has begun to reopen its Water’s Edge building that was damaged during a strong December 2025 wind storm. Clinics are opening today on the second floor of the building, including Columbia Gorge ENT, Internal Medicine, and the Sleep Clinic. The December winds blew off a large portion of the Water’s Edge roof, and caused significant water damage. Repairs continue on other floors of the building. Adventist Health says it plans to continue returning additional clinics and offices into the building over the summer.
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ODOT To Conduct Bridge Inspection In July
The Oregon Department of Transportation will be conducting its biannual inspections of the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge in July. Port of Hood River Executive Director Kevin Greenwood says they don’t expect any major closures when they take place. In other business, the Port’s Strategic Business Survey remains open online. They are collecting input from Port users on interests related to existing Port properties and future development opportunities. The survey can be accessed at the Port of Hood River’s Facebook page.
Goldendale Man Arrested After Search
A Goldendale man was arrested last week on a charge of second degree rape of a child following a search north of Goldendale. The Klickitat County Sheriff’s office says the suspect, Zackariah Bennett, fled after a search warrant was served last Tuesday on an Old Mountain Road residence. The following day, a ground and aerial search of the Satus Loop Road area led to a Sheriff’s Officer on patrol identifying Bennett walking along Highway 97. Other law enforcement units went to the location, and Bennett was taken into custody without incident. Bennett appeared in Superior Court on Thursday on charges including second degree rape of a child and first-degree unlawful possession of firearms. Bail has been set at $250,000.
TD Public Works Plans Chip Seal Work
Starting on Monday and continuing through Wednesday, The Dalles Public Works crews and contractors will begin work on several pavement preservation projects. These chip seal projects will require short duration road closures between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at each location. Detours will be in place during work hours. Locations are varied throughout the City. A full list of projects and a 2026 The Dalles Pavement Preservation Program map can be viewed at thedalles.org. Proceed with caution in these areas during construction times and observe all temporary traffic control devices. This road work is expected to extend the service life of the pavement structure.
NWCPUD Announces Economic Development Program Awards
Northern Wasco County People’s Utility District announced the recipients of its 2026 Economic Development Program, awarding funds to four organizations whose projects promote economic growth and community vitality within the PUD’s service territory. The PUD awarded $18,520 to Muirhead Canning for its “Freeze Drying in Wasco County” project that expands tradition into a new product line — and with it, the opportunity to bring even more visitors to the area. The expansion has already created new jobs at Muirhead’s Mill Creek Road facility. The Dalles Lions Club Charitable Trust received $10,000 to put toward funding toward a water feature for the new Federal Street Plaza. St. Peter’s Landmark Preservation received $7,500 for the Old St. Peter’s North Side Beautification project, which will replace a deteriorated curb and add a new sidewalk along the north side of one of The Dalles’ most iconic buildings. And Various Artists, LLC was awarded $2,500 toward The Golden Thread, a mural project in the alleyways of downtown The Dalles.
Visit Hood River Awards $40,000 In Grants
Visit Hood River has awarded $40,000 in matching funds to six local organizations through its annual Community Investment Grant Program, marking the largest funding distribution in the program’s five-year history. In response to both the quality and quantity of applications received this year, Visit Hood River increased total funding by 49% over 2025, awarding $40,000 across six projects. The recipients of this year’s Community Investment Grant Program funds include $10,000 apiece to Pear Bloom Farm to support creation of the Hood River Flower Trail, and the Columbia Land Trust for restoration of the Powerdale Catwalk. The Central Gorge Master Gardeners Association received $7,000 to support establishment of a new Outdoor Learning Center, while the Art of Community was awarded $5,000 for its Big Art Outdoor Gallery for the next two years. $4,000 awards were given to Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association to develop a new website and Wylde, Wind, and Water for free weekly community watersports programs and a three-week camp for Hood River’s Migrant Education students.
MCCAC Seeks Donations Of Cooling Supplies
Mid-Columbia Community Action is seeking donations of items that can be used to help keep people cool as temperatures warm. They are putting together cooling packs to give to those who are homeless or don’t have air conditioning in their home. Community Action Executive Director Leslie Naramore says they are seeking donations of bottled water, shelf-stable snacks, electrolyte packets, rechargeable hand fans, cooling towels, lip balm, and sunscreen. Donations can be dropped off at Mid-Columbia Community Action offices at the Gloria Center on 2505 West 7th in The Dalles or 606 State Street in Hood River.
D21 Holding Reunification Exercise Monday
North Wasco County School District 21 will conduct its first Reunification Functional Exercise on Monday, June 15, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Innovations Academy on the Wahtonka Campus. The exercise is part of the district’s planning for school safety and emergency preparedness. The functional exercise will use guidance from the I Love U Guys Foundation Standard Reunification Method, a nationally recognized protocol designed to safely and efficiently reunite students with their families following a significant emergency. District Office staff and community partners will practice roles, communication procedures, and logistics that would be required during an actual incident. Reunification is one of the most complex components of school emergency response. This hands-on exercise will allow staff to practice the process in a controlled environment, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen coordination across departments. This is a functional training exercise only. There is no emergency, and normal operations at other district locations will continue as scheduled.
Hood River Vets’ Service Office Plans 250th Celebration June 27
The Hood River County Veterans’ Service Office will hold a celebration of America’s 250th Birthday on June 27. It will be an opportunity for Veterans and their friends to become connected with Veterans’ wellness resources. Hood River County Veterans’ Service Officer Lynetta Hickman says there will be a number of local and Veterans Administration offices represented there. There will also be light refreshments, and an America’s 250th birthday presentation as well. The event will be on Saturday, June 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at River of Life Assembly Church on 979 Tucker Road in Hood River. For information, call 541-386-1080.
Wasco County Man Given 23 Year Sentence For Child Sex Abuse
A Wasco County man who pleaded guilty in May to sexually abusing a four-year-old girl two years ago, then failed to appear for his sentencing and spent two weeks on the run before being arrested in Portland, was sentenced on Tuesday to 23 years in prison. Wasco County Circuit Court Judge John Wolf imposed the maximum sentence on each of three counts against Lucas Blevins, and ordered the sentences to be served consecutively, resulting in a total term of imprisonment of 275 months. Blevins has also pleaded guilty for his failure to appear for his originally scheduled sentencing hearing on May 13, and is scheduled to be sentenced on that matter next month. Wasco County District Attorney Kara Davis said the victim and her family have endured significant hardship throughout the course of this case, noting statements made both in court proceedings and on social media sought to discredit the victim and her mother. She added the victim’s mother demonstrated unwavering commitment in advocating for her child.