The discharge of fireworks in Hood River County is now prohibited. That will stay in effect until the Oregon State Forester lifts ODF’s Regulated Use Closure. The use of fireworks is already prohibited in the City of Hood River. In addition, open campfires are now prohibited on the Hood River County Forest except with designated fire rings at county campgrounds. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are permitted. Motorized trail use is prohibited on Middle Mountain, Pinemont, and Fir Mountain. Motorized Off-Highway Vehicle use remains permitted within the Northwest Area Trail System under a special ODF waiver. All vehicles on Hood River County Forest roads must carry either a shovel and a gallon of water or a 2 1/2 pound fire extinguisher must be on hand.
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ODF Establishes Regulated Use Closure
The Oregon Department of Forestry has put into effect a Regulated Use Closure in The Dalles Unit of the Central Oregon Fire Protection District. Among the restrictions now in effect on ODF-protected lands: Fireworks are prohibited, and smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads. Open fires are prohibited, except in designated areas. The use of portable appliances using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed in clear areas free of flammable vegetation, but one shovel and a gallon of water or a 2 1/2 pound fire extinguisher must be on hand. Chainsaw use and the cutting, grinding, and welding of metal is prohibited between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Motor vehicles are prohibited on ODF lands, except on improved roads. They are allowed if a landowner or their employees are conducting activities associated with their livelihood.
WSP Seeks Witness Help In Hit-And-Run Involving Cyclist
The Washington State Patrol is looking for a witnesses to a fatal Monday morning hit and run involving a man riding a tricycle on Highway 97 near Maryhill. The WSP says the incident occurred on northbound Highway 97 at milepost 1 shortly before 6:15 Monday morning. The WSP is seeking witnesses who traveled through the area Monday morning and may have seen anything relevant to the collision, or who traveled through that area and have dash-camera footage from that time. If anyone has any information regarding the collision, or if you saw the male on the tricycle in the area prior to the collision, please contact Detective Conor Schwilke via email at Conor.Schwilke@wsp.wa.gov. The victim was identified as 69-year-old James Born II from Indianapolis, Indiana.
Judge Takes McGeeney Release Bid Under Advisement
Circuit Court Judge John Olson took under advisement whether to set a bail amount that could lead to pre-trial release of 47-year-old Bryan McGeeney, who faces 46 different charges, including 38 felonies, involving a 14-year-old girl. During a court hearing on Monday, Hood River County Deputy District Attorney Danielle DeCant told Olson that given the nature of the charges, McGeeney should be deemed unreleasable. But defense attorney Jeffrey Wallace countered that McGeeney has no prior record, should be presumed innocent until proven guilty, does not pose a threat to the community, and that he needs to be able to post bail to assist in his own defense. DeCant did tell Olson if bail was set, she would want numerous conditions placed on release, including no contact with the victim or any minors. Olson set another hearing for Thursday morning to render a decision on bail.
White Salmon Fuel Mitigation Continues
The Washington Department of Natural Resources’ fuel mitigation project, underway since 2019, continues to strengthen White Salmon’s ability to withstand wildfire. Mayor Marla Keethler says work is currently focused on the north and west side of the community, in the Puckerhuddle area. Keethler notes that the work could not take place without buy-in from landowners. 60% of property owners have to consent to the work in any given area. Keethler says after this year, they should have reached a point where the project has made a complete box around White Salmon.
Hood River County School District Establishes Five-Year Strategic Plan
The Hood River County School District has established its latest five-year strategic plan. District Superintendent Bill Newton says their vision and mission didn’t change from its previous plan after a year of work on it. Newton says the strategic plan acts as what they point back to in determining what to focus on. As an example, Newton cited their efforts to improve the district’s student information system that has been included in the strategic plan. The district has acquired a new system called Synergy, and Newton says how it will train staff on it is included in the strategic plan.
SmokeReadyGorge.Org Available For Smoke Information
Local officials are reminding people that when there are smoky conditions in the Gorge, people can get guidance by using the SmokeReadyGorge.org website set up by Oregon State University Extension, the Hood River County Health Department, and the Healthy Gorge Initiative. OSU Extension’s Lauren Kraemer says preparing in advance for smoky conditions is very important, and having the right supplies like masks and filters on hand. SmokeReadyGorge.org includes a checklist for what you should have on hand in case of smoky conditions. It also features a map showing local air quality monitors at schools, orchards, and more.
Water’s Edge Starts To Reopen
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.
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.