The Secretary of Agriculture has concurred with amendments to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Management Plan designed to streamline the process for those who lost their homes in the Rowena and Burdoin fires last summer to rebuild. Wasco County Community Development Director and Rowena Long-term Recovery Group co-chair Kelly Howsley Glover told Wasco County Commissioners they are waiting for an official transmittal of the concurrence letter to arrive, and then they will have to send a letter back saying they will move forward with implementation. She says they hope to begin processing applications next week for allowing RV’s and temporary accessory storage units on fire-impacted properties. County Commissioner Scott Hege reported that Crestline Construction was making progress on debris removal from Rowena Fire properties, and should be finished with that task very soon.
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Wasco County Approves Comments For Deschutes Solar Project
Wasco County Commissioners approved comments developed by a special advisory group to submit to the Oregon Department of Energy on the proposed Deschutes Solar and Battery Energy Storage System near Pine Grove about seven-and-a-half miles southwest of Maupin. Commissioners heard a lengthy presentation on the advisory group concerns along with comments from residents who live near the proposed 14,418 acre solar farm. Those concerns range from water supplies and fire danger to impacts on farm operations and designated County scenic areas. Commission Chair Scott Hege noted the state’s Energy Facilities Siting Council will be the decision making body, and the County isn’t supporting the project. He says the intent is to provide comments and then get answers to address their concerns. County officials noted the application is still in the preliminary stage, and there will be more opportunities for public comment during a hearings process.
Community Legacy Initiative Planned For March 19
A group of ten Mid-Columbia non-profits will be hosting the “Community Legacy Initiative” on March 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the Fort Dalles Readiness Center. The Next Door Development Director Amanda Lawrence says the goal of the event is to help people get there will or estate plan in order. She says they will have a panel of experts to provide guidance on how to plan for ensuring your family is able to move forward after you are gone. Lawrence says their panel will include a CPA, wealth management expert, and an attorney. There is no charge to attend, and you can register at eventbrite.com.
Three Arrested After Hood River Traffic Stop
Hood River Police arrested three people on drug and weapons charges and outstanding warrants following a Monday traffic stop. According to the Hood River Police Department, an officer stopped a vehicle for speed and lane violations and observed a passenger concealing items underneath his seat. Officers found a stolen firearm, daggers, a taser, and multiple bindles of what was believed to be crystal methamphetamine. The passenger, an adult male, was also found to be a felon who had multiple warrants in two jurisdictions. A second man was taken into custody for unlawful possession of methamphetamine and a probation violation. A third occupant was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine.
March 3 Prep Basketball Roundup
Girls Basketball
Hood River Valley 44, Parkrose 29: The Eagles finish Northwest Oregon Conference play at 9-7, one game out of a playoff spot.
Klickitat County Extends BESS Moratorium For Six Months
Klickitat County Commissioners extended a moratorium on establishment of battery energy storage systems for another six months to allow the County prosecuting attorney’s office time to formulate a legal opinion on a proposed ordinance before the County Planning Commission. Planning Director Scott Edelman told County Commissioners the moratorium was initially established in September 2024 to provide time to establish standards for the storage systems. He says the Planning Commission finished work on a draft at the end of 2025, and is now waiting for new Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Cranston to provide the legal analysis. Edelman says he doesn’t expect to have to request another extension of the moratorium.
CGCC To Host Transfer Day Thursday
Columbia Gorge Community College will host Oregon Transfer Day on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Hook Café on the CGCC campus in The Dalles. Oregon Transfer Day gives CGCC students the opportunity to meet one-on-one with representatives from four-year colleges and universities. Students who are planning to transfer after completing their associate degree can ask questions about admissions, transfer credits, financial aid, scholarships, and campus life. The event will also feature CGCC’s own advisors, who can chat with students, both current and prospective, about their future plans. High School students who are planning a transfer path are also encouraged to attend.
March 2 Prep Basketball Roundup
Boys Basketball
Hood River Valley 63, Milwaukie 55: Grant Dunn scored 12 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter as the Eagles used a late surge to pull away for the win. The Eagles reached the ten-win mark in the final game of the season. J.J. Poole scored 14 points and Talon Britt and Cooper Wells added 11 each. Landon Owens tallied 14 points to lead Milwaukie.
Girls Basketball
Hood River Valley 44, Milwaukie 29: The Eagles scored 11 points in each quarter to jump above .500 in the Northwest Oregon Conference. Bella Howe scored 14 points on four three-pointers, while Addi Van Metre had 10 points. The Eagles finish the season when they host Parkrose this evening at 5:45.
Cherry Festival Releases Updated Plans
The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce announced its plans for operating the Northwest Cherry Festival this year while renovations of its usual home on First Street take place, including revising a proposed footprint that moves the carnival to Lewis and Clark Festival Park. Chamber CEO Lisa Farquharson said they heard concerns from Fourth Street businesses after it was announced that street was going to be the hub of this year’s event. The Chamber says vendor market activities will only take place on Saturday, April 25 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. to reduce multi-day street closures, and other festival elements have been redistributed throughout downtown The Dalles. The carnival has been curtailed to fit the size of Lewis and Clark Festival Park, and will operate only on Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday. Rather than a centralized music stage, the Chamber is partnering with local businesses to promote their scheduled performances throughout the weekend. Further logistical details and maps will be released in the coming weeks.
I-84 Lane Closures At McCord Creek Bridge Resume
One lane of Interstate 84 in each direction will be closed until fall as construction continues for a rebuilt eastbound bridge over McCord Creek. Both directions of traffic are sharing the westbound bridge over the creek for about four months while crews work to remove and rebuild the eastbound bridge. In the summer and fall, the eastbound and westbound bridges will be open but one lane in each direction will remain closed. Traffic delays are expected, and the Oregon Department of Transportation is asking motorists to use zipper merging when approaching closed lanes. Zipper merging is when drivers remain in their current lane until the lane ends so vehicles can take turns merging. The NE Frontage Roand on-ramp to eastbound I-84 at the Elowah Falls Trailhead parking lot is also closed. Travelers accessing eastbound I-84 from NE Frontage Road must detour to the on-ramps at Ainsworth State Park exit 35.