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Hood River County Forest Closed

Posted on by mbailey

Hood River County forest roads, trails, and parks are closed to the public due to downed trees, washed-out roads, and landslides resulting from this week’s storm activity, as crews continue to assess damage.

County Forester Doug Thiesies told County Commissioners during a special meeting this afternoon that some roads, stream crossings, culverts, and trails have been compromised, and they expect to find more damage.

Sheriff Matt English said that because crews are focused on repair and recovery efforts, signage for the closure probably won’t be installed immediately.

Thiesies added gated forest roads had already been closed before this week’s storms.

Two Hood River County Roads Remain Closed

Posted on by mbailey

Hood River County Public Works Director Cori Wiessner told County Commissioners that two of the road closures resulting from last night’s storm could last for awhile.

NW Natural crews were working on an exposed gas line at Barrett Drive between Country Club and Markham, and Wiessner says County crews can’t go in there until that pipe is secured.

And Woodworth Drive between Allen and Highway 35 will remain closed until an assessment of damage from a water breach that was eroding the shoulder.

Wiessner says there will also be long-term concern for wind gusts and rains leading to tree falls and landslides around the County, as soils are saturated.

Country Club Road between Frankton and Post Canyon has reopened, while Highway 35 remains closed by landslides from Highway 26 to about halfway to Hood River

County campgrounds have suffered damaged, but the extent won’t be known until water recedes.

Wasco County Jury Finds Man Guilty Of Assaulting Six-Year-Old Girl

Posted on by mbailey

A Wasco County jury convicted a 30-year-old man of assault and criminal mistreatment that led to serious injuries to a non-verbal, autistic six-year-old girl.

Wasco County District Attorney Kara Davis says evidence presented during the trial revealed a pattern of abuse by Edwin Diaz II, who was in a relationship with the girls’ mother when the incidents occurred in November 2022.

Diaz claimed the girl was injured when a door fell on her while playing hide-and-go-seek, but the extent of her injuries was inconsistent with that explanation.

Days later, following a violent argument between Diaz and the girl’s mother, the child was found to have suffered a broken femur.

Diaz was taken into custody, and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 70 months in prison with no possibility for early release or reduction.  

Sentencing is scheduled for December 30.

Davis said the victim is doing well and is a happy and healthy little girl.

 

 

River Level Falls Well Short Of Forecast, But Some Flooding Reported

Posted on by mbailey

The water level on the Hood River fell well short of projections Thursday night, but there are still some road closures today due to water and debris hazards.

Hood River County Public Information Officer Daron Ryan says the Hood River never got above 11 feet, and had receded to below 10 feet Friday morning.

There were several road closures Friday, including Country Club Road from Frankton to Post Canyon…Barrett Drive from Country Club to Markham…Woodworth Drive from Allen Drive to Highway 35…and Highway 35 from the junction with Highway 26 to about halfway to Hood River due to landslides.

In addition…Multnomah, Markham, and Methodist roads are open but were reported to have significant standing water, and should be avoided.

Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District says there are several hazards along the Indian Creek and Westside Community Trails due to the storm, and asks that people avoid these areas until its crew is able to assess conditions and complete cleanup.

Odell Sanitary District reported stormwater and wastewater spilling into Odell Creek.  Avoid contact with the creek and stay out of the water until levels have dropped and it is declared safe. 

Slides Reported On Area Highways

Posted on by mbailey

Continued heavy rain and wind is causing landslides and vegetation impacts on highways in the region.

The Oregon Department of Transportation says a landslide has pushed onto eastbound Interstate 84 about four miles west of Cascade Locks, closing the right lane.

ODOT is asking motorists to watch out for highway crews working in the area.

Highway 35 is closed by a landslide near milepost 73, about 28 miles south of Hood River and 15 miles north of the junction with Highway 26.

And the Historic Columbia River Highway is closed just west of Vista House due to a landslide.

ODOT says they are getting reports of high water, landslides and downed trees and limbs affecting roads across the region.

Drivers should use extra caution if they need to travel anywhere and visit TripCheck.com before hitting the road to make sure their route is clear, plan extra time for their trip or reschedule their trip if possible. 

Water’s Edge Clinics Prep To Reopen At Temporary Locations

Posted on by mbailey

Adventist Health Columbia Gorge is expecting to reopen many of its clinics impacted by wind damage at the River’s Edge building along the Columbia River in The Dalles by Monday.

          Adventist Health officials say Immediate Care will offer same-day appointments at the MCMC Family Medicine Clinic beginning Monday.

          Internal Medicine will be at the Family Medicine Clinic next week, then move to Columbia Crest on December 29.

          Both Cardiology and Orthopedics will start seeing patients Monday at Nichols Landing in Hood River.

          Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy will have a limited reopening Monday at the main hospital in The Dalles for postoperative and urgent patients.

          Sleep Medicine virtual visits will continue for the next several weeks, and relocation and reopening for ENT is still to be determined.

Clinic phones are coming back online, although due to volume callers may have to call back several times.

The extent of damage and a timeline for repairs to the Water’s Edge building is still being determined.

No Damage From Slide Near Wicks Plant

Posted on by mbailey

There was no damage to the Wicks Water Treatment Facility in The Dalles after a small slide above the plant resulted in one large boulder traveling down the slope, knocking down several trees, and coming to rest near the door of the compressor building at the edge of the sediment basin.

The Dalles Public Works officials say the boulder was slowed before causing significant damage to the basin.

Minor damage occurred to a walkway and railing.

No injuries were reported.

A senior engineer with rock slope stability and rock fall analysis experience from Shannon & Wilson, Inc. was on site Thursday morning to conduct a formal analysis and will be providing recommendations.

As a precautionary measure, buildings located directly below the hillside are being kept unoccupied.

The facility remains fully operational and continues to maintain full water treatment functions.

City officials say in the unlikely event of a temporary disruption to treatment operations, the City has adequate water supply available through operation of its wells.

 

City Of White Salmon Finishes Collective Bargaining, Ready To Adopt Budget

Posted on by mbailey

The White Salmon City Council will be voting to adopt its 2026 budget on Wednesday.  The budget vote was delayed two weeks to allow collective bargaining with both municipal employees and police officers to get wrapped up.  Mayor Marla Keethler says they finished it last week.  Keethler says the cost of living adjustment for 2026 ended up at 4%.  She said the agreement will not substantially change the 2026 budget, adding this year they have a much clearer picture of its fiscal standing.  The meeting on Wednesday begins at 6 p.m. in the White Salmon Fire Hall.

Hood River Schools To Ask Legislature To Keep Option Equalization

Posted on by mbailey

The Hood River County School District will be asking Oregon legislators to maintain the local option equalization grant it receives.  The Hood River district is one of four in the state to receive the grant, which school districts receive when its voters pass a local option levy, as has occurred in Hood River County for the last 20 years.  But the Oregon Department of Education has proposed eliminating the grants to meet a requested 2 1/2% to 5% budget cut.  District Superintendent Bill Newton says what the grant provides is important, and also was a promise to district voters as part of supporting the local option levy.  Beaverton, Philomath, and Sweet Home are the other school districts to receive the grant.  The Oregon Legislature convenes in February.

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