The Dalles City Council approved a moratorium on new non-owner occupied short-term rental licenses in residential zones for the next 12 months while the City determines what kind of revisions should be made to their regulations on STR’s. The action came after Councilors had received complaints about STR’s in recent months. Mayor Rich Mays says staff will come back to them with options, and there are a wide range to be looked at. The moratorium does not prevent current operators of existing STR’s from applying for a license renewal in 2024.
Category: Uncategorized
HR Council Hears Parks & Rec Pool/Community Center Concept
Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District Director Mark Hickox made a presentation to Hood River City Councilors about the district’s plans to seek a bond measure and operating levy this May to replace the aging Hood River Aquatic Center with a new pool, splash pad, and community center facility along with other projects. Hickox presented a concept where the new pool would be located on the current Collins Field. City Councilors had numerous questions, most notably about public feedback and the shuffling of ownership of lands among agencies. The bond measure Hickox outlined also could include development of a Westside Park and other smaller developments, enhancements to the Indian Creek Trail, plus a park shop and maintenance equipment.
Klickitat County Solar Development Discussion Moves To Planning
Earlier this month, Klickitat County Commissioners adopted a moratorium on large-scale solar development over one acre in size in a number of townships in the Goldendale and Centerville valleys, and now the issue heads to the County Planning Commission for consideration of what kinds of regulations should be in place for those kind of developments. Commissioner Lori Zoller says it will be a complicated process given the number of issues to consider and the partners that will be involved. Zoller adds state and federal endangered species law will need to be wrapped into whatever regulations are put in place.
City of Hood River Reminds Residents To Keep Leaves Out Of Street
The City of Hood River is reminding residents to keep their leaves out of the streets. City Manager Abigail Elder notes it’s important to get your leaves taken care of for a couple of different reasons. One is to keep sidewalks clean and safely passible, and the other is to avoid catch basins becoming clogged. If there are catch basins near your property, please help keep them clear of leaves and debris to keep water draining and streets from flooding. Hood River residents may utilize their yard waste and compost roll-bin provided by Hood River Garbage for weekly pick up. Hood River Garbage also offers a yard waste drop-off at a discounted rate on Wednesdays, where residents may drop off leaves for $5 a load. Make sure all garbage cans are placed in a safe place off the street to allow access for street sweepers.
HRPD Traffic Stop Discovers 1/2 Pound Of Meth; Two Arrested
The Hood River Police Department arrested two people last week following a traffic stop, seizing over a half-pound of methamphetamine. According to the department, during the traffic stop an officer observed several signs of impairment being exhibited by the vehicle’s driver, Kevin James Hill, who was out on Parole from Clackamas County. He was taken into custody on suspicion of DUll-Controlled Substance, and the officer later discovered a confirmed stolen firearm out of Jackson County from June of 2023 concealed on him. The passenger, Cassandra Leeann Hill, was also taken into custody for concealing over a half pound of methamphetamine on her person. The pair, both from Baker City, were booked and lodged at NORCOR on several charges.
TDPD Completes Transition To New Sidearm
The Dalles Police Department says it has completed the transition to a new duty sidearm. In a social media statement, TDPD says it recently completed the transition to the Glock 47, chambered in 9mm. The department’s former service handgun was chambered in .40 caliber and those sidearms had been in service for 12 years. The 9mm round offers similar performance to the .40 caliber and costs substantially less at about 31 cents per round while the .40 caliber costs around 48 cents per round. The price differential saves about $150 per case of ammunition. The new sighting system, known as a red dot system, offers greater accuracy than open sights, promotes faster learning and are meant to be shot with both eyes open, giving better situational awareness to officers during encounters. The department adds the new sidearms are carried in a modern, high security holster to ensure maximum retention during non-lethal force encounters. Tactical pistol mounted lights continue to be used with the new sidearms to aid officers in low light encounters.
Second Man Charged In Klickitat County Double Murder
The Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office says a second man has been arrested in the March double murder of a pair from the Yakima area. The Sheriff’s Office says 58-year-old Larry Duane Kleven was arrested over the weekend and charged with three counts of second degree murder in the deaths of Jeremy Wyatt and Elisha King, along with other various charges. Kleven had initially been booked in the Klickitat County Jail shortly after discovery of the homicide at the end of Box Canyon Road on rendering criminal assistance and evidence tampering charges, and was released after posting bail. But the Sheriff’s Office says further investigation led to the new charges being filed and Kleven being booked into the County Jail. He made his first appearance in Klickitat County Superior Court on Monday, and bail was set at $1 million. A second suspect, 31-year-old John Scott Raczykowski of Rufus, is currently in the Klickitat County Jail on two counts of first degree murder.
West Mayer State Park To Be Closed For Construction
West Mayer State Park will be closed starting Monday until mid-April to allow for a construction project that will replace the boat ramp, expand and improve vehicle parking, and replace the vault restroom. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the State Marine Board are partnering in the effort. Park Manager David Spangler says the improved boat ramp will provide anglers and others better facilities to launch into the Columbia River. The Parks and Rec Department is contributing $858,000 through its Facility Investment Program, a Fish and Wildlife Department grant of $800,000, and a Marine Board grant of $342,000 will cover the over $1.14 million project cost. Boat anglers can alternatively access the Columbia River at the Port of The Dalles or Hood River during the construction period this winter. Tapani Construction of Battle Ground has been awarded the project.
HR Schools Add One-Hour Delay Option
The Hood River County School District is going to add a third option for school closures and delays this winter. Along with the full closure and two-hour options the district already uses, Interim Superintendent Bill Newton says they will have a one-hour option available, geared toward mornings when it appears ice will thaw quickly. Newton adds the one-hour delay is designed for spring with late morning frost and black ice that goes away quickly once the sun comes out.
City Of White Salmon Looking For Youth Center Home
The City of White Salmon has been looking for a new home for the community’s youth center. Mayor Marla Keethler says that’s been a goal of the City Council for some time. Keethler says they’ve explored numerous options from building new to finding an existing space. She notes the City recently made a presentation to the White Salmon Valle School District board about a potential partnership to use the Park Building for a youth center. It also could house day care. A youth center is currently located in a City building.