The Hood River County Commission is expected to hold a worksession on a potential carbon project for Hood River County forestlands sometime in the month of August. For a number of months, the County has been in talks with The Carbon Trust on a project that would see the trust selling carbon credits in County forests that could generate up to $20 million in revenue. County Forester Doug Thiesies says this kind of project has been examined for over ten years. A public hearing would be required if County Commissioners decide they want to move forward with the project.
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Fire Burns Wheat Near Dufur
A fire burned in wheat Wednesday evening in the area of Roberts Market Road near Dufur. The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office reports the fire was called in around 6:30 p.m. Fire crews and local farmers were able to bring in under control within about an hour, and it was in mop-up by 10 p.m. The fire burned about 15 acres.
Wasco County 4-H Program Sees Enrollment Jump
Wasco County’s 4-H members are getting ready for the upcoming County Fair in Tygh Valley in two weeks. Wasco County 4-H Program Coordinator Leah Lowe says overall enrollment in the program was up by about 22 percent this year. That is reflected in the animal entries for the fair. The annual Wasco County Youth Livestock Auction will take place at the fair on Saturday, August 19 at 3 p.m. The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce is putting together a pool to bid at the auction, call 541-296-2231 to learn how to donate.
Newell Road Fire Damage Report Portal Is Open
Klickitat County has launched the “Newell Road Fire Damage Reporting Portal” on the County Department of Emergency Management’s Webpage. County residents, property owners, or others adversely affected by the Newell Road Fire are encouraged to submit their contact information through the portal. Emergency Management officials say once the reporting information is submitted, County offices will contact the reporting individual to obtain additional information, document the losses, and provide information to aid in recovery efforts. The information that will be reported include the property owners’ name, mailing address, damaged property address, parcel number if known, phone number, owner’s email address, type of property damaged, level of loss, and any additional information the reporter would like to add. Information associated with the Newell Road Fire will continue to be posted on the Klickitat County Department of Emergency Management web and Facebook pages.
Curbing Removed In Front Of TD Chamber For Tour Buses
The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the City of The Dalles, is planning to improve accessibility, ease of travel and overall visitor experience for cruise ship passengers on the Chamber’s Hop-On/Hop-Off Tours. The Dalles Public Works is removing curbing and establishing dedicated bus access along 2nd Street, directly in front of the Chamber office. The Chamber says this will facilitate a smooth pull-off and drop-off for passengers visiting the historic Original County Courthouse or The Dalles Visitor Information Center. It also should ease bus ingress and egress onto East 2nd Street.
Applications Available For The Dalles Government Academy
The City of The Dalles Local Government Academy is accepting applications. The free program is designed to give civic-minded community members learning experiences that provide participants with the opportunity to learn more about how our local government runs as well as an in-depth view of City operations, services, and programs. The Academy will consist of classroom-style presentations, tours, and conversations with City staff from all departments and elected officials. The first session is scheduled for Tuesday, October 17th from 6:00 to 7:30 in the evening and will be at the same time every Tuesday & Thursday through November 9th except Halloween. There is no charge to participate in the Local Government Academy. To be eligible you must; be a resident of The City of The Dalles, be at least 18 years of age, have an interest in future participation in local government, and be available to attend all sessions. Applications are available at thedalles.org, and are due by September 1.
Wasco County Commission Hears Draft Of Sports Complex Feasibility
Wasco County Commissioners heard a presentation on the draft of a market analysis study for a sports complex for both local use and as a site for regional tournaments to bring in tourism. Ryan Sheridan of the consulting firm Hunden Strategic Partners said the analysis so far shows a demand for four multi-lighted turf fields, eight grass fields, six baseball and softball diamonds with turf infields, and six indoor basketball courts that could accommodate 12 volleyball courts. This report, which will be finalized after discussions later this month with North Wasco County School District 21 representatives about their needs, does not provide cost estimates, but does project it would take about six years to operate at a break-even level. Commissioner Scott Hege says such a complex would require community partnerships. County Administrative Officer Tyler Stone noted this report was simply about feasibility, and a large amount of additional work would be needed to consider moving forward.
NCPHD Future Subject Of Discussion
The future of the North Central Public Health District may soon become clearer. NCPHD directors have been discussing since Gilliam County withdrew from the district last summer whether it would be better to remain a separate entity or go back to being a Wasco County department with Sherman County contracting for services. Wasco County Commissioner and NCPHD board member Phil Brady told County Commissioners during a worksession Wednesday that the board will take up the question at a meeting next week. District Executive Director Shellie Campbell said a number of legal issues were still to be answered, and are expected to be addressed at the NCPHD meeting. Commissioner Steve Kramer said he thinks public health should be a County department, but Commissioner Scott Hege was ambivalent and felt a key question was whether the current district would want to come back under the County umbrella.
Hood River Police Arrest Man After Finding AR-15 Disguised As Toy
Hood River Police arrested a man after finding him in possession of a loaded AR-15 rifle that had been deliberately spray painted in an attempt to disguise it as a toy gun. According to a statement from the police department, the weapon was found when an officer initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle on Sunday. The rifle had an obliterated serial number, which police say they are seeing more and more of. The vehicle’s driver, who was a felon, admitted to possession of the rifle. The HRPD statement says the driver was lodged at NORCOR on the charges of felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful concealment of a firearm, and obliterating or changing identification marks on a firearm. The passenger was also lodged at NORCOR on two outstanding Wasco County arrest warrants, and for providing false information to a peace officer.
TDPD Releases Video Footage From Recent Robbery; Seeks Public Help
The Dalles Police Department has released video footage from a recent armed robbery in hopes of generating tips to identify the suspect. The robbery occurred at Denny’s Restaurant on 1710 West 6th at 2:41 the morning of July 23. The department says no one was physically harmed during the incident. A video surveillance segment has been posted on the department’s Facebook page. The department says even though the quality of the footage is somewhat limited, they are hoping someone will still be able to confirm the identity of the suspect. If you have any information regarding the robbery, please contact the Dalles Police Department at 541-296-2613, reference case number D23-1445, and ask to speak with a detective. You can also download “The Dalles Police Department” app from any Apple or Android device to submit anonymous tips.