Wasco County’s budget committee is in the process of reviewing the County’s financial plan for the 2023-24 fiscal year. County Commissioner Scott Hege says one of their challenges is dealing with the rising costs of business. He notes this year’s general fund budget is around $36 million, up by 8.2 percent. Hege points out increased revenues from Google projects are a big part of that. The committee’s next meeting is set for Thursday. The County Commission will get the budget for approval in June.
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Applications Being Taken For Pitch Fest
Entrepreneurs in Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman Counties are being invited to apply to pitch their business idea to a panel of industry experts and investors. Wasco County Innovation Initiative partners are holding “Gorge Pitch Fest,” with selected applicants receiving the opportunity to make their pitch during an event at the Granada Theatre in The Dalles on June 14. Carrie Pipinich of the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District says it’s an opportunity for entrepreneurs to gain exposure for their ideas, network, and perhaps win some funding. The grand prize is $7,000 in funding. Applications to take part must be submitted by May 17. Go the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District website at mcedd.org to apply.
Klickitat County Sheriff’s Plans Event To Honor Fallen Officers
The Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office will honor fallen law enforcement officers this Monday as part of the upcoming National Police Week. An event will be held at 5 p.m. on Monday in the Mt. Adams Room of the new County building on 115 West Court Street in Goldendale. There will be cake and refreshments. Then at 7:30 that evening there will be a candlelight vigil on the front lawn of the Courthouse. Three members of the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office who lost their lives on duty will be remembered. They include Deputy Sheriff Danny Vaughn, who died in a plane crash into the Columbia River during a search in 1976, Deputy Sheriff Michael McNabb, who was killed in 1986 when his patrol car was struck by a drunk driver, and Sergeant Peter Garland, who was killed in a head-on collision with a driver that was passing in a no-pass zone in 2007.
Boat Inspections Set For Saturday
In preparation for the boating season, the Oregon State Police will be conducting voluntary vessel inspections at the Hood River and The Dalles marinas on Saturday. The inspections are to provide boat operators and owners the opportunity to ensure compliance before launching their vessels. A team of OSP Troopers will be on hand to assist with the voluntary inspections, outlining any safety or legal deficiencies, or just to answer any questions you might have. Fish & Wildlife Troopers and Marine Deputies will also be available to answer questions. The voluntary inspections will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at both the Hood River and The Dalles Marina. Similar events are planned next weekend in Sherman and Gilliam counties.
May 9 Prep Sports Roundup
Baseball
Wilsonville 10, Hood River Valley 5
Big Sky League Playoff: Sherman 4, Union 3
Washington District 5 Class 2B Tournament: Tri-Cities Prep 9, Goldendale 4: The Timberwolves will play at Cle Elum on Thursday at 4 p.m.
Softball
Centennial 8, Hood River Valley 0
Columbia sweeps LaCenter 13-0 and 14-3
King’s Way Christian 14, Stevenson 4
Stanfield sweeps Lyle-Wishram-Klickitat 15-0 and 20-5
Boys Soccer
Southwest Washington Class 1A Tournament Semi-Final
Montesano 2, Columbia 1: The Bruins will play Eatonville for a state to tournament berth on Thursday at 5 p.m. in Montesano.
Golf
The Dalles has qualified for the boys’ state Class 4A tournament after a third place finish in the district tournament, while the Riverhawks’ Katelyn Vassar reaches state after a fourth place finish in the girls’ district tourney.
Boys Lacrosse
Hood River Valley 6, Oregon Episcopal 3
Girls Lacrosse
Cleveland 13, Hood River Valley 9
Port of TD To Hold Strategic Plan Open House Wednesday
The Port of The Dalles will hold a community open house on its strategic plan process this week. Port Executive Director Andrea Klaas says the agency is looking at some changes to its business model as its supply of land is lower than in previous years. Klaas is hoping to hear ideas on the Port’s future during the open house. Klaas adds they hope to have a final draft of a strategic plan ready by the end of June. The open house will be on Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m. at the Sunshine Mill.
HR County Budget Committee Working On Fiscal Plan
Hood River County’s Budget Committee is in the process of reviewing the County’s proposed 2023-24 fiscal plan. County Administrator Jeff Hecksel says right now the County is in good financial shape, but noted inflation has taken a toll on the budget. He adds federal funds helped the County through the pandemic, replacing revenue lost during that time period, so the County is in a good cash position. Hecksel added that with the County’s public safety levy expiring in 2025. after this budget cycle the committee will be considering whether the County should seek a renewal within two years.
Wasco County Flood Map Open Houses Scheduled
There will be two open houses later in May on the Federal Emergency Management Agency preliminary updated flood insurance rate map for Wasco County. The map provides information on areas of the County that are most prone to and least likely to experience flooding, with detailed information on flood zones, base flood elevations, and other flood risk factors. Wasco County officials are encouraging property owners to review the updated map and consult with their insurance agent. The open houses where there will be a specialist available for questions are planned for May 23 at The Dalles High School and May 24 at the Wasco Community Center. Both run from 5:30 to 7:30 in the evening. The updated map is available for review at the Wasco County Planning Office on 2705 East 2nd in The Dalles, and online at bit.ly/wascostorymap.
Paving Work Continues In The Dalles
The City of The Dalles Public Works began Monday to pave back East 11th St. and East 13th Pl. with new asphalt. Weather permitting, work is to continue through Thursday. Work hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on each scheduled work day. Full street closures will be in effect most of each work day. Motor vehicles and bicyclists will be detoured to adjacent side streets. Where sidewalks exist, pedestrian and sidewalk access will remain open through the duration of this work. No parking will be allowed within the project areas due to curb-to-curb asphalt removal and replacement. No parking signs will be place on the curb 48 hours before the project moves into each work area.
New Welcome Signs Unveiled In The Dalles
A pair of new welcome signs were unveiled Monday on each end of The Dalles. One is on the eastside on Highway 30, and the other on the west side of the City at the corner of River Road and Highway 30. The signs were the work of the City of The Dalles Beautification Committee. Mayor Rich Mays says signs like these show pride in the community, and can boost morale. Mays hopes when people see the new signs, there might be more interest in adding similar signs at other community entrances.