Mid-Columbia Community Action and Washington Gorge Action Programs on Thursday warned that critical programs serving thousands of low-income residents across the Mid-Columbia region could be delayed because of the extended government shutdown that ended on Wednesday. Both rely on federal funding to provide programs for individuals and families facing financial hardship. Leaders of both agencies say that because of the shutdown, many of these programs will likely be forced to pause for an unforeseeable amount of time while waiting for contracts to administer services. Specifically, the Community Services Block Grant provides core operational support that enables both agencies to provide a range of other programs, including the Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program. For WAGAP, block grant funds support nutrition assistance programs and the Community Youth Center, while for MCCAC they support housing programs and utility assistance. The two agencies are joining other Community Action Agencies across the country to urge Congress and the President to expedite contracts and ensure the timely administration of the Community Services Block Grant.
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Gorge Commission Delays Vote On Natural Disaster Amendment
The Columbia River Gorge Commission delayed for 30 days a vote on a proposed management plan amendment to make it easier for victims of natural disasters in the National Scenic Area like last summer’s Rowena and Burdoin fires to rebuild, to allow more input from tribes in the region. It came after a lengthy public hearing that did include a number of suggestions for changes to the amendment. Forest Service Supervisor Donna Mickley told the panel without the time for the tribal input, it would be difficult for her to get concurrence from the Secretary of Agriculture for the amendment. Wasco County representative Rodger Nichols emphasized to the rest of the Commission he didn’t want to see any further delay beyond the 30 days. Klickitat County representative Valerie Fowler echoed that, calling for a decision to occur in December and give those impacted by the summer fires a timeline they can depend on. The Commission plans to meet on December 16 to take a vote.
Tygh Valley Man Arrested In Grocery Outlet Burglary Case
A Tygh Valley man has been arrested in connection with a burglary over two weeks ago at Grocery Outlet in The Dalles. According to The Dalles Police Department, detectives on Wednesday served a search warrant in Tygh Valley and arrested a 30-year-old man during an interview in The Dalles. The man is charged with second degree burglary, aggravated theft in the first degree, and second degree criminal mischief. He was booked into the Northern Oregon Regional Corrections Facility, and released pending further court proceedings. The burglary occurred at about 10:45 p.m. the evening of October 26. The suspect was gone when officers responded, but the statement said an extensive investigation led to a suspect being identified.
Skamania County Disabling Flock Cameras
The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office says that due to a recent court decision regarding Flock-generated footage and public records request access, it will have the six Flock cameras within the county disabled. A judge in Washington has ruled the Flock data is eligible for public records request and therefore accessible to anyone. In a statement, the Sheriff’s Office said that although the Flock system has been beneficial in investigations for both Skamania County and surrounding agencies, the court decision is a threat to public safety, allowing access to anyone and extending far beyond the policy parameters set forth by the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office for their own personnel. The Flock contract with Skamania County extends through December 2026 and the infrastructure will remain in place until the termination of the contract. However, the cameras and license plate reader technology will be disabled.
Hiker Rescued From Top Of Wind Mountain
A hiker was rescued from the very top of Wind Mountain last Saturday after suffering a broken ankle near the summit. The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue says the climb to reach her required a full 150 feet of rope to build a handline system. Skamania EMS & Rescue EMT’s made the full climb with all their medical gear to reach the woman, who was placed into a wheeled stokes litter for the descent by Silver Star Search and Rescue. It took 19 rescuers to complete the effort to bring the hiker to the base of the mountain. She was reunited with her family, and transported to a hospital for treatment.
November 14-15 Prep Sports Schedule
Friday Schedule
Washington Class 1A Volleyball Tournament
First Round
Cascade Christian def. Columbia 25-19, 25-18, 25-17
Consolation
Columbia vs. Lakeside, 2:30 p.m.
Oregon Class 1A 8-Man Football Quarter-Final
Perrydale at Dufur, 7 p.m.
Oregon Class 5A Girls Water Polo Semi-Final
Hood River Valley vs. Summit, 7:10 p.m. at Tualatin Hills Aquatic Center
Saturday Schedule
Oregon Class 1-A 6-Man Football Quarter-Final
Sherman at Eddyville, 1 p.m.
Oregon Class 4-A Girls Soccer Championship
The Dalles vs. Marist at Liberty High School in Hillsboro, 4 p.m.
Skyline Receives Funds In Ag Appropriations Bill
The package of three governmental appropriation bills part of the package approved by the House on Wednesday includes funding to advance Skyline Hospital’s Rural Surgical Services Project. Washington Fourth District Congressman Dan Newhouse says $3,000,000 for the project is included in the Agricultural Appropriations bill. This project will expand Surgical Services by renovating existing facility space and increasing the capacity of Skyline Health to provide new services to meet the current community need and prepare for future growth. Newhouse says a modern Surgical Center at Skyline will allow the hospital to recruit specialists and medical staff who will be critical for the hospital’s continued growth of services. Skyline Health CEO Matt Kollman says rural communities like White Salmon need reliable, safe, and high-quality healthcare to survive.
Klickitat County Moves To Create Administrator Position
Klickitat County Commissioners decided on Wednesday to add a County Administrator position, and selected current Human Resources Director Robb Van Cleave to fill the spot on an interim basis. Commission Chair Ron Ihrig says his goal would be for Van Cleave to help make changes to County government structure to deal with an uncertain financial future over the next three to five years. Commissioner Todd Andrews says he had talked with constituents with questions about adding the administrator position while dealing with a budget crunch, but he felt it can help save money over time. Van Cleave told the Commission that he would not be a candidate to fill the position long-term, but was willing to do it for 2026, which he says will be a year of transition.
Hood River School District Enrollment Down By 75
Hood River County School District enrollment is down by 75 students from one year ago, continuing a multi-year trend. District Human Resources Director Gus Hedberg gave a presentation to the district board on Wednesday. He said much of the reason for this year’s drop revolves around last year’s high school senior class being replaced by a much smaller kindergarten class. Total enrollment in the district for this year is 3,730 students, and Hedberg says lower birth rates have their projection models continuing to go down. He did point out the two projection models they use have drastically different kindergarten projections for next year. Hedberg says the district will conduct an early “Kindergarten Roundup” event to get a better idea of what they should prepare for.
HR Parks & Rec Taking Winter Sign-Ups
The Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District is taking sign-ups for a variety of winter recreation programs for kids and adults. The activities range from youth skiing and snowboarding, sports, music, adult sports and chess, and snowshoeing for all ages. District Recreation Supervisor Jaime Rivera says they are excited to start to be able to add the musical offerings, including guitar, choir, drums, and piano. A complete schedule of offerings is available at hoodriverparksandrec.org. There are opportunities for financial assistance for families who need it.