The Washington Department of Natural Resources’ fuel mitigation project, underway since 2019, continues to strengthen White Salmon’s ability to withstand wildfire. Mayor Marla Keethler says work is currently focused on the north and west side of the community, in the Puckerhuddle area. Keethler notes that the work could not take place without buy-in from landowners. 60% of property owners have to consent to the work in any given area. Keethler says after this year, they should have reached a point where the project has made a complete box around White Salmon.
Category: Uncategorized
Hood River County School District Establishes Five-Year Strategic Plan
The Hood River County School District has established its latest five-year strategic plan. District Superintendent Bill Newton says their vision and mission didn’t change from its previous plan after a year of work on it. Newton says the strategic plan acts as what they point back to in determining what to focus on. As an example, Newton cited their efforts to improve the district’s student information system that has been included in the strategic plan. The district has acquired a new system called Synergy, and Newton says how it will train staff on it is included in the strategic plan.
SmokeReadyGorge.Org Available For Smoke Information
Local officials are reminding people that when there are smoky conditions in the Gorge, people can get guidance by using the SmokeReadyGorge.org website set up by Oregon State University Extension, the Hood River County Health Department, and the Healthy Gorge Initiative. OSU Extension’s Lauren Kraemer says preparing in advance for smoky conditions is very important, and having the right supplies like masks and filters on hand. SmokeReadyGorge.org includes a checklist for what you should have on hand in case of smoky conditions. It also features a map showing local air quality monitors at schools, orchards, and more.
Water’s Edge Starts To Reopen
Adventitst Health Columbia Gorge has begun to reopen its Water’s Edge building that was damaged during a strong December 2025 wind storm. Clinics are opening today on the second floor of the building, including Columbia Gorge ENT, Internal Medicine, and the Sleep Clinic. The December winds blew off a large portion of the Water’s Edge roof, and caused significant water damage. Repairs continue on other floors of the building. Adventist Health says it plans to continue returning additional clinics and offices into the building over the summer.
ODOT To Conduct Bridge Inspection In July
The Oregon Department of Transportation will be conducting its biannual inspections of the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge in July. Port of Hood River Executive Director Kevin Greenwood says they don’t expect any major closures when they take place. In other business, the Port’s Strategic Business Survey remains open online. They are collecting input from Port users on interests related to existing Port properties and future development opportunities. The survey can be accessed at the Port of Hood River’s Facebook page.
Goldendale Man Arrested After Search
A Goldendale man was arrested last week on a charge of second degree rape of a child following a search north of Goldendale. The Klickitat County Sheriff’s office says the suspect, Zackariah Bennett, fled after a search warrant was served last Tuesday on an Old Mountain Road residence. The following day, a ground and aerial search of the Satus Loop Road area led to a Sheriff’s Officer on patrol identifying Bennett walking along Highway 97. Other law enforcement units went to the location, and Bennett was taken into custody without incident. Bennett appeared in Superior Court on Thursday on charges including second degree rape of a child and first-degree unlawful possession of firearms. Bail has been set at $250,000.
TD Public Works Plans Chip Seal Work
Starting on Monday and continuing through Wednesday, The Dalles Public Works crews and contractors will begin work on several pavement preservation projects. These chip seal projects will require short duration road closures between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at each location. Detours will be in place during work hours. Locations are varied throughout the City. A full list of projects and a 2026 The Dalles Pavement Preservation Program map can be viewed at thedalles.org. Proceed with caution in these areas during construction times and observe all temporary traffic control devices. This road work is expected to extend the service life of the pavement structure.
NWCPUD Announces Economic Development Program Awards
Northern Wasco County People’s Utility District announced the recipients of its 2026 Economic Development Program, awarding funds to four organizations whose projects promote economic growth and community vitality within the PUD’s service territory. The PUD awarded $18,520 to Muirhead Canning for its “Freeze Drying in Wasco County” project that expands tradition into a new product line — and with it, the opportunity to bring even more visitors to the area. The expansion has already created new jobs at Muirhead’s Mill Creek Road facility. The Dalles Lions Club Charitable Trust received $10,000 to put toward funding toward a water feature for the new Federal Street Plaza. St. Peter’s Landmark Preservation received $7,500 for the Old St. Peter’s North Side Beautification project, which will replace a deteriorated curb and add a new sidewalk along the north side of one of The Dalles’ most iconic buildings. And Various Artists, LLC was awarded $2,500 toward The Golden Thread, a mural project in the alleyways of downtown The Dalles.
Visit Hood River Awards $40,000 In Grants
Visit Hood River has awarded $40,000 in matching funds to six local organizations through its annual Community Investment Grant Program, marking the largest funding distribution in the program’s five-year history. In response to both the quality and quantity of applications received this year, Visit Hood River increased total funding by 49% over 2025, awarding $40,000 across six projects. The recipients of this year’s Community Investment Grant Program funds include $10,000 apiece to Pear Bloom Farm to support creation of the Hood River Flower Trail, and the Columbia Land Trust for restoration of the Powerdale Catwalk. The Central Gorge Master Gardeners Association received $7,000 to support establishment of a new Outdoor Learning Center, while the Art of Community was awarded $5,000 for its Big Art Outdoor Gallery for the next two years. $4,000 awards were given to Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association to develop a new website and Wylde, Wind, and Water for free weekly community watersports programs and a three-week camp for Hood River’s Migrant Education students.
MCCAC Seeks Donations Of Cooling Supplies
Mid-Columbia Community Action is seeking donations of items that can be used to help keep people cool as temperatures warm. They are putting together cooling packs to give to those who are homeless or don’t have air conditioning in their home. Community Action Executive Director Leslie Naramore says they are seeking donations of bottled water, shelf-stable snacks, electrolyte packets, rechargeable hand fans, cooling towels, lip balm, and sunscreen. Donations can be dropped off at Mid-Columbia Community Action offices at the Gloria Center on 2505 West 7th in The Dalles or 606 State Street in Hood River.