The Dalles Police Department will host a community listening session on Tuesday to discuss its draft policy for drone operations. Police Chief Tom Worthy says the draft policy calls for drones to be used by police only when there is a warrant, probable cause that a crime has been committed, as part of search and rescue activities, assisting in an emergency when there is an imminent threat to life and safety, crime scene reconstruction, and training. The listening session will be on Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at The Dalles-Wasco County Library.
Wasco County Commission Accepts Petition For Columbia RFD Dissolution
Wasco County Commissioners on Wednesday accepted a dissolution petition for the Columbia Rural Fire Protection District. The Petersburg Rangeland Fire Protection Association has been formed to take its place, which was encouraged by the Forest Service to better reflect the commitment to protect crops rather than structures. Don Tschida of the Oregon Department of Forestry says agreements are being put it place to help the new association to go forward. The proposed dissolution of the Columbia Rural Fire Protection District is to go to voters in May.
Kovarik Named New Pinchot Supervisor
The U.S. Forest Service has selected a new Forest Supervisor for the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Current Deputy Forest Supervisor Johanna Kovarik was chosen to lead the 1.32-million-acre forest by Pacific Northwest Regional Forester Glenn Casamassa. Kovarik will begin in her new role as Forest Supervisor on February 21, relieving interim Forest Supervisor Donna Mickley. Kovarik’s federal career began as an Interpretive Guide with the Student Conservation Association in the National Park Service. Her first permanent Forest Service job was on the Tongass National Forest. She joined the Gifford Pinchot National Forest’s leadership team as the interim Deputy Forest Supervisor in the fall of 2022. Forest Service officials say throughout Kovarik’s time in district and forest leadership positions she has focused on the interdependent relationships between National Forests and neighboring communities.
Our Klickitat Working For New Grant, Looking For Volunteers
The Our Klickitat Prevention Coalition is working on a five-year Drug Free Communities grant renewal application to bring $625,000 to Klickitat County in support of youth. The group was awarded a similar grant in 2018 to support its work to prevent substance use among young people. In that time, Our Klickitat has engaged in annual youth leadership opportunities, supported a youth council, and promoted campaigns to reduce access to and consumption of substances for youth in Klickitat County. Joanna Turner, the coordinator for Our Klickitat, said they are looking for community members to join them as they apply for the grant, noting they are rebuilding their team and activities coming out of the pandemic. To participate, email Turner at ourklickitat@gmail.com or call 503-863-7763.
Mosbrucker Power Review Bill Passes Out Of Committee
A bill authored by Washington 14th District State Representative Gina Mosbrucker to require an annual review of the state’s power supply to help avoid energy blackouts, brownouts, or other electric grid inadequacies passed a House committee this week. One year ago Mosbrucker’s bill on the subject passed both chambers of the Legislature unanimously, but was vetoed by Governor Jay Inslee. The Goldendale Republican is hoping the bill will get signed this year. The bill is largely unchanged from one year ago, with a small amendment.
Harris Bill For Medical Assistants Passed By Washington House
A bipartisan bill from Washington 17th District State Representative Paul Harris that would help increase access to certain medical care and procedures is one step closer to becoming law after a unanimous “yes” vote from the Washington House Wednesday. House Bill 1073 would do several things, including extend the expiration of a medical assistant-certified interim permit to the issuance of a medical assistant-certified certification. It would also allow an individual who has applied for a medical assistant-phlebotomist credential, and has completed the training program, to work under the level of supervision required for the training program, up to 180 days after filing their application. HB 1073 would also allow a medical assistant-certified to establish intravenous lines under the supervision of a health care practitioner if certain minimum standards are met. Furthermore, it would authorize a medical assistant-registered to prepare patients for, and assist with, examinations, procedures, treatments, and minor office surgeries that use minimal sedation. The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
February 15 Prep Basketball Roundup
Southwest Washington Class 1A Girls Basketball Tournament
Columbia 47, King’s Way Christian 39: The Bruins moved one win from a berth in the state tournament with their first win over King’s Way in three tries this season. The Bruins made seven out of nine free throws in the final two minutes to secure the victory. Sydney Aman and Maggie Bryan scored 14 points apiece to lead the Bruins. CHS will face Hoquiam on Friday at 5:30 in Castle Rock. The Bruins lost to Hoquiam to start the tourney last Thursday.
Big Sky Conference Girls Basketball Tournament
Sherman 49, South Wasco 44
Trout Lake 63, Ione-Arlington 49
February 14 Prep Sports Roundup
Boys Basketball
Madras 70, The Dalles 62: The Riverhawks drop to a third place tie in the Tri-Valley Conference with the White Buffaloes and Estacada with the loss.
Big Sky Conference Boys Basketball Tournament
Sherman 52, Horizon Christian 37: The Huskies advance to play at Spray-Mitchell-Wheeler on Thursday.
Ione-Arlington 56, Dufur 34: Ione-Arlington visits South Wasco on Thursday.
Initial Washington School Levy Vote Counts Released
Tuesday was the deadline to mail ballots for Washington’s school district levies…and both of the fiscal propositions offered by the White Salmon Valley School District were being approved after the initial count Tuesday night.
The district’s three-year replacement educational programs and operations levy was being approved by 61 percent of voters…1,273 to 806…while its capital levy for safety, technology, and infrastructure improvements was passing by a similar margin…1,213 to 748.
The Trout Lake School District’s three-year replacement enrichment levy was being approved 212 to 132…while a similar measure in the Lyle School District was also passing 372 to 341.
But in the Stevenson-Carson School District…its three-year enrichment levy was failing after the opening count…with 778 voting no and 745 voting yes.
Updated vote numbers in both Klickitat and Skamania counties will be released later today.
TD Council Asked To Ban Smoking In Lewis & Clark Festival Park
The Dalles City Council has been asked by the North Central Public Health District to approve an ordinance banning smoking and vaping at Lewis & Clark Festival Park. The district’s Neita Cecil gave a presentation to the Council this week, saying that would make the downtown park consistent with similar locations in The Dalles. Cecil added such a policy sends a good message to youth, and helps ex-smokers in their efforts to remain off of tobacco. She said the health district was willing to pay for the signage. Councilors asked municipal staff to develop a proposal for consideration.