Washington Gorge Action Programs and the City of White Salmon will hold its fourth annual El Grito cultural celebration this Sunday afternoon in Rheingarten Park. It’s in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. A number of countries including Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Chile recognize their independence from colonial powers between September 15 and October 15. There will be music, food, children’s activities and over 40 community partners will be there to share information about the types of services they offer. “El Grito” refers to the Mexican Independence battle cry. The event will take place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday afternoon at Rheingarten Park in White Salmon, and admission is free.
TD City Council Gets Briefing On Mobile Vendor Ordinance
The Dalles City Council received a briefing this week from City Attorney Jonathan Kara on proposed changes to ordinances regarding mobile food vendors and transient merchants. But comments from the audience centered on support for the Bread and Blessings distribution of food for those who are hungry in the area of 1st and Union, with most supporting that effort. Mayor Rich Mays says the proposed changes are about where food is distributed and keeping sidewalks safe, passible, and sanitary for everyone, and would not ban feeding the hungry or charitable giving. The ordinance will come back to the City Council for consideration on September 22.
Adopt A Dog Seeks Community Financial Support
Hood River Adopt-A-Dog, the non-profit dedicated to rescuing and rehoming dogs in Hood River County and operates the Hukari Animal Shelter in Odell, is seeking community financial support. Executive Director Lorraine Lyons says 87% of Adopt-A-Dog’s funding comes directly from individuals and local businesses. She says they are communicating with the County to try to find a way to move forward and stabilize revenues. Those who would like to donate to, or volunteer with, the organization can go online to hoodriveradoptadog.org for more information.
Donations For Fire Recovery Gathered
Officials involved in recovery efforts for the Rowena and Burdoin fires say citizens in the region have been very generous with their donations of items to help survivors with much-needed resources to rebuild. Those officials say after reconstruction efforts are underway, items will be distributed to fire survivors. Impacted residents in need of clothing and personal items may stop by Bountiful Blessings on 308 Washington Street in The Dalles or call them at 541-705-5783 for more information. In mid-August, crews at the Wahtonka Cafeteria and the Elks Lodge in The Dalles packed all the donated items and moved the entire inventory to a secure, long-term location. The second step, which will be distribution of all items, is planned for next spring as impacted residents will need items to rebuild the contents of their destroyed homes.
Evacs For Highland Fire Lifted
The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday lifted all evacuation levels for the Highland Ditch Fire, located in the western portion of the county between the White River Wildlife Area and the Badger Creek Wilderness. That fire on Tuesday was listed at 92 acres in size, with no containment figure. Meanwhile, the Deep Creek Fire about a mile-and-a-half south of Sugarloaf, was listed at 500 acres in size at last report. It is burning in grass. Central Oregon Fire Information has indicated no structures were in danger, but a solar farm was threatened. There is no containment figure on that fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Black Rock Fire Holds Steady
The Black Rock Fire held steady at 40,684 acres and 10% containment overnight, with recent moisture contributing to reduced fire activity alongside the continued efforts of ground crews constructing containment lines. Central Oregon Fire Information says while rainfall has helped slow the spread, it has not been sufficient to extinguish the fire and can still complicate access for large engines on rugged terrain, potentially prolonging suppression efforts. Crews are adjusting tactics as conditions evolve, with hand crews playing a vital role in areas inaccessible to heavy equipment. Tuesday, the Central Oregon Type 3 Interagency Management Team was working with the Wheeler County Rural Fire Protection Association to secure the fire’s southeast flank, where most Level 3 evacuations remain. Smoke may be visible from Highway 97 due to tactical firing operations on the northwest flank, as well as from interior pockets of sunburned fuel that continue to burn but pose no threat to containment.
Klickitat County Deputies Injured On Mental Health Call
Two Klickitat County Sheriff’s deputies were injured as they took a 27-year-old man into custody while responding to a call described by the Sheriff’s Office as a “psychotic episode.” Authorities say they had received a call that the man had kicked his mother, was high on drugs, and was reported to be cutting down trees in the woods with a chain saw without the property owner’s permission. While two responding deputies were attempting to talk to the man about getting mental health help, the subject began to talk incoherently and made a quick move to pick up the chain saw. When the deputies stopped that, the suspect fought with them, biting two and spitting on them. The Sheriff’s Office Supervisor arrived and helped get the suspect secured and then taken by ambulance to a hospital for evaluation, and then to the Klickitat County Jail on five felony assault charges. The injured deputies were treated at a hospital and released.
Weather Slows Black Rock Fire
Thanks to rainfall and increased moisture, Central Oregon Fire Information says the Black Rock Fire did experience significant growth in spite of erratic winds on Sunday evening. Containment for the fire five miles north of Clarno is now at 10%. Aerial resources played a key role in slowing the fire’s spread, while ground crews continued constructing containment lines. Central Oregon Fire did increase the listed size of the fire to 40.684 acres, citing improved mapping. The Central Oregon Type 3 Incident Management Team has been coordinating with the Rural Fire Protection Associations from Ashwood/Antelope, Bakeoven/Shaniko, and Wheeler County to suppress the fire. There is a Level 3 evacuation order in effect for Zone WHH-002-A in Wheeler County, while various level 1 and 2 advisories Sherman and Wasco counties. The Bureau of Land Management has closed all of the lands it manages within six miles on either side of the John Day River, north of Highway 218 and south of Thirtymile Creek.
Deep Creek Fire Now At About 500 Acres
A fire sparked Sunday afternoon southeast of Maupin near Bakeoven Road is now estimated to have burned approximately 500 acres, plus a 30-acre spot fire to the east. The Deep Creek Fire was burning in grass. Central Oregon Fire Information indicated no structures were in danger, but a solar farm was threatened. The agency said resources being brought in included engines, skidgens, water tenders, single engine air tankers, and large air tankers. The cause of the fire is under investigation. There is also an 86-acre fire one-and-a-half miles north of the Rock Creek Reservoir that led to a Level 1 evacuation advisory in that area.
One-Hour Closure Scheduled Thursday For Hood River-White Salmon Bridge
The Port of Hood River says there will be an approximately one-hour closure of the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge on Thursday morning at 10 a.m. The Port says the temporary closure is necessary to complete lane striping on the bridge deck. The work is being carried out by the City of Hood River in coordination with the Port of Hood River. Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternate routes. The Port’s live camera is available for those who wish to check bridge status in real time.