Two people are dead and the driver arrested on DUII and manslaughter charges after and early morning single-vehicle accident on Interstate 84 just east of Hood River Tuesday morning.  According to the Oregon State Police, a preliminary investigation shows that the car driven by 24-year-old Noel Hernandez of Hood River was eastbound at milepost 68 at about 2:33 Tuesday morning when it left the roadway and rolled multiple times.   The OSP says two passengers, 23-year-old Rosalia Gonzalez-Ortiz of Hood River and a juvenile male, sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased.  Hernandez was transported to the Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital where he was treated for injuries.   The OSP says upon being released from the hospital, Hernandez was arrested and lodged at NORCOR on two counts of Manslaughter II and DUII.     The OSP was assisted by ODOT, the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office, the Hood River County District Attorney’s Office, Wy’east Fire, Hood River Fire, Mosier Fire and Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue.

The City of White Salmon is developing a conservative budget for 2021 while at the same time trying to make sure they can continue to progress on priorities Councilors have identified.  Mayor Marla Keethler says they are keeping staff sizes where they are, but they did work in a land-use planner.  She feels that position is important in planning for White Salmon’s long-term growth and that goals are actually put into place and not allowed to sit on a shelf.  The second and final hearing on the budget will be held before the White Salmon City Council next Wednesday evening, December 2.

The Dalles Mayor Rich Mays says a meeting is planned for next week to determine how to distribute funding set aside for small businesses to help them through the COVID-19 pandemic.  Mays said they have a $200,000 grant from the state that the City has matched, adding he would like to have seen the money get out quicker than this, but details have to be taken care of for that to happen, including the establishment of eligibility requirements.  Mays noted the funding is more important than ever as businesses operate under the current two-week “freeze’ parameters.

North Wasco County School District 21 has confirmed it will remain in comprehensive distance learning until at least mid-second trimester in mid-January.  In a letter to parents, D-21 Interim Superintendent Theresa Peters says COVID-19 numbers for Wasco County remain above the threshold for on-site or hybrid learning, and they are trending in the wrong direction.  Peters told the D-21 board that in meetings with North Central Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Mimi McDonell it was clear students should not be returning to classrooms right now.  In her letter to parents, Peters said the district will continue preparations for a phase-in of on-site instruction for elementary school students when it can be done safely, and another update is planned for the week of January 18.

The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office says south county residents have reported an increase in criminal activity in the areas of Maupin, Wamic, Pine Grove, Tygh Valley, and Antelope.  The Sheriff’s Office says suspects are breaking and entering into unlocked vehicles, businesses, farm and ranch equipment, fuel tanks, mailboxes, and more.  The Sheriff’s Office says it welcomes any information regarding persons or vehicles involved in criminal activity.  If you see suspicious activity with risk to life, property, or community safety call 9-1-1.  Any additional information can be called in to the Wasco County Sheriff’s Dispatch at 541-296-5454.

The City of Hood River is seeking community input on goals for 2021 in advance of the City Council’s annual work plan session early in the year.  Mayor Kate McBride says the survey will continue through December 6 and lists what last year’s goals were, adding the Council wants to hear from citizens.  Survey forms are available in both English and Spanish, and are available online at the City’s website, or can be picked up at the entrance to City Hall on 211 2nd Street or The Next Door at 965 Tucker Road in Hood River.  You can get a survey mailed to you by calling 541-387-5212.

Klickitat County officials are continuing their work on the County’s 2021 budget.  Commissioner Jim Sizemore says they asked all departments to hold the status quo, and for the most part that has occurred.  Sizemore says the challenge has been the inability to use 2020 as a base for projected revenues moving forward.  He noted they don’t know if they’ll see any more stimulus money from the state or federal governments as the pandemic continues.  But Sizemore added they are financially strong, and 2022 might be more telling than the upcoming year will be.

The Dalles Public Works Department on Wednesday will place no parking signs along the Reverse Starlight Parade route on 3rd Street between Lincoln and Monroe.  The traveling public is being asked to leave all parking spaces open along the parade route on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.  Please be alert to the traffic control signs and drive with caution for the safety of the Starlight Parade volunteers and spectators.  For questions or concerns, contact the Public Works office at (541) 296-5401.

The North Wasco County School District 21 board has appointed Judy Richardson to fill the vacant Zone 7 seat on the panel.  Richardson fills the seat left vacant by Michael Sullivan’s resignation from the post last month.  In her interview with the board, Richardson said as a physician she has been hesitant to run for public office because of relationships with community members as patients, but COVID and following school metrics made her want to explore this position and try it out.  She also expressed an interest in facilities and long-term planning.  Richardson’s term runs to the end of June, and the position will be on the May 2021 ballot.

The North Central Public Health District reports a resident of the Oregon Veterans’ Home who contracted COVID-19 three weeks ago passed away on Monday.  That marks the 18th death in Wasco County from COVID.  Under Oregon Health Authority investigative guidelines, a death is considered to be related to COVID-19 if it occurs within 60 days of exposure to a confirmed case, onset of symptoms, or date of the person’s first positive test.  The OHA says the man was 95-years-old, died at his residence, and the presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.  An outbreak was first reported at the Oregon Veterans’ Home on October 25, and 13 cases are connected to it, including staff, residents and household contacts of staff.