In the Oregon Health Authority’s weekly report that was issued on Wednesday, it shows reported new COVID-19 infections for the week that ended Sunday  rose 17% from the week prior, to 1,511.  The number of Oregonians newly tested rose 8% to 18,840, and the percentage of tests that were positive rose from 5.6% to 6.2%.  Eighteen Oregonians were reported to have died in association with COVID-19, compared to 29 the prior week.   One hundred and sixteen Oregonians were hospitalized, up from 83 in the previous week.  The age group with the highest incidence of reported infection continues to be 20–29-year-olds.  People under 30 years old have accounted for 37% of reported cases.

The Oregon Health Authority’s Wednesday COVID-19 report listed two new positive cases in Hood River County, and four in Wasco County.  Hood River County’s total for the pandemic is now at 248, with the County’s latest tabulation showing 240 as out of isolation.  Wasco County has now had 273 total COVID-19 cases during the pandemic, with 203 listed as recovered using as a metric 30 days from the onset of illness and in stable medical condition.  Gilliam County remains at eight total cases with four listed as recovered.  Sherman County stays at 18, with 17 listed as recovered.  The OHA on Wednesday reported 193 new confirmed or presumed COVID-19 cases, with six additional deaths that occurred between August 31 and Tuesday.  The state has now had a total of 31,503 COVID-19 cases, with 537 deaths.  Klickitat County’s statistics as of Tuesday added an active case, bringing the current total to three, all in the White Salmon area.  Skamania County remained at three active cases.  

Former Congressman Bob Smith, who represented the Second Congressional District for more than a decade, died in Medford on Monday.  He was 89.  Smith served as congressman for the district that encompasses eastern and central Oregon, as well as part of southern Oregon.  He served for 12 years, from 1983 to 1995.  After a brief retirement, he ran again in 1996 and served one more term after his successor, Wes Cooley, resigned after admitting to falsifying his military service record.  The Mail Tribune reports Smith’s cause of death was not immediately released, and family could not be immediately reached.  Congressman Greg Walden, a fellow Republican who succeeded Smith in the Second District, said he remembered meeting Smith for the first time when he was 13 and visiting the Capitol.  In a written statement Walden called Smith “a one-of-a-kind rancher, legislator and advocate for the eastern Oregon way of life.”  

The Big Hollow Fire in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest about 15 miles northwest of Carson remains at 15% containment and 24,788 acres in size.  Officials say anticipated rain will moderate fire behavior.  Cooler temperatures and wet conditions will allow for further cleanup and removal of debris along the containment lines.  Increased winds could bring down fire weakened trees.  The 42 cabins at Government Mineral Springs are being watched and monitored for any fire threat.  The Washington Department of Natural Resources has lifted the closure order for Merrill Lake Conservation Area, but the Siouxon Block remains closed.

Containment on the Lionshead Fire about 14 miles west of Warm Springs was inched up slightly this morning to 15%, even though the size grew to 203,685 acres.  Fire officials said this morning low fire behavior is expected today even with stronger winds leading up to a predicted rain event.  Southwest winds will build over the ridges prior to rain in early evening.  The increased winds pose a hazard along road corridors and the fireline due to the possibility of falling fire-weakened trees.  Wind can also reveal smokes that need more attention along the fire edge.  Predicted rain, as much as one inch in some areas, will have a positive impact on firefighting efforts.  Approximately 400 additional firefighters and support personnel arrived at the incident yesterday.

Containment for the Riverside Fire in Clackamas County was listed this morning at 31%, with acreage up slightly to 138,027.  Strong winds are expected to increase today, with gusts up to 50 mph at higher elevations capable of downing fire-weakened trees and snags.  Moderate rain is expected Wednesday evening and Thursday morning that could result in debris flows or rockslides over the burn scar areas.  Additional rain and increased winds are expected through Friday and perhaps early Saturday.

Hood River city and county officials are exploring the possibility of partnering on a facility that would replace the County Courthouse as well as provide a new headquarters for municipal police.  The City is planning to put a proposal before voters in November 2021 to build a new police station, while the courthouse graded out as the worst in Oregon for safety in a study by the state a few years ago.  Assistant City Manager Will Norris made a presentation at the County Commission’s Monday meeting, and the panel was receptive to exploring it further.  County Administrator Jeff Hecksel said staff will continue the dialogue, and provide a cost estimate to further planning work on a combined facility.

A memorandum of understanding between local agencies in Oregon and Washington should be ready soon to address replacement of the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge.  It will formalize the working arrangement between the cities of White Salmon, Bingen, and Hood River, Hood River and Klickitat counties, and the Port of Hood River.  Port Executive Director Michael McElwee says they’ve been meeting about every two weeks to work through the time frames for various requests that will be made to state legislatures.  That panel would become the lead group in achieving a replacement of the bridge.

Hood River County Commissioners think it wouldn’t be a bad idea to add a ballot box or two in the Mid- or Upper Hood River Valley, but there isn’t the time or resources to do it for the upcoming election.  The County received requests for additional ballot drop boxes in the Parkdale and Odell areas.  County Records and Assessment Director Brian Beebe told the Commission it was the first time in his eleven years to receive such a request, but in a report pointed out numerous logistical challenges and expenses that would be required.  Commissioners felt there was not time to add ballot boxes for November, with Commissioner Karen Joplin saying rushing such a move could cause more problems.  Commissioner Les Perkins said it’s always a good idea to look at how to make voting easier for people, but it’s too close to the current election to try to add locations.  

The Big Hollow Fire in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest about 15 miles northwest of Carson was remained at 15% containment as of Tuesday morning.  It has burned 24,788 acres, but over the last 24-hours the fire has shown little movement.  Slow creeping along the slope and ridgeline above the Wind River Highway has been observed.  All other portions of the fire are in the patrol and monitor stage, with clean-up still being conducted.  At Government Mineral Springs, where a Level 3 evacuation order remains in effect, fire crews were continuing to patrol and monitor the situation.  Light precipitation is expected over the fire area Tuesday afternoon.  Closure orders on National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the Mount Adams Ranger District and the Siouxon Block and Merrill Lake Natural Conservation Area remain in effect.