Helping Hands Against Violence, a nonprofit organization serving survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking in Hood River County, is actively seeking individuals to join its Board of Directors. A statement from the organization says community members committed to social justice, equity, and empowerment can contribute their expertise and leadership to an organization that has been a lifeline for survivors since 1978. Board members play a pivotal role in guiding HHAV’s strategic direction, ensuring financial stability and upholding the organization’s mission to empower victims, raise public awareness, and maintain a strong volunteer base. Board members attend monthly meetings, participate in committee work, advocate for the organization in the community, and provide financial oversight and fundraising support. Those interested can email Helping Hands Executive Director Stephanie Irving at director@helpinghandsoregon.org.
Open Studios Tour This Weekend
The 19th annual Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour will take place throughout the weekend. Rob Miller says this is their bigger event ever, with 48 artists taking part at 42 different locations from Stevenson to The Dalles. Miller says it’s a chance for people to see and talk to the artists at the place where they create their art. The tour is self-guided, with booklets featuring maps and profiles of all the artists taking part in the event, representing a wide variety of artistic mediums. The studios will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The map booklets are available at area art galleries and at gorgeartists.org.
April 29 Prep Sports Roundup
Baseball
Hood River Valley 6, Milwaukie 1: The Eagles scored five runs in the first inning and went on to their fifth straight Northwest Oregon Conference victory. Trevor Jacobs drove in two runs and then struck out five in pitching the final two innings in relief of Bodie Stuben, who gave up only two hits and struck out seven in five innings.
Sherman 8, Stanfield 7: The Huskies had to withstand a seventh-inning rally by the Tigers to hold on for the win. Drake Dark doubled home two runs for Sherman.
LaCenter 12, Columbia 0
Kalama 18, Stevenson 1
Tri-Cities Prep swept Goldendale 11-1 and 10-2
Softball
Hood River Valley 15, Milwaukie 0: Addi Van Metre drove in four runs on two hits during a 12-run first inning, as the Eagles won their ninth in a row. Honey Bryan homered for HRV as part of the big opening frame.
Columbia 6, LaCenter 3: Fiona Grabb drove in a pair of runs for the Bruins.
Kalama 6, Stevenson 2
Goldendale sweeps Tri-Cities Prep 21-5 and 25-6: Hayden Sheridan drove in five runs in the first game and four in the second, while Tessa Larcome knocked home five in the nightcap.
Boys Tennis
Centennial 4, Hood River Valley 4
Girls Tennis
The Dalles 4, Riverside 1
Boys Lacrosse
Hood River Valley 8, Ida B. Wells 6
Girls Lacrosse
Grant 20, Hood River Valley 5: The Generals stayed in first place in the Portland League by snapping the Eagles’ ten-game winning streak.
Boys Golf
Hood River Valley finished second to Seaside at Meadow Lakes in Prineville, while The Dalles was eighth. HRV’s Aksel Betz shot a three-over 75 to finish second while David Shepherd grabbed a tie for fourth with a 77. Leighton Voodre was the top Riverhawk finisher in 21st.
The Dalles City Council Approves Moving Forward With Federal Street Plaza
The Dalles City Council unanimously approved moving forward with the Federal Street Plaza project, including getting a final design to head toward construction. Downtown business owner and a member of the ad-hoc committee working on the plaza, Beth Stelzer, told the Council the plaza will bring a gathering place needed in downtown The Dalles. Estimated cost of the project is $4.7 million, and there is $4.9 million allocated for it in the City’s proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget. The City has $1.435 million in pending grant applications and partnership funding for the plaza.
Hood River Council Moves Toward Street Closure Pilot
The Hood River City Council plans to gather a committee to plan a pilot project to close a downtown street for a period of time during the summer to encourage more community gathering in the area. “Downtown open space” was set as a goal by the Council coming into the year. City Councilor Anna Cavaleri said it will be very important to get input from the business community, and Mayor Paul Blackburn echoed that. Councilor Ben Mitchell noted while he is favor of the effort, he wants feedback from people on whether they want the pilot program at all.
House Subcommittee Hears The Dalles Watershed Bill
The House Natural Resources Committee’s subcommittee on Federal Lands this week heard “The Dalles Watershed Development Act.” The legislation by Oregon Second District Congressman Cliff Bentz would transfer ownership of 150 acres of Forest Service land within The Dalles’ municipal watershed adjacent to the City’s reservoir to the City. The City of The Dalles relies on its municipal watershed for 80% of its annual water supply. Bentz says protecting the watershed is essential to maintaining water quality, meeting future demand, and ensuring public safety. The proposed transfer would allow the city to expand the size of its reservoir and to take all necessary action to protect city water infrastructure works and a portion of the city’s watershed. Bentz says he will continue to work with the Natural Resources Committee, House leadership, local leaders, and federal agencies to advance this legislation.
Volunteers Sought For Wasco County Transportation Committee
Volunteers are needed to serve on Wasco County’s public transportation advisory committee. The Wasco County Public Transportation Advisory Committee has several vacancies. The panel considers how transportation funds should be spent and provides County Commissioners and The Link Public Transit with information about their community’s special transportation needs, particularly related to how projects will benefit seniors and people with disabilities. The Advisory Committee represents all members of the community but is particularly focused on those with greater transportation needs such as those who are older, low-income, living in small communities, living with a disability, or other user groups who may rely on public transportation. The Committee positions are voluntary with a two-year term. For more information or to apply, go to mcedd.org.
April 29 Prep Sports Roundup
Baseball
The Dalles 9, Estacada 5: The Riverhawks stay unbeaten in the Tri-Valley Conference. Cody Agidius went two for three with a double and drove in four runs.
Softball
The Dalles 3, Estacada 1: Siyra Faulkner struck out 12 in throwing a four-hitter as the Riverhawks scored three runs in the sixth inning, including a home run by Maddie Brock.
Track and Field
Goldendale’s boys won a five-school EWAC Meet at Mabton. The Timberwolf girls finished third, as Emma Meaghar won the 800, 1600, and 3200 meters.
Boys Soccer
Columbia 8, Toledo-Winlock 0
Boys Tennis
LaSalle 7, Hood River Valley 1
Girls Tennis
LaSalle 6, Hood River Valley 2
Boys Golf
Hood River Valley finished third in an NWOC Tournament at Arrowhead Golf Club. The Eagles’ John Olsen was sixth with an eight-over-par 79.
Girls Golf
Hood River Valley was fourth in an NWOC tourney at Willamette Valley Country Club in Canby. Kristin Fox was the top HRV finisher in 12th.
Northern Wasco PUD Realigns Power Resources Division
Northern Wasco County PUD says it has realigned its Power Resources Division to address increasing regional growth and prepare for future energy challenges. Northern Wasco PUD Assistant General Manager Kurt Conger says the utility is enhancing its analytical capabilities to better navigate complex regional issues and be more responsive to changing market conditions and customer needs. As part of the realignment, Michael Deen joins Northern Wasco PUD as Manager of Policy and Rates after serving as Policy Director of the Public Power Council since 2013. Jen Kelly has been promoted to Power Operations Manager and Damon Pellicori joined the utility as Power Planning Manager in January. The division expanded its data analytics capabilities with Energy Data Analyst Keith Michaels developing and deploying advanced analytical tools.
Traffic Stop In Hood River Yields Narcotics Stash
A Sunday traffic stop yielded a large amount of methamphetamine and heroin. The Hood River Police Department says the stop was initially made for multiple driving infractions, and the officer then observed several indicators of impairment. After a field sobriety test that led to the female driver of the vehicle being taken into custody, a subsequent search of the vehicle yielded 273 grams of methamphetamine, ten grams of heroin, fentanyl, assorted medications, scales, paraphernalia, packaging materials, and over $1800 in cash. An adult male passenger was taken into custody on various charges and multiple arrest warrants. Hood River Police added a child was present in the vehicle, in close proximity to the narcotics.