With the number of operational child care programs in the Mid-Columbia down by about half since the onset of the pandemic, there is an effort underway to recruit more to fill the need.  Nancey Patten of Child Care Partners at Columbia Gorge Community College says a number of child care providers closed at least temporarily during the pandemic for both economic and health reasons.  She says now the focus is on opening new programs.  Patten says anyone who is interested in operating a child care program can call her at 541-506-6131.

Hood River City Councilors have decided to use nearly $200,000 in federal CARES Act funds to assist community members with basic life and safety needs.  City Manager Rachael Fuller says the Council has directed staff to put together a final proposal to direct funds to the United Way Community Relief Fund, the Hood River Warming Shelter to help that organization develop a non-congregate housing model, utility assistance, and child care.  Fuller noted they will ask for outside help to administer the funds.  The City has until the end of the year to use the federal monies.

An investigation is underway into the crash of a helicopter while it was doing water drops over the White River Fire on Monday.  The crash claimed the life of the pilot.  Authorities during an online press briefing did not offer many details on the accident, citing the on-going investigation.  Wasco County Sheriff Lane Magill did say the pilot was a man from Bozeman, Montana.  According to a statement from fire officials posted late Monday night on the Inciweb fire information page, a Type 1 Kmax helicopter was conducting bucket drops on the fire when the accident occurred. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have been notified and will conduct an investigation into the accident.

The Forest Service placed containment of the White River Fire in the Mt. Hood National Forest at 15% Tuesday.  Incident Commander Brian Goff said the size of the fire to 1,289 acres, and that firefighters are making good progress on it.  Most fire behavior will be interior backing and flanking fire.  Short range spotting to the north and west could test established lines.  U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region Director for Fire, Fuels, and Aviation Director John Giller said the White River Fire is the #2 priority fire in the region.  A portion of the Mt. Hood National Forest was closed today to support fire suppression efforts.

With COVID-19 concerns making operation of the existing The Dalles Warming Place shelter difficult at best, and winter just a few months away, Mayor Rich Mays is considering convening a committee to address homeless issues.  Mays said on Mid-Columbia Today Tuesday morning he doesn’t like forming panels just to have them, but this issue needs to be addressed.  He notes the problem can’t be completely solved, but they can do something to help both the homeless and the community.  Mays noted city staff has been looking for potential answers for sheltering, but many possibilities are difficult to implement with the need for social distancing.

Columbia Gorge Arts and Culture and the Columbia Gorge Tourism Alliance are offering a pass to allow four people to visit nine different museums in the region.  Tourism Alliance Network Director Emily Reed says many of the museums are open now, but the pass will be good through next September.  Museums involved include the Cascade Locks Historical Museum, Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center in Stevenson, History Museum of Hood River County, Maryhill Museum of Art, the Original 1859 Wasco County Courthouse, and the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum.  The passes are $99, and available at gorgeculture.org.

A helicopter pilot died Monday while assisting in efforts to fight the White River Fire.  According to a statement from fire officials posted late Monday night on the Inciweb fire information page, a Type 1 Kmax helicopter was conducting bucket drops on the fire when the accident occurred.  The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office and Forest Service air and ground resources responded to the crash site.  The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have been notified and will conduct an investigation into the accident.  The identity of the pilot has not been released.  The Forest Service placed containment of the White River Fire in the Mt. Hood National Forest at 5% on Monday.  Officials reported Monday that the size of the fire was dropped to 1,102 acres after resolving a mapping error and new infrared data.  Fire officials say firing operations have started along both the east and west ends of the fire toward the White River, and work to improve contingency lines will continue.

The Dalles City Council will continue its hearing on the appeal of a Planning Commission decision to approve a high density residential subdivision on seven acres at East 10th and Richmond next Monday night.  That after spending nearly three hours hearing reports from and asking questions of city staff, applicant Legacy Development Group, and appellants who believe it is incompatible with the surrounding area, and that traffic impacts have not been sufficiently studied.  Attorney Chris Crean, who is advising the Council on the subject, pointed out that the application has to be reviewed on criteria and zoning in effect today, noting compatibility standards that had been in many municipal land use regulations have been struck down by state law.  The hearing will be continued next Monday at 5:30 p.m., beginning with public testimony.

Hood River County Commissioners will hold a special meeting Tuesday to consider closing the county forest to recreational use due to fire danger.  County Administrator Jeff Hecksel says fire risk is very high right now, adding 90 acres of County forestland were affected by the recent Fir Mountain Fire.  He added camping on forestlands on the east side of the Hood River Valley has become a concern.  Tuesday’s meeting will be held online at 4 p.m.  Log-in information is available on the Hood River County website.

The Dalles City Council Monday evening will hear the appeal of a Planning Commission decision to approve a residential subdivision on seven acres at East 10th and Richmond.  Legacy Development Group’s plans for “The Grove” subdivision includes 72 parcels for various types of dwellings on just under seven acres.  Those against the development have cited that it is incompatible with the surrounding area, and that traffic impacts have not been sufficiently studied.  The on-line hearing begins at 5:30 p.m., and can be accessed through the City of The Dalles’ website.