The Hood River County Library District will begin offering curbside services and library material returns at the main Hood River Library on Thursday, May 28, and the Cascade Locks and Parkdale branches on Saturday, May 30.  Cardholders may reserve and pick up books, movies and more, all while practicing physical distancing.  Curbside Pickup Services will be scheduled at the Hood River Library Tuesdays through Thursdays from noon to 6 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and at the Cascade Locks and Parkdale branches Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  In order to pick up materials through this service, library patrons will be asked to place holds on their library cards through the library’s online catalog or by calling the branches directly.  For information, go to hoodriverlibrary.org.

For a third straight day on Wednesday there were no new positive COVID-19 tests reported in Mid-Columbia counties.  Klickitat County is at 24 with 21 in the central part of the County.  Wasco County remains at 18, Hood River County 14, Skamania County 3, and Sherman County 1.  The Oregon Health Authority reported 65 new confirmed and 10 presumptive COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, bringing the state total to 3,801.  Four deaths from COVID-19 were reported in Oregon’s Wednesday statistics, moving that total to 144.  The Washington State Department of Health reported the number of deaths in Washington because of the coronavirus went up by six on Wednesday to 1,037.  It listed the total number of confirmed cases at 18,971, up 160 on Wednesday.

North Central Public Health District officials briefed County Commissioners on the latest in their efforts against COVID-19 as reopening occurs.  District Health Officer Dr. Mimi McDonell said one of the messages they are trying to emphasize the difference between going to a location like the grocery store as compared to trying to go to a bar or other location where people congregate in tight quarters for a period of time and risk of exposure increases.  District Director Teri Thalofer says she would like to see more mask wearing in public, adding it’s about protecting your neighbor and community members.  Thalofer also said that working with community partners has prepared them as well as they can be for the beginning of cherry harvest and the influx of workers that will arrive in the region.

The Columbia Gateway Urban Renewal Agency Board has approved formally turning over ownership of the Granada Theatre in downtown The Dalles to Chuck and Debra Gomez.  The couple entered into a Disposition and Development Agreement with the URA in March 2017 to purchase the building for $60,000 while also making an estimated $300,000 in improvements.  Urban Renewal Manager Steve Harris told the agency board those terms have been met.  The purchase will be finalized upon receipt of supporting documents for the improvement work that has been done.

The White Salmon Valley School District expects to be able to announce some plans for graduation sometime next week.  The district’s ceremonies are scheduled for June 13.  Superintendent Jerry Lewis says they have received guidance from the state depending on whether Klickitat County remains in phase 1 of reopening as it is now or gets to move up to phase 2.  Lewis said they are working on plans to honor graduates in some way, including posters of students to put up around the community.  Lewis also said they will be probably have two plans depending on which phase Klickitat County will be in on June 13.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Manager Lynn Burditt told Wasco County Commissioners on Wednesday that the plan of public land agencies is to keep access to their recreation lands restricted through the Memorial Day weekend.  Burditt says various agencies continue to work to coordinate their strategies for reopening recreation opportunities.  She told the Commission that a number of agencies still have steps to take to be ready to open safely, but on the Oregon side of the river they are tentatively looking at easing restrictions on most day-use areas east of the Eagle Creek Closure this coming Wednesday.  On the Washington side of the Columbia Burditt said they are looking at easing restrictions on most day-use sites except Beacon Rock State Trail and Dog Mountain Trailhead.  She also said a few Corps of Engineers day-use sites will be delayed from opening.

Some Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife areas in eastern Oregon that allow overnight camping have reopened for that activity, including two in Wasco County.  The Lower Deschutes and White River wildlife areas are both reopened to dispersed overnight camping.  Visitors are reminded to bring their own supplies.  They are also reminded to stay home if sick, check for access before going, stick close to home, and avoid crowds and practice social distancing.  Also pack out what you pack in and take any garbage with you, including disposable gloves and masks.

North Wasco County School District 21 and the Parkdale Rural Fire Protection District are receiving seismic rehabilitation grants from Business Oregon.  D-21 will receive over $2.27 million for work on The Dalles High School gymnasium.  The Parkdale Fire District will receive over $1.43 million for its station in Parkdale.  The state agency announced 35 grants totaling over $74 million this week in the sixth round of funding from the program.

Wy’east Middle School industrial technology teacher Patrick Getchis has been named the Columbia Gorge’s 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year in the program put on by the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Lottery.  Oregon educators are identified through a regional application and selection process facilitated by local Education Service Districts.  Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed on leadership, instructional expertise, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, professional development and vision by a diverse panel of regional representatives.  Each Regional Teacher of the Year receives a $500 award from the Oregon Lottery, and is automatically considered for the honor of 2021 Oregon Teacher of the Year which will be announced this fall.  Getchis has been a teacher for fifteen years.

Hood River County voters have approved a five-year public safety levy that County officials asked for.  The levy of 78-cents-per-thousand dollars of assessed property value was approved by nearly 57 percent of voters, winning approval with 4,460 votes to 3,369 against.  Passage marks an important moment for County officials that have been battling budget woes for a number of years.  County voters had turned down a pair of tax measures one year ago.  Carrie Rasmussen will be Hood River County’s new district attorney, as she received about 59 percent of the vote to succeed long-time D.A. John Sewell.  Rasumssen received 4,477 votes, while Sean Kallery received 3,109.  Former Hood River Mayor Arthur Babitz won a seat on the County Commission in District 2, receiving 1,150 votes to 792 for Paul Henke.  Babitz will succeed Rich McBride, who did not run for re-election and whose term will finish in January.