Those who manage public recreation lands in the region are reminding people to pack out what you take in when they visit those locations.  Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area recreation officer Stan Hinatsu says it’s important to recreate responsibly and leave no trace so others can experience the outdoors the way you did.  In addition, be safe by wearing the proper gear and be aware of fire danger, and avoid crowding by considering alternate locations to recreate should your first choice be heavily populated.  Information on locations that are open is available at readysetgorge.com.

Governor Kate Brown said on Tuesday that if Oregon sees a statewide positive coronavirus testing rate of 5% or less for three consecutive weeks, none of the state’s public school students will be allowed to return to classrooms.  Brown and Oregon health officials announced metrics for county-wide school re-openings, including the possibility of children from kindergarten to third grade receiving in-person instruction while other students used distance learning.  State Epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger outlined the metrics that would allow for a return to classrooms, which at a statewide level requires a positive COVID-19 test rate drop below 5% each week for three consecutive weeks, while at the county level the number of cases needs to drop below 10 per 100,000 residents in a week for three consecutive weeks.  Sidelinger did point out that evidence indicates children under the age of 10 get the COVID-19 virus and transmit it at a lower rate, so there are exceptions to the metrics for that age group, along with districts with less than 100 total students and provisions for limited on-site learning to those with disabilities.  Sidelinger said the state isn’t where it needs to be right now to open schools, but there are signs of transmission rates beginning to decline.  Brown said she was establishing a $28 million emergency relief fund for school districts to help with costs related to COVID-19.

The Dalles City Council looked at plans for a public gathering place on Federal Street at their Monday meeting.  The public plaza would be between East 2nd and an alleyway, and a consultant’s presentation showed it as using stamped concrete and include seating and some trees and planters.  Mayor Rich Mays feels it would be an asset to downtown.  But it also came with a price tag about $150,000 over what is in the City and Columbia Gateway Urban Renewal Agency budgets for the project, and some Councilors expressed concern with that along with the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic and the future of the nearby former Tony’s Town and Country building.  Councilors will look at it again at a meeting in late September.

Mid-Columbia Economic Development District is encouraging small businesses to apply for COVID-19 Emergency Business Assistance Grants in Hood River, Sherman and Wasco Counties, as a large chunk of $250,000 in funds from Business Oregon have gone unclaimed.  MCEDD’s Marla Harvey says the money is intended to fill in the gaps for businesses that have not been able to receive federal funds.  The main requirement is that the business was negatively impacted by COVID-19, including businesses that were officially told by the state they could not operate or had a 50 percent decline in revenue during March and April.  Harvey adds that MCEDD is asking businesses to apply by August 14.  If the money goes unclaimed, it gets returned to the state.  For application information go to mcedd.org.

The Dalles City Council approved an extended five-year Enterprise Zone tax abatement agreement for Worldwide Structures, a California company specializing in constructing affordable home kits that are shipped out to be constructed on site.  The company intends to employ about 50 people when it builds a facility on River Road in The Dalles.  Company President and CEO Craig Novak told the Council that the Native American and Service Disabled-owned business will supply product throughout the West.  The Port and County had already approved the Enterprise Zone agreement, which calls for three years of tax abatements that would extend to five as long as the company meets employment benchmarks.

Hood River City Councilors approved a resolution for racial and social equity within the City.  The over two-page resolution says the City “will fight discrimination and recklessness in all its forms” and described Hood River as “a place of sanctuary and safety” that nurtures “a culture of trust between police, immigrants and communities of color so all residents feel safe in their neighborhoods.”  Mayor Kate McBride says the resolution is one step in a bigger conversation.  The resolution commits the City to review progress and update strategies on an annual basis.

A motorcyclist was injured in a one-car accident on Highway 14 in Klickitat County on Monday afternoon.  According to the Washington State Patrol…63-year-old Donald Janssen of Sequim, Iowa was westbound on Highway 14 at milepost 77 east of Lyle when he struck a rock.  Janssen was injured and taken to Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles.  The WSP says he was wearing a helmet.  The accident occurred just before 3 p.m. on Monday.

Port of Hood River officials say crowding was less of a problem at its Columbia River recreation sites this weekend, thanks in part to a lack of wind.  Port Executive Director Michael McElwee said the high temperatures brought out a lot of people getting to the water to cool off, but they were generally well spread out.  Due to the lack of wind there was very limited kiteboarding and windsurfing activity.  McElwee added the “passholder only” stipulation at the Event Site worked well.  He says they were pleased with this past weekend, but adds the big test of steps the Port took last week to limit crowds will be a weekend with high winds and hot temperatures.

Klickitat County hopes to learn Tuesday the new guidelines to apply to the state of Washington to move into a new phase of reopening.  The County had applied to move into Phase 3 a few weeks ago, but that application was returned when Washington Governor Jay Inslee put a pause on the process as the state saw an uptick in COVID-19 cases.  Commissioner David Satuer says there will be a briefing on the subject from health authorities on Tuesday, but beyond updating numbers he does not expect the County to have to gather significant new data for a new application.  Sauter adds County residents having been doing a good job in controlling COVID-19 and need to keep doing what they are doing to stay on that course.

Hood River City Councilors on Monday evening will consider approving an intergovernmental agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation to transfer ownership of Oak Street between State Street and 13th from ODOT to the City.  Oak Street is actually State Highway 30, dating back to before the existence of Interstate 84.  The City sought to acquire the ownership when ODOT was going to require removal of parklets currently in use by restaurants on the street to allow outdoor dining during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Mayor Kate McBride says while there was urgency to get the agreement done because of that, the move will allow the City to address issues on Oak in a more expeditious manner.  Under the agreement ODOT will bring all ADA ramps within the section to current state standards, and upgrade the pavement between 5th and 13th or provide funds to the City to do so.  The Council will hold a Zoom meeting at 6 p.m., information on how to listen in is available at the City of Hood River website.