Wasco County Commissioners passed the first reading of the county’s latest set of updates to the comprehensive plan ordinance this week.  This set focused on open spaces, natural resources, public facilities, and energy conservation sections of the plan.  Commissioner Scott Hege says part of these changes impact the White River Wild and Scenic Area that runs through Tygh Valley area, and he feels the revisions will be beneficial to residents in that area.  The second reading and final passage is expected on December 18.  Next up for Wasco 2040 is dealing with forest lands and recreation.

The White Salmon City Council adopted the municipal budget for 2020.  There are no major changes in their fiscal plan, with outgoing Mayor David Poucher noting they are in a good position.  Poucher presided over his last Council meeting as Mayor this week, as he leaves office at the end of the month after 12 years in the position.  Current Councilor Marla Keethler takes over as Mayor in 2020.

Swimming

Hood River Valley’s boys and girls both rolled to wins over Gresham to start the season.  The boys won 100-49 with both David Hecksel and Connor McElwee each winning two events, while the girls grabbed a 118-52 victory as Sarah Arpag won two races.

 

Boys Basketball

Washougal 87, Stevenson 49:  The Panthers roared back from a six-point deficit after one quarter.  Washougal’s Jakob Davis had 29 points and 10 rebounds.  Jonathan Blackledge led Stevenson with 19 points.

 

Girls Basketball

Damascus Christian 56, Trout Lake 48

Wasco County Commissioners have decided to wait on passing an update on land use and development ordinances passed by the City of The Dalles to take a deeper look on whether they have to apply a state-mandated provision requiring duplexes to be allowed on properties zoned for single-family dwellings.  The County normally approves City land use ordinance revisions for lands within the urban growth boundary under a joint management agreement with the City.  But County Commissioner Scott Hege says he does not want to adopt that provision if it isn’t necessary outside city limits.  Oregon legislators approved the requirement earlier this year for cities with a population over 10,000.  The issue is expected to come up before the Commission at their next meeting on December 18.

White Salmon City Councilors have approved a long-discussed ordinance to require short-term rental properties to be registered.  The Council spent a couple of months asking for revisions to the document so the language would reflect their intent, which Mayor David Poucher says is to determine how many STR’s are actually operating in White Salmon.  The Council set a $75 annual fee for short-term rental registration.

Hood River Valley Christian Church is hosting a collection of about 500 nativity scenes from today through Sunday.  Retired pastor Neil Allen has been collecting nativity scenes from around the world for more than 30 years.  He notes the depictions vary from culture to culture.  The collection is on display at Hood River Valley Christian Church on 975 Indian Creek Road in Hood River from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today through Sunday.  There is no charge, but donations will be taken for the Hood River County Christmas Project and Hood River Shelter Services.

Boys Basketball

Hood River Valley 55, Scappoose 48:  Noah Webster scored 24 points as the Eagles got off to a quick start, then held off a number of Scappoose runs to win the season opener.  Brayden Rose added 12 points for HRV.  Kyle Negelspach led Scappoose with 15 points.

The Dalles 60, Dallas 57:  Jacob Hernandez tallied 25 points for the Riverhawks, who came back from a seven point halftime deficit to win their first game of the year.  Spencer Taylor chipped in 11 points for The Dalles.

Columbia 61, Trout Lake 38

 

Girls Basketball

The Dalles 58, Dallas 43

Scappoose 68, Hood River Valley 19

Columbia 57, Trout Lake 47

Hudson’s Bay 58, Stevenson 29

The annual Mid-Columbia Health Foundation Festival of Trees gala and auction is Friday evening at The Dalles Civic Auditorium.  Tree decorating took place on Wednesday, and the custom-themed trees will be up for auction to benefit the Celilo Cancer Fund and Mid-Columbia Health Foundation nursing scholarships.  The Foundation’s Cynthia Kortge says they have every kind of tree imaginable.  The gala and auction starts at 6 p.m. Friday in The Dalles Civic Auditorium, and tickets are $20, call 541-296-7275 for information.  The trees will also be on display for community viewing on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Civic.

The annual Hood River Holidays parade will take place Friday evening in downtown Hood River.  Hood River County Chamber of Commerce executive director Kate Schroeder says they expect another big crowd for the parade that will begin at 6 p.m.  She adds that after the parade Mayor Kate McBride will light the tree in Overlook Memorial Park.  Columbia Area Transit will providing increased service on its City Route into downtown Hood River between 3 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

A group is forming as a non-profit community land trust to acquire land for the development of workforce housing in the Hood River and White Salmon areas.  The Big River Land Trust seeks to acquire land to develop homes at an affordable price and then sells the homes while maintaining ownership of the land.  The Trust’s Anne Medenbach says that takes the land cost out of the home price, making it more affordable for the first time buyer, who would then agree to a limit on how much they would sell the house for if they decide to do so in the future.  Medenbach notes while there is no direct government involvement in the trust, both city councils in Hood River and White Salmon have provided letters of support.  She adds it is a fully volunteer group with no staff, and they are working to finish the paperwork for 501-c-3 non-profit status.  The group is talking with landowners about potential parcels to get them started.