Google formally passed ownership and operation of a new Aquifer Storage and Recovery Center, along with water rights, to the City of The Dalles at a ribbon cutting event today. Google spent nearly $30 million into the system that can put unused water from the City system into the ground to be recovered when needed during dry periods. The Dalles Mayor Rich Mays says the system will benefit the City, and is a key portion of its water master plan. Google officials noted there is room at the facility, which includes two wells, two reservoirs, and a pumping station, for expansion to add another well and pumping station if needed. Mays noted the facility is on land formerly occupied by an aluminum smelter, and Google took on the cleanup to allow the ASR complex to be built.
HR County Christmas Project Applications Begin Friday
The Hood River County Christmas Project will start taking applications for holiday food and gift boxes on Friday. The Project is in its 102nd year, and last year they served about 975 families in Hood River County, accounting for nearly 4,000 people. That’s about double the number of five years ago. Christmas Project board president Heather Walker says they are expecting similar numbers this year. Walker says open registration online at hoodrivercountychristmasproject.com. Hood River County families who are receiving some kind of social service help or who are a food bank client are eligible for the assistance. Those without Internet access can call 541-329-0901. The email address is info@hoodrivercountychristmasproject.com.
WAGAP Taking Applications & Needs Donors For Tree of Joy
Washington Gorge Action Programs is taking applications from Klickitat and Skamania County families for its Tree of Joy program providing holiday gifts for youth younger than 18 years of age. Those who receive WAGAP services, are on Apple Health insurance, or receive free or reduced school lunches or SNAP benefits are eligible. WAGAP associate director Juan Reyes says they helped around 300 families last year, and they are up to around 400 this year, and they already at 279 applications. WAGAP is encouraging businesses and individuals in Klickitat and Skamania counties to join the effort and adopt one or more children to fulfill their basic winter clothing and outerwear needs, as well as provide gifts based on the family’s wish lists. Families anonymously provide the donors with the age, gender, clothing sizes, and individual wishes of their children. Donors are asked to register by November 14 so they can receive wish lists before the Thanksgiving holiday. For complete application and donation information, go to WAGAP.org.
KCCC Supports New Childcare Business In White Salmon
The Klickitat County Childcare Committee says it has supported the development of a new childcare business in the White Salmon area. Country Critters is now open and officially licensed with the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The Childcare Committee provided information and starter kit supplies, including sleeping mats, toy bins, child-sized spoons and plates, diapers, and a medicine cabinet, and helped with the purchase of wood chips and an outdoor play structure. It’s the sixth childcare business that has completed licensing with the support of KCCC, including two others in White Salmon, and one each in Bingen, Dallesport, and Goldendale. The new business is licensed to provide six child care spots.
October 21 Prep Sports Roundup
Volleyball
LaSalle def. Hood River Valley 25-18, 25-21, 25-17
The Dalles def. Estacada 25-20, 25-16, 25-18
Kalama def. Columbia 3-0
King’s Way Christian def. Stevenson 25-20, 25-19, 25-21
Big Sky Playoff: South Wasco def. Spray-Mitchell-Wheeler 25-18, 25-20, 19-25, 25-12: The Redsides will play Ione-Arlington in the semi-finals on Saturday in The Dalles.
Big Sky Playoff: Sherman def. Condon 25-13, 25-17, 25-19: Sherman faces Dufur in the other semi-final.
Boys Soccer
Hood River Valley 3, Canby 1: The Eagles solidify their hold on fourth place in the Northwest Oregon Conference and a Class 5A playoff berth.
The Dalles 1, Gladstone 0: The Riverhawks took a substantial lead atop the Tri-Valley Conference with the win.
Girls Soccer
Hood River Valley 1, Canby 0: The Eagles stay in a tie for third in NWOC with Putnam.
The Dalles 3, Gladstone 1: The Riverhawks stay unbeaten in the TVC and extend their lead over the Gladiators.
Columbia 1, Kalama 1
King’s Way Christian 7, Stevenson 0
Trout Lake-Horizon Christian 6, Corbett JV 0
Hood River Schools Conducting Strategic Plan Survey
The Hood River County School District is conducting an online survey as it begins the process of developing its next five-year strategic plan. The survey will guide the district in assessing progress during its current strategic plan, and starts the development of a new plan going into effect next school year. District Superintendent Bill Newton says they are asking the community what they want to see in the plan. Newton says after the survey, the district will embark on listening sessions to be held at local schools. The survey is available at the Hood River County School district website, hrcsd.k12.or.us, and will be up through next Tuesday.
Bluff Trail Open House On Thursday
The City of White Salmon on Thursday evening will hold its final Community Open House on a Bluff Connector Trail between White Salmon and Bingen. Mayor Marla Keethler says they have received a $1 million grant through the Move Ahead Washington Act to move forward on the trail over the next biennium. From the late 1800s to the mid 1900s, a wooden stairway linked Bingen and White Salmon. The loop trail will return a set of stairs to the same general location as the original stairway. The updated design will incorporate viewing platforms and safe pedestrian crossings at Dock Grade Road and Highway 14. The open house is set for Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 at the White Salmon Fire Hall.
Sale Of Lower Hanel Mill Property To Amazon To Take 7-12 Months
It’s expected to take between seven to 12 months for all of the details to be finalized on a proposed sale of about 12 acres at the Lower Hanel Mill site from the Port of Hood River to Amazon. Amazon proposes to place a nearly 50,000 square foot warehouse and distribution center at the site. Port of Hood River Executive Director Kevin Greenwood says how many jobs that would be developed by the center isn’t known, but he notes a similar facility in Tillamook employs 40 to 50 people. Greenwood added they had other potential buyers interested in one parcel, but not all four that comprise the property Amazon wants to purchase. The purchase price is at $3.47 million, or $7.25 per square foot, reflecting the lack of available commercial and industrial land in the Gorge.
The Dalles Chamber Taking Entries For Two Parades
The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce is busy getting ready for two parades this month. One is the annual Veterans’ Day parade on November 11. Chamber CEO Lisa Farquharson says registration information is available at thedalleschamber.com. Then on November 28, the Chamber will stage the annual Holiday Starlight Parade. Farquharson says the theme this year is “The Lights…The Sights…The Parade Tonight!” It’s an ode to Dr. Seuss. Registration for that parade is also available at thedalleschamber.com.
Highway 281 MVA Results In One Death, DUII Arrest
A three-vehicle crash on Wednesday night in Hood River County resulted in the death of a Hood River man. The Oregon State Police says a preliminary investigation indicated a southbound car driven by 26-year-old Jonathan Flores-Flores of Hood River attempted to pass a car operated by 38-year-old Jesus Esquivel Martinez of Hood River in a no passing zone on Highway 281 near milepost 7, and struck a motorcycle ridden by 37-year-old Phillip Mickey Himes of Hood River head-on. The OSP says Himes was declared deceased at the scene. Flores-Flores was reportedly uninjured and was arrested for DUII, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, and Manslaughter. The OSP says Esquivel Martinez was also reportedly uninjured.