A large group of Klickitat County’s fire chiefs, along with the County’s undersheriff, registered their displeasure with County Commissioners over a decision to move the Emergency Management Department into the Public Works Department. High Prairie Fire Chief Sarah Hancock read a letter signed by a dozen of the County’s fire chiefs, criticizing the Commission for not convening the Emergency Management Executive Board and not holding meaningful dialogue with emergency response partners before making the decision that takes effect on Friday. She says that by-passed a joint decision making role outlined in a comprehensive emergency plan signed in April 2025 and required under state law. The fire chiefs asked for a pause on the move and put it before the Emergency Management Executive Board. Commissioner Todd Andrews reiterated that the decision was made due to emergency dispatch staffing concerns, and Commissioner Lori Zoller contended the County has been working on this, and they will be reaching out to stakeholders to ensure there is no void in operations.
HR City Councilors Move To Second Phase Of Bond Surveys
Hood River City Councilors decided to move ahead with more polling for a potential November bond measure, after getting a report from consultants on an initial round of questions. Ben Pantinkin of Pantinkin Research Strategies said the survey of about 400 likely voters in December showed an outdated police facility and the lack of affordable housing were of the most concern for voters. The poll gave voters an option of four different bond packages ranging from $27 million for a variety of different projects to $9 million for just a police station only. Only the $27 million package even received a plurality, but still was under 50% approval, and Pantinkin noted the difficulty in building up to a majority yes vote. The next round of polling will focus on housing and a police facility. The first set of questions did not ask about a bond for just housing or a combination with police.
TD Council Approves Planning Code Updates To Include Hearings Officer
The Dalles City Council approved an ordinance that includes a number of different updates to its planning codes, including using a hearings officer to review quasi-judicial decisions, allowing the Planning Commission to focus on policy matters. Community Development Director Joshua Chandler told the Council the intent is to have a hearings officer in place by mid-April. Changes to procedure and noticing, adjustments to meet state law, and provisions for affordable housing were a part of the revisions. The Council passed the ordinance unanimously.
MCFR Responds To Residential Fire
Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue crews responded early Tuesday afternoon to a residential structure fire near Pentland and Garrison in The Dalles. Crews were able to quickly get the fire knocked down. MCFR says the residents were home at the time and alerted 911, and no injuries were reported. Pentland was closed between West 13th and 14th for a time as crews fought the fire.
Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Approach Lane Closures Thursday
Temporary lane closures will be in place on roadways approaching both ends of the Hood River–White Salmon Bridge on Thursday to support work associated with the Hood River Bridge Replacement Project. The Port of Hood River says the lane closures will be on the Washington side of the bridge Thursday morning from 8:30 a.m. to noon, then move to the Oregon side from noon to 4:30 p.m. The closures are needed to complete on-land geotechnical drilling near the bridge approaches as part of ongoing engineering and design efforts. No work will occur on the bridge deck. Flaggers will be on site to manage traffic safely. Although minimal traffic impacts are anticipated, travelers are encouraged to allow extra time for unforeseen delays.
Flu Cases On The Rise
Flu appears to be on the rise in the Columbia Gorge region. The Columbia Gorge Respiratory Risk Rating kept by area health agencies show flu is above normal levels and is increasing, and we are entering the peak flu season. Daron Ryan of the Hood River County Health Department says people need to take steps to prevent flu shots, including getting a flu shot. Ryan adds it’s important to wash your hands to prevent disease transmission. The Respiratory Risk Rating shows COVID at a normal level, and RSV is picking up, but does not seem to be at a peak yet.
Work Underway On Supportive Housing At The Annex
Mid-Columbia Community Action is continuing to prep apartments at The Annex in The Dalles to be used as permanent supportive housing in partnership with Mid-Columbia Center For Living. The partnership with Center for Living will enable Community Action to provide comprehensive wraparound services to residents, including case management, healthcare connections, mental health support, and employment assistance. Center for Living Executive Director Al Barton says the amount and types of support will be varied. The construction work will be completed in phases, with the first clients expected to enter the program in February. Community Action expects that the entire room conversion project will wrap up sometime in the spring.
Gorge Commission Passes Amendment To Expedite Home Replacement
The Columbia River Gorge Commission unanimously passed amendments to the National Scenic Area Management Plan to expedite the review process to replace homes and other structures destroyed in disasters, including this past summer’s Rowena and Burdoin fires. A vote on the amendments had been delayed from late fall to get input from tribal governments. That resulted in provisions to do cultural resource inventories when necessary, which NSA Deputy Forest Supervisor Casey Getz says would be expedited. Gorge Commissioner Alex Johnson noted natural disasters will happen again, and the Commission needs to prepare for it. Part of the amendment expressly allows a rebuilding landowner to place a recreational vehicle and a storage structure on the property on a temporary basis. The amendment now goes to the Secretary of Agriculture for concurrence.
TD Council Approves Resolution Acknowledging Immigration Impacts
The Dalles City Council unanimously approved a resolution Monday night acknowledging the impacts associated with heightened federal immigration enforcement activity, and lists community support actions. Those actions would include a statement of concern that reaffirms the City’s commitment to accessible municipal services and lawful City operations while setting accurate expectations about City authority and limitations. Councilor Scott Randall felt the resolution set the right balance between humanitarian values and respect for the rule of law, and acknowledges the duty to serve community and the limited authority the City has with federal law enforcement. Fellow Councilor Dan Richardson added it is a modest response to current events, but also represents what can be done locally. The resolution includes provisions for communication and information sharing while addressing misinformation, exploring financial partnerships with other organizations to support children and families, and training staff and developing internal readiness.
Councilors Approve Declaring Hood River A Sanctuary City
Hood River City Councilors voted on Monday night to declare Hood River a sanctuary city. The move came after hearing testimony over two meetings from residents asking the City to take a more prominent position in opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the area. There was some concern about losing access to federal loans and grants, but Councilor Gladys Rivera said there is no evidence of cities losing funding over sanctuary laws. All cities in Oregon are required to comply with the state’s Sanctuary Promise Act prohibiting state and local police and governments from assisting in the enforcement of federal immigration laws. Councilors all brought up the need to continue working on issues related to the impacts of immigration enforcement in the community, and update the City’s actions accordingly.