The Port of Hood River Commission got its first look at draft administrative rules to govern private partnership proposals related to replacement of the Hood River Interstate Bridge.  The focus was on an outline of the rules, and Port Executive Director Michael McElwee says it was a line-by-line review of what is being considered.  The Commission will get input to staff over the next couple of weeks and bring out a new revised draft for more public scrutiny.  McElwee says the draft of the rules calls for accepting proposals for the bridge beginning at a point when an environmental impact statement is almost completed, which is one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half years away.  Experts convened by the Port for a worksession on bridge replacement and public/private partnerships told the Port Commission they needed to do an extensive public process before seeking proposals.

Columbia Gorge CASA, Court-Appointed Special Advocates for Children, is seeking volunteers to help bolster its ranks to help abused and neglected children in foster care in Wasco, Hood River, and Sherman counties.  CASA Executive Director Susan Baldwin says there are 140 Gorge kids in foster care, but only 100 have a CASA by their side.  Circuit Judge John Olson emphasizes the important assistance CASA advocates provide, providing judges with information on how the child is doing.  CASA winter volunteer training gets underway on February 22.  For more information call 541-386-3468 or go to gorgecasa.org.

Hermiston 45, Hood River Valley 21:  Chad Muenzer and Victor Ortigoza earned wins by fall for the Eagles. Pendleton 64, The Dalles 6:  J.R. Scott won by fall for the only Riverhawk victory in the match.  

President Donald Trump signed the Mt. Hood Cooper Spur Land Exchange Clarification Act on Tuesday.  It directs the Forest Service to complete a land exchange that Congress approved in 2009 to allow development of 120 acres of federal land in Government Camp in exchange for the protection of 770 acres of non-federal land at Cooper Spur, along with addressing disagreements over a conservation easement and allowing for a more transparent appraisal process.  Oregon Second District Congressman Greg Walden co-authored the bill with Representative Earl Blumenauer and Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley.  The House passed this legislation in February of 2017 by a vote of 415-1, and the Senate passed the bill in December.

The new management at the Home At Last animal shelter in The Dalles is getting settled in.  Jerilee and Steve Drynan of Central Oregon Animal Friends, the Madras-based shelter that has merged with Home At Last.  Jerilee Drynan says since the merger three weeks ago they have been hiring new employees, getting in touch with foster homes, and putting procedures into place, adding the long-term goal is to emphasize Home At Last is The Dalles’ community shelter.  Steve Drynan noted Home At Last is in better financial shape than they originally thought it was.  Jerilee Drynan says there are plans to expand the shelter’s hours of operation.

A Hermiston man escaped injury in a semi-truck accident on Highway 14 in Skamania County on Tuesday afternoon.  According to the Washington State Patrol, 29-year-old Jose Renteria was driving his semi-truck westbound on Highway 14 about seven miles east of Washougal at around 12:30 Tuesday afternoon when he failed to negotiate a curve with advised speed of 30 miles per hour.  The truck overturned and went down a 25-foot embankment.  The WSP says Renteria was cited for negligent driving in the second degree.

Boys Basketball Stevenson 63, Castle Rock 60:  Alec Van Pelt’s three-pointer in the final minute gave the Bulldogs the lead for good.  Issac Holdal topped Stevenson with 20 points and nine rebounds. Seton Catholic 57, Columbia 42:  Kyle Dean led the Bruins with 11 points. White Swan 62, Goldendale 58   Girls Basketball Stevenson 56, Castle Rock 39:  Katie Rathgeber scored 15 points for the Bulldogs, who led 28-10 at halftime. Columbia 43, Seton Catholic 39 Trout Lake 58, Klickitat-Glenwood 39 White Swan 69, Goldendale 26

The City of The Dalles will do more study before determining the future of the Waldron/Gitchell Building.  The City has received a proposal from local archeologist Eric Gleason that would involve forming a non-profit agency to assume the building, stabilize and restore it, and potentially move it from its current location on East First alongside the railroad tracks.  But Mayor Steve Lawrence says there are numerous questions to be answered before City Councilors can make a decision, starting with having City Manager Julie Krueger talk to the Union Pacific Railroad about right of way issues, then getting a legal determination of whether a non-profit agency can assume the City’s liability on the building.  The City has been trying to determine for some time whether or not the building can be saved or if it should be demolished.  

Hood River City Manager Steve Wheeler has announced his plans to retire this summer.  Wheeler told the City Council that in all likelihood his retirement will be effective July 1, which is the beginning of the 2018-19 fiscal year, but he is willing to stay on past that date to help with a smooth transition.  Wheeler will be winding down a 40-plus-year career in government.  He emphasized he has enjoyed his four years as Hood River’s City Manager.  The City Council will begin the process of searching for Wheeler’s successor.

The Hood River County Commission discussed the first draft of a proposed two percent limited sales tax ballot measure to avoid major budget cuts at a worksession on Monday.  Much of the discussion centered on exemptions.  Prescription drug, fuel, and grocery purchases will be exempted, with much of the discussion surrounding how far to go with exemptions on agricultural supplies, recreation, and construction supplies.  County Administrator Jeff Hecksel said two keys were equity and ease of administration, which becomes more difficult as exemptions are considered.  Commission Chair Ron Rivers says it’s a difficult balancing act, but also believes they are on the right path, adding he hopes people look at the County’s needs now and in the future that require new revenue sources.  County legal counsel Lisa Knight Davies will be making revisions to the proposed ordinance, and the Commission will meet again early next week to continue the discussion.  A public hearing is planned for February 5, as the Commission considers whether to put the sales tax question on the May ballot.