Wednesday, October 31
Attend forum
I work with young children. We sing a lot. One of the lullabies we've been singing lately goes like this: May there always be sunshine, May there always be blue skies, May there always be Mama, May there always be Papa, May there always be me. The kids love it. Think about it, let it sink in. As we sing this, I look into the eyes of each child and see not only them but children around the world. This little song came to be by a Russian schoolchild, gathered here by Pete Seeger.
Boys get revenge with 5-1 drubbing of Rams
The forecast for Saturday's (Oct. 27) first-place playoff game between HRV and Central Catholic was typical for October -- cold with a little rain.
Scouts raise funds to replace flag
A group of proud Cub Scouts will enjoy a patriotic moment today when a new flag is raised at the corner of 12th and May streets.
HRV girls earn first-ever trip to state
Strong defense, Meierbachtol's two goals lift Eagles to first-ever 4A state appearance
Strong defense, Meierbachtol's two goals lift Eagles to first-ever 4A state appearance
Volleyball finishes season with grudge match vs. Sandy
The HRV volleyball team had something to prove coming into their season finale against Sandy -- especially the seniors.
Obituaries 10/31
GREGORY D. WANG
Drought kudos
The wet season is finally here. Before it is forgotten that 2001 was a harsh drought year, some thanks are in order. Thanks to the many fruit growers who fixed leaks this summer, changed irrigation equipment, or measured soil moisture levels. Thanks to the many others who staked in "another brown lawn" sign, or made some kind of personal effort to reduce water waste. Thanks to the County Extension Service and the Master Gardeners for taking on water conservation education. You made a difference. So did the Hood River Valley's irrigation districts. For instance, the Middle Fork Irrigation District released an extra 5.8 million gallons per day below Laurance Lake to keep 19 steelhead nests covered with water. Farmers Irrigation District gave out free soil moisture readers to growers, and by doing so recouped four times its investment by generating electricity on the saved water, while returning more cold water to the lower Hood River than it would have seen without the program. East Fork Irrigation District cut back on its diversion, enough to keep the East Fork Hood River flowing. Otherwise it would have gone dry, like it has during lesser droughts. It's worth saying that cooperation, conservation, and a relatively cool summer -- helped the Hood River Valley steer clear of water restrictions and keep streams flowing in the 2001 drought. Now let's hope for a deep snowpack in 2002.
Community `Day of Discussion' welcomes Afghani speaker,former Congresswoman Furse, peace activists
The "Making War, Waging Peace" forum is Nov. 3 at Hood River Valley Christian Church. The secular event is free, with donations accepted. Seating capacity is limited and is on a first come, first served basis. Doors open at 9 a.m. A photo exhibit of Afghanistan will be on display.
Oppose Wal-Mart
The purpose of my letter is to urge the Hood River County Commissioners to adopt a footprint ordinance similar to the 50,000-foot limit on retail outlets that the City of Hood River recently passed. As a resident of Hood River County, I am concerned about the negative impact of a Wal-Mart mega store on our local economy.
After a century of farming, land use is 'next big issue'
Growers 'learning to shout'<BR>
Growers 'learning to shout'
State dreams dashed for boys X-C
Seniors finish on positive note at districts
Seniors finish on positive note at districts
Community spirit
We would like to offer our sincerest thanks to the man who went to Chief of Police Anthony Dirks and asked him to give to us his father's flag, as our family's flag was desecrated. Since you chose to remain anonymous, we hope that you read this letter and know that we will always cherish your generous gift and protect it from harm. You are a truly remarkable human being for reaching out to us so, and your gesture has touched our whole family.
Hood River farmer faces land-use 'hard spot'
PARKDALE -- The "for sale" signs are up on a prime piece of farm land in Hood River's upper valley -- but no one is buying.
Playoff hopes slim as Eagles fall to Gresham
Although the state football playoffs are still two weeks away, Friday (Oct. 26) night's matchup between Hood River Valley and Gresham had all the makings of a playoff classic.
X-C girls cruise to state
Coming into the season, the HRV girls cross-country team knew it belonged among the state’s elite.
BB targets no more: photo book illuminates Laraway family history
Dean Fletcher guarded a trove of family treasure for a quarter of a century without really knowing what he was protecting.
Vegetarian cooking class set
A class in vegetarian cooking happens Nov. 5-8 at the Hood River Valley Christian Church, 975 Indian Creek Rd.
Plans proceed for Wal-Mart
The pre-application meeting for a proposed Wal Mart super center on Oct. 29 was crowded with more than 20 officials from Hood River agencies.
Students move into new May Street School wing
The grocery sack convoy trekked across the school yard Oct. 29.
New legislator Metzer supports farms, CL casino
Hood River County's new state legislator recently learned that picking apples is a lot more difficult than it looks.
Making War, Waging Peace
Saturday forum focuses on Afghanistan and responses to America's new war
Saturday forum focuses on Afghanistan and responses to America's new war
Wednesday, October 24
Rosauers completes remodeling
Rosauers Supermarkets grand reopening of its Hood River store started Oct. 24 with a 9 a.m. ribbon cutting. Cake and coffee will be served throughout at the expanded store, on 12th Street in The Heights
A `Haven' for talent: youth create dramas
The culmination of two weeks of hard work by students at the The Next Door's Klahre House happens Friday with a performance at CAST Performing Arts Center.
Flags destroyed
On the night of Oct. 11 our flag and our neighbor's flag were removed from our front lawns. These flags were not simply cut down and stolen, but slashed with a knife and destroyed.
Girls XC tunes up for districts on sour note
Just when the HRV girls cross-country team appeared to have overcome its two-week bout with the flu bug, it was forced to battle a different kind of illness on Oct. 17: the injury bug.
Soccer girls stay alive with win over Reynolds
Team awaits Barlow/Gresham outcome to determine league's fourth playoff spot
Team awaits Barlow/Gresham outcome to determine league's fourth playoff spot
Doubling pride
I am not a flag-waving "my country right or wrong" kind of person. Far from it. But I do relish my freedom and those symbols (such as those of peace and brotherhood) that are of special meaning to me.
Local entertainment briefs
Rubberneck at River City
Fright Night events abound in HR
Halloween and other trick-or-treat events are about to get underway in Hood River. Fright Night events planned in and around town for Oct. 31 include:
Obituaries 10/24
GLADYS STRATTON
Uprooted Harvest: First in a four-issue series
They settled in the lush Hood River Valley to carve out a life that epitomized the American dream, the opportunity to work their own land and gain prosperity.
HRV boys chalk up another win
Near-perfect season starts at zero as state playoffs draw near
Near-perfect season starts at zero as state playoffs draw near
A good opportunity
I read an article last week regarding a land swap between the county and Mt. Hood Meadows. The writer said the trade raises some interesting issues. I see opportunities rather than issues.
A great deal
It's hard to pass up a great deal. Anyway you cut it, the proposed Columbia Gorge Community College annexation is a great deal for Hood River County. The issue deserves local support when it appers on the Nov. 6 mail-in ballot.
'Big Box' Appeal
Regarding Passage of the "Big Box" Ordinance:
Boys XC stampedes to second place in conference
HRV's boys cross-country team concluded the Mt. Hood Conference dual-meet season Oct. 17 at Grant High School in Portland with matchups against Centennial and first-place Barlow.
From Bingen to Beijing
Sports trainer travels to China for University Games
Sports trainer travels to China for University Games
Horizon Christian wins league soccer title for first time
With a league title staring the Horizon Christian soccer team squarely in the face last week, the players were on a mission entering their final three games.
Harvest Fest draws huge crowds
Hood River Harvest Fest really pulled them in.
Lions grant $136,000 to local groups
In a 20-year plan, annual Foundation awards drawn from
Wal-Mart questions
If Wal-Mart really wants to be a good community partner they should seriously consider remodeling their existing store rather than deserting it. A large portion of their existing parking lot is primarily used for Winnebago and long-haul trucker camping, car dealer tent sales and go-kart rides. This non-parking part of their parking lot gives them ample room to expand the current store to accommodate the new services they want to provide as well as enhance the ambiance of their facility. With the close proximity of Safeway and the expansion of Rosauers it's hard for me to believe Wal-Mart intends to get into the grocery business, but it's a free country and their option to roll those dice. Of major concern is the future of their existing store. Do they feel any moral obligation to our community to find a new tenant or are they okay with another deserted big box? Anyone who has driven through Colorado and New Mexico has seen plenty of deserted Wal-Marts, many of them literally across the street or highway from their "new, improved" store. Nothing adds to the character and livability of a community like a 72,000 square foot roach motel.
HRV faces Gresham in playoff-like matchup
Coming off a hard-fought 27-13 win over the Sandy Pioneers last Friday, the HRV football team will look to continue its late-season push against Gresham -- a team fighting for exactly the same thing: a berth in the state playoffs.
Larry West leads Gorge Arts Council
The Columbia Gorge Arts & Culture Council has a new director. Larry West brings a diverse background in arts, travel and public radio to his new position at the helm of the nonprofit council, popularly known as Gorge Arts.
Sacrificing quality?
Hood River is at a crossroads. What we allow as a community to be built and operated here in the near future could decide whether we will become an area we don't want to live in. What I thought was an impossibly outrageous idea was actually submitted to the planning department. If a 100-story skyscraper was proposed here I'd have a similar reaction. How could a group of developers be so out of touch with what fits in this small town. Is there even a desire to fit in, to buy and sell local goods and produce beyond a token pacifying gesture, to fit into the scale of the community? Or is it about imposing an outside perspective with expedient values that have nothing to do with local flavor? What will be used to buy our complacency?
Taj Mahal coming to HR
Solo and Acoustic: What a treat for Hood River.
Friday, October 19
Obituaries 10/20
ALFRED A. STREICH
'Ground Zero' shakes everyone, HR responders say
Even from a distance of 3,000 miles, the horror of Sept. 11 and its aftermath seems way too close for most of us in our quiet valley across the country from where terrorists struck.
County taxes take hike of 12 percent
The 2001 tax statements for Hood River County will be mailed on Wednesday and most property owners will realize a hike of about 12 percent.
Wal-Mart confirms super center plan
The word is out.
HR postal workers calmly delivering
Despite the recent cases of anthrax being sent through the mail, it's business as usual at the Hood River Post Office.
Larry West leads Gorge Arts Council
The Columbia Gorge Arts & Culture Council has a new director. Larry West brings a diverse background in arts, travel and public radio to his new position at the helm of the nonprofit council, popularly known as Gorge Arts.
Wednesday, October 17
Pumpkin violence
This morning I left the house to walk the dog, and was greeted by the grim sight of one of my porch pumpkins smashed in the road. My first feelings were sadness and violation. Then anger. Then fear.
Fruit, food fills bill at Harvest
Local talent and up-and-coming artists will provide a bounty of music from the 2001 Hood River Valley Harvest Fest entertainment stage. Music is scheduled every day during the Oct. 19-21 event that draws more than 20,000 people annually to Hood River Expo Center. Entertainment is free at the 19th annual event.
Volleyball rallies to tip Parkrose
Wednesday, Oct. 10's volleyball game was an up and down affair for the Hood River Valley Eagles.
OSU honors Kirby, Moore for ag contributions
Ralph Kirby and Allen Moore, both life-time residents of the Hood River Valley, will be honored as 2001 Diamond Pioneers by the Oregon State University College of Agricultural Sciences on Thursday in Corvallis.
Annexation? Yes
This year, average resident undergraduate tuition and fees at four-year colleges in the Oregon University System range from $3,621 per year at Eastern Oregon University to $4,071 at the University of Oregon.
Elliott makes final pitch to OSAA
Like any good coach, HRV Athletic Director Glenn Elliott had a game plan when he went to Portland Monday for the final meeting of the Oregon School Activities Association Classification and Districting Committee.
Eagles look to Pioneer a comeback
HRV football coach Mitch Sanders and his players understand what's at stake in their final three Mt. Hood Conference games.
`This cuts to the core'--Veteran Andy Shown
Flag desecration leads to new reward offer
Flag desecration leads to new reward offer
Anthrax Anxiety
' White powder' fears understandable, but paranoia is the real threat
' White powder' fears understandable, but paranoia is the real threat
Annexation ballots in mail for college vote
Hood River County voters will soon decide whether to become part of the Columbia Gorge Community College District (CGCCD).
Boys XC sweeps away Sandy, Douglas
After a disappointing finish at last week's Cross-Over meet in Sandy, the HRV boys cross-country team regained its form and swept a double dual meet with Sandy and David Douglas Tuesday at David Douglas High School.
Faith blessings
A friend sent me these quotes from various religions:
Williams serves in Germany, Dunn in Arabian Sea
First Class Airman Kerri Williams, a 1999 graduate of HRV has recently been sent to Ramstein, Germany, and is involved with the shipment of the humanitarian packages being sent to Afghanistan.
Obituaries 10/17
JAMES L. FASSBENDER
Tamiyasu family doubles reward in murder inquiry
The family of murder victim Eric Tamiyasu has doubled the reward amount for the arrest of a suspect in a Hood River murder case.
'United We Stand'
As we face an incredibly sad time in our country's history, I think we all struggle for ways to help or make a difference. I know I certainly do. It seems that just putting up a flag is not enough for many of us and one way might be to say a special thank you to all of our veterans and to those who will be veterans.
DA winds up three major cases
"Everything you've seen here today involved the use or abuse of alcohol and/or drugs," said Hood River County District Attorney John Sewell following three separate court actions on Monday.
CAST schedules auditions
CAST, Hood River's community theater group, announces auditions for the upcoming play, "Not Waving," by Gen LeRoy. Roles needed are: Gabby, a woman in her 60s, subtle, quiet "mom" type with hints of Edith Bunker; Nicole, Gabby's daughter who is in her 30s, energetic, manic, determined; Helen, in her 30s or 40s and plays multiple roles; and Mark, in his 30s or 40s and also plays multiple roles.
Boys arrive at perfect ten with win
HRV's boys soccer team took one more step toward the conference playoffs Oct. 10 with its second consecutive 3-0 shutout, this time over the Sandy Pioneers.
Officials say anthrax education needed
An underlying sense of national worry over bioterrorism hit home on Sunday with an scare at the Pine Grove Store.
Thursday, October 11
No Redistricting
OSAA proposal has benefits on paper, but real detriments to HR students
OSAA proposal has benefits on paper, but real detriments to HR students
Wednesday, October 10
Seniors shine during events at Homecoming
The seniors showed them how it's done.
Obits 10/10
BETTY JANE LEWIS
Among Parkdale pears, an Anjou rules
The Anjou rules in the Parkdale grow-and-tell.
Hood River petitions OSAA to remain in Mt. Hood Conference
Dear Hood River Valley High School,
Giving Locally
Our invigorated spirit of sharing needs to be manifest close to home<BR>
Our invigorated spirit of sharing needs to be manifest close to home
Resources for coping with grief
In the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, psychologists and grief counselors have come up with advice on coping with the tragedy -- and with the ongoing stresses associated with "America's new war."
Eagles fall to Scots 19-6
Martens injures ankle, but prognosis good
Martens injures ankle, but prognosis good
Boys win again, stay undefeated
HRV's boys soccer team continued its mastery of the Mt. Hood Conference with a convincing 3-0 victory at Barlow on Monday, raising its record to 9-0 and its confidence level to a new high.
Mariners continue to achieve, wearing hearts on their sleeve
Fall is here, which means so are the Major League Baseball playoffs.
Another Voice -- Jean Sheppard
One witness: New York City, Sept. 11
One witness: New York City, Sept. 11
On Lyle Tunne
We at the Columbia River Gorge Commission and the Washington State Department of Transportation are deeply troubled by the Sept. 24 story in the Klickitat Monitor newspaper that claimed the commission is putting scenic concerns before public safety at the Lyle Tunnel project on Highway 14. We place a high value on public safety and would not put people at greater risk.
All our tragedy
Our invigorated spirit of sharing needs to be manifest close to home
Dining out, babysitting to aid relief efforts
Two Hood River restaurants will participate in national "Dine for America" day Oct. 11. Shari's and the Red Carpet Inn will donate proceeds from sales that day to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund aimed at helping victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Down Manor receives warning from state
Down Manor was notified by the state last week that it would not be penalized for advertising personal care services it was not licensed to give.
Meetings will introduce proposed bridge routes
The existing Hood River Tollbridge could be replaced in the future by a floating structure or even a tunnel crossing under the Columbia River channel.
Girls soccer stays alive with tie
After dropping its first two conference games, the HRV girls soccer team was looking to get back on the winning track Monday against Barlow.
Tribe unveils draft casino plans
Tribal leaders quelled some fears about the aesthetics of the proposed Hood River casino by unveiling "naturalized" design plans on Oct. 3.
Casino to CL
Thank you, Toni Vakos, for affirming Bill Secrist's position that it would take an act of Congress or, in other words, a decision by the Federal Government to deny the Warm Springs right to build a casino east of Hood River. Vakos says, "A decision of this magnitude deserves careful deliberation at the highest levels in Washington, D.C. . . ." I say, "Yeah, take it to the Secretary of the Interior and see whether the Tribe's right to build on trust property is upheld or not."
'United We Stand'
As we face an incredibly sad time in our country's history, I think we all struggle for ways to help or make a difference. I know I certainly do. It seems that just putting up a flag is not enough for many of us and one way might be to say a special thank you to all of our veterans and to those who will be veterans.
Post-Sept. 11: Counselors talk about coping
Oct. 11 marked four weeks since terrorists hijacked commercial airliners and crashed them into landmark buildings in New York and Washington, D.C. -- and the Pennsylvania countryside -- killing thousands. The one-month anniversary of the events that changed the world is, according to most mental health professionals, only the first of what will be many traumatic "anniversaries" of the tragic events of Sept. 11.
Wednesday, October 3
Priciest gas is in HR
Over the last dozed or so years I have travelled frequently to many parts of the country. During the entire period with no exceptions the highest price I have seen for gasoline on each trip has been in Parkdale followed by Odell and then Hood River. Not even in the remotest places I have been, even where the signs said "no gas for the next 105 miles", has gas cost what it does in the Hood River Valley. As recently as four weeks ago I found gasoline to be 70 cents a gallon cheaper in Virginia than in Hood River and I suspect that in Texas or Oklahoma it would have been an additional dime or two cheaper still.
Billiards-Chess Club starts play
The Hood River Billiards and Chess Club has opened at Horsefeathers Big Horse Brew Pub.
Young motorist sentenced for injuring truck driver
A college student was sentenced Sept. 24 for losing control of his car last December and striking a truck driver near the Koberg rest area.
New shooting range will quiet western front
Hood River County's western front will soon be quiet -- bringing a cease fire to the numerous noise complaints filed by neighboring residents.
Mission to Dubti
Hood River doctor finds his own healing in Ethiopia
Hood River doctor finds his own healing in Ethiopia
'Over the barrel'
I have never written a letter to the editor before today, but I'm just about fed up with the price of gas around here. I just returned from a trip to Portland today. While I was there, I filled my truck up with regular unleaded for $1.59 per gallon. I drove to Hood River (took me about 45 minutes, not enough time for anything drastic to have happened) and found the gas prices here averaged from $1.89 per gallon on up to $2.09! And people wonder why we spend our money somewhere else whenever we have the chance? You can't convince me that it costs an extra 30 cents per gallon to get the gas another 61 miles. It's too bad that our local businesses have most of us over the barrel.
Homecoming week: early and eventful
It was the start of a new week at Hood River Valley High School. Buses arrived Monday, teachers drove in, all ready to begin the day.
Team unity shows as girls XC wins again
Each varsity runner set a 5K personal record in the Sept. 26 home meet as the HRV girls cross-country team extended its undefeated conference record against Gresham and Parkrose.
Make enduring gifts
I am the case-manager for our local Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. I am writing you from my office where 10 minutes ago, my heart sank while listening to a message from a little boy that is on my wait-list. He wants to know if I have anyone in mind to be his Big Brother. This kid has been waiting seven months for a Big Brother, and later today I will have to call him back and tell him to keep waiting.
Troopers honored for lifesaving actions on Columbia
Three Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers were honored Friday for rescuing a fishing party after their boat capsized in the Columbia River last spring.
Eagles hold on to beat Barlow
Krizman dominates both sides of ball in 24-16 road victory
Krizman dominates both sides of ball in 24-16 road victory
Unlicensed services: State inquiry eyes Down Manor
Down Manor officials have admitted that the senior housing complex could face fines for providing personal care services without a license -- but said the business was only trying to preserve its clients' high quality of life.
Good things on the Horizon
Despite a sterling 5-0 start to the season, the Horizon Christian Hawks didn't have history on their side heading into their soccer game against North Clackamas Sept. 21.
Neighborhood lemonade stand spells relief for east coast and passersby
Carolyn Fick wanted to do something with her 4-year-old daughter, Caitlyn, to make a difference after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the East Coast.
Waucoma Bookstore celebrates 25 years
Sally LaVenture knew little about bookstores when she moved to Hood River in 1975 except that she liked them. But after a year of living on a "community" farm on the Westside, she found herself the owner of Waucoma Bookstore -- then a funky shop in the basement of what is now the Carousel Museum that sold an eclectic array of items ranging from tea and herbs to birthing books.
First Friday features printmaking
The Columbia Art Gallery continues its ongoing tradition of First Friday openings, now joined by downtown merchants. The gallery's October exhibit opens Friday and features the Northwest Print Council print show at the gallery, located at 207 Second St. in Hood River.
First Friday features art and music downtown
On the heels of September's successful kick-off to First Friday in Hood River, the Hood River Downtown Business Association and the Columbia Gorge Arts and Culture Council continues this art and music driven event on the first Friday of each month through the end of the year.
'Just one letter'
During the Gulf War, the U.S. military worked to minimize the "collateral damage" deaths of civilians. When the war ended, our politicians took over. Since then over one million Iraqi civilians have died under our government's sanctions program. Almost all of them were innocent. They didn't even vote for Saddam Hussein -- he is a dictator. In fact, in the past the American government has helped Saddam far more than any of the citizens of Iraq. In the past, the American government has armed him, given him "intelligence," and looked the other way while he used poison gas against his people. But the two governments fell out, so the U.S. got the U.N. to enact sanctions, and innocent civilians have been the victims.
Treaty rights: Tribe talks to CL 'neighbors'
CASCADE LOCKS -- Tribal leaders visited the Cascade Locks City Council on Monday to foster greater understanding between "neighbors."
Coin drive raises $4,000 for relief effort
The tallies are in from community-wide fundraisers to help American Red Cross relief in the wake of the East Coast terrorism.
Walden enlists 'citizen soldiers' for war on terrorism
The possibility that terrorists might already be on American soil and trained to use chemical or biological warfare against its citizens chilled the room during U.S. Rep. Greg Walden's address to the Hood River Rotary Club on Sept. 27.
Free to Fly
How will the new approach to aviation touch down in Hood River?
How will the new approach to aviation touch down in Hood River?
Truck loads restricted on freeway crossing
Driving the 20-mile stretch of freeway between Cascade Locks and Hood River will soon be much smoother as the first phase of repaving work begins this week.
Frist blood drive since Sept. 11 draws well
On Wednesday, Hood River held its first blood drive since the terrorist attacks on the East Coast and donors were out in force. In fact, days before the drive local Red Cross workers scrapped the usual mix of pre-set appointments and walk-ins and went to a walk-ins only regimen after the call volume for scheduling donor appointments became too heavy.