Saturday, July 28
Coach of the Year honor highlights Horizon success story
Horizon Christian School Coach Darrin Lingel last month was named the 2012 Oregon Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year for 1A boys basketball. The honor came after Lingel led his varsity boys squad to a 28-4 season and a 1A state championship; the first state title the Horizon Hawks have claimed in school history.
One step at a time: Relay raises $68,000 and counting
An eighth of a mile at a time, people took steps against cancer July 21-22.
Death Notice: Janice Kaufman
Death Notice: Janice Kaufman
Letters to the Editor for July 28, 2012
Public resource; Bottled water; Mess was inherited; more
Police prepare to fine for public indecency
Should you decide to wander out of a bar in downtown Hood River at 2:30 a.m. and go to the bathroom in an area that is not designated as a restroom, say a wall, sidewalk or planter box, the Hood River Police have a $435 ticket with your name on it.
New officers lead American Legion Post 22
American Legion Post 22 in Hood River initiated new officers July 18. Keegan Hodges, District 5 commander, presided. The new officers are Gary Steele, commander; Jim Tomson, first vice; Rodger Schock, second vice; and Carl Casey, adjutant.
Providence adds hospitalist program
Patients at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital now have access to a doctor every minute of every day via a new “hospitalist” program beginning in August.
Port starts lengthy look at Nichols Basin plans
The future of a hotel on the south end of the former Nichols Boat basin is still up in the air, but the Port of Hood River’s plan for the west side of the basement has become more clear.
Lifeguards honored after saving swimmer at pool
In the few minutes before the pool clears out after each swim session, Hood River Aquatic Center lifeguards are particularly wary of swimmers who have been in the water for nearly an hour, tiring themselves out.
Cheerleaders earn accolades at camp
Hood River Valley High School’s fall cheerleading squad traveled to the University of Portland earlier this month for a Universal Cheerleaders Association summer camp. The three-day camp is aimed at teaching new cheers, stunts and dances for the upcoming year, as well as building team camaradery that will carry over to the school year.
HRST competes at state swim meet
Hood River Swim Team members competed last week in the 2012 Oregon Swimming Inc. State Championships at Mt. Hood Community College. Highlighting several notable performances was 13-year-old Dhani Freeland, who took top honors with four top-10 finishes to qualify for the Western Zone Meet next month in Grand Junction, Colo.
Hanford radioactive sludge moved from Columbia riverside
Workers have started moving highly radioactive material, called sludge, away from the Columbia River, marking a significant milestone in the U. S. Department of Energy cleanup of the Hanford Nuclear Reservation site, adjacent to the Columbia River in eastern Washington.
Wednesday, July 25
Daily exercise plan thwarts check fraud
HR Sports Club rebounds from major scam
Daily exercise routines promise to bring about good health and longer life. For Clark and Carol Emmerson, one particular daily routine also ensured the survival of their business.
Water restrictions coming in August
Will be in effect while upgrades are performed on city water line
Hood River citizens are going to see water use restrictions later this summer as the city works on upgrading a water line from the city’s water source from a spring near Lost Lake to its 5-million-gallon Riverdale Road reservoir.
County Fair starts today
In large bands and small animals, and plenty in between, look for numerous changes at this year’s Hood River County Fair, which runs July 25-28 in Odell.
Cascade Travel owner charged with theft
Sue Collins, owner of Cascade Travel in Hood River, has been charged with four misdemeanor counts of theft II, according to Hood River Police Detective Don Cheli, lead investigator on the case. Collins is scheduled to appear in Hood River Circuit Court on Aug. 6.
Fire marshal issues wildland fire notice
A wildland-urban interface refers to the zone of transition between unoccupied land and human development. Communities that are within a half-mile of the zone may also be included.
Neighbors: Tales of transition, teaching and raft trips
Thanks, Maritime Services, write Gail and Scott Hagee of Hood River: “A big thanks to Maritime Services who gainfully employed between 200-500 people here in Hood River for over two decades. George Selfridge and many others should be applauded for being such good employers providing a good wage with benefits for many families in our area.
Wanted: ‘Forever Homes’
Columbia Gorge Cat Rescue aids felines in need
Four kitten siblings are busy scampering, chasing, leaping and tackling each other in a spare bedroom in Jane Keeler’s house. They are the picture of health and happiness.
Laser championships draws a crowd
The 2012 Laser North American championships drew quite a crowd of sailors to Cascade Locks over the weekend.
Ro-Sham kite contest highlights growing trend
Pro kiteboarders Sam Light, Brandon Scheid and Alex Fox finished one-two-three Saturday in an exciting final heat of the week-long Ro-Sham-Throwdown kiteboarding contest. Using a “terrain park” of jumps, rails and sliders anchored at the east end of the Hood River delta, the event brought some of the sport’s most progressive athletes to town to compete in the fast-evolving niche of “slopestyle” kiteboarding.
Wrestlers back from Nationals
Six Hood River wrestlers return from ‘toughest tournament in the world’
Hood River wrestlers Katie Eddy, Juan Karlos Hernandez, David Brunk, Christian Marquez, Jessica DeHart and MaKenna Sullinger return this week after a long and all-around successful trip to the national wrestling tournament in Fargo, N.D.
Experience Mount Hood on the Cooper Spur trail
In this first installment of a new series, titled “Get Out,” the adventure gets up-close and personal with Mount Hood, high up on its north face on the Cooper Spur Trail.
U14 boys make state
Young team feels ups and downs of the game this week
With a gratifying sense of accomplishment, Hood River’s 13-14-year-old Junior Baseball of Oregon team traveled to Gladstone High School Monday to face Sherwood in a play-in round of the state playoff tournament.
Death Notice: David Patterson
Death Notice: David Patterson
Yeast master Jess Caudill talks brewing
Hood River News caught up on the burgeoning yeast business with Jess Caudill, microbiologist at the firm for the past 10 years and self-described purveyor of “weird beers.” After all, Caudill’s business card reads not microbiologist but “mad scientist.”
Letters to the Editor for July 25, 2012
Respect flag; Port made for business; Don’t think?; more
Saturday, July 21
Recreation renaissance in Cascade Locks
Wayfinding, stewardship, connectivity are keys
Mountain biking, kayaking, cycling, hiking, sailing, kite boarding and windsurfing are more than just great sports activities in the Columbia Gorge. They represent a significant regional economic engine — fueled by growing participation —which yields substantial local spending.
Double Mountain triples
Look for the first bottles of Double Mountain IRA by the end of this week. That’s right, bottles.
Death Notices: Rogers Wheatley; Todd T. Smith; Betty Asbury; Bruce Weir
Death Notices: Rogers Wheatley; Todd T. Smith; Betty Asbury; Bruce Weir
Tennis ball roll winners announced
A thousand balls rolled down Third Street in the second annual Tennis Ball Roll on July 6, a fundraiser for Columbia Gorge Center for the Arts. The first 18 balls to enter the chute earned prizes for their owners. These are the winners :
Military Notes: Ceja serves aboard USS Enterprise
Navy Seaman Jorge A. Ceja, a 2008 graduate of Hood River Valley High School, is currently deployed.
Classtime for July 21, 2012
Whitworth University students qualify for Laureate Society; Western Oregon University releases spring president’s, dean’s lists; Oregon State University honors outstanding students; Scholarships awarded by The Next Door; Traynor wins SEIU Local 503 scholarship; Hood River residents make dean’s list at University of Portland; Delgado honored at UC San Diego
Gorge group makes major showing at Willamette SUP Cup
Team Big Winds was out in full force Sunday at the Willamette SUP Cup in Lake Oswego. The 18-member crew from Hood River made up close to a third of the entire pool of competitors and placed well against the Portland-area competition.
Kennedy, Crompton qualify for Jr. Olympics
While it might not be time for the Olympic Olympics just yet, Hood River has a pair of athletes competing at the Junior Olympics National Championships next week.
Oilers baseball begins playoffs
HR team finished second in league
Hood River Valley High School baseball players are getting a healthy dose off-season action this summer as the Carson Oilers finish its regular season and head into the district playoffs.
Destination Gorge
With North American Laser Championships in town through this weekend, Cascade Locks is highlighted as world-class sailing destination
Big-time sailing action is in Cascade Locks this week as the town host the 2012 Laser North American Championship from July 19-22. The continental championship is held in a different place each year and is in Cascade Locks for the first time in its history.
Hood River (again) wins USDA appeal
The city of Hood River can again claim victory of the US Department of Agriculture in an attempt to get back funds to complete a waterline project. However, just as it did after winning a previous appeal against the USDA to get the funds restored, the city is waiting to get excited until it actually sees the money.
High-speed motorcyclist nabbed in Portland after 135-mph chase on I-84
Imagine cars traveling I-84 at 65 mph looking like a series of turtles in the pathway of an oncoming luge sled. That might have been the effect when a motorcycle driver, traveling at 135 mph, began weaving between the usual traffic stream on the morning of July 19 just outside of Hood River.
Letters to the editor for July 21, 2012
Letters to the Editor for July 21, 2012: Lifeguards were amazing; Discourage cable park; More focus on food; more
Dethman Manor receives grant for upgrades
Residents of Providence Dethman Manor will soon be enjoying a renewed home, thanks to a $1.25 million grant from Oregon Housing and Community Services.
Cherries feel sky’s wrath
Thursday night’s second series of thunderstorms raged through the valley with dazzling lightening displays, downpours and even a smattering of hail.
Pool lifeguards prevent drowning
Lifeguards prepare for the worst, and hope they never have to use the skills they constantly practice.
Speakboxx combines vintage, high-tech
Business ideas run in the family
If vintage, retro and classic are styles that ring your bell, but you still insist on high-tech sound quality, then Luke Nance, 23, has found his target consumer in you.
Wednesday, July 18
Dakine move to Expo Center off
Hood River-based action sports gear and apparel manufacturer Dakine is still looking at a new home in town, just likely not the one it had hoped for.
Walk of Love: Relay for Life returns Saturday
This weekend several people in Hood River will be saved from a premature death. Several more neighbors will be spared surgeries. Your own father or mother may be given 30 extra years of life.
County to overhaul zone rules
Commissioners continue to look at changes, postpone action to August
The conversation on whether or not to revise Hood River County’s zoning ordinance will continue for at least another month.
Maritime woes leave employees wanting answers
In the final month before it filed for bankruptcy, internal memos, bankruptcy filing documents and reports from company employees show that Maritime Services Corporation ran out of ways to keep the company going in its current state.
Motorists help take dangerous drivers off Interstate 84
Two incidents happen in five-hour period
“No man is an island” – That old saying took on a new twist July 13, when after a crash, flat tire and 10 miles of erratic driving, a drunk driver was corralled into submission along the shoulder of I-84 by four other drivers.
HR News staffers win ONPA awards
Hood River News won six awards in the 2011 Oregon Better Newspaper Contest.
Denny Smith named to press Hall of Fame
Denny Smith, chairman of the board of Eagle Newspapers Inc., was inducted into the prestigious Oregon Newspaper Hall of Fame July 12 at the summer meeting of Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association.
Letters to the Editor for July 18, 2012
Huge loss; More than blockbuster; Library rules too lenient; more
Computers and pornography: Library District Internet policy explained
Recent letters to this newspaper (Stop library porn viewing,” June 23; “Protect young eyes,” June 30; “Time for discussion,” June 30) have expressed concern over patrons viewing objectionable content on Hood River County Library District’s publicly accessible computers and networks. HRCLD’s board of directors will be addressing these concerns at their next meeting on Tuesday, July 17, at 7 p.m. the Jeanne Marie Gaulke Meeting Room at the Hood River Library. The public is encouraged to attend and have their views heard.
Death Notices for July 18, 2012: Mary Jones; Rogers Wheatley; Sterling Kadlec
Death Notices for July 18, 2012: Mary Jones; Rogers Wheatley; Sterling Kadlec
Supporters get museum ‘sneak preview’
History and the future mixed on Saturday with a “sneak preview” open house at the remodeled History Museum of Hood River County. About 100 donors and supporters attended the catered event and saw the transformed interior of the museum, which is scheduled for a “soft” reopening in October.
Seven Streams closes Saturday
Ice storm prompts clearcut of forest around one of county’s most popular trails
The history of Seven Streams trail dates back to before bicycles had fat tires and full suspensions; back when the term granny gear was associated with crochet needles and dentures, not riding up steep hills with relative ease.
DeHart: National Champion
HRVHS wrestler claims girls’ cadet freestyle title Saturday
Hood River Valley High School wrestler Jessica DeHart won five straight matches to claim a national title over the weekend in Fargo, N.D.
ACTION Capital
Hood River was host to two world-class competitions over the weekend. The sixth-annual Kiteboarding-4-Cancer fundraiser and endurance race (above) brought close to 200 registered competitors and several hundred spectators to the Hood River Event Site to raise money and awareness for cancer survivorship programs.
Several of the reasons ‘Hood River is so great’
“A huge thank-you to all the businesses, individuals, and organizations who contributed so generously to this year’s Project Graduation,” writes Cindy Yoshimura of the 2012 Project Graduation committee.
Jumping in with both feet
Hood River resident Lisa Godard gets her first teaching job half a world away –– in the evolving nation of Myanmar
Saturday, July 14
Mosier Market tests ‘Eat Local Challenge’
Mosier Farmers Market has issued a challenge “pitting family against family, friend against friend, and town against town to see who can eat/earn the most points in our first-ever World Premier Mosier Eat Local Challenge.”
The Ale List: Rivertap flows into Hood River
In July, Hood River News presents The Ale List, a month-long series of articles profiling the producers and purveyors of beer in Hood River County, as part of Oregon Craft Beer Month.
Death Notices: Sterling Kadlec; John Billodeau; Kyle Brogna
Death Notices: Sterling Kadlec; John Billodeau; Kyle Brogna
Letters to the Editor for July 14, 2012
Bike trails are valuable; Stand against coal trains; Another $4 billion; more
CGCC rewards excellence in 2012
Two outstanding members of the Columbia Gorge Community College faculty and staff have netted awards of excellence for the 2011-12 school year. Both share a dedication and belief in their work that others recognize as extraordinary.
Two days and six stages of white-knuckle action
Oregon Enduro series brings best bikers around to Hood River trails
The Oregon Enduro Series stops in Hood River this weekend for the third race of its 2012 tour. The two-day, six-stage event is a mix of cross country and downhill mountain biking on the forested single-track trails of Hood River’s west side.
Burn ban in effect as of July 1
As of July 1, a no-burn policy is in effect for Hood River County. No outdoor fires will be allowed, except under special circumstances (such as agricultural burns) on an as-needed basis.
Historic highway restoration starts Monday
Project includes closure of the Vista House from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31
The historic Vista House overlooking the Columbia River Gorge will be closed for the last three months of 2012 so workers can restore the Crown Point viaduct and repave three miles of the Historic Columbia River Highway between Larch Mountain Road and Latourell Falls.
Challenge filed on city appeal fee
A Hood River resident who filed an initiative for the November ballot to limit city land use appeal fees has challenged the ballot title and language drafted by the Hood River city attorney.
Port to take up cable park issue
The battle over a waterfront hotel project at Nichols Landing is moving to a new front.
Maritime Services files for bankruptcy
Hood River’s Maritime Services Corporation has filed for Chapter 11 protection in Oregon Bankruptcy Court.
Chasing the Light photo contest finalists announced
Finalists for the Chasing The Light juried photography competition have been selected. Their work will be featured at the Columbia Art Gallery’s Chasing The Light show opening Friday, Aug. 3 in Hood River.
Wednesday, July 11
Hood River physician struck on bicycle
Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital surgeon Christeen Osborn, 35, of Hood River, was struck and critically injured at around 1:24 p.m. July 7 while cycling five miles south of Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast.
Side-street Pint Shack serves boulevard of beers
Roll-down is a retro rage these days, but Pint Shack rocks theirs. Look through the street-level roll-down door and see the roll-down world maps, a backdrop to the world of beverages inside the Fourth Street pub.
Saving middle school sports
Riverside, HR Inn aided team effort to keep kids active
When the Hood River County School Board was faced with budgeting for a nearly $2 million shortfall two years ago, a variety of programs and services faced the chopping block. Among the restructurings, reductions and eliminations the board was faced with, axing middle school sports would save the district about $100,000 for the budget cycle.
Death Notices: Delphia Goss; Mildred Fey; Sandy Williams
Death Notices: Delphia Goss; Mildred Fey; Sandy Williams
Gallery at 301 opens
Wine pours where the planning department used to be, and the former city administration building has a new life.
Letters to the Editor: July 11, 2012
Protection; Viewpoints; Bring back candy; more
City gives final Nichols sign-off, Friends intend to sue
If you have enjoyed the thrilling summer-blockbuster land use drama concerning the proposed hotel and commercial building on the Hood River waterfront, you’re in luck. A sequel, and likely a trilogy, have the green light.
Rain Storm Results: Cherries doused by cloudbursts
For every cherry farmer, the key to harvest success at this time of year is fruit maturity, timing, weather and a lot of luck.
The Road to London runs through Oregon
A peek inside the hope, happiness and heartbreak of the U.S. Track and Field
The venues that played host to the 2012 U.S. Olympic track and field trials are drenched in so much tradition that it practically drips from the brows of the competitors and plops in the raindrops falling on the Hayward Field grandstands.
Saturday, July 7
Trio tripped up
An early morning altercation between a juvenile female and an adult male drew police action at Prater’s Motel beginning around 6:45 a.m. July 6.
Letters to the Editor: July 7, 2012
Parade was big success; Hiking etiquette; Smoking reminder; more
Kegs pFill up at pFreim Brewery
It’s Oregon Craft Beer Month, when the state’s breweries celebrate the production of flavorful ales of distinct varieties, usually in small quantities, seasonably prepared and in a diverse set of styles.
Car hits pedestrian
An 80-year-old Auburn, Wash., man is in serious condition after he was hit by a car on West Cascade Avenue Tuesday.
A not so clear-cut clearcut, Part 3
The wound has already started healing.
Little League teams end All-Star runs
Hood River Little League All-Star baseball and softball teams wrapped up District 5 tournament play this week. The tournament included 625 baseball and softball players on teams from 13 Little League associations, ranging from Hood River east to Hermiston and south to Gilchrist.
‘Bigger and bigger every year’
367 runners, 102 walkers at 2012 Kollas-Cranmer Memorial Run
More than 450 walkers and runners turned out Wednesday morning for the annual Kollas-Cranmer Memorial Run. Sunny skies and cool temperatures greeted participants with near-perfect running weather, and as more and more people passed through the registration tables, it was clear the crowd was the largest the run has ever seen.
Coal train derails
While the Hood River City Council has led the way in voicing fiery opposition to coal trains passing through Hood River, the battle over the toxic transports is just beginning. An “up-river” Mesa, Wash., derailment accident on July 2 may just add fuel to those flames.
Walmart: Use it or lose it?
City Council must re-examine Walmart vested right question
Did Walmart lose its right to expand under the Hood River Municipal Code when the store became a nonconforming property and failed to take steps to finish construction?
Gorge Grown Market is in full swing
The Gorge Grown Farmers Market is in full bloom right now. It is one of the most fun and easiest ways to improve your and your family’s health.
Changes announced at Care Center
Dr. Hamada steps down, Dr. Dillon replaces him
Dr. Paul Hamada has stepped down as medical director at Hood River Care Center after 25 years.
Wednesday, July 4
Back to mixed-use
High water level prompts Event Site access change
In response to continued high water on the Columbia River, Port of Hood River Waterfront Coordinator Liz Whitmore requested to the Board of Commissioners that the Event Site be reopened to kiteboard landing and launching until the Hood River sandbar is reasonably accessable for the rest of the summer.
All-star teams still alive in district tournament
As of Monday morning, Hood River has three of its five Little League teams still alive midway through the District 5 all-star tournament at Juniper Hills Park in Madras.
Death Notices for July 4, 2012: Caroline Ashby, William ‘Bill’ Gale
Death Notices for July 4, 2012: Caroline Ashby, William ‘Bill’ Gale
‘Where will it end?’: The future of garbage
Historically, efforts to reduce negative effects relating to our consumption have focused primarily downstream (recycling). That’s changing toward a more holistic life cycle approach coined “materials management.”
Letters to the Editor: July 4, 2012
Kudos due; Government; Many failures; more
A Delight-ful first stop in month-long ale tour
Full Sail spins a colorful twist on county summer beer scene
It’s Oregon Craft Beer Month, when the state’s breweries celebrate the production of flavorful ales of distinct varieties, usually in small quantities, seasonably prepared and in a diverse set of styles.
A not so clear-cut, clearcut, Part 2
By February phone calls were flying back and forth between Friends of the Columbia River Gorge and the Columbia River Gorge Commission.
County payments moving forward
Last fiscal year, Hood River County received $713,038 to spend in support of schools and roads, as part of the Federal Secure Rural Schools program — a program slated to terminate this year.
Orchards affected by ODOT spray
Pear growers report damage to trees, fruit along four highways
While tourists filled the roads during blossom season, an unexpected challenge to local pear orchards quietly took hold amongst those beautiful blooms, along those same roadsides.
‘Thanks,’ say Smiley’s people
With 50 years on Farm Bureau board, ‘the godfather’ is not finished yet
Ralph Smiley sipped water while others toasted him with Heritage pear wine.
Roller Girls take on Melon Smashers
Gorge roller derby travels to Hermiston for first official bout
With only a few months of practice under their belts, the newly formed Gorge Roller Girls competed last weekend in the team’s first-ever bout against the Hermiston Melon Smashers. Roller derby is noted as one of the fastest-growing female sports in the country and teams like GRG and the HMS are popping up all over the Northwest.
Sunday, July 1
A not so clear-cut clearcut Part 1: Timber operations go off reservation
Over the winter 110 acres of trees in a highly sensitive, very visible Gorge hillside were chopped down. Local environmental groups and members of the public claim they had no idea what was going on until chainsaws and bulldozers were already running. Now they want to know why and how it happened.