County sites go tobacco-free
In closed session, commissioners examine LUBA ruling on Barrett Park
Three members of the Hood River Commission on Children and Families arrived in force to hear the Hood River County Board of Commissioners’ decision during its May 20 regular meeting on whether to make all county properties “Tobacco and Smoke-Free.”
Photo of the day: Good rain
Weekend weather in Hood River calls for showers and 64-66 degrees; good days for a wander through Good News Gardening with your umbrella.
LUBA: County erred in Barrett Park decision
Average citizens who serve as representatives on local boards and commissions are charged with rendering decisions on often contentious and legally complex issues. In recent years, Hood River City Council members and commissioners alike have been asked to issue verdicts on far-reaching questions that have sent teams of lawyers scrambling for tiny details and complex legal language interpretations supporting their positions. Sometimes errors occur in that process, even with extensive research and diligence by those representatives.
Local cake baker’s gay marriage cake denial hits national news
Mt. Hood specialty cake designer, Pam Regentin, owner of Fleur Cakes, has made national news, following another Oregon business, “Sweet Cakes” of Gresham, in deciding against providing a wedding cake to a same sex couple. The incident occurred this week when Katie Pugh, a naturopathic physician contacted Regentin to arrange for a wedding cake for an upcoming ceremony in Hood River. Pugh was communicating by phone and then follow-up email when she used the word “she,” referring to her partner, Erin Hansen. The couple is from Portland.
Kaleidoscope: Happy trails ... for you
Imagine a sculpted, looping series of trails that wind through city neighborhoods, along creek sides, through parks, schools and open lands — allowing any trail user beautiful and easy access to experience Hood River on a personal, down-to-earth level.
Photo of the day: Oncoming storm
April showers bring May flowers but this incoming storm on May 13 brought a bit of majestic beauty.
City will annex Westcliff Drive
The hotels have been fixtures in the Hood River lodging landscape for generations. Now, they will become official members of the City of Hood River. During the May 13 City Council meeting, the Vagabond Lodge and the Columbia Gorge Hotel, along with a remaining unincorporated sliver of Westcliff Drive, were annexed into city boundaries. A total of 16.5 acres will now fall under full, city jurisdiction.
Photo of the day: Savor the sunsets
Expect a few more days of glorious sunsets like this one on Mt. Adams as seen from Barrett Drive near Alameda. High today of 88 is predicted with 82 on Saturday then expected rain on Sunday and a high of only 70. Monday temperatures will drop to 64 with continued predicted rain.
Mother’s Day is more than meets the eye
Roots of the day run deep; official U.S. designation came in 1914
Appearing as a recent phenomenon — promoting the sale of chocolates and greeting cards — Mother’s Day has a rich heritage that carries more history and meaning than we may now recognize.
Mother’s Day Musings
Mothers’ Day is May 12. We asked five Hood River residents of varying ages to tell us, “What do you love about your mother?” as a kind of Mothers’ Day card to moms everywhere.
$12M port budget reviewed
Plans for marina renovations and the completion of the airport runway extension will highlight Port of Hood River capital projects in the remainder of this fiscal year and through the next budget cycle.
Photo of the day: Let's go fly a kite
Sunny skies, warm winds and cool water. Columbia River playground is now open.
Project Graduation to raffle car and scooter
Seniors eligible, gift tickets okay
Every teen dreams of having their own wheels. Thanks to Project Graduation, two lucky seniors at HRV will have that wish fulfilled if they attend the senior graduation night party planned for June 7.
Warm, dry spring means increased fire danger early
Two wildfires broke out over the weekend near The Dalles, timed perfectly for the beginning of “Wildfire Awareness” week in Oregon, and serving as early warning for Gorge residents.
Photo of the day: Mountain's majesty
Mt. Hood as seen from McCurdy Farms fruit stand at Tucker Road and Portland Drive.
With persistence, contractor sees his invention reach new heights
Everyone knows the challenge and fear of carrying out home maintenance jobs that require tool management while standing on a sloped roof.
Spirits distillery in the works at waterfront business park
If the valley’s myriad gem-tone wines and amber-colored brew selections are not to your liking, another adult beverage producer is about to remedy that for visitors and locals alike – and no, that wouldn’t be another hard cider operation.
City wrangles with budget
Fire services vs. parks discussed
Park maintenance and mowing have been on the list of concerns voiced by citizens at recent City Council meetings. The impacts of city budget constraints are becoming more visible to the general public.
Frosty weather takes toll on crops
Cherry commission estimates 5-10 percent loss in HR valley
You’ve probably heard it: that hearty, rhythmic thwop-thwop-thwop that rouses you from your early morning dreams. Or you may have noticed a brownish-dull haze hanging in the skies.
Teens’ good wishes sail across the Valley
The colorful string of handcrafted flags lifted into the air, fluttering peacefully in the Hood River winds. Teens and teachers raised their hands in benediction, sending their wishes for peace, prosperity, kindness and community out toward the towns they call home.
Eager to achieve
Spanish GED program brings local learners together
Gleaming rays of evening light illuminate the cafeteria of Hood River Middle School, providing an appropriate reflection of the uplifted mood shared by the 65 or so adults gathered inside.
Photo of the day: Flowers in the field
Atop York Hill, mustard flowers frame a cloud capped Mt. Hood.
Runner’s story is a triumph amidst tragedy
Inundated by the tragic aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings, it would be easy to forget the many stories of hope connected to the run itself.
Teammates rally around teen
Two Cystic Fibrosis fundraisers planned April 28, May 4-5
Courtney Erikson is a softball player. She understands that no one player succeeds without the help and support of their teammates and that every homerun is the result of each player’s contributions towards a unified goal.
Earth Day, waterfront cleanup draw crowds
With volunteer workers edging over a hundred adults plus innumerable child-helpers, the Earth Day celebration and Waterfront park cleanup event on Saturday simultaneously brought smiles to faces and much-needed order to park landscaping.
City Council hears park concerns, roadway issues
Monday’s city council meeting brought new information tied to two large proposals — the Naito development at Nichols Boat Basin and a proposed annexation of Westcliff Drive into city boundary lines — and a small contingent of city residents alarmed about maintenance cuts now under way at nine city-owned parks.
‘Adventures’ arrive in Hood River
Safari inspires book, vision leads to new publishing business
Joe O’Neill stands tall, wears a good-natured smile and hides a twinkle of mischief in his eyes — appropriate for a man who has experienced real-life adventures in both literal and high-tech jungles before making his home in Hood River.
Parkdale Grange dinner funds stolen
After a long day’s work sharing some home-cooked meals with visitors and locals alike, the Parkdale Grange found itself the victim of an unknown thief after the Blossom Fest gathering wrapped up on Saturday
Earth Day, waterfront cleanup draw crowds
With volunteer workers edging over a hundred adults plus innumerable child-helpers, the Earth Day celebration and Waterfront park cleanup event on Saturday simultaneously brought smiles to faces and much-needed order to park landscaping.
Mentors bring success to local youth, community
There are 15 teens in the Gorge who can now boast something not many others can say they have: a mentor.
LUBA rules on Naito
Ruling cites for errors by city in waterfront decision
The Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals recently issued a ruling that will require the Hood River City Council to address several land use planning “errors” made when the city approved an application to develop a hotel and commercial building complex at the Hood River waterfront near exit 62.
A slice of local life: Apple Valley artist creates homemade perfection
The sweet aroma of delicious dark purple berries bubbling on the stove. Vibrant patterned fabric aprons and purses hanging gaily from antique wooden racks. Delectable pies of every variety calling out, tempting, from inviting display cases.
Crash at county building proves fatal
An elderly man driving a gold Subaru Legacy crashed into a GMC Sierra truck parked in front of the Hood River County Administration building at 601 State St. on Thursday, at 4:04 p.m.
City rules on County Club Road issues
Flood plain concerns dominate Naito waterfront project talks
Two large projects at opposite ends of the city were the focus of attention at the Hood River City Council meeting on April 8.
Emerald isle enchants HRV singers with a bejeweled journey and a bit’o mischief
The inspiring quote above, often misattributed as the U.S. Postal Service motto, is fitting to describe the Hood River Valley High School Chamber Singers’ recent adventures in Ireland during a nine-day performance tour.
Emergency voucher program needs help
More volunteers, money needed to serve community
Last year more than 500 individuals sought a helping hand through the Hood River Emergency Voucher Program: About 200 of those were children.
A slice of local life: Good News for the Garden — Rhea Hergenrather
As delicate scents waft on softening spring breezes, a stroll through the life’s work of Rhea Hergenrather will bring most visitors a deep sense of wonder and calm.
Sue Collins pleads guilty, moves away
One year has passed since Hood River travel agent Sue Collins, owner of Cascade Travel, left Kay Ericksen and her daughter Sarah Keller of Hood River scrambling for Disneyland vacation airline tickets at triple the price, just hours before their flight was to take off. The family had paid for their trip months in advance.
Project Graduation seeking donors, volunteers
Graduation night: A night to remember and potentially, a night to worry about.
Community College budget under-funded
CGCC sees huge rise in enrollment and inadequate funding
Dr. Frank Toda, president of Columbia Gorge Community College, is taking an energetic stance in response to recent proposed Oregon State budget plans that would impact CGCC’s budget significantly.
A slice of local life: A principal’s principles pave way for pupils
Whistle? Check. Mighty Miles certificates and Dragon Dineros? Check. Clothespin hall passes? Check. Bullhorn, two-way radio and blood-borne pathogens safety kit?
Coal protesters cry foul
Citizen groups say coal export is the wrong choice for the country and the Columbia River Gorge
“We’re going to stop that coal with the power of the soul!” recited Chaplain Mark Thomas of Hood River to the gathering local citizens.
Arts in Education award named for Steighner
“For artistry, excellence and dedication in arts education in our schools and community”: That is how a newly created award will honor future dedicated educators in Hood River County. This year’s first recipient of those eloquent accolades however is Hood River Valley High School Music Director Mark Steighner.
It's all in the family
A look at some family-owned businesses in the Gorge
Mother and son personify yin and yang; Davises grow, work together; Sheppards: Business success rests on enjoying each other's company; Capovillas: 'Simple, straight-up' pub family
HR lawmakers support in-state ‘tuition equity’
Two Hood River-based Republican representatives recently joined forces in an effort to pass a tuition equity bill for undocumented students in Oregon.
A slice of local life: Blooming business brings beauty
Tammy Hall began her love affair with flowers when she was just 16. That’s when she took on the mantle of floral delivery person for her parents’ flower shop on the Heights. She’s taken a few detours since then, but always wound her way back to the blossoms.
Spring weather brings blossoms
Get ready for buds, bees and beauty. Hood River is about to awaken for spring.
HRV robotic teams advance to state
Three Hood River Valley High School robotics teams won state championship slots at OMSI’s First Tech Challenge qualifying tournament on Feb. 24. They all advance to finals this weekend.
Wyden to pursue Secure Rural Schools funds again
Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., recently pledged to extend the Secure Rural Schools program for at least another year, hoping to buy time to craft a long-term solution for replacement of lost timber harvest funds and blocked tax revenue for rural communities. The legislative pair currently chair two powerful committees in the Senate and represent some of the hardest hit timber-reliant counties in the country.
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