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.
Spanish GED class offered
It is no wonder that local educators have been exploring ways to meet the needs of Spanish-speaking families; close to 30 percent of the population of Hood River County is of Hispanic origin according to the 2010 U.S. Census. In addition, over 28 percent of county residents speak a language other than English in the home.
Little League treasurer pleads guilty to theft
Jennifer Bailey, 41, of Hood River, pleaded guilty to Theft I tied to her embezzlement of $21,451.92 in cash from the Hood River County Little League. Bailey was arrested Nov. 20 and was originally charged with theft in the first degree-aggravated, and forgery in the second degree.
McAndie gets 52 months for attempted kidnap and rape
Former high school teacher pleads guilty
At a recent settlement conference, Donald Stuart McAndie, a hearing specialist who has been employed in Hood River and The Dalles, pleaded guilty to one count each of attempted rape, attempted kidnapping, attempted unlawful sexual penetration and attempted sexual abuse.
Fathers, daughters dance the night away
YoungLife dance event a success
With rhinestones, tiaras, feather boas and elegant attire of every kind on full display, more than 150 beautiful young ladies were joined by their fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and other male mentors at the first-ever YoungLife Father-Daughter Dance on Feb. 23.
Kaleidoscope: HRVHS brings Shakespeare to stage in Hamlet
Ghosts, sword fights, spies, poisoned cups, madness and an evil king will bring intrigue and drama to audiences in the Hood River Valley High School production of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” running weekends March 1 through March 16.
Theft suspect nabbed
Driver also linked to Portland bank robbery
Just after 11 p.m. on Feb. 17, Hood River Police Officer Jacob Ferrer responded to a reported theft of a pickup truck from the 600 block of 30th Street. The man later turned out to be a suspect in a Portland bank robbery.
In photos, (f-stop) bullying
Teen’s photography earns national prize
Sadie Shepard is an artist. She, at just 17, has learned to value her different perspective on the world, and has learned to help others do the same.
Sinfonietta to herald ‘Heroic’ performances
Viola soloist, Beethoven highlighted
Music has always played a part in stirring up patriotism in the hearts of humankind. Two Columbia Gorge Sinfonietta concerts slated for this weekend will explore that phenomenon through their presentation of “The Heroic Spirit in Music.”
USPS changes might create local effects
“The only constant is change,” said Kevin Branson, USPS postmaster for Hood River. Being practical and adaptable is just part of the work he does.
HR rockers win battle in PDX
Walter & the Conqueror is living up to its name.
HRVHS ranks near top of state graduation rates
Deputy Supt. for Public Instruction Rob Saxton announced this week that Oregon’s student graduation rates for 2012 were up slightly over the past year.
Work, respect and purpose are the elixir for this romance
Standing amid the sawdust-laden benches under a bower of woodworking tools, Deb and Dan Baxter of Hood River exude the calm confidence, directness and easy manner of longtime work mates — a perfect analogy for their marriage of 30 years.
Pair pulls man from icy waters
Joey Soto and Cory Gross jumped to the rescue of 77-year-old man
Two young heroes employed at the Best Western Hood River Inn took fast action at the Columbia River on Tuesday around 1:25 p.m., pulling a 77-year-old man to safety from frigid river water. The victim’s family has requested his name be withheld.
Teen artists and writers recognized for excellence
People visiting Hood River often remark on the high level of creative expression evident in the community. Apparently, that culture of artistry begins early.
Leaders change, Nestlé proceeds
In Cascade Locks, future use of Oxbow Springs pending
Some of the first specific steps needed to secure water resources for a proposed Nestlé bottling facility are now under way for the City of Cascade Locks, despite a roller-coaster of leadership.
Teen photographers inspired at WAAAM
It seems that the sleek industrial beauty of autos and airplanes can inspire a wide-range of creative interpretation. That is what photography students of HRVHS art teacher Amirra Malak discovered while on a recent photo shoot hosted by the Western Antique, Aeroplane and Automobile Museum on Tucker Road.
Hood River pears heading to China
Big sales expected as U.S. fruit gains major global market
As any good economist can tell you, one of the biggest emerging markets for U.S. goods can be found halfway around the world — in China.
Father-daughter dance supports healthy fun
Dads, uncles, grandfathers and male mentors of young women — now is the time to start a new tradition of fun and festivities with the girls in your life.
Changes at La Clínica
Community health center grows — and restructures
The sluggish economy affects more than just for-profit businesses and La Clínica Del Cariño community health center is just one of many local and statewide charitable organizations feeling those effects.
Dancer dares to do the Paso Doble
Paso Doble: Just saying the name of this Latin dance elicits romantic images of strong men, beautiful women, measured movements and passionate guitar strums.
Benefit for Chamber Singers is Thursday
Jazz, harmony and Irish music featured
Tim Mayer and the Groove Project are pulling out the stops to support the HRVHS Chamber Singers’ upcoming tour to Ireland.
Cases against McAndie, Bailey continued on procedural reasons
On Monday, two cases that have drawn close public attention again came before the court, but both received procedural delays.
Cascade Locks Ale House opens taps
New owners savor stories and spirits
A quartet of hopeful beer enthusiasts is setting down new roots in Cascade Locks at what was formerly known as the Pacific Crest Pub and Hostel.
Project Graduation asks for help
Party slated for June 7, parent and business support needed
When it comes to celebrating graduation, a longtime, local tradition helps keep Hood River Valley High School seniors safe, sober and sharing a great night of fun. The annual all-night event, to be hosted this year on June 7, is called Project Graduation.
A slice of local life: Who we are and what we do
Adopt a Dog and Linda Vanderberg
With this article, the Hood River News begins a new weekly series offering a glimpse into the daily lives of local individuals and organizations.
Smoke alarm saves home
A working smoke alarm and a quick fire department response helped prevent what could have been a devastating house fire on Jan. 6 at 1605 Sherman Ave. in Hood River.
Year in Review: A dynamic 2012 Part 2
Part Two of Two
Following are selected items from the second half of 2012 found in the headlines and photo essays offered in the Hood River News. (Part 1 ran in the Jan. 2 edition.)
Year in Review: A dynamic 2012
Part One of Two
Whether you took to the streets against coal trains or fought for the right to ship local water to parts unknown in plastic bottles, the first six months of 2012 provided plenty of opportunities to become part of the local news scene.
Oregon Culture Trust matches arts donations
Dec. 31 is the deadline for 2012 tax credit
Supporters of Oregon’s arts, heritage and humanities have just hours remaining to take advantage of a very special incentive to sustain Oregon culture.
Celebration will honor poet Stafford
The renowned former Poet Laureate of Oregon, William Stafford, would have been 99 on Jan. 17.
Three safe after rescue
Six agencies search White River Canyon on Mount Hood
A trio of backcountry enthusiasts, attempting an overnight snowshoe trip into the White River Canyon area of Mount Hood, was ultimately rescued on Dec. 24 after becoming lost in heavy snowfall conditions and dense fog on Dec. 23.
A holiday up-twist to the ‘Hit and Run’
The teams arrived in cheerful clusters to the front lobby of Walmart on Dec. 16, with charitable hearts a-ready and gift lists in hand.
Big Brothers mixes gratitude and friendship
“Bigs” and “Littles” celebrated together on Dec. 8, when the Moose Lodge in The Dalles hosted its annual Breakfast with Santa for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Columbia Gorge.
More Christmas Memories from the Hood River News staff: ‘The best time of year’: Christmas is found in the music
I can still picture the moment each December when we would open up the old piano bench and dig down through to find the treasure trove of sheet music for Christmas.
A son’s unexpected gift arrives just in time
If you can hear the soft, lilting voice of Bing Crosby singing “I’ll be home for Christmas ... You can count on me ...” then you already know that sweet, sorrowful mixture of love and sadness that comes when a soldier away from home longs for a return to family for the holidays.
Cascade Locks plugs in
New electric car charging station dedicated
The weather was rainy and windy, typical for a winter’s day in Cascade Locks, but the moods of the gathered electric vehicle enthusiasts were warm and sunny.
Ice: tips for safe driving
It’s called “black ice” because it tends to look like the rest of the pavement on the road.
‘Oh, the weather outside is ...’
Tuesday morning brought a cold blast of winter reality when the first two-hour delay notice arrived through countywide email alerts telling families that the season of snowy roads is upon us.
‘A Night to Remember’ benefits HRMS programs
Spirited creativity may be found in both familiar and unfamiliar places within the walls of Hood River Middle School. In the spirit of holiday giving and celebration, on Thursday 7-8:30 p.m., two of the most engaging programs at HRMS will be offering “A Night to Remember,” an evening of music, delicious desserts and a chance to support kids and teachers with vision.
Helping in Uganda: Knitting broken lives together
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” — Mister Rogers
Neighbors raise concerns over cell tower plan
The Hood River County Planning Department is fielding inquiries and concerns from several neighbors near Westside Elementary School over the proposed installation of a 160-foot-tall commercial cell tower.
‘Health Care for All’ workshop is today
A local coalition of doctors, nurses, other health care providers and community members are banding together to create a new vision for health care in the Gorge and across Oregon.
Canned food fever ignites charitable spirit
The annual “pie-in-the-sky” target is 200,000 cans of food collected for Hood River County residents in need. Last year, the Hood River Valley High School student food drive for FISH food bank netted close to 124,000.
PSU leaders bring education message to Latino youth
CGCC hosts forum, provides local stepping stone
“It was never a question that I would go to college,” said Chief Diversity Officer Jilma Meneses of Portland State University. “It was never a question that my daughters would go to college.”
Aaron Meyer sets strings and audiences afire
Dec. 9 concert benefits United Way agencies
Imagine a sumptuous musical mixture of rock, pop and classical all swirled together like a peppermint parfait served up by world-class musicians presented with high energy and uplifting spirit.
D.A. fights bail reduction in McAndie rape case
Judge sets $100,000 cash bail, release contingencies
The tension and disturbing allegations tied to a five-count indictment for rape and kidnap allegedly committed by Home Valley, Wash., resident and former teacher Donald Stuart McAndie were palpable Tuesday morning in the Hood River courtroom of Judge Paul Crowley.
HR foundation funds iPad project
An innovative tech-teaching project is under way in Hood River County thanks to the Hood River County Education Foundation’s Innovative Teaching grant program, according to Paul Lindberg, executive director for the organization.