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Kirby Neumann-Rea

Stories by Kirby

Rock on, John Field

In three months immersed in the classics, I found my rock ‘n’ roll fix in a Field.

Found on the ground: An appreciation of an under-appreciated garment, the glove

An appreciation of an “Gloves are very interesting. It’s almost like a second skin, because they’ve been with us for so long.” — Wren Andrews

County Board approves modified zone change

Accessory buildings: Larger issue of renting units will wait for another day

The Hood River County Board of Commissioners voted Monday to open a small door within a wide issue.

8-year-old saves family in Parkdale fire

Quick-thinking Julisa Ramirez, 8, saved her family from tragedy Sunday in the first house fire in Parkdale in more than five years.

‘Feast of Words’ raises volumes for Hood River library

Saturday’s Feast of Words turned out to be an encyclopedia of giving.

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‘We deserve it’: Speakers call for immigration reform

Case made for legally putting qualified immigrants back in the driver’s seat

Speakers told their tales of legal obstacles and life realities at a forum on immigration reform last week in Hood River.

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Pfriem Family Brewing will expand this spring

Pfriem Family Brewing More room to make beer — and bottle it, too.

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Setting sights on ciders

HR Ciderworks, Fox-Tail, Hood Valley all start up

Will Hood River become the cider capital of America?

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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

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Behind the scenes of a Hood River News press run

Ever wanted to see where your newspaper comes from? Watch the video to get a glimpse!

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Amanda Birch, once a teen pilot, now flies Blackhawks

The newly licensed 16-year-old pilot profiled in a 1999 edition of the Hood River News has moved way beyond Cessna.

Michael Glover to direct Chamber of Commerce

Resume includes three years with Bend Visitor Bureau

Michael Glover of McCall, Idaho, will be the new executive director of the Hood River Chamber of Commerce.

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Response to flood bonds Full Sail brew crew

Water ruins 1,800 cases, but employee-owners save stacks of Full Sail ale

Twenty-five guys gathered around beers on a Sunday morning but it wasn’t to watch sports on TV.

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Pine Grove auction packs them in

The 49th annual Pine Grove Fire Department auction on Saturday “went real smooth,” chairman Mike Frahm said. “We had a good year. It was good crowd, about normal, but it stayed longer.

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Elks build outward while working from within: Old organization draws new blood with athletics and events

Workout area will replace former pool; Facilities an asset for members and community activities

In an effort to attract new members and better serve existing ones, Hood River Elks Lodge is taking steps to upgrade its athletic facilities. The lodge offers two racquetball courts, a selection of weights, treadmills, stationary bikes and other basic equipment and locker/shower rooms with saunas, but it’s no secret that the amenities have seen better days and are in need of a facelift.

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A slice of local life: Warm welcome at the ‘troll bridge’

CASCADE LOCKS — Friendliness is more than idle talk for Peggy Towery. “Hey, doing fine, how about you?”

Rep. Johnson talks ‘Gorge Center for Regional Innovation’

Rep. Mark Johnson told the Chamber of Commerce at Friday’s Appreciation dinner that a high-tech educational facility to serve the Gorge is looking increasingly likely for Hood River.

At Chamber, it’s fun with honors

An enjoyable comic book spirit filled the room Friday in the annual Chamber of Commerce Appreciation Dinner, but members also heard encouraging news about college text books.

A slice of local life: Library’s family programs plant many seeds

What’s happening at the library these days?

Fire auction seeks donations

March 2 event supports Pine Grove volunteers

That annual jolt.

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Trail guide Art Carroll receives state honor

For his dedication to local recreation, Art Carroll of Hood River recently won his second state award in just over two years.

Hood River Police search for suspect

Law enforcement uses Facebook to aid search for Safeway wallet thief

Hood River Police are using social media to identify a suspect in a recent theft case.

Gorge churches honor Warming Shelter’s Andy Wade

Keynote speaker John Boonstra calls for action on climate change

Andy Wade, “the CEO of the Warming Shelter,” received the 2013 Inspired Service and Action Award from Gorge Ecumenical Ministries.

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Cascade Locks Council appoints three

One position remains open after Monday’s meeting; Mayor may come calling

If you are a registered voter in Cascade Locks you may be hearing soon from Mayor Tom Cramblett about serving on city council.

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The ‘Picking experience’ grew into steadfast love

“We enjoyed spending time together, and we had the same goals,” Mary Ellen Picking said of the longevity of her marriage with Chuck Picking, 90.

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A slice of local life: Heidi Huskey, Parkdale School secretary

“I love every minute of every day.”

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Despite best efforts, CRC rivalry falls the way of the Eagle-Indians

HRV boys and girls hoops fall short at home against The Dalles-Wahtonka

A crowd split evenly between supporters for Hood River Valley and The Dalles-Wahtonka witnessed one of the more exciting basketball games in years Tuesday at Vannet Court.

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Kaleidoscope: Mentoring

What works, who's involved, and how to help

‘You are an important part of some lucky child’s life right now.’ That’s how Bob Camillucci put it to a gathering of mentors on a recent Saturday morning. Camillucci, a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Columbia Gorge, and himself a mentor, was addressing fellow “Bigs” and supporters, but he could have been talking about nearly any program in the community where caring adults meet on a regular basis to provide guidance, teaching and friendship to young people.

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Ace Ken Jernstedt dies at 95

Oregon’s first flying ace died Monday at age 95.

Meeting the Match: Next Door Inc. reaches major goal

The goal was reached well before closing time Thursday for the first-ever matching grant given to the Next Door Inc.

Street devices improve safety at Hood River Middle School

Safety devices known as “candlesticks” seem to light the way on May Street in front of Hood River Middle School.

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Balloons, not blocks: Mentors use relationships to help youths

In his National Mentorship Month proclamation in January, President Barack Obama wrote, “Mentors know that helping a child unlock his or her full potential starts with care, guidance and support. find the strength within themselves.”

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Eighth-graders quiz Rep. Greg Walden

Topics include coal, forest funds, gun violence and bullying

Students got to know the issues, and got to know the legislator, in Friday’s classroom Q-and-A with Rep. Greg Walden.

Yellow Alert: Teens stick to prevention

Young people spending time in the beer aisles on Feb. 1 were there for the community good.

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Runners-up get nod in Cascade Locks

City Council to offer seats to Helfrich, Randall, Hesgard

The City of Cascade Locks will go to the polls to try to fill its vacant City Council positions. Past poll results, that is.

Gorge ‘Big Brothers’ program lauds mentors

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Gorge honored three special mentors Saturday at the annual “Big Breakfast” event in the Best Western Hood River Inn Gorge Room.

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One young man helps another

Odell seventh-grader takes to heart a friend’s cancer fight

ODELL — Jaydon Gabriel wears his caring on his wrist, not on his sleeve.

Turning a garage into a New Leaf

Teen gallery opens this week, offers varied classes

Big ideas are behind the small studio on Seventh Street in Hood River.

Next Door needs $1,860 to meet $100K matching grant

Next Door Inc. is on the verge of a major capital goal.

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Kaleidoscope: Bullshot Crummond

Complete with monocle, physical farce returns to the Hood River stage

The next CAST play provides more derring-do and devilish deeds than you can shake a stuffed duck at.

ROUND TABLE

Five crazy ideas for saving college athletics and academics

News item: the two highest paid public employees in Oregon are the head football coaches at Oregon State and University of Oregon.

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Clutch shooting lifts Horizon girls to victory

Kasia Neilsen stood strong in the post and muscled in the go-ahead basket with six seconds left Saturday and the Horizon Christian School girls basketball team defeated the visiting Nixyaawii Eagles.

Eagles fall short against Pendleton

Close, but no free throws.

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Fourth quarter rally too little, too late for Eagle boys

Friday’s loss to Hermiston gave a few peeks into the future of HRVHS basketball. Freshmen Skylar Hunter and Parker Kennedy both scored, including a nifty fast-break score from Kennedy to Hunter, as coach Steve Noteboom gave his younger players extensive court time in the 64-49 loss to the Columbia River Conference opponent.

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Three city council members call it quits in Cascade Locks

The “new” council has abruptly changed in Cascade Locks. Randy Holmstrom, Mark Storm and Brad Lorang have left the council, submitting their letters of resignation to city hall, one week after their first public meeting with a newly elected mayor and two new council members.

Fourth quarter rally too little, too late

Friday’s loss to Hermiston gave a few peeks into the future of HRVHS basketball.

Pie Night serves ‘good, clean’ fun

HRVHS Booster Club event raises $471, deliciously

Pie Night, a multi-flavored fundraiser, earned $471 for Hood River Valley High School Booster Club on Friday

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A slice of local life: Joe Silliman, Cooper Spur Resort

Joe Silliman wants “community” to be the common ingredient in everything served at Cooper Spur Mountain Resort restaurant.

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HRV girls rally, twice, but fall short against Buckaroos

You have to dig yourself a hole to get to a last-ditch effort.

Remembering Artist John Bennett

The joy of art is ‘You see what gives you a charge’

“I’ll just keep in the background because too much talking can spoil the effect.” — John Bennett, July 2012