As we head into summer, there’s help available for changes that could keep your house cool and your energy bills lower.
News from around the Gorge
Police news from White Salmon, The Dalles and Hood River.
The Public Utility Commission of Oregon (PUC) opened an investigation into Parkdale Water Company on July 7 following a public hearing. “Throughout this process, we have learned a great deal and have taken steps to improve our operations," Parkdale Water said in a statement to Columbia Gorge News.
When asked what infrastructure the electricity purchased by Microsoft would support, Keaton Thomas, Avangrid external communications manager, said Bluebird Solar will connect to the regional electric grid and “support the reliable delivery of electricity throughout the region,” but did not identify any specific Microsoft facilities.
On July 21, commissioners placed the Port of Hood River’s Lower Hanel Mill property back on the market after Amazon failed to meet a July 20 deadline to close on the property, located off Highway 35 outside Odell.
Tammy Lohr-Schweitzer from Baker Tilly, an advisory, tax, and assurance firm, attended a Hood River County Board of Commissioners work session July 20 to discuss the county’s fiscal situation. Baker Tilly has worked with county leadership and staff for approximately the past six months.
The White Salmon Valley School District (WSVSD) Board of Directors unanimously passed the 2026-2027 budget after a public hearing held July 23.
The Bingen City Council met on July 21, with a new face at the table: Mayor Kelsey Ramsey and Councilor Erika Ramsey attended the meeting in person along with baby Jesse, born on the Fourth of July.
On July 20, the Klickitat County Planning Commission held a public meeting to discuss first steps for scaling back the Energy Overlay Zone (EOZ), specifically in relation to industrial-sized solar facilities.
Gorge Audio Trails features dozens of audio clips narrated by a range of local ecological, cultural and historical scientists, specialists on everything from bumblebees to Sasquatch.
Sports
Business
WHITE SALMON — After stepping through its bright pink and yellow door, Marcel Good Goods treats your eyes to a bit of everything. Locally sourced paintings, artisan-made furniture, and vintage clothing fill an old car wash-turned-energetic studio space, expertly curated by owner and artist Amy Nowatzki.
The Public Utility Commission of Oregon (PUC) opened an investigation into Parkdale Water Company on July 7 following a public hearing. “Throughout this process, we have learned a great deal and have taken steps to improve our operations," Parkdale Water said in a statement to Columbia Gorge News.
When asked what infrastructure the electricity purchased by Microsoft would support, Keaton Thomas, Avangrid external communications manager, said Bluebird Solar will connect to the regional electric grid and “support the reliable delivery of electricity throughout the region,” but did not identify any specific Microsoft facilities.
On July 21, commissioners placed the Port of Hood River’s Lower Hanel Mill property back on the market after Amazon failed to meet a July 20 deadline to close on the property, located off Highway 35 outside Odell.
The White Salmon Valley School District (WSVSD) Board of Directors unanimously passed the 2026-2027 budget after a public hearing held July 23.
The Bingen City Council met on July 21, with a new face at the table: Mayor Kelsey Ramsey and Councilor Erika Ramsey attended the meeting in person along with baby Jesse, born on the Fourth of July.
Gorge Life
WHITE SALMON — After stepping through its bright pink and yellow door, Marcel Good Goods treats your eyes to a bit of everything. Locally sourced paintings, artisan-made furniture, and vintage clothing fill an old car wash-turned-energetic studio space, expertly curated by owner and artist Amy Nowatzki.
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- Hood River County weighs budget deficit
- White Salmon Valley School District budget passes following public hearing, first bond sold


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