THE GORGE — Here is part 2 of our Winter Heroes series, where readers sent in stories of people who went above and beyond during the winter storm that hit the area two weeks ago.
Columbia Gorge News will finish the list in the Feb. 7 issue. Thanks to everyone who participated.
— Trisha Walker
Tyler Sparks
My husband, Tyler Sparks, works for The Dalles Disposal and the whole crew was off for a week from the 15-19. So, from the 17-19, my husband drove around town helping people that were stuck from the plow berms, stuck in their driveways or helping friends/neighbors get groceries. He’s not a professional tow truck driver but he’s just a big heart in a Tacoma with a wench and four wheel drive. He never asked for payment, just to pay it forward. I just wanted to recognize him for his good job and service to his community. — Wife Sam Sparks
Jeff Hafford
My husband passed away five months ago and I just went on our annual Hawaii trip for January. It was my first trip without him. When I returned home on Jan. 13, the pipes were frozen at my home. I tried everything that I knew how to do to get them unfrozen by myself. I had space heaters under my sinks, I heated up my crawlspace, I did everything possible.
Finally, two days later, a friend of mine, Jeff Hafford came over and got my water going within a few hours. I’m so thankful for the community that I live in. A day or so after, I got a text from a friend that her pipes were also frozen. Jeff went right over and got her fixed up real quick. The Columbia River, Gorge, and Stevenson, Washington rocks! — Kristy McCaskell
Gorge Mobile Notary
My partner and I took pizzas to the stuck truckers in Hood River and Ixtapa in Hood River gave out full meals too! — Rena George
Lake Taco
Enrique Ortega from Lake Taco took food to the truckers stuck by the marina in Hood River. — Anonymous
Lucas Ward
Lucas Ward (Wa Lu) helped plow for numerous folks on both sides of the river in addition to ensuring local houseless vets were safe and cared for. — Anneke Ayers
Carringon Barrs
Our neighbor, Carringon Barrs, kept our driveway plowed since we don’t have a plow. He plowed our driveway twice, and our private road, plus he plowed a gas station so he could get diesel gas. — Kim Dunn, Hood River
Cascade Locks helpers
In Cascade Locks: Wade Curtis offered errands/rides/grocery runs/towing and vehicle recovery for locals; Darrell and Linnea Prowett plowed driveways/snow removal with their personal tractor; Denise E. Baker, Joshua Baker and Thunder Island Brewing Company for providing and facilitating a warming shelter for displaced folks without water/power; Shelly Olvera, Cascade locks Ale House, provided breakfast for first responders/ODOT/City Maintenance Personnel; John Logan, our local fire chief, patrolled our neighborhood, being on call literally 24/7, responding to local emergencies and also pouring coffee at The Ale House for first responders and locals escaping the cold.
There were so many others, not mentioned here, that rose to the occasion of selflessly helping our small community — thank you! — Baron Lorang, Cascade Locks
Joshua Beckner and John Logan. — Roger McCain
Baron Lorang offered free food and grocery delivery in Cascade Locks. — Kaile’a Coffee Co.
Baron Lorang offered food, grocery runs, whatever they needed since they couldn’t get out to get essentials.” — Amanda Mendez and many others who wanted to recognize Baron Lorang’s help
Nick Lannarone
Nick Lannarone was a super helper at the quick set up Thunder Island Brewing Company warming center when the power was out all over Cascade Locks. — Dennis E. Baker
HR EMS
I’d love to recognize our Hood River Emergency Management Manager, Charles Young, Facilities Manager Matt Jordan, and the 911 team lead by Eric Stolhand. Tireless work on behalf of our Hood River Citizens and County. — Allison Williams
Chuck Chandler and team
Chuck Chandler and his team have been assisting their neighbors all week plowing roads before he makes the long journey to work where he serves the people of Hood River. — Christina Joy
Aaron Kreps
Artistic Excavation/Aaron Kreps. — Trevor Jostad
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