QLife, Jan. 22 — Federal funding to connect 900 Wasco County addresses to broadband was expected last month; it’s unclear when it will arrive. There is interest in a planning contract to do additional expansion efficiently. From Documenter Kathy Omer.
Hood River Transit (CAT), Jan. 21 — The Gorge-to-Mountain service is on track for full launch next month, pending “driver readiness.” A new app, Spare Rider, will roll out soon to help manage on-demand service. And CAT is watching what Oregon lawmakers plan to do about transportation funding when they meet in February. From Documenter Charlie Kelley.
Hood River Library, Jan. 20 — Circulation and library visits have passed pre-pandemic levels. More than 1,700 new library cards were issued last fiscal year, and librarians are working to get every first and second grader signed up. From Documenter Julie Hatfield.
Hood River Fair Board, Jan. 15 — The board is divided over the abrupt departure of the fair manager last month, amid allegations of unprofessional behavior against both board members and the former manager. Several members of the public came to weigh in. Meanwhile, a lot of work on fair planning is underway. From Documenter Kathy Pickering.
NORCOR, Jan. 15 — Northern Oregon Regional Corrections (NORCOR) leadership is examining possible paths for long-term funding, such as potentially shutting down juvenile services or contracting out things like health or IT. The juvenile use of force policy is being updated. And jail administrators want help with transport of federal inmates. From Documenter lynda ontiveros.
White Salmon Planning Commission, Jan. 14 — Commissioners sent their draft 2026 work plan to city council for guidance. The list in no particular order: shared utilities, trash can rules, e-bike regulation, short-term rentals, downtown parking, pre-approved building plans and (it seems) mobile vendors. From Documenter Charlie Kelley.
North Central Public Health District Board. Jan. 13 — The district recently discovered significant financial record-keeping flaws dating back several years, identifying high staff turnover and “sloppy” work as the culprit. The board approved a fix-it plan for submission to the state. Documenter Charles Wiggins.
White Salmon Tree Board, Jan. 12 — A 2024 ordinance created a fee in lieu of replacing trees cut down for new development. But a dollar figure for that fee wasn’t set. The board will research and make recommendations. From Documenter Viviana Hernandez.
Commented