This week in history: Aug. 13-20, 2025

— Hood River News

Eight Hood River joy-riders, admittedly under the spell of a new moon, crept noiselessly under the fence and into the patch of watermelons owned by William Byers near here at midnight last night. They walked out amid hysterical giggles on the part of four girls and weak smiles of chagrin on the faces of the four young men, at the point of a shotgun. At 1:30 o’clock this morning the eight, directed by Byers and a helper, arrived at the office of Sheriff Levi Chrisman ... The raiders must return Monday afternoon to face criminal charges in the justice court.

Frank C. Shoemaker, about 45 years old, an employe [sic] on the Pierson Brothers’ ranch near Moro, was fatally injured yesterday when he was caught in the machinery of a combine. He died at 7 o’clock last night.

— The Dalles Chronicle

1945 — 80 years ago

Growers Reminded of Post-War Era: AGA Members Hear Review of Past Year

Probably because there is so much to be done in orchards at this season of the year and, perhaps, because the big cooperative is being operated so efficiently, the attendance at Apple Growers Association annual summer meeting, held at Pythian hall Saturday of last week, was on the light side; in fact at the afternoon meeting, less than 50 listened to the various reports submitted ...

— Hood River News

Sgt. George E. Foster, formerly of Friend, has received a citation for meritorious service in the marine corps in the Iwo Jima campaign, according to word received by Mrs. Alvie Delco, his sister, who resided on Route 3, The Dalles. The citation, signed by H. J. Withers, colonel in command, related that Sgt. Foster, “While in combat at Iwo Jima, transmitted vital intelligence about the enemy. This information enabled the regimental commander to expedite operations and accomplish our mission with the least possible loss of life and time.”

— The Dalles Chronicle

Columbia River Powers Aids Making Atomic Bombs

As an essential ingredient in the manufacture of the atomic bomb which blasted the port of Hiroshima in Japan on Monday, Columbia river power may be a determining factor in shortening the war with Japan thus saving many thousands of American lives, Bonneville Power Administrator Paul J. Ravor stated today.

With the partial lifting of the veil of secrecy which has cloaked the great Hanford project throughout the war years, revelation was made by Ravor and members of the Bonneville engineering staff of the contribution which an uninterrupted source of power has made to the perfection of the war’s deadliest weapon.

— White Salmon Enterprise

1965 — 60 years ago

Former County Judge Files Salary Lawsuit

Borris Higgins of Parkdale, former county judge whose job was cut short by a new county charter, has filed suit in circuit court to find out if he is entitled to pay for two unemployment years of his term Hood River county ... He was elected to a six-year term starting January 31, 1961, at a salary of $7,000 annually, divided into monthly payments. It was a term that he would never fulfill because of an election last year.

— Hood River News

Water consumption has reached such heights during the present hot spell that city officials are urging conservation practices including observance of the regulation that no yard sprinkling be practiced between the hours of 9 p.m. and 4 a.m.

This year’s early-ripening and fairly good huckleberry crop is ready for picking in many forest areas.

— The Dalles Chronicle

Completion of Huckleberry Festival plans had indicated there are areas where organizations could operate booths at the Festival without competition with fundraising projects necessary for financing the day.

There was never was the slightest desire to play “Dog in the manger” in this matter, says Clarence Irwin, Festival General Chairman. “The only purpose for requesting organizations not to set up competitive booths was the help assure the necessary financial goal of paying the expenses for the day and hoping to have some surplus for the field lights.”

— White Salmon Enterprise

1985 — 40 years ago

“Shadows” ordered off walks

Sidewalk shadows to commemorate the bombing of Hiroshima 40 years ago must be washed up or citations will be issued, the city council decided Monday ... Though the shadows are part of a nationwide nuclear protest, laws covering criminal mischief can be applied, said Bob McGee, chief of police. A citation for each shadow could be issued if they are not washed away by Monday, Aug. 19.

“Portland granted a 24-hour permit,” because the city knew the shadow protest was coming, said Mayor Jim Walker. “But local businesses here are complaining that the paint won’t wash off. The law was violated but nothing was done.”

— Hood River News

The city of The Dalles will apply for funding from the state Department of Transportation to establish bicycle path routes in the city.

The cost of the 1985 weed abatement program in the city brought a crowd of concerned property owners to the Monday night council meeting with complaints that weed removal costs this year were as much as 10 times what had been paid last year.

Stricter water quality limits for discharges at the Martin Marietta Aluminum plant are included in a state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) permit.

— The Dalles Chronicle

What’s new on Glenwood’s campus this year? “Being a new school, we’re going to build a track and baseball diamond and equip the school with more computers,” Anderson said, with funds from the operation and maintenance budget and general fund.

Glenwood also has joined a special education cooperative, involving approximately 10 other districts, sponsored by Educational Service District 112. “It’s a new concept of an old idea,” noted the business manager. “And we should have a pretty fair extracurricular program this year.”

— White Salmon Enterprise