Meriwether Send-off

Friends, coworkers and associates from around the Gorge greeted Dave Meriwether, second from left, at a catered after-work gathering Wednesday on the Divots patio at Indian Creek Golf Course. Meriwether is in his last weeks as Hood River County Administrator after 15 years. With Meriwether are Sen. Chuck Thomsen, left, Kristi Thomsen, Ellen Larsen and Kathy Eastman. Meriwether was joined by his wife, Tine; they plan to remain in the community. Meriwether has formally retired, though he remains on the job for transition purposes until new administrator Jeff Hecksel starts work Aug. 15.