Wildfire workshop Thursday
UNDERWOOD — Underwood Conservation District and Washington Department of Natural Resources host a free wildfire workshop on Thursday, March 14 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Underwood Community Center, 951 Schoolhouse Road. All residents in Underwood and the surrounding region are invited to participate.
Michael McNorvell, Washington Department of Natural Resources and Charlie Landsman, Underwood Conservation District, will discuss defensible space, home and community assessments and fuel reduction services and how residents can balance living where houses meet trees and how to reduce wildfire hazards.
Street closure scheduled thru April 12
THE DALLES — Ajax Northwest LLC will be installing new sanitary and storm mainlines along W. Second.
Northbound Second Street will be closed entirely from the intersection of Webber Street to approximately 1,500 linear feet past the intersection. The closure of the north bound lanes of the intersection will be in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week from March 11 through April 12. Traffic seeking to head north on W. Second can follow the detour signage along River Road or W. Sixth Street.
“Please use caution while navigating this area of construction for the safety of everyone involved as we work to improve the City of The Dalles,” said Ajax Northwest LLC in a press release.
Ann Harris presents March 21
HOOD RIVER — Gorge Ecumenical Ministries is hosting speaker Ann Harris, founding member of the recently-formed organization Black in the Gorge, at an event held on Thursday, March 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rockford Grange, 4262 Barrett Drive, Hood River.
Harris will speak about the creation of an inclusive connection space for Black, Black Bi-racial and Black Multiracial folks living in the Gorge. The group will be focusing on Black Lives Matter activities centering on community and joy. All are welcome.
Farm tool library re-opens
WHITE SALMON — Underwood Conservation District celebrated the season opening of its Farm Tool Library March 8.
The Farm Tool Library is located at 1084 NE Estes Ave., White Salmon, behind the Mt. View Grange, accessible from the Estes Street parking area, and will be open from noon to 2 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday. For questions, email ucdtoollibrary@ucdwa.org.
Right to Repair legislation passed
OREGON — March 4 marked a milestone in the Right to Repair movement as the Oregon House of Representatives passed legislation aimed at empowering consumers and supporting small businesses and companies committed to making more sustainable products.
The bill, which will make it easier for Oregonians to fix broken devices like phones and tablets, was led by Sen. Janeen Sollman and Rep. Courtney Neron and now heads to the governor’s desk for signing.
The legislation will require manufacturers to make parts, tools, and repair documentation more accessible to consumers and repair shops across Oregon.
Earlier this year, Google outlined its support for the measure and believes it could serve as a model for other states, in part due to the limits it puts on what’s known as “parts pairing” or when manufacturers only allow approved parts and technicians to repair devices.
“This inclusive, common sense solution will allow small businesses to offer their customers more options and help Oregon families save money,” said Steven Nickel, Google’s devices and services director of operations. "It’s also a show of support for companies investing in making their products more repairable and sustainable. We’re grateful to Sen. Sollman for her leadership and for the lawmakers who’ve supported this effort.”
The Oregon State Public Interest Research Group (OSPIRG) advocated for the legislation, estimating Oregonians throw away approximately 4,800 devices each year.
In-lieu sites get fresh produce
THE GORGE — So far, nearly 7,000 pounds of fresh produce have been donated to Native in-lieu sites in the Gorge in 2024, courtesy of Gorge Grown and partners.
Gorge Grown partnered with the Organically Grown Company and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission on the donation.
“We’re proud to have strong community relationships with farmers, fishers, and other community partners that make it possible,” read their newsletter.
Gorge Grown has also worked with local growers and other organizations to stock The Annex, a transitional living facility in The Dalles.
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