Thumbs Up
Sewer rates unchanged
The Dalles City Council rolled back a planned sewer rate increase of 3.44 percent, after staffers reported the budget was looking good for continued improvements to the wastewater treatment plant. Also, for the first time in a decade, residents weren’t called on this year to pay more for water services.
Caring Students
Kudos to St. Mary’s Academy students who for the past three years have delivered Meals on Wheels to seniors and disabled citizens throughout The Dalles. Keep up the good work students as we are truly grateful for your efforts and for making The Dalles a community of caring.
Momma Jane’s reopens
Hats off to Jean Sheppard for coming out of retirement and re-opening the popular pancake house after a three-week closure. The business is located at 900 W. Sixth St., and is open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.
MCMC plans for tower
Saying it would add efficiency and improve services, Mid-Columbia Medical Center has drafted plans for a 70,000-square-foot patient tower at its hospital campus in The Dalles.
“Our major emphasis in doing this is what we hope will be an improved way of delivering true health care and not sick care” said Dr. Bill Hamilton.
Badge of Honor
Police Chief Jay Waterbury announced his retirement to be effective July 1 which was followed shortly after by Rick Eisland, Wasco County sheriff announcing his retirement will take effect April 30.
The city and county are thankful for the professional leadership and unselfish years of service by both men to the city and county.
Special Delivery
On Jan. 17, the new Columbia Gorge postmark was officially issued in Washington DC. The new Priority Mail Express stamp depicts the gorge as sunset approaches. The new stamp is available across the country and online at USPS.
Making the Grade
Graduation rates at The Dalles High School are steadily increasing. The state released the latest graduation data showing a 68.3 percent graduation rate, up from 64 percent last year, and well above the 59.7 percent posted in 2012. The high school is working on a number of initiatives to improve the score, Said Principal Nick Nelson. It has an ambitious, self-imposed goal of improving the rate five percentage points per year for the next four years.
Thumbs Down
Vandals torch slide at park
Early Sunday morning, Feb. 21, emergency responders were dispatched to a fire set by vandals to the slide at Tree Top Play Park, causing approximately $10,000 in damage. Police are pursuing leads in the crime.
— Thumb’s Up, Thumb’s Down is each month to recognize exemplary acts and encourage change when necessary.
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