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About Columbia Gorge news. (The Dalles, OR) 2020-current | View Entire Issue (April 21, 2021)
2 Wednesday,April21,2021 Columbia Gorge News www.columbiagorgenews.com Masking Up Youth Pfizer vaccine event Friday night "Friday Night Lights” on April 23 appointment or call 541-506- 2600 if you need assistance. The health district also has openings for Moderna On Monday, all clinics next week. The Pfizer Oregonians 16 and older event has 240 slots and they become eligible for the are likely to fill fast. Wasco COVID-19 vaccine, and on Friday, April 23, a Pfizer vac- County has 34 percent of the cine clinic for 16-17 year olds population vaccinated, and vaccination is the best tool and their families is set at Wahtonka Field in The Dalles to end the pandemic. The county is seeing a third surge from 4-8 p.m. in cases, and hopes are that The vaccine is safe, effec- increasing vaccination rates tive, and free, according to North Central Public Health, will blunt the effect of the surge. It is still important to which is organizing the wear a quality mask, keep clinic. distance, ensure indoor Dubbed “Friday Night Lights!” the Pfizer event, will spaces are well ventilated, feature music, free pizza, and and avoid gatherings. For more information, prizes. The Pfizer vaccine visit COVID-19 Vaccine is the only vaccine autho- rized for those 16 and older. in Oregon, contact North North Central Public Health Central Public Health District District also has the Moderna at 541-506-2600, visit www. vaccine, which is authorized ncphd.org or find them on Facebook. for those 18 and older. A ground squirrel appears to be struggling to position a face mask over its nose while foraging at Sorosis Park in The Dalles. In reality, To sign up for the Pfizer the squirrel was working a strip of paper torn from a food bag between its jaws. It then carried it away to its underground burrow nearby. event visit www.ncphd. Mark B. Gibson photo org/ to book your own Hood River bridge repairs scheduled; replacement plans move forward Oberst ■ By For Gail Columbia Gorge News While a new bridge awaits funding amid a flurry of meetings, studies and re- ports, the nearly century-old Hood River/White Salmon Interstate Bridge will get some needed repairs this year. April 26-30, testing and repairs to the lift span, which allows ships to pass under the bridge, is expected to delay traffic for up to 30 minutes or more depend- ing on traffic, according to Genevieve Scholl, Special projects manager for the Port of Hood River. Up to six lifts are planned per day. No lifts are planned April 27, but work crews will be on the bridge between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Port commissioners this month also approved engineering in preparation for resurfacing the approach ramps on each side of the bridge, as well as funds for underwater inspections of the structure. “We want to keep the current bridge safe and oper- ational until the new bridge is in place,” said Michael McElwee, executive director. At the same time, commis- sioners are limiting repairs to “all but the necessary” until they secure funding for the new bridge. “If we don’t get it,” said Fred Kowell, the port’s chief financial officer, “we’ve got another set of problems.” Register now for May 18 election Tuesday, April 27 is the last day to register to vote in the May 18 special district election. Citizens can register to vote or change their polit- ical party affiliation for the upcoming election through April 27. Oregon residents are encouraged to participate by registering or updating their current voter information. Visit the Wasco County Elections or Hood River County web page to find links to register online, or go to www.oregonvotes.gov. You can also download and print a paper registration to mail or turn in at your county clerk’s office. The Wasco County Courthouse is located at 511 Washington St., Suite 201 in The Dalles. Call the elections office at 541-506-2530 if you need assistance. Hood River County resi- dents can contact the Hood River County Courthouse, or call 541-386-1442 to schedule an appointment. The Hood River County Courthouse is located at 601 State St., Hood River. ••• Abril 27 es el ultimo día para registrarse para las elecciones especiales de distrito de mayo El martes, abril 28 es el ultimo día para que los ciudadanos se registren para votar o cambien su afiliación a un partido politico para las próximas elecciones espe- ciales de distrito de mayo. Se anima a todos los residentes Del condado de Wasco a participar registrándose o CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT CLASS actualizando su información de votante actual. Visite la página web de elecciones Del condado de Wasco (www. co.wasco.or.us/depart- ments/clerk/voter_registra- tion_and_absentee_ballots. php) para encontrar enlaces para registrarse en línea o visite www.oregonvotes.gov. También puede descargar e imprimir un registro en papel para enviarlo por correo o entregarlo en la oficina del secretario del Condado de Wasco County. La oficina Del secretario Del condado está localizada en la corte de Wasco County: 511 Washington Street, Suite 201, The Dalles, OR 97058 Si necesita asistencia, llame a la oficina de elec- ciones al 541-506-2530. Last month’s state-im- posed weight limits to the old bridge — reduced from 80,000 to 64,000 pounds for some vehicles — prompted commissioners to review of potential tests and repairs needed to restore the current structure to former weight limits. The limits have already impacted local and inter- state truck traffic, including farmers and construction contractors, commissioners said. The future for a new bridge remains murky until funding is in hand — estimates place costs at $330-390 million or more to remove the old and build the new bridge. Despite the lengthy process, the environmental and land-use studies, required for permitting and federal clearance, may be complet- ed in November. The port staff is also applying this month for transportation and stimulus fund grants to support continuing bridge work, and commissioners discussed opportunities for funding in President Biden’s proposed infrastructure bill. The Bi-State Working Group, of which the port is a part, April 13 considered preliminary bridge design and finance details. Port staff listed more than a dozen meetings planned this month aimed at forwarding the bridge’s progress. Since 2018, the port has spent $2.7 million in grant funds from the state of Oregon on environmental work. For more about the preparations, visit the port’s webpage, portofhoodriver.com/bridge/ bridge-replacement-project. Commissioners mulled other details April 6 at its spring planning meeting, among them, the potential loss of toll income when the new bridge is in place. By 2029, if the new bridge is in place and operational, the Port may lose an estimat- ed of $1.7 million per year in toll revenues, according to a report from consultant Steven Siegel. Siegel was hired to help commissioners make plans to offset potential losses. This year, the commission has already approved some measures to shore up its future budget. Paid parking on the waterfront and in- creasing building and hangar lease rates are among the measures. The port plans to adopt its 2021-22 budget by June 15. LIMITED TIME SAVINGS We are all about comfort. 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Full bar available Closed Tuesdays Open daily, 6am-2pm 1313 Oak St., Hood River 541-386-1127 | eggrivercafe.com Only $0.10 a word with a 25 word minimum- To add your restaurant, email sales@gorgenews.com Sun. -Thurs. 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Fri. - Sat. 9:30 am to 10 pm 1210 13th St., on the Heights, Hood River | 541-387-3300 Advertise your restaurant here! To add your restaurant, email sales@gorgenews.com Cuddle up in the new styles for your home all at very comfortable prices. Downey Furniture Downtown The Dalles | 541-296-2871 Our store is a clean and sanitized shopping environment.
