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INDEX Mountain Profile...................2 Fire Focus................................4 Opinion............................... 8–9 Meet the Artist................... 11
“The Most Read Paper on the Mountain”
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Vol. XXXIII, No. 2 n A Free, Independent Newspaper n www.mountaintimesoregon.com
FEBRUARY 2025
n SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF MOUNT HOOD n Alder Creek, Brightwood, Cherryville, Firwood, Government Camp, Marmot, Mountain Air Park, Rhododendron, Sandy, Welches, Wemme, Wildwood and Zigzag
Planning the Relocation of the Mt. Hood Rest Area
Mt. Hood Race Team Builds a Community of Competition
LEFT TO RIGHT: Izzy Bielen, Haakon Nervik, Ian Rizvi and Jonas Strohlein.
By Justin Andress The Mountain Times
By Marie Kennedy The Mountain Times
The state is actively planning to relocate the Mount Hood rest area in Government Camp, prompted by traffic issues and space constraints at the current site. The existing rest area, located near the east end of Government Camp Loop and Highway 26, contributes to congestion and creates navigation challenges for semis and larger vehicles. Additionally, it shares parking with the Summit Pass Ski Area, further complicating access. In 2021, Governor Kate Brown brought a team together to evaluate the move, and discussions have continued since. Over the past three months, the team has sought input from the community and travelers. An initial project survey was open to all interested parties from November through the end of January. In addition, a “popup” community event was held on January 10 at the Mount Hood Cultural Center and Museum in Government Camp. A second survey during this planning process will be available in March. According to Sandra Hikari of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), the popup event succeeded in drawing attention to the survey, and sparked conversations about what is needed most See REST STOP Page 29
Last week, members of the Mt. Hood Race Team posted two firstplace finishes at Mt. Bachelor’s annual Wrangler Cup. The wins are one more jewel in the crown of this prestigious mountain program that has shepherded the ski community since its infancy. Though there are multiple race teams on Mt. Hood, few have the pedigree of the Mt. Hood Race Team and Academy. Started in 1965, the Race Team has developed countless
talented skiers in a quest to fulfill its overarching mission of “Community, Skiing, and Education.” Karen Lundgren is the Program Director for the Mt. Hood Race Team. In that role, she organizes the students’ schedules and oversees their academic progress. Though Lundgren has been with the program for 11 years, her passion for the work remains as bright as it was on her first day. “I love this program and I love what we’re doing,” she says. Speaking to her, it’s clear that the program’s
commitment to community building isn’t just for show. She’s passionate about nurturing her charge’s mental, emotional and physical well-being. Mt. Hood Race Team and Academy is split into the Academy and Club Skiing. Club Skiers range in age from 6 to 14. Every weekend, more than 120 kids flock to Mt. Hood to learn the ropes from Lundgren and her team of professional trainers. They also promote friendly competition among the kids by sponsoring the Mt. Hood See RACE TEAM Page 7
Hooked On Each Other By Marie Kennedy The Mountain Times
Mount Hood sweethearts Danny and Brigette Regan met in 2014 when Danny, a customer at the Still Creek Inn, crossed paths with Brigette, the owner. “It was Ladies’ Night,” Brigette chuckles. “I didn’t recognize him at first because he’d grown a beard since his last visit.” But as they Danny and Brigette Regan.
talked, she remembered him. “It was a cozy little place. I’d get a good sandwich, fries, and it was a short walk home,” Danny recalls. He became a regular, and before long they quietly started dating. “Some friends spotted us walking hand in hand on Still Creek Road,” says Brigette. “After that, our secret was out.”
Brigette, a wellknown chef on the mountain with experience in some of its best kitchens, is the culinary talent in the relationship. Danny jokes, “I cook Italian sometimes,” earning a quick side-eye from Brigette before he admits, “I just pick up Sparky’s pizza.” One of their favorite activities is fishing — whether surf fishing at See HOOKED Page7
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