Working to Clear Highway

At least a week's work will be required before the Columbia River highway can be opened from The Dalles to Arlington, according to Division Engineer J.H. Scott. Crews of men are now working on slides that block this stretch of the highway. The highway is clear and open from Pendleton to Arlington. About 40 automobile parties are stalled at Arlington, according to reports received here. These motorists have been desperately striving to get a boat to carry them and their cars to Portland, but have thus far been unsuccessful. Rumors that an organized band of thieves, on ski and snowshoes, has stripped stalled cars abandoned along the highway, of all accessories of value, are unverified, Scott said this morning. Only one report of theft of accessories has been received at the local highway office and Scott is of the opinion that most of the cars have been stripped by the owners themselves, to prevent loss.

Rev 2000-02-18