Reflecting on 2024 at Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP), I am filled with immense gratitude and pride for all the WAGAP team has accomplished this year. Our collective strength, commitment, and collaboration have ensured that our agency evolves to meet the ever-changing needs of our community, even in the face of challenges. 

Donors responded to a call to help even more families this holiday season through the Tree of Joy program run by Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP), increasing the number of children reached by nearly 100 this year.

This November, Mt. Adams Institute (MAI), a non-profit based in Trout Lake, WA, is inviting the community to “Invest in Connection and Conservation” with their end-of-year giving campaign. Donations will support MAI’a Vetswork, Land Stewards, and Sense of Place programs which work to strengthen Veterans, youth, and our communities' connection to nature.

The emergency water outage will occur on December 11, 2024, starting at 8:00 AM, affecting the area from Forster Ln to Bald Mtn Corners, including HWY 141, Acorn Ln, Arnett Rd, The Knoll Rd, Brislawn Loop, Brislawn Rd, and Pucker Huddle Area.

Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) was pleasantly surprised by $35,000 in early annual fundraising donations this month presented by two local banks, helping the Community Action Agency jump-start its end-of-year fundraising campaign.

Klickitat County initial general election results, Nov. 5, 2024

Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) hopes to reach 300 children from families in need this holiday season through the Tree of Joy program that provides essential winter items like cold-weather coats, clothing, hats, gloves, and boots, with a special gift item or toy that brightens a child’s holiday season.

The Brighter Goldendale Christmas Committee is excited to announce the 34th Annual Candy Cane Lane Christmas Parade, set to take place on Saturday, December 14, 2024. This beloved holiday tradition brings festive cheer to our community with an evening full of holiday activities for all ages.

Halloween is just around the corner, and the Columbia River Gorge is offering a variety of events to suit every level of thrill-seeker. From ghost walks to family-friendly festivals and adult costume parties, there's something for everyone. Here's a look at what's happening in the area this spooky season:

Four new childcare providers have opened their doors in Klickitat County in the past two years, and one more is nearing approval with the help of the Klickitat County Childcare Committee (KCCC). These small businesses operate out of the homes of newly licensed providers, providing parents with an essential service.

Firefighters are working to contain the Top of the World Fire after windy conditions caused the prescribed burn to escape its perimeter Monday afternoon, spreading to approximately 240 acres in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area between Bingen and Lyle.

As CCCNews approaches its five-year anniversary, we have hit 5.5 million views. That's good news for us as we deliver local, honest stories for our communities and even better news for advertisers looking to grab some eyes in the gorge. To celebrate, we offer a $300 discount for businesses wanting to push sales and increase name recognition.

Joanna Turner is inspired to help young people. After raising three children as a single parent and working for a domestic violence shelter in the Columbia River Gorge, she wanted to be upstream working to prevent violence before it started. That meant finding ways to engage teens in rural communities so they are active, have a sense of purpose and belonging, enjoy better mental health, and are more resilient. 

Sheriff Songer will hold another TOWN HALL MEETING on Tuesday, October 15th.  At 7:00 p.m. the Bickleton Community Church located at 211 S Madison in the town of Bickleton, Washington.  

Public comment sought: We have teamed up with experts from Harper Houf Peterson Righellis (HHPR) and Columbia West Engineering to explore and develop a trail connection that will span approximately 0.19 miles from SR 14 to SR 141. This trail will navigate a steep, rocky hillside and pass close to several private properties.

Community members are invited to contribute to a Community Voting Zine, a unique project put together by Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) to capture the stories, reflections, and artwork of local individuals around the themes of voting, health equity, and civic engagement.

The West Klickitat Regional Fire Authority Planning Committee, comprised of the Governing Board members, has been diligently working with the assistance of sub-committees since early 2024 to address the necessary formation documents that will be presented for approval at the inaugural WKRFA Meeting on September 30, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.

This presentation will cover the ongoing efforts of far-right radical groups to recruit local sheriffs into their extremist movements and organize law enforcement officers to undermine our democracy and the rule of law.

Beginning October 1 at 8:00 a.m., Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) will begin taking calls to schedule appointments for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for low-income residents in Skamania and Klickitat counties who need assistance paying their heating bills.

A Goldendale couple was discovered dead in their Home on Friday, Sept. 13 and the initial investigation points to a possible suicide as detectives are working to unravel the case, according to a Klickitat County Sheriff’s press release.