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. 

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.

One year after a serious patrol vehicle collision, Washington State Trooper Anthony Maton continues to recover. On May 29, 2024, Washington State Police Chief John R. Batiste presented Life Saving Awards to Deputies Randy Wells, Chance Leroue, Dustin Vorce, and citizen Colby Cain for their swift actions during the incident.

Klickitat County Commissioners have decided to form a new County Department of Corrections which would oversee operational changes and improvement to Klickitat County Jail. Including appointments of a Jail Administrator to run and operate the jail and the establishment of a medical clinic on site. The new Jail Administrator will report directly to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Klickitat County Sheriff Bob Songer has opposed the decision.

With our hearts full of gratitude as this year comes to a close, we would like to touch on a couple of different topics. All of us at KCEMS1 would like to express our appreciation to all the first responders who dedicate their time, energy, and resources to helping their neighbors and visitors of Klickitat County during a variety of emergencies.

Ben Noble is on a mission to get people talking. His job is an important one: to get landlords and tenants to discuss matters that could potentially lead to an eviction and try to help them find common ground and resolve their issues.

The Washington Public Defense Office says a shortage of public defenders and flawed caseload standards have pushed the public defense system to the point of near collapse.

This year’s season of giving campaign, Two for GivingTuesday, will kick off at Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) beginning Tuesday, November 28, 2023.  “We are inviting community members to stop by Stevenson, Bingen, and Goldendale Housing offices to say hello and pick up two free WAGAP shopping bags,” said Jennifer Pauletto, associate director.

Our Klickitat Prevention Coalition members are celebrating that their youth prevention work will continue to be funded by the federal Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grant for another five years. The announcement came out of Senator Maria Cantwell’s office last month, just after the school year started. 

The Lyle Community Council heard a proposal from Klickitat County Sheriff Bob Songer and Undersheriff Carmen Knopes about the potential of installing license-plate reading cameras throughout the county at the council’s Sept. 13 meeting. “It’s strictly for crime fighting. It’s not facial recognition or anything like that. They would be installed in high crime rate areas where we have a lot of theft going on,” said Songer. 

With the August 1, 2023 Primary Election just around the corner, voters in Klickitat County are eagerly awaiting their opportunity to cast their ballots. The election, set to take place on August 1, will determine new school board members for the Wishram and Lyle school districts. Additionally, voters will have the chance to decide on the Recreational Facilities, Activities, and Swimming Pool Maintenance and Operation Levy proposed by the Central Klickitat County Park and Recreation District.

This spring, Klickitat County residents and professionals are encouraged to participate in a transformative 5-week “Lunch N' Learn” workshop series aimed at fostering stronger communities. The workshop series, titled "Communities of Care in Klickitat County," begins on May 31st, 2023.

A male wolf that wandered into Klickitat County now has a female companion. Officials say it’s the first wolf pack in the region and may soon become a breeding pair.

Authorities have identified a suspect in the double homicide case near Goldendale, Washington. John Scott Raczykowski, a 31-year-old resident of Rufus, Oregon, is wanted on two counts of murder in the first degree in the deaths of Elisha Ann King, 34, and Jeremy Allen Wyatt, 35. 

KCCC is on a mission to increase the number of childcare businesses throughout the county, where there is a dire need for providers.

A recent block grant of $7.3 million will help fund Washington State’s 30 Community Action Agencies - including the Washington Gorge Action Program serving Klickitat and Skamania counties - to stabilize and equip families and individuals to exit poverty for good through a network of local organizations.

Klickitat County primary election results are still rolling in. Voter turnout has increased to 42.03% and the gap has widened to 359 votes in the Klickitat County Sheriff’s race.

Klickitat County primary election results are still rolling in. Voter turnout has increased to 33.11% and the gap has widened to 102 votes in the Klickitat County Sheriff’s race.

Klickitat County primary elections results are rolling in and currently only forty-one votes separate the Klickitat County Sheriff’s candidates.

"We also see an opportunity to expand service to other locations such as Dallesport, Wishram, Trout Lake, and perhaps at In Lieu sites to serve our Native communities," aid Leslie Naramore, WAGAP Executive Director. "A Mobile Food Pantry will allow us to do this."