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.

Tonight Rock Violinist Aaron Meyer will perform at the 12th Annual Rock the Holidays Benefit Concert to support United Way of the Columbia Gorge! There will be two concerts on Sunday, December 10th in the Gorge Room at the Best Western PLUS Hood River Inn.

The Friends of White Salmon Library hosted a holiday quilt reception and open house at White Salmon Library from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 9. 

Providing an overview of the upcoming winter season for the Mid-Columbia region and North Central Oregon, the forecast aims to deliver concise and practical insights starting today. As of now, precipitation levels hover between 110% and 130% of normal, with temperatures averaging 1 to 3°F above the seasonal average.

The City of Goldendale, Klickitat County, Washington Gorge Action Programs and representatives from Recovery Cafe held an in person and virtual town hall on homelessness, drugs, and mental health at the Klickitat County Services building in Goldendale in the Mt. Adams room on December 5, 2023.

Oregon News Exploration is working with local news outlets and community leaders to get a sense of where Gorge residents get the local information they need.

Governor Jay Inslee, convened a roundtable discussion with experts at Evergreen Recovery Center in Everett on Monday to discuss budget changes to address the fentanyl crisis. Inslee has proposed a substantial budget increase which would earmark over $50 million to combat opioid misuse for the 2023–25 biennium.

The Klickitat County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) has announced the positive identification of human remains found in a wooded area near Bates Road in White Salmon on September 28, 2023. The remains have been identified as those of 41-year-old Gary A. Zosel, who went missing in late 2021.

The Bistro at Domaine Pouillon Winery takes in the stunning confluence of the Klickitat and Columbia rivers, bringing a beautiful flow of nature’s wonder with a stimulating selection of wines to enhance the experience. Don’t forget the sharp cheddar, grainy mustard and pickled green beans.

Santa is at the top of the list for Family Holiday Night on Saturday, December 16, 2023, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Goldendale Grange Hall. The free event is open to all and will include ornament and cookie decorating and making a marshmallow snowman.

The winning brews for Everybodys were its Co-Pilot Pilsner, earning gold in the category of American Style Pilsners, and Everybodys season Mexican Lager, earning bronze in the category of Australasian/Latin America/ Tropical Style Light Lagers.

Klickitat County authorities are charging 58-year-old Larry Duane Kleven with three counts of Second-Degree Murder in the Box Canyon road double homicide case, following his initial arrest and subsequent release on bail.

In this case, it mainly benefits residents in this newly annexed area who can expect their property taxes to go down from $9.48 per $1000 assessed valuation to $7.86 per $1000. Property owners will also reap the benefits of reduced utility costs.

“We made sure they understood the impact they've had, not just on the scoreboard, but on the character and work ethic of every player in that locker room … They've given their all, and their dedication has paved the way for the next generation to step up and carry the torch.”

With severe weather hitting the region, the Mid-Columbia Community Action Council and its partners are ensuring our most vulnerable community members can access shelters, emergency lodging, and street outreach resources.

The Lower White Salmon Coalition, formed in 2016, is releasing its Vision Plan for the approximately five hundred acres of land owned by PacifiCorp along the lower White Salmon River representing the former project lands for the Condit Hydroelectric Project.

“A lot of cities are finding that they are overrun with STRs, and they have to establish limits because they haven’t planned accordingly, and we did not want to be in that position,” Krista Loney said. This ordinance will limit the number of STRs/vacation rentals allowed in the city to 32 units or 10 percent of the existing housing stock, whichever is less.

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.

Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) is pleased to announce that we are now scheduling appointments for all household types for the December 1, 2023 opening date of our Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). With winter approaching, there will be an increased need for our most vulnerable community members to keep their homes warm and safe throughout the season.

Coach Bellamy sees life lessons taking hold in her players’ lives. “The kids learn how to function in a group, celebrate each other, work together even if you’re not the best of friends. We overcame adversity early in the year with relationships and learned to put that aside and play together for the common goal.”