Bingen — Free Local News ⭑ The Dalles, Hood River, Dufur, Columbia Gorge, White Salmon, Goldendale & More — Columbia Community Connection News

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.

Oct 15

Oct 15 Top of the World Fire Grows to 240 Acres Following Prescribed Burn Jump

Joshuah Albert

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.

Sep 24

Sep 24 Community Voting Zine celebrates individual experiences

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.

Sep 18

Sep 18 WAGAP Energy Assistance phone lines open October 1

Skamania County, Klickitat County, Home Page

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.

Aug 29

Aug 29 Bingen Centennial Gameshow: A Sense of Place Pop-Up, September 14th

The Sense of Place program announces the Bingen Centennial Gameshow, an interactive event to celebrate a century of history, community spirit, and Bingen locals. Hosted by Sarah Fox of Sense of Place, the event swaps traditional festivities for a lively mix of storytelling, trivia, and friendly competition.

Jun 28

Jun 28 WAGAP announces leadership changes

Home Page, Hood River County, Klickitat County, Wasco County

In a move planned nearly two years ago, the Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) Board of Directors announced that Jennifer Pauletto will be the new executive director as of July 1, 2024. Juan Reyes has been selected to join her as the new associate director.

May 22

May 22 $27B Reported in Elder Financial Exploitation

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) recently released an analysis based on Bank Secrecy Act reports that indicate in a one-year period, from 2022 to 2023, financial institutions reported roughly $27 billion in suspicious activity related to elder financial exploitation.

May 15

May 15 Skyline Health Foundation awards $8,000 to WAGAP programs

The Skyline Health Foundation has awarded Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) $8,000 as part of its 2024 Community Health Grant, which supports non-profit organizations within the Columbia River Gorge that work to improve the health and well-being of the community within its service area.

Apr 26

Apr 26 Community Action Network recognizes 60 years of service

2024 marks the 60th year since the Community Action Network was established to help American families and communities overcome obstacles to poverty. Over 1,000 agencies across the country are working every day to create opportunities and transform the lives of their neighbors, making communities stronger and helping families across the US thrive.

Apr 11

Apr 11 BINGEN TURNS 100! Celebration April 13

Mark your calendars! The community is invited to celebrate the City of Bingen’s centennial on Saturday, April 13. That's right, it's time to say Happy 100th Birthday to Bingen!

Apr 2

Apr 2 Blue pinwheels represent child abuse prevention

What are the blue pinwheels in Bingen and Goldendale all about? Throughout April, Programs for Peaceful Living is bringing attention to Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Mar 20

Mar 20 Gorge woman struggles to avoid houselessness

Houselessness can happen to anyone at any age. Just ask Teri Hounslow. Following a divorce, Hounslow kept houselessness at bay—well, kind of. She had been running a campsite with her husband before that job and their marriage dissolved. Then, at over 60 years old, she found herself without a place to stay.

Jan 29

Jan 29 Setting boundaries helps teens develop healthy relationships

Home Page, Klickitat County, Wasco County, Hood River County

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Teen dating violence doesn’t just affect teens. It also affects parents, teachers, friends, and communities. Around 12% of adolescents report being a victim of physical violence in their dating relationships, according to WhiteHouse.gov, highlighting why it is important for youth to understand how setting boundaries early on can be a great start to a healthy relationship.

Jan 5

Jan 5 Underwriter Fills out Bingen City Council; Trummel sworn in on Tuesday, Jan. 2.

Ken Park

Klickitat County, Home Page

Bingen City Council gives Craig Trummel the nod to fill the vacant council seat. The insurance underwriter has a background as a private practice lawyer and currently works for WFG National Title Insurance. Trummel expressed his interest in the city’s street and water systems, praising the recent work done on Humboldt Street and noting the unique relationship between the Bingen and the City of White Salmon.

Nov 30

Nov 30 WAGAP Equity efforts grow

Home Page, Skamania County

One step at a time is how Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) is ensuring a deliberate and thorough approach to its dedicated Equity and Inclusion program. Sasha Bentley is leading the charge as the new Equity and Inclusion director. She is working from the inside out, starting with bringing people together in an equitable and safe work environment.

Nov 29

Nov 29 Coats for Kids: Donate New or Like-New Outerwear for Local Youth

The Next Door

Hood River County, Skamania County, Home Page

As the winter months quickly approach, Insitu, Washington Gorge Action Programs, and The Next Door Inc. are teaming up to host a coat drive for local area youth and we need our community’s help! Now through February, you can donate new or like-new outerwear ranging in all sizes from toddlers to teens, with an urgent need for coats and boots for older kids from 12-18 years of age.

Nov 17

Nov 17 Bingen making moves to get ahead of short-term rentals; law goes into effect in 2025

Ken Park

Business, Home Page, Klickitat County

“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.

Nov 8

Nov 8 Tree of Joy Holiday Gift Project in Klickitat and Skamania Counties Seeks Donors for Families in Need

Home Page, Skamania County, Klickitat County

The call for donors is in high gear to meet the demand for the Tree of Joy holiday gift project in Klickitat and Skamania counties. The goal is to help families in need by providing new essential items, such as winter coats, hats, gloves, clothing, and shoes, with other gifts and toys to brighten a child’s holiday season.

Oct 12

Oct 12 Energy Assistance for Skamania and Klickitat County Seniors in Partnership with WAGAP