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.

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

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.

Yesterday, all crews ended their shifts and were demobilized. Some resources went home to rest while many were reassigned to different fires. All roads are open and there are no evacuation warnings. The fire is 100% contained as of Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 6:00 PM and turned back over to the local jurisdictions.

Today’s weather brings lower temperatures, lower winds and an increase in relative humidity.  All of these work together to reduce the fire’s growth potential. Strike teams, aircraft and dozers are working the estimated 50,000 acre-blaze which is now 21 percent contained and burning 7 miles southeast of Bickleton.

A low-pressure system on Wednesday brought winds at more than 30 mph surging the fire in its southwest corner. Fire managers called in for aerial support as the blaze moved toward the Alderwood area in east Klickitat County.

Preventing financial stress for rural families was a primary goal of the recent Financial Wellness Fair series put on by Community Enrichment for Klickitat County (CEKC) and Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) with the help of area partners. Over 200 people participated.

Update July 23, 10:30 a.m.: Currently, the fire is threatening residential and agricultural lands, critical infrastructure and a natural gas plant. Level 3 - GO NOW: East Road to Sand Ridge Road to the East and Alder Creek South to the Columbia River.  Level 2 - GET SET: Sand Ridge Road to the Klickitat County Line. 

Flock license plate cameras are being met with mixed emotions and budgetary concerns in communities throughout Klickitat County as leaders worry about the burden of the $3,000 annual cost per camera and privacy issues.

 “We have a duty to protect the citizens and visitors of Klickitat County; therefore, using advanced technology such as the Flock Cameras will assist deputies in our mission to protect our residents and visitors to Klickitat County,” Undersheriff Carmen Knopes said. Not all see it that way. “These systems are ripe for abuse and a great tool for authoritarians,” one citizen commented.

At this time the Klickitat County Sheriff's Office and the Klickitat County Prosecutor/Coroner are working to determine the identity of the person and the cause and manner of death.

Cypress Creek Renewables is pleased to announce that three Klickitat  County students were selected to receive its Energizing Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholarship award. Check here to see who earned them.

Five kits are available to help reduce startup costs and to inspire people thinking about starting a childcare operation. Kits offer new providers various supplies for caring for children. The kit includes essentials like diapers, wipes, a bottle warmer, child-safe silverware, plates, and bowls.

A local donor has stepped forward to make $15,000 in matching funds available for Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) effort to raise $50,000 to rebuild the COVID-19 Relief Fund by December 31.

Klickitat County Sherriff Bob Songer and Washington State Governor Jay Insee are once again singing a different tune when it comes to COVID-19 restrictions in Klickitat County.

Bud Hut near Murdock was hit a second time by burglars on Friday, Nov. 20. Three male suspects were caught on a surveillance camera destroying the service door with a sludge hammer during the forced entry. Once inside, they stole thousands of dollars in marijuana and cannabis edibles. The Klickitat County Sheriff’s office was still investigating the case on Friday evening.

Washington Gorge Action Programs is participating in GivingTuesday for the first time this year in an effort to highlight everyone who makes the agency successful, and it will be setting a new goal to raise $50,000 for the Covid-19 Relief Fund which will all go directly back to support Skamania and Klickitat County residents in need.