When a family struggles to make ends meet, the small things taken for granted can make a huge difference in their quality of life. The Family Resource Center in Goldendale helps to stabilize families with children under age 18 in Klickitat County to prevent child abuse and future houselessness.

The Hood River Bridge across the Columbia River from Interstate 84 to SR 14 in Washington was closed at 5 a.m. this morning due to a malfunction during a lift test and then reopened at about 11:30 a.m. 

Preparations for operating the Skamania County Emergency Warming Shelter in Stevenson are in progress. An opening date has not yet been announced, but when it opens, it is expected to be available through mid-March. The shelter is located near the Hegewald Center and is operated by Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP).

Mike Salsbury offers this Christmas Card from Goldendale with the sights and thoughts of locals as they have come together to celebrate their town, their people, and being together.

The Gorge Technology Alliance (GTA) held its eleventh annual awards program on December 12, 2023, recognizing the Tech Leader and STEM Educator of the Year and honoring all finalists for the two awards. Steve Olson and Jordan Holt, founders of SightLine Applications, were honored as the TechLeaders of the Year.

The Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Replacement Project is moving into the design phase for the new bridge and is seeking members of an advisory committee to help guide this work. The Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Aesthetics Committee will have the opportunity to generate ideas and concepts for new bridge aesthetic treatments (aka design features) that will be compiled in an Aesthetics Guidance Memorandum.

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.”