What happens when people are treated for mental health conditions and then discharged but have no place to call home? In Skamania and Klickitat counties, the Community Behavioral Health Rental Assistance Program (CBRA) is in place to help people transition from care facilities back to their communities.

“Give for the Gorge was created to help ensure that the Columbia River Gorge and its communities are preserved for future generations of visitors and residents,” said founder and project manager, Sandi Scheinberg. “It will provide a much-needed, ongoing source of funding to eight incredible Gorge-area nonprofits focused on the three areas of greatest need in the Gorge: housing, food security and the environment.”

Goldendale Junior Matthew Gray displayed his athleticism and now has a state wrestling championship to his name. The team finished third in the state 1B/2B team division and several individuals picked up top medals this weekend.

The move is the first step in creating additional, land-efficient housing in the community as a shortage in housing stock has gripped the Gorge and the Pacific Northwest generally.

In an unfortunate accident, a 77-year-old driver from Glenwood was attempting to park her car in front of Everybody's Brewing on Jewett Boulevard in downtown White Salmon, when she ran over the curb and struck two women on Monday, Feb. 12th at about 12:45 p.m.

In what White Salmon Valley School District Superintendent Rich Polkinghorn called a timely report, the District presented to the board a breakdown of how the district addresses youth and teen suicide. The report came in the wake of a recent teen suicide at neighboring Hood River Valley High School, where Polkinghorn had once been a teacher and principal.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Columbia River Gorge including the cities of The Dalles, Dufur, Maupin, Hood River, Underwood, Stevenson, Carson, Corbett, and Cascade Locks. The warning remains in effect from 8 a.m. on February 14 until 10 p.m. on Thursday the 15th.  A weather advisory has also been issued for the Simcoe Highlands from Feb. 14-16.

The Port of Hood River’s engineering team is continuing to troubleshoot the lift failure that occurred in December, resulting in some temporary closures.

“Overall, we had great contributions from all players,” said Varsity Coach Chris Siebert. “We started the season slow but have really come on strong in the second half of the season. I am very proud of this team as a first-year Varsity Coach, we have really come together.” 

While the possibility of foul play was a significant concern, authorities say they have found no evidence or probable cause to suspect criminal activity linked to Walker's death. "Though foul play cannot be ruled out completely, there is no evidence or probable cause to believe that a crime was committed," Sheriff Songer added, marking an end to the lengthy investigation.

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.

With winter in full force, partners throughout the region have been pooling resources together to help houseless community members cope with potentially life-threatening conditions. To keep this and other efforts going, Mid-Columbia Houseless Collaborative is extending an open invitation for individuals and organizations to learn more about its members’ work over the past year and their plans for 2024 at its next quarterly meeting from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. on February 13 via Zoom.

Goldendale was coming off a win at the Eastern Washington Athletic Conference Champions held on Thursday, Jan. 24, and the team rode that momentum as they earned dual wins over The Dalles and Washougal. Mike Salsbury brings us another stunning photo essay as teams are headed toward the postseason.

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.

The annual PIT Count is a federally mandated survey of people experiencing houselessness in communities across the country. The count, which occurs in late January of every year, plays a critical role in determining the level of state and federal funding communities receive to address houselessness. It also provides key insight into the needs of those impacted by houselessness.

Looking for something to do amid yet another snow day? Here are 8 ideas to keep you sane, entertained, and riding a sweet mental plane.  

Winter can bring some unusual birds to your bird feeders! Have you seen any of these birds this winter?

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 City of the Dalles, The City of Hood River, and Wasco County Offices are closed today due to inclement weather as a winter storm has brought ice, snow, and freezing rain to large swaths of the Northwest.  Tough driving conditions look to continue as heavy snow and ice will move toward thawing and freezing as temps reach above freezing during daytime hours.

Washington State lawmakers who voted in favor of the Bill contend that the old law was doing more harm than good when it came to offenders who committed their crimes as juveniles. A level 3 or high-risk offender's requirement to register as a sex offender has reduced from being listed indefinitely to three years after release from a confinement/treatment facility. A level 2 or moderate-risk offender’s requirement decreased from 10 to 2 years.