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.

Today, the Oregon Employment Department announced the 2024 contribution rate for Paid Leave in Oregon and the 2024 tax rate for Unemployment Insurance. The department is mailing each employer their annual notice of the new rates. 

Oregon and Washington drivers face some of the nation's most perilous road conditions, with new research pinpointing Washington ranks third in the nation for fatal crashes during bad weather, and has the highest rate of accidents involving 'other' adverse conditions. Oregon has the sixth-highest rate of weather-related driving fatalities in the country.

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.

The Columbia Gorge Museum is thrilled to present the extraordinary work of artist Christopher Pothier, whose award-winning contemporary paintings explore an insatiable fascination with the chaos of human nature. Utilizing his prowess with classical oil painting techniques, he employs modern imagery to tell stories.

Skamania and Klickitat County seniors can apply to receive assistance to pay their energy bills through local events held in an ongoing partnership with Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP), local PUDs, and the Skamania and Klickitat County Senior Services. 

On September 13, 2023 the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a report of a female entrapped in Wind River, north of Carson, Washington.

As the sun sets on August, the communities of Hood River, White Salmon and neighboring regions need to gear up for an imminent change: the toll rate hike on the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge. Set to begin September 1st, this alteration has stirred conversations among regular bridge commuters, local businesses, and the Port of Hood River Board of Commissioners.

A fire has been reported to be burning at milepost 52 on SR 14 west of the Dog Mountain Trailhead.

The Dalles, OR, July 17, 2023— Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) has openings for several boards staffed by the organization, including the MCEDD Board of Directors and the MCEDD Loan Administration Board.

A wildfire, known as the Bear Creek Fire (PCC-167), broke out on the afternoon of July 16th, 2023, in Skamania County, Washington, North of Carson. The fire started at approximately 3:33 p.m. and quickly spread in the heavily forested area near Wind River Highway and Bear Creek Road. Officials estimate the fire's size to be around 5 acres, as reported by Air Attack.

Washington Gorge Action Programs is supplying cooling kits this summer to help people in need combat extremely hot weather. The cooling kits are replacing the emergency cooling shelter, which went unused in 2022.

Columbia Riverkeeper’s Board of Directors announced the appointment of a new member, Portland-based Carlos Marroquin. Columbia Riverkeeper’s volunteer board of directors oversees the organization’s advocacy goals and policies, finances, and public relations.

Reaching rural communities to support families who fight food insecurity has become a mission for Anna Henschel. This big-city Chicago resident came to Klickitat County in 2022 and has taken to rural life like a fish takes to water. 

Hood River, OR— After 22 years (Hood River) and 5 years (Wasco) of individual county efforts to improve the literacy of underserved children, First Book Hood River County and First Book Wasco County are combining their literacy efforts and adding Klickitat and Skamania Counties to become “Books for Kids Columbia Gorge”.

Across the globe, June 15 is recognized as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day during the full month of recognition. It is an opportunity for organizations like Programs for Peaceful Living to educate people and help protect seniors. 

The first farmer's market of the 2023 season took place on Saturday, June 10th, and Stevenson's waterfront was transformed into a bustling hub of activity and community spirit. The new location of the farmer's market added an extra charm, providing a picturesque backdrop for a day filled with fun, food, and festivities.