Klickitat Wildfire Resource Hub — Following months of collaborative development, Klickitat County has launched its Wildfire Resource Hub, a new digital “one-stop shop” designed to empower residents with the tools and information necessary to prepare for and mitigate wildfire risks. The website is organized by topic to assist residents at every stage of wildfire preparedness. Explore the site at www.wildfirereadyklickitat.org. Full report at columbiagorgenews.com.
Klickitat County — is establishing a ban on open outdoor burning for Klickitat County Burn Ban Zone Three. Residential barbecues will be allowed. Said ban on open outdoor burning shall be in full force and effect from Monday, June 1 until rescinded. The public is directed to check with the appropriate authorities concerning burning restrictions within the corporate limits of any city or town. Bans for Zones One and Two were announced earlier this month. Full report at columbiagorgenews.com.
Hazardous Waste & Recycling — The Steering Committee of the Tri-County (Hood River, Sherman, and Wasco) Hazardous Waste & Recycling Program will hold a meeting on June 10 from 9-10 a.m. The meeting can be accessed virtually upon request. For more information, call Tri-County Hazardous Waste & Recycling Program at 541-506-2529. Full report at columbiagorgenews.com.
Hood River County School District (HRCSD) — The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) awarded HRCSD a multi-year State Summer Learning Grant, ensuring quality academic and enrichment programming for local students through the summer of 2028. The primary summer session will take place from July 6-24 at Mid Valley Elementary School. Another component of this year’s grant is the “Jump Start Kindergarten” program, which will run from Aug. 17-21 at every elementary school in the district. For more information and updates, visitwww.hoodriver.k12.or.us. Full report at columbiagorgenews.com.
Klickitat Valley Health (KVH) — has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2026 list of 100 Critical Access Hospitals to Know, a national recognition of critical access hospitals serving rural communities. KVH was the only hospital in the Columbia Gorge, and one of two hospitals in Washington state, named to the 2026 list. Full report at columbiagorgenews.com.
Interim Skamania Co. Treasurer — Skamania County Board of County Commissioners has appointed Emily Sabo to serve as Interim Skamania County Treasurer, effective May 18. Sabo fills the vacancy created following the retirement of former Skamania County Treasurer Vickie Clelland and will serve the remainder of the unexpired term until the certification of the General Election in November. The Skamania County Treasurer’s Office will continue normal operations during the transition, and residents should expect no interruption in services. For more information, contact the Skamania County Board of County Commissioners, 509-427-3700 or commiss@co.skamania.wa.us. Full report at columbiagorgenews.com.
Tooley Water District Board Meeting, May 20 — This tiny water district suffered in the Rowena fire, but is recovering well. Changing to a new system operator led to a gap in water quality testing, and delays in allowing credit card or online bill payments. The district will spend $3,000 plus a small monthly fee to fix that. From Documenter Bernard Yoo; full notes at columbia-gorge.documenters.org.
Skamania County Board of Commissioners Meeting, May 19 — Friends of the Columbia Gorge leadership and county commissioners discussed their tensions, resolving to pursue more open dialogue. Substantial local cuts to public health programs are coming, though grant money will help offset. State Route 14 overcrowding remains a significant problem. From Documenter Linda Zeigenfuss; full notes at columbia-gorge.documenters.org.
White Salmon Community Development Committee Meeting, May 18 — Do you love building community? This White Salmon committee has three volunteer seats to fill. Right now members are planning the July 4 celebration and a possible outdoor World Cup showing. Also recommending changes to Hispanic and mental health awareness months. From Documenter Amber Howard; full notes at columbia-gorge.documenters.org.
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