Your trusted source for local Goldendale, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee directed the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) to reassess certain components of the Carriger Solar Project. This decision comes amid growing concerns about the project's environmental impact and its alignment with state energy goals.
White Salmon raised its water conservation alert to Stage 4 due to an extreme water shortage affecting the Strawberry Mountain Pressure Zone. This decision follows a significant drop in the Strawberry Mountain Reservoir, prompting strict water use restrictions to safeguard public health. Mayor Marla Keethler emphasized the need for conservation to ensure adequate drinking water supply.
Goldendale will appoint up to three volunteers for a For/Against Committee regarding a public safety sales tax measure for the November 4, 2025 election. The proposed tax of $0.10 per $100 in sales will fund the Goldendale Police and Fire Departments. Interested individuals should contact City Administrator Sandy Wells for participation.
Klickitat County secured $618,000 in funding for courthouse rehabilitation, with a local match of $429,579. The grant, part of a competitive program from the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, aims to improve HVAC systems and jury facilities.
Astria Health in Toppenish, Washington, warns that recent Medicaid cuts could devastate rural healthcare, threatening to close its hospital and create a medical desert. The cuts, part of a larger federal megabill, may lead to significant job losses and increased uninsured rates in the state. Governor Bob Ferguson stated that these changes will bring the healthcare system to the brink.
Washington's Department of Natural Resources has launched live feeds from wildfire detection cameras in 21 high-risk locations, enhancing early detection efforts. The cameras utilize AI technology to identify potential fire ignitions and alert DNR dispatch for rapid response. This initiative, part of a five-year pilot project, faces potential budget cuts that could hinder future technological advancements.
The Recreation and Conservation Funding Board awarded over $148 million in grants to enhance parks, trails, and wildlife habitats across Washington. These funds, supporting 242 projects in 35 counties, aim to improve outdoor recreation and conserve vital land for future generations.
Goldendale City Council approved a sales tax increase of 0.1% during a brief public meeting on Monday, with revenue designated for police and fire services. The council also granted the Lions Club permission to sell fireworks. The tax hike will require voter approval.
Shyrl Noreen Hand, a 74-year-old entrepreneur and devoted member of Jehovah’s Witnesses, passed away on June 7, 2025, in Oregon. She is remembered for her vibrant spirit, dedication to her family, and her successful ventures, including a beauty salon and a schnauzer breeding business. A memorial service will be held on August 16, 2025.
The Trump Administration terminated the December 2023 Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement, a significant pact aimed at salmon restoration and resource management involving several tribes and states. Tribal leaders expressed concern that this decision undermines tribal rights and threatens regional stability.