Your trusted source for local Goldendale, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Klickitat Valley Health (KVH) has achieved ENERGY STAR® certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, scoring 97 out of 100, which places it in the top 3% of similar facilities nationwide. This recognition highlights KVH's commitment to energy efficiency and environmental stewardship, bolstered by extensive energy-saving projects initiated since 2017.
Klickitat County officials are seeking state funding to improve jail conditions, with Public Health Director Erinn Quinn announcing a $2 million grant from Medicaid aimed at enhancing medical services within the facility. The funding will help implement electronic medical records and address staffing shortages, as the new Corrections Department Director Bill Frantz navigates operational challenges. This initiative reflects a broader effort to enhance public health and safety in the region.
Washington State voters express a desire for legislators to reduce overall spending while simultaneously supporting increased funding for key programs such as education and public safety, according to a recent Cascade PBS/Elway Poll. The poll highlights a projected budget deficit of at least $10 billion over four years, with significant public concerns about governmental waste. Despite calls for cuts, there is strong support for specific spending initiatives, indicating a complex relationship between fiscal responsibility and public service needs.
Klickitat County Commissioners have implemented a new meeting schedule, starting their workday at 9:30 a.m. with workshops available to the public via Zoom. The changes aim to enhance public engagement and ensure more informed public comment during regular meetings, with plans for town hall meetings to resume in the county.
Parents of children at the Mid-Columbia Children's Council (MCCC) expressed serious concerns during a meeting regarding two incidents involving prescription medications found in a classroom, one of which resulted in a child's hospitalization. MCCC's Executive Director addressed misinformation and outlined the ongoing investigations into the incidents, emphasizing the organization's commitment to child safety. The meeting highlighted significant parental dissatisfaction with the response protocols following these alarming events.
A Washington state law protecting immigrant rights faces challenges from local law enforcement's willingness to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, particularly in Klickitat County. Sheriff Bob Songer's comments highlight tensions between local and federal policies, as advocacy groups raise concerns about potential violations of the Keep Washington Working Act, which limits local law enforcement's role in immigration enforcement.
The Wishram Community Council (WCC) has launched its first meeting in five years, aiming to engage the public in addressing local issues. Key topics included the collaboration with KPUD to update street lights and discussions on community service opportunities for students at Wishram School. Commissioner Ron Ihrig also outlined priorities for the county, including budget management and speed limit concerns in Wishram Heights.
Washington Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson has unveiled a budget plan aimed at cutting $4 billion in state spending while allocating $800 million towards education and public safety initiatives without implementing new taxes. His proposal addresses a projected budget shortfall of $12 billion over the next four years, emphasizing spending reductions in state agencies and universities. Ferguson's approach contrasts with outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee's call for new taxes on the wealthy to bridge the budget gap.
A video captured in Temescal Canyon, near Los Angeles, shows a devastating scene of active fires engulfing buildings in a neighborhood, highlighting the ongoing crisis in Southern California. The footage, shared on January 10, 2025, reveals flames extending dangerously close to the road, emphasizing the urgent threat posed by the fires in the region.
A Special Executive Meeting is scheduled for January 13, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Goldendale, Washington, aimed at addressing critical issues within the food industry and local economy. The public is encouraged to attend to stay informed about important developments affecting the community.