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Dispatch Squatch

Dispatch Squatch

A mysterious cryptid who occupies the woods of Skamania county, and shares a love of Gorge Gossip.

📍 Skamania County

🚁 Reckless Hiker Fines & Race to Launch Forest Youth Success - Skamania BOCC 5/5

Skamania considers a new $1,000 fine for reckless hikers needing search and rescue. Plus, a sudden federal contract rejection threatens the Forest Youth Success summer program, and SBA disaster loans open for winter storm victims.

🍼 Childcare as "Economic Infrastructure" - Klickitat BOCC 4/21 & 4/28

Klickitat County explores corporate-sponsored childcare models, discusses the impact of state energy codes on rural development, and advances new ADU housing rules.

🥾$1000 Fines for "Reckless" Hikers? - Skamania BOCC 4/21 & 4/28

Skamania BOCC weighs $1,000 fines for negligent hikers requiring rescue, approves an armed Sheriff's Auxiliary, and fields escalating West End concerns over the Storedahl Quarry EIS. Plus, Stevenson’s library expands to 7-day service.

🍎 The Town That Was: Remembering the Underwood Fire 80 Years Later

Before the highway, the Underwood riverfront was a bustling village and agricultural hub. Here is the story of the "Sunday conflagration" in 1946, 80 years ago today, that changed everything.

🦌 Antelope Mitigation & Major Grid Milestones - EFSEC 4/15

At their April 2026 meeting, the EFSEC Council advances the Cascade Renewable Transmission project to SEPA scoping, approves crucial wildlife plans for Horse Heaven, and breathes a sigh of relief as a 15% state budget cut is reversed.

🏘 Food Security Hurdles & Shelter Concerns Collide - 4/14 Skamania BOCC

Major traffic impacts are coming to Wind River Highway this May, new federal SNAP rules are straining Gorge support systems, and Skamania faces a 30% drop in expected timber harvests. Plus: WAGAP leadership transitions and weed season arrives early.

🌲 Debunking Land Rumors & Tackling Childcare Costs - Klickitat BOCC 4/14

Klickitat County commissioners tackle rising EMS call volumes, rural childcare deserts, and greenlight funding for the CGCC AMT facility. Plus, setting the record straight on local land ownership.

🚜 Is the 'Ag Income Test' Protecting Land or Blocking Farm Housing? - CRGC 4/8 & 4/9

The Gorge Commission’s April 2026 Economic Vitality committee fails to reach a quorum again, stalling key housing talks, while the Communications committee finalizes new media rules and tracks Klickitat's frozen permitting rollout.

🚑 Skyline Hospital's Levy Pitch Meets "Tax Fatigue" - Trout Lake Council 4/7

Skyline Hospital makes a critical pitch for a tax hike to expand local services, but Trout Lake councilors warn of recent tax fatigue. Plus: Local housing and parks surveys reveal a severe lack of data from young families.

🗑️ Could Portland's Trash be Klickitat's Treasure? - Klickitat BOCC 3/31 & 4/7

Klickitat County rejects a slew of infrastructure bids due to irregularities, sets a firm 2027 date for Short-Term Rental enforcement, and explores bringing regional trash to the local landfill to boost county revenue.