Trisha Walker

1 week ago | columbiagorgenews.com | Trisha Walker

By Trisha WalkerColumbia Gorge NewsI appreciate all our readers, but this column is for those (very vocal) Facebook commenters who, based on said comments, do not understand the difference between “news” and “opinion.”And look, I get it, sort of — we have been tricked by entertainment “news” shows into thinking that everything is news, even if it’s just some guy behind a desk randomly spouting about whatever it is on his mind that day.

1 week ago | columbiagorgenews.com | Trisha Walker

By Trisha WalkerColumbia Gorge NewsHOOD RIVER — Roughly $4 million in budget reductions for the 2025-2026 school year was confirmed at the Hood River County School District’s (HRCSD) April 9 board meeting. Superintendent Bill Newton and Chief Financial Officer Mark DeMoss provided the update. The budget has been a reoccurring item on board meeting agendas — it was also discussed Jan. 22 and Feb. 26 — and at community and staff listening sessions.

2 weeks ago | columbiagorgenews.com | Trisha Walker

WHITE SALMON — Columbia High School (CHS) Vice Principal Kelly Hume has been promoted to co-principal beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. “This transition is part of a strategic leadership plan as current Principal Craig McKee plans to retire of the end of that school year,” White Salmon Valley School District (WSVSD) Superintendent Rich Polkinghorn told school board members at the March 28 meeting. The board approved the change.

2 weeks ago | columbiagorgenews.com | Trisha Walker

Originally from Fresno, California, Vargas-Boots started at the Hood River County Library 12 years ago, ending her career as its bilingual outreach librarian on Feb. 4. In that time, she helped get its bookmobile running (literally; she drove it), providing initial outreach by delivering free books and crafts from the trunk of her car during the pandemic. She also served as vice chair of the state library board of Oregon in addition to her other duties. But on Feb. 5, she set out on a new path.

2 weeks ago | columbiagorgenews.com | Trisha Walker

By Trisha WalkerColumbia Gorge NewsWHITE SALMON — Columbia High School (CHS) Vice Principal Kelly Hume has been promoted to co-principal beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. “This transition is part of a strategic leadership plan as current Principal Craig McKee plans to retire of the end of that school year,” White Salmon Valley School District (WSVSD) Superintendent Rich Polkinghorn told school board members at the March 28 meeting. The board approved the change.