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Dawn Feldhaus

Stories by Dawn

Special Washougal City Council meeting causes concerns

The scheduling of a special Washougal City Council meeting has generated interest as well as questions about transparency.

The meeting, which will be held Thursday, at 7 p.m., in the council chambers at City Hall, 1701 "C" St., is sponsored by council members Connie Jo Freeman, Jon Russell, Caryn Plinski and Jennifer McDaniel.

‘Ignite the Heart’ photography retreat is June 1 and 2

Two local artists will lead a two-day retreat that will focus on creativity, fun and faith.

Elida Field and Lara Blair are planning the "Ignite the heart: Women of Truth" event, which will include photography and collage/mixed media workshops. Sessions are planned for Friday, June 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Blair's studio, and Saturday, June 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Field's studio, both in Camas. An "after party" at 7 p.m., will include an art show for each participant and a guest.

Port approves contracts for Commerce Center

Three contracts, totalling $198,000, have been given the go-ahead by the Port of Camas-Washougal Commission, for construction engineering services pertaining to the Steigerwald Commerce Center.

The contracts for phase one of the Steigerwald project include the production of civil engineering plans and the construction specifications for the site grading and utility improvements. The fee for that work, to be completed by MacKay & Sposito, Inc., is $163,000.

Mayors begin fitness challenge

Mayors begin fitness challenge

Camas Mayor Scott Higgins and Washougal Mayor Sean Guard have embarked on a one-year challenge to tackle obesity.

Their efforts started May 2, during a press conference and weigh-in.

Higgins, a minister, husband and father, said he is looking forward to having more energy, and his competitive spirit was evident.

"I love beating Washougal," he added.

Officials review concepts for interchanges

The potential of a split diamond interchange at Washougal River Road and 27th Street will need federal and/or state financial support to move forward.

Washougal Interim Public Works Director Jim Dunn said funding for the potential $98 million project would be needed for project planning, design, permitting and construction. The process is expected to take up to 10 years.

The option, recommended by Dunn, would include frontage roads with grade separation of railroad tracks at 27th.

Another option recently presented to the Washougal City Council and Port of Camas-Washougal Commission included full diamond interchanges at Washougal River Road and 32nd Street, with grade separation of railroad tracks at 32nd. The estimated cost of that option is $105 million to $120 million.

Country Financial opens office in Washougal

A Washougal resident has relocated her office from Vancouver to Washougal.

Courtney Wilkinson, a financial representative for Country Financial, said she and her husband Kurt decided almost 11 years ago to build their home in Washougal.

SR-14 businesses show strength in numbers

SR-14 businesses show strength in numbers

Mitch Hammontree, owner of Quiznos in Washougal, does not mince words when he says the condition of the 200 block of “C” Street in front of his business in The Crossing development, “looks like Afghanistan.”

He recently experienced the bumpy roadway ride, as well as delays enforced by flaggers, when he delivered sandwich orders to the Georgia Pacific mill in downtown Camas.

Fair attracts job seekers, providers

Fair attracts job seekers, providers

Rob Boley, of Washougal, is adjusting to his new job — which is to find a job.

For seven years, he owned The Great Frame Up, in the Riverstone Marketplace development along Southeast 192nd Avenue, in Vancouver. After deciding not to renew his lease, Boley closed the custom art framing shop in February.

He was among the more than 800 individuals participating in a job fair at Clark College, Wednesday.

"It was time well spent for me," Boley said. "I learned a lot about many companies in a short period of time, and I was able to stop and visit with just about every table there.

"The ones that resonate the most with me were the businesses in the retail front or selling products that I could become personally excited about," he added.

Women of the Washougal City Council share common experiences

Four members of the Washougal City Council recently got together for a social breakfast, to talk about educational options for children, vacations to Hawaii and Florida, the difference between raising boys and girls, and the brew pub that is expected to open on Main Street this summer.

They also talked about the experiences they had while campaigning and door-belling last fall, their motivations for running for office, the places where they grew up and the reasons they chose to live in Washougal.

Connie Jo Freeman, Caryn Plinski and Joyce Lindsay took their first oaths of office as council members in January, while Jennifer McDaniel has been serving since 2008.

Port to receive $1.5 million for Steigerwald Commerce Center

Port of Camas-Washougal Executive Director Dave Ripp said he was elated when he found out the state budget recently approved by the legislature includes $1.5 million for the Steigerwald Commerce Center.

The state funding will go toward phase one of the project, formerly known as the East Industrial Park. Phase one is expected to include the extension of approximately 1,500 feet of street from Truman, east into the commerce center.

Twilight Pizza Bistro will expand to 192nd Avenue

A couple actively involved in the local community has decided to expand their business to the 192nd Avenue corridor.

Don Mills and Morgan McColum, owners of Twilight Pizza Bistro, have co-hosted car shows, raised money for the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society, accepted donations for Children's Center and entered a team in the Camas Days bathtub races.

American Family Insurance office grand opening is set for May 4

A new American Family Insurance office in Washougal is providing several types of coverage for area residents.

Camas Camera Club promotes creative photography projects

Camas Camera Club promotes creative photography projects

Individuals interested in improving their photography skills are invited to participate in Camas Camera Club meetings and assignments.

The meetings are open to photographers of all skill levels, ages 16 and older. Individuals are invited to bring a couple of recent images to the meetings.

The club was officially founded by Kirsten Muskat in June 2011, after she and a few photographer friends had met sporadically along trails, workshops and in local homes.

Muskat, who now serves as club president, said the meetings are enjoyable and informative.

"It's fun to see everyone's images, watching people's skills grow, seeing some really creative and brilliant work, and we have some great banter," she said. "We have short, informative photo talks every month, and I got some great pointers and ideas on how to present slide shows, new photo editing software and High Dynamic Range photography."

Game and toy store opens in Washougal

Game and toy store opens in Washougal

Dave and Becky Dotson, of Washougal, are very excited to own a game, card and toy store in their hometown.

The Dotsons opened Hero Support today.

“It’s been a work-in-progress for about 2 1/2 months,” Dave said.

That process included renovating the former County Communications space with new flooring and paint, and the water fountain feature outside has been repaired.

“It was the right time and the right opportunity,” Dave said. “The building became available for lease four or five months ago.”

Citizens complain about Washougal water rates

Several Washougal residents recently complained about utility rate increases that were approved two years ago.

The second year of increases has resulted in a single family residence -- within city limits -- paying an estimated $174.60 for water, sewer and storm water, every two months this year. That compares to $144.59 every two months in 2011.

During the April 2 Washougal City Council meeting, Cecil Hopkins complained about the rate increases.

C-W Port buys 7th Street property

The Port of Camas-Washougal Commission has approved the purchase of land near its Sixth Street property.

The commission voted 3 to 0, April 3, to buy a 10,000 square foot lot at 1111 S. Seventh St., Washougal, from Ron Gustafson, for $190,000.

The purpose of the purchase is to add additional, contiguous port property, according to Port Communications Manager Jack Hardy.

The port will pay $50,000 at closing. Installment payments will be spread over three years beginning with $50,000 in 2013, $50,000 in 2014 and $40,000 in 2015 at an interest rate of four percent.

Rapper hopes to educate youth with anti-suicide message

Rapper hopes to educate youth with anti-suicide message

A former Washougal resident is hoping to make a difference, particularly in the lives of youth.

Elijah "Mentality" Huckins recently released a suicide prevention and awareness music video "Leaf on a Limb." It is among the songs on his CD "Risk It All."

In addition to hoping to reach as many youth as possible, Huckins thinks the video could be a great tool for parents.

"Parents could use it to communicate with their children about this tragic reality," he said. "This video shows what is left behind and most importantly that there is help and hope. These are not just actors but people who have really lost someone to suicide."

Washougal financial investigation forwarded to county prosecutor

The long-awaited results of an investigation into Washougal financial issues have been sent to the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office.

Sheriff's Office Sgt. Kevin Allais, with the Major Crimes Unit, said the report prepared by Detective Tom Mitchum, has been completed and forwarded to prosecutors.

Waterfront revitalization concepts are discussed

A conceptual drawing has been created, highlighting options that could one day occupy the former Hambleton Lumber Company site.

The drawing, developed by staff with the consulting firm Maul Foster and Alongi, is intended to “just give a visual of the possibilities of the site,” according to Port of Camas-Washougal Executive Director David Ripp. The possibilities included commercial/mixed use options, ranging in size from 10,000 square feet to 140,000 square feet, as well as restaurants and retail stores of 50,000 to 75,000 square feet.

Business owners worry about SR-14 traffic delays

Business owners worry about SR-14 traffic delays

As the work to widen state Route 14 continues, several local business owners say they are being affected by the project.

Andrea Bruno is an executive director at American Diabetes Assoc.

A local resident is hoping to increase the awareness of the American Diabetes Association and its mission to prevent and cure diabetes.

Washougal Library supporters consider move to a new location

Washougal Library supporters consider move to a new location

The Fort Vancouver Regional Library District currently pays the city of Washougal $1 per year, for the use of the library building at 1661 “C” St., in the City Hall complex.

That type of financial arrangement is not likely to occur again if the library relocates.

More than 35 people attended a Friends of the Washougal Library meeting March 13. In addition to longtime and brand new Friends members and Washougal Community Librarian Christine Hughey, the meeting was attended by Washougal Mayor Sean Guard and Lone Wolf Development Representative Adam Taylor. The Community Libraries Director for FVRL Jill Rourke and FVRL Foundation Director Rick Smithrud were also there.

The library is currently 2,400 square feet, with 1,800 square feet of that dedicated to public use. The remaining area is for staff and storage.

Camas man dies in plane crash

Camas man dies in plane crash

A plane crash that killed a local pilot and a student is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Camas man dies in plane crash

Camas man dies in plane crash

A local pilot and a student pilot have been found dead after a plane crash in an area near Goble, Ore.

CFD chief could be appointed interim leader of consolidated departments

The Washougal and Camas city councils could decide in a few weeks to appoint Camas Fire Chief Nick Swinhart as interim chief of the consolidated departments.

The decisions, expected April 2, would change Washougal Fire Chief Ron Schumacher's title to deputy chief of fire prevention and fire marshal for the departments.

A trial consolidation is in effect through Dec. 31, 2013.

Stories to tell

Stories to tell

Bob Peake, of Washougal, has a few momentos that remind him of his time served in the Navy during the Korean War.

Peake, 80, served 1 1/2 years each on three ships -- a destroyer the USS Higbee, an unnamed LSSL-116 transported from Astoria, Ore., to the South Korean government, and the USS Dixie. He has a print of the USS Dixie, shown at sea accompanied by destroyers.

Peake, a former quartermaster second class, also has two framed pieces of wire fence that used to be located in the Demilitarized Zone at the 38th Parallel between North and South Korea. One of the framed pieces was provided by the Vancouver Korean Society, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War in 1950.

The other framed piece of wire fence was delivered by Stan Nystrom, a Washougal resident and former Camas insurance agent. Nystrom's son-in-law Elton served in Korea. The keepsake was provided by the Republic of Korea in gratitude to American soldiers.

Liberty Theatre will celebrate anniversary this week with sing-a-longs

Liberty Theatre will celebrate anniversary this week with sing-a-longs

The audience will be invited to participate as the Liberty Theatre celebrates its first anniversary, under the ownership of Rand Thornsley.

He signed a five-year lease on the theater in January 2011.

A sing-along version of "Hairspray" will be shown Friday and Saturday, at 5:30 p.m. The 2007 movie featured John Travolta, Nikki Blonskey and Queen Latifah. It is rated PG for language, some suggestive content and momentary teen smoking.

Microbrewing company will expand to downtown Washougal

Amnesia Brewing, of North Portland, will open at 1834 Main St., this summer.

A.L. Insurance Group, Inc.opens in downtown Camas

A local resident who has been involved in photography, volunteering at the Camas Farmer’s Market and teaching people to eat well is the newest sales associate for the A.L. Insurance Group, Inc.

Washougal incubator building nears completion

Washougal incubator building nears completion

A new building in downtown Washougal is expected to be ready for business in April.

"1887 Main," a Lone Wolf Development project, is named after its address.

So far, there is one signed tenant for a 720-square-foot retail space on the first floor.

Sarah Russell pays tribute to Jeremiah Small

Sarah Russell pays tribute to Jeremiah Small

A memorial service is planned for today in Iraq, for Jeremiah Small, of Cosmopolis, Wash. Additional services are scheduled to occur this month in Nashville, Aberdeen and Yakima.

Fundraiser for the American Lung Association

Fundraiser for the American Lung Association

A former Washougal High School valedictorian who loves to spend time outdoors is involved in the American Lung Association’s “Climb for Clean Air” program.

Megan Stump, a 2001 WHS graduate, enjoys hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing and camping. She is hoping to raise $3,000 by June 1, in order for the association to sponsor her summit attempt of 12,276 foot Mount Adams with professional guides in August.

Stump said the program, recently named "Reach the Summit," encourages individuals to set ambitious physical and fund raising goals, with the proceeds going to the American Lung Association's mission of saving lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.

She began hiking extensively in 2010 and summited Mount St. Helens, in September.

Drowning victim is identified

The woman who was found dead earlier this week in the Little Washougal River has been identified as a Washougal resident.

Climbing for a cause

Climbing for a cause

Washougal Volunteer Firefighter Jacob “Jake” Grindy plans to be among the more than 1,500 individuals who will climb 1,311 steps in Seattle.

Grindy will be joined by Washougal volunteers Tyler McMahon and Dustin Bross and paid firefighter Ron Nickles, as well as East County Fire & Rescue Firefighters/Emergency Medical Technicians John Prasch and Kelby Kiedrowski, in the "Scott Firefighter Stair Climb" Sunday, March 11.

The event, which will take place in the Columbia Center, raises money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

"It's a really good cause and a fun way to make money for the society," Grindy said. "I've been affected, as many people have, with cancer in my family. I think this is a good way to give back."

Washougal Council re-affirms use of E-Verify

Five Washougal City Council members oppose any future state legislation that would prevent local jurisdictions from using the E-Verify system.

BatheEZ tub is designed for individuals who need assistance

BatheEZ tub is designed for individuals who need assistance

A local man sells a product that has been in the development stages for four years.

Jim Hill, of Camas, is the national marketing director for BatheEZ, a bath tub insert that fits over an existing tub.

"Our never before seen product will greatly help individuals in the elderly/senior health care industry," he said. "It is a safe, easy, economical way for the elderly, seniors and physically impaired to take a quality bath."

Daytime burglars are arrested in Camas

An intruder and a getaway driver are arrested after allegedly taking jewelry and several electronics from a Camas home.

Disc E. Business closes

A three-year-old company that relocated from Portland to downtown Washougal in 2011 has closed its doors.

Disc. E. Business closed Thursday, after a wholesaler purchased most of the inventory.

Owner Darcy Hall had planned to close next month.

Life is a Dance

Life is a Dance

A Washougal man with some serious dance credentials is sharing his knowledge with local residents.

Dave Watson currently teaches "Beginning Ballroom Dance" Monday nights at Washougal High School. The seven-week course, offered through Washougal Community Education & Recreation, is focussing on waltz and West Coast swing dancing.

Watson has been teaching dance professionally for 39 years. For the first 15 of those years, he competed professionally in standard, smooth and rhythm styles.

Watson, a former owner of three Fred Astaire studios in New Jersey, has been an independent instructor for more than 25 years. In 2004, he opened Ballroom Parkrose -- a studio in Portland.

Washougal glass artist enjoys the creative process

Washougal glass artist enjoys the creative process

Josh Hancock has a “hot” hobby — 2,150 degrees, to be exact. That is the temperature of glass when it is removed from a furnace during the glass making process.

By day, Hancock is the shop manager at his sister's business -- Autumn's Auto Lube, in east Vancouver. During his free time, he concentrates on the art of glass blowing.

"I enjoy being in the heat -- taking a liquid and turning it into anything you want to,'' Hancock said. "You get to create things. It's amazing.

"It's controlled chaos," he added. "It's constantly moving, and you have to control it. It"s learning control over something. You can make anything you want out of it. It's just fun. A lot of people have not seen it done."

Two dogs reunited after Washougal tragedy

Two dogs reunited after Washougal tragedy

On Super Bowl Sunday while some local families were watching pre-game coverage, Jeff and Belinda Hickey were taking their recently adopted dog Bella to the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society in Washougal, to see if another border collie recognized her as a long-lost “family” member.

Jeff and Bella stayed by the family car in the shelter's parking lot, while Belinda brought the other dog Ben out of the shelter.

"They looked at each other," Belinda said. "You could tell they recognized each other. They walked to each other.

"He put his head around her neck, and we just took them for a walk," she added.

Coal train issues continue to generate local interest

While some members of the Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Sierra Club, as well as other local residents, have expressed concerns about the potential effects of having an additional 20 coal trains travel daily through Washougal and Camas, other interests want to be heard.

Robert Hill, of Washougal, is a locomotive engineer for BNSF Railway and the legislative representative for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen 758, in Vancouver.

"The debate of coal trains and the increased trade with the Asian markets, mainly China, and the building of port facilities and jobs has been a topic that has been circulating through many communities in our state," he said. "There are measures being taken to mitigate in transit coal dust.

"I applaud our city government for seeking more input with this issue and taking the time to have workshops with discussions seeking input from all parties of interest," Hill added. "I am confident the fears of coal dust from trains will be eliminated once the facts are presented. A resolution of concern would not be in the interest of the community or the economy for Washington State families."

Moose Lodge could be remodeled into a community center

Moose Lodge could be remodeled into a community center

Camas City Councilwoman Melissa Smith would like to see day camp activities offered for local youth in the summer — activities such as kayak classes on Lacamas Lake, as well as volleyball and badminton.

Senior Resource Fair is Monday, Feb. 20

More than 25 vendors with health and safety resources for senior citizens will participate in an annual resource fair and spaghetti luncheon.

Camas campsite provides warmth in the winter months

Camas campsite provides warmth in the winter months

A local campsite known for its summer programs has recently started to offer temporary shelter for the homeless, when other facilities in the area are full.

Camp Lacamas Retreat & Conference Center includes 10 cabins equipped with electric heat, lighting and bunk beds. There are also two restroom buildings with showers.

Offering the facility as a warming shelter is a new venture.

"We just felt it was a very good use of our camp during the deep winter months when bookings are slower," said Booking Manager Kalani Culley. "Traditionally, December and January are not times when we are getting the bookings that we normally get during other months. It gives us the freedom to do something more community oriented."

Local foundation donates to Maryhill Museum project

A Washougal foundation and a Pendleton Woolen Mills executive are helping the Maryhill Museum of Art realize a goal of expanding.

The "Kind Heart Free Spirit Foundation" has provided a $10,000 grant toward the construction of the 25,000-square foot Mary and Bruce Stevenson Wing.

The vice-chairman of Pendleton Woolen Mills, Broughton"Brot" Bishop, and his wife Mary, of Portland, have donated $200,000 for the project.

Together the gifts bring the museum within $40,000 of the amount needed to secure a matching grant of $400,000 from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust.

Sarah Russell and other volunteers provide free medical services in Washougal

Sarah Russell and other volunteers provide free medical services in Washougal

Visitors to Bethel Community Church on the third Saturday of every month are subject to being greeted by several people — including Pastor Rich Blum and musician Mike Logan.

There are also several volunteers at an information table, steering patients toward free medical or massage services. They are all part of the “Compassion C/W” effort to provide services for individuals who do not have access to health care.

Logan, a member of the Bethel congregation, plays a guitar and harmonica in the church lobby which serves as a “waiting room” for patients and their families.

Blum said the volunteers are from several local churches.

“We just host it,” he said. “We try to do anything we can to make it special and provide a personal touch.

Camas teen leads by example

An aspiring medical professional is enjoying his time serving as president of the American Red Cross of Southwest Washington Youth Council.

Kendrick "Kenny" Kim, 17, of Camas, has been on the council for two years. Before that time, he volunteered to assist with Red Cross office tasks and he cleaned the faces of mannequins that were used in CPR classes.

Kim then became a member of the Red Cross Club at Mountain View High School, before he applied to serve as a member of the youth council.

That involved submitting an application, as well as a teacher's recommendation, to the executive board of the council.

Eagle Rehabilitation opens at former Highland Terrace site

Eagle Rehabilitation opens at former Highland Terrace site

The facility formerly known as Highland Terrace Nursing Center has a new name, a new administrator and 27 new private rooms.

The rooms in Eagle Rehabilitation At Camas are in a short-term rehabilitation wing for patients who want to recover from orthopedic surgeries or strokes.

The wing features new furniture, fixtures and equipment. There are also new sheets and bedspreads, flat screen TVs, direct dial telephones, locking cabinets and bathrooms with showers.

The intention is to provide rooms for individuals as they "transition from hospital to home," according to Paul McVay, who recently succeeded Bill Swanson as the administrator. Swanson now manages Columbia View Care Center, in Cathlamet.

Washougal council discusses coal trains

Representatives from the Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Sierra Club, as well as other local residents, are concerned about the potential effects of having an additional 20 coal trains travel through Washougal and Camas each day.

Currently, there are two coal trains that travel through the local area per day.

Coal export terminals are proposed in Cherry Point, Gray's Harbor and Longview, to enable coal companies to transport coal through the Pacific Northwest to Asian markets.

Samantha Lockhart, conservation organizer with the Friends, said during the Washougal City Council meeting last night the organization is concerned about the coal trains' effects on the local economy.

"They could impact home values," she said.

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Event Listings

  • Diabetic and Weight Management Support
    Every Tuesday Night 6pm-6:45pm Fearn Natural Health Clinic 19206 SE 1st St Ste 118, Vancouver, WA 360-833-9016 We talk about different aspects of health each ...
    at Fearn Natural Health Clinic,19206 SE 1st St Ste 118, Vancouver, WA 360-833-9016 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2012
  • Alcoholics Anonymous
    at Human Dignity 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2012

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