Camas-Washougal logo tag

Stories by Doug Flanagan

email icon [email protected]

June 18, 2026
Camas City Hall is pictured April 14, 2020. The city council is considering a change to a council-manager form of government. (Amanda Cowan/The Columbian files)

Camas: Wells out due to equipment issues

CAMAS — The temporary loss of four municipal wells that prompted an urgent water-conservation request in Camas earlier this week was caused by several unrelated maintenance and equipment issues rather than a single systemwide failure, city officials said Tuesday.

June 18, 2026
Camas City Hall is pictured April 14, 2020. The city council is considering a change to a council-manager form of government. (Amanda Cowan/The Columbian files)

Panel: Camas should govern by council-manager

An ad hoc citizens committee has recommended that the city of Camas transition to a council-manager form of government with an elected mayor, arguing the change would provide greater long-term stability, professional administration and accountability as the city continues to grow.

June 11, 2026
Richard Xiong arranges a bouquet June 3 at the Xiong Flower Farm booth at the Camas Farmers Market. “We’re so excited, even with the new location,” said Leah Nichelson, the market’s manager and vendor liaison. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

Camas Farmers Market opens season in new location

For the first time in nearly two decades, visitors to the Camas Farmers Market will have to go somewhere new. What they won’t have to search for is the lively mix of local farmers, food vendors, music and community gathering that has made the market one of downtown Camas’ signature events.

June 11, 2026

Free summer events to highlight Washougal parks

The city of Washougal is inviting residents and visitors to explore local parks, learn new skills and connect with neighbors through its 2026 Second Saturday Summer Series, a free lineup of family-friendly events running through August.

June 4, 2026
Environmental educator Jamie Austin, right, leads a group of Crestline Elementary first graders on a tour May 19 at the Columbia Springs Vancouver Trout Hatchery. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

Trout hatchery ‘a place of community’

Vancouver Trout Hatchery visitors can wander freely among ponds and pathways, stop to chat with staff members tending fish or watch trout grow in the water below.