When it comes to fireworks, one person's celebration is another person's headache. Proponents of the use of personal fireworks say they are a fun, American tradition that should continue, while opponents argue that their neighbors often use illegal fireworks and violate restrictions.
The Bonneville Power Administration recently released a series of new route segment options in east Clark County, farther from population centers, for its 500-kilovolt proposed transmission line that runs from Troutdale, Ore., to Castle Rock, Wash. "The extensive public input we've received has helped us develop a wide range of alternative routes that includes new options through less-populated areas," said Steve Wright, BPA administrator, in a statement. "We know that this is a lengthy and trying process, but we need to make sure we get it right. We understand that people who could be affected would like us to move as quickly as possible."
Another Election Day will soon arrive, and with it a slough of candidates who are hoping voters will check the box next to his or her name on the ballot, and government agencies looking for votes of support on local levies.
Construction began this month on a project that will improve safety for bicyclists traveling along portions of upper Lake Road. The new one-half mile bike lane will complete the only missing 1,100-foot section of the westbound bicycle lane on Northwest Lake Road, from state Route 500 to Southeast 192nd Avenue. Improvements include widening the road on a hillside, installing storm catch basins, storm mains and laterals, manholes, and street resurfacing. Nine LED illumination street lamps will also be installed. "It's really going to improve safety going up that road for bicyclists," said City Engineer Jim Hodges. "That is the main thrust of the project, and the intent."
It was a demonstration of true Panther Pride. Reunion organizers for the Washougal High School class of 1960 wanted to do something special to mark its 50-year milestone. They began with the idea of collecting a couple thousand dollars for student scholarships at the high school. From there, reunion organizers including Ethel Boggs and Janet Smith were put into contact with representatives from the Washougal Schools Foundation, which provides grants for teachers throughout the district. "It was exactly what we were looking for," said Boggs, who still lives in Washougal and has three grown children who are also WHS graduates. Alum Louis Munch, a retired teacher now living in Port Townsend, Wash., hopped on board to lead the charge with great enthusiasm.
This time of year, the Post-Record's community calendar section is filled with announcements about local Camas and Washougal high school class reunions. Usually from June through September, reunion committees are busy working to put the finishing touches on the planning of events that are often two- to three day celebrations -- opportunities for old classmates to reconnect and possibly re-establish friendships that got lost somewhere between graduation, jobs, marriages, children and families. The experience of growing up in small towns like Camas and Washougal are unique. Some people end up staying put and establishing roots in the cities that they have come to love, while others move on, but still retain the fond feelings and memories of "home."
The largest sheepdog trial on the West Coast will be held at a Camas farm Aug. 19 through 22. This is the sixth year that the Lacamas Valley Sheepdog Trial has been hosted by the Johnston Dairy Farm and its owner Lynn Johnston. It began as a small gathering just a few years ago, and has continued to grow in popularity every year. "This is not a money making event, but more a labor of love," said Rene Carroll, Johnston's sister. "We are easy driving distance from anywhere in Clark County. It is quite unique for this type of event to be held so close to town. It is a great opportunity for people to watch these amazing dogs at work."
The Fort Vancouver Regional Library District is asking voters to approve a 12 cent increase to its current levy rate. The proposed FVRL levy lid lift, included on the Aug. 17 Primary Election ballot, would increase the levy rate to provide the library district with additional operating revenue to restore library hours lost in 2009, and purchase books and other items for the district collection. The FVRL district includes all of Skamania, Klickitat and Clark counties, except for the city of Camas. The Washougal Community Library, part of the FVRL network, is supported with funds from the levy.
As Steve Platt sits sprawled on the sidewalk, you can't help but want to stop and take a look. Vibrantly colored chalk in hand, the artist intently marks the concrete, then smudges the bold line with his fingers to get just the right effect. The image is a smattering of colors now, but at the end of the day it will be a work of art. The three-dimensional picture Platt created for Camas Days has the viewer looking down into a rugged canyon. Highlights include a stream and a waterfall. "I think I might add a fly fisherman at the bottom," Platt contemplated as he began his endeavor on Friday morning. "But we'll see how things go."
For more than 30 years, Washougal taxpayers have supported emergency medical services provided with the help of monies generated from a property tax levy. When ballots arrive in the mail later this week for the Aug. 17 Primary Election, voters should continue this trend and vote "yes" on the City of Washougal emergency medical services property tax levy.
heather.acheson@camaspostrecord.com
