Washougal ranks third in Washington for reported ghost sightings

The study examined five factors — haunted locations, ghost towns, UFO sightings, Bigfoot sightings and ghost sightings — to determine the most haunted states in the country.Spokane led Washington with 51 reported ghost sightings, followed by Yakima with 32. Washougal ranked ahead of Olympia (30) and Vancouver (28).Washington ranked fourth among the nation’s most haunted states, with a score of 59.45 out of 100. The study cited 98 haunted locations, 136 ghost towns, 7,688 reported UFO sightings, 1,186 ghost sightings and 734 Bigfoot reports statewide. Washington had more reported Bigfoot sightings than any other state, according to the study.Empty Bowls Camas raises $42,000 for Interfaith Treasure HouseEmpty Bowls Camas, which brings together local artists, restaurants, businesses and volunteers to raise money and awareness for hunger relief, raised $42,000 for the Interfaith Treasure House during its third annual fundraiser, supporting food assistance programs in Camas, Washougal and Southwest Washington.The Sept. 22 event at the Black Pearl on the Columbia sold out, drawing more than 600 guests who sampled soups donated by nine local restaurants. The PNW Table won the People’s Choice award for the second consecutive year.Guests also took home handcrafted ceramic bowls created and donated by local potters. More than 800 bowls were made throughout the year at Norris Arts Studio, a la mud ceramics studio, and Portside Pottery.The donation will help fund the Interfaith Treasure House’s monthly grocery boxes, emergency assistance and food pantry operations. The organization also provides weekend food backpacks to more than 80 Camas School District students, with referrals made confidentially through school counselors.Washougal included in state’s Opportunity Zones nominationsWashougal has been included in Washington’s nominations for a federal program designed to encourage private investment in underserved communities.The area, identified as U.S. Census Bureau tract No. 040507, includes the Addy Street neighborhood, downtown Washougal, and the Port of Camas-Washougal’s industrial park. It is one of four Clark County areas among 99 statewide nominations announced Oct. 8 by Gov. Bob Ferguson.The Opportunity Zones 2.0 program offers tax incentives to eligible investors who invest in qualifying businesses and real estate in designated areas. Potential benefits for Washougal could include new housing, expanded local businesses, neighborhood-serving shops and restaurants, and additional jobs.City of Washougal staff worked with the Port of Camas-Washougal and the Columbia River Economic Development Council to pursue the designation.The nomination does not guarantee investment or development. The U.S. Department of the Treasury will review and certify the nominated areas, with new designations scheduled to take effect Jan. 1.Washougal previously had two census tracts included in the original Opportunity Zones program, established in 2018, but those designations did not lead to significant investment or development in the city.— Doug Flanagan

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