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February 14, 2012
Josh Hancock, of Washougal, creates glass roses at Firehouse Glass, a studio in downtown Vancouver. He has been a glass blower for 12 years. "I love it. That's why I stuck with it," Hancock said. "I can't imagine doing anything else that would be enjoyable."

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."

February 14, 2012
The Camas Post Office has been on the market since early 2010. According to Portland USPS spokesman Ron Anderson, talks are underway with an interested buyer.

USPS in negotiations with potential Post Office buyer

After being on the market for two years, the Camas Post Office may soon have a buyer. Ron Anderson, public relations coordinator for the Portland postal district, said on Friday that there is an interested buyer who is in active negotiations with representatives from the USPS real estate office in Denver. "They are in the process," Anderson said. "There's no promises that they will reach an agreement, but something is happening."

February 9, 2012

Fire chief recommends regional fire authority study

Following initial success in the trial merger between the Camas and Washougal fire departments, Camas Fire Chief Nick Swinhart is recommending the effort be extended and a formal exploration of the feasibility of establishing a regional fire authority be explored.

February 7, 2012

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.

February 7, 2012
The Camas Moose Lodge, owned by the city, could be remodeled and used as a community center. An option to remodel it for $1.7 million has been recommended by the Camas Parks Commission and forwarded to City Council for discussion Tuesday, Feb. 21.

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.

February 7, 2012

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."

January 31, 2012

Camas city administrator announces plans for retirement

The only person serve as Camas city administrator on Friday announced his plans to retire. Lloyd Halverson, who has been the city's top administrator for nearly 23 years, revealed his decision publicly during the annual planning conference on Friday.