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News

January 21, 2014

Two local credit unions will consolidate

Two credit unions with locations in the Camas-Washougal area plan to combine efforts this summer. Lacamas Community Credit Union and iQ Credit Union have announced their intentions to consolidate their individual financial institutions into a single, larger credit union. According to a press release, a team of employees from both credit unions will oversee the transition process, which will include the exploration of naming strategies for the institution.

January 15, 2014

List of marijuana license applicants grows

The Fern Prairie Market is among the newest applicants for a retail marijuana license. Overall, there are 18 retail applicants in the city limits of Camas and five in Washougal. For processors licenses, there are three applicants in the city limits of Camas and three in Washougal. Aspiring marijuana producers include three applicants in Camas and four in Washougal.

January 14, 2014

Free workshop will be held Thursday

Local business owners and merchants are invited to learn about executing practices for business growth. Keith Upkes, president and chief executive officer of The Upkes Group, will talk about business concepts from the book "Mastering the Rockefeller Habits," Thursday, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., at K'Syrah Catering, Wine and Bistro, 316 N.E. Dallas St., Camas. The session is free. Coffee and pastries will be provided.

January 14, 2014
"Check Mates," enable a caregiver to see from the wearer's point of view. Audio/video information is live streamed to a caregiver on a remote computer, and the wearer can be guided through tasks.

‘Check Mates’ glasses assist the visually impaired

A Camas man is hoping to make a difference in the lives of people who are visually impaired. Milan Slamka has developed Echo-Sense Network Glasses, also known as "Check Mates." They can be worn by a sight-impaired person, and audio and video information is live streamed to a caregiver on a remote computer. "The caregiver can see what the blind person would see and can give instructions and guidance to the wearer," Slamka said. For more information, call 713-6125 or visit www.facebook.com/EchoSenseInc?ref=hl.

January 14, 2014
Work on the project that will lead to the replacement of the 105-year-old railroad bridge over the Washougal River is currently in the permitting phase. Bidding will open this spring, followed by the onset of construction this summer. Completion is estimated for 2016.

BNSF prepares to replace Washougal River railroad bridge

A Camas railroad bridge that is part of a line that is more than 100 years old will soon be replaced. Originally built in 1908, the 550 foot long BNSF Railway railroad bridge that runs above the Washougal River and parallels Southeast Sixth Avenue is on tap for replacement, said BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas. Over the years, work has been done to improve and maintain the bridge, but it has never been replaced. "This is an upgrade and enhancement," Melonas said. "It's an upgrade for safety and efficiency."

January 14, 2014

Washougal vehicle tab fee is discussed

Washougal residents could see a $20 increase in their vehicle tab renewal fees, to pay for road maintenance and repairs. The idea was discussed during the Washougal City Council's annual planning session Saturday, at the Washougal Community Center. Current pavement management funding includes $150,000 in real estate excise taxes and one-time contributions of $62,000 in the 2014 budget.

January 7, 2014

Fuel Medical purchases building from Westlie Ford

The Westlie Ford service and parts departments will relocate from downtown Camas to the dealership's sales location in Washougal in April, following the purchase of its landmark building by Fuel Medical. The moves will involve remodeling projects and expansions by both companies. Fuel Medical has purchased the building at 314 N.E. Birch St., for $825,000. The purchase includes a parking lot for employees, across the street from the Westlie building. The founders of Fuel Medical, Shawn Parker and Brendan Ford, live in Camas.

January 7, 2014

Leadership Clark County accepts early applications for Class of 2015

Leadership Clark County is accepting early applications for candidates interested in joining the Class of 2015. A free information session will be held Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Educational Services District 112 offices, 2500 N.E. 65th Ave., Vancouver. The free session is an opportunity for candidates to learn more about the program, ask questions, and hear from alumni about their experiences.

January 7, 2014
Jo Schmidt and Amber Groff interact with several West Columbia Gorge Humane Society cats available for adoption at The Cats Meow.  "My lifelong dream was to bring cat lovers together," Schmidt said. Grand opening festivities are set for Friday and Saturday.

The Cats Meow provides boarding, adoption opportunities

Two volunteers with the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society, in Washougal, have opened a cat boarding business that also provides feline adoption opportunities. At The Cats Meow Luxury Boarding, Jo Schmidt and Amber Groff offer 19 suites with names such as "Catnip Alley," "Tabby Tavern" and "Pouncing Paradise." Individual studios have sky boxes and climbing structures. The sky boxes provide viewing areas for cats to climb into. The luxury suites include the options of bird viewing areas or flat screen TVs, and the penthouse has a full wall of windows with natural light as well as additional views into the reception area. The Cats Meow Luxury Boarding, 330 N.E. Chkalov Drive, Ste. "B," Vancouver, is open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 260-2287, email [email protected] or visit www.thecatsmeowboarding.com.