Camas-Washougal logo tag

News

March 22, 2011

Some Camas union contracts finalized

The three re-negotiated union contracts approved by the Camas City Council last night will save the city approximately $54,000 in 2011. Contracts with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local No. 2444; Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 11; and Washington State Council of County and City Employees AFSCME, are now in place. "They are realistic. They are reflective of the times we are in," said City Administrator Lloyd Halverson of the new contracts. "We appreciate the good faith reasoning between the groups and the city."

March 22, 2011
Signs serve as reminders to support businesses located along E Street, while driving at or less than the speed limit. The $8.1 million construction project includes the conversion of the road width to two through-lanes and a center left turn lane, and the addition of bike lanes and sidewalks from Sixth to 32nd streets. It is expected to be completed in August.

E Street project is discussed as a political issue

An unscheduled debate occurred last night, involving Washougal Mayor Sean Guard and several city council members, regarding a recent lunchtime meeting about the "E" Street project. Councilman Michael Delavar questioned why the city's public works committee - consisting of Rod Morris, Molly Coston and Paul Greenlee - attended the March 14 meeting with "E" Street merchants.

March 18, 2011

Port hosts emergency drill today

The area around Building 14 in the Port of Camas-Washougal Industrial Park will be a bit more active than usual today during a mock emergency drill. The port is planning to participate in simulated disaster and response efforts today, from 7 a.m. to noon, at 3801 S. Truman St., Washougal. Responding agencies will include the Camas and Washougal police and fire departments, as well as East County Fire and Rescue.

March 15, 2011

Washougal successful in managing budget

The City of Washougal continues to be faced with the difficult financial and budgetary pressures facing all governments in the nation as a result of the great recession. However, I am happy to report that in 2010 and 2011 we have been successful in balancing our budgets without increasing property and sales taxes and without the use of reserves. Much of the success in achieving this significant accomplishment belongs to the staff, department heads and city council for understanding the situation we were facing early last year and their support of the administration's efforts to manage our expenses and find efficiencies.

March 15, 2011

District postpones Fishback turf replacement

After completing repairs to the Fishback Stadium turf field and reevaluating its overall condition, the Washougal School District has decided not to replace it before the next school year. "The district intends to study the condition of the turf throughout the next year and will look at possibly replacing it during the summer of 2012," said Doug Bright, director of human resources, maintenance and operations.

March 15, 2011
Kendra Wilks (left) and Lisa Jooste (right), both of Camas, met through mutual friends. Wilks has been diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, while Jooste survived stage 4. "We are not your typical colon cancer patients," Jooste said. "We are in our early 40s, and we were both diagnosed late." She has been cancer free for almost a year. "Listen to your body," she said. "Get your colonoscopy."

The Faces of Cancer

A work of art in Lisa Jooste's kitchen serves more than just a decorative purpose. It is inspiring - to her and her family. The "Celebrate" sign was sent by a friend in Wisconsin to Jooste, on her last day of chemotherapy - March 23, 2010. "It is to remind my entire family that every day there is something to celebrate," she said.

March 15, 2011

Hearing about Hambleton Lumber site is set

A public hearing that could affect the future use of the former Hambleton Lumber site and the Parker's Landing Historical Park will be held next week. The hearing, in front of the Washougal Planning Commission, is set for Tuesday, March 22, at 7 p.m., in the council chambers at Washougal City Hall, 1701 "C" St.

March 8, 2011

Post office building is still for sale

Although a "Sale Pending" sticker recently appeared on the downtown Camas Post Office's "For Sale" sign, United States Postal Service officials say there has been no official purchase of the historic building. Ron Anderson, public relations coordinator for the USPS Portland postal district, said Monday that offers on the property at 440 N.E. Fifth Ave. are still being accepted.

March 8, 2011
Stephanie Cameron and her horse "Viz" are Fern Prairie residents. Cameron has been hired as the marketing communications manager for the Oregon Zoo. "This is truly a dream job," she said. Cameron and her husband also have three goats, a dog and a cat.

Fern Prairie woman enjoys ‘amazing animals’ at the Oregon Zoo

Stephanie Cameron has several things to enjoy about her new job - including opportunities to touch an elephant and feed a rhinoceros and two giraffes. Cameron, of Fern Prairie, has been hired by the Oregon Zoo as the marketing communications manager. She succeeds Jane Hartline, who retired in June. "The animals are amazing, and I am really enjoying learning about each of them," Cameron said. "They fascinate me, and I could watch them for hours. Her job includes overseeing events and design services at the zoo.

March 8, 2011

Debate over funding for Grove Field continues

After several negative thoughts were expressed by Port of Camas-Washougal Commissioners about the possibility of applying for funding from the Federal Aviation Administration to pay for improvements at Grove Field Airport, Liz Pike suggested the port have the State Department of Aviation "deal with the feds." "I am struck by the lack of optimism [from the port commissioners] regarding this project," she said. "You should sell [the airport] or deed it to another agency that would be a good steward."