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May 24, 2011
The Camas High School Science Olympiad celebrates their 14th place win at the National Science Olympiad tournament in Madison, Wis., on May 21. The team also took home medals in two individual events.

Camas Science Olympiad team captures 14th place at National tournament

The Camas High School Science Olympiad team made its mark as it competed against the top 60 teams from across the nation on Saturday in Madison, Wis. The Papermakers earned 14th place overall in the National Science Olympiad competition, and took home individual medals in two events. According to team coach Ron Wright, the finish is "remarkable" considering that it was the Camas team's first foray onto the national scene.

May 17, 2011

South Dakota man will become new CFD chief

The current chief of the Watertown, S.D. Fire Department has been selected to become the new leader of the Camas Fire Department. It was announced on Friday that Dominick J. Swinhart was chosen from a pool of five top candidates who went through a recent in-person interview process in Camas. The field was narrowed to two by May 5 when Mayor Paul Dennis and Mayor Pro-Tem Scott Higgins interviewed Swinhart and Clark County Fire District 3 Deputy Chief Scott Sorenson.

May 17, 2011
Tom Davis (left) talked with Washougal Police Department Administrative Assistant Pat King (center) and former Police Chief Bob Garwood (right), Saturday night at Washougal High School. A retirement dinner was held for Davis, who ended his 25-year career in law enforcement in December because of rheumatoid arthritis.

A tribute for Tom

A bittersweet celebration was held Saturday night for a Washougal Police Officer who grew up in the community in which he served. Tom Davis, who worked for the Washougal Police Department for 25 years, retired in December due to health issues. He served most recently as a school resource officer. The retirement dinner, held in the commons at Washougal High School, attracted more than 110 supporters -- including friends, family and former coworkers. Retired WPD Chiefs Randy Sheppard and Bob Garwood attended, along with former Sgt. Kim Yamashita. She is now the police chief in Sandy, Ore.

May 17, 2011
The Camas Public Library will soon be closed on Saturdays, from May 28 to Sept. 3. The action is a result of budget cutting measures approved by the City Council in December 2010.

Budget cuts lead to library closures beginning May 28

In one of this year's most publicly visible impacts of a whittled down budget, the Camas Public Library will be closed each Saturday from May 28 through Sept. 3. According to Library Director David Zavortink, Saturdays were selected for the closure because library data indicates that this is the day of the week, particularly during the summer, that produces the lightest foot traffic and lowest circulation. In addition, on this day of the week there is often no scheduled library programming and public's use of meeting rooms at the downtown facility is low.

May 17, 2011

Camas mayor pinpoints May 31 for resignation

Paul Dennis announced last night that his last day as Camas mayor will be May 31, as he resigns to accept the position of director of the newly formed Camas-Washougal Economic Development Association. It was announced by the Port of Camas-Washougal last week that after a process that involved interviews with three finalists, Dennis was the top choice to lead the organization. At that time Dennis -- principal of Cascade Planning Group -- said he planned to leave the mayor's seat.

May 17, 2011

Waterfront restaurant plans are put on the back burner

A former local resident is hoping someone will be inspired to lease or purchase the 12,000 square foot building that was originally designed to be the Black Pearl on the Columbia restaurant - near the Port of Camas-Washougal marina. Kimberly Sherertz, widow of Bill Sherertz, said Monday night it was her husband's wish to open the restaurant at the former site of the Parker House, 56 S. "A" St., Washougal, He passed away in January at the age of 64.

May 10, 2011

Dennis tapped to lead economic development group

Camas Mayor Paul Dennis and the company he owns have been selected to lead the newly formed Camas-Washougal Economic Development Association. Port of Camas-Washougal Commissioner Mark Lampton said Monday that Dennis, principal of Cascade Planning Group, rose to the top after three finalists were interviewed on Friday. His proposed appointment to the position of economic development director of the CWEDA is pending the approval of the Camas and Washougal City Councils, and the Port of Camas-Washougal Commission.

May 10, 2011

Camas narrows fire chief search down to final two

Two top finalists are in the running to become the new leader of the Camas Fire Department. Mayor Pro-Tem Scott Higgins met with Scott Sorenson, current deputy chief of Clark County Fire District 3, and Dominick Swinhart, current chief of the Watertown, S.D. fire department on Thursday for final interviews. The two were selected from a list of five finalists for the position. They went through what City Administrator Lloyd Halverson described as an "extensive" interview process last Tuesday and Wednesday. The process included a community open house event, two panel interviews, city tours, lunch with CFD employees, and dinner with City Council.