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March 13, 2012
Brewery could be a great fit for Washougal
A brewery and pub in downtown Washougal? It's a concept that has been mentioned often when discussions have focused on what types of businesses might do well in the local area.
A brewery and pub in downtown Washougal? It's a concept that has been mentioned often when discussions have focused on what types of businesses might do well in the local area.
In Camas and Washougal, the sounds of trains passing through our communities have become almost commonplace. Each day we see and hear them go by, often as we wait for the train cars to clear local BNSF railroad crossings. We may not like them much, but we live with them because they are just one aspect of these two communities that have so many other great qualities.
No coal trains in our cities If the coal companies get their way, there will be 20 or more mile-long coal trains every day going through Camas and Washougal, resulting in coal air pollution, excessive noise, and horrible traffic jams.
It's hard to believe that it's been nearly a decade since the Jack, Will and Rob Youth Center opened its doors to the Camas community.
What's that old saying? "One step forward, two steps back." Just as our economy is starting to move again, rising gas prices threaten to put the brakes on the recovery.
Deeply concerned about coal train impacts Last week, I experienced a well-over 12 minute delay at a rail crossing in Washougal as a 125 coal car, four engine train grinded slowly past. An additional 20 to 30 trains daily bodes an incredibly negative impact upon local businesses and the extensive redevelopment effort currently shaping Washougal into the premier gateway destination to the Gorge.
In the Camas-Washougal area, volunteer firefighters work side-by-side with paid personnel, and play an integral role in responding to emergencies, saving lives, and lending a hand wherever they are needed. In a statement from Gov. Chris Gregoire that highlighted Washington State Volunteer Firefighter Recognition Week, she said "volunteer firefighters make a huge contribution to public safety in Washington State with more than 15,000 volunteer firefighters representing over 75 percent of the state's total fire fighting resources."
Coal companies don't follow the rules In regards to the article "Coal train issues continue to generate local interest," I want to point out that coal companies are not actually following rules about mitigating coal dust. This certainly isn't the first time "Big Coal" is cutting corners at the expense of human health and safety.
"Poetry, pottery, punk rock. It's all art. The more that we can identify where we all are creatively, and the more we can come together around that, the better off we all are."
Keep school fees and fines process simple I read the article by Danielle Frost in the Tuesday, Jan. 31 edition with some interest. While not a resident of Washougal and not having children in any school district (retired) I believe that the board, superintendent, and business manager are over thinking the collection system.