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August 14, 2025
The Puffin Cafe, pictured above in 2019, has served Caribbean-style cuisine from the docks of Parker’s Landing Marina at the Port of Camas-Washougal since 2003. (The Columbian files)

Port mulls new lease for Washougal’s only floating restaurant

A proposed new lease for the Washougal waterfront’s only floating restaurant should be seen as a “case study” and an example of how the Port of Camas-Washougal plans to reexamine agreements with current tenants going forward, port leaders say. But the owners of the Puffin Cafe say the lease increases the monthly rent too much, too soon — and doesn’t offer the long-term security they need.

August 14, 2025
Christine McClafferty, left, poses with daughters Camille McClaffery, center, and Mavis McClafferty at the Mt. Hood Aquatic Center in Gresham, Ore. Inspired by their mother, Camille McClafferty, 19, and Mavis McClafferty, 9, have become successful competitive swimmers. (Micah Rice/The Columbian)

Camas swimmer sets Masters record

In the final meters of a swim race, Christine McClafferty says there’s no time to breathe, feel tired or do anything besides give maximal effort.

August 14, 2025

Clark County aims to encourage creation of more apartments

Clark County residents should expect to see more mid- and large-sized apartment complexes built over the next two decades to meet the demand for housing, especially affordable housing. That was one key takeaway from a July 30 county work session on how to implement code changes for middle housing adopted last year.

August 14, 2025
A house for sale sits earlier this summer in Vancouver. Mortgages account for the bulk of household debt nationally, according to federal data. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian files)

Clark County’s debt-to-income ratio high

Do you still have a lot of debt, even though you make a good income? If so, consider yourself normal. Despite growing wages, Clark County’s debt-to-income ratio remains one of the highest in the Portland metro area.

August 7, 2025
Meghan Sciascia of Vancouver, from left in green, enjoys playtime at Heritage Park with her daughter, Paloma, 4, as well as Ricky Thayer-Daughtery, 5, of Camas and his mom, Faith, on July 31. The city of Camas is partnering with a crowd-tracking company to get an accurate count of parks visitors. (Photos by Amanda Cowan/The Columbian)

AI to keep eye on crowds

The city of Camas will start using artificial intelligence to better understand how many people attend city events, drive Camas’ streets and take advantage of its parks and trails.