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October 16, 2012
Wilson Cady, environmental education coordinator for the Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards, views the damage to the Steigerwald refuge boardwalk. While 148 acres burned, approximately 20,000 shrubs and trees survived. "Wildlife is coming back," Cady said Friday, as American goldfinches flew overhead. He also spotted fresh mounds of dirt as evidence of recent mole activity.

Steigerwald manager seeks funding to replace boardwalk

The Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge remains closed to the public, primarily because the boardwalk entrance is heavily damaged. The Oct. 5 grass and brush fire damaged 148 acres at the refuge. Refuge Manager Jim Clapp is applying for $100,000 for burn area restoration from the Department of the Interior. It could take four to six weeks to find out if the funding is approved. The boardwalk will need to be replaced before the refuge can be reopened. "I don't know how long it will take to replace it," Clapp said by phone Monday. "We'll do our best to get the refuge reopened soon." For information about volunteer opportunities, contact Clapp at 835-8767, email [email protected] or visit www.refugestewards.org.

October 16, 2012

Washougal School District considers levy renewal

The Washougal School District is considering whether to renew two levies, and increase the amount or leave it the same. "Knowing the maintenance and operations of the district are supported by the levy, it's not easy to back out of it," said Dawn Tarzian, superintendent. "That's why it's critical to help the community understand how the money is being spent."

October 10, 2012

Retired Washougal Fire chief dies

Former WFD Chief Basil "Booj" Taylor died Wednesday. His career included working for the WFD and the Camas Fire Department.

October 9, 2012

Workshop led by Camas consultant will focus on business growth strategies

Business consultants Keith Upkes and Ted Ernst Sarvata will present the Gazelle' growth concepts from the best -- selling business book "Mastering the Rockefeller Habits: What You Must do to Increase the Value of Your Growth Firm" Nov. 8 at the Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center. The workshop will concentrate on the four critical decisions on which companies should focus when developing an effective growth strategy: people, strategy, execution and cash. These fundamental growth concepts are based on the same habits that John D. Rockefeller employed, as chronicled by Gazelles founder Verne Harnish.

October 9, 2012

Dr. Raj Patel receives ‘President’s Special Recognition Award’

A Camas optometrist has received a statewide honor from his peers. Dr. Raj Patel, a partner and president of Vancouver Vision Clinic, received the "President's Special Recognition Award" from the Optometric Physicians of Washington. The award, presented during the professional association's annual meeting in September, in Portland, recognizes his involvement and leadership in the association.

October 9, 2012

Family living classes are taught at Fern Prairie Community Grange

A woman who has 40 years' experience in baking and cake decorating is teaching classes on those topics at the Fern Prairie Community Grange. Linda Rafn runs a business that provides baked goods for weddings and other events. She has worked in bakeries and taught classes through schools and community education.

October 9, 2012
Washougal resident Steve Carroll captured this image on Saturday of the burned area at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The fire, believed to have been started by a discarded cigarette, consumed approximately 140 acres.

Wildlife refuge fire claims 140 acres

The Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge is closed to the public until further notice, after a brush and grass fire consumed approximately 140 acres near Washougal. The cause of the fire on Friday is under investigation by the Department of Natural Resources. Camas-Washougal Deputy Fire Marshal Randy Miller said it appears the fire started on the shoulder of state Route 14, which likely points to the careless discarding of a burning or smoldering object by a passing vehicle.