Camas-Washougal Post-Record

December 28, 2010

Some Washougal employees to receive salary increases in 2011

The Washougal City Council's recent decision to include $12,500 for the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society in the city's 2011 budget is already having consequences, according to Mayor Sean Guard. After funding the WCGHS for $25,000 this year, the preliminary budget for next year had included $4,000 for the no-kill shelter. On Dec. 6, the City Council ratified a contract with the Washougal Police Officers Association that includes no pay increase in 2011, and one percent increases each in 2012 and 2013. That decision occurred following an executive session, which occurred earlier than originally scheduled.

December 28, 2010

Port reorganization eliminates planning and development director position

Planning and Development Director Scot Walstra will depart from the Port of Camas-Washougal this week as his term of employment comes to a close, and the port focusses on future economic development efforts. Walstra was hired by the port in June 2007. This year, he has earned $82,162 in salary, plus benefits. Port Executive Director Dave Ripp said Walstra's departure was partially a budgetary decision, as the port is partnering with the cities of Camas and Washougal to form a local Economic Development Association.

December 28, 2010

City of Camas employees who received special recognition during a recent luncheon include (left to right) Kari Murphy, Cal Hittle, Paul Hargrave and Doug Norcross. Not pictured: Susan Strohschein.

City of Camas recognizes employees who go the extra mile

A city of Camas employee known for his positive attitude has been named the 2010 Employee of the Year. Paul Hargrave, facilities operations specialist with the public works department, earned the honor. He has been employed by the city of Camas for more than 18 years. When presenting the award during a ceremony on Dec. 10, Mayor Paul Dennis said Hargrave is a valued employee who is respected by his coworkers.

December 22, 2010

Dawn Feldhaus/Post-Record
Harry Vandervender, Chlovena Byrd and Judy Muzzy (left to right) recently performed at the Camas Community Center. As members of the Old Time Fiddlers, they also play alongside guitarists and vocalists at area nursing and retirement homes, and the Clark and Skamania county fairs.

Fiddlers provide comfort and joy

Ernie Warwick fiddles because he enjoys it, and he hopes the audiences do as well. As a member of the Old Time Fiddlers, he has several opportunities each month to give and receive enjoyment. Warwick, 83, of Camas, plays a fiddle and guitar. He has been fiddling for 26 years and playing a guitar since he was 18.

December 22, 2010

Boat launch is in line for state funding

A project to improve water access at the Hathaway Park Boat Launch in Washougal is recommended to receive $64,795 in Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program grant funding to replace the old boat launch with a new one.

December 22, 2010

Telephone service restored in Washougal Saturday

Land-line telephone service has been restored for nearly 900 Washougal Frontier Communications customers. According to Frank Aff, central office supervisor with Frontier Communications, the first cable was repaired by hand Saturday at approximately 9 a.m., with the second finished at about 3 p.m.

December 22, 2010

Mayor Paul Dennis (center) presents Councilwoman Helen Gerde (right) with a plaque, pin and other mementoes as Councilwoman Linda Dietzman (left) looks on last night. It was the final council meeting and workshop for Gerde, who announced in October that she planned to retire after 15 years on the council. "I've learned a lot from Helen," Dennis said. "I think we all have." Gerde first began serving in city government as an appointed member of the Parks and Recreation Commission. She was then named to the Planning Commission, an entity she served on for two years before running for city council. She was first elected in 1995, running unopposed in all four of her bids for the seat. Last night, the city council selected Tim Hazen to fill the remaining year of Gerde's four-year term. See page A1 for additional details.

Gerde marks the end of City Council career

Helen Gerde first began serving in city government as an appointed member of the Camas Parks and Recreation Commission. She was then named to the Planning Commission, an entity she served on for two years before running for city council. She was first elected in 1995, running unopposed in all four of her bids for the seat. Last night, the city council selected Tim Hazen to fill the remaining year of Gerde's four-year term.

December 22, 2010

News