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Stories by Dawn Feldhaus

email icon dawn.feldhaus@camaspostrecord.com

December 7, 2010
Ralph Laedtke, 90, is among the survivors of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941. He served on the USS Solace (pictured in framed photo), which provided medical services. Laedtke's wife Ferne (Bottemiller) Laedtke grew up in Washougal. The couple recently moved from Illinois to this area.

A HERO among us

The newest member of the Vancouver chapter of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association is also a recent transplant from Illinois to Washougal. Ralph Laedtke, 90, was serving on the USS Solace on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, when the Japanese launched a surprise attack against the U.S. Forces stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The first wave of the attack - consisting of 183 fighters and torpedo bombers - struck at the fleet in Pearl Harbor as well as three airfields at 6 a.m. The second strike consisted of 167 aircraft, striking at the same targets at 7:15 a.m.

November 30, 2010

Washougal councilman changes opposition to potential planning commission appointee

Washougal City Councilman Jon Russell has announced a change of heart regarding the potential appointment of Mike Briggs to the Planning Commission. Russell mentioned by email late Monday night he plans to drop his opposition and vote to confirm Briggs at the council meeting next week. "As a person of faith, it is important for me to practice what I preach and bless those who curse me," Russell said. "I believe Mike has written untrue personal attacks in the paper about me and other council members. I also disagree with most of his politically progressive views on development.

November 30, 2010
Paola London (standing, center) encourages children and their parents to sing a song in Spanish, Wednesday, at the Camas Public Library. The weekly Spanish story times, co-led by Denice Twyman (sitting, left), are designed for infants to children 5 years old and their parents.

Cuentos en Espanol

Smiles and laughter - shared by parents and their children - can be understood in any language. Such is the case of a new offering at the Camas Public Library. Spanish story times are held every Wednesday, at 11:30 a.m. The sessions are designed for infants to children 5 years old and their parents. The Spanish story times began after friends Paola London and Denice Twyman went for a walk. "We were thinking how wonderful it would be to have a space where we could take our kids, read books in Spanish, sing songs, get together with other Spanish speaking parents and celebrate our culture and language," London said. "We also thought that other people in the community would be interested in attending these gatherings, so their kids could be in touch with other cultures and - of course - learn Spanish.

November 30, 2010

Washougal begins new yuletide traditions

The annual tradition of lighting a Christmas tree in Reflection Plaza will be joined by several new festivities this weekend. A "gala preview night" of the Washougal Festival of Trees, set for Friday, from 5 to 8 p.m., will include refreshments and live music, inside a vacant storefront at Washougal Town Square, at the corner of Main and Love streets, in downtown Washougal. The event is free and open to the public. The Festival of Trees will continue with refreshments and live music Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Santa will be available for visits and photos Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Washougal True Value, 1822 Main St.

November 23, 2010
Washougal Parks employees recently installed several digging play elements in Dick Beaver Park. The "Things With Wings" development will include native wildflowers that attract birds and butterflies. The city received a $4,271 grant from the Parks Foundation of Clark County to pay for the project.

‘Archaeological dig’ installed in Washougal

Washougal Parks employees recently installed several digging play elements in Dick Beaver Park. The "Things With Wings" development will include native wildflowers that attract birds and butterflies. The city received a $4,271 grant from the Parks Foundation of Clark County to pay for the project.

November 23, 2010

Washougal Council delays appointment of planning commissioner

The appointment of a new Washougal Planning Commissioner was anything but routine during a recent City Council meeting. Council member Jon Russell made a motion on Nov. 15 that the appointment of Mike Briggs be tabled. Russell said Briggs had made "disparaging remarks" toward the mayor, City Council and developers in local blogs and media.

November 23, 2010

Larch Corrections to stay open

After enduring almost a year of uncertainty, supporters of the Larch Corrections Center are welcoming the news that the minimum-security facility will remain open. The State Department of Corrections announced Friday it would close McNeil Island Corrections Center by April 1 as a result of budget cuts. The agency had originally planned to close Larch, but determined that doing so would not save enough money. The DOC said it will save $6.3 million each year by closing McNeil, a prison located on an island in south Puget Sound. It would have saved $2 million by closing Larch. The agency must reduce spending by nearly $53 million as a result of across-the-board cuts due to declining tax revenue.

November 23, 2010

Pay cuts proposed for Washougal mayor, council

The salaries of future mayors and City Council members could be the latest numbers to be reduced in Washougal. The city's Salary Commission has recommended the mayor's salary be reduced from $2,000 a month to $1,800. The recommendation for council members is a reduction from $500 a month to $450. Salary Commission Chairman Chuck Carpenter said the commission looked at data - such as budget, assessed valuation and size of staff - from Washington cities of a similar size, in order to determine salary levels in Washougal.

November 23, 2010

Washougal man hopes to build partnerships through Habitat for Humanity

A local man with experience in construction and ministry is using both sets of skills in his new position. Dave Gray, of Washougal, is the faith relations coordinator for Evergreen Habitat for Humanity. "I talk to area churches and let them know about Habitat," he said. "I see if there is a way to partner with them, to empower their groups - men, women and children - to help the community."

November 16, 2010
Belle Mathieu and her mother Debra Sampson and father Tony Sampson (left to right) are almost ready to open A Twist on Time, in downtown Camas. Grand opening festivities for the shop, which will feature antiques, art and unique items, are planned for Sunday.

Antiques store features art and eclectics

The owners of a new antiques store are continuing a family tradition of operating businesses in downtown Camas. Tony Sampson, his wife Debra and their daughter Belle Mathieu, have been busy preparing to open A Twist on Time. A soft opening is planned for Friday. A grand opening, set for Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., will include complimentary refreshments. Also, the first 50 customers will receive a gift with purchase.