dawn.feldhaus@camaspostrecord.com
January 15, 2014
Lacamas Community and iQ credit unions to consolidate this summer
Lacamas Community Credit Union and iQ Credit Union plan to combine operations in July.
Lacamas Community Credit Union and iQ Credit Union plan to combine operations in July.
A Camas man is hoping to make a difference in the lives of people who are visually impaired. Milan Slamka has developed Echo-Sense Network Glasses, also known as "Check Mates." They can be worn by a sight-impaired person, and audio and video information is live streamed to a caregiver on a remote computer. "The caregiver can see what the blind person would see and can give instructions and guidance to the wearer," Slamka said. For more information, call 713-6125 or visit www.facebook.com/EchoSenseInc?ref=hl.
Washougal residents could see a $20 increase in their vehicle tab renewal fees, to pay for road maintenance and repairs. The idea was discussed during the Washougal City Council's annual planning session Saturday, at the Washougal Community Center. Current pavement management funding includes $150,000 in real estate excise taxes and one-time contributions of $62,000 in the 2014 budget.
The Westlie Ford service and parts departments will relocate from downtown Camas to the dealership's sales location in Washougal in April, following the purchase of its landmark building by Fuel Medical. The moves will involve remodeling projects and expansions by both companies. Fuel Medical has purchased the building at 314 N.E. Birch St., for $825,000. The purchase includes a parking lot for employees, across the street from the Westlie building. The founders of Fuel Medical, Shawn Parker and Brendan Ford, live in Camas.
Two volunteers with the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society, in Washougal, have opened a cat boarding business that also provides feline adoption opportunities. At The Cats Meow Luxury Boarding, Jo Schmidt and Amber Groff offer 19 suites with names such as "Catnip Alley," "Tabby Tavern" and "Pouncing Paradise." Individual studios have sky boxes and climbing structures. The sky boxes provide viewing areas for cats to climb into. The luxury suites include the options of bird viewing areas or flat screen TVs, and the penthouse has a full wall of windows with natural light as well as additional views into the reception area. The Cats Meow Luxury Boarding, 330 N.E. Chkalov Drive, Ste. "B," Vancouver, is open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 260-2287, email catsmeowboarding@gmail.com or visit www.thecatsmeowboarding.com.
Prosperity and tolerance are among the responses local leaders gave when they were asked about their hopes and wishes for 2014.
City of Washougal officials are excited about another clean audit. The newest independent accountability report, from the Washington State Auditor's Office, pertains to Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2012. It examined the areas of the Open Public Meetings Act, cash receipting, building and planning, safeguarding of assets (fuel) and the use of restricted funds. The audit also examined third party cash receipting, key software applications, payroll and benefits and financial condition.
A variety of local residents are hoping to grow, process or sell marijuana in a retail setting. Christopher Lauer, 21, of Camas, is among the individuals who have applied for a retail marijuana sales license through the Washington State Liquor Control Board. "I'd like to open a shop, support myself and get through college," he said.
The owners of a new business were inspired by a trip they took three years ago to Melbourne, Australia. At that time, champagne was already the drink of choice for Krystal Curtis and Scott McElhaney. In downtown Melbourne, they visited The Champagne Lounge and enjoyed its seating areas and art. After that, the married couple sought out additional ideas in Greece, Costa Rica, England, France, Belgium, Canada and Mexico. For more information, call 954-5981, email krystalschampagnelounge@yahoo.com or visit www.krystalschampagnelounge.com.
A path designed primarily for children to get to and from Jemtegaard Middle School safely is a step closer to reality. The Washougal City Council has approved a local agency agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation, to proceed with the design process beyond its current conceptual phase.
