Camas-Washougal Post-Record

August 14, 2012

Nancy Tessman, the new executive director of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District, said she is optimistic that the Washougal Community Library will open in a larger space. She was the main speaker at the July 26 meeting of the Friends of the Washougal Community Library. The Friends intend to pursue further planning and fund raising for a bigger library building, if there is community support.

FVRL director discusses new library options in Washougal

As members of the Friends of the Washougal Community Library continue to support the idea of a new library, there are discussions regarding whether it would be beneficial to sign a lease at Washougal Town Square or wait to build. Nancy Tessman, the new executive director of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District, recently walked through one of the vacant spaces at Washougal Town Square. "It has very nice elements," she said during a recent Friends meeting. An alternative to leasing could involve constructing a library on city-owned property near City Hall. No particular site has been discussed, according to Washougal Mayor Sean Guard. A progress report regarding the potential of a new library will be included in the next Friends meeting Thursday, Aug. 23, at 7 p.m., in the library, 1661 "C" St. For more information, call 835-5393.

August 7, 2012

John "Buzz" Nelson, an elder in the Ogalla Sioux tribe, was among the speakers at the Pendleton Woolen Mill centennial ceremony Friday morning. Nelson, a Korean War veteran, said a Lakota prayer. He was later presented with a Pendleton blanket.

Pendleton Woolen Mill commemorates centennial in Washougal

Charlie Bishop welcomed everyone to a "100-year birthday party" Friday at Pendleton Woolen Mill, and the celebration included a cake. Bishop, vice president of mill operations at Pendleton, recognized more than 125 attendees as current and retired employees, customers, city of Washougal officials and other community members.

July 31, 2012

Brewing company seeks property in Washougal

While renovation efforts are underway to prepare the future site of Amnesia Brewing, at 1834 Main St., in downtown Washougal, another company also plans to open a microbrewery in the local area. Mark Zech, one of five owners of Washougal Brewing Co. LLC, is interested in purchasing property near Bi-Mart, 3003 Addy St., in Washougal. There are six available pads of land, owned by DM Stevenson Ranch. "We're in the process of talking to the realtor," Zech said yesterday, by phone. "We have not closed on anything or come to any decisions yet. We're a brewery without a building."

July 31, 2012

Pendleton Woolen Mill to celebrate centennial

Free concerts, along with a "Kids & Kritters" parade and equestrian demonstrations, will be among the highlights of a celebration of the Pendleton Woolen Mills' 100 years in Washougal. The historic occasion will be commemorated by Pendleton, the Two Rivers Heritage Museum and the City of Washougal. The festivities will kick off Friday, at 10 a.m., at the Pendleton Mill, Two Pendleton Way. Presentations and remarks will be made by Charlie Bishop, vice president of mill operations, as well as Washougal Mayor Sean Guard.

July 24, 2012

Contributed photo
Kelsey Lynch, of Washougal, graduated from Washington State University, in Pullman, in May. This month, she traveled to South Africa, to begin cultural and language training with the Peace Corps. Lynch, a 2008 Camas High School graduate, plans to teach science and HIV/AIDS prevention.

Local grad joins the Peace Corps

A former Camas High School varsity swimmer is now making a difference with the Peace Corps in South Africa. Kelsey Lynch, 22, recently left Washougal to begin pre-service training as a volunteer science teacher. After graduating from eight weeks of cultural and language training, she will begin teaching science to primary school children and teaching HIV/AIDS prevention. Lynch said she was inspired to join the Peace Corps because of her family. "My mom's brother died from AIDS before I ever got the chance to know him," she said. "Growing up, I became very interested in the education and prevention of the disease because of what my family had gone through. I wanted to help other families that were affected by the disease and help teach younger generations how to protect themselves."

July 24, 2012

Washougal explores option to outsource public works

The potential outsourcing of public works responsibilities in Washougal has attracted some skepticism, regarding whether any potential cost savings would be worth it. The city is looking at a private/public partnership for operation, maintenance and management of water, wastewater and storm water utilities and possibly facility upgrades of the wastewater treatment plant. Residents are in their second year of a five-year overall increase of 122 percent for water, sewer and storm water rates. The increases were required to pay for water and sewer infrastructure improvements, in order to meet state and federal regulations. They include the $15 million upgrade of the city’s wastewater treatment facility.

July 17, 2012

Pam Zolotko has opened The World Works, in downtown Camas. The business, which relocated from Vancouver, carries gifts, vintage military items, jewelry, memorabilia, furniture, home decor and "re-purposed" art. Consignment opportunities are available.

The World Works seeks local artists and consigners

The owner of a shop that recently opened in downtown Camas has a global perspective. Pam Zolotko, owner of The World Works, sells a variety of items from many countries. They include “safari decor,” such as African masks and elephant-shaped carvings. The business specializes in consignment and resale items.

July 17, 2012

Cougar Creek Bridge replacement project is scheduled for mid-October completion

Motocross fans might wonder why the project to replace the Cougar Creek Bridge started yesterday instead of waiting one week. The project requires a complete closure of Northeast Washougal River Road, from Milepost 5.1 to 5.2 for an estimated 15 weeks. The bridge is located at Milepost 5.16. During the project, traffic is being detoured around the construction zone. The designated detour route includes 17th Street, Evergreen Highway, 32nd Street, Jennings Road, 357th Avenue and Vernon Road.

July 17, 2012

Washougal considers outsourcing public works responsibilities

City of Washougal officials are looking into the possibility of outsourcing public works responsibilities. Interim Public Works Director Jim Dunn said the city is looking at a private/public partnership for operation, maintenance and management of water, wastewater and storm water utilities and possibly facility upgrades of the wastewater treatment plant.

July 17, 2012

Pendleton files appeal regarding workplace violations

An attorney for Pendleton Woolen Mills, in Washougal, has filed a notice of appeal regarding citations of workplace violations. Robert Battles, with Lane Powell, of Olympia, filed the notice July 10, seeking dismissal of citations and penalties. Pendleton is also requesting the opportunity for a reassumption conference to discuss the citations and notices of assessment as well as corresponding penalties. The appeal states that Pendleton disputes all citations including the allegation that it did not have a confined space entry program or that the program was insufficient. It also disputes the citations that allege it did not maintain hazardous chemical and hearing protection programs, as well as adequate lockout/tag out procedures, proper machine guarding, fall protection and forklift training. "Even if violations occurred, which Pendleton disputes, the alleged citations should not have been issued as serious violations," the appeal states.