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Stories by Danielle Frost

email icon danielle.frost@camaspostrecord.com

October 16, 2012
One of the activities the Taki delegation participated in was a tour of historic Fort Vancouver. Here, they learn about the cannons outside Chief Factor's house.

The language of friendship

Despite thousands of miles and cultural differences that separate the United States from Japan, those who have spent time with host families in either country know one thing: We're all pretty similar. Twenty middle school students and their host families discovered that during five days they spent together last week. A group from the town a Taki, a sister city of Camas, included included mayor Yukio Kubo, a high school principal, English teacher, interpreter, city clerk and travel guide, in addition to the students.They stayed with families from Liberty and Skyridge middle schools. The visit was organized though the Camas Sister City Association, in collaboration with Camas schools.

October 16, 2012
Shane Southerland presents an benthic bug display rack, created from Western Red Cedar, to Camas School District Superintendent Mike Nerland.

Eagle project to benefit Camas School District

After a year of combing streams and rivers for aquatic bugs, Shane Southerland's sometimes painstaking Eagle Scout project is complete. Southerland, 16, presented racks of what are known as "benthic larvae macro-invertebrates," to the Camas School Board last Monday. Collecting the bugs was a long and challenging process, and the Camas High School sophomore rallied scouting volunteers and friends in Washington, Wyoming, Kansas, Georgia, Utah, Montana and Oregon to help him with the project. "It took a lot of weekends to collect all of these," he said. "But I really enjoyed going to the rivers, that was the most fun part of this project."

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 9, 2012
Selecting just the right pumpkin is a challenge for many. Sometimes, it is necessary to choose at least two.

Area farms provide everything from hay rides to petting zoos

Got a hankering for tasting some apple cider, wandering through a corn maze, and picking the perfect pumpkin?If so, then area pumpkin patches fit the bill. Open now through Halloween, most offer a lot more than the standard gourd. Many include hay rides, apple cider, corn mazes, petting zoos, local produce, food for purchase and crafts.

October 9, 2012
CHS sophomore Sophie Shoemaker poses for a photo with Subhash Singhald, president elect of the Washington State Academy of Sciences group.

Far more than just another science fair

It's not every day that a high school sophomore is asked to present her research project at a professional-level science symposium. But that’s exactly what happened to Camas High School student Sophie Shoemaker after her work on sustainable agriculture garnered prizes at regional and state science fairs. She received an invitation in June to present her project at the Washington State Academy of Sciences symposium. At the time, school was ending and her focus wasn't on research. "Then after school began, Mr. (Ron) Wright asked me if I understood how big a deal this was," she said. "I didn't. Once I learned, I was a little nervous. But I'm a kid, they're not there to judge me. It was a fun thing to do."

October 9, 2012

Bear sightings continue at Round Lake in Camas

Camas High School is known for having local residents come out to support its athletic teams. But the newest spectator isn't exactly a welcome addition. The Papermaker cross country team had to relocate two meets in the past seven days due to sightings of a black bear or bears at the Round Lake course. Recently, a meet against Evergreen was moved across the street to Heritage Trail at Lacamas Lake, after some runners who were warming up encountered the bear.

October 2, 2012

Program has helped Jemtegaard Middle School students with self-discipline

When Missi Cole first learned she'd be dean of students at Jemtegaard, she was apprehensive. "I was a bit anxious," she said. "It had a reputation for being a rough school in the district." Three years later, the middle school has changed, and for the better, according to Cole and Principal Ron Carlson. "The referrals and calls to police (for more serious infractions) have cut down big time," Cole said. "The parents have noticed a big change, too. The kids are more respectful, and the teachers are really good about talking things through with the students."

October 2, 2012
Girl Scouts Becky Hodges, Ashley Voeltz, Emily Van Orden, Savanna Slocum, Shannon McDaniel and Emma Spaeth (left to right) deliver two new ceiling fans to the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society's cat building. Drew Snyder, a WCGHS board member (in back) was there to receive the donation.

Girl scouts help ‘residents’ at local humane society

The feline residents of the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society are now enjoying a cool breeze throughout their living quarters, thanks to a donation from some local Girl Scouts.Troop 40382 members were prompted to purchase the fans as a community service project, using the proceeds of their cookie sales and other fundraisers. Last year, they shopped for and donated pet food, toys and other needed items to the approximately 80 cats living at the shelter. Emma Spaeth said, "It was really hot in the cat (building), so it's great we're helping so many at once." Savanna Slocum agreed. "This made me feel happy because it is always nice to help pets that are in need."