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Stories by Heather Acheson

email icon heather.acheson@camaspostrecord.com

July 9, 2013

Opportunities to inspire

One generation inspiring another. This theme is weaved throughout the pages of today's Post-Record. A World War II and Korean War veteran going out of his way to share his story and American history with Washougal High School students. The First Friday car show that brought car aficionados of all ages together to share their expertise with each other, and pass a love for the classics on to others. A father and his teenage son who have traveled to Omaha, Neb., to participate in the Senior U.S. Open -- the chance of a lifetime. The owner of a cutting edge design and invention business who wants to give back to his community and the next generation of innovators through an internship program.

July 9, 2013

Alpha-Tec will build a facility in Camas

A biotechnology company has submitted engineering and building documents to begin construction of a new facility in Camas. According to Paul Dennis, president and CEO of the Camas-Washougal Economic Development Association, Clark County based Alpha-Tec Systems, Inc., plans to construct a 42,000 square foot building on Northwest Camas Meadows Drive. The new facility would initially employ 50 to 55 people, and provide space for the company to grow. "It's definitely being built for them to be able to increase their operations," Dennis said, adding that he has been told the company does not plan to leave its current leased facility at 12019 N.E. 99th St.

July 2, 2013

Tapping into Camas-Washougal tourism

Camas and Washougal are great towns with lots to offer and lots of potential. This was one of the overriding themes emphasized during a town hall meeting in Washougal on Saturday, where among the discussion items was promotion of the city's current festivals, events, businesses and activities, as well as the possibility of developing new opportunities and attractions. Many ideas were bounced around. Washougal city officials and citizens suggested a fishing derby, boat races, car shows and scavenger hunts. Discussion also centered on working to promote at a regional level what is already available in the "gateway to the Gorge."

July 2, 2013

Camas Council approves loan for new ambulance

Last night, the Camas City Council approved an ordinance that will help facilitate the purchase of a new ambulance for the Camas-Washougal Fire Department. Funding for the $174,046 vehicle will come from a six-year, 1.25 percent interest loan from the state Local Option Capital Lending program. Fire Chief Nick Swinhart recommended this option, rather than using the $150,000 earmarked for the purchase in the 2013 budget. "We feel that it makes more sense right now to utilize the state loan program," Swinhart said. "The interest rates are so low that it is nearly like borrowing money for free. That allows us to keep reserves a little more intact."

July 2, 2013

Pike, Rivers schedule public meeting

Rep. Liz Pike (R-Camas) and Sen. Ann Rivers (R-La Center) recently announced that a public meeting will be held Friday, July 5, in Camas. It's a meeting that is likely to be well attended, in the wake of an "open letter to public educators" posted on Facebook by Pike on June 21. The message criticized public school teachers for complaining about state legislators suspending cost of living increases. "Congratulations on enjoying your last day of the school year," Pike's letter begins. "If I had the opportunity to choose my career all over, I would have opted to get the necessary degree and teaching certificate so that I too could enjoy summertime off with my children, spring break vacations, Christmas break vacations, paid holidays, a generous pension and health insurance benefits."

June 27, 2013
Jo Grace Buck (left) owns Ever Green Farms with her husband, Roy (not pictured). She supports the concept of having farmers markets accept EBT and WIC.

Camas Farmer’s Market, a non-profit organization, participates in the SNAP and Fresh Match programs

Beautiful, deep red bing cherries. Bunches of luscious, sweet scented lavender. Tall, bright green, crisp asparagus. Tender, light crepes stuffed with smooth, creamy peanut butter and drizzled with chocolate sauce. A cool glass of tart lemonade, with just a hint of sweet flavor. These freshly picked and homemade items are just a sampling of what is available right now at the Camas Farmer's Market. It was established six years ago and aims to provide the community with fresh produce, as well as freshly made items like breads, crepes, cupcakes, salsas, honey and juices. As a non-profit organization, one of its primary goals is to make these kinds of fresh foods accessible to all people, no matter what their economic situation. In support of this mission, a partnership has been established with Clark County Public Health.

June 26, 2013

Paper mill artifacts highlight local industry

The Downtown Camas Association recently received special recognition from the Washington State Main Street program. The recognition came as a result of the mill artifacts fundraiser, which generated 18,000 for the DCA. In the late 1800s, newspaper owner Henry L. Pittock decided to build a new paper mill and the town to support it. Lacamas, which would later be renamed Camas, was born. Nearly 130 years later, the mill continues its operation today at its site on Northeast Adams Street. It employs 500 people and remains one of the city's largest employers.

June 25, 2013

Pike, Rivers schedule town hall meeting

Rep. Liz Pike (R-Camas) and Sen. Ann Rivers (R-La Center) announced this morning that a public town hall meeting will be held Friday, July 5, in Camas. It's a meeting that is likely to be well attended, in the wake of an"open letter to public educators" posted on Facebook by Pike on Friday.