Camas-Washougal Post-Record

March 22, 2011

Steigerwald Refuge: Nature’s work in progress

Nature in its most glorified state is on display at the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Washougal. In addition to more than 200 species of birds that have been spotted there, the refuge contains more than 1,000 acres of historic lakebed, river bottomland habitat and oak woodlands. It often serves as a migration corridor for a variety of birds, and supports anadromous fish migration, breeding neo tropical birds and wintering ducks and geese.

March 22, 2011

A group of eighth-graders are among the students helping to put on the upcoming 5K Walk/Run for Prevention on Saturday at Skyridge Middle School. Pictured above are (left to right) Nikki Apperson, Paige Spring, Morgan Hubbell, Taylor Clements, Micaela Healea, Cassidy Gordon, Rachel Case, Kaitlyn Pellens, Brooke Jackson and Elaine Hunt.

Youth lead effort to create a drug-free community

One step at a time, local kids are working to help steer their peers clear of alcohol and drugs. "It's about trying to help kids who are abusing drugs or have family problems," said Skyridge Middle School eighth-grader Micaela Healea. "As you get into high school, there will be temptations. We would rather save a kid than lose a kid."

March 22, 2011

Some Camas union contracts finalized

The three re-negotiated union contracts approved by the Camas City Council last night will save the city approximately $54,000 in 2011. Contracts with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local No. 2444; Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 11; and Washington State Council of County and City Employees AFSCME, are now in place. "They are realistic. They are reflective of the times we are in," said City Administrator Lloyd Halverson of the new contracts. "We appreciate the good faith reasoning between the groups and the city."

March 15, 2011

‘Real Heroes’ are right next door

To a kid, heroes are often considered the characters who are camouflaged by mysterious masks, wear elaborate armor, and fly, catapult or otherwise transport themselves from one location to another -- saving lives and fighting crime against evil villains.

March 8, 2011

Post office building is still for sale

Although a "Sale Pending" sticker recently appeared on the downtown Camas Post Office's "For Sale" sign, United States Postal Service officials say there has been no official purchase of the historic building. Ron Anderson, public relations coordinator for the USPS Portland postal district, said Monday that offers on the property at 440 N.E. Fifth Ave. are still being accepted.

March 8, 2011

After being closed for more than a year, the Liberty Theatre in downtown Camas was open for the public to take a peek inside during First Friday events. Although no movies were being shown, owner Rand Thornsley (center) and co-managers Jodi Vera (left) and Jim Burns (right) and assistant manager Fabiana Thomas (not pictured) were on hand to greet visitors. The three-day grand opening event will begin Thursday, March 17. The celebration will include movies, live music, food and beverages.

Community gets a sneak preview of the Liberty Theatre

First Friday attendees got a sneak peek at some of the changes that have taken place recently inside the Liberty Theatre, which is slated to officially re-open on March 17. "We've added paint and carpet, cleaned the seats and floors, and added new decor and artwork to sparkle it up a bit," said Managing Director Rand Thornsley, who signed a lease with building owners Gary and Marilyn Webberley of Kirkland, Wash., in January. Although heavy rain put a bit of a damper on the first public open house since the theater's abrupt closure in September 2009, Thornsley said he received a lot positive feedback.

March 1, 2011

Any new fireworks laws must have teeth

After much discussion and deliberation during the past year on the issue of tweaking local fireworks regulations, the Camas City Council has finally whittled down an option that reduces the period of time fireworks can be legally discharged within city limits.

March 1, 2011

Camas begins search for new fire chief

The City of Camas has embarked on the search for its next fire chief. Advertising for the job, which pays $97,000 to $120,000 per year -- plus benefits, began last week. Following the closing of the application period on March 31, the top candidates will be brought in to participate in panel interviews, listen to department head presentations, and attend a social event with members of the City Council and a community reception in late April or early May.

March 1, 2011

City seeks feedback on changes to fireworks rules

The Camas City Council will accept public comment on Monday, March 7, regarding a proposal to reduce the number of days and hours fireworks are legal within city limits. The changes that are part of a "preferred option" would make the legal use and sale period run from July 1 to July 3, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight. The proposal trims the usage period by a total of four days. Currently, for the Fourth of July holiday, sales and use are allowed from June 28 to July 5.

March 1, 2011

Raku pottery artists Dave and Boni Deal stand in front of the triptych they created for the Camas library, which is part of the public facility's permanent collection. A showing of the couple's paintings and pottery will open during a reception on Friday, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the library's Second Story Gallery.

A fusion of art and nature

Accomplished raku pottery artists Dave and Boni Deal have their work in private and public collections across the United States and internationally. In January, the couple was featured on an Oregon Public Broadcasting "Art Beat" program segment filmed in their Camas art studio. But on Friday, the Deals' collaborative work will be featured in an intimate venue that is a little closer to home. First Friday will mark the opening reception for their show at the Second Story Gallery at the Camas Public Library.