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News

July 16, 2013

Camas continues efforts to secure C-Tran Board seat

A proposal mentioned at the recent C-Tran Board Composition Review Committee meeting has Camas Mayor Scott Higgins feeling optimistic that a change could be on the horizon. At the end of last Tuesday's meeting Clark County Commissioner Steve Stuart suggested a new configuration of the C-Tran Board that would reduce Clark County's representation, and give Camas, Battle Ground and Washougal their own seats. Stuart proposed that a possible makeup could maintain three seats for Vancouver, and then have two for Clark County, one each for Camas, Battle Ground and Washougal, and one combined seat for the three smallest jurisdictions -- Ridgefield, La Center and Yacolt.

July 9, 2013
David Martschinske, a 2003 Camas High School graduate, is enjoying promoting the Self Balancing Unicycle. He is co-owner of Focus Designs Inc., with Daniel Wood and Rick Johannessen. They recently opened an office in downtown Camas.

Focus Designs opens office in downtown Camas

A Camas company is increasing its exposure on a regional, national and global level. Focus Designs Inc. owners Daniel Wood, David Martschinske and Rick Johannessen have opened an office in downtown Camas. "All the creative stuff happens here," Martschinske said. Research and development occurs in Camas, while manufacturing of the Self Balancing Unicycle happens in China. "Right now, the unicycle encompasses a majority of our efforts," Martschinske said. "We are, however, spending about 20 percent of our time expanding new ways to repackage this technology."

July 9, 2013
Wendell Heim created Japanese-style calligraphy with Noelle Schmidt, a sophomore at Washougal High School. Heim, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, recently talked about his personal and military experiences with the Japanese class at WHS. "I enjoyed having him in class discussions," Schmidt said. "I learned more about the war and his old life."

Different generations are speaking the same language

A Washougal senior citizen recently provided information about Japan to local students based on his personal experiences. Wendell Heim, 87, was a guest speaker in the Japanese class at Washougal High School. The class is taught by Fuchigami Parker. "He is a great man who cares about a multicultural education for teens," she said. Heim served in the U.S. Army from February 1944 to January 1965. During World War II, he was in India and Northern Burma.

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 9, 2013

Washougal defers decisions on ballot items

The Washougal City Council is expected to consider putting a 10 cent levy lid lift before voters, as early as the Nov. 5 General Election. If approved, the lift would be expected to generate $129,000, which could be identified for fire and emergency medical services. The annual cost to the owner of a house valued at $250,000 would be $25.10. The city can contemplate a levy lid lift of up to 24 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. That would cost the owner of a $250,000 house $60 per year, and it could generate $309,000. Finance Director Jennifer Forsberg has said, with current assumptions, the city could face a $303,651 deficit in 2014. That is based on projected revenue of $10.8 million and expenditures of $11.1 million.

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

Washougal reviews levy lid lift options

Washougal voters could decide as early as November, whether to approve a levy lid lift to offset financial challenges faced by the city. The preliminary options discussed during the June 24 City Council meeting included an extra 10, 17.5 or 24 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, to be paid by property owners. Finance Director Jennifer Forsberg said, with current assumptions, the city could face a $303,651 deficit in 2014. That is based on projected revenue of $10.8 million and expenditures of $11.1 million.

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."

July 2, 2013
Contributed photo A 1954 Beechcraft plane owned by David and Susan Holt, of Port Ludlow, Wash., made an emergency landing near Grove Field Airport north of Camas Friday morning. The couple were not injured. FFA officials are investigating the incident.

Plane makes emergency landing near Grove Field

A pilot and his passenger escaped injury Friday when their small plane completed an emergency landing in a corn field west of Grove Field Airport north of Camas. At 11:57 a.m., emergency personnel responded to the aircraft, which was down at Northeast 252nd Avenue and Fifth Street. The pilot, David Holt, 70, of Port Ludlow, Wash., had been in contact with the Portland control tower and advised that his 1954 Beechcraft airplane was having engine trouble and he would be attempting an emergency landing.