The official filing deadline for political offices up for election on the November ballot came to a close on Friday. Based on the number of candidates who have filed for local positions, the races should prove to be interesting, to say the least.
Sometimes, some of the best ideas come out of difficult situations. And the dismal economy during the past several years has created many difficult situations. Among them is access to nutritious food options for those in need -- people who have lost their jobs, are chronically unemployed, and even homeless. For these individuals, any meal rather than a healthy meal has become the priority.
As if on cue, the sun began to peek through the clouds just in time for the annual Memorial Day event at the Washougal Memorial Cemetery on Monday. The rays highlighted the hundreds of tiny American flags marking the graves of those who served their country, and flowers placed to honor loved ones who have passed away.
"Girly photo shoots," "big girl panty decorating," and "shooting hoops for boas," don't sound like typical activities one would find in downtown Camas on a Thursday night. But this week it's all part of the fun during the second annual Girls Night Out event.
"From tragedy sometimes comes opportunity," and the current owners of the partially completed building that was supposed to become the community's signature Black Pearl on the Columbia restaurant hope this becomes this statement will soon ring true.
The West Columbia Gorge Humane Society has been an integral part of the local community for many years. Despite having to deal with a number of financial ups and downs over the years, this vital organization has continued to survive, and maintain its focus of helping care for and find home for dogs, cats and other domestic pets that are often times unwanted, lost or carelessly discarded.
The Camas and Washougal city councils are going to have some tough decisions ahead, when it comes to the method of providing emergency medical services in east Clark County. For more than 30 years, EMS services in Camas, Washougal and the East County Fire and Rescue district have been supported through a voter-approved levy. Up until recently, monies from this source were reliable and relatively stable. This year, however, the fund is facing a $310,000 deficit, with the primary culprit being a reduction in assessed property values.
In a relatively short time period, the Camas High School Science Olympiad team has logged some pretty impressive accomplishments. In its first year as a team, they surprised many by placing 10th in state in 2007. The following three years, the Papermakers continued to be a force with three third place state finishes. In 2011, all of the extra work paid off. During the April 16 state tournament at Clark College, CHS captured first place by 24 points. It was the largest margin of victory for a state championship team in five years.
Earth Day began more than 40 years ago with a group of people who had a passion to do right and make the world a better place and prosper environmentally for generations to come.
Rain, shine or stormy weather, it's not uncommon to see the white "Offender Work Crew" van parked at a variety of locations around Camas and Washougal on an almost daily basis. The participants are "doing time" clearing blackberry vines from walkways, cleaning up downed branches after storms, picking up litter, and maintaining area trails, in addition to a variety of other tasks.
