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Editorials

January 4, 2011

Washougal city policies need reviewing

The city of Washougal is once again in the spotlight- -- and not in a good way. Police, eye witnesses and Mayor Sean Guard have given conflicting reports as to what happened on Christmas Eve as Guard was traveling on I-5, reportedly encouraging slower traffic to move out of the left lane through the use of flashing lights. What is not in question, however, is that Guard was driving a 1995 Ford Taurus that belongs to the city of Washougal to treat a family in need to breakfast and shopping. Although the act was one of kindness, Guard admits it was not an excursion associated with any kind of city business.

December 28, 2010

To appreciate the present, take a look at the past

As 2010 comes to an end, it is natural to start to contemplate the past year, and begin looking to the future -- wondering what 2011 will bring. But, how about focusing instead on what our local history has meant for Camas and Washougal? And how the area's past has impacted its present and future? Answers to these questions and much more are available under one roof at the Two Rivers Heritage Museum in Washougal. It is truly one of the local area's best kept secrets. A place that should be explored and appreciated by the citizens of the Camas-Washougal communities that have such rich and diverse histories.

December 14, 2010

The buses were stuffed to the brim with care

For weeks, students from Camas and Washougal high school ran themselves ragged as they promoted, fund-raised and collected donations for the Stuff the Bus food drive.

December 7, 2010

One common goal

Hometown spirit was on display in nearly every corner of Camas and Washougal this week as local seasonal events, outreach efforts to help those in need and tree lighting events took place in the local area. These holiday activities truly brought our communities together.

November 30, 2010

Enough for everyone

Some of us will thankfully never know what it's like to wonder where our next meal is coming from, or whether we'll be able to afford to properly nourish our children. The truth, however, is that this is the reality for many of our neighbors who struggle every day to make ends meet.

November 24, 2010

What makes a qualified candidate?

What should make a candidate qualified for appointment to a position on a local government body? This question will be up for discussion during Monday night's Washougal City Council meeting. The topic is a result of councilman Jon Russell's opposition to the recommendation by a panel that Mike Briggs be appointed to the city's Planning Commission. That panel included a current planning commissioner, city councilman and city department head.

November 16, 2010

A local tradition continues

For nearly 80 years, the Washougal volunteer firefighters have been making sure an annual hometown tradition remains in-tact. That tradition continues once again this weekend, as local residents and their families will gather at the Washougal Fire Department on A Street to take part in the Turkey Carnival. There are few things that illustrate the unique aspects of small town more than these kinds of long-standing community events that bring people together, with the added benefit that it also supports a variety of efforts that helps friends and neighbors in need.

November 9, 2010

Time to fulfill the promises

Promises, promises, promises. Voters heard a lot of those during the recent election season. There were promises for change, promises to create more jobs, and promises to reduce government spending and taxes, solve the budget crisis, and find a remedy for the health care situation. "We are going to represent the people we've been elected to serve," they have all said in one form or another.

November 2, 2010

Challenging financial times in Camas

The impacts of a $1.6 million budget hole were revealed during last night's council workshop, and the picture painted wasn't pretty. The cuts that will likely be made by the city are ones that will be felt and seen by citizens in a variety of ways. With cuts adding up to $800,000, levels of service that Camas residents have come to expect in recent years will certainly diminish -- even as many city employees, from library pages to firefighters, police officers and parks maintenance workers will be working harder to serve the public.