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January 27, 2014
Kelly Milner Halls is the author of more than two dozen books and more than 1,000 articles for newspapers and magazines - all geared toward children and youg adults.

Entertaining and inspiring students

When some of your book subjects include ghosts, Big Foot and aliens, fact checking and reliable sources are very important aspect of the research process. Author Kelly Milner Halls writes non-fiction, science based children's books, several of which deal with these topics. Recently, she spent a day at Dorothy Fox Elementary School in Camas. A highlight was the author's lunch, which included fourth- and fifth-grade students. Her book, "The Tales of the Cryptids," is currently one of the most popular choices in the school library. "I don't tell you for sure Big Foot is real, I don't tell you for sure aliens are real. I don't tell you for sure ghosts are real. I give you the evidence that I found through years of research, and I leave it for you guys to decide," she said. "You have to control the rest of your lives what you believe. You're smart. People forget how smarts kids are. You can take that information and you can make a decision for yourself, or you and your parents can sit down and you can say 'Hey, Mom and Dad, look at this book, what do you think'?"

January 21, 2014

School notes for Jan. 21, 2014

College planning events helps with financial aid, includes workshops Clark College and Washington State University Vancouver will again team up to host College Goal Washington.

January 17, 2014

Locals qualify for honor roll

Several local students have been named to the Warner Pacific College dean's list for the Fall 2013 academic term. To qualify, students must be enrolled full-time and achieve a 3.5 or greater grade point average.

January 15, 2014

Local student fundraising for Habitat for Humanity project

Gabrielle Roscher, a pre-med student, is raising funds for a March 2014 trip to Malawi, Africa, through Habitat for Humanity. The 21-year-old Washougal resident attends Clark College and is the vice president of student government. Her career goal is to specialize as an OB/GYN and work in Third World countries. "Participating in Habitat for Humanity's Global Village program has been a dream of mine for years, and I finally built up the courage to apply," she said. "This trip is a perfect fit for me because it's during my spring break and we will be working with their Orphans and Vulnerable Children Project."

January 14, 2014

A legacy of inspiration

William Leamer loved coaching basketball.And for many of the athletes he mentored at Canyon Creek Middle School, it was their first real introduction to the sport. "Coach Leamer did more than coach our athletes in basketball, he also coached them in life," said Sandi Christensen, principal. "He always modeled polite and respectful behavior, and he expected his athletes to act the same on and off the court. He was very supportive of academics and helped school staff send the message about the importance of learning and school." Leamer, a Washougal resident, passed away unexpectedly on Christmas Day, at the age of 46. "He was like Santa Claus," recalled his wife, Suzanne. "He loved to give people gifts and just got the biggest kick out of it. I think he chose Christmas Day because he knows I'm terrible with dates and it would be the day I remember because of what it meant to him." An account for the Leamer family has been set up at Riverview Community Bank under William Leamer. To donate, visit any branch.

January 7, 2014

School notes for Jan. 7, 2014

WSU Vancouver to host Scholarships 101 information night Washington State University Vancouver will hold a "Scholarships 101" information night for students interested in learning how scholarships can help them pay for college. The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Dengerink Administration Building, Room 110, and is free and open to the public.

January 7, 2014
From left, Lacamas Heights Principal Julie Mueller, alumna Sharon Carmichael and parent volunteer Karen Wood, with the help of a committee, are organizing a celebration to mark the school's 50th anniversary.

Happy birthday, Lacamas Heights

In 1964, The Civil Rights Act was signed into law, the "race to the moon" made headlines and a new home cost $13,050.In Camas, Lacamas Heights Elementary School opened its doors to 500 students for the 1963-64 school year. On Jan. 17, the school. located at 4600 N.E. Garfield St., will celebrate that milestone with a birthday party. Duane Freeman, a sixth-grade teacher that first year, will be attending the party, along with several alumni and current students and staff members. Principal Julie Mueller, a parent committee and school alumni have been working since last spring to create an event that all attendees will enjoy. "I think it is awesome," Mueller said. "I started teaching at Lacamas in 1995 and was there until Liberty Middle School opened.

December 31, 2013
Approximately 5,000 cookies, sweet breads, chocolate treats and other goodies awaited staff at Camas High School the Monday before winter break. It was courtesy of families who are part of a staff appreciation group started by parent Elizabeth Emmet in 2009.

They’re making a sweet connection

It seems as if most people run in about 10 different directions during the holidays. With gifts to buy, family in town and meals to prepare, other things often get put aside.But a group of 80 dedicated families spent a weekend baking a plethora of holiday treats for staff at Camas High School, which were served after school on Monday, Dec. 16. From cookies to banana bread to chocolate covered treats, the tables at the counseling center overflowed with goodness. Approximately 85 percent of staff members at the high school attended, according to Principal Steve Marshall's estimate. "The adults were very excited and very appreciative of the parents' thoughtfulness," he said. "I overheard teachers say things like, 'This is the best day of the year.' 'I have never seen anything like this!' and 'I am grading papers tonight so this might be my dinner.' This is an event centered around giving, which is why it fits so perfectly with the holidays."

December 26, 2013

Design process begins for Jemtegaard pedestrian trail

A path designed primarily for children to get to and from Jemtegaard Middle School safely is a step closer to reality. The Washougal City Council has approved a local agency agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation, to proceed with the design process beyond its current conceptual phase.