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October 16, 2012
Shane Southerland presents an benthic bug display rack, created from Western Red Cedar, to Camas School District Superintendent Mike Nerland.

Eagle project to benefit Camas School District

After a year of combing streams and rivers for aquatic bugs, Shane Southerland's sometimes painstaking Eagle Scout project is complete. Southerland, 16, presented racks of what are known as "benthic larvae macro-invertebrates," to the Camas School Board last Monday. Collecting the bugs was a long and challenging process, and the Camas High School sophomore rallied scouting volunteers and friends in Washington, Wyoming, Kansas, Georgia, Utah, Montana and Oregon to help him with the project. "It took a lot of weekends to collect all of these," he said. "But I really enjoyed going to the rivers, that was the most fun part of this project."

October 9, 2012
CHS sophomore Sophie Shoemaker poses for a photo with Subhash Singhald, president elect of the Washington State Academy of Sciences group.

Far more than just another science fair

It's not every day that a high school sophomore is asked to present her research project at a professional-level science symposium. But that’s exactly what happened to Camas High School student Sophie Shoemaker after her work on sustainable agriculture garnered prizes at regional and state science fairs. She received an invitation in June to present her project at the Washington State Academy of Sciences symposium. At the time, school was ending and her focus wasn't on research. "Then after school began, Mr. (Ron) Wright asked me if I understood how big a deal this was," she said. "I didn't. Once I learned, I was a little nervous. But I'm a kid, they're not there to judge me. It was a fun thing to do."

October 9, 2012

School notes for Oct. 9, 2012

Informational session on hosting exchange students set The Camas/Washougal chapter of AFS International programs is hosting an informal question and answer meeting at Zion Lutheran Church, 824 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas, on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 6:30.

October 2, 2012

Program has helped Jemtegaard Middle School students with self-discipline

When Missi Cole first learned she'd be dean of students at Jemtegaard, she was apprehensive. "I was a bit anxious," she said. "It had a reputation for being a rough school in the district." Three years later, the middle school has changed, and for the better, according to Cole and Principal Ron Carlson. "The referrals and calls to police (for more serious infractions) have cut down big time," Cole said. "The parents have noticed a big change, too. The kids are more respectful, and the teachers are really good about talking things through with the students."

October 2, 2012
Girl Scouts Becky Hodges, Ashley Voeltz, Emily Van Orden, Savanna Slocum, Shannon McDaniel and Emma Spaeth (left to right) deliver two new ceiling fans to the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society's cat building. Drew Snyder, a WCGHS board member (in back) was there to receive the donation.

Girl scouts help ‘residents’ at local humane society

The feline residents of the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society are now enjoying a cool breeze throughout their living quarters, thanks to a donation from some local Girl Scouts.Troop 40382 members were prompted to purchase the fans as a community service project, using the proceeds of their cookie sales and other fundraisers. Last year, they shopped for and donated pet food, toys and other needed items to the approximately 80 cats living at the shelter. Emma Spaeth said, "It was really hot in the cat (building), so it's great we're helping so many at once." Savanna Slocum agreed. "This made me feel happy because it is always nice to help pets that are in need."

October 2, 2012

School notes for Oct. 2, 2012

Camas-Washougal Rotary Club recognizes new teachers The Camas-Washougal Rotary Club hosted teachers, principals and administrators from the Camas and Washougal school districts at their annual New Teacher Breakfast on Thursday.

October 2, 2012

Sister city friendships span the test of time

A delegation of students, educators and city leaders from Japan will arrive in Camas on Saturday. The group from the town of Taki, sister city to Camas, will spend five days in the area. In addition to 20 middle school students, the delegation will be led by Taki Mayor Yukio Kubo, and will include a high school principal, an English teacher, city clerk, travel guide, and an interpreter.

September 25, 2012

Mayor for a day

Incredible. That's how Camas teen Danielle Colwell described her recent "Mayor for a Day," experience, which included lunch, private tours of the local police and fire departments, and an opportunity to address the City Council.

September 25, 2012

School notes for Sept. 25, 2012

Free Childfind screenings set There will be free screenings for all children ages 3 to 5 who live within the Camas School District boundaries on Wednesday, Oct. 10.

September 18, 2012

School notes for Sept. 18, 2012

Lego Challenge set for October The Washougal Community Library is having monthly Lego Building Bash events. Participants ages 5 to 11 are invited. Each event features a different theme and snack. The next challenge is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17. The library is located at 1661 "C" St.