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News

March 29, 2011

Washougal discusses C-TRAN measures

The question of whether to submit one or two C-TRAN measures on the November ballot this year is gaining momentum and a variety of opinions - if last night's Washougal City Council meeting is any indication. C-TRAN Chief Executive Officer Jeff Hamm and Camas City Council member Linda Dietzman presented information regarding C-TRAN's 2030 plan and ballot measure overview. Dietzman represents Camas and Washougal, as a member of the C-TRAN board.

March 29, 2011

‘E’ Street rezone area could lead to economic development

A wide variety of businesses could one day choose to open on lots adjacent to "E" Street. The Washougal Planning Commission has forwarded a recommendation of approval for the rezoning of 40 acres on the north and south sides of "E" Street from Sixth to 35th streets.

March 22, 2011
Camas residents David Van Cleave (left) and his daughter Regan, a member of a local Daisy Scout Troop, are among the dozens of volunteers who descended on Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Washougal on Saturday to plant a few hundred of the more than 6,000 trees and shrubs that were part of an overall effort that began in January. Although temperatures were frigid, beautiful sunny skies revealed themselves.

Sowing Steigerwald’s future

Dozens of volunteers braved frigid temperatures Saturday to help plant hundreds of trees and shrubs at the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. It may have been chilly, but the Boy Scouts, Daisy Scouts and others who attended the joint effort between the Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership and Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards were happy to be greeted by sunny skies, instead of showers. Volunteers have had to suffer through a number of rainy weekends as thousands of trees and shrubs have been planted during the past three months at the Washougal site including elderberry, dogwood, cottonwood, willows and wild rose. The purchase of the bare root trees and shrubs, and other costs such as staff time, was funded through grants from LCREP.

March 22, 2011

Washougal police arrest heroin and meth dealers

Two men and a woman were arrested over the weekend on various drug charges, after Washougal police executed a narcotics search warrant on a room at the Rama Inn. Isaiah Richey (also known as Isaiah Oviatt), 19, of Washougal, and April Green, 24, were arrested for possession with the intent to deliver heroin and methamphetamine. Green's city of residence is listed as unknown in the WPD report.

March 22, 2011

Superintendent candidates narrowed to four

The Washougal School District Board of Directors has selected four finalists to interview for the position of superintendent. The finalist will succeed Teresa Baldwin, who retires in June. A total of 21 people applied for the job. "We were very pleased with the number of qualified candidates applying for the position," said Blaine Peterson, board president. "We had a difficult time narrowing the field down to four candidates. We even scheduled in an extra evening to review and determine the best four that we could select. We are looking forward to meeting and interviewing these exceptional people." The finalists will visit the Washougal School District on Friday to meet district staff, students and community members and tour schools. On Saturday, the finalists will have formal interviews with the Board of Directors. Community members are invited to an open house to meet the candidates on Friday, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Washougal High School Commons, 1201 39th St.

March 22, 2011

Some Camas union contracts finalized

The three re-negotiated union contracts approved by the Camas City Council last night will save the city approximately $54,000 in 2011. Contracts with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local No. 2444; Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 11; and Washington State Council of County and City Employees AFSCME, are now in place. "They are realistic. They are reflective of the times we are in," said City Administrator Lloyd Halverson of the new contracts. "We appreciate the good faith reasoning between the groups and the city."

March 22, 2011
Signs serve as reminders to support businesses located along E Street, while driving at or less than the speed limit. The $8.1 million construction project includes the conversion of the road width to two through-lanes and a center left turn lane, and the addition of bike lanes and sidewalks from Sixth to 32nd streets. It is expected to be completed in August.

E Street project is discussed as a political issue

An unscheduled debate occurred last night, involving Washougal Mayor Sean Guard and several city council members, regarding a recent lunchtime meeting about the "E" Street project. Councilman Michael Delavar questioned why the city's public works committee - consisting of Rod Morris, Molly Coston and Paul Greenlee - attended the March 14 meeting with "E" Street merchants.

March 18, 2011

Port hosts emergency drill today

The area around Building 14 in the Port of Camas-Washougal Industrial Park will be a bit more active than usual today during a mock emergency drill. The port is planning to participate in simulated disaster and response efforts today, from 7 a.m. to noon, at 3801 S. Truman St., Washougal. Responding agencies will include the Camas and Washougal police and fire departments, as well as East County Fire and Rescue.

March 15, 2011

Washougal successful in managing budget

The City of Washougal continues to be faced with the difficult financial and budgetary pressures facing all governments in the nation as a result of the great recession. However, I am happy to report that in 2010 and 2011 we have been successful in balancing our budgets without increasing property and sales taxes and without the use of reserves. Much of the success in achieving this significant accomplishment belongs to the staff, department heads and city council for understanding the situation we were facing early last year and their support of the administration's efforts to manage our expenses and find efficiencies.