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NPS Closes Pearson Air Museum

Earlier this week, the National Park Service (NPS) abruptly closed the Pearson Air Museum after months of negotiation failed to produce a new agreement between museum operators and the NPS.

As Pearson Air Museum operators and supporters cry foul, local politicians are speedily working to draft legislation to address several key issues involved in this debate.

On Saturday, dozens gathered at the museum and surrounding areas to protest the actions of the NPS. Former Mayor Royce Pollard and State Representative Liz Pike attended.

“We are protesting many things,” said one protestor. “They just can’t close it and move things out as quickly as they did. This is a public entity. We need to have our say.”

To learn more, visit www.fortvan.org

 

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Camas Votes on Proposed School Levy This Tuesday; Facts on the Maintenance & Operations, Technology Levy

This coming Tuesday, February 12, Camas citizens are voting on a four-year school replacement Maintenance and Operations funding levy, which is designed to address state funding gaps.

The levy has multiple components – 1) Maintenance and Operation (M&O), which will allow the Camas School District to meet staff funding obligations; and 2) Technology, which covers the tangible and intangible, such as phone systems, laptops, 911 system, software licenses, etc.

The proposed M&O levy would collect $11.45 million, $11.8 million, $12.2 million, and $12.75 million each year over the next four years. And the proposed Technology levy would collect approximately $1.3 million each year over the next four years.

“We’re planning ahead to allow for growth as enrollment has had a 3-5 percent annual increase,” said Doreen McKercher, of the Camas School District. “We are having to cover things that used to be covered by the state, but now these things are on the local tax payer.”

McKercher said the largest items covered by the M&O are transportation (buses), special education, utilities (huge expense), and technology staff, which is an unfunded state mandate.

 

Helen Baller graduates Tony Lattanzi and Jefferson Jackson.
The state-of-the-art technology at Helen Baller is funding by the current
Technology Levy that was passed several years ago.
The levy proposes more money per assessed property value than previous levies, however, the actual total combined rates for all school taxes will be less than voters currently pay.
Taxpayers currently pay $.38 per $1,000 of assessed value for technology; $3.27 per $1,000 of assessed value on M&O; and $4.35 per $1,000 of assessed value on bonds. The current rates amount to $8.00 per $1,000 of assessed value.
The proposed rate in for 2014 is $7.32 per $1,000 of assessed value. And go forward at $7.44 for 2015, $7.55 for 2016, and $7.61 for 2017.
The proposed M&O levy is based on these factors:
  • A change in the way the state calculates its levy formula
  • Continued growth in enrollment, which increases operational costs
  • Rising fuel, utilities and insurance costs
  • Start-up costs for the new Woodburn Elementary School, which opens in Fall 2013.
  • Increase in the number of students participating in extracurricular programs and sports.

 

Current levies expire at the end of 2013, and Washington has decreased funding in key areas at the local level.
“This is not a new tax,” said McKercher. “We’re simply replacing expiring levies so we can maintain the high standards we have here in Camas.”
McKercher said students benefit with smaller class sizes, more textbooks, improved student safety, quality grounds, funding for extracurricular activities, and numerous other programs.
Common questions:
  • If the assessed values increase, can the district college more? No.
  • If the district increases in assessed value over the next four years, will your cost per $1,00 increase. No.
  • Can the levy amount be increased without a vote? No.

Ballots were mailed on January 24 and citizens are asked to vote on or by February 12.

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Supporters Unite to Protest Pearson Air Museum Closing

This week’s abrupt closure of the treasured Pearson Air Museum came as a shock to many, but it was the result of more than a year of failed negotiations about control of the facility.

The National Park Service, which owns the historic building that has housed the museum for the last 18 years, ended its agreement with the city of Vancouver – and the transition out has already begun.

Earlier this week, volunteers and employees, to the horror of aviation enthusiasts and local fans, cleared out the building. A day later, the Park Service came to collect the keys and security code.

The once astonishing museum closed it doors.

And this act has sparked a protest campaign against the National Park Service’s actions. Local citizens, supporters, teens, as well State Representative Liz Pike are holding a protest Saturday at 2 pm at 1115 E. Fifth Street, in Vancouver.

When the agreement to create the museum was signed in 1995, the Park Service maintained ownership of the land. In 2005, the Fort Vancouver National Trust took over day-to-day operations on behalf of the city.

What happened under the new 2005 agreement was that the trust was allowed to manage and plan events on the property. It then allowed others to manage and plan events, in order to collect new revenues and promote the museum.

And that was the rub.

The Park Service wanted to deal directly with the museum’s operator. Superintendent Tracy Fortmann wanted complete oversight of all programs and services put on by the trust.

“That just wasn’t the nature of the partnership we entered into,” said Elson Strahan, CEO of the Fort Vancouver National Trust.

Also at issue is the closure timeline. The terms of their 2005 agreement state the trust has 180 days to transition out of the museum operations. But in a letter to the trust on Monday, Fortmann said the trust would have 45 days to transition out of its operational role.

Fortmann issued the following statement: “We sincerely regret that many months of good faith discussions to develop an agreement to sustain the continued operations of the Pearson Air Museum did not succeed.”

In addition, 45 events were scheduled at the museum over the next six months.

Pike believes the Park Service is out of line, and Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Buetler is drafting a bill to turn management of the land over to the city, which would allow it to continue to work with the trust.

Local enthusiasts hope the protest will call attention to their cause and get this week’s action overturned.

 

Pearson Air Museum

 
 

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Hoops: Varsity Lady Papermakers Advance

Hoops! The Lady Papermakers keep plugging away.

On Thursday night, they clinched a spot in the bi-district tournament for the fourth straight year with a hard fought 42-30 win over Evergreen.  Brenna Khaw got 17 points and 5 assists, while Sierra Brown added 12 points and 5 rebounds.

The second quarter made up for a sluggish first quarter. Khaw scored 11 of her 17 points during the fourth quarter.

Camas outscored Evergreen 13-2 in the second quarter and led the game, 18-11 at the half.

The win advances the Lady Papermakers (12-9) against Union tonight at 6 in the District semi-final game.

 

Girl's Hoops
Victory! The Camas Girls Varsity Basketball team celebrates a win over
Evergreen Thursday night. The win also qualified them to play
in the bi-district Playoffs.



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Camas Boys Swim Team Wins District Championship

The Camas High School Boys Swim team won their fourth consecutive District title Thursday at Propstra Pool, with a final score of 459, soundly beating four other schools and finishing off a dominate season.

The Papermakers earned first place finishes in nine of 11 events, and Kasey Calwell earned a personal record in the 200 IM, with a time of 1:58.25, dropping four seconds off his time. Calwell swims for Camas, but attends King’s Way Christian School in Vancouver.

Skyview’s Eric Bugna won the two other events, the 100 Fly with a time of 53.04, in a neck-and-neck race with Lucas Ulmer, of Camas, as well as the 100 Backstroke. The two are best friends and fierce competitors.

Camas got off to a great start with the 200 Medley Relay, which consisted of Calwell, Jake Yraceburu, Ulmer and John Utas. The team finished first with 1:46.85. Skyview’s relay team placed second, and consisted of Bugna, Jake Breuer, Mason Leavitt, and Nick Anderson. Union, Heritage and Evergreen also competed in Thursday’s meet.

Seth Albert won the 200 Free with a time of 1:53.9, while Papermaker Max Urbanek placed second.

“It just feels so great,” said Albert. “I came here ready to compete and win. It’s been a great meet.”

Calwell was beaming after his victory in the 200 IM. He was followed by Skyview’s Jake Breuer, who clocked in at 2:03.47, which is also a state cut.

Champions
Papermaker Victory! Camas Boys Swim Team won their fourth
consecutive District Championship.
Max Urbanek
Camas sophomore Max Urbanek moments after winning the 500 Free event.

“This is my best time ever – at club or high school – for this event,” said Calwell. His smile was contagious.

Camas took all three top spots in the 50 Free as John Utas won with a time of 23.02. Yraceburu came in second, with 23.42, and Sean Yan was third at 24.14.

Albert also won the 100 Free with a time of 52.10.

Long-distance swimmer Max Urbanek was the favorite to win the 500 Free and didn’t disappoint by placing first with a time of 5:11.85. Nick Panebianco, of Camas, placed second.

Camas owned the 200 Free Relay besting Skyview and Union. The team was made up of Trent Harimoto, Sean Yan, Utas, and Albert. Their time was 1:33.26.

Xian

Bugna wasn’t about to let Camas take it all by winning the 100 Backstroke. Ulmer was a close second.

“It was a good race,” said Bugna. “It’s been fun.”

Yraceburu won the 100 Breastroke with a time of 1:01.71. “It’s been awesome to win all four years,” said Yraceburu.

The Papermakers finished off the night with a victory in the 400 Free Relay. Calwell, Yraceburu, Albert and Ulmer finished off the competition with a time of 3:25.59.

Camas Swim Coach, Mike Bemis, said: “These times are what we’re shooting for, and I think we can do even better at state.”

Event winners and those who qualified for state travel to Federal Way for the 4A State Championships next week at the King County Aquatic Center.

A Lacamas Magazine video report on the District Championships will be released soon.

 

Lucas Ulmer
Lucas Ulmer, center, along with two teammates, Kasey Calwell and Jake
Yraceburu, along with John Utaas won the 200 Medley Relay.
Jake Yraceburu
Jake Yraceburu had a great night at Thursday’s meet.

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Camas Seniors Honored at National Letter of Intent Signing

Camas High School honored several Papermakers on Wednesday as they signed their National Letters of Intent to attend the university or college of their choosing. A total of nine seniors were present to sign their letters and say a few words about their choices. The nine students are scholar-athletes and have worked hard throughout their high school career to maintain good grades and excel in their chosen sports.
Here are the students that were honored:

AMEE AARHUS has already signed with Portland State University to play on their Women’s’ Softball team. Amee has earned her varsity letter three years. In 2012, Amee was named the 3A Greater Saint Helens League All-Region Player of the Year. She was also the 2012 Offensive Player of the Year as a junior. The 2012 season was incredible for Amee as she set records in number of hits, runs scored and triples in a single season. Amee was instrumental in helping the Lady Papermakers place fifth at the 3A WIAA Washington State Tournament last year. Amee carries a 3.0 GPA.

KIMBERLY KNIGHT will be taking her running skills to compete in cross country and track at Clark College. Kimi has earned her varsity letter in cross country (4 years), basketball (1 year) and track (3 years) with her senior season of track just around the corner. Kimi was a member of the 2011 and 2012 Girls’ Cross Country Team that brought home the WIAA State Championship trophy.

As a track athlete, Kimi was a member of the 4 X 400M relay team that placed sixth overall at the 3A State Championships a year ago. Since kindergarten, Kimi has never missed a day of school and will complete her high school career with perfect attendance. Kimi carries a 3.4 GPA.

CONNOR DYEHOUSE will be traveling to Wisconsin as a new member of the Men’s Lacrosse Team at Carthage College where he also hopes to pursue economics. In 2012, Connor’s team made it to the semifinals of the Washington High School Boys’ Lacrosse State Championship Tournament. He was also named a U.S. National All-Star for his indoor lacrosse team. Connor is a four-year honor roll student and carries a 3.77 GPA.

 

 

Letter of Intent
Kimi Knight was one of nine students honored at the National Letter of
Intent Signing held Wednesday morning at Camas High School.

 

Camas High School honored several Papermakers on Wednesday as they signed their National Letters of Intent to attend the university or college of their choosing. A total of nine seniors were present to sign their letters and say a few words about their choices. The nine students are scholar-athletes and have worked hard throughout their high school career to maintain good grades and excel in their chosen sports.

Here are the students that were honored:
AMEE AARHUS has already signed with Portland State University to play on their Women’s’ Softball team. Amee has earned her varsity letter three years. In 2012, Amee was named the 3A Greater Saint Helens League All-Region Player of the Year. She was also the 2012 Offensive Player of the Year as a junior. The 2012 season was incredible for Amee as she set records in number of hits, runs scored and triples in a single season. Amee was instrumental in helping the Lady Papermakers place fifth at the 3A WIAA Washington State Tournament last year. Amee carries a 3.0 GPA.

KIMBERLY KNIGHT will be taking her running skills to compete in cross country and track at Clark College. Kimi has earned her varsity letter in cross country (4 years), basketball (1 year) and track (3 years) with her senior season of track just around the corner. Kimi was a member of the 2011 and 2012 Girls’ Cross Country Team that brought home the WIAA State Championship trophy.

As a track athlete, Kimi was a member of the 4 X 400M relay team that placed sixth overall at the 3A State Championships a year ago. Since kindergarten, Kimi has never missed a day of school and will complete her high school career with perfect attendance. Kimi carries a 3.4 GPA.

CONNOR DYEHOUSE will be traveling to Wisconsin as a new member of the Men’s Lacrosse Team at Carthage College where he also hopes to pursue economics. In 2012, Connor’s team made it to the semifinals of the Washington High School Boys’ Lacrosse State Championship Tournament. He was also named a U.S. National All-Star for his indoor lacrosse team. Connor is a four-year honor roll student and carries a 3.77 GPA.
 
 
Letter of Intent
Roldan Alcobendas, left, and John Norcross, at the Letter of Intent signing.
JACK BEALL will become a Penguin as he takes his lacrosse skills to compete at Dominican University of California. In addition to lacrosse, Jack is a three-year letterman in football. Jack’s lacrosse achievements include 2010 and 2011 All-State honors, team captain for the last three years, and he was the 2010 point leader in Washington State with 108 goals. In 2010, Jack was an integral part of winning the silver medal in the Lacrosse World Championships for his age division. Jack is a three-year, Greater St. Helens League Academic All-League winner and carries a 3.89 GPA.
EMILY PONCE has already signed with Concordia University to play on their Women’s’ Soccer Team. Emily has earned her varsity letter three years with the CHS Soccer Team. In 2010, Emily helped her team win the 3A GSHL League Championship as well as the District IV Championship before reaching the quarterfinals of the state tournament. As a senior, Emily and her teammates earned a fourth-place finish in the WIAA State Championship Tournament at the 4A level this fall. Emily earned All-League honors as a First Team player in 2011 and a Second Team player in 2012. Emily is a two-year, Greater St. Helens All-League Academic Award winner and carries a 3.43 GPA.
DIANE DYRA will be joining her teammate Emily to continue their efforts on the soccer field as she has also signed with Concordia University to play soccer. Diane is a two-year varsity letterman with the Girls’ Soccer Team.
In her career at CHS she, too, has been a part of winning a GSHL League Championship and District IV Championship at the 3A level as well as a GSHL League Co-Championship this year at the 4A level. Diane earned All-League honors as a Second Team Forward in 2012 and was voted by her team as the Offensive Player of the Year. Diane has also received the GSHL Academic All-League award and carries a 3.26 GPA.
JAMIE CARTER will be moving to Montana to protect the goal as she has committed to play soccer at Carroll College as a Fighting Saint. Jamie lettered all four years as a varsity soccer player and three years as a varsity softball player.
As a ninth grader, Jamie contributed to the third place finish in the WIAA 3A State Championship Soccer Tournament. As a junior, Jamie was a First Team All-League player and named to the First Team All-State Team. As a senior, Jamie earned First Team All-League honors again, All-State Honorable Mention and was nominated as a team captain. Since her sophomore year, Jamie has been named a GSHL Academic All-League award winner every year in both soccer and softball. She carries a 3.92 GPA.
ROLDAN ALCOBENDAS will be taking his kicking skills to Cheney, WA, as he will play football for Eastern Washington University. Roldan has earned his varsity letter three years as a varsity football and soccer athlete, with his fourth season of soccer just around the corner. Roldan has earned GSHL All-League honors in 2011 as a Kicker/Punter as well as the Special Teams Player of the Year. In 2012, Roldan was selected as an All-League midfielder for soccer, All-League punter and Special Teams Player of the Year once again. Roldan also made the All-Region Team as a kicker/punter. Since his freshman year, Roldan has been named a GSHL Academic All-League award winner every year. He carries a 3.59 GPA.
 
Nine Camas seniors sign their Letter of Intent.
JOHN NORCROSS will be staying close to home as he will commit to play football at Portland State University on a full scholarship. John is a three-year letterman as a varsity football player. John led the Papermakers to the Tacoma Dome and a third place finish in the WIAA 3A Football Playoffs in 2011 and then at the 4A level this last fall. John is a First Team All-League athlete and nominated as the GSHL Defensive Player of the Year and All-State Linebacker in 2011 as a junior. As a senior he was selected a second time as the GSHL Defensive Player of the Year and All-State Linebacker. In addition, John was recognized on the offensive side of the ball on the All-State Team as a tight end. John’s leadership on the field was recognized by his teammates as they nominated him team captain this year. John is an honor roll student and carries a 3.83 GPA.
In May, Camas will be recognizing other athletes who will be moving on to play at the collegiate level. There will be more to follow at a later date.
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