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Stuebe Bill to Support Search, Rescue Efforts Receives Public Hearing

The House Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee held a public hearing on Tuesday for Rep. David Stuebe‘s first bill as a Washington state legislator.

House Bill 1625 would create a grant program to support backcountry search and rescue organizations and volunteers.

“I’m happy to see this bill receive a hearing because we need to help the agencies and responders who answer the call to rescue people in emergency situations,” said Stuebe, R-Washougal.

The Washington State Military Department Emergency Management Division estimates that approximately 1,000 search and rescue missions occur annually in Washington.

“Natural disasters and other emergencies are becoming more common, especially, when people head out to explore wilderness areas in Washington,” added Stuebe. “This grant program would create a way to help fund these backcountry search and rescue efforts and prevent the state from taking on more expenses.”

HB 1625 would create the Backcountry Search and Rescue Account and a mechanism to fund the grant account through legislative appropriations, donations, grants, or funds from other public or private sources. Sen. Keith Goehner, R-Chelan, introduced a companion bill in the Senate, SB 5631.

The Washington State Military Department would administer the program, creating the account in the state treasury.

If the legislation passes, the new rescue grant program would provide grants to search and rescue organizations for backcountry search and rescue volunteers’ planning, equipment, training, exercise, and operation costs. It would also allow counties, cities, and towns to recover backcountry search and rescue costs that are not reimbursed through other sources.

“This bill makes sense for everyone involved,” said Stuebe. “If we can use this program to fund these emergencies, rescuers would have a better chance of saving people in need. This program would provide better training, better resources, and better outcomes.”

The bill now waits for a vote by the committee.

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Gluesenkamp Perez Holds Log Truck Roundtable, Visits Wahkiakum County

PUGET ISLAND, WA – Last week,Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) held a roundtable with log truck operators, visited the Puget Island Alternate Water System Project, and toured Grays River priorities.

During Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s roundtable with Southwest Washington log truck drivers, the group discussed the need to make it easier to run or start an independent operation and hire apprentices, make common sense adjustments to federal regulation, and ensure more young people have the training necessary to pursue these careers early and safely.

“Being able to harvest and move timber is an important part of being able to prevent wildfire, build houses, and support family wage jobs. Hearing from our log truck operators, a decline in timber and complicated red tape can make it difficult to run a small, family operation, much less get one off the ground,”said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez.“We had a productive discussion about ways to ensure federal regulations actually make sense for independent operators and to get more young people the skills they need to build these careers as the workforce ages. Having operated an auto repair and machine shop before coming to Congress, I know how difficult it can be to hire an apprentice, yet these opportunities remain a critical pathway to the middle class.”

Last month, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s provisions were signed into law to extend eligibility for the Forest Service’s Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) for federal forest restoration and management projects to Tribes and counties to increase opportunities for cross-boundary restoration.

Afterward, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez spoke with Wahkiakum PUD about local utility priorities and visited the site of the Puget Island Alternate Water System Project.

In March, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez secured $959,752 of federal funds for the project as one of her Community Project Funding (CPF) requests. The funding makes the project possible without rate impacts to Wahkiakum PUD customers.

“Nearly a quarter of Wahkiakum County lives on Puget Island, and they’re served by a single water supply. Right now, three of four fire hydrants don’t have adequate water flow, so I secured funds to build an alternate, reliable water source to keep folks safe and protect their livelihoods and reliable access to clean water. By bringing our federal tax dollars home, we’re avoiding a rise in utility rates to get this done,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “Wahkiakum PUD has a small but mighty team that takes immense pride in doing high-quality work in house. I’m glad I could see their skilled work firsthand as this critical project rapidly gets underway.”

The Congresswoman has helped bring home more than $12.9 million for water and wastewater projects across Southwest Washington. An interactive map of community investments she has supported can be found at gluesenkampperez.house.gov/invest.

Gluesenkamp Perez
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Camas Boys Win the Clark County Wrestling Tournament!

It’s the first time since 1983 that the Papermaker’s have won the team title.  

The team won a total of 14 individual medals.

Freshman Micah Bennett, freshman Arthur Jarrell, sophomore Kannon Freschette, junior Simon Jarrell, and senior Luke Webb all take home gold medals. 

Senior Beau Harlan takes home a silver medal and junior Alec Fraser wins Bronze. 

On the women’s side, Jasmine Cha wins a silver medal and Avery Vega Padilla wins her second Clark County title!

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Building Industry Association, GRO Host 2025 GRO Parade of Homes Groundbreaking

Vancouver, WA –The Building Industry Association of Clark County (BIA) has officially broken ground for the 2025 GRO Parade of Homes, set to take place at The Nines at Camas Meadows. This year’s event marks the first time since 2019 that the GRO Parade of Homes has returned to Camas. The showcase will feature six homes, each offering a unique interpretation of luxury living.

“We are excited to present a diverse array of home styles for this year’s GRO Parade of Homes,” stated Alexa Lee, the 2025 GRO Parade Homes Committee Chair. “With the return of a seasoned builder and the debut of three new builders, we anticipate fresh designs, innovative ideas, and inspiring concepts that are sure to captivate the public.”

The 2025 GRO Parade of Homes will feature projects by NR Construction, NW Fortune Development, Pacific Lifestyle Homes and Urban NW Homes. This annual event celebrates craftsmanship and design innovation, providing community members and potential homebuyers with an opportunity to explore the latest trends, developments, and design features. Visitors can engage with builders, learn about cutting-edge techniques, and gain insight into modern homebuilding.

“As we begin our fourth year as the title sponsor of the GRO Parade of Homes, we are proud to have been part of such an impactful event,” said Garret Hergert, owner of GRO. “This event celebrates the incredible design and craftsmanship of our local builders, and we look forward to seeing this year’s showcase continue the tradition of excellence while inspiring the next chapter in homebuilding.”

Now in its 47th year, the BIA’s GRO Parade of Homes continues to bring together developers, builders, suppliers, and sponsors to create an immersive home show experience for the community. Over 13 days, the event aims to draw more than 10,000 visitors, including industry professionals, realtors, potential homebuyers and guests. Highlights include special event days such as Hero Day, honoring first responders, military and educators, and Builder & Realtor® Day, which will foster industry conversations for local professionals and guests.

“This year’s GRO Parade of Homes brings a fresh mix of design and luxury to Camas for the first time since 2019,” said Danielle Kilian, BIA Event Director. “With six incredible homes on display, visitors will explore a variety of single-family homes along with an attached home, offering a glimpse into the different levels of luxury available at The Nines at Camas Meadows. It’s an exciting opportunity to experience a range of styles and craftsmanship in one location.”

For more information regarding the Building Industry Association of Clark County or about BIA home shows email danielle@biaofclarkcounty.org or visit www.biaofclarkcounty.org or www.groparadeofhomes.com.

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Estate Planning in Times of Change: Part 1

With a new presidential administration onboarding, the estate planning landscape is shifting beneath our feet. If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to create or update your estate plan, there’s no time like the present, which presents opportunities and urgencies that demand attention. With anticipated changes on the horizon and favorable conditions that won’t last forever, understanding your options has never been more critical.

In this two-part series, we’ll explore what we know for certain, what remains unclear, and most importantly – what you can do about it. Next week, we’ll look at strategies for protecting loved ones who may be especially vulnerable in the coming years. But this week, we focus on taxes, interest rates, and asset protection. Let’s dive in.

What We Know About Taxes and Interest Rates

Here’s what we know: The current estate planning environment offers some significant advantages that won’t last forever. The estate tax exemption for 2024 sits at $13.61 million per person ($27.22 million for married couples) – the highest it’s ever been. That number increases in 2025 to $13.99 million per person (or $27.98 million for married couples). You can transfer substantial wealth to your loved ones without triggering federal estate taxes. This creates a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many families to secure their legacy and protect their assets from future estate tax exposure.

However, we also know that this generous exemption is scheduled to sunset on December 31, 2025. Without new legislation, the exemption amount will drop significantly – to approximately $7 million – on January 1, 2026. This means that gifting assets out of your estate in 2025 could give you a $7 million opportunity to move assets that otherwise could be subject to estate tax rates that have been as high as in the past. When you are considering whether to gift assets out of your estate in 2025, remember to consider:

1. Not just the current value of your assets, but what they will grow to over your lifetime;

2. You can gift assets in ways that allow you to maintain aspects of control and even use. Call me and let’s discuss it.

3. The earlier in the year you get started on your considerations, the less expensive your planning will be, and the more likely we can get it done in time, so if you are likely to have an estate over $7 million in value at the time of your death, call me immediately to schedule.

Pausing here momentarily, I want to point out something important: Your estate may be larger than you think. For tax purposes, your estate includes your home’s fair market value (minus the mortgage) and any other real estate you own, life insurance policies, retirement accounts, investment accounts, and other assets. So, while you may have assets that total less than the $13.99 million exemption in 2025, you very well could be affected by the 2026 exemption. If you want to know for sure, I can help. Read on to find out how to book a call with me.

Additionally, 2024 gift tax laws allow you to give up to $17,000 per person annually without triggering any tax consequences. For married couples, you could give up to $34,000 to each child, grandchild, or anyone else to protect assets and pass them to your loved ones without tax liability. This is separate from the lifetime estate tax exemption and represents an additional tool for reducing your taxable estate. In 2025, the gift tax exclusion will increase to $19,000 per person.

Interest rates are another crucial factor. After a period of historic high interest rates intended to curb inflation, rates have finally begun to decline (though at the time of publishing, rates are fluctuating). Lower interest rates could make specific estate planning strategies particularly effective, especially if you want to transfer wealth to future generations. To learn more, book a call with me below.

Now that you’re clear on the current state of taxes, interest rates, and asset protection, let’s shift gears and discuss what’s uncertain.

What Remains Uncertain

We can anticipate changes with the new presidential administration and legislative session, but what those changes are is unclear. Different administrations often have vastly different approaches to tax policy, which can significantly impact estate planning strategies.

Here’s what we don’t know:

  • Whether new legislation will freeze the current exemption and stop the estate tax exemption from dropping in 2026
  • How long interest rates will continue to decline
  • What changes might come to the gift tax exclusion and other wealth transfer tools
  • Whether state-level estate taxes might change in response to federal shifts
  • How treatment of retirement accounts and inherited IRAs might evolve
  • Whether new restrictions might be placed on currently available planning strategies

With all this uncertainty, you may feel tempted to sit back and see what happens. However, waiting could mean missing valuable opportunities to protect your family’s financial future. History shows us that when tax laws change, they often do so quickly and with limited opportunities to act before new rules take effect. So, the time to at least have a conversation and start the discussion is now.

Why You Need to Take Action Immediately

Combining what we know and what remains uncertain creates a clear imperative: you should take immediate action. Here’s why:

Current Benefits: Today’s high exemption amounts and declining interest rates create optimal conditions for transferring wealth. By acting now, you can lock in these advantages before they potentially disappear. Many of the strategies available today might be limited or eliminated in the future.

Future Protection: I help you create a properly structured Life & Legacy Plan that can help shield your assets from future tax changes. While we can’t predict what changes will come, we can build flexibility into your Life & Legacy Plan to adapt to various scenarios. This might include using specialized trusts, family-limited partnerships, or other advanced planning tools that can provide long-term benefits regardless of how tax laws change.

Peace of Mind: Beyond tax considerations, creating a Life & Legacy Plan ensures your wishes will be honored and your loved ones protected, regardless of what changes come at the federal or state level. This includes ensuring your healthcare directives are current, your power of attorney designations are appropriate, and your asset protection strategies are robust. I also help you keep your plan updated over time so your plan always works – no matter who’s in office.

Family Security: The actual value of estate planning goes far beyond tax savings. It’s about ensuring your family has the resources and guidance they need when you can no longer provide them. This includes protecting your children’s inheritance, providing for family members with special needs, and ensuring your charitable goals are met.

Speaking of family members with special needs, check back next week. In Part 2 of this series, we’ll explore specific strategies for protecting vulnerable family members and preserving family harmony through times of change. We’ll also discuss planning considerations for LGBTQ+ families, families with children who have special needs, and other situations requiring special attention in today’s environment.

Your Next Steps

I understand that these changes and uncertainties can feel overwhelming. That’s why I offer a Life & Legacy Planning® Session designed to help you understand exactly how these current conditions and upcoming changes might affect your family.

Don’t wait until the last minute to act. While tax considerations are important, the real value of estate planning lies in protecting your family and preserving your legacy.

Take the first step toward securing your family’s future by booking a Life & Legacy Planning Session.

Contact us today!

This article is a service of Res Nova Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

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2nd Annual Volunteer & Community Engagement Summit Coming Jan. 25

Camas, WA — The Downtown Camas Association is excited to host the 2025 Volunteer & Community Engagement Summit. This event aims to connect local people with nonprofit organizations serving Camas and Washougal to build connections that strengthen everyone involved. Individuals and families can explore service opportunities, collect information about local programs, and learn more about all the important work performed by nonprofits in their community. The event will take place on Saturday, January 25th, from 11am-3pm, inside the Fuel Medical lobby located at 314 NE Birch Street in Downtown Camas.

Attendees interested in volunteerism will be able to meet with 14 unique local organizations. It will be an open house format, where people will leisurely walk through and connect with the organizations at their own pace. The goal of the event is to foster meaningful connections and help make engagement opportunities easier between organizations and potential volunteers. People of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to attend. Employers that offer corporate volunteer initiatives are also welcome. Whether you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity for a few hours a month, or a longer-term commitment, you will find an organization that fits your interests. From supporting education and literacy initiatives, bolstering local food access, promoting environmental sustainability and community development, each organization offers unique opportunities for individuals to get involved and make a difference.

Participating organizations at the summit include:

– 100 Women Who Care Clark County

– Camas Farmer’s Market

– Camas Ivy League

– Camas Lion’s Club

– Camas Washougal Community Chest

– Downtown Camas Association

– EatWell Camas Community Garden

– Impact-Camas Washougal

– Lacamas Watershed Council

– LiveWell Camas

– Read NW

– Refuel Washougal

– Rotary Club of Camas-Washougal

– Unite! Washougal

“We are thrilled to bring this event back for a second year,” said Leah Nichelson, Event and Special Project Manager for the Downtown Camas Association. “We often hear that people want to volunteer but don’t have time to research which organization is right for them. This event is a low-pressure way to meet so many great nonprofits under one roof! You can find the group doing the work that you’re most passionate about. It’s also a great opportunity for people new to the area to connect and start building a community for themselves.”

Complimentary refreshments will be provided by Cedar Street Bagel Co.

New residents to the area are encouraged to attend and can pick up a Welcome Packet from the Downtown Camas Association, with information about Downtown and a special gift from Sweet Intention Gift Boutique (while supplies last).

Attendees can also explore incredible deals and discounts at participating Downtown Camas merchants during the Once in a Blue Moon Sale. Happening concurrently with the event, this sale offers the perfect opportunity to shop, save and support local businesses.

This event is organized and hosted by the Downtown Camas Association (DCA). The DCA is a 501c3 nonprofit that works year-round to strengthen and promote Downtown Camas through partnerships, events, beautification and historic preservation projects, public art engagement, economic development, advocacy, and tourism functions. For information on this and other DCA events, downtowncamas.com/events-and-festivals/. Sign up for the weekly Downtown Camas Association newsletter at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/peBo4oV

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Gluesenkamp Perez’s PORT Act Signed Into Law, Along w/ Flooding Assistance

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA) was signed into law by the President, including assistance for flooding in Wahkiakum County, sediment control on the Columbia and Cowlitz Rivers, and the provisions of Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez’s (WA-03) PORT Act to approve a land conveyance to the Port of Skamania for local economic development. The Congresswoman voted with her bipartisan colleagues in the House to pass the legislation in December, and it passed the Senate later in the month.

In January, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez testified in front of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to fight for the inclusion of these long-awaited priorities in this year’s WRDA. Video of her testimony can be found here.

The legislation will approve the Port of Skamania’s request for a 1.6-acre plot of unused U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land, which the port filed over 40 years ago and requires Congressional authorization.

The WRDA will also require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assess the causes of fine sediment accumulation that causes flooding in Rosburg and Grays River, as well as potential solutions to manage flood risk. When flooding occurs on the Grays River, it cuts off access to roughly 500 people, often for more than two days at a time. Within hours, the flooding limits vital emergency services, business operations, and school transportation, leaving behind sediment that can be dangerous and time consuming to remove. Last December, the U.S. Coast Guard rescued five people trapped in flooding conditions near Rosburg.

Additionally, the legislation will authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a feasibility study related to impacts of sediment accumulation on navigation channels in the Cowlitz and Columbia Rivers. Currently, the Mt. St. Helens Sediment Control Project only allows dredging for flood risk management.

“Living in unincorporated Skamania County, I’ve seen firsthand how our community has had to endure painful cuts to vital services due to a lack of developable land and our funding being tied to natural resources like timber. This 1.6-acre plot of land is the kind of thing that can make an incredible difference in empowering our rural community. The port’s typewritten request for this land was filed before I was born, and it was unfortunately ignored by Congress for 40 years,”said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “Rosburg and Grays River know the impacts of flooding all too well – and it’s only been getting worse. These floods are dangerous, leave behind debris, and cut off critical services, so our federal government needs to take urgent action to find solutions. We should also be supporting smooth, reliable navigation on Southwest Washington’s rivers. Our rural communities deserve an attentiveness to their needs – and I’m glad we could get these priorities signed into law after Congress has long failed to act.”

“The port is a key economic driver in Skamania County where just 0.4% of land is available for commercial development due to federal land-use protections. Because of the property’s location outside of these land-use restrictions this is an unheard-of chance to generate new economic development activity in a community with so many barriers preventing it,” said Pat Albaugh, Executive Director of the Port of Skamania County. “We can’t thank the Congresswoman enough for her leadership to finally overcome the bureaucratic roadblocks the port has faced for decades and put us on a road to success.”

The Water Resources Development Act is a biannual bill required for the authorization of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation projects, including to improve navigable channels, reduce flood and storm damage, and restore aquatic ecosystems.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez helped secure the transfer of the remaining 23.4-acres of the Wind River Administrative Site to Skamania County, which was finalized in October. She is also fighting to prevent the Secure Rural Schools program from expiring, as it serves as a lifeline for rural schools and infrastructure and accounts for 5.1 percent of Skamania County’s budget.

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Building Industry Association Installs Alexa Lee as 2025 President  

Vancouver, WA – The Building Industry Association of Clark County (BIA) installed Alexa Lee of GRO as its president. Lee is notably the second female in this role in the history of the association, and her installation marks a significant milestone for both the organization and the local building industry. 

 “We are thrilled to have Alexa as the new BIA president. Having worked alongside her, I know the BIA is in great hands,” said Immediate Past President Chuck Neibert, co-owner of Affinity Homes LLC. “Alexa understands the balance and strength it takes to lead in this role, and I’m confident her leadership will guide the organization to continued success.” 

Lee, who serves as sales manager at GRO, outlined a vision for 2025 centered on creating a more connected and inclusive community within the BIA. She plans to engage members personally, expand programs like Build Better, and strengthen efforts to diversify the membership base. Her goals also include building on the foundation established by past leadership while adapting to the industry’s evolving needs and finding innovative ways to keep members engaged. 

“It’s an incredible honor to serve as the first female president of the BIA in 27 years,” said Alexa Lee, Sales Manager at GRO and 2025 BIA President. “This milestone reflects the progress our industry has made with nearly 11 percent of construction jobs held by women.”  

Lee emphasized her commitment to connecting personally with members, expanding programs and addressing barriers to participation in the association and its initiatives. 

“I hope to inspire not only our current members but also the next generation of leaders to see the building industry as a place where they can thrive,” Lee said. “Together, we’ll continue building a stronger, more connected community that supports our members’ success.”  

By reinforcing key programs, adapting strategies to meet evolving member needs, and fostering a collaborative approach to growth, Lee aims to position the BIA for a successful and impactful year ahead. 

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Camas City Council Member Bonnie Carter to Resign from Position Feb. 3

Camas, WA – Camas City Council Member Bonnie Carter announced that she will be stepping down as the Ward 2 Position 1 representative, effective February 3, 2025.     

Carter informed staff and Council of her decision at the Jan. 6, Council Meeting. Carter was sworn into office Feb. 2, 2015, and was then elected to her first full-term in November of 2015. Carter’s current term was set to expire, Dec. 31, 2027.

“Ten years is a solid run,” said Carter. “I wanted to help Mayor Hogan with a few things and we got two ballots to the voters: Strategic Plan and Vision 2045 is wrapping up so it’s a good time for another person to step forward and add their perspective to the mix. Steve retired in April and this allows me a little more time to spend with him so there’s that silver lining.”

A Camas resident since 2002, Carter has been a regular volunteer in the school district and the community, while also serving as treasurer for the Camas Educational Foundation.

“We’re very sad to see Bonnie leave, but we certainly appreciate the 10 years she has dedicated to our City,” said Camas Mayor Steve Hogan. “I know we’ll have big shoes to fill, but we wish her the best on her future endeavors and thank her for her service,” he said.

She is the Administrative Secretary at Skyridge Middle School., and was recently appointed to the following committees for 2025:

  • Council Policies and Procedures Committee Representative 
  • Finance Committee Liaison 
  • Homelessness Strategy Committee Liaison
  • Joint Policy Advisory Committee (JPAC) and Regional Fire Authority Committee Representative 
  • Library Board of Trustees Liaison
  • Port of Camas-Washougal Liaison

Carter also served as Mayor Pro Tem in 2024, 2019 and first half of 2021.

Officials with the City are determining the timeline for the application process and will be providing that information in the coming weeks. Once defined, the City Council will discuss the process of filling the Council seat vacancy.

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Celebrating Dual Athlete Chase McGee and His Supportive Family

One of the joys of covering local sports is seeing kids grow up and one of the common patterns of successful student-athletes is a supportive family.

Camas WR Chase McGee is a very successful multi-sport athlete because of his own talents and work ethic, but as a young boy he always attended the sports events of his older sisters, Irelyne McGee and Shea McGee, who are champion athletes in diving and gymnastics.

I was fortunate to cover their swimming/diving and gymnastic events over many years and got to know the whole McGee family. Chase was a great kid who grew into an amazing young man!

I’m sure he will also do well with pole vaulting this coming season.

Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Ernie Geigenmiller
Editor & Publisher
Lacamas Magazine

McGee
McGee
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