Featured Archives - Page 110 of 122

Shortened Bake Sale Brings in Needed Funds for Severely Injured Washougal Teen

WASHOUGAL, WA — Local Friends and supporters of Charleigh Chaston and her family attended a bake sale at Washougal High School Tuesday to raise funds to offset the teenager’s medical expenses.

The bake sale was intended to be in conjunction with a car wash, but falling ash from the Eagle Creek Trail, and the Archer Mountain fires altered those plans.

Chaston, a 14-year-old Washougal teen, fell down 60 feet on August 22 while hiking Panther Falls with friends and family. She sustained multiple breaks in her legs, ankles, feet, pelvis and jawbones.

She was in the ICU through August 30, and is currently being treated in a pediatric unit. Chaston has already undergone several surgeries, and doctors are preparing her for more surgeries in the weeks to come.

She is expected to stay in the hospital at least another four weeks.

“It’s been awful,” said Koy Chaston, Charleigh’s brother. “My brother was there, along with a nurse and chiropractor, who were hiking on the trail. It’s a miracle her head, neck or spine weren’t injured. We’re grateful for all the people who came out to support her today.”

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Koy said his mother has not left Charleigh’s side since the accident.

Fundraiser organizers planned this event as a way to help the Chaston family pay for mounting medical expenses, as well as physical therapy treatments over the next several months. It will be a long recovery.

Charleigh Chaston Fundraising Site

Organizers also encourage donations be made to this site: https://sites.google.com/site/cheerforcharleigh/

All funds will go directly to the Chaston family.

September 5, 2017/1 Comment/by Ernest Geigenmiller

Featured, Local, News

City of Washougal Provides Archer Mountain Fire Update

WASHOUGAL, WA— The Eagle Creek Fire jumped the Columbia River early this morning from Oregon and sparked the Archer Mountain Fire in Skamania County. At this time, Department of Natural Resources crews are hard at work. This fire is causing some of the smoke and ash that can be seen falling on the Washougal and Camas communities, although most of the ash and debris in the air is coming from Eagle Creek across the Columbia River.

While there are some isolated evacuations in Skamania County, there are currently no fires or evacuations in Clark County or within Washougal city limits. Please avoid traveling on SR 14 due to heavy congestion.

Clark County has activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in partial operations as of this morning, in support of our response partners.

To sign up for emergency alerts and notifications in CLARK County, click here.

For Skamania County Emergency Notifications, please sign up at http://www.PublicAlerts.org

Skamania County Evacuations

Skamania County officials say the Archer Mountain Fire is currently sitting at 25 acres on top of Archer Mountain. Fire crews are working hard to contain the fire.

Level 3 (which means leave immediately) Notifications are now in affect for:
– Mclosky Creek Rd
– Archer Mt. Rd
– Smith Cripe Rd
– Franz Rd
– Kellet Rd
– Victoria Lane
-Dimrill Dale Drive

Level 2 Notifications are now in affect for:
– Foggy Ridge
– Patrick Lane
– Hillsberry Rd
– Columbia Ridge
– Mabee Mines Rd
– Columbia Ridge Rd

Level 1 Notifications are now in affect for:
– Bear Creek Rd
– Borden Rd
– Old State Rd
– Deville Rd *new*
– Wakina Rd *new*

September 5, 2017/0 Comments/by Ernest Geigenmiller

Featured, Local, News

Protect Your Lungs From Wildfire Smoke Using Correct Face Mask

CAMAS, WA — Seeing people wear face masks while outdoors isn’t something we expected a few days ago, but it’s becoming common place. So, we did a little research about finding the right types.

Wildfire smoke can irritate your eyes, nose, throat and lungs. It can make you cough and wheeze, and can make it hard to breathe. If you have asthma or another lung disease, or heart disease, inhaling wildfire smoke can be especially harmful.

Staying indoors and reducing physical activity are the best ways to protect your lungs from wildfire smoke.

According to the Washington State Department of Health, wearing a special mask called a “particulate respirator” can also help protect your lungs from wildfire smoke.

How to Choose the Correct Mask to Protect Your Lungs

Choose a mask called a “particulate respirator” that has the word “NIOSH” and either “N95” or “P100” printed on it. These are sold at many hardware and home repair stores and pharmacies. Home Depot on 192nd Street sold out of them today.
Choose one that has two straps that go around your head. DO NOT choose a mask with only one strap or with straps that just hook over the ears.
Choose a size that will fit over your nose and under your chin. It should seal tightly to your face. These masks do not come in sizes that fit young children.
Do not use bandanas (wet or dry), paper or surgical masks, or tissues held over the mouth or nose. These will not protect your lungs from wildfire smoke.

N95 particulate respirators WILL protect your lungs from wildfire smoke. Straps must go above and below the ears.

How to Use a Mask

Place it over your nose and under your chin, with one strap placed below the ears and one strap above.
Pinch the metal part of the mask tightly over the top of your nose.
It fits best on clean shaven skin.
Throw out your mask when it gets harder to breathe through, or if the inside gets dirty. Use a new mask each day if you can.
It is harder to breathe through a mask, so take breaks often if you work outside.
If you feel dizzy or nauseated, go to a less smoky area, and take off your mask and get medical help.
If you have a heart or lung problem, ask your doctor before using a mask.

A surgical mask will NOT protect your lungs from wildfire smoke.

For more information about protecting yourself from wildfire, please visit: http://www.doh.wa.gov/

Search for “Wildfire Smoke.”

Where to find the N95 masks?

We found the last ones today at Home Depot, and most hardware stores do carry them. We do know local stores are ordering more.

Reputable sites like www.amazon.com do have them in stock, and you can get 1-day delivery. Search for “N95 particulate respirators.”

Stay safe out there — and avoid the outdoors as much as possible.

September 5, 2017/0 Comments/by Ernest Geigenmiller

Featured, News

Clark County Public Alerts and Notifications

Clark County, WA — Given the current state of the Eagle Creek fire, it’s good to be aware of what governing agencies are doing to protect people, lands, and structures.

All Clark County residents are encouraged to sign-up for the County’s Public Alerts system, which is utilized by all cities, including Camas and Washougal.

Create an account and add your contact and location information into the Everbridge Mass Notification system. Once you have created an account you may edit your information and preferences at any time. All information you provide will be kept strictly confidential and will not be shared.

Please follow this link to sign up for the notification alerts:

https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085616336#/login

What is This Alert System?

The jurisdictions within Clark County, WA have partnered on a shared notification system that allows them to send notifications to residents within the county. Public safety agencies encourage you to register your contact information and subscribe to notifications that matter to you based on locations within Clark County.

How it Works

When a notification is sent you will receive a message on the voice and text communication methods you have registered. The notification message may request that you confirm that you have received the message, upon confirmation you will not be contacted by any subsequent methods regarding that particular notification. If you do not confirm, the system will continue to attempt to reach you at all of the contact methods that you have registered. In the event of a potential public safety hazard the alert will ask you to take specific actions, please listen to the complete message to hear these actions. Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) manages the notification system and is responsible to deliver emergency alerts on behalf of the public safety agencies in Clark County.

For additional information on alert and warning systems in Clark County visit CRESA911.org
For additional information on notifications in the Portland metro area visits PublicAlerts.org

We encourage you to download the Everbridge Mobile App to easily see public safety alerts around your location.

September 5, 2017/0 Comments/by Ernest Geigenmiller

Featured, Local

Fundraiser for Washougal Teen Severely Injured After 60-Foot Fall

WASHOUGAL, WA – Friends of Washougal teen Charleigh Chaston are holding a fundraiser for her Tuesday, September 5 from noon-7 pm at Washougal High School to help her family pay for medical expenses after she sustained severe injuries in a 60-foot fall.

Chaston and her family were hiking at Panther Creek when she slipped and fell 60 feet to a rock at the bottom of the falls. Immediately after the fall, a nurse, a chiropractor, and her brother Taeg took care of her until she was life-flighted to a Portland hospital with severe injuries to her legs and jaw.

Her family reports she had no neck, head or spinal injuries.

Her injuries include shattered legs and jaw bones, as well as foot, heel, ankle and pelvis breaks. Chaston has already had several surgeries, with more to come.

Her legs are rodded, plated and screwed back together. Her jaw bones were also plated, screwed and wired shut. Her pelvis is cracked, but stable, and she will have surgery next week to repair her foot, heal, and ankle.

Until August 30, she was in ICU in critical condition, but stable condition. She is currently in a less critical pediatric unit.

The Chaston family has been grateful for the overwhelming love and support they’ve received from family, friends, and the community.

The road ahead will be challenging, and expensive as it will include four more weeks of hospitalization, physical therapy, and high school tutoring.

Friends of the Chaston family are holding Tuesday’s fundraiser to help with those expenses. Any and all donations will be accepted.

For more information, call 360.991.1135.

September 4, 2017/2 Comments/by Ernest Geigenmiller

Featured, Local

Coston Officially Running for Washougal Mayor; Sets Vision For City

When former Washougal city councilwoman Molly Coston officially announced her 2017 Washougal mayoral campaign August 6 it set the stage for a vigorous Fall political season in a city rocked with leadership turmoil.

Coston is competing with Washougal city councilman, Dan Coursey, for the mayor’s position to succeed former mayor Sean Guard, who resigned earlier this year amid harassment allegations. A completed Washington State Patrol investigation shows a string of electronic communications between Guard and an unidentified woman that may result in the case being handled by the county prosecutor.

Following Guard’s resignation, Coston was encouraged by supporters to run for Mayor. And, this isn’t the first time she’s answered the call to serve amid unfavorable conditions.

Coston has been active in city politics for much of her 16 year residency in the city, serving on the city council from 2005-2011, and as Mayor Pro Tem in 2010 when former Washougal mayor, Stacy Sellars, abruptly resigned.

“There was a dispute about her mayoral policies,” said Coston. “And when Stacy resigned I spent three months as acting Mayor. It was a very difficult time filled with confusion and challenges. I gained a good understanding of how the city works. And here we are again.”

She said Washougal has been pummeled by turmoil which is why she’s created a vision for the city.

Top Reasons Coston Is Running

“I have a vision for Washougal,” she said. “And, it’s very bright. I want an engaged community with a focus on public safety, a vibrant economy, and continued improvements in transportation.”

Coston outlined a three-pronged vision for Washougal, which is as follows:

Economy: Create a favorable business environment for businesses by keeping government that is small and stable. Coston believes in working with private enterprise to create public-private partnerships to attract more companies into Washougal.
Public Safety: “We need more policemen,” she said. “I want to add one more per year as our economy and community grows. Our officers answer more calls than Camas does.” She wants to engage local neighbors and build community with more communication and involvement.
Transportation: Find a way to reasonably manage current roads and walkways. “As we continue to grow, we need solutions and the public-private partnerships are key to making this happen.”

Molly Coston

Community Involvement

As a city councilwoman, she was involved in the following:

Parks Board (Council Liaison) 2005- 2011
Cemetery Board (Council Liaison) 2005-2011
SW Washington Regional Transportation Council- 2008-2010; Elected as Camas/Washougal Representative to serve on the Board of Directors. RTC Board of Directors Chair – 2010
Clark County Community Action Advisory Board – Director representing East County 2009-2011

She has served in the Camas-Washougal Rotary Club since 2004:

Club President – July 2014-June 2015
Local Foundation President – July 2015-June 2016
Community Service Chair – July 2016-present

League of Women Voters of Clark County, 2000-present

President 2007-2010
Board of Directors 2005-2012

Civil Service Commission: 2013-present

Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards, 2010-present

Board of Directors – 2014-present
President, 2016-current

Citizens for Better Schools PAC, 2005-present

Chair – Washougal Schools District Levy Campaign 2005 (successful)
Active Member – Washougal School District Levy Campaign 2008
Active Member – Washougal School District Levy Campaign 2014
Active Member – Washougal School District Bond Campaign 2015

Unite! Washougal Community Coalition, 2010-present

Long standing member of state funded coalition that work together to support youth, enrich community, encourage families, and guide healthy choices.

To learn more about her campaign, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/mollyformayor/

August 25, 2017/0 Comments/by Ernest Geigenmiller

Featured, Music

Stargazing Better With A Spotify Playlist

If you haven’t been living under a rock for the past month or two, you’re probably aware of all the recent excitement regarding the rare and brilliant celestial event where the moon eclipsed the sun.

“Have you bought your pair of ISO 2312-2 eclipse-viewing glasses, yet?” was a common conversation topic – especially up here in the northwest – during the weeks leading up to the big day. I spent this long-awaited moment up at Washington State University Vancouver, standing amidst a sea of people in the campus courtyard, all staring up at the sky and sporting our delightfully-ridiculous specks. While doing so, I couldn’t help but think about how we should be doing this kind of thing more often – gathering together and taking a moment to celebrate vast astronomical wonders. Even something as simple as stargazing in a field or on your roof with some close friends or a loved one on a warm summer night can be so relaxing and memorable. So… grab a warm blanket, a cup of coffee, and a good friend, and press play on this stargazing-themed playlist. We all know that we won’t have these quality, cloudless and rainless skies for too much longer!

Stargazing Playlist

This playlist includes – but is certainly not limited to – two David Bowie tunes (he is the original starman after all. How could I settle for just one?), and a groovy extraterrestrial ballad by a singer-songwriter named Jim Sullivan. Six years after releasing his debut album U.F.O. in 1969, the struggling musician decided to venture from Los Angeles to Nashville (NPR staff, para. 1). However, Sullivan’s deserted Volkswagen Bug – containing his guitar, wallet, and a box of his unsold records (Mastropolo, para. 14) – were later discovered in the middle of the New Mexico desert and he was never to be found (NPR staff, para. 1). Ironically, his vanishing reflects the mysteriousness reflected in “U.F.O.” itself – some even theorizing that Sullivan himself was abducted by aliens (NPR staff, para. 10).

Songs for Stargazing.

Works Cited

Mastropolo, Frank. “Rock’s Unsolved UFO Mystery: The Night Jim Sullivan Vanished Into Thin Air.” UltimateClassicRock. 2 July 2014. Web. Accessed 22 August 2017. http://ultimateclassicrock.com/missing-ufo-singer-songwriter/.

NPR Staff. “Jim Sullivan’s Mysterious Masterpiece: ‘U.F.O.’” NPR. 9 Dec. 2010. Web. Accessed 21 August 2017. http://www.npr.org/2010/12/09/131936448/jim-sullivan-s-mysterious-masterpiece-u-f-o.

by Veronica Whitney

August 24, 2017/0 Comments/by Ernest Geigenmiller

Featured

2017 Back to School Shopping: $27 Billion

The summer vacation season is shorter for most Southwest Washington families, given the extended snow make up days from the 2016-17 school year, so it seems early to get a jumpstart on Back to School (B2S) shopping, but it’s really a good time to find the best deals.

Deloitte recently conducted its 10th annual Back to School (B2S) survey, which takes a detailed look at this year’s shopping and spending trends. Total B2S shopping in the United States is expected to reach $27 billion, and department stores fall from second to sixth place as favorite shopping destinations. Mass merchants have jumped to first place.

That $27 billion projection would make 2017 the second biggest B2S shopping season on record.

B2S is the second biggest shopping season of the year, affecting 29 million U.S. households, 53 million children, and accounts for 50 percent of all school-related expenditures, according to Deloitte.

In this B2S shopping season, Deloitte says “consumers are focused on different retailers and items to fill their carts. Mass merchants and off-price retailers are becoming the go-to venues while traditional department stores and specialty clothing retailers take a back seat.”

Here are some of the survey’s findings:

81 percent of respondents plan to shop at mass merchants. This is a 24 percentage point jump over of last year.
28 percent plan to shop at off-price stores. This is up from 10 percent in 2016.
28 percent say they’ll shop traditional department stores, which is down from 54 percent last year.
Just eight percent of parents plan to visit specialty clothing stores, falling from 25 percent in 2016.

Welcome back to school written on a sheet of paper school with colorful pens

Local retailers have seen an earlier spike in traffic this year, and many attribute that to the heat.

“We think they’re coming in to escape the heat,” said one Target employee.

Retailers also get the most dollars spent at their stores the earlier they advertise their sales, according to the survey.

“I love to save money,” said Marcia Wahlman, a Wal-Mart shopper. “I love finding the best deals.”

The statistics show that families spend, on average, $501 per child, which is on par with 2016. Fifty-seven percent of respondents will use cash or debit cards for their purchases, while others will use credit or retail credit cards.

In-store purchases account for 57% of total B2S sales, with 21% online, and 22% undecided.

The Southern portion of the U.S. accounts for 44%, giving that region the highest average spend. The West accounts for 18% overall. The Midwest is 20%, and the Northeast is at 18%.

So, how much will your family spend?

Kids ready for the start of the new school season.

August 9, 2017/0 Comments/by Ernest Geigenmiller

Featured, Local

Camas: Residents Urged to Conserve Water

The City of Camas is issuing a voluntary water use restriction advisory in an effort to conserve water during this summer’s heat wave. The advisory is as follows:

Water your lawn on odd or even days depending on the last digit of your home address. The current heat wave is generating higher water use and stressing the City’s water supply.

Other ways to conserve water include:

Accept a dry lawn – grass becomes dormant during periods of drought but rejuvenates naturally when winter approaches
Let your grass grow taller in the summer – longer blades promote deeper rooting and shade the root zone, reducing water loss
Use a broom to clean driveways and paths – sweeping will get them clean without wasting water.
Water your grass or garden in the evening – give your gardens a light water at dusk (between 7pm – 9pm); if you water in the middle of the day, it evaporates
Take short showers
Turn the tap off while brushing your teeth
Only wash full loads in your washing machine or dishwasher (unless they have a setting for half loads)

As part of the city-wide effort, the public works department is reducing irrigation at local parks and facilities, as well.

Click here for more information – http://www.cityofcamas.us/pwwater

August 9, 2017/0 Comments/by Ernest Geigenmiller

Featured, Sports

Local Swimmers Experience Successes at Summer Meets

Local swimmers from Columbia River Swim Team (CRST) and Lacamas Headhunters have seen a lot of competition this season with the Summer Blast Swim meet series, Senior Sectionals, State Championship, and now at Futures National Championship, which is located in Santa Clara, CA.

The Summer Blast series is designed to keep the athletes swimming competitively while preparing for the larger events. Senior Sectionals brought swimmers from all over the Western US region (including college-level athletes), and saw some gains and improved personal times for both clubs. CRST swimmers are in peaking training mode with twice-a-day practices at two pools.

“It’s a pretty intense time,” said CRST swimmer, Max Dolbinin. “We’ve been focusing on the larger meets.”

CRST coach Darlene Hill has been pleased with results from State, and says her team is currently seeing personal bests at Futures this weekend.

“We’ve had several successes this summer,” said Hill. “The kids have been working hard.”

Ilia Zablotovskii swims in the 200 M Medley Relay at Senior Sectionals.

Mark Kim, of Lacamas Headhunters Swim Club, at warm-ups at Senior Sectionals.

Maddie Wick at Summer Blast #3.

State Long Course Competition

State competition, held just last week at Mt. Hood Community College, also saw gains and improvements for the swimmers.

Here are some State stats from local club swimmers:

Madison Wick, CRST: 50 Free (29.40) – 2nd place
Annette Chang, CRST: 50 Free (29.40) – 3rd place
Justin Xue, CRST: 50 Free (26.58) – 3rd place
Tom Utas, CRST: 50 Free (24.15) – 2nd place
Avery Gunderson, CRST: 200 Breaststroke (2:54.54)
Eric Wu, CRST: 100 Breastroke (1:08.96) – 2nd place
Madison Wick, CRST: 100 Back (1:15.37) – 3rd place
Annette Chang, CRST: 50 Free (1:15.83) – 3rd place
Finn McClone, CRST: 200 Back (2:16.17) – 2nd place
Eric Wu, CRST: 200 IM (2:16.02) – 3rd place
Andrew Chang, CRST: 200 IM (2:20.52)
Jace Creech, Lacamas HH: 200 IM (2:30.47)
Sammy Empey, CRST: 50 Free (28.53) – 1st place – 11 y/o
Sammy Empey, CRST: 100 Fly (1.08.01) – 1st place – 11 y/o
Sammy Empey, CRST: 50 Back (33.00) – 1st place – 11 y/o
Sammy Empey, CRST: 50 Fly (30.60) – 1st place – 11 y/0
Sammy Empey, CRST: 100 Free (1:02.04) – 1st place – 11 y/0
Nathan Kim, Lacamas HH: 50 Back (33.63) – 3rd place
Finn McClone, CRST: 400 Free (4:25.64) – 3rd place
Finn McClone, Ilia Zablotovskii, Jacob McCarthy, Christian Madden, CRST: 200 M Medley Relay (1:53.65)
Alex Wahlman, Steven Wu, Caden Lee, Sammy Empey: 400 M Free Relay (4:37.90) 3rd place 11 y/o
Nick Wahlman, CRST: 200 Fly (2:25.25) – 2nd place
Tom Utas, CRST: 100 Free (53:34) – 2nd place
Max Dolbinin, CRST: 100 Free (54.23) – 2nd place
Ilia Zablotovskii, Eric Wu, Tom Utas, Max Dolbinin, CRST: 400 Free Relay (3:36.88) 1st place
Eric Wu, CRST: 400 IM (4:43.31) – 1st place
Eric Wu, Tom Utas, Illia Zablotovskii, Max Dolbinin, CRST: 200 Free Relay (1:38.45)
Nick Wahlman, CRST: 200 Breaststroke (2:32.95) – 2nd place
Eric Wu, Tom Utas, Finn McClone, Max Dolbinin, CRST: 800 M Relay (8.08.27) – 1st place

Futures National Championships

These championships, located in Santa Clara, CA, are open to swimmers who are members of USA Swimming, and who have achieved the published time standard in one or more events.

“It’s a great pool, exciting to race all the fast swimmers around,” said Dolbinin, of the Futures National. This is his second time to attend this meet.

Currently, CRST swimmers has seen personal best times at this meet. Current stats are as follows: