Vancouver, WA — Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez holds a four point lead over Republican Joe Kent on Tuesday in a re-match that has been watched nationally, with implications on which political party will control the U.S. House of Representatives.
Gluesenkamp Perez, who is seeking a second term representing the 3rd Congressional District in southwest Washington, led Kent 51.8% to 47.8% in votes tallied on Election night. An updated count is expected by 4 pm Wednesday.
Vancouver, WA — If you wish to return your voted ballot in person on or before Election Day take it to: Clark County Elections Office (1408 Franklin Street, Vancouver), available from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and 7 am to 8 pm on Election Day.
Or return your voted ballot to one of the 22 red permanent ballot drop boxes, available 24 hours a day starting 18 days before an election until 8 pm on Election Day.
East County Locations:
Vancouver Locations:
Other Clark County Locations:
Washougal, WA — Washougal students earned a number of recognitions in several prestigious Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary competitions: the Illustrating America Art Contest and the Get Excited for the Red, White & Blue National Anthem Singing Contest. The awards reflect the efforts of Washougal students to beautifully share their understanding and appreciation of American values and democracy through performing and visual arts.
“Washougal students have so much talent as singers, writers, and artists. It’s inspiring to me to see our students using their talent to celebrate and honor those who have served our country and our democracy,” Interim Superintendent Aaron Hansen said.
VFW Auxiliary Historian/Media Relations chair Susan Bennett, who helped present the awards, said, “We are always so impressed by the art, singing, and essays that Camas and Washougal students submit. Members of the Auxiliary and VFW Post 4278 are excited to use these contests to encourage students to learn about our country and our democratic values. We encourage all students, including those who are not enrolled in art or music classes, to enter the contests.”
WHS Student Recognized Locally and at State Level for National Anthem Performance
Washougal High School student Catherine Yung earned first place in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post 4278 “Get Excited for the Red, White & Blue National Anthem Singing Contest” for grades 9-12. Yung’s performance of the Star Spangled Banner was also submitted to the state Auxiliary to The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States competition, and won second place for Washington State.
VFW Post 4278 and Auxiliary members presented Yung with certificates from both the local and statewide competitions at Washougal High School, where they also shared her video submission. Yung received a cash prize from each organization as well.
Cape Horn-Skye Elementary Students Win Illustration Contest
Cape Horn-Skye student Taylor Mayer was awarded third place in the Illustrating America Art Contest by the VFW Auxiliary Post 4278 for grades 3-5.
Cape Horn-Skye student Emanuel Bolokhovskiy also created artwork for the Illustrating America Art Contest and was awarded third place by the VFW Auxiliary Post 4278, and was recognized by the state Auxiliary to The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States as well, for students in grades K-2.
Middle School Students Recognized
Jemtegaard Middle School student Adelaide Kessinger was awarded first place in the “Get Excited for the Red, White & Blue National Anthem Singing Contest” for grades K-8 at the local level.
Tia Linnik will be awarded first place for art she submitted to the Illustrating America Art Contest by the VFW Auxiliary Post 4278 for grades K-8 during the Columbia River Gorge Elementary Veterans Day assembly in November.
Skyla Ostenson was awarded 2nd place for art she submitted to the Illustrating America Art Contest by the VFW Auxiliary Post 4278 for grades K-8.
If you’ve ever considered planning for your future or helped someone plan for theirs, you’ve probably heard the term “power of attorney.” But do you know what it is? The terms “power” and “attorney” carry weight but may not mean what you think. There are many misconceptions about what a power of attorney is and what authority it gives someone. And no, it doesn’t grant someone a temporary law degree.
I’ll address the misconceptions about powers of attorney so you know what to do if someone appoints you as their power of attorney. Then, armed with this knowledge, you’ll understand your legal responsibilities so you don’t inadvertently make any mistakes or run afoul of the law.
Let’s start with some background info. If a power of attorney doesn’t confer attorney status, then why is it called that?
What is a Power of Attorney?
Generally speaking, a power of attorney is a legal document granting someone else the authority to act on your behalf regarding your financial life. The term “power of attorney” is a bit of a historical holdover. Originally, powers of attorney were primarily used to appoint lawyers to represent individuals in legal matters. However, the concept has expanded over time to include appointing someone to act on your behalf for various purposes.
So, while you don’t need to be an attorney to hold a power of attorney, the term has continued due to its historical origins. Granting power of attorney is a way to indicate that an appointed person has the authority to act as your agent or representative, similar to the way an attorney would act on your behalf.
There are times when it’s necessary to preserve your assets, especially if you reach a point in life when you are unable to manage your own financial, legal, or healthcare matters, whether from old age, a terrible accident, or simply being out of the country for an extended period. In each of these cases, it’s possible that if you don’t have someone acting on your behalf, problems could occur. Your financial institutions could charge extra fees on your accounts, a fraudster could drain them, and you wouldn’t know it happened; taxes could go unpaid, your property could go into foreclosure, or your credit could be ruined. So, to prevent these horrific outcomes, you want someone else to be able to maintain your financial life on your behalf.
We don’t need to get too much in the weeds here (if you want to get in the weeds, though, read to the end, and I’ll show you how to book a call with me); know that there are different types of powers of attorney, each with its specific purpose. Here are some examples:
General Power of Attorney: This grants the agent broad authority to act on your behalf, including managing your finances and signing legal documents, even if you can handle your affairs. It becomes effective as soon as you execute the document. When might you want this? Say you travel for work, and you and your spouse have decided to refinance your mortgage. You may want your spouse to sign the paperwork on your behalf rather than wait until you’re back in town.
Springing Power of Attorney: This also grants authority to someone to manage your financial and legal affairs. You can execute the document whenever you want, but it doesn’t kick in until you can no longer make your own decisions.
Durable Power of Attorney: This type of general power of attorney remains in effect even if you become incapacitated. Think of it as the General and Springing Powers of Attorney combined.
Limited Power of Attorney: This grants the agent authority to handle specific tasks only, such as managing your property or making healthcare decisions.
Healthcare Power of Attorney: This grants your named agent authority to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Even though each of these documents operates differently, they all have one crucial thing in common: the agent’s power ends as soon as you die.
You may mistakenly believe that a power of attorney gives someone the right to access your financial accounts indefinitely. However, a power of attorney is a temporary arrangement that ends when the person who granted the power dies. What does this mean, exactly?
Let’s say your aging mother can no longer manage her affairs, and she executed a Power of Attorney to give you the authority. While she’s living, you can access her bank accounts to ensure all her bills are paid and paid on time. But as soon as she dies, you no longer have the legal authority to access her accounts. If she had a Will or no estate plan, you would have to file paperwork with the probate court and wait for the case to make it through the court system until the judge grants you authority again. In the meantime, if you can’t afford to cover her bills along with your own, you may have to decide to let her bills go unpaid. If she still has a mortgage on her house, for instance, and you can’t pay her mortgage and yours, the bank could begin to foreclose, and you could lose any equity she had. This equity could have been a significant part of your inheritance.
Going to court can be frustrating and time-consuming, and negative consequences can result if you haven’t planned appropriately.
The Good News
With some careful planning ahead of time, you can ensure all your bills get paid, and your assets are preserved for your loved ones. The way to do that is by creating a Life & Legacy Plan with a living trust. A trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to transfer your assets to a trustee, who manages them to benefit your beneficiaries. Notably, a trust survives your death, so there’s no disruption in the ability of someone to manage your finances after you die.
You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to ensure your power of attorney, trust, and related estate planning tools are created correctly and updated over time and that you understand the benefits and consequences of your plan.
Understanding the limitations of a power of attorney and the benefits of a trust is crucial for protecting your hard-earned assets. When you work with me to create a Life & Legacy Plan, I’ll empower you with the education you need so you can make the right choices for yourself and your family, that you fully understand how your plan works, and that your family has my support after you’re gone. Once your plan is in place, you can rest easy knowing that your wishes will be honored, your loved ones cared for, and your property protected.
Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to learn more and start your journey toward a secure financial future. Contact us today!
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.
The Camas Music Boosters have presented grant checks to the following five music teachers this year, with even more grants left to present soon:
Music teacher Dustin Hunley at Dorothy Fox Elementary received a grant check to purchase a new bass xylophone for his classroom, enabling over 330 students in 2nd grade and up to create beautiful music with this easy-to-play, compact instrument.
Camas High School Band Director Richard Mancini received a grant check to fund essential instrument repairs and replace worn-out uniform parts, including gloves, cords, plumes, and spats, keeping the band looking sharp and sounding great!
Music teacher Trevor Bateman received a grant check for 10 new music stands, supporting the growing symphonic bands at Discovery High School and Odyssey Middle School and ensuring students have the resources they need to perform at their best.
Liberty Middle School Band Director Greg Henion received a grant check to purchase a new clarinet and Sousaphone, ensuring students have access to quality instruments for both concert and marching band, strengthening the band’s sound and promoting equity in the program.
Liberty Middle School Choir Director Erik Edmundson received a grant check to expand the choir’s music library, allowing Liberty Middle School to continue building a quality selection of choral literature for students to enjoy year after year.
Also, don’t miss the Teacher Talent Showcase this Saturday, November 2 at 7 pm in the Joyce Garver Theater! It will be an extraordinary evening of talented Camas district music teacher performances. Get your tickets now: https://secure.givelively.org/event/camas-music-booster/2024-camas-teacher-talent-showcase
Kalama, WA – Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), along with Senators Patty Murray (WA) and Maria Cantwell (WA), helped secure a $26,323,286 grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s CRISI Program to expand rail capacity to the Port of Kalama’s TEMCO Export Grain Terminal.
The funding will add four miles of rail, which will allow the port to store two loaded and two empty trains simultaneously and increase the efficiency of loading grain from rail to ship by up to 30 percent. In April, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez wrote to the Department of Transportation in support of the project.
Last year, the Port of Kalama was the number one exporter of wheat in the United States, number one exporter of soybeans on the West Coast, and seventeenth greatest volume exporter in the country.
“By investing in rail capacity at the Port of Kalama, we’re going to help grain move more efficiently and boost market access for Washington producers,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez.“With small family farms facing increasing challenges, I’ll keep fighting to bring home federal dollars to expand opportunities for growers, support local jobs, and rebuild our rural and agricultural economies.”
“Port Commissioners and staff have worked for years to secure grant funds for this project, and we are incredibly grateful for the support of Senator Patty Murray, Senator Maria Cantwell, Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and their respective staff in capturing this important infrastructure investment for Southwest Washington,” said Port Commission President Randy Sweet. “We’d also like to acknowledge and thank the Soy Transportation Coalition and its many American farmers for their support and contribution to this project.”
In March, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez secured $500,000 for the Port of Longview to expand an industrial rail corridor and $4,116,279 for the Port of Chehalis to construct a grain storage and transloading facility for local farmers to move product via rail.
An interactive map of community investments supported by the Congresswoman can be found at gluesenkampperez.house.gov/invest.
Vancouver, WA – The Building Industry Association of Clark County (BIA) hosted An Evening of Excellence at Royal Oaks Country Club presented by CFM Floors with a social hour sponsored by GRO. This annual event honored the exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, and leadership of BIA members in areas such as landscaping, design, construction, remodeling, and renovation.
The evening spotlighted the 2024 Building Excellence Awards as well as the Columbia Credit Union Tour of Homes Awards and the GRO Parade of Homes Awards recognizing BIA members who have set the benchmark for excellence in project management, design, and construction within the industry.
In the 46th annual GRO Parade of Homes, Cascade West Development was awarded Best in All in the Industry Awards. In the People’s Choice Awards, Cascade West won Best Architecture for their Eagle Crest project. Affinity Homes’ Belle Forme took home the awards for Best Kitchen, Best Primary Suite, and Best Interior Decorating while the Inglewood won Best Entertainment Room. Cascade West’s Eagle Crest project also won Best Floor Plan, Best Landscaping, Best Outdoor Living Area, and Best of Show.
In the Columbia Credit Union Tour of Homes, Taylor Morrison won the Most Livable Floor Plan Under $1M award, and Kingston Homes earned the Most Livable Floor Plan Over $1M award. Evergreen Homes NW and Glavin Homes won the Best Kitchen Under $1M and Best Kitchen Over $1M awards, respectively. Taylor Morrison was also recognized with Best of Show Under $1M, while Kingston Homes secured the Best of Show Over $1M. Summit Custom Homes swept the remodeling categories, winning Best Kitchen Remodel, Best Transformation Remodel, and Favorite Project Remodel. Cork & Bubbles won Best Pairing and Best Beverage in the iQ Credit Union Chef Hop & Vine Awards, with Heathen Brewing Feral Public House earning Best Presentation.
Urban NW Homes was honored in two categories: the NGBS Certified award for sustainable building practices and the Universal Design award for designs that accommodate all abilities. GRO received recognition for Residential Landscape and Design Under $100K and Residential Landscape and Design $100K-$200K, acknowledging their expertise in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces. Additionally, A&E Design Lab was recognized for their interior design innovation with the Residential Interior Design award.
RG ProBuilders was recognized with the New Home Under $750K award, while Evergreen Homes NW took the New Home $750K-$1M award. Urban NW Homes secured the New Home $1M-$2M award, and Affinity Homes claimed the New Home $2M-$3M and New Home Over $3M awards for luxury home construction.
In the remodel category, Bridge City Contracting received the Residential Remodel Under $100K award, Mountainwood Homes won the Residential Remodel $100K-$399K category, and Design Doctors was awarded Residential Remodel $400K-$1M for their skill in complex remodel projects.
Homebuilders and construction companies from throughout Clark County attended the event to celebrate the achievements of the industry in 2024.
For more information regarding the Building Industry Association of Clark County or about BIA home shows email danielle@biaofclarkcounty.org or visit biaofclarkcounty.org.
The Building Industry Association (BIA) of Clark County is a nonprofit trade association representing the interests of all businesses involved with real estate, land development, homebuilding, and construction.
Federal authorities are investigating fires at two ballot boxes reported Monday morning in the Portland metro area.
Portland police responded to a call about a fire in Portland about 3:30 am Monday, the Portland Police Bureau said in a statement. An “incendiary device” was placed inside the ballot drop off box and security teams extinguished the fire, officials said.
A second ballot drop off box was set on fire in Vancouver, at the C-TRAN Park and Ride at Fisher’s Landing Transit Center shortly after 4 am. Federal investigators are looking into both incidents with the help of state and local law enforcement agencies, said Steve Bernd, a spokesperson for the FBI’s Seattle office.
A fire suppressant inside the box protected the. majority of the ballots, but three were damaged, Multnomah County Elections Director Tim Scott said in a statement.
When officers arrived at the Vancouver ballot box, they found a “suspicious device” next to the box, which was smoking and on fire, police said.
The Clark County Elections Office said hundreds of ballots were damaged at the Vancouver ballot drop off box.
Laura Shepard, a spokeswoman for the city of Vancouver, said elections officials are asking anyone who may have placed a ballot in the box after 11 am on Saturday to contact them to check the status of their ballot.
The boxes are about 15 miles apart.
“Any voter who returned their ballot to the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center ballot drop box in Vancouver — at any point this weekend – should contact the Elections Division of the Clark County Auditor’s office immediately to request a replacement ballot, due to an arson at the ballot drop box,” said Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez via X.
You can request a replacement ballot by:
The featured image is by Evan Bell, of KATU.
The passing of a loved one is a heartbreaking event, filled with grief and sorrow. However, the aftermath can become even more painful if disagreements over their personal belongings tear your family apart. These disputes, primarily when centered around meaningful objects, can leave lasting wounds that may never fully heal.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. By understanding the emotional weight of possessions, the power of perception and taking proactive steps, you can prevent such heartache and foster a more harmonious grieving process for your family. We’ll explore practical strategies to ensure your final wishes are honored, and your loved ones stay united amidst loss.
Perception Is the Basis for Conflict
Your personal belongings are so much more than just material objects. They are tangible reminders of your life, personality, and connection to the people you hold dear. These items can provide immense comfort and solace for your grieving family when you’re gone. However, the emotional ties to your possessions can also set the stage for conflict.
Your family members may have very different ideas about the value and significance of your possessions and how your possessions should be distributed. Emotional attachments to personal property often run deeper than anyone realizes, reflecting unresolved feelings of love, guilt, or regret. These differences in perspective can create tension and resentment and even damage relationships that have lasted a lifetime.
The Value of Open Communication and Thoughtful Planning
To minimize the risk of family feuds over your personal property, one of the most effective things you can do is have open and honest conversations about expectations and preferences long before you’re gone. Here are some strategies to consider:
Start the Conversation Early. While it may feel awkward to discuss such sensitive topics, it’s far better to address them proactively. This allows for a more thoughtful and deliberate discussion of everyone’s wishes. Ideally, these conversations should occur when all parties are calm and emotionally prepared rather than amid grief.
Record Yourself. Don’t underestimate the value of getting on video. Recording yourself explaining your wishes and why can be very powerful, as well as provide clarity and decrease conflict for your loved ones. When you create your estate plan with my firm, we include a Life & Legacy Interview with every plan so that your decisions and their reasons are clear to your family. When there’s no ambiguity, the possibility of conflict lessens.
Make an Inventory. Make a comprehensive list of all your personal belongings, including their sentimental value and any specific requests or wishes you have associated with them. This inventory can be a crucial reference point for your family members after you’re gone. If possible, involve your loved ones in this process so that they understand your wishes and can ensure your voice is heard.
Create a Life and Legacy Plan. A Life and Legacy Plan can minimize disputes by clearly outlining your wishes regarding distributing your personal property. In addition to the Life & Legacy Interview, every plan includes a “personal property memorandum,” which provides additional clarity, specifying which items should go to which beneficiaries. We even help you update your plan to reflect changing circumstances or preferences and prevent family conflict.
Focus on Your Family’s Needs. Ultimately, the goal of your planning should be to honor your memory and support the well-being of your loved ones. Prioritize the needs of grieving people and try to find solutions that minimize conflict and pain. Sometimes, creating a process where each family member can express their attachment to specific items and why they matter can help others understand their emotional value rather than just their monetary worth.
Helping Your Family Sell Your Belongings with Care and Intention
Sometimes, your loved ones may need to sell your personal property, which may be necessary to settle your estate, pay debts, or ensure that your items are put to good use. Whether or not the items sold hold sentimental value, this can be another task ripe with conflict. Further, many family members don’t know what the process entails. But you can help make it easier for them by doing a lot of legwork now.
In your Life & Legacy Plan, you can specify how you want your items sold and outline the process for your loved ones. Here are the steps your family will need to take:
Assess the True Value of Your Items. Start by evaluating the worth of the items to be sold. This may involve hiring an appraiser, especially for valuable items such as antiques, artwork, or jewelry. An appraiser can objectively assess an item’s value, which can help prevent disputes over perceived worth and ensure a fair sale.
Choose the Right Selling Method. Depending on the type and value of your belongings, your loved ones must choose a selling method. A yard sale or estate sale might be appropriate for everyday household items. An auction house, consignment shop, or online marketplace may be the way to go for more valuable items. Your family should also be mindful of any fees or commissions associated with these approaches.
Enlist the Help of an Estate Sale Company. Hiring a professional estate sales company can be a game-changer if your estate contains many items or your family is overwhelmed by the process. These companies handle everything from pricing items to advertising the sale, managing the event, and disposing of unsold items. They typically charge a percentage of the sales, but their expertise can make the process smoother and less stressful.
Understand the Legal Requirements. Depending on your jurisdiction, specific legal requirements for selling estate property may exist. For example, an executor may need court approval to sell certain assets or follow particular procedures for notifying beneficiaries. When you create your Life & Legacy Plan with us, we will be there for your family when you no longer can be, and we can advise them on all the necessary legal requirements.
Plan for the Proceeds. Decide how the sale proceeds will be used and document your wishes in your Life & Legacy Plan. We can help you specify whether they will be distributed among your heirs, used to pay off estate debts, or donated to charity.
Leave a Legacy of Harmony, Not Conflict
Your loved ones deserve to grieve with dignity and respect, not embroiled in bitter disputes. Take the time now to put the proper measures in place, and you can rest assured that your final wishes will be honored and your family will stay out of court and conflict after you’re gone.
This is the legacy you can leave behind – not just the material objects you’ve accumulated over a lifetime, but the gift of harmony, understanding, and compassion for those you hold most dear.
Family disputes over personal property can cause significant pain and tension at a time when loved ones should come together. We help you create a Life & Legacy Plan that ensures your belongings are distributed according to your wishes without conflict or confusion. With careful thought, clear communication, and the right tools, your Life & Legacy Plan will unite your family, even amid grief. And you’ll gain the peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be honored and your loved ones will be supported long after you’re gone.
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.
Washougal, WA — At their October 22, 2024 board meeting, the Washougal School District Board of Directors approved the purchase of a parcel of land to be used as a future school site. The property purchase will use $1,025,000 in funds, based on an appraisal, collected through impact fees on development in the community.
The parcel, located south of SE 20th Street near 340th Avenue, will not be immediately developed.
“Purchasing the land now allows the district secure a school site that may not be available when it will be needed in the future, when the population of Washougal is expected to be higher,” said Interim Superintendent Aaron Hansen.
Board President Sadie McKenzie said, “this is a beautiful part of the district, and securing the 31 acres of land now lets us be ready for future growth in the community. Board members have visited the site and concluded it will serve the district well in the future when we need it.”
Board member Jim Cooper stated that the land purchase shows that, “the board is looking out decades, not for what we need next year.”
Hansen noted that, “the current option agreement expires at the end of December, so it is time for the district to make this purchase. Purchasing the land at this time lets the district use the impact fee resources that are available now and restricted only for this type of use. This will allow the district to purchase the property while it is available and before the cost of the land goes up even further, which we have seen happen with other property.”
The land acquisition is planned for in the district’s current long range Capital Facilities Plan, but there is no plan to develop a school on this site during the current 6-year plan period. Development of the site will be addressed in future plans.
National Letter of Intent Signing Day at Camas High School! 16 student-athletes committed to their preferred colleges. Congratulations!
Photos by Erin Marshall.
Gutcheck today, let’s compete!
State 4A Football Championship Game!
Here are some action shots from Saturday’s big game between Camas and Sumner — taken by @tyler_mode_media
Final score: Sumner 27, Camas 24
State 4A Football Championship Game!
Summer 27, Camas 24
Sumner scored a field goal with 4 seconds on the clock.
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