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Washougal School District Announces New Superintendent – Mary Templeton

Washougal, WA — At a special meeting of the Washougal School District Board of Directors on April 27, 2018, the school board unanimously passed a motion to hire Dr. Mary Templeton as the next Superintendent of the district. Templeton and three other final candidates interviewed with the Board, district administrators, and representatives of the staff and community on April 25. She will begin her new job on July 1, 2018.

“The district started this process several months ago, gathering feedback from community, staff, and district parents, in an open and transparent process,” said Cory Chase, Washougal School Board President. “The board felt Dr. Templeton’s experience and background are best suited to the current initiatives and opportunities in our district. The board would like to thank all of the community members, staff, and others who participated in the process and provided feedback to help with this process. We are excited to welcome Mary to the Washougal community.” The board worked with Northwest Leadership Associates on the search process.

“I am so excited to be joining the Washougal School District as the new superintendent of schools,” said Templeton. “After spending time in the district this week, it was clear that there are great things happening here and that the community, staff, school board, and parents are committed to excellence for all of our students. I look forward to leading the Washougal School District with this vision for excellence into the future.”

 

Templeton is currently the Human Resources Director for Certificated Personnel for Spokane Public Schools, a role she has held for four years. She began her education career in the classroom, teaching German, English, and Drama for 15 years. She later served as a dean of students, principal assistant, and then worked as an assistant principal for four years.

Templeton recently received a doctorate in Education from Washington State University and has held a superintendent credential since 2015. She serves on a task force for the Public Educator Standards Board (PESB).

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Papermaker Baseball: Camas Goes 2-1 in 3-Game Series with BG

Battle Ground, WA — The Camas Varsity Baseball went 2-1 over their three game series with Battle Ground this week, falling to the Tigers Thursday night, 8-7.

In the final inning, with Samuel Malychewski on the mound, two outs on the board, two runners on base, and two strikes on the batter, Battle Ground hit a walkoff RBI and won the game.

JV defeated Battle Ground 13-2 in 5 innings.

Wednesday’s Game:

The Papermaker’s Varisty Baseball team had great performance on the mound from Ryan Behnke in an 8-3 victory on Wednesday. Behnke was backed by another strong defensive effort from the Papermakers led by shortstop Josh Mansur and a couple game-changing catches by Taylor Adams in right field.

Trailing 3-0 heading into the bottom of the 4th, Camas’s offense woke up when Luke Bruno singled to lead off the inning followed by 3 walks and a Battle Ground error. Gideon Malychewski singled in a run to tie the game up, and Josh Mansur drove in the go ahead run with an RBI groundout. Jake Blair was able to bring home another run with a bunt single as the Papermakers finished the inning with a 5-3 lead. Gideon Malychewski stayed hot at the plate going 3 for 3 with a double, RBI, and a run scored. Luke Bruno followed up his three hit effort on Monday versus Union with two more hits and a big two out, two-RBI single to extend Camas’s lead in the 6th.

JV defeated BG 10 – 0.

Photo Gallery

 

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Ernie Suggs Appointed to Replace Coursey on Washougal City Council

Washougal, WA — When Washougal City Coucilman, Dan Coursey, resigned his seat effective March 31, it set in motion an open process to fill the vacancy. That process ended Monday night with the appointment of longtime Washougal resident, Ernie Suggs, who was sworn in by Mayor Molly Coston.

A total of eight candidates applied for the open seat, and all appeared before the council Monday night to present themselves to the councilors. In a final 4-2 open vote, Suggs won.

“To be honest, it surprised me that I was sworn in at the end of the session,” Suggs said. “I applied two days ahead of the deadline, and we all presented ourselves to the council. I was fourth in line, and we all waited in a small room until it was our time. After that first round was done, the council voted on the top two candidates. Two other were tied for number two, then we talked again to the council, and answered one question from each council member. They voted agin, and it was 4-2 that they chose me.”

Suggs was encouraged to apply by several Camas and Washougal City Councilors.

“So, I thought, OK, I’ll give it a shot,” said Suggs. “To be candid, I was humbled and excited they chose me.”

Suggs is concerned about growth control and wants Washougal to build an adequate infrastructure to avoid major traffic congestion. He’s also a big proponent of inter-agency cooperation, local schools, and small business.

”I’m all about small business empowerment, and finding ways to help off-set the cost of running the city with a stronger tax base,” said Suggs. “We don’t have a lot of ways to bring in funds for the city.”

Suggs has lived in Washougal for 42 years, with his wife, Pat, who are the parents of six daughters, and grandparents of 13 grandsons. He worked for the Camas School District for 32 years as the Camas Community Education Director. He retired 10 years ago.

The council will get to fill another open seat when Washougal City Councilor, Joyce Lindsay, retires from public service effective May 31. The applicant process will begin anew. The city attorney said each council member could nominate for the next vacancy on the Washougal City Council.

Suggs

Ernie Suggs takes his City Council seat.

 

 

 

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Drug Take Back Event Coming to Washougal This Weekend

Washougal, WA — The Washougal Police Department is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration and Unite! Washougal to bring a Drug Take Back event to Washougal. The four-hour event will be held from Saturday, April 28, from 10 am to 2 pm at Silver Star Search and Rescue, 1220 A Street, Washougal.

The drug take back held last fall helped nearly 160 Washougal residents safely dispose of 595.25 pounds of unused and unwanted medications with local law enforcement officers and Unite! volunteers.

The drug disposal event will be held at four locations throughout Clark County. All pills will be transported for incineration by the DEA.

The Washougal Drug Take Back event will be sponsored by Unite! Washougal Community Coalition, Prevent, Vancouver Clinic, Downtown Washougal Association, and the City of Washougal. Other partners included: D Studio 21, Prevent Coalition, Orchard Hills Dental, Vancouver Clinic, St. Matt’s Lutheran, and Bethel Community Church.

Unwanted medications can be disposed of year-round at several collection sites across Clark County. Controlled substances, such as pain killers and tranquilizers, can be taken to participating law enforcement agencies. Non-controlled substances, such as over-the-counter medications, can be taken to local participating pharmacies and sharps can be taken to local participating transfer stations. For more information on both types of disposal, visit www.ClarkGreenNeighbors.org/meds

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Local Women’s Club Issues Challenge: ‘Reach for the Stars with Books’

Washougal, WA – Pre-kindergarten children and their families in Washougal are being challenged by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Camas-Washougal to “Reach for the Stars with Books.”

“The goal of our program is to enrich the lives of young children through growth and learning skills prior to entering kindergarten and pursuing their academic journey,” said GFWC incumbent Vice President, Susan Bennett. “We received a grant from the Camas-Washougal Community Chest to purchase age-appropriate books, backpacks and other educational tools for children ages birth to five years old.”

GFWC members have now begun distribution of the educational materials. The group was on hand April 11th at Hathaway Elementary School to reward students and parents who have attended six visits to “1-2-3 Grow & Learn Program,” a free, drop-in, interactive and educational program for families with pre-kindergarten children. In addition to the educational materials, students receive a light blue T-shirt after attending their sixth session.

1-2-3 Grow and Learn is offered through ESD 112 for parents and children from birth to 5 years and teaches school readiness activities and gives parents a fun way to play and learn with their child. The program is located at several Clark County schools. GFWC Camas-Washougal is assisting with the program at Hathaway Elementary, 630 24 St., Washougal. The Hathaway program, under the leadership of Julie Jacobson, EDS 112, meets each Wednesday morning from 9:00-10:30 a.m. through June 6. The 1-2-3 Grow & Learn Program will resume at the start of the 2018-2019 school year.

The Community Chest grant received by the women’s club compliments the ESD 112 program well. “Reach for the Stars with Books” focuses on parent-child time,” Bennett explained. “These gifts for learning are a reward to help reinforce to both the parent and child the importance of attendance and structure at an early age.

“By putting books into the hands of children they will grow their school readiness skills and strengthen their social skills through interaction with other parents and children,” she said. “We believe these gifts will spark the children and parents’ imagination and take them on a journey of a lifetime!”

 

Books

Left to right – GFWC President Carol Styles, Bonnie Walden, Susan Bennett, GFWC Vice President Pat Suggs, Washington State GFWC President Tina Bair and Michelle Aguilar (Child Care Aware Manager Early Care & Education, ESD 112) with active 1-2-3 Grow and Learn participants in their new t-shirts.

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Students Reflect on Winning State Science Olympiad Championship

CHENEY, WA — Papermakers Wilson Ho and Abigail Jiang, still tired from their whirlwind winning weekend at the Washington State Science Olympiad, took some time to reflect on their team’s second consecutive State victory, and what it took to get there.

”The way the awards were presented at Science Olympiad, we weren’t sure until the very end that we would win,” said Jiang. “We ended up beating Bothell, our number one competitor every year, with a final score of 72 — and doing better than we did last year.”

Camas brought two teams of 15 to State this year, along with several who participated in trial events, totaling 38 competitors.

The Varsity, or Black team, that took first place honors is made up of seven seniors, six juniors, and two sophomores. The Junior Varsity, or Red team, has one senior, six juniors, five sophomores and three Freshmen. The Red team placed fourth overall.

“This is as good as we‘ve ever gotten in our history,” Ho, the team’s captain. “We’ve gotten better over the past few years. And, we’re really proud of the Red team, they even did better than Varsity in some events.”

Personally, Ho competed in four events: Towers, Helicopters, Forensics, and LEAF. Jiang also competed in four events: Chemistry Lab, Materials Science, Astronomy, and Hovercraft.

Science

The entire Camas Science Olympiad team.

They said the competition against arch-rival, Bothell, was as intense as ever. The State tournament switches between Highline College and Eastern Washington University ever other year.

“Two years ago, at this same location, Bothell beat us,” said Jiang. “And, this year, Bothell had more first places. We ended up winning because we were more consistent than Bothell overall. We had a lot of second place finishes, and we were nervous for about 90 minutes at the end watching the scores. We thought at one point we wouldn’t make it. But, overall, as a team we won by 25 points.”

Some Stats:

  • Bothell earned nine first places.
  • Camas Black team earned four first places.
  • Red Team earned three first places.
  • Black team earned 11 second places.

“Bothell was upset,” said Jiang.  “They’ve always been our number one rival. A lot of them were hoping to go to Nationals, which is May 18-19 in Fort Collins, CO at Colorado State University.”

Ho said he’s grateful for Science Olympiad advisor, Matthew Chase.

“We also had a ton of help from assistant coaches,” said Ho. “We had parents that are assistant coaches. My dad has gone to all the tournaments this year.”

All 15 Black Team will attend Nationals, plus alternates.

The Camas team has been getting ready all year long, attending eight tournaments, and seeking out higher competition. They’ve also put in the study tim.

“In some ways, the State tests were easier than some of the larger tournaments they attended throughout the year,” Jiang. “We got lucky in some cases. This is the first time we didn’t have a bomb event — where you score lower than 15th place. Even below 10 for us isn’t acceptable. There are some events you can’t study for as they’re on-the-spot, but we as much practice as possible, and then there’s just luck.”

Jiang gives a lot of credit to the Red team, and specifically to Quan Ho, a junior on that team.

“He did super well,” she said. He’s by far good enough to be on Black team. His events don’t match up so that’s why he’s on Red. He got first place in two events. We only had 7 total first places. We all get along really well and we all help each other.”

Science

With advisors.

Ho said the team is also super competitive.

“We are never happy being second best,” he said. “The thing about Black team is that everyone has to put the same serious effort in order to make it to Nationals. We all study every day. In events like Forensics you have to bring your notes into the event. Part of studying is putting in time to prepare the notes. You really need to understand the notes.”

They also take a lot of practice tests, and continue to work on communication.

“What people don’t always think about is communication,” said Ho. “A lot of events require communication. If you don’t communicate with partners on build events then you’ll have a misunderstanding. You have to learn how to communicate. Learn how each other work as competitors. Some people don’t talk, and just study and that can hurt your team. Plus, my peers drive me to do better. My parents don’t push me to do all this. It’s like I can’t not do it. It’s something I love to do.”

To learn more, visit www.chs.camas.wednet.edu

Science

Ending with a victory.

 

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Baseball: Camas Papermakers Face Union Titans Again Monday

Camas, WA — After beating Union on Thursday, both Camas Varsity and JV again face the Titans today at 4 pm at UHS.

Here’s the recap from last Thursday’s baseball games:

The Varsity Baseball team defeated Union on Thursday 9-0. Ryan Behnke twirled a complete game, 1 hit shutout backed by terrific Papermaker defense. Behnke retired 10 straight Titans to begin the game before allowing a hit in the top of the 4th inning, and then put the final 11 batters down in order to finish the game.

Trevor Bentley, Josh Mansur, and Jake Blair paced the offense with each player collecting multiple hits. Bentley finished the game with 2 RBI and a run scored. Blair drove in 3 runs, and Josh Mansur collected a double, 3 runs, and an RBI on the afternoon.

JV defeated Union 9-3. Luke Brewer delivered 6 strong innings on the mound surrendering 3 runs and striking out 8. Jacob Rumble threw the 7th to secure the win. Jacob Trupp, Gavin Holley and Cameron Smith each had multi hit games.

Baseball

Catcher Grant Heiser tags out the runner.

Here’s the recap from last Wednesday’s baseball games:

The Varsity Baseball team battled Skyview into extra innings on Wednesday with the Storm coming out on top 4-3. Skyview ace, and Gonzaga commit, Daniel Copeland held the Papermakers in check through 5 innings with the Storm holding a 2-1 lead. In the bottom of the 6th, Shane Jamison and Gideon Malychewski each delivered clutch RBI singles to put Camas ahead 3-2. Skyview was able to tie the game up on the top of the 7th sending the game into extra innings where they eventually won 4-3. In his first career varsity start, Michael Quintana was fantastic delivering 5 1/3 innings without allowing an earned run.

The JV took 2 from the Skyview JV. Game one 5-4. Game two 7-4.
Lucas Warner was behind the plate for both games and turned in an outstanding effort throwing out two base runners in critical situations; blocking balls in the dirt; and calling a great game.

GAME 1 – Gibbs drove in the game winner in a 7th inning walk off driving in Lucas Barbier running for Jacob Trupp who led off with a hard hit double. Zack Shaw tossed 5 strong innings and Cameron Smith finished it earning the win. Clint French and Gavin Holly each had multi-hit games.

GAME 2 – Clint French started on the mound and gave us five quality innings earning the win. Christian Giegenmiller threw a clean 6th and 7th securing the win. Gibbs led off the 5th inning with a missile to left field for a double leading to a 3 run 5th and that was the difference in the game. Jacob Trupp had a double and a triple and Gavin Holly contributed 2 hits.

To learn more, visit www.chs.camas.wednet.edu

Baseball Photo Gallery

 

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Biz Spotlight: Camas Bike and Sport Thriving in a Growing Community

Camas, WA — When Ed Fischer and his wife, Katina, opened Camas Bike and Sport in 2009, they said a lot people didn’t think they’d last. Nine years later, the business is thriving in their expanded location on 5th Avenue in Downtown Camas.

”I think we’re successful because we welcome everyone — we’re very inclusive,” said Fischer. “It’s a special place for everyone who wants to get on a bike — from young kids to adults, beginners to enthusiasts.”

Fischer said biking is a sport you can do for life.

“Bikes are a lifestyle sport that you can adapt — as long as you want to stay active,” said Fischer.

A lifelong bike enthusiast, Fischer practices what he preaches, and gets on his bike as often as possible.

“Instead of driving to the grocery store, take your bike,” he said. “Instead of driving to work, take your bike. Feel like getting an ice cream with your kids, or your friends, take your bike. It’s good exercise, takes a car off the road, and usually you get the best parking spot right up front.”

Fischer calls it Live By Bike.

Camas Bike and Sport is about getting people together.  Thousands in the community ride bikes, and their store likes to bring cycling enthusiasts together for rides, competitions, and to see what new products are coming.

It is a specialty store, and carries a wide range of products that meet a certain level of quality.

They offer a wide range of road, mountain, gravel, cycleocross, kids, city, BMX, eBikes (electric assist) and women’s bikes — from manufacturers like Specialized, Norco, Haro, and Felt. We also have a fleet of demo/rental bikes where you can try a bike before purchasing — or just rent out for special occasions.

“We have everything for the novice rider to the enthusiast,” he said. “We have a great selection bikes, apparel, accessories, shoes — plus a complete repair shop and bike fitting studio. We fix everything related to bikes — from a flat tire to a complete overhaul. Whatever our customers need. We also provide winter sports services, including snow shoe rentals, and we have a full ski and snowboard service shop for tuning and waxing.”

Fischer is also a big advocate of the Washougal Bike Park (still under construction, which has been stalled) and enjoys promoting bike trails. He frequently holds community meetings for bicycle leagues, cycling competitions, and promotes anything bikes. The shop is also going to foster a youth mountain bike team in a new Oregon league, for 6th to 12th grade youth. To learn more, visit Lacamas Freedom Riders

“We really love what we do here,” he said. “Stop on by and see what’s here, we’ll help you #LogOffAndRide.”

To learn more, visit www.camasbikes.com

Our blog is www.logoffandride.com

403 NW 5th Avenue

Camas, WA 98607

360.210.5160

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#MSDKindness Message Continues to Grow at Washougal High School

Washougal, WA — Kindness matters at Washougal High School. That is the message being shared over two weeks in April during a student led effort to encourage acts of kindness.

Last month, Washougal Mayor Molly Coston proclaimed April as #MSDKindness Month, in recognition of the tragedy at Marjory Douglas High School. WHS senior, Bridgette McCarthy, who serves as a liaison to the City Council, helped spearhead the WHS project with members for the school’s Prevention Club and Unite! Washougal Coalition.

“We call ourselves Kindness Ambassadors,” said WHS senior Katie Boon, member of the Unite! WHS Prevention Club. “We are working to create an even more positive environment around school, especially with a focus on kindness. Being kind and looking for ways to show it are lessons the can be used throughout a lifetime.”

WHS freshman, Lauren Bennett, said the various planned activities to encourage kindness were developed during weeks of lunchtime meetings. “Involvement in the activities started slowly the first week, but after people saw what was going on more and more students have started to get involved,” she said.

Activities included distribution of free thank you cards, sending Smile Grams to friends and anyone needing to be cheered up, signing the Kindness Pledge and more.

A crowd favorite was the Compliment Battles which got started with WHS principal, Aaron Hansen pitted against WHS teacher Ryan Isaacson. Using portable microphones in front of a crowd of students in the commons, the two had a war of kind words. “I think it was Mr. Isaacson who actually told Mr. Hansen he had nice ears,” said Boon with a chuckle. Then students took up the battles, tossing quickfire compliments back and forth.

“The students were just shocked by it all,” Hansen said. “Once it got started you could see the students were really paying attention and there were a lot of smiles out there.” Hanson said Boon did an excellent job as the event MC and kept the crowd’s attention. “This has been a great student led project,” he added. “I really was impressed with the excellent job they did and with all the posters through the school too.”

On Friday, April 13, the activity was delivery of Smile Grams to classrooms. Freshman Zeke Mitchell-Hopmeier was surprised to receive a Smile Gram from non-other than his big brother, Elijah. “It makes you feel good and kind of happy that someone you know cares about you,” he said. “Maybe I should have sent him one too,” he added.

WHS Vice Principal, Sheree Clark, who has student discipline as a part of her duties, was delighted to receive a Smile Gram. “The majority of the kids are out there doing the right things,” she said. “We can get caught up in working with those kids who are in trouble and need us to work with them, so receiving this felt really good. In this world it is wonderful to be reminded to show kindness.”

Photo Gallery

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Boy Scout Nolan Friend Recieves Camas Mayor Volunteer Spirit Award

Camas, WA — During their regular City Council session Monday night, Camas Mayor Scott Higgins recognized Boy Scout, Nolan Friend, for his Eagle Scout project work along Lacamas Lake.

Each month, the mayor recognizes local citizens with the Volunteer Spirit Award for work they’ve done to make life a little better.

Friend approached the city in February 2016 looking for ideas for his Eagle Scout project. The project is typically the final major task on the road to receiving an Eagle Scout award. The Eagle Scout project requires extensive planning, development, organization, and fundraising.

For his project, Friend rebuilt the Heritage Trail overlook, on the south side of Lacamas Lake. It was in dire need of repair, so he took it on. Friend designed the new overlook, had his project approved by his leadership, the city, and a local scout district official. Once approved, Friend procured the needed supplies, set a date, and had the help of volunteers to make it happen.

The work was completed during Spring Break, and according to Higgins, “we’ve received many responses from many grateful citizens.”

During the City Council session, Higgins expressed his gratitude to the Boy Scout organization, as a whole, calling out their continued volunteer work.

”Additionally, we have Boy Scouts that approach us from time to time with Eagle Scout project ideas,” said Higgins. “They do great work. This project really stood out, and I have to say this project exceeded staff’s expection by far. I think it has exceeded the community’s expectation by far. We have a tendency to get a lot of public feedback on stuff, and we’ve not gotten as much feedback as we received on this project. This award goes to Nolan Friend for his extensive  efforts to rebuild the Heritage Trail Overlook at Lacamas Lake.”

After receiving the award, Friend approached the podium and thanked the council.

Photo Gallery

To learn more, visit bsa.org or cityofcamas.us

 

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