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Aviation Interest Surges in East County — Grove Field Considers Upgrades

Grove Field, Fern Prairie, WA — Personal pursuits and business demands are driving the present surge in East County aviation, according to pilot Neil Cahoon, and Port of Camas-Washougal Commissioner, John Spencer.

Cahoon, a retired Delta Airlines and military pilot, owns three planes and runs an annual private pilot ground school at Grove Field. The class itself is at capacity and is double the student size from 2017.

“Last year, we had eight students, this year we have 18,” said Cahoon. “And that’s our capacity. We need more instructors here in Clark County to meet the demand.”

The 12-week class is designed to teach the fundamentals of aviation, and is the beginning of the journey to become a private pilot. The ground class prepares students for the FAA Knowledge Test and then the Private Pilot Practical Exam. Following this phase, students are required to do a minimum of 40 hours of flight time to get a private pilot certificate.

While there’s no Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirement to attend a ground school, Cahoon said students benefit from this course by sharing the experience with like-minded individuals trying to achieve a goal. When the course is completed, students will have had 36 hours of class instruction, and hopefully at least one hour per week of personal study time.

Cahoon, who spent 13 years flying in the Air Force, ultimately became a commercial pilot for Northwest, which was purchased by Delta. He also spent seven years in the reserves. He retired from Delta in 2016. He’s flown the big planes, but he’s most fond of his 1946 Piper J3 Cub, which was purchased three years ago — which he flew from New York to Camas.

Aviation

This 1946 Piper J3 Cub is owned by Neil Cahoon.

 

Aviation

Ground training instructor, Neil Cahoon.

Most students in the class were there for personal pursuits.

“I do big things on my ten’s birthdays,” said student Patty Holt. “I’ve got another one coming up — so I want to fly a plan on my next big birthday.”

But, there’s also business interest that spiking the support for aviation. This is largely separate from the personal pursuits.

The Port of Camas-Washougal is currently developing an Airport Layout Plan (ALP), which would get Grove Field to meet all FAA safety requirements for its current traffic. The port oversees the air field.

“There are some good things about the ALP, but I do have some real concerns,” said Cahoon. “The north side properties (at the airport) have a unique arrangement with the Port of Camas-Washougal where they have perpetual access to their property. They own the north side taxi-way. When an airport becomes obligated with FAA funds, the Feds need a fence or barrier between public and airport property. They don’t like the type of access that is currently there. I don’t want to see their access impeded in any way, so that arrangement needs to be determined before we partner with the FAA,” said Cahoon.

Aviation

This is a modified Glove Swift, owned by Charlie Hopkins. It has a constant speed propeller that turns counter clockwise.

Spencer, one of three Port of Camas-Washougal commissioners, said they are making plans so that the airport is viable for decades to come.

”We need to think in terms that we serve a greater community — not just Camas,” said Spencer. “We’re the only airport in East County, and we need to think about emergency preparedness. For example, Grove Field wasn’t usable during the recent fires. With an instrument approach, you could have used the airport.”

The ALP, said Spencer, is working toward these ideas:

  • 3,070 feet of runway, which gives the airport an instrument approach and meets FAA standards.
  • Increasing runway width from 40 feet to 60 feet.
  • Taxiways needs to be separated from the runway.
  • Clear trees by the airport’s west end.
  • Remove the mobile home park adjacent to the airport.
  • Purchase two acres from Johnston property (which is for sale) to extend air field.

“We’re the only airport in East County,” said Spencer. “To meet growing business demand, we need to expand. Getting freight in and out of Camas will become more important , plus the airport is at a great location to serve the community during a crisis, such as a major earthquake.”

If the ALP was approved and enacted today, it would take four or five years to break ground and begin construction. The ALP alone requires 18 months of review, then there’s the Environmental Impact Statement, and the Graphic Information System Survey (GISS). The Port would need to apply for an FAA grant, which would cover 90 percent of the estimated $15-20 million cost. The remaining 10 percent comes from the State and the Port itself.

To learn more, visit @cwaagrovefield on Facebook or www.portcw.com

Aviation Photo Gallery

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Basketball: Camas Girls Best Skyview Again — Papermakers 5-0 In League

By Dan Trujillo

The last time these girls basketball teams faced each other, Camas established a 27-3 advantage on Skyview in the first half and never looked back.

It was raining threes for the Storm Friday, but the Papermakers prevailed 45-37 to improve to 5-0 in league play.

The rematch started similar. Courtney Clemmer scored eight points on assists from four different Papermakers. But when the Storm drained three 3-pointers to go up 9-8, the Camas girls realized this would be a different game.

“We got caught up in how much we beat them by the last time,” said senior forward Maggie Wells. “We weren’t fully into this game and playing together. In the fourth quarter, we were like ‘No, let’s play together.’ And we got to the level we should have been at the beginning.”

This time, the score was tied at the end of the second and third quarters. Wells rebounded a miss by Camas at the start of the fourth quarter and put it back in for two points. Jillian Webb and Marianna Payne hit 3-pointers to put the Papermakers by seven points.

“Those were game-changers,” Clemmer said. “Our bench got into it and our crowd got into it and our momentum just went straight up.”

This was the first road test for the Papermakers this season. Camas could face similar challenges at Battle Ground and Union next week.

Basketball

Jump shot by Marianna Payne.

“Everyone wants to defend their home court,” Clemmer said. “We haven’t traveled much yet this year. Last year, we traveled 3,500 miles. We know how to handle that.”

The first goal for the Camas girls is to repeat as league champions. Then it’s on to the postseason, and hopefully another long road trip back to the Tacoma Dome.

“These are the friends I’ve been playing with forever,” Wells said. “And now, we’re doing it again. One last time with these seniors.”

Skyview boys cannot be stopped

The Camas boys basketball team hung tough for three quarters, only to get obliterated by a 22-3 Storm surge in the final eight minutes.

Skyview soared to a 61-38 victory over the Papermakers. The Storm is 17-0 this season.

Camas hosts Heritage for Senior Night Tuesday. The girls tip off at 5:30 p.m., followed by the boys at 7 pm.

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

Photo Gallery

Photos by Dan Trujillo

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In The News: Crown Park and Pool Planning Public Hearings Set

Camas, WA — The City of  Camas is seeking public input on how to proceed with the Crown Park & Pool planning currently in progress.

City officials are asking citizens to read up at http://www.cityofcamas.us/parkshome/68-parkscat/819-parksprojects
and then attend a meeting and/or email city administration to: [email protected]

The Parks & Rec Commission will present potential development ideas at Lacamas Lake Lodge on January 24th at 5 pm. That following weekend the City Council and City administration will be holding their annual planning meeting, which will be open to the general public.

What you can do:

  • Submit public comment in person, by U.S. mail, or via email to [email protected] with “Crown Park” in the subject line.
  • Stay informed with media outlets, including social media (Facebook and Twitter).

Attend upcoming meetings:

  • City of Camas Parks & Rec Commission meeting at Lacamas Lake Lodge, on January 24, at 5 pm. A Crown Park & Pool presentation will be made and public comment accepted.
  • City of Camas Annual Planning Conference at Lacamas Lake Lodge on January 26, 1 pm,  and January 29 at 9 am. The public may attend to listen, but comment is not being gathered during the weekend planning meetings.

See the Brief for even more opportunities to learn and offer input.

“Our goal to be thorough and transparent in our communications and projects; we truly thank you for being engaged in our community. Your respectful, constructive feedback is appreciated!” said Tammy Connolly, of the City of Camas.

Pool

Crown Park during summer.

 

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Washougal Girls Win Ninth in A Row; Panthers 6-0 in League

By Dan Trujillo

The Washougal girls basketball team stands above the rest in the 2A Greater St. Helens League.

The Panthers slashed the Beavers 59-29 Tuesday, at Woodland High School. Beyonce Bea collected 26 points, 18 rebounds and blocked six shots in the blowout.

“From the start, it was really really good,” she said. “We came out on fire, got a huge lead and they weren’t able to come back. That’s what we want to do every game.”

Washougal jumped out to a 13-0 lead. Bea scored seven points, and Ashley Gibbons and McKinley Stotts added 3-pointers. The Beavers got on the board by making a foul shot, but then Stotts hit another three for the Panthers.

Bea delivered 10 more points in the second quarter. Tiana Barnett beat the buzzer with a 3-pointer to give Washougal a 36-15 lead at halftime.

Gibbons, Stotts and Maggie Hungerford finished the game with six points, Kiara Cross and Alexis Maniscalco added four points, Barnett netted three, and Skylar Bea and Grace Graham had two.

After the first run through, the Panthers are 6-0 in league and 11-3 overall. Washougal is also on a nine-game winning steak.

“We are taking it one game at a time,” said head coach Britney Knotts. “We can’t look past anybody because the league is so competitive.”

Washougal hosts R.A. Long Thursday and Ridgefield Monday, Jan. 22. Both games begin at 7 p.m.

“I’m excited for us to have another home game, because those home games are special to us and our community,” Knotts said.

After facing Hockinson, Mark Morris and Columbia River on the road, the Panthers wrap up league at home against Woodland Feb. 5.

Beyonce Bea said the key is to start fast like they did against Woodland Tuesday. And, to take the other team’s best shot.

“Everybody goes on a run. We just have to come back from it and keep fighting,” she said. “Starting off strong really helps. When we have a solid first half, that really gets us pumped.”

Photos by Dan Trujillo

Panthers

Ashley Gibbons dribbles down the floor for the Panthers.

 

Panthers

The Washougal girls listen to head coach Britney Knotts during a time out.

 

Panthers

The Washougal girls basketball team won it’s ninth game in a row at Woodland Tuesday.

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Biz Spotlight: Gresham Roofing & Construction — Roof Inspection Time?

Winter here can wreak havoc on our rooftops, and sometimes a little leak can lead to severe damage — that’s where Gresham Roofing and Construction comes in.

The locally-owned company, which does 30 percent of their business in Clark County, was established in 1968, and was purchased several years ago by Camas resident, Jason Coe, whose children attend Camas High School. Coe is an active supporter of Camas athletic teams, and provided the food at one of the recent Papermaker football unity dinners.

“I really believe in supporting Camas and all that it has to offer,” said Coe. “This is our home and we want to do everything we can to keep it an amazing place to live and raise our family.”

His company also has an amazing crew.

From time to time, you may see Josh Nisbett and Andy Garcia working on a roof. The two work together frequently and ensure homeowners are fully comfortable and aware of the work they’re doing.

“This is your home,” said Nisbett, “and when we come to your house we explain everything upfront and answer any questions. Then, we do our best to get the work done before you come home from work. Aside from having a much better roof, you won’t even know we’re there.”

Roofing

Josh Nisbett and Andy Garza.

Whether you need a full replacement or a simple patch work, Coe’s team offers a full range of services:

  • Residential and steep slope roofing: Shingling, complete re-roofing, custom tile repairs, green roof design and installation, inconspicuous solar panel installation.
  • Roof maintenance and repair: Fixing everything from minor leaks to major damage.
  • Construction services: Need a new deck? Door or window replacement? What about a new shed in preparation for Spring?
  • Commercial and low slope roofing: Providing roofing solutions that help lower energy costs at your business. They work to understand your unique situation.

Gresham Roofing and Construction is fully licensed, bonded and insured — and they hold one of the best safety records in the industry.

If you think your roof may have a problem, or maybe it’s just time to replace it, please call Gresham Roofing and Construction at 503.512.5730. You can also visit www.greshamroofing.com

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Major Road Construction Begins at Key Washougal Intersection

Washougal Construction Update:

According to the City of Washougal, at the intersection of 32nd Street and Evergreen Way, some big changes are happening this week, beginning Monday, January 15.

The following bullet points outline the various construction projects under way so you can plan ahead when traveling in/around this area.

– Sidewalks will be poured on the northeast corner
– Southbound traffic on 32nd Street will be closed between E Street and Evergreen Blvd; vehicles will be detoured around this section of 32nd Street
– Northbound traffic will be allowed on 32nd Street
– Drivers should use alternate routes to get to SR-14 if they are on southbound 32nd Street; either use E Street to Washougal River Road or use alternate routes to get to E Street/Evergreen Blvd north of town as 32nd Street south of Evergreen Blvd will be open to traffic.

The city has a lot of ambitious projects coming this year. City Council meetings are held every other Monday at 7 pm at City Hall. The next one is scheduled for January 22.

There is also a public Port of Camas-Washougal meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 16 at 5 pm at the Port offices, which are located at the marina (by Westlie Ford).

To learn more, visit cityofwashougal.us

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Camas Delivers at Kelso Invitational — Without 10 Swimmers!

Kelso, WA — Before Saturday’s Kelso Swim Invitational started, the Camas Boys Swim team weren’t as sure-footed as they usually are before a big meet. With 16 other schools competing, Hanford breathing down their necks, and 10 Camas swimmers missing (including several state champions), Co-Captain Finn McClone wasn’t exactly optimistic.

“So many swimmers are missing today, and Eric (Wu) is totally sick,” said McClone. “Plus I stayed up until 2 last night. Not good.”

They didn’t want to be the first Camas team in recent memory to lose Kelso.

“That would be really bad,” said McClone.

But when the first call to go on deck came, the light turned on. The Camas magic appeared.

During the first event, the 200 Free Relay, the Camas team (McClone, Wu, Chris Xia, and Luke Bales) delivered not only a first place victory, but also a State cut time. This is the first time Bales qualified for a State event.

“I think we have our State team decided now,” said Head Coach, Mike Bemis. “The boys really delivered today. I knew they had it in them. I never doubted it.”

They were just getting warmed up. And, they’d make some Kelso Invitational history before the day was over.

Bemis said the presence of Hanford is part of what keeps Camas on its toes. “Hanford is really good, and they have a lot of talent,” he added.

Kelso

From left: Junha Lee, Jake Duerfeldt, Zach Macia, and Luke Bales.

Evergreen’s Illia Zablotoviskii won the 200 Free (1:46.39) which is a State cut. He swims for CRST.

Hanford’s John Markillie won the 200 IM (2:00.09) which broke the previous meet record.

“It’s so great to do that after traveling so far today,” said Markillie. “We also love competing with Camas.”

Columbia River’s Josh Bottelberghe won the 50 Free event (21.47) setting a new meet record. Jaron Hamlik held that honor for four years (22.10).

And, bronchitis didn’t stop Eric Wu from breaking a meet record in the 100 Fly (51.19).

”I wasn’t feeling my best today since I’m sick (bronchitis),” said Wu. “But we all have adversities to overcome, and my  team just helped me through that! The energy the team provides can truly do wonders.”

Hanford’s Markillie (48.29) just barely beat McClone in the 100 Free, setting his second meet record of the day.

Camas didn’t compete in the 500 Free, which was won by Zablotoviskii (4:57.81), and Battle Ground won the 200 Free Relay. Camas placed sixth. Addison Pollick, of Richland, won the 100 Back (54.51) with McClone closely behind him.

Wu won the 100 Breast (1:00.41) coming extremely close to beating the meet record (1:00.19). Union’s Nick Wahlman placed second (1:04.28).

Kelso

Eric Wu won the 100 Breast. He came very close to beating the meet record.

And, in the meet’s final event, the 400 Free Relay, the Papermakers delivered the final blow. Hanford thought they could beat Camas, but the Chris Xia-Junha Lee-Finn McClone-Eric Wu machine was too much for them. The Papermakers won the event (3:19.20) setting a new meet record and beating Hanford by 8 seconds.

”Everyone dropped time and we broke two meet records,” said Wu. “Everyone swam so fast, and it’s just a great environment to compete in. We are back, better than ever — ready for State. Luke Bales has worked so hard. I look forward to having him compete at State. He’s a good addition to the team!”

Final Results

  1. Camas — 529
  2. Hanford — 383
  3. Richland — 362
  4. Union — 244
  5. Battle Ground — 226
  6. Mark Morris — 203
  7. Skyview — 201
  8. Kelso — 179

 

 

Kelso

This team broke the meet record in the 400 Free Relay (3:19.20). From left: Junha Lee, Chris Xia, Eric Wu, and Finn McClone.

 

Kelso Invitational Photo Gallery

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Hoops For Pink Annual Fundraiser Game at The Warehouse Tonight

Camas, WA — The annual Hoops for Pink basketball game and fundraiser begins Friday afternoon at 3:45 (for Junior Varsity) and continues on at 5:30 for Boys Varsity and at 7 for Girls Varsity. All events are at Camas High School.

Camas will host Battle Ground.

The annual event raises money for the Kay Yow Foundation, which earmarks funds toward fighting breast cancer. Money is raised by selling T-shirts and through raffles to purchased donated gift baskets.

Every year, the community has shown their support by packing The Warehouse and stepping up their donations to the worthy cause of fighting breast cancer.

The event has been a real success in past years.

Referrring to past Hoops for Pink fundraiser games, Nadine Knight, a parent volunteer who’s had several daughters play for Camas, said: “The event was a real success. We’re so grateful for the support of our community. Cheers to all of the businesses and individuals who donated for our baskets. Could NOT have done any of this without them. Thank you Camas for coming through again!”

A lot of behind-the-scenes efforts goes into the planning the fundraiser. Volunteers plan for months to prepare the gift baskets and solicit the donations from local businesses and inviduals.

Basketball

Isaiah Sampson sinks a shot from long range. He scored 24 points Tuesday night, and grabbed 14 rebounds.

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

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Camas Swimmers Contend at Kelso High Pool Twice This Week

Kelso, WA — It may be a bit of a drive, but Kelso is a familiar place for Camas swimmers. It’s been a place where District Championships are won, records broken, and state qualifying times are earned. And, this week was no different.

On Tuesday, Camas Junior, Eric Wu, made his state cut time in the 50 Free (22.23), which put a smile on his face. Reluctant to talk about his feat, he pivoted and thanked his team instead.

”The whole team swam very well today — especially Ben Taylor in the 100 Fly and Luke Bales in the 200 Free. Our team is up and coming and we’re ready for the Kelso Invitational on Saturday.”

That’s how leaders talk.

And, prior to the Kelso meet, Wu demonstrated that talent and capacity. While most were getting themselves mentally ready for the tasks ahead of them, Wu was busy helping teammate, Tim Timchenko, with his swimming strokes.

That’s how leaders act.

Kelso

Eric Wu helps Tim Timchenko with some swimming strokes.

They lead, they inspire, and they motivate.

The Camas Boys Swim team is a diverse one. You’ve got your rock stars who have State Champion titles, the near break-outs who are are the verge of hitting some amazing times, focused swimmers who are improving their skills, those that struggle or are new to the sport.

Freshman Josef Kiesenhofer’s teammates know he works as hard as anyone at their practices. New to Camas, Kiesenhofer had taken a break from competitive swimming while his family lived in Germany for the past two years. Prior to that, he swam in Connecticut and North Carolina.

He’s focusing on getting state cuts in the 100 Back and 100 Fly.

”I feel pretty good about the 100 Fly,” Kiesenhofer said. “I have a lot of experience, and it’s fun to be on this team. I really admire Mark Kim — he can practically do anything.”

At Kelso, Kiesenhofer competed in the 100 Fly, 50 Free, and two relays. He won the 100 Fly event.

Kelso

Josef Kiesenhofer in the 100 Fly.

Freshman Kaden Lana started back up this year after a two-year swimming hiatus. He competes in the 50 Free, 100 Free, and 200 Relay.

“Swimming is fun,” said Lana. “And I love doing Freestyle. It’s easy!”

Sophomore Luke Bales is on the cusp of getting State times in the 50 Free and 100 Free.

”I need to shave 1-2 seconds,” said Bales. “That’s still a lot, but Kelso is a good pool with good blocks and a deep diving end. And the walls here are sticky.”

He may pull it off at Kelso 2.0 this week, when the boys meet at the annual major invitational featuring athletes from 19 schools.

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

Swim Photo Gallery

 

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Crown Park Pool Closes Indefinitely; Officials, Citizens Ponder Its Fate

Camas, WA —  Following a detailed November 2017 inspection by the Clark County Public Health Department, it was determined that the Crown Park Pool in Camas would require more than $300,000 of significant repairs and equipment replacement to meet code requirements.

Given that information, the Camas City Council on January 2 opted to not open the pool this year.

City officials have been working with some proposed concepts with the Crown Park Master Plan, which was shown to the public last summer.

“We are planning on moving forward with something,” said Camas City Administrator, Pete Capell. “The pool is 60 years old and we’ve been discussing for some time replacement options. We’ve discussed a splash pad at Crown Park, and there’s the option to build a new pool at a different location. Possibly a community center with a pool, work out area, meeting rooms and the ability to host events.”

He noted a new state-of-the-art facility may be too expensive for Camas and Washougal — even if it was a joint venture.

”We can explore having a private partner in there that might be able to do something, so that’s also in the works,” said Capell.

The Camas City Council will address how to handle the issues with the Crown Park Pool at their Annual Planning Conference on January 26 and 27 at the Lacamas Lake Lodge. The meeting begins at 1 pm on January 26, and at 9 am on January 27. Those sessions are open to the public.

City Councilor Deanna Rusch said the full agenda for the two-day session will be available online by January 24. Visit  www.cityofcamas.us for details.

“We know the pool is full of meaning and memories for our Camas community,” said the City of Camas on their website. “Our hope is to provide continued opportunities for summer outdoor fun, whether at Crown Park or elsewhere. Please stay tuned!”

City Councilor Bonnie Carter said the city does understand that citizens desire an aquatics facility of some sort.

“Council voted roughly 10 years ago to put repair funds into the pool, which extended its life expectancy,” said Carter. “The repair cost today is much more with no guarantee that we would get more than one summer. It was a tough decision not to open the pool this year but as one door closes, another opens, and I feel confident the plan to add a splash pad and amphitheatre will be a great addition to Crown Park. There may be an opportunity to partner with another entity to build a pool, but that’s only talk at this point.”

Pool

Zach Macia at a recent competition. He’s a member of the State Championship winning Camas Swim Team.

 

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