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Boyd Organizing “Future Papermaker Fitness Camp”

Boyd
Camas Senior Tucker Boyd is organizing
a fun track fitness camp for elementary-aged
kids (K-5).

Camas High School senior Tucker Boyd is excited about a project he’s been working on: the Future Papermaker Fitness Camp, to be held from April 1-April 5 at Helen Baller Elementary School.

For Boyd, this is his Senior Project, which is something all CHS seniors are required to do for graduation. But it’s more than that.
Boyd has had a successful track career at CHS and dominates most meets in the 800m and 1600m runs. He’s made a name for himself, to be sure.
So he thought it would be a good idea to teach young kids about a sport that he thoroughly enjoys.

He designed a fitness camp for elementary-aged youth wherein they’ll learn the fundamentals of track.

“The events will be spread across several days,” Boyd said. “They’ll learn a lot about running, as well as safety and nutrition.”

Boyd is coordinating the effort and has recruited volunteers to assist in the camp.
“We’ll start off with a daily warm-up routine,” Boyd said. “We’ll help with techniques and teach them the proper fundamentals. It’ll be fun.”
The camp will train on the following:
  • 100m
  • 200m
  • Softball throw
  • Standing long jump
  • 800m
 At the end of the camp, the participants will receive certificates of completion, as well as ribbons for placement in each event.
The cost of the camp is $25 and it runs from April 1-April 5 from 1-3 pm at Helen Baller Elementary. The program is for K-5 students.

To sign up for the event, fill out the attached registration form and send it in. For questions, refer to the email on the form.

The proceeds from the camp will be turned over to the CHS Track and Field program to help with increasing transportation costs.

“Camas Track and Field has grown in popularity,” Boyd said. “So our transportation costs to away meets has gone up. This money will help with that.”
Boyd presented his plan to the Senior Project Board and it was approved in early December. He’s recruited people to help market the camp and is looking forward to running the event.

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Sr. Sectionals: CRST Swimmer Sanders Makes Finals

As the “Senior Sectionals” 12-state regional swim meet continues in Federal Way, WA local Vancouver swimmer Julia Sanders is making her mark.

During the intense competition, Sanders has a full schedule and is competing in the following events: 100 Free, 200 Free, 100 Fly, 100 Back, 200 IM and 50 Free.

“Everything is cool,” said Sanders. “It’s good so far, I made finals in the 100 Free and I’m swimming the 200 Free in Finals tonight.”

This fall, Sanders is attending Texas Christian University on a swimming scholarship.

She has been swimming for Columbia River Swim Team (CRST) for many years, and enjoys the work and competition that comes from club swimming.

“It’s been such a great experience,” she said. “I’m so grateful for Coach Darlene and all the things she has taught us over the years.”

Stay tuned for further swim meet results.

About CRST

The CRST program is characterized philosophically by the principles of self-image. This discipline is concerned with guiding and direction individual toward maximum development of their talents and abilities. Similarly, the CRST coaching staff endeavors to teach, train and motivate young people to achieve their ultimate potential int swimming in the belief that this experience will prove valuable to them as they grow and develop.

The CRST program strives to instill in young swimmers and understanding of, and appreciation for such concepts as High self-esteem, personal accountability, self-discipline, and goal setting and goal achievement as these ideas relate to their success in training competition.

To learn more, visit www.crstwaveriders.org

 

Julia Sanders

 

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Rep. Herrera Introduces House Bill to Transfer Pearson Air Museum Property to Vancouver City

Jaime HerreraOn Thursday, U.S. Representative (WA-3) Jaime Herrera Beutler introduced a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that would transfer Pearson Air Museum and the surrounding seven acres of land from National Park Service control to the City of Vancouver.  The bill would allow the City of Vancouver to restore its partnership with the Ft. Vancouver National Trust, and once again make Pearson Air Museum fully accessible and open to the local community.

“For years, Fort Vancouver was the shining example of a local community benefitting from a successful public-private management,” said Herrera Beutler.  “Forcing this change through congressional action was not my first choice.  I am still hopeful that the National Park Service will work out a solution with the City and the Trust, and I will continue to do whatever I can to facilitate a compromise.  However, if compromise fails, the Park Service needs to know a legislative fix is moving forward.”

The bill uses a “land conveyance” procedure to permanently transfer control of seven acres of land recognized as the Pearson Air Museum Complex from the National Park Service to the City of Vancouver.

The Fort Vancouver Trust quickly moved out of museum last week after the two entities failed to reach an operating agreement.

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Camas School District Statement on Recent Levy Passage

This week’s levy votes in Camas were approved by sizable margins with the Maintenance & Operation levy passing with 62.3 percent, and the Technology levy passing with 64.3 percent. Voters approved the levies for another four years to fund essential school district services.

The levy has multiple components – 1) Maintenance and Operation (M&O), which will allow the Camas School District to meet staff funding obligations; and 2) Technology, which covers the tangible and intangible, such as phone systems, laptops, 911 system, software licenses, etc.

The M&O levy will collect $11.45 million, $11.8 million, $12.2 million, and $12.75 million each year over the next four years.  And the Technology levy would collect approximately $1.3 million each year over the next four years.

“Thanks to all the voters in Camas who stepped up and voted to uphold our standards for our students, and the community in which we live,” said Doreen McKercher, of the Camas School District. “While we only needed a simple majority to win the levy elections, it warms the heart to see the overwhelming support.”


“It is clear that our community values the education of our children, but also the many intangible benefits of supporting and maintaining a strong public school system. One of the benefits is economic growth as businesses choose to locate in areas where they can attract employees who desire quality educational opportunities for their children. In fact, many companies in Camas have reported to us that one of the reasons they chose to locate here was the quality public school system. More business means more jobs, and that is good for everyone. Also, because if our strong industrial tax base, property owners pay less in taxes than in neighboring communities. Additionally, all of these factors play a role in increased personal property values.”

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Effort to Save Pearson Air Museum Gains Momentum

The Save Pearson Air Museum movement continues as supporters work with local and federal officials to push back against last week’s abrupt closure of the beloved facility.

Just over a week ago, after 18 months of failed negotiations, the National Park Service (NPS), which owns the Pearson Air Museum property, gave museum operators (Fort Vancouver National Trust) just a few days to vacate the premises. At issue is control of how the trust operates and coordinates with event organizers. The NPS wants to exert more control of day-to-day operations.

The trust has continually shown a profit for several years and has turned the Pearson Air Museum into a popular attraction, with 45 additional events slated over the next six months.

According to her office, U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler will introduce legislation this week that would turn control of Pearson Air Museum and surrounding land to the city of Vancouver.

It’s exactly what supporters like James Beckelhiemer have been hoping for.

“This museum really belongs to the people of Vancouver,” said Beckelhiemer. “The NPS, or the federal government, really shouldn’t have ownership.”

Herrera Beutler’s decision to pursue a legislative fix is happening alongside local efforts to overturn the NPS decision.

On Monday, the Vancouver City Council reassured concerned residents that they were working hard to overturn the NPS move.

The Fort Vancouver National Trust, which had been operating the museum on behalf of the city, removed belongings from facility.

“These planes and other property belong to many different people,” said Beckelhiemer. “Many were on loan to the museum, and they wanted to make sure their property was accounted for.”

NPS had thought the pieces would remain.

City Manager Eric Holmes wants to get the museum up and running as soon as possible.

“We are wanting to make sure we pursue any and all avenues,” Holmes said Tuesday. He said Herrera Beutler’s legislative fix “may be one way to get there, but I’m not ready to say it’s the only way.”

Holmes said on February 8 he spoke with staff members from the offices of Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, and Herrera Beutler.

Cantwell spoke with NPS Service Director John Jarvis and urged him to find a solution.

Tracy Fortmann, superintendent of the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, who ordered the closure, said that she was not aware of any pending legislation, and declined further comment.

Herrera Beutler’s office plans to announce details of the pending legislation in the coming days.

The Pearson Air Museum has been vacant for more than a week.

 

Pearson Air Museum
The Pearson Air Museum land is owned by the National Park Service, a
federal entity, but has been operated by the Fort Vancouver National Trust,
on behalf of Vancouver, for many years.
Pearson Air Museum Protestors
Pearson Air Museum supporters continue to mount pressure on local
and federal officials to overturn the NPS decision.

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NPS Closes Pearson Air Museum

Earlier this week, the National Park Service (NPS) abruptly closed the Pearson Air Museum after months of negotiation failed to produce a new agreement between museum operators and the NPS.

As Pearson Air Museum operators and supporters cry foul, local politicians are speedily working to draft legislation to address several key issues involved in this debate.

On Saturday, dozens gathered at the museum and surrounding areas to protest the actions of the NPS. Former Mayor Royce Pollard and State Representative Liz Pike attended.

“We are protesting many things,” said one protestor. “They just can’t close it and move things out as quickly as they did. This is a public entity. We need to have our say.”

To learn more, visit www.fortvan.org

 

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Camas Votes on Proposed School Levy This Tuesday; Facts on the Maintenance & Operations, Technology Levy

This coming Tuesday, February 12, Camas citizens are voting on a four-year school replacement Maintenance and Operations funding levy, which is designed to address state funding gaps.

The levy has multiple components – 1) Maintenance and Operation (M&O), which will allow the Camas School District to meet staff funding obligations; and 2) Technology, which covers the tangible and intangible, such as phone systems, laptops, 911 system, software licenses, etc.

The proposed M&O levy would collect $11.45 million, $11.8 million, $12.2 million, and $12.75 million each year over the next four years. And the proposed Technology levy would collect approximately $1.3 million each year over the next four years.

“We’re planning ahead to allow for growth as enrollment has had a 3-5 percent annual increase,” said Doreen McKercher, of the Camas School District. “We are having to cover things that used to be covered by the state, but now these things are on the local tax payer.”

McKercher said the largest items covered by the M&O are transportation (buses), special education, utilities (huge expense), and technology staff, which is an unfunded state mandate.

 

Helen Baller graduates Tony Lattanzi and Jefferson Jackson.
The state-of-the-art technology at Helen Baller is funding by the current
Technology Levy that was passed several years ago.
The levy proposes more money per assessed property value than previous levies, however, the actual total combined rates for all school taxes will be less than voters currently pay.
Taxpayers currently pay $.38 per $1,000 of assessed value for technology; $3.27 per $1,000 of assessed value on M&O; and $4.35 per $1,000 of assessed value on bonds. The current rates amount to $8.00 per $1,000 of assessed value.
The proposed rate in for 2014 is $7.32 per $1,000 of assessed value. And go forward at $7.44 for 2015, $7.55 for 2016, and $7.61 for 2017.
The proposed M&O levy is based on these factors:
  • A change in the way the state calculates its levy formula
  • Continued growth in enrollment, which increases operational costs
  • Rising fuel, utilities and insurance costs
  • Start-up costs for the new Woodburn Elementary School, which opens in Fall 2013.
  • Increase in the number of students participating in extracurricular programs and sports.

 

Current levies expire at the end of 2013, and Washington has decreased funding in key areas at the local level.
“This is not a new tax,” said McKercher. “We’re simply replacing expiring levies so we can maintain the high standards we have here in Camas.”
McKercher said students benefit with smaller class sizes, more textbooks, improved student safety, quality grounds, funding for extracurricular activities, and numerous other programs.
Common questions:
  • If the assessed values increase, can the district college more? No.
  • If the district increases in assessed value over the next four years, will your cost per $1,00 increase. No.
  • Can the levy amount be increased without a vote? No.

Ballots were mailed on January 24 and citizens are asked to vote on or by February 12.

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Supporters Unite to Protest Pearson Air Museum Closing

This week’s abrupt closure of the treasured Pearson Air Museum came as a shock to many, but it was the result of more than a year of failed negotiations about control of the facility.

The National Park Service, which owns the historic building that has housed the museum for the last 18 years, ended its agreement with the city of Vancouver – and the transition out has already begun.

Earlier this week, volunteers and employees, to the horror of aviation enthusiasts and local fans, cleared out the building. A day later, the Park Service came to collect the keys and security code.

The once astonishing museum closed it doors.

And this act has sparked a protest campaign against the National Park Service’s actions. Local citizens, supporters, teens, as well State Representative Liz Pike are holding a protest Saturday at 2 pm at 1115 E. Fifth Street, in Vancouver.

When the agreement to create the museum was signed in 1995, the Park Service maintained ownership of the land. In 2005, the Fort Vancouver National Trust took over day-to-day operations on behalf of the city.

What happened under the new 2005 agreement was that the trust was allowed to manage and plan events on the property. It then allowed others to manage and plan events, in order to collect new revenues and promote the museum.

And that was the rub.

The Park Service wanted to deal directly with the museum’s operator. Superintendent Tracy Fortmann wanted complete oversight of all programs and services put on by the trust.

“That just wasn’t the nature of the partnership we entered into,” said Elson Strahan, CEO of the Fort Vancouver National Trust.

Also at issue is the closure timeline. The terms of their 2005 agreement state the trust has 180 days to transition out of the museum operations. But in a letter to the trust on Monday, Fortmann said the trust would have 45 days to transition out of its operational role.

Fortmann issued the following statement: “We sincerely regret that many months of good faith discussions to develop an agreement to sustain the continued operations of the Pearson Air Museum did not succeed.”

In addition, 45 events were scheduled at the museum over the next six months.

Pike believes the Park Service is out of line, and Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Buetler is drafting a bill to turn management of the land over to the city, which would allow it to continue to work with the trust.

Local enthusiasts hope the protest will call attention to their cause and get this week’s action overturned.

 

Pearson Air Museum

 
 

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Camas Seniors Honored at National Letter of Intent Signing

Camas High School honored several Papermakers on Wednesday as they signed their National Letters of Intent to attend the university or college of their choosing. A total of nine seniors were present to sign their letters and say a few words about their choices. The nine students are scholar-athletes and have worked hard throughout their high school career to maintain good grades and excel in their chosen sports.
Here are the students that were honored:

AMEE AARHUS has already signed with Portland State University to play on their Women’s’ Softball team. Amee has earned her varsity letter three years. In 2012, Amee was named the 3A Greater Saint Helens League All-Region Player of the Year. She was also the 2012 Offensive Player of the Year as a junior. The 2012 season was incredible for Amee as she set records in number of hits, runs scored and triples in a single season. Amee was instrumental in helping the Lady Papermakers place fifth at the 3A WIAA Washington State Tournament last year. Amee carries a 3.0 GPA.

KIMBERLY KNIGHT will be taking her running skills to compete in cross country and track at Clark College. Kimi has earned her varsity letter in cross country (4 years), basketball (1 year) and track (3 years) with her senior season of track just around the corner. Kimi was a member of the 2011 and 2012 Girls’ Cross Country Team that brought home the WIAA State Championship trophy.

As a track athlete, Kimi was a member of the 4 X 400M relay team that placed sixth overall at the 3A State Championships a year ago. Since kindergarten, Kimi has never missed a day of school and will complete her high school career with perfect attendance. Kimi carries a 3.4 GPA.

CONNOR DYEHOUSE will be traveling to Wisconsin as a new member of the Men’s Lacrosse Team at Carthage College where he also hopes to pursue economics. In 2012, Connor’s team made it to the semifinals of the Washington High School Boys’ Lacrosse State Championship Tournament. He was also named a U.S. National All-Star for his indoor lacrosse team. Connor is a four-year honor roll student and carries a 3.77 GPA.

 

 

Letter of Intent
Kimi Knight was one of nine students honored at the National Letter of
Intent Signing held Wednesday morning at Camas High School.

 

Camas High School honored several Papermakers on Wednesday as they signed their National Letters of Intent to attend the university or college of their choosing. A total of nine seniors were present to sign their letters and say a few words about their choices. The nine students are scholar-athletes and have worked hard throughout their high school career to maintain good grades and excel in their chosen sports.

Here are the students that were honored:
AMEE AARHUS has already signed with Portland State University to play on their Women’s’ Softball team. Amee has earned her varsity letter three years. In 2012, Amee was named the 3A Greater Saint Helens League All-Region Player of the Year. She was also the 2012 Offensive Player of the Year as a junior. The 2012 season was incredible for Amee as she set records in number of hits, runs scored and triples in a single season. Amee was instrumental in helping the Lady Papermakers place fifth at the 3A WIAA Washington State Tournament last year. Amee carries a 3.0 GPA.

KIMBERLY KNIGHT will be taking her running skills to compete in cross country and track at Clark College. Kimi has earned her varsity letter in cross country (4 years), basketball (1 year) and track (3 years) with her senior season of track just around the corner. Kimi was a member of the 2011 and 2012 Girls’ Cross Country Team that brought home the WIAA State Championship trophy.

As a track athlete, Kimi was a member of the 4 X 400M relay team that placed sixth overall at the 3A State Championships a year ago. Since kindergarten, Kimi has never missed a day of school and will complete her high school career with perfect attendance. Kimi carries a 3.4 GPA.

CONNOR DYEHOUSE will be traveling to Wisconsin as a new member of the Men’s Lacrosse Team at Carthage College where he also hopes to pursue economics. In 2012, Connor’s team made it to the semifinals of the Washington High School Boys’ Lacrosse State Championship Tournament. He was also named a U.S. National All-Star for his indoor lacrosse team. Connor is a four-year honor roll student and carries a 3.77 GPA.
 
 
Letter of Intent
Roldan Alcobendas, left, and John Norcross, at the Letter of Intent signing.
JACK BEALL will become a Penguin as he takes his lacrosse skills to compete at Dominican University of California. In addition to lacrosse, Jack is a three-year letterman in football. Jack’s lacrosse achievements include 2010 and 2011 All-State honors, team captain for the last three years, and he was the 2010 point leader in Washington State with 108 goals. In 2010, Jack was an integral part of winning the silver medal in the Lacrosse World Championships for his age division. Jack is a three-year, Greater St. Helens League Academic All-League winner and carries a 3.89 GPA.
EMILY PONCE has already signed with Concordia University to play on their Women’s’ Soccer Team. Emily has earned her varsity letter three years with the CHS Soccer Team. In 2010, Emily helped her team win the 3A GSHL League Championship as well as the District IV Championship before reaching the quarterfinals of the state tournament. As a senior, Emily and her teammates earned a fourth-place finish in the WIAA State Championship Tournament at the 4A level this fall. Emily earned All-League honors as a First Team player in 2011 and a Second Team player in 2012. Emily is a two-year, Greater St. Helens All-League Academic Award winner and carries a 3.43 GPA.
DIANE DYRA will be joining her teammate Emily to continue their efforts on the soccer field as she has also signed with Concordia University to play soccer. Diane is a two-year varsity letterman with the Girls’ Soccer Team.
In her career at CHS she, too, has been a part of winning a GSHL League Championship and District IV Championship at the 3A level as well as a GSHL League Co-Championship this year at the 4A level. Diane earned All-League honors as a Second Team Forward in 2012 and was voted by her team as the Offensive Player of the Year. Diane has also received the GSHL Academic All-League award and carries a 3.26 GPA.
JAMIE CARTER will be moving to Montana to protect the goal as she has committed to play soccer at Carroll College as a Fighting Saint. Jamie lettered all four years as a varsity soccer player and three years as a varsity softball player.
As a ninth grader, Jamie contributed to the third place finish in the WIAA 3A State Championship Soccer Tournament. As a junior, Jamie was a First Team All-League player and named to the First Team All-State Team. As a senior, Jamie earned First Team All-League honors again, All-State Honorable Mention and was nominated as a team captain. Since her sophomore year, Jamie has been named a GSHL Academic All-League award winner every year in both soccer and softball. She carries a 3.92 GPA.
ROLDAN ALCOBENDAS will be taking his kicking skills to Cheney, WA, as he will play football for Eastern Washington University. Roldan has earned his varsity letter three years as a varsity football and soccer athlete, with his fourth season of soccer just around the corner. Roldan has earned GSHL All-League honors in 2011 as a Kicker/Punter as well as the Special Teams Player of the Year. In 2012, Roldan was selected as an All-League midfielder for soccer, All-League punter and Special Teams Player of the Year once again. Roldan also made the All-Region Team as a kicker/punter. Since his freshman year, Roldan has been named a GSHL Academic All-League award winner every year. He carries a 3.59 GPA.
 
Nine Camas seniors sign their Letter of Intent.
JOHN NORCROSS will be staying close to home as he will commit to play football at Portland State University on a full scholarship. John is a three-year letterman as a varsity football player. John led the Papermakers to the Tacoma Dome and a third place finish in the WIAA 3A Football Playoffs in 2011 and then at the 4A level this last fall. John is a First Team All-League athlete and nominated as the GSHL Defensive Player of the Year and All-State Linebacker in 2011 as a junior. As a senior he was selected a second time as the GSHL Defensive Player of the Year and All-State Linebacker. In addition, John was recognized on the offensive side of the ball on the All-State Team as a tight end. John’s leadership on the field was recognized by his teammates as they nominated him team captain this year. John is an honor roll student and carries a 3.83 GPA.
In May, Camas will be recognizing other athletes who will be moving on to play at the collegiate level. There will be more to follow at a later date.
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Vulgar Facebook Posting From Skyview Parent Stirs Emotions at Camas High; Leads to Police Investigation

Camas High School, CAMAS, WA — A verbal altercation, which led to a vulgar Facebook posting after Tuesday night’s Boys Varsity basketball game between Camas and Skyview High Schools has led to a police investigation, and made Wednesday an extremely taxing day for school administrators.

Camas High School (CHS) Athletic Director Josh Gibson said a Skyview parent became unruly post-game and said some “vulgar things” to several Camas fans. No players were involved.

“As I was helping wrap up the game I heard somebody yell out ‘Josh’ so that got my attention,” Gibson said. “I really don’t know exactly what was said, but the parent flipped off kids, and said some vulgar things about the fans. There was a mob of kids, and some of them grabbed me.”

Gibson said his first instinct was to protect the kids.

“We need them to be safe,” he said. “I had to get through the crowd to discover what happened, and eventually we went outside.”

Gibson said emotions were high and several people kept trying to get his attention, and that’s when a parent showed him the Skyview parent’s Facebook posting on their iPhone.

The post read: “Camas fans!!!!!! Worst in the league!!!! I hope someone shoots up their school really soon!!!!!!!”

 

Steve Marshall and Josh Gibson
Camas High School principal, Steve Marshall, left, and Athletic Director,
Josh Gibson, discuss Tuesday’s incident inside the CHS Gym.

 

Vulgar Facebook Post
This is the Facebook post that led to a police investigation.

Gibson said it was hard to believe someone would say something that stupid; that awful.

And it was serious enough that school officials were obligated to notify the police.

CHS Principal Steve Marshall said he and Gibson notified the police via email and phone because of the severity of the situation.

“It’s totally unfortunate,” said Marshall. “One parent loses control and we all have to spend time dealing with it. This situation absorbed my entire day, Josh’s entire day, and involved the Skyview principal, school district administrators, and the police.”

Marshall said CHS administrators had to discuss the situation and coordinate their understanding with their counterparts at Skyview and liaisons at both school districts.

“We had to make sure our response was coordinated and that we all understood each other,” Marshall said. “It took us all day. This took time away from working with students and faculty. It took time away from our regular jobs. It’s just so unfortunate.”

Marshall said it is incidents like these where “we analyze our response and look at how we can improve things.”

Marshall also said he spent a lot of time talking to parents who were worried for their children’s safety.

“In light of the Sandy Hook school shooting, people are nervous, and understandably so,” said Marshall. “You look at what this man has caused, and I’m sure he’s regretting his actions. A few words have a lasting impact.”

Gibson said “the whole day has been awful – we’re all exhausted.”

Local police officials said the Skyview parent and his son, a Skyview basketball player, both gave statements and are cooperating with authorities, said Clark County sheriff’s Sgt. Fred Neiman.

It’s not known if the parent will face any charges.

“We in law enforcement cannot afford to ignore them,” Neiman said, in reference to recent shootings.

Camas administrators said they are waiting for police to conclude their investigation.

“It’s been a long day,” said Gibson. “What happened was awful.”

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