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City of Camas to Begin Application Process to Fill Vacant Council Seat

Camas, WA —In response to the July 26 resignation of Camas City Council Member Shannon Roberts, the City of Camas will begin accepting applications to fill the vacant Ward 1 seat.

Interested applicants can apply for the remainder of Roberts’ term beginning upon swearing in and ending Nov. 28, 2023.  Applicants must be a resident of the City of Camas, Ward I, and must be a registered voter. The deadline to apply is Friday, Sept. 2, 2022.

At the Aug. 15, 2022, Camas City Council meeting, Mayor Steve Hogan will appoint Council Members to work with the City Administrator as the ad-hoc committee to oversee the appointment process, with the goal of having the position filled by the Oct. 3, Council meeting, well in advance of the Oct. 24, 2022, deadline, which per statute would require the appointment to be then made by the Clark County Council.

More information, including application instructions at https://www.cityofcamas.us/city-clerk/page/ward-1-council-vacancy

Applications are also available for pickup from City Hall, 616 NE 4th Ave.

The reason for Roberts’ abrupt resignation is unknown.

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Congresswoman Herrera Beutler Concedes Primary Race to Kent, Perez

VANCOUVER, WA – Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-3rd District) issued the following statement today after finishing outside of the top two in Washington’s primary election:

“Thank you, Southwest Washington, for entrusting me six times with the privilege of representing you in Congress. Ever since I was first elected to this seat I have done my very best to serve my home region and our country. Though my campaign came up short this time, I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished together for the place where I was raised and still call home.

“Many are things I set out to do: help folks who want to earn a living find good jobs right here, keep our rivers healthy and fishable for years to come, make our health system work better for those who really need care, allow the people here to manage and enjoy their land, and be a voice for those who have slipped between the cracks of government bureaucracy. When I took office, I said we could improve how health care works for Southwest Washington residents. I’m incredibly proud of getting the ACE Kids Act signed into law that helps more low-income kids get life-saving specialty medical care in this country, as well as legislation to tackle the maternal mortality crisis plaguing moms in America. And I’ll always enjoy my conversations in the grocery store with folks who want to chat about the landmark salmon preservation law I fought so hard for.

“Some were pleasant surprises, like growing my family by three wonderful children and in doing so, providing an example for other women that you can serve your country in elected office while raising a young family.

“And some were unexpected and difficult. But I’m proud that I always told the truth, stuck to my principles, and did what I knew to be best for our country.

“I’m incredibly grateful to you for this opportunity, and to my husband Dan for being a rock to me and our family through it all. Serving you in the United States Congress these past twelve years has been the honor of my lifetime.”

Herrera Beutler will complete her term in Congress, which will end on January 3, 2023.

Her concession now opens the door for a two-way race between two political newcomers: Joe Kent, a Republican, and Marie Perez, a Democrat.

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Living: How to Improve Your Mobile Home’s Curb Appeal

Mobile homes often have a reputation for being plain and unexciting. Many people may not consider them the most exciting or interesting when it comes to outdoor projects. However, there are several ways to improve the curb appeal of your mobile home. Here are just a handful of our favorite projects for you to consider.

Adding a Front Garden

Flowers and other plants are a great way to add some color and vibrancy to any front lawn and increase your home’s curb appeal. It’s a good idea to keep any large shrubs or bushes away from your home’s skirting if you ever need to make repairs or replace it, but adding some plants is a great way to spruce things up. Consider some of your favorite flowers or small trees to make your home stand out more. Aside from a garden, keeping your grass manicured and watered adds a more vibrant green that looks lush and inviting.

Installing a Deck

Many manufactured homes have stairs leading up to the front door. Consider installing a front deck if you have the space for it and your neighborhood allows such modifications. Decks offer a lot of curb appeal and give homeowners a place to relax outside and wave to passersby. There are many different size and style options when constructing your deck and varieties of stairs to grant people access. Consider investing in unique columns for your new deck to give it some visual flair for extra curb appeal.

A New Front Door

Sometimes the simplest way to improve the curb appeal of your mobile home is to install a new front door. Many manufactured homes have functional but simplistic doors that don’t do much to stand out—finding a door with an ornate glass design or color that brings out the rest of your home does wonders when looking for simple renovation ideas. However, we recommend picking a door that matches the décor of your home well enough that it doesn’t become too distracting.

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Tips for Being More Sustainable With Your Construction Projects

When you run a construction company or work as a contractor, you’ve probably had your fair share of construction projects where the client wants to use greener practices. Sustainability is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, and there are steps you can take to make your construction projects environmentally friendly. Read on to learn how you can be more sustainable with your construction.

Change Equipment

One way many businesses are transitioning to sustainability is through equipment. People and businesses are transitioning to electric-powered items instead of gas-powered and LED lights instead of conventional lighting. Small changes make significant differences, and those changes can also happen on your construction site. Using electric heaters instead of gas can significantly lower emissions, as can electric-powered tools. In addition to lowering emissions, electrical equipment is easily rechargeable and lasts much longer than its gas-powered counterparts. 

Think of Your Materials

One of the most significant ways you can be more sustainable in your construction is through your material selection. 

Construction sites are like many other businesses in today’s world, and there is a lot of waste. However, if you are thoughtful with your material selection and choose renewable products or ones from local vendors, your project will have few negative impacts on the environment.

Consider using stainless steel for your larger projects, as it supports sustainability and the circular economy. Steel is clean, durable, and one of the most recyclable materials you can use because it stays clean without the need for hazardous cleaning products.

Prefabricate Materials

Many construction businesses are transitioning from doing all their projects onsite to prefabricating pieces to bring in later. This practice reduces onsite waste and avoids potentially disruptive environmental factors. For example, if you’re working with sheet metal, the cold and hot weather can change the metal’s shape, making it look much different than the final product. 

Prefabrication increases construction efficiency because you’ll experience fewer roadblocks and spend much less time creating waste at the job site.

Be more sustainable with your construction by following these tips and incorporating these techniques into your future construction projects. It will help your construction business leave a smaller footprint, and you’ll rest easy knowing you built environmentally friendly projects well.

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How to Create a Productive, Positive Work Environment

People start fulfilling careers at their jobs. Therefore, it’s important to make the workplace a great space. Learn how to create a productive and positive work environment and implement these changes at your company today. 

Improve the Onboarding Experience

Starting a new job is difficult for anyone. And you can make the adjustment period better by improving the onboarding experience. New employees should feel like an important part of the team while learning about the workplace. Simple things like pairing seasoned employee with new workers, clarifying job duties, and sharing expectations allow people to understand the environment. Ultimately, better onboarding creates a good experience for new workers. 

Upgrade Workplace Lighting

Dimly lit rooms with little access to natural lighting aren’t ideal for workplaces. It may induce fatigue and make employees feel sluggish throughout the day. Luckily, a lighting upgrade can enhance the space. Follow the guide to commercial office lighting fixtures and select the option best for your workplace. 

Additionally, you can let employees take breaks outside to soak up the natural sunlight and return to the building feeling refreshed! 

Encourage Active Listening

Productive and positive work environmentsthrive on employee engagement. And the most common way to engage with colleagues is through communication. Active listening proves that you care about employee’s thoughts as you give them your undivided attention. Additionally, it’s important to encourage active listening among all workers. 

Create the Right Work Space

You can only be productive with the right tools. After all, how can a graphic designer do their job without a computer, or a cashier complete transactions without a register? Ensuring that your employees have essential tools creates the right workspace. 

Whether you provide cubicles, comfortable seating, technology, or other work accessories, employees must have everything they need to fulfill their responsibilities. This will improve productivity and daily operations. 

Prioritize Shout-Outs and Incentives

Simply put, people like praises from their bosses and colleagues. To create a positive environment, prioritizing shout-outs and incentives will encourage employees to work harder and undergo personal (and professional) development. You can give shout-outs during weekly meetings or reward star employees with gift cards or extra pay. 

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SR 500-NE 182nd Ave: Intersection Improvements, 10-day Road Closure

Vancouver, WA — Beginning as soon as August 3, contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will work to construct a roundabout in east Vancouver, between the intersection of Fourth Plain Boulevard, also known as SR 500, and Northeast 182nd Avenue. Crash data collected over a five-year timeframe between 2013 to 2017 showed that this intersection had a significant amount of crashes, most of which were rear-end or T-bone crashes. Installing a compact roundabout at this intersection will improve safety by reducing the potential for these severe types of collisions, while keeping traffic flowing through the intersection. 

What to expect

Once construction begins, travelers can expect construction noise and nighttime single lane closures throughout the duration of the project. Beginning as soon as Wednesday, Aug. 3, the intersection of Fourth Plain and NE 182nd Avenue will be fully closed for 10 days, for the installation of the roundabout. 

During the full closure, a temporary traffic signal will be used at NE 88th Street and Ward Road to help keep the traffic moving safely throughout the area. Travelers will need to use an alternate route and should plan ahead for delays. 

Why roundabouts?

A roundabout at this location offers the greatest safety benefit by reducing the potential for severe collisions, while keeping connectivity and improving travel efficiency through the intersection. 

Studies have shown that roundabouts are safer than traditional stop sign or signal-controlled intersections. The Federal Highway Administration determined that roundabouts can increase traffic capacity by 30 percent to 50 percent compared to traditional intersections. 

For more information about this project visit: 

https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/sr- 500-ne-182nd-ave-intersection-improvements 

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Kelly O’Rourke Hired as New Camas High School Principal

Camas School District (CSD) Superintendent Dr. John Anzalone announced today the hiring of Kelly O’Rourke as the next principal at Camas High School. 

O’Rourke joins Camas from Clark County School District in Nevada, where she served as principal at elementary, middle, and high school levels. In 2019, she supported schools at the district level and oversaw assessment, accountability, research, and school improvement.

“Kelly O’Rourke’s values and experiences are a wonderful match for the Camas community. She will bring a spirit of collaboration and rich experience leading inclusive, welcoming school environments,” said CSD Board member Tracey Malone.

Superintendent Anzalone stated, “We are excited to welcome Kelly to Camas and have staff, families, and students learn more about this engaging leader known for her leadership that promotes organization, discipline, focus, and flexibility.” 

O’Rourke is adept in many diverse areas of leadership. Specifically, areas of administrative collaboration that lead to increased student achievement, school improvement, data analysis, professional development and instruction, and designing systems and structures that build effective professional learning communities. She also has a proven track record of unifying diverse school communities through genuine collaboration with students, staff, and parents.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Camas High school alongside a dedicated staff, spirited student body, and supportive parent community. I look forward to learning about the rich traditions that have proven to build excellence in education and work to increase the trajectory of success,” stated O’Rourke. “I advocate for hard work, accountability, transparency, and clear communication.”

Anzalone’s previous position was Assistant Superintendent of Clark County School District in Nevada. He started his new role leading CSD on July 1, 2022.

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CSD Asst. Superintendent Williams Accepts Position at Evergreen Public Schools

Camas, WA — On Wednesday, Camas School District (CSD) Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Charlene Williams, a champion of student equity programs, announced via email she has accepted a position as Deputy Superintendent at Evergreen Public Schools. She has been employed by CSD since 2016.

This is her email: 

Dear Camas Family,

“It has been my honor and pleasure to work and serve alongside you these last few years. I have learned so much with and from you. I will be serving as the new Deputy Superintendent for Evergreen Public Schools and wishing the best for each of you as we continue on our journey to see and serve each and every student.

With love and gratitude,

Dr. W

Williams received WASA’s 2022 Columbia River Region Award of Merit for effective leadership.

“Dr. Williams has been a tremendous champion in the Camas School District, as well as Clark County, ensuring that our students and families experience equity in access and opportunities,” Camas School District Interim Superintendent Doug Hood said in a news release. “She understands the power of coming together to learn by listening to our students and families who have been historically marginalized, and by engaging our community in a dialog to reflect on our own beliefs, deepen understanding, and work together to create equitable systems and practices.”

Camas High School is also seeking to replace its principal, Tom Morris, who is returning to his role as Associate Principal at CHS.

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The Most Common Uses for Aluminum Extrusions

Many people don’t realize just how widespread and dependable aluminum extrusions are in their everyday products, appliances and even vehicles. To help you better understand how and why aluminum has become so pervasive, here are some of the most common uses for aluminum extrusions throughout a variety of industries.

Construction

As you may have expected, aluminum extrusions are a very effective and popular building material. They provide superb internal structural support, and you can find them around buildings in the form of handrails, door frames, windows and other various details. In fact, people often use aluminum extrusions for aesthetic design simply because they provide a sleek and modern appeal. Thanks to their strength and lightweight attributes, aluminum extrusions can be incorporated practically anywhere.

Transportation

The transportation industry has adopted extrusions in the creation of as many vehicle models as possible, and it’s quickly becoming one of the most common uses for aluminum extrusions. The strength of aluminum matches those of other metals traditionally used in cars, trucks and more. But more importantly, the lightweight trait of these extrusions makes them far more efficient. The lighter a vehicle is, the more fuel-efficient it can be since the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to move the entire vehicle. Think about how older cars used to be so much heavier because they used materials like stainless steel.

Industrial

Any industrial facility will also make use of aluminum extrusions as a practical and efficient material. Aluminum extrusions are very easy to craft and mold into specific designs, allowing for quick and effective construction of applications like tables, carts, manufacturing equipment and more. Furthermore, aluminum extrusion machine guards make heavy machinery so much safer for operation by reducing the likelihood of workers coming into contact with dangerous components.

Home Décor

Where you may least expect aluminum extrusions is in home décor. You may own indoor and outdoor furniture that uses aluminum extrusions in its construction. This helps ensure furniture is long-lasting but not too heavy to move around as you see fit. Extrusions are also used in art pieces or picture frames for that sleek and modern appearance the construction industry also takes advantage of.

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Things to Consider Daily: Eco-Friendly Practices for the Workplace

Taking care of the planet is everyone’s responsibility, but some of the biggest contributors to pollution are businesses — from factories billowing smoke to daily operations producing far more waste than the average household. To help your business stay green, here are some eco-friendly practices for the workplace.

Implement Recycling Programs

Implementing a recycling program requires a bit more effort than simply providing the appropriate bins around the office. Instead, take the time to educate employees on how to properly recycle different materials. For instance, recycling batteries requires greater expertise than recycling paper. Understanding how to properly dispose of different materials goes a long way in ensuring that those materials can be reused and kept out of landfills.

Go Paperless

Another great eco-friendly practice for the workplace is to eliminate waste by encouraging your workplace to forgo paper. In its place, make the effort to digitize data and information. Doing so preserves our forests by decreasing the need for paper and ink. And in fact, you’ll likely save a lot more money if you don’t need to purchase such materials.

Eco-Friendly

Add Office Plants

Placing plants around your office doesn’t just add to the aesthetic appeal; it also improves the air quality in your office space by removing carbon dioxide and other pollutants. We’re naturally disposed to enjoy natural elements, and you’ll find the workplace a lot more relaxing and stress-free with a bit of greenery around.

Encourage Sustainable Transportation

Finally, encourage your employees to get to work in ways other than taking their vehicles or by carpooling with other coworkers. Biking, walking, taking public transit and carpooling are excellent ways to cut down on the emissions from burning fossil fuels. In fact, as working from home has proven to be just as productive as having employees in the office, you could simply eliminate transportation all together and offer the opportunity for employees to work remotely as they please.

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