Collin Kartchner, a Utah-based Instagram influencer who gained national attention for his #savethekids campaign urging parents to keep their children away from social media, has died.
His death Tuesday was confirmed by his wife, Elizabeth, in an Instagram story posted Wednesday. The cause of death has not been made public. Kartchner was 40, and lived in Pleasant Grove, Utah with Elizabeth and their four children.
He spoke to Clark County audiences last Fall in multiple sessions with parents and youth about the dangers of social media, and provided solutions on how to navigate today’s problems.
Three years ago, Kartchner started this would-be second career by making funny and satirical videos for his Instagram account about the internet’s obsession with perfection. Once, he offered advice on how to do children’s hair: “Supes easy. So, step one, I make the nanny do it.”
Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, who hosted this journalist two years ago as part of our #MarchKindness campaign, said Wednesday he was “devastated” by the news of Kartchner’s death.
“Collin was a great partner and warrior in the fight to protect our children and youth,” Reyes said in a statement. “His energy, enthusiasm and incredible ability to positively impact young minds will be missed tremendously. Our deepest sympathies along with our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
Kartchner turned his Instagram account into a #savethekids campaign after learning about a teen suicide. The attention he gave to fighting the ills of social media morphed into a national movement, and Kartchner traveled the nation to give presentations and speeches.
Audiences were always left with solutions after each event.
Washougal, WA — Washougal High School Associated Student Body leaders are putting 21st Century Skills to use as they work to reimagine their role to unite and inspire classmates. Gone are the tried and true pep assemblies, spirit activities, work parties and school events.
Ethan Mills, WHS ASB President, said it is a challenge for ASB to do their job to help students feel spirit and unite a school community when everyone is learning remotely. “We have been isolated for a long time,” he said. “For me, I’m definitely more of an in-person leader and it’s hard to feed off the energy of others when you are just on camera. I’ve learned that you just have to put yourself out there and do your best no matter what the situation is.”
According to WHS ASB Advisor, Kyla Ritchey, there were many discussions on how to shift the group’s thinking for this school year. “Before the school year started the class met to discuss what we should do and how they are going to best serve their students’ needs as well as the Washougal Community,” she said. “What impressed me about the students was their honesty. They had no idea where to start but felt the need to help. It was from this conversation that the idea of multiple surveys throughout the year would be the best way to gauge the needs of the WHS students.”
The first survey was given out before school started and ASB is using this data to drive the work that is being done. “The surveys collected different points of views from the student body,” said ASB Senior Senator, Briahna Ruth. “It was important to us to try and hear from as many students as possible since we are all learning remotely.”
“A possible benefit to this situation is that, I believe, we are understanding more of our student body’s needs and their expectation,” added Mills. “Through our survey there are more voices being heard.”
WHS ASB students recently split into three project groups that were determined from the collected data. Each group is assigned a specific area of concern that came up frequently in the survey. They are social opportunities, communication, and resources. With the help from partner organization, Unite! Washougal Coalition, a “mantra” was created for students to consider as they work on creating their projects. It is to “connect, grow, and be well.”
“Students will need to be able to explain how each project will help WHS students and staff feel connected, grow as an individual, and continue to be well whether that is mentally or physically,” Ritchey said. “While projects have not been determined yet, there are a lot of great ideas being thrown around right now.”
A major challenge for the group is getting to know one another and working together in this time of social distancing and remote learning. “Typically, they would see each other every day during class and multiple times over the weekend when working on events,” Ritchey said. “If they had a question, they could find each other at lunch or before school to get the answers. Currently, they only see each other twice a week during Zoom meetings. We are still working on community building and feeling comfortable working together.”
Students are also being challenged to think outside of the box. “These kids have great ideas,” said Ritchey. “Some of the ideas though we just aren’t able to do for a multitude of reasons. Instead of giving up on the idea, I have encouraged them to think outside of the box to make some changes to the idea that would make it work. It may not be the exact picture they had in their heads but at the end of the day, it will accomplish their overall goal.”
“Our role as ASB, especially for the younger grades, is to help them keep in mind that they will be getting back to class,” explained Ruth. “There are still good things to look forward to.” For instance, the group is working on ways to celebrate virtual spirit weeks, development of a kindness week, exploring socially distanced events when it is safe to do so and plans to reimagine the annual Stuff the Bus food drive.
The biggest challenge for Ritchey as their advisor is to keep the students motivated. “A lot of them feel overwhelmed and hopeless, this was not the year they had pictured,” she admits. “I try to keep it positive during class, encourage them, and let them know that even though it may not look the same, we can still create some new experiences and traditions.”
Overall, the WHS ASB students have shown resilience time and time again. “Whether it be the laughs we share instead of showing frustration in the situation, or finding common ground when disagreeing on a topic,” said Ritchey. “These kids are really great and impress me more and more every time we meet. Being a student leader during this time is more of a challenge than ever before, but I couldn’t pick a better group of students to work with.”
“This is definitely a challenging year, and everything is harder to get done since we are not all together in person,” said Mills. “I am learning a lot about leadership and resilience that should help us all prepare for our futures.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/21165022/D050CE50-1602-41A9-AC7E-D107949DD378.jpeg7591182Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-10-21 17:02:442020-10-21 17:02:53Washougal High ASB Approaches Role Differently During Remote Learning
This is our Question and Answer session with Representative Larry Hoff (LD-18), a Republican who is serving in his first legislative term.
Question 1: Why should the people of the 18th District re-elect you?
It’s my experience. There’s a major difference between being a candidate and the experience of working in the Legislature. I’ve worked hard in the Legislature and I brought my experience leading my credit union, when we faced the 2008-09 recession, to work in Olympia. I know how to cut budgets and work through financial challenges. We need that kind of experience in Olympia now.
We don’t need a college professor. It’s a tough time for a new candidate to be productive. We need someone with budget writing experience. The state budget is $9 billion in the hole. Unless we allow ourselves to be taxed to death, then we have to cut.
Government continues to grow like the blob that swallowed New York. The whole emphasis in Olympia is more. These are good people, they’re just looking out for their departments, but we can still serve our citizens with less money, less taxation.
Question 2: What have your two years in Olympia taught you?
They taught me that a total one-party control of all the aspects of government is not healthy. The ability to find middle ground and common sense solutions doesn’t exist. I’ve introduced bills with Democrat support. Too many bills are straight line Republican/Democrat. If there was more of an ability to form again some compromise solutions the state would be better off. I believe in that strongly.
It’s too easy to believe one party’s opinions are always right and that there’s no middle ground.
In 2017-18 there was a GOP majority coalition. Right now, they have 57-41 so some moderate Democrats have been voting with the Republicans. They can let two or three of their moderate Democrats off the hook. Right now the Democrat caucus is split. If we were closer those discussions would have to be stronger. It’s healthy to have stronger dialogue.
If I’ve learned anything, I’ve learned that a majority/minority split makes a big difference. We have factions of the local GOP party that want a Democrat to represent the 18th LD (referring to the Senator Ann Rivers race).
Ann is still a Republican. We need those numbers to balance this whole structure out. If my seat went to a Democrat that would give them a supermajority, which leaves GOP without a real voice in the House. We have some districts where the GOP may take back more seats. We need a more balanced House.
Question 3: What are you seeing in the district as a result of the pandemic?
I’m worried about the mental and emotional well-being of our citizens. Store owners are just trying to figure out what is happening here. When can we get some hope? The science doesn’t support continued partial shutdown.
I met with all superintendents in Clark County and they want everyone back in school, too. They are having challenges with teacher’s unions. There are statistics that suggest a very large percentage of students who didn’t open a laptop in the Spring once they were home bound.
What they lose is their interaction. You lose the interaction from the instructors and the teachers. Online learning affects parents and the economic impact of that happening. Mom and dad can’t be at work. It comes back to the emotional leg of the stool on top of all this.
The virus isn’t seriously affecting people that are healthy. We need to open up the rest of our society. I know that our Governor is responding to a small faction of advisors, which is not the Democrat legislature. Key Democrats are calling for a special session, which requires 2/3 of the legislature. There are currently 25 Democrats willing to go against the Governor.
We need a leader that gives us some hope. I’m just not seeing that from our Governor. He’s very partisan, more so than previous Democratic governors.
Rep. Larry Hoff at a #camasunites check delivery benefitting the Camas Food Pantry.
Question 4: What is your position on SW Washington transportation issues?
An efficient and viable transportation system is essential for the economic and social well-being of our community. One of our region’s biggest transportation challenges is addressing the congestion associated with crossing the Columbia River. Whether making this crossing for commuting to work, engaging in commerce, or for entertainment/social reasons, our citizens are spending far too much of their precious time in traffic. There is no one easy fix to this problem, but rather a series of immediate and long-term decisions and actions.
Our local State Legislators have initiated the first step to disentangle this knot by coming together and passing legislation that begins the process of replacing the inadequate and outmoded I-5 bridge. They also, in this legislation, provided a pathway to address the very real long-term need to begin the discussion and planning for additional crossings and corridors for the future.
I whole heartedly support these efforts, and look forward, as your next State Representative of the 18th District, to collaborating with the rest of our local delegation (and Oregon, who now seems willing to join us at the table) in the pursuit of solving our transportation challenges.
Question 5: What’s your position on taxes?
I believe that we already pay enough taxes within a variety of categories. I also believe that many elements of our state government can be examined with the objective of saving taxpayer dollars. My business background gives me the ability to dig into cost cutting objectives while making sure that when we spend money for essential services, it is done in a fiscally responsible manner.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/21162849/3D235ACA-28C2-43F1-8A61-278923F296F7-e1603323479351.jpeg5921280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-10-21 16:40:522020-10-21 16:41:00POLITICS 2020: Q&A With 18th Legislative District Representative Larry Hoff
This is our interview with Donna Sinclair, a Democratic candidate running for Washington’s Legislative District 18, Position 2.
Question 1: What are the top reasons you are running for office?
My top reasons are related to watching the partisanship divide all around our community, and I want to bridge the gap between the GOP and Democrats. I’m prepared to do it.
I am super resistant to labels, I care about this district. I care about the future of Clark County. I’ve done a lot of work with the Clark County Historical Museum. If we talk to each other one-on-one, then we can put aside the partisan blinders. What matters is our families, our jobs, our health care. I think I can bring people together. I don’t like the labels.
My family is very Libertarian, especially my East Coast family.
I want to start with building a vocational technical center out in the north part of Clark County. That will help us. I currently serve on the Washougal School Board. I know what’s happening at all levels. I want to build this center as an infrastructure investment. That would be a priority for me for a lot of reasons.
We need to improve our infrastructure, increase broadband capacity so people have better access to the Internet. Affordable health care is a priority.
We need an economy that will work for all of us. My background is from a working class family. I grew up waiting tables. I know what it’s like to be a waitress. I will advocate for small businesses.
Question 2: How does your experience qualify you for this position?
I’m an Oral Historian and ran a business out of my home, and I’ve juggled multiple part time jobs, so health care is a big deal for me. I will advocate for health care. Right now, I have health care because I teach at Western Oregon University and that’s very helpful.
The state passed the public option last year, and that was a good thing. My opponent voted against it. Those are the kinds of things we need to do with this complex health care system that is such a mess. The cost of insurance has gotten really high.
Question 3: How do we get past this pandemic?
I see that most people are wearing face masks, but not everyone is wearing them, and some aren’t wearing them correctly — pulled down below the noses. Most of transmission is happening in small groups. I see people in small groups taking photos, but they get spread and don’t even know it. We are living it right now. We know what the patterns are.
Question 4: You work as an Oral Historian. What does your job entail?
An Oral Historian is someone who records the memory of people about past experiences. It’s a great job, I love it. As a young single mom and I went to school and learned about public history and I made money by transcribing oral history interviews. I ran major oral history programs. I have learned so much. They go into archives and get preserved for hundreds of years.
Question 5: What has serving on the Washougal School Board taught you?
I have been there since 2017 and I think that it’s prepared me to understand the complexity of education funding. I know what it’s like to have a child here in this school district. These are the kinds of experiences I can add to the table. I see how it works.
Question 6: Why should citizens of the 18th Legislative District vote for you?
I hope that people will consider voting for me because I understand communities. I have a working class background that is combined with policy education. I have lived through poverty, a lack of access to health care, and I think I can hear people differently than perhaps other legislators that haven’t experienced those things.
I want us to be able to work together.
I think it would be beneficial to the 18th to have a Democrat in the legislature who could bring issues on behalf of our district to the majority party. I think I would be able to work with Ann Rivers (if she wins), because I’ve met her. She’s a former teacher and has been willing to work across party lines when it benefits the public. I appreciate that. I think that would be possible because, as a school board member, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with her several times and have had experiences in which we seemed to be connecting on issues that could help with problem solving. I think it would be possible to get to know one another better and put forward some legislation that would benefit the district.
You have to listen to people. We have to recognize people are human. We need to see across the spectrum regardless of who we talk to you.
Question 7: What is your position on transportation issues?
Transportation is another reason I think it would be beneficial to have a Democrat in the 18th – to bring the resources back to the district. I know that bipartisan efforts have begun on the I-5 bridge. That needs to continue. I’d like to see an east county bridge to Gresham, eventually, but it doesn’t just happen because we say we want it. That sort of long-term transportation planning requires developing partnership relationships across the river and getting buy-in. I understand those planning processes and would initiate it when elected. As someone who has spent hours sitting on the bridge, wasting my time and money, I am committed to doing what it takes to reduce the waste.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/22182659/2457A8E4-55DA-4BA5-A87E-D272FB9903AC.jpeg532955Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-10-21 16:39:202020-10-22 18:29:10POLITICS 2020: Q&A With 18th Legislative District Candidate Donna Sinclair
OLYMPIA, WA – Governor Jay Inslee announced new COVID-19 restrictions Tuesday to slow the spread of coronavirus at college residential facilities, including face masks in living spaces, limits on visitors, and on the number of people allowed in sleeping rooms.
“We’ve just got to get these spikes under control,” Inslee said during the afternoon news conference.
He cited 800 new coronavirus cases tracing back to college dorms and apartments at the University of Washington campus, Washington State University and at other colleges statewide.
As of Monday, 601 University of Washington students have been diagnosed with coronavirus, including 295 cases at 18 fraternities and sororities on the university’s Greek row, which Inslee addressed today.
Washington State University administrators have been cracking down on large parties.
The new mandates announced Tuesday by Inslee include:
Face masks are required at all times at college residential facilities, except outside dorms or bedrooms.
No more than two people are allowed per bedroom – no congregate sleeping porches are allowed.
Visitation is limited to five people outside of the house at one time (must be masked and physically distanced).
Only one visitor is allowed in a dorm or bedroom (must be masked and physically distanced).
Only five people or visitors are allowed at one time in one place. He said there will be no Apple Cup watching with more than five people (must be masked and physically distanced).
Colleges must provide isolation and quarantine facilities to Greek system houses, off-campus congregate houses, students living in dorms and personnel if they don’t have a place to go.
For institutions without residential facilities, plans must be developed with the relevant local health jurisdiction to address isolation and/or quarantine needs among any of their staff and students who are unable to isolate or quarantine in their usual residence.
All meals must follow current guidance – grab-and-go or single tables.
The new measures also include suggestions on public safety enforcement agency partnerships.
The Department of Health warns of a possible new wave of infections this Fall and Winter if people do not take necessary precautions.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20201646/C084E05F-F56E-48F7-BB61-ED43511B94BE.jpeg370620Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-10-20 20:32:192020-10-20 20:32:28COVID-19: Governor Inslee Mandates Face Masks Inside College Living Spaces
Citizens can vote October 20th-30th: You can cast your vote for the 2020 Camas Dog Mayor by donating a sum of money towards your favorite candidate. The winner will be determined by which dog has raised the most money. All proceeds will be donated to the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society, and the Southwest Washington Humane Society. On November 2nd, the 2020 Camas Dog Mayor will be announced at the All Paws On Deck website, and all of their social media pages. You can take a glance at dog candidates by clicking here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16ao9-_qPZz4p5Pq8_Chn8m7nuocwGGTn/view and get to know them a little more by clicking https://all-paws-on-deck.webnode.com/dog-mayor/
During our campaign we will also be having challenges, treat recipes, contests, and activities on our social media pages! You may even be featured on our social media pages. Click HERE to see a more detailed description of each day’s activity.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20141057/1D96D8B0-A20D-4021-9CDF-18D7C9A1D1A0-e1603229203620.jpeg5531280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-10-20 14:27:492020-10-20 14:27:57POLITICS 2020: All Paws On Deck Camas Mayor Voting Is Now Open
Vancouver, WA — Clark County Public Health released their weekend report today stating another 124 people have tested positive for COVID-19 – for an average of about 41 new cases per day (Fri-Sun). However, the department has removed 12 previously counted cases from the county total.
“During our data reconciliation process, we discovered 12 cases among people who live in another county and whose cases have been transferred to the health departments in those counties,” the department said in a statement. “With those changes, a total of 4,230 Clark County residents have tested positive for COVID-19 to date.“
Currently, Clark County has 150 active COVID-19 cases. As a reminder, the number of active cases reflects the number of confirmed cases who are currently in their isolation period. For most people, isolation is based on when symptoms began, not when they received the positive test result. Some individuals learn they are COVID-19 positive and only have a few days of isolation remaining.
There are 19 COVID-19 patients and nine persons under investigation (PUIs) for COVID-19 hospitalized. Additional hospital data is available on our website, such as the percent of hospital beds occupied and percent of beds occupied by COVID-19 patients and PUIs. The health department has also added data on the percent of ICU beds currently occupied. For more information, visit: https://www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/novel-coronavirus
If you were in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, please stay home.
“Even if you feel OK, you may still be infected and be able to spread the virus to others,” advises the health department. “We ask all close contacts who were around the person who tested positive – going back two days before their symptoms began – to stay home for 14 days from their last exposure.“
Close contacts are classified as follows:
Were within 6ft of the sick person for more than 15 minutes
Were near the sick person’s coughs or sneezes
Live in the same home as the sick person
Cared for the sick person
If during the Public Health case investigation you are identified as a close contact to someone who tests positive, you can expect a call from an attending nurse. But you don’t have to wait to hear from If you know you were exposed, help slow the spread of the virus by staying home.
As part of its on-going work on equity, diversity, and inclusion, Washougal School District is seeking up to a dozen community members to serve on its Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Team. This team will advise district leaders in identifying and eliminating systems, policies, procedures and practices that create inequities among students and staff.
Once the team is formed, it will begin an Equity Audit, supported by Assistant Superintendent Aaron Hansen, who will guide the group. The results of the audit are expected in early 2021, and will shape the plan for the team’s work moving forward.
To apply, interested community members are asked to complete a short application, including an interest statement, agree to the participation requirements, and return the materials by November 13. Applications are available at: www.washougal.k12.wa.us/equity
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/01180507/0CD700EE-52AE-476D-9774-E1856375EF0A.jpeg4921030Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-10-19 20:16:492020-10-19 20:16:56Washougal Schools: Seeking Members For Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Advisory Team
Camas, WA — Julie Bonaci Scordino got a surprise visit from Camas Police Sunday morning, who handed her three voting ballots that had been stolen from her Parker Estates mailbox.
Officer Debra Riedl brought the soaked ballots, which had been found early Sunday morning — with other stolen mail — by a resident near Klickitat Park, the Camas Police said. In total, nine ballots were found and returned.
“They opened up every individual mailbox door and my neighbor got footage on her Ring at 5:30 on Sunday morning and the guy opened every single one,” said Scordino. “Our ballots were in there. The police said they were tossed out at a local park along with the mail from several other neighbors. The police said four community style mailboxes were broken into throughout the neighborhood.”
The police said they were contacted by neighbors and they viewed surveillance video of the possible suspect.
“The suspect has not been identified at this time and the investigation is ongoing,” said Alisha Stevens, of the Camas Police.
How did they open up the mailboxes?
“They took a vice grip and put it on the locking mechanism to twist it,” said Scordino. “You can see marks on where they spun the locks on every single mailbox.”
Now, Scordino has to get new ballots from the Clark County Elections Office in downtown Vancouver.
“They are all wet,” Scordino said. “To get new ballots we have to go there in person, or we can print them out from their website, but I’d rather get them replaced. They didn’t offer to mail us new ones. At least nine ballots that I know of were stolen. And, now our mailboxes cannot lock.”
Scordino received much attention Sunday when she posted about the theft on her Facebook page. Some of the response was quite negative, which surprised her.
“My intention is for people to watch out for their mail,” Scordino said. “I give major kudos to the Camas Police, it was well handled by them.”
The Camas Police said mail theft is not uncommon and Camas officers responded to similar calls several times a year.
“In general, the suspects are looking for mail items that can be used for financial gain (checks, credit cards, personal info that can be used for opening fake charge accounts),” said Stevens. “In these cases the unwanted mail is often dumped nearby, just as the ballots were in this case. Camas Police would like to remind citizens to be vigilant and observant, especially with the upcoming holiday season. Be aware of your mailbox and those of your neighbors. Immediately report any suspicious activity to the authorities.”
The suspect and suspect’s vehicle caught on surveillance video.
This is a message from the All Paws on Deck Team and Camas DECA team regarding the Camas Dog Mayor Contest:
Our All Paws On Deck team would first like to thank each of the 35 dogs who applied to be 2020 Camas Dog Mayor. It was a very difficult decision and we wish we could have all 35 dogs be finalists. However, all dogs went through an extensive voting process in which our team narrowed the applicant pool down to 10 finalists.
Starting October 20th-30th, you can cast your vote for the 2020 Camas Dog Mayor by donating a sum of money towards your favorite candidate. The winner will be determined by which dog has raised the most money. All proceeds will be donated to the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society, and the Southwest Washington Humane Society. On November 2nd, the 2020 Camas Dog Mayor will be announced on our website and all of our social media pages. During our campaign we will also be having challenges, treat recipes, contests, and activities on our social media pages! You may even be featured on our social media pages. Click https://all-paws-on-deck.webnode.com/products-/ to see a more detailed description of each day’s activity.
Again, we would like to thank each and every dog that applied. We are looking forward to seeing who wins the title of the 2020 Camas Dog Mayor! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact either Esha Minhas or Ryley Anderson at [email protected]
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/15213540/1773CD5D-C441-4D7B-B2C3-1A47D986AA4F.jpeg7681080Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-10-15 21:54:512020-10-15 21:55:002020 Camas Dog Mayor Contest Organizers Announce Top 10 Finalists
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