News Archives - Page 59 of 104

Camas School District Superintendent Lays Out Coronavirus Plan

Camas School District Superintendent Dr. Jeff Snell provided an update today about the the school district’s coronavirus plan. This is his statement, with some information from Friday, as well:

While there are no cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) associated with any Camas School District schools, the Clark County Health Department announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Clark County over the weekend. The confirmed coronavirus case is a male in his 70s. He has been in isolation, pending test results, and remains in isolation. The health department will release additional information as it becomes available.

The health department is not recommending any changes to the steps we are already taking to prevent the spread of illness. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation and in regular communication with state and local health department officials and with other districts in the region. We will rely on public health guidance/recommendations to make the best decisions for the health of students and families.

Steps the district is taking to keep students and staff healthy and safe:

We are evaluating student and staff participation in events that require travel outside of the district on a daily and case by case basis. In general, the district follows the lead of the host organization, and any additional guidance from public health officials regarding the cancelation of events. Parents and guardians always make the final decision on whether their students will attend events outside of our district.
We are reviewing planned district events through the end of spring break. We have a lot of events each day in the district. Some of those events are very difficult to reschedule, other events can be moved. The district and individual schools will be providing updates on an ongoing basis, so please watch for changes. Our goal is to reduce opportunities for exposure while continuing to provide events for students. It’s a difficult balance. Currently, the recommendation from public health is not to cancel events. Postponing events when possible seems to be a prudent path forward.
We are creating contingency plans should the situation in Southwest Washington and in our district dramatically change. We will, of course, keep you informed about any developments. If the COVID-19 illness spreads more broadly, we will follow the guidance and recommendations of public health officials and share this information with staff and families as quickly as possible.

Determining these plans has not been easy. Our goal is to minimize exposure while still providing education for our students. There are no easy solutions, and the plans we make are fluid as information changes. I will frame our plans in a series of questions and answers.

What happens if one of our schools has a known exposure to the virus?
Most likely the school would be closed for a minimum of two days while we do a deep cleaning and follow any additional guidance from health officials.

What about extra-curricular activities?
We will continue student activities such as clubs and athletics as long as school is still in session. Activities that take place away from schools will be assessed. Individual student participation is a decision made by families.

What about events/competitions put on by other organizations?
We will continue to follow the lead of the organization and any direction from health officials. Individual student participation is a decision made by families.

What about community events we host such as school carnivals or movie nights?
Events that bring the community, students, and staff together and are not time-bound will be postponed, possibly until after spring break, when we will reassess the unfolding situation. We realize that this can be challenging; however, limiting exposure when we can is important. Specific information about events will be coming out from both school and district levels.

As we watch the world around us, it seems inevitable that the coronavirus will continue to impact our operations. There are opportunities for us all in these moments to demonstrate the care and compassion that make our community such a wonderful place to live. We will continue to update you as situations change.

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

March 9, 2020/1 Comment/by Ernest Geigenmiller

Business, Featured, News

DeVore Sees Growing Demand For Dog Walking, Pet Care Services

Camas resident Heather DeVore loves to work hard, but she’d rather work outside — rain or shine — than sit at a cubicle or desk all day long. So, after a career commuting to Portland, DeVore has traded in the laptop for a dog leash, and she’s not looking back.

“Once the company I worked for closed down, I realized I should be taking care of pets all the time,” DeVore said. “So, I took an online first aid CPR course for cats and dogs. It’s been great! I now have several clients.”

Why pets?

“I love animals, especially dogs,” she said. “I rescued an older German Shepherd from the Humane Society. My son suggested we should adopt older dogs to give them a good ending. We had him four years, and he was just 10 when he passed away. He was a big dog! His name was Max. We called him Maximus Prime. His last days were great. We went to the park, he had steak and ice cream from Top Burger, played with all his best friends. He was so happy. I feel like he knew the end was there.”

Her service, which is called Heather’s Hounds Dog Walking & Pet Care, is about giving care to pets during the day while they’re cooped up in crates or kennels. DeVore said she feel so much better working outside.

“People have to work, and they don’t like leaving their dogs alone without exercise during the day, so that’s where I come in,” said DeVore. “We’re just having the best time. With most clients, I go over to their homes, let them out, and play with them in the backyard everyday. Some clients I take their dogs out on walks. It’s good for them.”

She also enjoys the different personalities. At one client’s house, Cash, a German Shepherd pup doesn’t want his sister, Adrienne, to have any attention.

“Adrienne just stares at you. We’re working on being calm when he goes into the crate, and calm when I put him in. Each dog has their own personality. I have one dog at home, Miss Myla, who is a German Shepherd. I’ve also had another pup stay at my house for the weekend.”

DeVore usually starts her morning with her own dog, and then at 11 she tends to clients. There seems to be a growing demand.

She’s also an avid wood worker.

“I build shelves, shiplaps, tub trays, and lots of cool things. I just looked stuff up and decided to start making things.”

Divorcing After 55: Healthcare Coverage Before Medicare Eligibility

Getting divorced at any age is destabilizing and has consequences far beyond simply ending your legal marriage. Often, one spouse relies on the other for health insurancecoverage. The end of a marriage, therefore, also may result inthe end of that coverage.

When the spouse losing coverage is over 55, however, losing health insurance coverage may not be an option. With Medicare eligibility up to 10 years away, it is important for anyone going through a divorce to proceed carefully and take whatever steps possible to maintain coverage.

In Oregon, lawmakers have sought to bridge that gap. If you are 55 years or older and divorced, you may be able to continue your existing coverage until you are eligible to enroll in Medicare or another group coverage. To take advantage of that, the law requires you to notify the insurance plan administrator within 60 days of the entry of the dissolution judgment. You must then elect continuing coverage with whatever form the plan administrator provides. More information can be found here.

In Washington, however, no comparable law exists. Without such protection provided by law, you—with the help of your attorney—will want to consider more creative solutions for guaranteeing continuing coverage.

Jordan Jeter is an attorney at McKeanSmith.

For example, if you are negotiating a settlement with your spouse, consider asking for them to keep you on their health insurance plan until you are eligible for Medicare. If your spouse is unwilling or unable to continue coverage for you, consider asking—either in negotiations or at trial—for a higher monthly support amount or greater share of the marital assets to offset your increased healthcare expense amount.

Although a more unorthodox approach, some couples even choose to remain legally married so that one spouse can continue accessing the other’s health insurance coverage. These couples reach an agreement as to all the terms of their divorce but choose to put off finalizing the divorce until Medicare eligibility.

If all creative problem-solving has failed, and you find yourself needing to obtain coverage after your divorce, you may be eligible for continuing coverage under the Federal COBRAlaw. COBRA allows a person who is divorced to continue theirexisting coverage for 36 months. Depending on how close you are to the age of Medicare eligibility, that 36 months might fill the gap. COBRA coverage, however, is expensive, and it is generally recommended that you try to get health insurance from other sources instead.

For more information on healthcare resources, please visit WAHealthPlanFinder.org or OregonHealthCare.gov.

Contact the law firm of McKean Smith today for a consultation. Visit McKeanSmithLaw.com.

February 27, 2020/0 Comments/by Ernest Geigenmiller

Business, Featured, News

New Furniture Store, Juxtaposition Camas, Opens Its Doors This Friday

Camas, WA — Juxtaposition, a home furnishings store located in the heart of downtown Camas, is officially opening its doors Friday, February 28 at 11 am.

Suzanne and Rick Ferguson have converted the former Camas Post-Record building on 4^th Avenue into a very stylish store filled with art, décor, mirrors, lighting, area rugs, and stunning furniture. The higher-end product at Juxtaposition is inspired by art and architecture with a transitional to modern look.

“We filled Juxtaposition with quality, timeless pieces and on trend artful accents that give the store a curated feeling,” said Suzanne. “I love the organic shapes; the dishes and I love that we have that mix. We’ve worked hard to create a total home concept with multiple lines for furniture, decor, home fragrance, stoneware, textiles, gifts, games, and lighting.”

Some of Juxtaposition’s brands include American Leather, Interlude Home, Ambella Home, Burton James, and John-Richard, which are made in the USA. American Leather is a line of high-quality sofas, chairs, recliners, and sleeper sofas — with a 30-day delivery guarantee from the time of order.

“I’m choosing vendors that are environmentally responsible, and this is really important to us,” said Suzanne.

The Interlude Home product line is inspired by fashion. We have several frames in their Quick ship program that can deliver in home in about 3 weeks.

During the renovation they were able to maintain some of the historical aspects of the building (which used to house a printing press) and have created a space that’s very inviting. People will want to hang out here.

Their official Grand Opening will be held March 13 at 5 pm. Stay tuned for details.

Lighting — Juxtaposition Camas has a lighting showroom.

Location:

425 NE 4^th Avenue, Camas, WA 98607

Phone:

360-834-1810

Hours:

11 am – 8 pm Monday through Friday.

Saturday 10 am – 8 pm

Sunday 10 am – 6 pm

Website: www.artfuljuxtaposition.com

February 27, 2020/2 Comments/by Ernest Geigenmiller

Featured, News

Camas Police: Security Threats Against Camas High Not Credible

The Camas Police are in full force at Camas High School today and during their investigation have found no credible threats against the students, school, or staff, says Camas School District (CSD) Communications Director, Doreen McKercher.

“We continue to work with CPD,” said CSD Superintendent, Jeff Snell said in an email to parents. “They have increased the number of officers here. We have also increased district office staff to help with phones and attendance. Please help us during lunch of being out and about and supporting students – thank you!

“Based on the tension, we will not be supporting a student walkout today. If you could share with students that we understand their frustration, but given the day I would appreciate them going to class at the end of the second lunch.”

Announcements from CHS Administration:

The College and Career Fair scheduled for this evening at Camas High School is canceled. We will work to identify a date and time in the future to support this event.
Knowledge Bowl at Washougal HS is still set to occur.
A number of families have elected to excuse their student from school today. Because of the high volume of traffic, and to best facilitate these family requests, students are being permitted to sign themselves out of school today. These absences will only be excused retroactively if we receive a voicemail or email from a parent. Please connect with your students or check their attendance in Skyward if you are unsure whether or not they are here.
If students are absent today and have athletic events, they will still be allowed to participate. If the event is away, they will need to back at CHS in time to ride the bus.

February 5, 2020/1 Comment/by Ernest Geigenmiller

Featured, News

Camas High Principal Sejkora On Administrative Leave After Bryant Post

Just a couple days after screenshots of deleted controversial Facebook posts related to the death of basketball star Kobe Bryant, Camas High School principal Dr. Liza Sejkora was put on administrative leave by Camas School District Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Snell.

The announcement came via email from Snell, which reads as follows:

CHS Community,

I am following up with you regarding the situation at Camas High School. Our priority is always the safety of our students and staff. In light of threats to Dr. Sejkora and concern from our community, Dr. Sejkora has been placed on administrative leave today pending the outcome of our investigation. We will continue to have additional staff at Camas High School for support. I appreciate your patience during this process as it has been a very challenging time. I will update you with any changes in our status.

Sincerely,

Jeff Snell, Superintendent
Camas School District

Snell is meeting with Camas Police again on Wednesday morning and will provide another update to the community.

Threats against Sejkora continue to circulate on Twitter and other social media platforms after Facebook screenshots from Next Door application users went viral and local news media outlets, including Lacamas Magazine, picked it up.

Within an hour after the announcement of Bryant’s passing, on January 26, Sejkora wrote the following Facebook post on a private page: “Not gonna lie. Seems to me that karma caught up with a rapist today.”

Within two hours, she deleted the post, and then wrote another, which read: “I just deleted a post. It was deleted because the comments missed my Intent. You are free to judge me for the post just as I am free to judge the person the post was about. Also — if you are shocked I speak my mind on my page, I am honestly surprised.”

Both posts were deleted, but screenshots were taken and started circulating a week later.

The story has been picked up by local and national media, including the New York Times.

Sejkora gave Lacamas Magazine an in-depth interview about the posts, and the aftermath. She issued an apology.

YOUTUBE VIDEO INTERVIEW

Please watch the full interview on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/nI6Vq-70htk

We will update you as the story unfolds.

February 4, 2020/1 Comment/by Ernest Geigenmiller

Featured, News, Sports

Camas High School Letter of Intent Day This Wednesday

Camas High School will be honoring several Papermakers as they sign their National Letters of Intent on Wednesday, February 5^th, 2020 at Camas High School North Commons beginning at 9:00 a.m. You are welcome to attend the event. The following student-athletes will be signing:

SOPHIE FRANKLIN will be signing to play softball for the Wolves of Western Oregon in Monmouth Oregon. Sophie will finish her high school career earning a very impressive eightvarsity letters from Camas High School. Sophie lettered all four years in both slowpitch and fastpitch softball. She has been instrumental in leading the Papermaker slowpitch softball team to two league and two district titles, along with two trips to the state tournament. Sophie’s fastpitchteams have reached the state tournament during all three of her varsity seasons so far earning a 4^th place finish in both her freshman and sophomore seasons, and a 7^th place finish her junior season. Sophie has earned GSHL All-League 1^st team honors all four years in slowpitch, capped with a Player of the Year honor her Junior season. In fastpitch Sophie was GSHL All-League 2^ndteam her sophomore season and GSHL All-League 1^st team her junior season, with her senior season still to come. While in Monmouth, Sophie will be studying social sciences and American Sign Language.

Parents Joe and Anneli Franklin – Placing 4^th in two state tournaments, and all the bus rides to state and bi-district tournaments.

BRYCE LEIGHTON is the next Papermaker kicker from a long line of excellence to be moving on to play football in college. Bryce will be playing for the Bobcats of Montana State in Bozeman Montana. Bryce is a three year letterman in football. He is a two time GSHL All-League 1^st team award winner, and during his senior campaign was also recognized as 1^st team All-State and the very first Papermaker Under Armour All-American. Bryce was an important piece to the Papermaker undefeated state champion team his senior season. While in Bozeman, Bryce will be studying environmental engineering.

Parents Ryan and Lori Leighton – Memorable moment was winning the 2019 Washington State Championship.

ELIZABETH PARKER is also headed across the river, and she will be playing soccer for the Western Oregon Wolves in Monmouth Oregon. Elizabeth lettered in soccer for the Papermakers three years. During those three years, her teams were GSHL league champions twice and finished with a 3^rd place state finish her sophomore year and a 2^nd place state finish her junior year. Elizabeth has been recognized as a GSHL All-League player during all of her three seasons with 2^nd team honors her sophomore and junior seasons and 1^st team honors her senior season. She is a two time GSHL academic All-League award winner, and will study elementary education while playing for the Wolves.

Parents Scott and Tamar Parker – Memorable moment playing for the state championship in 2018, and Coach Minders stories and his attempt to teach me German.

RUSH REIMER will be joining his teammate on the football team in Bozeman Montana to play for the Bobcats of Montana State University. Rush is a two year letterman in football and also received a letter for winter cheer. Rush has received GSHL All-League 1^st team honors his junior and senior seasons, and was also recognized as 1^st team All-State his senior season. His efforts on the offensive line helped the Papermakers to an undefeated season and the schools second state championship in 2019. While playing for the Bobcats, Rush will be studying engineering.

Parents Eric and Jamie Reimer – Memorable moment winning the state championship in 2019.

Camas High School — www.VixonCabinets.com

ALEXZANDER SAMODUROV will be traveling further than any Papermaker has traveled as he will be playing soccer for Liverpool John Moores University in Brownlow Hill Liverpool United Kingdom. Alexzander will be a four season letterman for the Papermakers lettering in soccer for three seasons and lettered in cross country one season. He has been recognized as GHSL All-League 1^st team his sophomore and junior seasons with still his senior season to play. Alexzander also received All-Region selection his junior season for leading the GSHL in assists on the season. In Liverpool Alexzander plans to study engineering.

Parents Cliff and Jennifer Samodurov – Memorable moment goal against Issaquah in the 2019 season.

RILEY SINCLAIR is our first Papermaker baseball player to sign in 2020. Riley will be playing for the Redhawks of Seattle University in Seattle next year. Riley will end up a three year letterman for the Papermakers, and led his team to a GSHL league championship, district championship and an appearance in the state tournament his junior season. He was selected as GSHL All-League 1^st team and 1^st team All-State his junior season with his senior season still yet to play. Riley will study sports science and physical therapy while attending school in Seattle.

Parents Eric and Marin Sinclair – Memorable moment sweeping Skyview High School junior season.

TRISTAN SOUZA will be headed east to play football for the Cougars of Washington State University. Tristan is also a three year letterman for the Papermakers and will leave Camas High School as a state champion winning a league and state championship during his senior season in 2019. Tristan has received high recognition playing on both offense and defense for the Papermakers. He is a GSHL All-League 1^st team offensive and defensive lineman, along with an All-Region and 1^st team All-State defensive lineman. Tristan is undecided on what he will study in Pullman

Parents Aaron MacDonald and Emily Tanner – Memorable moment winning a state championship in 2019.

CAADYN STEPHEN is the third Papermaker offensive lineman to be recognized today, as he will be playing football in Los Angeles California for the University of Southern California Trojans. Caadyn played his freshman and sophomore years in Anchorage Alaska before moving to Camas. He will earn two football letters, one basketball letter and one track and field letter as a Papermaker. Caadyn is also involved with the Camas High School unified basketball program. Although he was injured for most of his senior season, he played a large part in the Papermakers second state championship in 2019. While playing for USC, Caadyn will study business and entrepreneurship.

Parents Jeremiah and Camie Stephen – Memorable moment winning state championship in 2019.

LAURISSA TSUKIMURA is signing to play soccer for Pacific University in Forest Grove Oregon. Laurissa has been a part of the girls’ soccer program as well as the Camas High School unified soccer for two years. She is an honors scholarship winner, and has been recognized for several academic awards at Camas High School. While playing soccer for the Boxers, Laurissawill be studying education.

Parents Lance and Tish Tsukimura –

KENNETH WRIGHT is our fourth Papermaker state champion football player that is moving on to play football at the college level next year. Kenny will be playing for the Orediggers of Colorado School of Mines in Boulder Colorado. He is a three year letterman in football and a one year letterman in basketball. Kenny served as captain of the state championship team and is a four time GSHL scholar athlete award winner, along with a National Football Foundation scholar athlete award winner and to take it a step further he is also a National Merit semifinalist. While in Boulder and wearing Blaster the Burro mascot, Kenny will be studying Civil Engineering.

Parents Nick and Kristen Wright – Memorable moment winning the 4A team state championship.

February 4, 2020/1 Comment/by Ernest Geigenmiller

Business, Featured, News

Business Scene: Lily Atelier Launches New Website! LilyAtelier.com is Born!

For the first time in its 16+ year history, Lily Atelier, the iconic Downtown Camas women’s clothing boutique, now has a website — www.lilyatelier.com — which is now open for business.

When Marilyn Reed, Lily Atelier’s new owner, purchased the store in November 2019 she came with a plan to build on the brand’s success, which included a new website, store renovations, technological additions, and many other projects.

“We’re so pleased that Lily now has a website,” said Reed. “This helps us provide an ever better level of customer service, and it allows us to reach so many more people.”

The site encapsulates the Lily Atelier brand with vendor images and descriptions, sale items, product for purchase, a look at the store’s history and where it’s headed, as well a new blog to keep customers updated on Lily news.

“Our blog will build on our fantastic social media sites to include news about product, staff, store updates, and fashion tips. It’s so exciting,” said Reed.

Local Camas merchants have been very supportive of the expansion, and consider Lily Atelier a destination boutique.

“People come from all over to visit Lily Atelier,” said Carrie Schulstad, Executive Director of the Downtown Camas Association. “Having a website will help them reach even greater heights! This store is a great contributor to the success of downtown Camas. We couldn’t be happier for them. We are very grateful and thank them for their added enthusiasm and investment in downtown Camas, and for the increased engagement that they’re planning for.”

The iconic women’s boutique has become a destination venue for many of their customers, and many call in orders from all over the country as they are able to procure hard-to-find products. Lily Atelier is also credited with being a major contributor to the continued Downtown Camas renaissance.

February 3, 2020/0 Comments/by Ernest Geigenmiller

Events, Living, Local, News

CLUE ‘Case of the Missing Snickerdoodles’ Focus of Camas First Friday

Many of you love the game CLUE and now is your chance to play the First Friday version! Join in the “Case of the Missing Snickerdoodles”, Friday, January 3rd from 5-8 pm. Dress in CLUE inspired game suspects attire and get extra tickets to win!

First Friday Activities:

Find fun clues in participating merchants to solve the “Case of the Missing Snickerdoodles” and earn tickets to win prizes!
Get a FREE snickerdoodle from Cake Happy when you solve the mystery!
Art Receptions & Shows
Fun Kid’s winter crafts and Lego table
Get 5 free tickets to win if you dress like one of the characters in the Parker Brothers “CLUE” game!
Take a selfie with CLUE characters throughout town and enter to win for each that you find
“CLUE” will be showing at the Liberty Theatre at 8 pm
Earn extra tickets to win with every $10 spent in downtown!

Start your night at the DCA tables at Journey at 4th and Birch.

**Are you ready to create? We will have the last Little Art Camas 2020 panel pick up at Journey Church that night from 5-8pm. It will be so much fun and a great way to show your creativity!

Come put your sleuth hat on and see if you can figure it out! Start your night at the DCA tables at Journey at 4th and Birch.

A look at a Camas First Friday from 2018: https://lacamasmagazine.com/2018/11/events-camas-first-friday-features-gratitude-for-delicious-pie.html