Camas, WA — The City of Camas announced today that after reviewing public input and an engineering analysis, city leaders are moving forward with plans to construct a roundabout at the Lake Road/Sierra Street intersection.

City leaders say a new roundabout will do the following:

  • Improve safety and mobility by reducing the likelihood of high-speed collisions.
  • Reduce traffic backups, mainly for northbound motorists on NW Sierra Street trying to enter onto Lake Road.
  • Upgrade sidewalks and bicycle lanes.

The project is funded for design but not for construction. The City is currently moving forward with designing the roundabout and pursuing construction funding. 

The City will continue to share information during the design process. More information is available at https://engagecamas.com/nw-lake-rd-and-nw-sierra-st-intersection-improvements

Vancouver, WA — The Clark County Elections Office released the preliminary results of the August 6, 2024 primary election, and here are the results:

U.S. Representative, District 3

Leslie Lewallen (R): 8,984 12.00%

Joe Kent (R): 25,587 34.18%

John Saulie-Rohman (I): 1,813 2.42%

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D): 38,482 51.40%

Legislative Candidates, District 17

State Senator:

Paul Harris (R): 10,508 49.36%

Marla Keethler (D): 10,782 50.64%

State Representative, Position 1

Kevin Waters (R): 12,890 100.00%

State Representative, Position 2

Hannah Joy (R): 5,080 23.94%

David Stuebe (R): 5,593 26.36%

Terri Niles:(D): 10,548 49.71%

Legislative Candidates, District 18

State Senator:

Greg Cheney (R): 5,505 22.40%

Brad Benton (R): 7,554 30.74%

Adrian Cortes (D): 11,517 46.86%

State Representative, Position 1

Stephanie McClintock (R): 13,317 54.74%

Deken Letinich (D): 11,009 45.26%

State Representative, Position 2

John Ley (R): 9,362 38.28%

Phillip L. Johnson (R): 3,269 13.37%

John Zingale (D): 11,824 48.35%

City of Camas, Prop 4: 

Approved: 3,020 67.71%

Rejected: 1,440 32.29%

This proposition would authorize the City to acquire land and construct and equip a new fire station, renovate an existing fire station and acquire a new fire engine to improve fire safety throughout the City.

Elections Office Audit

The Clark County Elections Office said “Beginning at 10 am Wednesday, Aug. 7, elections officials will perform a hand count of approximately 600 ballots randomly selected as part of a manual comparison against machine results.”

For this comparison, approximately 600 ballots from the 3rd Congressional District race will be counted by hand, to check the accuracy of the ballot tabulation equipment. The selected ballots will be counted in the total returns on Election Day. 

All active registered voters are eligible to vote in this election. If a voter has not received their ballot, they should contact the Elections Office at 564.397.2345 or elections@clark.wa.gov. 

A voter may download a replacement ballot at VoteWA.gov. Sign in using your name and date of birth. Click “Your Ballot and Voting Materials” and then click “Get a Replacement Ballot.” The voter must print the declaration sheet and ballot and return it by following the instructions.

What is it about celebrities that always draws us in? For whatever reason, we just can’t resist a good, juicy celebrity story. So, for the next few weeks, we will look at the lives of 4 celebrities and see what we can learn from their stories. 

This week, we’re turning the spotlight on Michael Jackson. Even if you aren’t old enough to “Remember the Time” when Michael Jackson was dominating the charts, by the end of this article, you’ll see that he left holes in his estate plan that we can learn from.

Now, let’s dive in and learn how to avoid the same fate for your loved ones. 

It’s As Easy as “ABC” (and 1, 2, 3)

Before we look at the specifics of Michael Jackson’s story, let’s dispel a myth about estate planning: You need not be rich, philanthropic, or famous to need estate planning. You need estate planning if you own anything – even a bank account – and have people in your life you love. It’s as simple as that (dare I say it’s as simple as “ABC” and 1,2,3?). So, as you think about your estate planning, it’s time to “Beat It” past the misconceptions so your loved ones can empower you to do the right thing. 

Creating a Will Alone is a “Bad” Choice

So what happened in Michael Jackson’s case? His estate plan included a Will, which established trusts for his mother, Katherine, and his three children, Paris, Prince, and Bigi. 

Let’s stop because this setup already has an increased potential for conflict.

When your assets pass via “Will” (instead of via Trust), your assets must go through a court process called probate. Subjecting your assets and your family to probate can result in a long, time-consuming, public, and messy court process that can be unnecessarily expensive to resolve. 

A trust, on the other hand, bypasses the court process altogether as long as your assets are owned in the name of the trust when you become incapacitated or when you die. If your assets are appropriately transferred and retitled into the trust (called “funding” the trust), your estate can be administered privately and often takes less time than the court process. A trust can be set up and funded while you’re alive, thereby avoiding probate, or it can be a part of your Will. When it’s part of your Will, like in MJ’s case, it isn’t established or funded until after the court process. So, if you’re trying to keep your family from going through the court process, putting a trust in your Will completely defeats the purpose.

Since Michael Jackson’s assets passed via a Will, there have been ongoing legal matters in court, which still haven’t been resolved in the 15 years after his death. MJ’s family is embroiled in a dispute with the IRS, so the trusts he intended to create for his mother and children remain unfunded. Therefore, some of his assets cannot be transferred to them as he planned. It’s also highly probable that the legal disputes continue to cost the estate a lot of money. That’s money that otherwise would have gone to his mother and children. 

Taxes – A Potentially “Dangerous” Situation! 

The Jackson estate’s ongoing battle with the IRS is a stark reminder of the tax implications that can affect your plan and your loved ones. When it comes to taxes, you can’t think in terms of “Black or White.” If you intend to avoid as many taxes as possible, you don’t want to cut corners by doing your estate planning cheaply or independently. That could be “Dangerous!” 

Taxes can significantly reduce the value you pass on to your heirs, directly impacting your loved ones. So, our next lesson from Michael Jackson’s story is that the stakes are too high to attempt alone when it comes to saving money on taxes. Work with a professional who can advise you properly. We aren’t clear why Michael Jackson didn’t get the support necessary to minimize taxes and protect his estate from a long, drawn-out court process, but we know we can help you and your loved ones.

Avoiding the “Thriller” of Legal Disputes

The Jackson case also highlights the importance of choosing the right representatives for your estate. These are the people who handle your affairs after you’re gone (they’re called “executors” if there’s a Will or “trustees” if there’s a Trust). MJ’s family members have criticized the representatives for the way they’ve managed the estate. In particular, Katherine Jackson has alleged that the executors have been too frugal and are holding onto assets to maintain control. 

Conflict between your representatives and your loved ones is always possible. To help minimize the potential, we recommend you communicate your intentions to your representatives and loved ones during your lifetime. Consider holding a meeting so everyone knows your wishes and understands the intent behind your decisions. You may not be able to “Heal the World” on your own, but you can promote healing within your own family and prevent future conflict by opening the lines of communication now. 

Also, know that you don’t have to choose family members to be your representatives – even if you feel pressured. If you aren’t sure who the “right people” are, think about people you know who are trustworthy and capable of handling complex financial and legal matters. There’s also the option of choosing a professional representative, as Michael Jackson did, who might be more appropriate for your situation. 

Our two final lessons from Michael Jackson’s story are: 1) Communicate your wishes openly to your representatives and your family, and 2) Choose the right people to act for you when you no longer can. 

“You Are Not Alone” – We’re Here for You

By learning from the challenges faced by Michael Jackson’s family, you can ward off the possibility of a similar outcome for your loved ones. Your careful planning today can pave the way for a smoother transition of your assets in the future, ensuring that you can support your family after you’re gone rather than creating a mess for them to handle without you. 

It’s “Human Nature ” to want to avoid thinking about your death, much less plan for it. We get it. But we can live a more fulfilling life when we face our mortality. The good news is that you don’t have to deal with it alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way. 

We help you create a comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan from a place of education and intention so that your loved ones stay out of court and conflict and you can minimize taxes. Once you’ve created your plan, you can rest easy knowing your wishes will be honored, your loved ones cared for, and your legacy preserved. 

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation at Res Nova Law Firm to learn more. Contact us today!

This article is a service of Res Nova Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

Vancouver, WA — According to the Clark County Elections Office, if you wish to return your voted ballot in person on or before Election Day take it to:

Clark County Elections Office (1408 Franklin Street, Vancouver), available from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and 7 am to 8 pm on Election Day.

Or return your voted ballot to one of the 22 red permanent ballot drop boxes, available 24 hours a day starting 18 days before an election until 8 pm on Election Day.

Clark County Locations: 

Vancouver Locations:

Earlier this month, Washougal High School (WHS) student leaders were recognized with the 2024 Jostens Gold Tier School of Distinction Award for their work to improve school climate and culture. Riley Vaughan, Jude Maddox, Gavin Johnson, Mackenzie Olkowski, and WHS teachers Kyla Ritchey and Tami Grant accepted the award at the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference in Orlando, Florida on July 18, 2024.

The Jostens Renaissance School of Distinction Award celebrates schools excelling in fostering a supportive and engaging school environment. Schools can apply for one of three levels of distinction: silver, gold, or platinum. Schools must meet specific criteria to qualify for the Gold Tier level, including implementing the Renaissance Program framework for building a positive school culture.

“Positive school culture brings better attendance, higher test scores, and overall makes school a place where you want to be rather than where you have to be,” said Maddox, 12th grade student leader at Washougal High School. “We’re a school that recognizes you for doing the things you should do and rewards you for going above and beyond. I think that encourages people to do what they’re supposed to do.”

For the first time this year, student leaders at the high school organized a Renaissance Rally to recognize students for academic and extracurricular achievements. Student leaders measured the success of their efforts to improve school culture by using data from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) report card and interviewing students and staff. 

“We worked on planning the Renaissance Rally for a good two months,” said Vaughan, 12th grade WHS student. “We plan on doing that a lot more this next school year and I think kids are ready for it.” 

The leadership class also organizes the annual Stuff the Bus community fundraiser and a handful of other initiatives to promote a sense of belonging at school. “Stuff the Bus is when everyone comes together as a family to help out our community and brings us all closer,” said Olkowski, 11th grade student at Washougal High School.

Student leaders also have a voice in making decisions that impact school culture by participating in monthly Student Voice Council meetings with Washougal High School Principal Mark Castle. Student leaders also serve as representatives to the Washougal School Board to weigh in on districtwide decisions.

“Since 2020, our student leadership group has been implementing Renaissance program ideas to improve climate and culture at our school. This was our first year to apply for the award, and we’re all very excited that we’re being recognized as a Gold Tier school,” said Ritchey, Associated Student Body teacher at WHS.

In winter 2023, Washougal High School was also one of three schools to win the nationwide Jostens Culture Challenge for leading an initiative to express appreciation for Washougal school bus drivers. The group of students gave cups of hot chocolate, with motivational messages written on them, to bus drivers at the school.

Learn more about Washougal School District at www.washougal.k12.wa.us

Washougal

Washougal, WA — The Washougal School District is accepting applications to fill a position on the Washougal School Board of Directors. The successful applicant serves Director District 2, succeeding Angela Hancock, who resigned June 12 from the board.

Applicants must be a registered voter and reside within District 2. This appointment will be in place through the November 2025 election. At that time, the appointed board member may file to run for the remainder of the unexpired term.

School Board members are responsible for policy and governance of the Washougal School District and for providing direction to the superintendent.

The application deadline is August 27, 2024. For more information about the position, residency requirements, and application process, please contact Kori Kelly, (360) 954-3014 or kori.kelly@washougalsd.org. Interested applicants can apply online via the district website. Those who are not able to use an online application can request one from Kori Kelly. 

Director District 2 includes most areas of the Washougal School District north of the Washougal River. 

You embarked on your entrepreneurial journey with a seedling of an idea, nurturing it through the challenging early years with grit and personal sacrifice. Over time, that seedling grew into a thriving enterprise, a testament to your passion, dedication, and hands-on leadership. 

Your business has become an extension of yourself. After all, you are the boss, the visionary, the indispensable driving force behind it all. At least, that’s how it may feel. But even for a skilled leader, there is one uncomfortable truth to accept – at some point, you must replace yourself if you want your company to outlive you, whether through a sale, retirement, death, or incapacity. Paradoxical as it sounds, making yourself replaceable is the ultimate key to ensuring your business’s longevity.

The Paradox of Replacing Yourself

As an entrepreneur, you’ve worked incredibly hard to build your company from the ground up. Your business is your baby – the product of your passion, sacrifice, and commitment. Probably one of the last things you’re thinking about is either closing it down or handing it off to someone else. 

Here’s a reality check: no matter how indispensable you might feel, your business cannot rely solely on you to thrive in the long run. Whether due to retirement, illness, or the inevitable passage of time, there will come a day when you won’t be around to call the shots. If you haven’t prepared for that day, your life’s work could be at risk. Your loved ones could end up in court or conflict, and your business partner(s) or team members could be left in limbo. But all these outcomes are avoidable, if you plan ahead.

So, what does it mean to plan? It means you must make it your mission to replace yourself as the boss systematically. It seems paradoxical. You’ve worked hard to get your business off the ground, so why would you willingly give that up? The answer is sustainability – if you want your company to thrive for generations, you must let go of the reins, at least at some point. 

Think of it not as stepping down, but as the ultimate act of leadership and love. By planning for your succession, you ensure your business continues serving, providing jobs, and supporting your loved ones. You’re leaving a lasting legacy, a testament to your vision and hard work. What a gift you’re giving to your customers and your loved ones! 

Think briefly about what could have happened to Apple after Steve Jobs died. Had he not made a plan to replace himself, your iPhone may be just a relic today, maybe even stashed away in a box in your attic. Apple could have been broken up and sold off, or Steve Jobs’ loved ones could have been tied up in court and conflict with the other Apple shareholders. 

Thankfully, none of this happened. iPhones are still made and improved yearly, and new products have been introduced since Jobs’ death. Apple is still one of the world’s most profitable and influential companies. 

You don’t have to be as well-known as Steve Jobs and Apple to apply the same lessons. Replace yourself, and your business continues to serve people and enrich their lives. Don’t replace yourself, and your business likely ends when you do. 

It’s that simple.

Identify Your Successors

So, how do you go about replacing yourself? Start by identifying whether you have any internal team members to develop as potential successors, or if you’ll need to consider an outside sale of your Company, or possibly hiring for future succession. Don’t worry about finding a carbon copy of yourself, but molding people who share your vision and can build upon what you’ve created.

Groom these people over the years by delegating more significant responsibilities to them. Slowly but surely, remove yourself from the day-to-day decisions and operations and see how they progress. Provide candid feedback, guidance, and advice, playing more of a coaching and mentoring role.

As you release the reins to others, you’ll necessarily need to shift away from working “in” the business to working “on” or even “above” the business. This is the perfect time to analyze your systems and ensure your business has the right foundations for succession. If you aren’t sure you have the suitable foundational systems in place (specifically, your legal, insurance, financial, and tax systems), engage with a trusted advisor who can help you, like us, or even a team of advisors, such as our dream team we’ve assembled. 

Before I move on to the next section, I want to point out something important. Did you notice above I said “people” instead of “person” when identifying business successors? That was intentional. For the health of your organization, you need a full bench of empowered leaders, not just one person waiting in the wings. Cross-train multiple employees or family members, document processes, and get everyone aligned with your company’s mission, values, and strategic direction. This is not only smart but ensures continuity across the organization.

The Hardest Part: Let Go of Control

One of the toughest challenges as an entrepreneur is letting go of control and relinquishing the power and final say you’ve grown accustomed to. You have to fight against instincts of micromanagement and trust that your successors can rise to the occasion when you’re not calling every shot. The hardship and wisdom will stay if you relinquish that control in stages. 

This can be a tough mindset shift for entrepreneurs who have hung their entire sense of purpose and identity on their business. But it’s crucial for the long-term viability of their life’s work. After all, what good is all that success if it gets erased the day they’re gone?

Does it mean you have to check out entirely someday? Not at all! You’ll begin by establishing clear key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure so you can ensure your team is hitting their metrics and that you can monitor results even without being involved in the day-to-day. In the long term, you may want to stay involved as an advisor board member or just have your name on the wall. The point is to separate your identity and personal involvement from the company’s ability to operate successfully.

Make Sure to Formalize Your Plan

So now you know the importance of replacing yourself, you’ve identified successors, and you’re letting go of control. Formalizing your plan is essential so it will be honored and enforceable. How do you do that? Work with a professional. As a Business Advisor, I can guide you to document your wishes correctly and encourage you to think about death and succession and something you may have overlooked – your incapacity. You need a plan not only for what happens if you’re no longer around but also for what happens if you’re around but unable to participate in your business, whether it’s from a terrible accident or a severe illness. You’ll want someone who can walk you through these challenging scenarios so you’re empowered to make the best decisions for you and your business.

The Business Advisor Who Has Your Back

As your Business Advisor, I am committed to guiding you through the crucial process of replacing yourself as the leader of your business. This will allow your business to carry on without you and make a difference in other people’s lives. Together, we’ll create and refine your foundational systems and build a solid plan so your life’s work thrives for generations. That’s the secret to business success and the gift you give to your customers, team members, and loved ones.

Book a call to learn more. Contact Res Nova Law Firm today!

Camas, WA — Due to dry conditions from lack of rainfall and the inherent fire danger with this condition, Camas-Washougal Fire Department’s Fire Chief Cliff Free and Fire Marshal Ron Schumacher have issued a recreational burn ban in the cities of Camas and Washougal.

All outdoor fires using wood fuel are prohibited. Barbecues or grills using charcoal or gas and gas fire pits are still allowed at this time.

This ban is effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.

Here are the definitions:
BAR-B-QUE: A cooking appliance that may be portable or permanent. Use conditions: Only clean and natural firewood, charcoal, pellets, wood chips, manufactured fire logs, LPG, and/or natural gas are permissible fuels.

BURN BARREL: A barrel or other container used to burn rubbish and other debris. ILLEGAL – NOT PERMITTED (Statewide Ban)

WEED BURNER: A gas fired torch used to burn weeds. ILLEGAL – NOT PERMITTED within the city limits of Camas and Washougal.

OPEN BURNING: The burning of vegetation from land clearing. ILLEGAL – NOT PERMITTED within the city limits of Camas and Washougal.

OUTDOOR FIREPLACE: An outdoor fireplace constructed of masonry or metal materials and
considered permanent in nature. Use conditions: Only clean natural firewood, charcoal, manufactured fire logs, LPG, and/or natural gas are permissible fuels. Fire shall be attended at all times.

PORTABLE FIRE DEVICES with OPEN FLAME: A non-combustible device such as a fire pit or fire bowl or chimney that contains the fire. Use conditions: Only clean natural firewood, charcoal, manufacture fire logs, LPG, and/or natural gas are permissible fuels. Fire Extinguisher with rating of 4-A or greater OR a charged hose with a nozzle attached is required to be readily available.

Below is a link that provides more details about what is banned and what isn’t.

Camas, WA — This weekend, Leslie Lewallen, candidate for Washington’s Third Congressional District, barnstormed Southwest Washington, meeting hundreds of voters in every corner of the district. Following the tour, Lewallen released the following statement:

“This weekend, we visited more than twenty communities in the Third Congressional District, traveling between every corner of the district and holding meet and greets, visiting local businesses, farmers markets, restaurants, breweries, and festivals. On the trail, I am hearing one consistent message from voters – they are ready for a Conservative leader who they can trust to fight with President Trump and get stuff done in Washington. The Third Congressional District can’t trust Joe Kent, but they can trust me.”

What issues are Lewallen’s top priorities?

I am running for Congress in Washington’s third congressional district to bring sanity back to our crime-ridden streets, our schools, and our economy. When I’m elected, I will focus on securing the border and restoring law and order, putting parents in the driver’s seat of their children’s education, getting our country back on track, and making America affordable again.

You can learn more about Lewallen’s campaign at www.leslieforwashington.com

Prefabricate metal buildings with steel frames are quickly become a top choice for business owners wanting a modern construction. Their durability, flexibility, and custom options make them an ideal choice for just about any business. Let’s find out why entrepreneurs are choosing prefab metal buildings instead of traditional wood and brick structures.

The Benefits of Operating a Business Out of a Pre-engineered Metal Building

There are many perks of running a business pre-fab building. These steel-framed structures have greater structural strength than most other materials. Cost-effective and weather-resistant, these buildings can be constructed quickly, require little maintenance, and are highly resilient to extreme weather conditions.

Typically, parts to construct the building are delivered at one time, and they can be put together by a team rather quickly. These pre-engineered kits can be erected by a small crew so labor costs are minimal and operations can start sooner. This means less worry and stress for owners and management.

Due to the solid, rust-free, and corrosion resistance of metal and steel, prefabricated buildings are easy to maintain. These structures do not have to face the same type of wear and tear that a wood structure does, which is something that small business owners in particular can appreciate.

Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings Offer Multiple Custom Design Options

The developments in steel and metal structures as of late have made an array of things that can be done concerning pre-engineereed metal building choices in design, size, and customization. Not only can these buildings serve as storage facilities, garage repair facilities, places of worship, and smaller fabrication plants, but they can be designed to have entry doors and windows to welcome customers. One building can be designed to serve a variety of purposes and functions.

Cutting Cost and Boosting Green Building

When you choose a prefabricated building kit, putting it together is easier and reduces labor costs and the need for equipment. This allows for a more eco-friendly construction process and saves money. The prefab concept makes putting together metal buildings rather eco-conscious and lets you lessen your carbon footprint beyond construction.

The return on investment doesn’t end there. These prefab metal buildings offer owners increased energy efficiency. Energy expenses are a major component of overhead that many owners battle each month. However, prefabs can be crafted as air-tight structures that can include insulation, making them effective energy expense minimizers.

Additional cost savings come in the form of low-profile roofs and colors that can lower energy use. Furthermore, those who opt for customization can choose a cool roof system that helps dissipate the sun’s heat. Furthermore, these buildings are strong and not susceptible to many external elements. Along with the minimal maintenance these structures combined, consider a prefab for current or new business.

Looking to Make a Change or Start Up a Business?

If you are ready for an affordable, resilient, and environmentally friendly construction solution, there are ways to go about it. Pre-fabricated metal buildings offer endless possibilities for entrepreneurs and managers alike.