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Floods Video: Reader Shows Local Damage

Longtime Camas, Jeff Peebles, got a closer  look at the extensive damage the heavy rain and floods have inflicted on Forest Home Road, in the heart of Camas. He captures the erosion to the foundation of part of the road, and why the road is closed indefinitely. Thanks, Mr. Peebles, for your intriguing video report.
He said the heavy pounding of rain has eroded a sub-set of the road, deeming it unsafe for car traffic.
“I can’t believe what’s happened because of all the rain we’ve been having,” said Peebles. “It was cool to capture what’s going on.”

Historical Rainfall and Floods

The area has been walloped for weeks with very heavy rain. In December, the area broke all records for most inches of rainfall, topping the 7-inch mark that was set in 1996, when the Columbia River overflowed, causing extensive damage to homes and structures along its shores.
There was also severe damage to other roads that are closer to Lacamas Lake, which crested to near flood stage during the torrential rain fall.
Local government agencies created flood zone alerts so citizens could know what areas to avoid.
“The goal is to save lives and keep people out of harm’s way,” said Washington State Representative, Liz Pike.
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Landslides: WA Natural Resources Issues Warning

OLYMPIA, WA — State Representative Liz Pike, of Legislative District 18, said, according to the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the state is facing an extreme risk for landslides.
In particular, said Pike, quoting the DNR, Lewis and Thurston Counties are currently facing extreme risk for landslides, which are expected to be “frequent and widespread.”
The most recent forecasts, updated a few hours ago, show all Western Washington and some Eastern Washington counties facing extreme landslide risk.
The DNR warns that sudden changes in creek levels, cracking wood of moving rocks are strong indications of a pending landslide, and they recommend staying away from hiking trails until the ground starts to settle.
If you see a landslide or indications of one, the DNR instructs you to get into contact with your local Emergency Management Division. The direct number is 800-562-6108 or 253-512-7000.
Stay safe out there!
Go to www.DNR.wa.gov for more details and updates on current conditions.
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Heavy Rains Swell Lacamas Lake Boat Ramp

This week’s heavy rain has, of course, had an effect on local roads and bridges, but it has also caused Lacamas Lake to swell and crest the boat ramp (near the Lacamas Lake Lodge). Here is a video. Photos to come in another post. ‪#‎lacamaslake‬ ‪#‎lacamasmagazine‬

 

 

 

 

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Camas Christmas Tree Lighting Tonight

The annual Camas Christmas tree lighting event begins at 6 pm tonight with Camas School District bands and choir performances. Santa will be there. The City tree will be lit at 6:30 pm (in front of the Liberty Theater) and it just might snow.
The tree lighting festivities will be followed by an 8 pm special showing of “Home Alone” at the Liberty Theater. This is a great way to get family and friends into the fun Christmas season, says Camas Mayor, Scott Higgins.
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XC: Camas Girls Win State Championship

PASCO, WA — It was expected, but it wasn’t a given, as the Camas Girls XC team won their second consecutive State title on Saturday, which was their fourth in five years.

Freshman Rachel Blair finished fourth, covering the 5,000 meter course at Sun Willows Golf Course in 18 minutes, 10 seconds. Sophomore Emma Jenkins was seventh in 18:17, and sophomore Emily Wilson was was in thirteenth place, clocking in at 18:30.

Maddie Woodson and Kaylee Merritt rounded out the five scoring Camas runners, who posted a team score of 81 points.

Many of the girls also compete in Track & Field, as well as run for club teams, so they are well-conditioned all year long. Blair also said their team is coached well, and that although it’s an individual sport, the girls on the team work well together, and encourage each other to excel, and to do their absolute best.

The team begins practice before school even begins in September, and they always set lofty goals for themselves.

More details to come.

 

From left to right: Brooke Roy, Madison Child, Ellie Postma, Rachel Blair, Maddie Woodson, Emily Wilson, Emma Jenkins, Kaylee Merritt, & Alexa jones.comprised the State Champion Camas XC team.

 

 

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Football Playoffs: Camas Crushes Bethel

Camas — The Papermaker’s football offense spoke loud and clear Friday night in the first round of 4A playoffs at Doc Harris Stadium. And the defense screamed loudly too, in a 49-6 crushing of the Bethel Braves.

It was over by halftime. The fans loved it.

 

Wide Receiver Jordan Del Moral ran for four first-half touchdowns, and Camas scored touchdowns on their first five possessions. It was a fantastic game for QB, Liam Fitzgerald, who passed the ball to a variety of receivers throughout the night.

“We had a great night,” said Fitzgerald. “I hope we do well again next week. We’ve been putting in the time, and we have an amazing team here.”

Del Moral scored the first four Camas touchdowns on runs from inside the 10. He finished with 66 rushing yards and another 70 on three receptions.

Jordan Del Moral
WR Jordan Del Moral ran for four first-half touchdowns.

In the first half, Fitzgerald completed 16 of 23 throws for 237 yards. Among them was a 43-yard catch and run by Drake Owen for the fifth Camas touchdown.

Coach Jon Eagle, like his players, enjoyed the sixth first-half touchdown, which was a 51-yard interception return by Blake Roy.

“I appreciate how hard the boys played tonight,” said Eagle. “We work them very hard, and it shows. It’s also a reflection of all the coaches, and the support of all these great fans here at Doc Harris Stadium.”

In total, there were three interceptions, including another by Jared Bentley, who picked off a pass in the end zone. Jack Colletto intercepted the first pass of the second half.
Senior Sean Ramage is announced.

The Braves only had a net 19 yards rushing, with 142 passing yards, with three completions of more than 30 yards.

The Papermakers return this Friday at Doc Harris Stadium.

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Vanderwood Sworn in as Superior Court Judge

VANCOUVER — Camas resident Derek Vanderwood was sworn in as Clark County’s newest Superior Court judge Friday at an investiture ceremony that was attended by approximately 130 people.

Vanderwood, who has practiced law in Vancouver since 1996, was sworn in by Judge Barbara D. Johnson, as family, friends and peers looked on during the sunny afternoon on the sixth floor of the Clark County Public Service Center.

Derek Vanderwood is sworn in as Superior Court judge by
Judge Barbara D. Johnson

The simple, yet elegant ceremony included remarks by Johnson, Casey Marshall (Vanderwood’s former law practice partner), and Judge Daniel L. Stahnke, who all spoke highly of Clark County’s newest judge.

Marshall introduced Vanderwood and spoke highly of their professional relationship while sharing some lighthearted moments. He said he at first doubted that Vanderwood would be appointed to the bench, but never doubted he’d make a good judge.

“And here we are now, ” Marshall said. “Derek will do an excellent job. He’s very meticulous and has a great love of community.”

Vanderwood was appointed to the bench by Governor Jay Inslee after a vacancy become available through the retirement of Judge Nichols. Vanderwood will have to run for election in November to complete the remaining two years of this judicial term.

“We welcome Derek into his new role,” said Judge Stahnke. “He’s been doing orientation for the past week … and know this can be overwhelming.”

After taking the oath of office from Judge Johnson, Vanderwood received his robe, which was placed by his wife, Allison, a longtime Clark County resident.

“It’s been a great opportunity to serve so many clients over these many years,” said Vanderwood. “And my partners have been a great help. I’m looking to create new relationships and this is an opportunity to help others … and I want you to know that I’m committed to respecting all those who enter the courtroom.

“This has given me a chance to reflect on accomplishments, and it’s a wonderful chance to serve,” he added. “And I ask you all to look how you can serve our community.”

In her closing remarks, Judge Johnson said: “Judge Vanderwood fits in and truly seems to have a calling to be a judge. It’s very meaningful to have him here.”

In attendance was Vanderwood’s immediate family, including his wife, Allison, and three of his four children: Alina, Andrew and Tyler. His oldest two sons, Devin and Grant, are currently serving missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Peru and Dallas, Texas, respectively. The new judge also serves as a local LDS Bishop in Camas.

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Derek Vanderwood, his wife Allison, and three of their five children.

Much of his extended family, including his mother, Joan, and siblings, were in attendance, as well.

Following the investiture ceremony, the guests attended an elegant reception at Vancouver Hilton.

“It’s a great experience for our family,” said Andrew. “It’s a good change. I thought he would get it. He’s a great public speaker and it was just right.”

His mother, Joan Vanderwood, referred to the ceremony as a parent pay day.

“Of course, I’m impressed with Derek and his abilities,” said Joan. “He’s very fair and has many good qualities. I’ve always felt he had the potential to be amazing and live up to his potential.”

Judge Vanderwood has served actively in the community for years in his ecclesiastical capacity, as well as serving Little League and the Boy Scouts of America, among other organizations.

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Judge Vanderwood takes his seat among other judges.

“It’s been a fantastic day,” said Allison. “It’s really an honor to be part of this event, and I’m just so  proud of him. This entire experience teaches our kids the importance of community. When he was appointed by Governor Inslee, were were shocked, but very happy with the announcement. It was a surprise and surely a great honor. Derek will serve people well.”

Judge Vanderwood will continue his orientation these coming weeks, and will then be given a load of cases to oversee.

 

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Vanderwood Appointed to Superior Court

VANCOUVER – Washington State Governor Jay Inslee’s office announced Friday the appointment of civil lawyer Derek Vanderwood, a long-time Camas resident, to be Clark County’s newest Superior Court judge.
Vanderwood, a partner at the firm English, Lane, Marshall & Vanderwood, succeeds Judge John Nichols, who retired this month after serving 18 years on the bench.
“Derek has a long-standing reputation in Clark County for being a smart and committed lawyer,” Inslee said in a prepared statement. “I know he’s ready to take on this role and serve the people in a new capacity.”
Derek Vanderwood, of Camas.
Friday’s announcement was the culmination of a months-long process, which began last summer when Judge Nichols announced his retirement. At that time, Gov. Inslee posted a notification for application with a mid-September deadline.
Vanderwood was one of three applicants, which included Clark County Chief Deputy Prosecutor John Fairgrieve and criminal defense attorney Christopher Ramsay. Each applicant had the opportunity to present their case to the Clark County Bar Association, as well as conduct interviews with Gov. Inslee and the General Counsel.
“I look forward to this wonderful opportunity to serve,” said Vanderwood. “I’ll be wrapping up matters at my practice, which will take some time. I’ll likely start serving in this new position in late February.”
Vanderwood has been practicing law in Washington state since 1994, and has lived in Clark County since 1996. At his Vancouver firm, he focuses on injury claims, civil litigation, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and consumer safety cases.
One of his highest profile cases involved a suit against Hyundai for defective seats in which the jury awarded the plaintiff, Jesse Magna, $8 million. Vanderwood and firm partner, Dennis Lane, represented Magna, who was ejected from the vehicle during a late 90s automobile accident. The award was appealed to the state’s highest court, and was ultimately upheld.
Vanderwood, who is originally from Grand Junction, Colo., is married to Allison Teuscher Vanderwood, who grew up in Clark County. They have five children – four sons and one daughter – who have all attended Camas public schools.
Service to community is part of Vanderwood’s life, as he has been serving as a Bishop (an ecclesiastical leader) for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Camas since 2012. The voluntary, non-paid position requires many hours each week dedicated to serving church members and local residents. He also volunteers his time serving the community at large in other capacities, such as being a parent volunteer at Camas Little League, among other organizations.
Vanderwood’s supporters say, “He follows the letter of the law, and is very much into respecting individual privacy rights.”
“In the Washington judicial system there are two trial courts: District and Superior,” said Vanderwood. “Superior is the higher court and the distinction is in size and ramification. The Superior Court works with more serious criminal cases, as well as large financial claims. Over time I will be working on a mix of family, criminal, civil, and juvenile cases, and that can change with rotations.”
While Vanderwood has primarily focused on his law practice, he said he’s been drawn to serving on the bench in recent years, and looks forward to the opportunity.
He will need to run for election in November 2015. Each Superior Court judicial term is four years.
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Camas Teams Sweep Mock Trials District Tournament

VANCOUVER — Both Camas High School Mock Trials teams swept their respective divisions Thursday night winning the annual District tournament, which was held at the Clark County Courthouse.
The teams, which are coached by Liberty Middle School teacher, Jackie Hoefer, have been preparing their case for months, and now look forward to competing at State in six weeks.
At the final awards ceremony held Thursday night, Camas senior Zane Shariff won the Division 1 Best Witness award, and was tied with Sarah Kaufman, of Ridgefield.
Savannah Deoschand, of Camas, won the Division 2 Best Witness award.

Both Camas Mock Trials teams at the Clark County Courthouse.

Camas Junior, Matt Svilar  won the Division 1 Best Attorney award and Baylee Allen, of Camas, was tied with Cody Hipskind, of Columbia White Salmon, to win the Division 2 Best Attorney award.

 

The teens shifted roles throughout six separate trials about a fictitious murder care of one Rosa Bud. Both the prosecution and defense teams had to contend with the prosecution of Jan Jasper, who was accused of criminal assistance of murder in the first degree.

 

It was a tough case to prosecute, said one of the jurors, who is a real-life attorney.

 
During a final session in court.
The Mock Trial teams had to prepare prosecutions, as well as defenses. Each team produced documents and witnesses, as well as raise objections during witness testimony.
In all, eight high schools competed in the two-day annual event, which is designed to teach students how the legal system works. Real judges presided over each trial with real attorneys acting as jurors.
Camas was represented by two teams: Team A and Team F. The team A prosecution was comprised of Haley Kendall, Matt Svilar, and Zane Shariff. Their witnesses included Anna Roche, Thomas Hudson, Claire Parker, and Acacia Mays. And it was incredible to see how well the students prepared.
The Team A defense was comprised of Erin Tully, Matt Svilar and Max Urbanek. Their witnesses included Zane Shariff, Taylor Hudson, Emily Neale and Ewan Parker. 
Team F was comprised of Baylee Allen, Nicole Buckley, Beth Abbay and Matt Abbay, who served as attorneys. The Team F witnesses were: Savannah Deochand, Sandra Maszak, Colby Allen, and Matt Abbay (who doubled as a witness), as well as Nicole Buckley (who also doubled as a witness).
The Mock Trials program is not an officially offered course at Camas, so the kids practice on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings for several months. They do this all voluntarily.
The Mock Trials event itself is sponsored by the YMCA and has been presided over by Judge Lewis for 25 years.
Hoefer has been coaching the team for seven years and feels it’s a great opportunity.
“They work really hard and it shows,” she said. “It’s a joy to do this.”
Svilar was feeling great after his award.
“This was fantastic,” he said. “This was so much fun. I’m thinking about becoming an attorney.”
After each trial, the judges and jurors critiqued their performances, and provided guidance on how to improve. However, they gave the students many accolades and one judge even said: “You guys are better prepared than a lot of actual attorneys. Well done!”

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Camas Schools Closing Today Due to Inclement Weather

Camas area schools are closing due to inclement weather today. There will be no PM Kindergarten, PM Preschool, or afternoon/evening activities.

Students will be released according to the following schedule:

11:25 for high school;
11:45 for middle school; and
12:30 for elementary school.

AM Kindergarten will stay at school until 12:30 pm and be relsed with the other elementary students. Extended Day will close at 12:30 om. Papermaker and Step Ahead preschoolers will be released on their normal schedules.

For continued updates, please visit www.camas.wednet.edu

 

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