Tag Archive for: Camas

, ,

Camas Police Department to Begin Body-Worn Camera Program

CAMAS, WA – The Camas Police Department will begin a full-time body-worn camera program starting in April, Chief Mitch Lackey announced today.  The department contracted with the AXON company last fall for the equipment, including software and data storage, which is necessary for a body-worn camera program to meet the new state requirements for recording custodial interviews.  Now, the department is ready to take the next step and institute a full, body-worn camera program, which will allow officers record all their field actions.

In February 2021, Clark County Prosecutor Tony Golik, and the Clark County Prosecutor’s Action and Reform Committee, put out a joint letter to the community and all local governments.   In that letter, the Prosecutor’s Office stressed the importance of implementing body-worn camera programs for all local law enforcement agencies.  In addition to being a valuable tool for prosecutors, body-worn cameras also build community trust by demonstrating transparency and openness into the way police officers carry out their duties.  The Clark County Prosecutor’s Office hoped that local governments would work diligently to secure funding for this important tool.

Golik recently praised Camas PD for their quick work on establishing the program.

“I want to thank the Camas Police Department for their leadership in implementing a body-worn camera system,” Golik said. “The Prosecutor’s Office is in strong support of body camera systems. Our office’s mission to seek justice is a shared mission with law enforcement agencies. Our joint mission will be furthered through evidence that will be gathered by body cameras. Law Enforcement body cameras systems are a critical tool that will help ensure the public has confidence in our community’s criminal justice system. The Camas Police Department should be congratulated for moving forward on body cameras.”

While Camas Police officers possessed the AXON equipment for the more limited purpose of the custodial recordings mandated by the state, there was always a plan to move toward implementing a full body-worn camera program, which is the program that will begin next month. 

Natalia's

“I am extremely grateful to former Mayor Ellen Burton, current Mayor Steve Hogan, as well as the entire Camas City Council, for their support for this program,” said Chief Lackey. “Without their guidance, and budgetary support, we would not have been able to successfully bring this to the community.”   

Last year, the Camas City Council authorized a five-year lease with AXON for the equipment and data storage, in the amount of $311,168.00.  In addition to the equipment costs, there will be some increased staffing needs in the police department’s records unit who will handle the public records requests for the videos. The department hopes to add a full-time Police Records Clerk later this year to meet that need.

The City was able to fund the start-up of the body-worn camera program through a combination of general fund dollars and one-time revenue provided by the State of Washington for criminal justice purposes.  In addition, the police department has also applied for grants, however, no grant funding has been received yet. 

Over the past few months, the department administration and City management team worked closely with the labor group representing Camas police officers to develop a body-worn camera policy, which is a critical piece of the body-worn camera program.  The new policy provides officers guidance on when they’re expected to use their cameras, and in what settings that they are allowed to turn the cameras off.  It balances the desire by the public for transparency along with protecting individual privacy rights. 

Officers will now begin training on the new program in small groups and will start wearing their body-worn cameras immediately after completing the training.  Because of this, the community may notice some officer with cameras, and others without during this initial period.  However, Chief Lackey stated that all Camas officers will likely complete the training by the end of April 2022. 

The video data created by the body-worn camera program is stored by the AXON company and is retained for the period of time mandated by the Washington State Archivist.  Depending on what type of incident was captured on the video, the retention of that video is mandated for varying amounts of time.

“This is a big step for the Camas Police Department, and more importantly, the right step,” Lackey said. “Our officers do outstanding work each day in this community and these cameras will now document that work for all to see. In law enforcement, disputes do sometimes arise about what was done, what was said or what actually happened. These cameras will now create a video record that should help resolve some of those disputes.”

/0 Comments/by
, , ,

Team Mean Machine Wins $50,000, Encourages Community Engagement 

Camas, WA — Team Mean Machine and Discovery High School worked for months on the Power Pivot Project, which this week won a National Finalist title in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. 

This is a device that helps people with limited mobility. The Power Pivot™ is a portable motorized disk that can assist caregivers transferring persons with limited mobility between wheelchairs, seats, and beds. Unlike existing transfer disks, the Power Pivot™ provides rotation to move the patient without having to twist or apply force. 

In December, the team entered the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Competition, and won statewide. Then, in February they made a video submission for the chance to win $50,000 as a national finalist and $100,000 and a national overall winner. On Thursday, Samsung announced the National Finalist, and the Power Pivot was one of them. There is a bounce of $10,000 to the project that gets the most community engagement. 

You can vote for Discovery High School at https://www.samsung.com/us/solvefortomorrow/ 

Here’s the video submission: https://youtu.be/tTN3_SSdZ0w

Natalia's
Power Pivot
/0 Comments/by

Camas Photographer Lara Blair Highlights Ukrainian Culture in Latest Photo Event

Camas, WA — Local photographer Lara Blair wanted to do more to spotlight Ukraine, and decided to use her skills to reach out to the community and learn more. The results are stunning!

“I make myself watch the news with images of women and children saying goodbye to their men who stay behind to fight,” said Blair. “The unfathomable transfer of sick children from a hospital to a train car ready for escape–we just can’t wrap our heads around this type of suffering.  As they say, there’s no such thing as somebody else’s children. How can this be happening? These are the thoughts that lay heavy on my heart and I wanted to do more than just donate money to support Ukraine.

“I decided to put an all-call out to local Ukrainian women who might want to come to the studio to be photographed in flower crowns. My assistant, Erin, and I did research on how to build vinoks and we created five crowns for our models to wear. Three beautiful, strong women and two children came to create with us in the studio on March 7th. I was moved by their stories, brought to tears by the heartache, worry and pain. It was amazing to see them in traditional head pieces with shoulders back and sparkling eyes. I held it together until they left and then broke down with the heaviness of what comes next for them. What an honor it was to get to know and capture these women.”

Blair said she knew there had to be more “to make the connection with this beautiful culture. I’ve always believed art brings people together and communicates what can’t be spoken. My team and I were so happy to celebrate the beauty and goodness of Ukraine, if only for a couple of hours.”

Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine
/0 Comments/by
, ,

Alleged Camas Racial Slurs Investigation Finds No Evidence of Wrongdoing

Camas, WA — An independent ESD 112 investigation into allegations of racial slurs and taunting at a December 10 Camas home girls basketball game has concluded with nine findings, and no evidence to substantiate the allegations.

Investigator Gay Selby submitted her findings to Camas School District (CSD) Superintendent Doug Hood on January 20, and the report was released to Camas parents today. The investigation began after a December 13 Holla Mentors letter from Benson High School (BHS) Coach Eric Knox to CSD leadership alleging racial slurs (including the “N” word) and taunting from the student section during the JV and Varsity games on December 10 at the Camas High School gymnasium, also known as The Warehouse.

In her conclusion, Selby said “that some sort of inappropriate language likely was used by the CHS students, though no students could be specifically identified.”

In his letter, Knox said: “Based on my team’s experience in your gym Friday night, clearly you have a lot more work to do around fundamental principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. My team is solely comprised of young women of color; they deserve to be treated with respect and feel safe no matter what gym they play in. What are you going to do to ensure that Camas High School will be a safe environment for the next team of non-white students that plays in your gym? I leave this question for all of you to grapple with and I trust that you will do so.” 

Hood said his administration took the allegations seriously and moved swiftly to initiate the investigation.

Selby’s investigation focused on the following: 

  • Allegations by BHS Coach, Eric Knox, that racial slurs, including the “N-word” were directed by CHS students in the bleachers, toward BHS players, on the court. 
  • Interviews with CHS students, CHS administrators and supervisors, CHS parents and supporters, referees, the BHS coach, and BHS players. 
  • Two videos of the CHS-BHS girls’ varsity basketball game (no video available of junior varsity game) and newspaper articles, including Camasonian (CHS school newspaper) article, and social media posts. 
  • Review of any applicable policies and handbooks (CHS Code of Conduct). 
  • Review of applicable emails. 
  • Camas High School Code of Conduct (Camas School District Policy 3207), p.28

Nearly 50 people were interviewed, including: CHS Athletic Director, CHS Principal, CHS Girls’ Assistant Basketball Coach, CHS Cheerleader Advisor, CHS Cheerleaders (4), Referees (3), CHS Players (3), CHS Parents and Supporters, CHS Students (28, not including cheerleaders and players) Non-Camas High School Student, BHS Varsity Coach, BHS Players (2), and WIAA Executive Director.

Selby’s findings: 

“To arrive at these findings, I interviewed each of the persons listed above and reviewed two separate videos of the girls’ varsity basketball game between Camas High School and Benson High School on December 10, 2021,” Selby said. “Many adults interviewed are easily identifiable, students will remain anonymous. The students interviewed represent all high school grade levels, and were dispersed throughout the student section.” 

  1. Everyone associated with CHS, who was in attendance for the junior varsity and/or the varsity games, did not recall hearing any racial slurs or seeing inappropriate gestures from the CHS student section directed at the Benson High School teams or individual players. 
  2. Each of three officials (referees) interviewed stated they had not heard any racial slurs or inappropriate gestures from the CHS student section directed at the team or individual players. They further stated the crowd, especially the students, were loud and into the game. They noted there was an issue during the game that involved the Benson coach challenging the recording of fouls. 
  3. CHS personnel in attendance at the junior varsity and/or varsity games, located in positions where they would likely hear any racial slurs or inappropriate language or gestures coming from the student section, stated they did not hear or see anything inappropriate. Both indicated that if they had heard or seen anything of this nature, they would have talked with the student(s) immediately and taken any additional appropriate action as needed. 
  4. When asked how they would describe the CHS students during the game, many students responded as follows: “really into the game, loud, energetic, supportive, enthusiastic, rowdy” but nothing different than usual when cheering on the Papermakers. 
  5. When CHS students were asked if there was anything about the game that seemed somewhat unusual from previous games they had attended, several commented on the BHS players kneeling for the National Anthem and/or being surprised when the Benson varsity coach crossed the court towards the student section but was intercepted by the referees. They acknowledged hearing the Benson coach shout something at the student section as he crossed the court, but no one could recall what he said given the loud environment of the gymnasium. 
  6. CHS parents/supporters interviewed stated they did not hear any racial slurs or inappropriate gestures coming from the student section. 
  7. Several CHS students commented a person they assumed was a Benson parent, walked in front of the student section 2-3 times, but they did not recall him saying anything to the students. 
  8. An article in the January 5, 2022, issue of the student news publication the Camasonian cited a CHS student who stated he/she had observed the racist remarks directed towards the players: “A girl on the Benson basketball team fell on the court. While she was getting back up a group of boys said to each other, ‘Black Lives Matter: we stand with you’ in a mocking tone with their fists in the air. Then they started laughing. The student said the Camas students appeared to not think the players nor the coaches could hear them. They tried to just say it to each other … the boys around that did not hear it just laughed at the so-called joke.” This incident was not cited in any of the interviews with other students seated in the CHS student section. I do not know the identity of the student quoted in the school newspaper. The student chose not to be interviewed and Camasonian student journalists protected their source. 
  9. The Benson coach stated in his letter that, “Throughout the game, both during play and timeouts, a number of my players told me one-on-one that they were hearing individuals from the student section using the N-word to taunt our players.” My interview with the coach identified three Benson players who told him they had heard the N-word; however, when and where the comments were heard differed. The coach indicated that two players had heard derogatory comments while sitting in the stands during the JV game. They moved to another area in the gymnasium. During the game a third player reported hearing the N-word which led to the coach crossing the court and approaching the Camas student section.

An interview with two of the BHS players who reported to the coach hearing derogatory comments said they heard such comments when the team walked in front of the Camas student section when they entered the gymnasium following warm-up exercises in the cafeteria/commons. The players said they heard the N-word coming from the front/center area of the CHS student section. They told the coach what they heard and he told them “don’t let them get to you.” They said the first half of the game they heard a lot of “trash talk” coming from the student section, but in the second half they heard the N-word coming again from the student section. They said that it again seemed to be coming front/center and that it was a male voice. They believe it came from the same person. They stated these were the only times they heard the N-word. Following this incident, the BHS coach crossed the court toward the CHS student section. 

At the conclusion of the interview, the Benson coach was asked if he would be willing to work with the leadership of CHS in addressing issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. He stated he would “be open” to considering such if asked.

Selby’s Conclusion

“Based on nearly 50 face-to face interviews, including two BHS players, conducted in person, via Zoom, or via telephone there is clearly a difference of opinion as to whether inappropriate language, including racial slurs and/or the use of the N-word, by CHS students occurred during the junior varsity and/or varsity girls’ basketball games between Camas High School and Benson High School on December 10, 2021,” she said.  “It is not possible to reach a definitive conclusion that racial slurs and/or inappropriate gestures were directed towards the BHS girls’ basketball team or individual players from CHS students seated in the student section of the gymnasium. I did not observe any such conduct in the videos | reviewed. However, the specificity of the allegations by Coach Knox, and his allegations were generally corroborated by the interviews of the BHS players even though the details were somewhat different. The allegations of Coach Knox were also generally corroborated by the student interviewed for the school newspaper article. Therefore, I have concluded that some sort of inappropriate language likely was used by the CHS students, though no students could be specifically identified.”

Suggestions 

The investigation offers these suggestions:

  1. The Camas High School Code of Conduct mentions “slurs” but needs to add language that directly addresses racial slurs, inappropriate gestures, and hurtful designations.  
  2. Due to the coronavirus, it was not possible to hold an all-school assembly or other large gathering of CHS students prior to the basketball season to discuss sportsmanship and appropriate language/gestures at sporting events either home or away. It is suggested this be an assembly topic, or be included in an assembly for another purpose, prior to the major sport seasons of the year. 
  3. Prior to the beginning of each athletic contest, it is suggested the PA announcer remind those in attendance, especially the student section(s) of the behavior that is expected and the behavior that will not be tolerated. 
  4. Several students alluded to occasionally hearing racial slurs/comments among students around the campus of CHS. It is, therefore, suggested the administration and faculty continue their efforts focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion following a comprehensive plan develop with those who have the required knowledge and experience, including a strong student voice.

Hood issued this statement:

Camas Community,

“In December, we received a devastating complaint regarding racial slurs used during a basketball game between Benson and Camas High schools which prompted an immediate third-party investigation. We are so sorry and deeply regret that any member or guest in our community would experience such a hateful act.

“It is imperative that we remain vigilant in our commitment to dismantling racist practices and experiences in our schools and community. Unfortunately, our students, families, and staff tell us that racist and other hateful incidents persist in our hallways, classrooms, and athletic spaces as confirmed by the investigation. We must continue to uproot and condemn all racist, xenophobic, and other hate-based behaviors and plan to take action. What follows is the conclusion of the investigation report received on Thursday, January 20, and the beginning of a set of ongoing practices to address concerns.”

/2 Comments/by
, ,

Camas Dad Bill Criddle Receives Mill Town Pride Award

Camas, WA — Nominated by Coach Dale Rule for his efforts to help a local family in need, Camas resident Bill Criddle received the Mill Town Pride Award at Monday night’s Camas School Board meeting.

Criddle, along with the help of others, raised funds to help a family pay past due electricity bills, and also give them a credit with Clark Public Utilities.

“I am honored, humbled and a little embarrassed to have received this award from the Camas School Board,” said Criddle. “Personally, I wish that no one knew what we had done. I say ‘we’ as this was not just me. This was our community. Several people, that without asking who it was for, and wanting to remain anonymous, just stepped up to help when needed. This is Camas! I just happened to be the one that sent a text to a few friends. I know that each of us can make a positive impact in our community if we look for ways to serve others. Thank you Dale for the nomination and incredible things you said and thank you CSD for the award.”

The Mill Town Pride Award recognizes local community members who do things to improve life in and around Camas.

Criddle
Criddle being acknowledged at Monday’s Camas School Board meeting.
Criddle
Supporting Bill Criddle.
/0 Comments/by
, ,

Camas Parks and Recreation to Embark on Phase 3 of PROS Plan

Camas, WA — Camas Parks and Recreation is hosting a second virtual open house for the public as part of the update process for the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan. The virtual open house is live now and will run through Feb. 4.  Information can be found at https://engagecamas.com/parks-recreation-open-space-comprehensive-plan or https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d86f944efe93404aac7d38b2c701c86e

Phase 3 of the PROS plan combines community and stakeholder feedback about the community’s priorities, which helped shape the goals and priorities in the draft 2022 PROS Plan. Interested residents can visit the Open House and provide additional feedback on the draft plan.

The current update of the PROS Plan is expected to be complete in early 2022, allowing the City to compete in the next cycle of state grant funding. The update will build on previous plans and efforts and provides a framework to help the City prioritize parks and recreation projects in the next 6+ years.

“The community involvement we’ve had up to this point has been amazing,” said Camas’ Director of Parks and Recreation, Trang Lam. “We’re excited to take this from planning to implementation once adopted by Council in March.”

Camas Parks and Recreation works to update the PROS Plan every six years. That plan then serves as the city’s blueprint for park improvements and recreation programming.  Additionally, by consistently updating the PROS Plan, the City also becomes eligible for state and federal grants.

The City of Camas is home to more than 240 acres of public parkland, 765 acres of open space and many miles of trails. More information is available at https://engagecamas.com/parks-recreation-open-space-comprehensive-plan

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Referees, Local Parents, Students Witnessed No Racial Taunts at Dec. 10 Basketball Game

Camas, WA — As the Camas School District (CSD) cooperates with an ESD 112 investigation into allegations of racist taunting at a high school girls basketball game on December 10, eyewitnesses are speaking out.

The investigation follows a complaint by Eric Knox, girls basketball head coach at Benson High in Portland, which was made through his non-profit organization, Holla Mentors. In his letter, Knox said his team, which is predominantly Black, was subjected to multiple taunts and racist slurs from the Camas student section in the bleachers at The Warehouse (Camas High gym).

The following Monday, Knox, without the knowledge of Benson High School or Portland Public Schools, filed a complaint with the Camas School Board, CSD administration, and other members of the Camas High School (CHS) leadership team. Interim superintendent Doug Hood said CSD took swift action, and a formal investigation was launched with ESD 112.

“That same day, we launched an investigation led by a neutral third party and consulted with the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA),” Hood said in an email sent to Camas parents on Monday.

Hood said interviews have been conducted with fans, students, athletes, and staff members present at the game, including CHS Athletic Director, Rory Oster, who was present at both the JV and Varsity games that night. 

“An active and thorough investigation is happening through ESD 112,” Oster said.

Portland Public Schools confirms Benson staff is part of the probe. The complaint hit social media last week as screenshots of the Holla letter Knox authored went viral.

In his letter, Knox said the racial taunting started during the JV game. The alleged slurs continued into the Varsity game. Knox said his Varsity players, who were sitting close to the Camas student section, reported hearing students using offensive language, including the “N-word.”

“I took their words in and encouraged them to ignore them, and allow our play to be the response to their racism,” Knox said. “I assured them that I had their back and that unfortunately racism is a fact and a reality for us, and they will have to navigate this the rest of their lives.”

What we do know from video footage is that as a Benson player drives to the basket Camas is called for a foul. Junior Onna Brown, a Benson High athlete, then looks toward the Camas student section, and walks over to her coaches. 

As play resumes, a Benson assistant walks along the baseline while Knox calls timeout, then walks toward the student section. A referee intervenes, and Knox walks back to the bench. Knox is clearly agitated.

The Benson assistant coach speaks to Oster, who was standing near a door, about 20 feet from the student section. Oster then addresses the students. 

“Throughout the game, both during play and timeouts, a number of my players told me one-on-one that they were hearing individuals from the student section using the N-word to taunt our players,” Knox wrote in his Holla letter. “Additionally, Benson parents came to me and said that they heard people in the Camas student section using very derogatory language about our players and felt it created a very hostile environment. By the second half, I had heard the same thing from enough players that I finally had to take action.”

Basketball
Eric Knox letter to Camas School Board and CSD administration.
Basketball
Eric Knox letter.

After reviewing footage of the game, it’s unclear whether any student or adult spectator said anything racially offensive. After interviewing 20 eyewitnesses who attended the games, Lacamas Magazine has not uncovered any evidence of racially offensive language being said at either game. During the majority of the JV game, the Camas varsity players comprised the majority of the student section.

“I was sitting in the bleachers next to the student section for the first half of the JV game,” said WIAA referee, Errol Parker. “I officiated the second half of the JV game and the full varsity game and I heard no racial comments or anything like that.”

Parker said referee protocol is to address issues like this immediately with the game administrator, who would be Oster.  

“It doesn’t fall upon us to eject fans from the game, that would be the game administrator,” said Parker. “If we heard something like that we would notify the game administrator and they would take care of it.”

Parker also said his fellow referees, Jordan Anderson, and Travis Garrison, also did not hear any racial taunting during either game. In addition, multiple CHS athletic staff stood close to the student section during both games. No one heard any racial taunting. He also said during all his years of refereeing Camas games he’s never heard a racial slur or taunt.

“I’ve never had nor heard of any racial issues whatsoever in any school sanctioned events I have been involved with, especially in Camas,” Parker said.

Camas parents are also speaking out. 

“I was at the game, my daughters are on CHS varsity, they were standing shoulder to shoulder with the Benson athletes, they sat in the student section for the JV game,” said Tad Mairs, a Camas parent. “I just looked at JV game film on NFHS … the varsity was the main body of the JV student section. My wife was was sitting in close proximity to the varsity game student section, I was on balcony at times above the student section. My family does not tolerate hate. The N-word would resonate very deeply hearing it. At no point did any of my family hear any slurs. Just saying what we witnessed first hand. … sadly yes I am sure it still happens, if it did we would not ignore it.”

Several parents, who wish to remain anonymous said: “We sat right next to the student section the whole night and not once heard any racially offensive language. It wouldn’t be tolerated.”

Another parent said: “Yes, kids say dumb things at sporting events, like ‘you run funny,’ or ‘airball’ but nothing racially offensive was said.”

One Camas student, who wishes to remain anonymous, sat in the student section the entire time said this: “Ya, I was there, but I didn’t hear any racial slurs going around, there of course are normal taunts going around that you would expect at a basketball game, though.” 

Another Camas student, who also wishes to remain anonymous, said: “Yeah, I was at the game for the whole time, and the majority of the time I was in the student section during the game. I didn’t hear any racist things being said, and just heard normal kinda chatter during a high school game.” 

After the game, one parent spoke directly with Knox who told him “it was a good game, Camas has a legendary program. Camas never disappoints.”

Lacamas Magazine did send questions directly to Knox via email, but those emails have not been answered. In his letter, Knox said the Camas players were “great” and didn’t participate in any objectionable behavior. Benson beat the Papermakers 60-52.

The ESD 112 investigation has not been completed.

In his letter, Hood said the following:

“Racist slurs and remarks have no place in our schools or anywhere and will not be tolerated. We take these accusations very seriously and are committed to aiding a complete and thorough investigation. In our schools, in our hallways, and in our community, it is a shared responsibility to call out injustice and racism. In Camas School District, we will continue to be unrelenting in our commitment to providing safe, welcoming environments for our students, staff, community, and guests.”  

Lacamas Magazine will continue to follow this story.

/9 Comments/by
,

Marilyn Boerke Sworn In Monday Night as Camas City Council Member

Camas, WA — Marilyn Boerke was sworn in at last night’s City Council meeting as Camas’ newest City Council Member.

Boerke took her oath of office during the meeting and was officially sworn in by Camas City Attorney Shawn MacPherson. Boerke will represent Camas Ward 1, position 2, with her term expiring in December of 2025. She will take the council seat of Melissa Smith, who did not seek re-election.

Boerke was elected to the position by Camas voters in the Nov. 2, 2021, general election, earning 51% of the vote. The election was certified by the Clark County Elections department Nov. 23. 

About Marilyn Boerke 

Marilyn Boerke is a 35-year Camas resident whose children grew up in the Camas community, becoming strong, civic-minded adults. She is a servant leader who gives back to the community through volunteering with the Downtown Camas Association, Camas-Washougal Rotary, and Camas-Washougal Community Chest. Boerke’s parents and late husband, Thomas, were all teachers, and she followed the educational service path. She currently serves as the Director of Talent Development and Interim Elementary Education Director for the Camas School District. She is proud and excited to serve on the Camas City Council and will use this new role to ensure people feel they are seen, heard and belong.

/0 Comments/by
,

Camas, VFW Post 4278 Participate in Wreaths Across America Day

Camas, WA – The Camas Cemetery has a festive look thanks to the addition of hundreds of wreaths.

The local VFW Post 4278 (Veterans of Foreign Wars), along with Camas residents, made their way to the cemetery this past Saturday, Dec. 18, to participate in Wreaths Across America Day.

Camas City Council member and VFW member, Shannon Roberts, along with Council member and Active-Duty Army Veteran, Tim Hein, participated in this weekend’s events. Camas Mayor Steve Hogan also attended and provided remarks to the crowd honoring the fallen and those who are currently on active duty.

“It’s important to remember the sacrifices of those who have gone before us to keep the United States and its citizens free,” said Camas Council Member Shannon Roberts, who is also a U.S. Navy Veteran.  “It’s also important that residents visit and bring their children to participate, and to understand honor and respect and what that entails.”

Volunteers placed 726 wreaths on the graves of veterans at the Camas Cemetery as part of Wreaths Across America. The United States Senate unanimously passed a resolution Dec. 10, designating Dec. 18, 2021, as “Wreaths Across America Day.” More than 2,500 cemeteries around the country participated in this year’s event.

wreaths
Many wreaths were placed on Saturday.
/0 Comments/by
,

Camas High School Student Dies In Car Crash Tuesday Morning

Camas, WA — A male Camas High student died Tuesday morning en route to school after his vehicle crashed through a fence and into a private Camas residence, according to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and Camas High School (CHS) administration.

A male passenger was taken via ambulance to the hospital with critical injuries, where he later passed away, the deputies said. No one inside the house was injured. All of the vehicle’s passengers were minors. Local police responded to the crash at 8:14 am at Nourse Road and 280th Ct, close to CHS.

Deputies didn’t know if weather played a factor in this crash, but several students and parents reported icy conditions near the school, with at least three vehicles spinning off the road this morning.

CHS issued this statement:

“Today there was a tragic accident involving two CHS siblings. Both sustained injuries and one died at the hospital this morning. The other is expected to survive. At this time, we do not have permission from the family to release the students’ names.

“The news of this tragic event spread rapidly at our school, and we immediately had trained counselors from throughout our district on-site to help our students and staff. These specialized counselors will remain at our school to assist us as long as we need throughout this grieving process. This assistance will include support in our classrooms and for individual students as needed.

“We are also supporting the family of the student and will pass along any information they would like to share in the days ahead.

“As adults, it is difficult to understand the death of a child. It is even more challenging for our students to understand. In addition to the resources we have available at school, here is a comprehensive website to assist you with supporting your child: https://childmind.org/guide/helping-children-cope-grief/.”

/1 Comment/by