According to local authorities, on March 12, 2020 at approximately 9:16 pm, members of the Camas Police Department and Washougal Police Department responded to a disturbance call involving a weapon in the area of NE 2nd Avenue and Joy Street in Camas (near Louis Bloch Park).
Upon arrival, officers made verbal contact with an male adult. The subject was initially non-compliant and was observed to have a handgun. During the incident, a Camas Police officer fired his weapon at the suspect. Medical attention was given a the scene and the suspect was transported to PeaceHealth Southwest, where he was pronounced dead.
The investigation is being conducted by members of the Regional Major Crimes Team. No further information will be released at this time.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/07074042/25297C63-7BEA-4B0E-9D29-3F33CE5203C5.jpeg421600Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-03-13 04:46:042020-03-13 05:03:10Camas Crime Scene: Man Dead Following Disturbance Call Response
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.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/07074046/B4A1F284-E937-4001-AAD1-D5B19FE5A7FC.jpeg9001600Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-03-09 16:42:522020-03-09 16:42:58Camas School District Superintendent Lays Out Coronavirus Plan
The safety of our students and staff is a top priority, and we want to share some important information regarding the coronavirus COVID-19 that has been confirmed in Washington and Oregon. Camas School District, like all districts, is closely monitoring this evolving situation. What we learn about the virus is evolving almost daily, and we will continue to work with local and regional health authorities to stay informed. In the meantime, please remember those simple preventative measures to help stop the spread of germs, including COVID-19:
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
Avoid contact with people who are sick
Stay home while sick and avoid close contact with others
Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash hands
We are increasing the frequency of our standard cleaning and disinfecting procedures of common contact surfaces, sinks, kitchens, restrooms, windows, and buses.
Students and staff are being reminded to wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or to use hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol if handwashing isn’t possible.
We are making contingency plans in the event COVID-19 is confirmed in our community.
We are continuing to take precautions, monitor schools, follow the recommendations of the local and state departments of health and make adjustments as needed.
What Parents Can Do
Make sure that you have provided up-to-date contact information to your child’s school so that you can receive updates.
Keep sick children at home as appropriate and notify the school.
Encourage your children to practice good hand-washing.
Make a plan for childcare in the event that health officials direct schools to be closed to minimize the spread of the disease.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/07074056/C676C568-AC55-461D-A93F-8D76E5F1AAF3.jpeg400600Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-03-02 19:28:342020-03-02 19:28:42Camas School District Superintendent Issues Statement on COVID-19 Virus
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.
Heather walking dogs as it begins to rain. She walks them rain or shine.
“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.”
More on that next time.
Contact Information
Facebook: Heather’s Hounds Dog Walking and Pet Care
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/07074104/6E3DCF6D-01E6-4AC0-B409-23B8BFA1F86B.jpeg6541280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-02-29 16:53:322020-02-29 16:53:42DeVore Sees Growing Demand For Dog Walking, Pet Care Services
To help Camas High School students pay the cost of an upcoming Courts for Kids service trip to Los Pilares, Panama, Natalia’s Cafe, located in historic downtown Camas, is hosting a special dinner this Saturday, February 29 from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm.
It’s a special 1950s themed dinner featuring Erica Slothower and Wendy Delbosque in their “Two Broke Girls” attire. The restaurant is also selling T-shirts to help the cause. One hundred percent of proceeds will benefit the program, which focuses on building special sports courts in communities that need them.
“We love to support worthy causes like Courts for Kids,” said Slothower, owner of Natalia’s Cafe. “We will have fun dressing up as “Two Broke Girls,” which we haven’t done since the Small Business Revolution campaign last year. It’ll be a lot of fun and we hope to fill the cafe Saturday night for this special event. Courts for Kids is a great program that helps kids in developing nations, plus it’s great to see our local students serve others. We are happy to help.”
Each year, several Camas High School students participate in the Courts for Kids program.
“We also hope you buy our T-shirts,” said Luke Orlando, a Camas student participating in the program. “They have a great design and were produced by Papermaker Pride. Hope to see you there!”
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.
As I produced the 2019 Year in Review video, it caused me to think about the major events that defined us, made our eyes pop, or just simply made one grateful to live in this community. So, I compiled a list of Top 6 stories that stirred up those reactions in my heart.
Mayor’s Race + Prop 2
Without a doubt, the Fall election results were both stunning and eye opening. Never in all my years have I seen a proposition go down in such flames (90-10) or have a sitting mayor (Shannon Turk) get voted out by a write-in candidate (Barry McDonnell) with zero political or public service experience.
Proposition 2 was doomed to fail for several reasons, the first of which was the price tag, but it also didn’t go through the proper processes. Voters saw it as rushed and ill-conceived, and didn’t reflect the findings of a months-long pool committee. City workers did their best to come up with a plan under very rushed conditions, and ultimately a series of options were presented to council that allowed voters to make the ultimate decision.
The price tag ($78 million) presented by former City Administrator Pete Capell was something that City Councilor Ellen Burton warned “is all the voters will hear.“ Her words were prophetic.
It’s telling because it shows me that in a society riddled with partisanship we CAN agree on something 90-10. The anti-Prop 2 movement shows us that people of all political persuasions can rally and work together. The synergy created by that movement was enough to generate a wave that upended Camas leadership.
The Camas 2019 Fall election stories are akin to a 100-year storm. You probably won’t see this again in our lifetime.
Anastasia McDonnel, forefront, listens to her husband, Barry McDonnell, at the Camas Mayoral debate.
Small Business Revolution
When the Small Business Revolution (SBR) team visited Camas in January, Mill Town rolled out the red carpet. When we made Top 6, a town united. It was refreshing to see so many people work to get out the vote. Merchants, students, teachers, civic leaders and athletes all rallied to help Camas become the SBR focus of season 4 of their Hulu show, “Main Street.”
We fell short of the goal, but it was beautiful to see people working together for a common cause. It was fun to cover all the SBR stories.
Small Business Revolution — Main Street host, Amanda Brinkman, visits with the team at Lily Atelier in Downtown Camas.
Camas Produce Accident
I remember sitting in my office when I got the alert that a vehicle had plowed into Camas Produce. I remember thinking this is the kind of thing that happens in OTHER towns — certainly not here. Arriving at the scene I saw the significant damage done to the quaint and popular store.
The driver was cited with DUI and reckless endangerment, and it took the majority of the year to get the store back online. Each week for months, people inquired about when the store would open, and what they could do to help. We did our best to keep pushing out stories related to this accident, and it’s nice to have the store back.
Damage at the front.
Love for the Lintons
When Camden Linton was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, the owners at Natalia’s Cafe were asked to help raise money for their family. Erica Slothower, owner of the cafe, along with Wendy Delbosque, worked with Kristen Gardiner, to organize a carnival and silent auction. In a single day, they raised tens of thousands of dollars!
Many hours were spent organizing the event, and it’s a tribute to Natalia’s Cafe and the entire town to see so much love pour into one family in need. I broke down in tears when I witnessed Erica present a can filled with cash. It was one of the stories that define a town.
Erica Slothower presents Kristen Gardiner with a can of cash.
Stuff The Bus
For the first time, I saw firsthand the behind-the-scenes work of the annual Stuff The Bus campaign. I met with organizers, traveled with students and volunteers to witness the donations be collected and ultimately delivered — and those were reflected in our stories. I also saw the promotions that went into it, and was moved by the video we produced featuring Washougal and Camas School District Superintendents Mary Templeton and Jeff Snell. Seeing two Ph.D’s running through Safeway with carts was both hilarious and priceless. The entire Stuff The Bus campaign shows the generosity of two towns dedicated to lifting up their neighbors.
Camas High School Football Wins State Championship
It was a surreal and special moment when I stood next to the young Papermakers as they clinched the 2019 State Title! I’d watched for months (really years) as these boys dedicated themselves to winning — and representing a grateful town.
The boys aren’t perfect, but they’re also unlike any other football team I’ve ever covered. They have character and focus. They have love and respect. They have discipline and drive. They will go down in history as one of the greatest teams to ever represent Camas. The victory is forever theirs.
I can’t wait to release the Revenge Tour documentary later this month.
We look forward to covering the stories of 2020. Stay tuned.
Camas 2019 Football team at the State Championship.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/07074353/BA31E3AE-D8F0-4D03-89AB-684C119BFFA6.jpeg5581280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-01-01 19:24:172020-01-01 19:49:06Top 6 Local Stories That Moved a Town, Defined Who We Are
In 2019, Lacamas Magazine published more than 1,000 stories, videos, and social media posts, so we put together a Year in Review video report that spotlights about half of them in 1 second images.
From sports to politics, dining and news, our company has worked hard to bring current stories in a timely manner.
2019 (January 2, to be specific) started off with the Small Business Revolution (SBR) tour of Camas for two days. Several members of the SBR team, including the show’s star, Amanda Brinkman, started their 10-city tour in Mill Town getting to know merchants and held a town celebration at Grains of Wrath. They filmed several segments at local stores and restaurants, and brought the attention of local news stations.
In December, the Camas High School football team won the 4A State Championship defeating Bothell 35-14 at Mt. Tacoma Stadium. The boys named the season “Revenge Tour” and finished with a perfect 14-0 record.
In between, there were major accidents, a contentious Fall election, sports championships, along with tragedies and triumphs.
Meet 14 year-old Ben Schluter, a Camas High School freshman and two-time Oregon State Champion boxer with an eye on a National title.
Ben won his second consecutive State title on November 30, and even though he lives in Camas, his gym is in Portland, so he fights out of Oregon.
“I won the State title in Medford, then I go to Regionals in Boise, Idaho on January 6,” Ben said. “If I win that I go to Nationals to compete with kids in the 114-pound division — up to 16 years old. You have to meet certain weight classes and they fight each other, and depending on age it’s 1 minute, 1-minute-30, 2 minutes and 3-minute rounds.”
Ben competes in 1:30 and 2:00 minute rounds. Has never been knocked out, but has been knocked down.
“It’s a win by decision at this age group,” said Tim Schluter, Ben’s father. “They place a great deal of emphasis on safety. If they notice a kid getting overwhelmed, they’ll end it. All these bouts are pretty competitive. A vast majority by decisions. It’s not cumulative scoring, it’s round by round. If he wins more rounds than his opponent, then they award him the decision. You don’t know results until they announce it.”
Everyone has three rounds in amateur boxing, and a win is defined by one of these areas:
Knockout
Judge stops the fight
By decision (if it goes all the way to the very end)
A boxer for seven years, Ben trains at West Portland Boxing every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
“It’s a little drive but it helps me a lot,” said Ben, the second of four brothers (he’s the only boxer; his brother Cole wrestles for Camas). “My workouts last two hours, but I usually get there early and go run on a treadmill. On my off days I work out at home. I usually run 3-4 miles and work out inside my garage. I do this year round. It helps me with self-discipline. I like getting belts, trophies and lots of wins. And I like hitting people.”
Ben loves being a boxer. With his father, Tim Schluter. Photos by Nest and Love Photography. www.NestandLove.com
And, what does mom say?
“My husband goes to the majority of the matches, so he actually travels with Ben often,” said Kim Schluter, Ben’s mother. “Sports like boxing and wrestling are so different, and it’s very one-on-one and individual and it’s given him so much determination, drive and character. It helps in maturity because it’s very individual. He has some great coaches and mentors. I hesitated when he started.”
Although Ben has boxed since second grade, Tim said it’s only been the last three years where it’s been his singular focus.
“I’ve always been a fan on the sport and we watched it together and he pursued it,” said Tim. “When he was young, it was more casual. The last three years he was single-minded to this sport. There are so many misconceptions about boxing — it’s far more of a mental sport. There are so many kids that are bigger, stronger and faster, but they don’t make it because there’s no drive, persistence or grit. It’s like all sports — it’s an allegory of life. You’re just competing against yourself.”
“It’s just seeing the satisfaction of winning, I have a really great coaches: Jason Marquiot and Victor Morales, Sr., and a great mentor with professional boxer Victor Morales, Jr. who attended Union High School,” said Ben. “He has 13 wins, 7 knockouts, and he’s shown me how to keep pressing forward.”
Ben is satisfied with the personal development, which Tim said is hard to see day to day, but comparing past videos makes it more clear.
Coaching is about learning the basics: straight punches, feet work, how to move, your reaction time, learning learn how to counter. There are lots of workouts, hitting the bag, shadow boxing.
“There’s a group that trains together,” said Ben. “There’s a big group. We have 25 people there, and five or six of them are competing, while others are there to just work out. I really saw that when I first started, then I saw others getting trophies, and belts and wins. There’s a lot of self-motivation. At home workouts, I shadow box at the gym, so here I do jump ropes and running, push ups, sit ups.”
“When I’m done with a tough opponent, a lot of times I feel like I’m gonna throw up. A lot of time I’m really gassed which is why we don’t have two fights in one day.”
Last year, Ben competed in the 13-14 year bracket at Nationals in Kansas City, Missouri. There are eight regions that meet at Nationals. USABoxing.org is the governing body for all the amateur tournaments.
“I want to win Nationals, just one step at a time,” he said. “It’s a very mental sport, and you try to figure out how to punch and control your anger.”
The Hammond Kitchen and Craft Bar changes their menu with the seasons — and when new ideas emerge (which is often) so the amazing crew recently changed up their Brunch, which is served every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am until 3 pm.
This article spotlights three Brunch dishes: King Salmon Omelet, Chicken & Waffle, and the Crab Cake Benedict, along with three drinks: Santagria, The Grinch, and Hot Buttered Rum.
The omelet is made with house smoked king salmon, brie cheese, dilled hollandaise and crispy breakfast potatoes. This dish is served with just the right amount of mouth-watering salmon, whisked eggs, and drizzled with a delicate dilled hollandaise. Served with breakfast potatoes.
The Chicken and Waffle dish is the right balance of savory and sweet. The fried chicken is made to perfection and placed atop homemade waffles that are light and fluffy — served with rosemary butter and maple syrup.
The Crab Cake Benedict is a Lacamas Magazine favorite! Served on two toasted English muffins, the dish comes with two griddle crab cakes, soft poached eggs, a rich hollandaise, and crispy breakfast potatoes.
Chicken and Waffle
Other dishes include the Traditional Benedict, Healthy Breakfast Bowl (which is vegetarian), a Classic Breakfast, Breakfast Sandwich, Wood Grilled Sirloin Steak, Short Rib Hash, and the Freshly Baked Croissant, served with banana slices, Greek yogurt with honey and toasted almonds.
Brunch is always a time to relax and enjoy life in a non-rushed environment. The Hammond accomplishes all those things, and so much more. We highly recommend spending your brunch this weekend with their team.
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