Camas, WA —Following a nationwide search, the City of Camas announced today that Tina M. Jones will be the next Chief of the Camas Police Department.
Jones will assume the position effective July 3, 2023. However, Council will have a vote to confirm the appointment at the June 5 City Council meeting.
Jones was one of four finalists brought in for a multi-day interview process, that included meeting with the public, the City Senior Leadership team and peer subject matter experts, among others.
“It is a great honor to be selected as the next Camas Police Chief,” said Jones. “I am very excited to join the excellent Camas Police Department team, and to serve this fantastic community.”
According to Camas Mayor Steve Hogan, Jones stood out as the clear choice for the role.
“Tina’s background and her commitment to law enforcement really stood out, but her understanding of our community and where we need to grow made her the right choice,” said Hogan. “While the other candidates were stellar, Tina had everything we need currently, and everything we want for the future of our police department. We’re very excited to see what she’ll bring to Camas.”
Jones currently serves as a Commander for the Portland Police Bureau, after joining the department in 2001 as an officer. Prior to working with the Portland Bureau, Jones served as a Corrections Officer for the Placer County Sheriff’s Office in California.
Jones will replace current Police Chief Mitch Lackey who is retiring from the City after 32 years of service.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/01150521/Jones.jpg336337Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-06-01 15:10:262023-06-01 15:10:34Portland Commander Tina M. Jones Selected as Next Camas Police Chief
Camas-Washougal, WA — Camas and Washougal history will be celebrated and shared at the second annual Parkersville Day, on Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Parker’s Landing Historical Park in Washougal, located at the Camas-Washougal Port Marina.
Parkersville Day harkens back to the olden days. In May of 1879, a Parkersville event advertised as a “Grand Excursion & Picnic at Catalpha Grove on the beautiful steamer City of Quincy” took place in Parkersville. The activities included swings run by horsepower, an aerial trapeze performance, fat men’s race, wheelbarrow races, croquet grounds, sack race, and greased pig race – all with prizes. There was a large dance floor with a fine brass band playing.
The Vancouver Independent reported on July 8, 1880, that “More than 1,000 people were present at Catalpha Grove at the celebration on Monday, and the festivities did not close until a very late hour.”
Just like the event in 1879, the annual Parkersville Day offers brass bands, croquet and wheelbarrow races plus Corn Hole (bean bag toss) and Quoits (ring toss) – games played in the late 1800s. Scout Troop 562 will be running the event games with the help of volunteers from Lions, Rotary, Journey Church, and Jeff Carlson from the Parkersville National Historic Site Advisory Committee to the Port. Winners of all ages will receive their choice of historic candy prizes or an event souvenir sticker. Tootsies or Salt Water Taffy – both started in the 1800s – will be the candy choice for game winners. In 1896, Austrian immigrant Leo Hirshfield started the Tootsie candy in a small New York City shop. He wanted an economical chocolate candy that didn’t melt easily in the heat as an alternative to traditional chocolates. He named the candy his daughter’s nickname, Clara “Tootsie” Hirshfield.
When David Bradley’s shop flooded during a major storm in 1883, the salty Atlantic Ocean soaked his taffy. Mr. Bradley jokingly offered a customer “salt water taffy.” Joseph Fralinger popularized taffy in 1886 by boxing it and selling it as an Atlantic City souvenir. Fralinger’s first major competitor, Enoch James, refined the recipe, making it less sticky and easier to unwrap. James also cut the candy into bite-sized pieces and is credited with mechanizing the “pulling” process.
Parkersville Day introduces the community to the Chinook Indian Nation, Clark County Historical Museum, Two Rivers Heritage Museum, Parkersville National Historic Site Advisory Committee to the Port, Parkersville Heritage Foundation, Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington, Whiskey Flats Brass Band, WSU, Washougal High School Band, and an art contest organized by Washougal School District Art Specialist Teacher, Alice Yang, and sponsored by the Washougal Arts & Cultural Association (WACA).
Alice Yang, Washougal Art Teacher at Cape Horn-Skye Elementary School and Canyon Creek Middle School was recognized with two Smart/Maher Teacher of the Year awards by VFW Post 4278 and VFW District 6 at an assembly on January 17, 2023. She is one of two teachers in Southwest Washington this year honored for her civic engagement and patriotism. She was recognized for being concerned about the younger generation and for making sure that they follow their dreams. Her students erupted in applause and were energized by seeing their teacher honored. Superintendent Mary Templeton is quoted as saying, “The sense of community that Alice Yang builds in her classroom is reflected in moments like this. Yang exemplifies Washougal School District’s mission to know, nurture, and challenge all students to rise.”
On June 3, 2023, start your family fun from 11 am-2 pm, celebrating National Trails Day at the Children’s Natural Play area in Washougal Waterfront Park. Then hop across the Best Western and Port Marina parking lots to Parkersville Day from 12 pm-3 pm to enjoy Chinookan history, music and dance, play free family-friendly games, eat ice cream, listen to music and story tellers that bring local history back to life, view Washougal schools art based on a Chinook theme of longhouses, dugout canoes, salmon, baskets, and camas bulbs, see local museum displays, take a WSU tour of the park trees, and meet park supporters.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/01095633/Scout-Troop-562-will-host-the-games-at-Parkersville-2023-event-3-scaled-e1685638619189.jpg8251920Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-06-01 10:06:202023-06-01 10:06:29Step Back Into Local History at Second Annual Parkersville Day This Saturday
Camas, WA — The 16th Annual Camas Car Show, hosted by the Downtown Camas Association (DCA), will run from 2-7 pm on Saturday, June 24th bringing classic and specialty cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the streets of historic Downtown Camas. This event also includes live music by The Robusto Rejects Band, dance performances by Virtuosity Performing Arts Studio, balloon art by Joe Mishkin, food vendors, multiple raffles, and shopping and dining specials throughout downtown. Admission is free to spectators.
For participating vehicles: $20 cash entry, open event, no preregistration necessary, though it is recommended to fill out the registration form ahead of time and bring with you for faster registration. Cars can start entering car show area at 12:00pm. See information online here for more details. Goodie bags to first 100 cars and dash plaques to first 250 cars.
Trophies will be awarded, including Best in Show, People’s Choice and a variety of Sponsors’ Picks. In addition to classic categories, 2023 brings new awards for more modern vehicles including Best Modern Muscle and Best Modern Custom. Best in Show award will be presented to winner by Camas Mayor Pro Tem Don Chaney and the car will be featured on next year’s Camas Car Show poster and promotions. The 2022 Best in Show winners were Richard and Janelle Cummins with their 1948 GMC Pickup.
Kids can enter to win a car themed coloring contest with prizes in 3 different age categories. Each participant will take home a free Hot Wheels car for participating. The coloring area will be near the DCA tables across from Camas Antiques on 4th Avenue.
“Downtown Camas is revving with excitement, and we can hardly wait for the Camas Car Show!” says Jan Carter, Marketing and Volunteer Coordinator for the DCA. “The variety of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other custom vehicles that come out for this show is truly remarkable. Watching the community connect over their love of all things automotive is such a treat for us. Kids will enjoy entering the coloring contest, and everyone can enjoy the live music, delicious hot food vendors, and the lovely dance performances by Virtuosity. Thank you to the City of Camas and all our generous sponsors for their continued support of this beloved event in our downtown.”
The DCA is a nonprofit community development organization that works year round to strengthen and promote Downtown Camas through partnerships, events, beautification and historic preservation projects, economic development, advocacy, and tourism functions. For information on the DCA and other downtown events, visit www.downtowncamas.com, email [email protected] or call 360-953-1326.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/01094530/290944397_5910363325646981_4468846089026396858_n.jpg13582048Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-06-01 09:51:322023-06-01 09:51:42The Camas Car Show Returns to Downtown Camas With Autos for Every Aficionado
Camas Grove Airport, WA — FLYIT ACADEMY, a flight training school, proudly announces its commitment to going green with alternative fuel in the aviation community. Under the leadership of owner Rick Andersen, FLYIT ACADEMY is spearheading a green revolution in the aviation industry, setting a precedent for others to follow.
Recognizing the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions and minimize the ecological impact of aviation, Rick Andersen has made it a top priority to pursue environmentally friendly solutions within his flight school. By introducing alternative fuel options at Camas Grove Airport (1W1), FLYIT ACADEMY aims to make significant contributions towards building a greener and more sustainable aviation community.
To celebrate this significant milestone, FLYIT ACADEMY will be hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand debut of the alternative fuel truck Thursday, June 1st, from 4-6 pm at Grove Field Airport. The entire FLYIT ACADEMY team and the Port of Camas Washougal are excited for this inspiring occasion, bringing together aviation enthusiasts, industry leaders, and environmental advocates to witness the positive impact that sustainable choices can make within the aviation sector.
“We are excited to help pioneer this crucial endeavor in the aviation industry,” said Rick Andersen, owner of the flight school. “As a responsible member of the general aviation industry, we believe it is our duty to take proactive steps towards minimizing our carbon footprint and fostering a cleaner future. We are proud to be the first airport in the state of Washington to offer alternative fuel, and we hope this initiative will inspire other aviation communities to join us in our commitment to sustainability.
ABOUT FLYIT ACADEMY:
FLYIT ACADEMY’s goal is to teach the art of flying for everyday people with a healthy community and that includes a healthy environment. Lead is not healthy in our community. That’s why they’ve invested not only in the fuel truck but in a brand new state of the art certified light sport Vans RV12is for the future of our training direction. Its FADEC system averages 3.5 gal per hour which is 1/3 the fuel consumption of a comparable Cessna 172 and it is designed for unleaded fuel. We are committed to creating solutions for a greener future.”
FLYIT ACADEMY has experienced remarkable growth since its establishment four years ago, a testament to the high-quality training and dedication to safety exemplified by the flight school. The introduction of alternative fuel options further solidifies FLYIT ACADEMY’s position as a forerunner in the aviation community, demonstrating their commitment not only to producing skilled pilots but also to preserving the environment for future generations.
FLYIT ACADEMY extends its sincere gratitude to the Port of Camas-Washougal for playing a pivotal role in making the introduction of alternative fuel a reality. Their unwavering support and collaboration have been instrumental in this groundbreaking achievement.
FLYIT ACADEMY is a leading flight school committed to providing high-quality pilot training and aviation education. With a focus on safety, skill development, and community-building, FLYIT ACADEMY aims to produce exceptional pilots while championing environmental sustainability within the aviation industry.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/01082636/tempImagew7au8M.jpg7501000Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-06-01 08:31:552023-06-01 09:26:54FLYIT ACADEMY Takes Flight Towards Greener Future Using Alternative Fuel
Washougal, WA — The Camas Athletics Boosters Club is busy preparing for this Saturday’s Black & Red Rendezvous event, which is a major fundraiser for local athletics programs.
Beginning this Saturday, May 20 at 5:30 pm the Westlie Ford dealership showroom will transform into a casino night with festivities presented by Wild Bill’s Casino. Ticket buyers (21 and older) will get to enjoy a night of blackjack, craps, roulette and Texas hold ‘em poker.
“It will be a lot of fun,” said Amy Stoller, of the Camas Athletics Booster Club. “We hope to meet our financial goals for this event.”
Attendees may dress formal, casual or crazy creative, but it must be black and red. There will be bragging rights and prizes for the best dressed. The event also includes a silent auction, as well as a live auction at 9 pm.
Tickets cost $75 a person or $125 per couple. To purchase tickets, visit www.camasboosters.org
The Camas Athletics Boosters Club fills in funding gaps to support Camas athletics programs. Over a five year period the organization has raised $500,000, and those funds are dispersed to local teams through an official grant process. Examples of grants given include Camas High School scoreboards, girls wrestling uniforms, cheer uniforms, trainer’s cart for all sports, boys basketball travel gear, swim team travel gear, basketball and volleyball lockers, girls soccer warm ups, and much more. Grants are given to both Camas High School, as well as middle schools.
The board consists of 10-15 volunteer members and four officers. Money is raised through major fundraising events like the casino night, the annual golf tournament, concession sales, apparel sales at home football games, and general donations.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/16164408/Pix-Baseball-Stadium-e1684280918690.jpg403828Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-05-16 17:07:132023-05-16 17:07:22Camas Athletics Boosters Preparing for Black & Red Rendezvous Fundraiser Event
Camas-Washougal, WA – The development of Parker’s Landing Historical Park at the Port of Camas-Washougal has been and continues to be a collaborative, community effort which includes a history of special events and dedications. Currently it is the site of the annual Parkersville Day held on the first Saturday in June, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm celebrating local history.
The Parkersville Site in Washougal was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 11, 1976. Nearly 10 years later, a 25.4-ton rock was moved there for a Department of the Interior plaque to be mounted upon. The plaque was unveiled at the opening of Parker’s Landing Historical Park and Archaeological Site on June 1, 1986.
John Buchholz, and E. Snoey landscaped an arrowhead design planter framing the boulder plaque display. Jeff Buchholz, grandson of John, attended the park opening. “All I remember about the opening was standing next to Grandma Ester,” Jeff Buchholz recalls. “She told me how proud she was that Grandpa worked so hard on the landscaping of the park. I didn’t notice that the planter was shaped like an arrowhead until she pointed it out to me. At that time, I was only 10.”
Jeff Buchholz now serves on the Parkersville National Historic Site Advisory Committee to the Port (PAC) and the Parkersville Heritage Foundation (PHF). His grandfather served on the initial Parkersville Site Development Committee (PSDC). The PSDC, now operating as PAC, is a permanent committee established under the authority of the Camas-Washougal Port Commission to protect and preserve the Parkersville National Historic Site and to design and continue to develop the 3.88-acre site known as the Parker’s Landing Historical Park.
Washington became a state on November 11, 1889, the only state named after a U.S. president. A Centennial Commission was established in 1982 by a state law act to organize, fund, and coordinate events, artwork, and publications.
Big news for the park arrived on December 13, 1988, in the Camas-Washougal Post Record which read, “The Washington State Centennial Committee and the Washington Centennial Committee of Clark County have certified and approved four centennial projects to be constructed upon the historical site.”
Soroptimist International Club of Camas-Washougal implemented the plans for Centennial Project #1, the Old Silo Base, on September 14, 1988. A bronze plaque with the State Centennial logo engraved on it was donated by the Soroptimists and mounted on a rock in the center of the Old Silo Base planter. The planter continues to host beautiful flowers and is managed by the local Soroptimists.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held for Centennial Project #2, the Rose Arbor, on November 11, 1989, and was completed in January 1990 by members of the PUD and Kiwanis. They were led by Michael O’Hearne. A new wooden sign for the historical park, visible from the highway, was erected in September 1998, made possible by Port and PHF shared funding.
The third centennial project was the marking of the VanVleet homestead structure. The Van Vleet Plaza, where the 100-year-old historic home once stood, was dedicated in 2002.
Long-term PAC Member and Secretary/Treasurer, David Parker, continues to advocate for the fourth centennial project, a view structure, which has not been completed. Over the years, the PAC has discussed adding a replica of the Parker’s Landing maritime light, a project once pursued by park founder, and former PAC member, Rosalee Macrae.
Eight new historic interpretive panels inside a wood kiosk were dedicated in 1997 and in 1999, the Community Garden Club (CGC) planted a pink dogwood tree near the west side of the park. They placed a granite plaque in the grass nearby honoring decades of volunteer gardening in the park by members.
When the Chinook Plaza was dedicated in 2009, long-term president of the PAC, Bruce Fuerstenberg, engraved the stone Chinook Chiefs Tayi, and provided the transportation of it. His family company, Vancouver Granite Works, Inc. was owned by his parents before him, and now by his son. The company engraved all the bricks that are throughout Van Vleet Plaza and waterfall area. The first bricks placed in the plaza tell local history with names of Chinook chiefs, Donation Land Claim and later Homestead owners and the year they arrived in the area.
In 2022 a new annual Parkersville Day was launched, to be held annually on the first Saturday in June. It will be held June 3, 2023 from 12 pm to 3 pm. This free, family friendly event celebrates local history, with a look back at the historic town of Parkersville in 1854, and the grand events there in 1878-1880. The event features a Chinook blessing, storytellers, historic displays, 1800s games and prizes, ice cream, a park-themed art contest, band music from the 1800s, and, in 2023, a new Parkersville Day song played by Washougal High School Band with band teacher, Dave Duarte, conducting. Mark your calendars now.
Camas, WA —The City of Camas has once again been recognized for its outstanding work in the area of wastewater. The Camas Wastewater Treatment Plant recently received the Washington State Department of Ecology 2022 “Wastewater Treatment Plant Outstanding Performance” award. Out of the 300 wastewater treatment plants across the state, Camas ranks among the top 109 selected as top performers.
The Department of Ecology provides the awards each year using a specific set of criteria to evaluate specific domestic wastewater treatment plants for compliance with their permit. Camas was considered a top performer for regularly meeting numeric effluent limits per criteria, for conducting monitoring and for reporting data as required.
Camas Public Works Director, Steve Wall, said the 2022 award is an amazing accomplishment considering the City’s Wastewater team has been short-staffed all year.
“While we’re always happy to be recognized, this year’s award is really special considering the circumstances,” said Wall. “Even though we’ve experienced significant staffing issues in the Wastewater division over the last year, the team on hand really stepped up and delivered for this community,” he said.
This marks the second consecutive year that Camas’ Wastewater Treatment Plant has received the coveted award.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/09124046/74423-585x.webp-Veolia_Hi_Res-_64-of-85_.jpg320585Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-05-09 12:48:042023-05-09 12:48:13City of Camas Recognized With 2022 Wastewater Treatment Plant Award
Portland, OR — Camas Junior, Sherman Bynum, and his friend, Camas Senior, Sam Tetro, spent months planning for this big day: arriving to the 2023 Camas High School Prom in a World War II military tank!
On Saturday, April 29, 2023, they did it.
Bynum, who lost his father earlier this year, is a big history buff and his father loved tanks. So, he decided to make his mark by arriving to Prom in a tank with Tetro. So, having the name “Sherman” fits.
“I wanted to make my mark,” Bynum said. “We spent months planning, making phone calls, and I found a tank right here in Portland.”
Bynum raised more than $1,000 via GoFundMe to pay for the costs of renting this 1942 Stuart tank that was used in World War II. He worked to get all the proper permissions, contacted school administrators, and got the go ahead to make this happen.
He and Tetro took two laps around the Portland Art Museum Saturday drawing onlookers, passersby and of course, many Camas High School students stopped to pose in front of the vintage tank. They even got the Portland Uni-Piper to escort the tank to the entrance of the Portland Art Museum.
And, his mother, Megan, was pretty excited and proud.
“Hey, I never thought he’d do it, either,” Megan said. “I’m as surprised as everyone else. He put his mind into this, and he and Sam started making phone calls. I thought it was a big joke and here we are! Crazy!”
After getting out of the tank, Sherman said maybe for next year’s Prom he will sky dive.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/30101722/IMG_3490-scaled-e1682876351783.jpeg11262560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-04-30 10:43:512023-04-30 10:44:01Students Arrive at 2023 Camas Prom in World War II Era Tank
Camas, WA– The Camas-Washougal Fire Department will soon team up with American Medical Response (AMR) to offer a new program. Starting May 16, Camas and Washougal residents dialing 911 will have the option of using a new program, Nurse Navigation, which will provide options for quickly reaching the appropriate level of medical care for non-life-threatening emergencies when calling 911.
Those who do call 911 for urgent, life-threatening, or potentially life-threatening emergencies will not see a change in service. However, if a condition is determined not to be an urgent medical emergency, callers will be transferred to a Nurse Navigator to determine the next appropriate steps for coordinating care.
The Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency, or CRESA, handles all 911 calls in Clark County. Out of the 58,000 thousand 911 calls they receive each year, around 14,000 calls are considered non-emergent. Typically, calls like this could be handled by a person’s primary care provider for non-emergency medical advice, appointments and prescription refills.
The new Nurse Navigators program will feature Washington state licensed nurses with professional experience in emergency nursing and telephone triage. After determining the level of service needed, the nurses can connect callers with clinics in Clark County, arrange transportation to and from appointments and notify a clinic when a patient is arriving. Nurse Navigators can also connect callers directly to telehealth physicians who can provide care and prescribe medication if necessary. The service does not require the caller to have medical insurance to access this service.
In addition to Clark County, 10 states have integrated the Nurse Navigation program into 911 systems to alleviate strain on EMS and healthcare systems while ensuring that all calls reach the most appropriate level of care.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/26150936/87C2A0FB-8A14-4B69-B9BD-01016171DF41-e1682547049246.jpg6731202Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-04-26 15:13:292023-04-26 15:13:38New 911 Feature to Provide Additional Support for Local Residents
Camas, WA — Dozens of students, teachers, and parents gathered together Monday evening at the Camas School Board meeting to express their frustration, anger, and concerns about how budget cuts are affecting the Project Based Learning schools (Discovery and Odyssey).
The attendees heard from school board members about the agony of the cuts, with Board member Connie Hennessey saying “we are short staffed, and we have to cut, it’s a horrible position to be in … it sucks, basically. It’s not a fun time.”
Using the public comments time during CSD’s regular board meeting, students expressed what is happening to their schools, and are worried about the future.
This video contains an explanation about the cuts from Hennessey and fellow Board member, Cory McEnry, as well as public comments from multiple students.
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