Federal authorities are investigating fires at two ballot boxes reported Monday morning in the Portland metro area.
Portland police responded to a call about a fire in Portland about 3:30 am Monday, the Portland Police Bureau said in a statement. An “incendiary device” was placed inside the ballot drop off box and security teams extinguished the fire, officials said.
A second ballot drop off box was set on fire in Vancouver, at the C-TRAN Park and Ride at Fisher’s Landing Transit Center shortly after 4 am. Federal investigators are looking into both incidents with the help of state and local law enforcement agencies, said Steve Bernd, a spokesperson for the FBI’s Seattle office.
When officers arrived at the Vancouver ballot box, they found a “suspicious device” next to the box, which was smoking and on fire, police said.
The Clark County Elections Office said hundreds of ballots were damaged at the Vancouver ballot drop off box.
Laura Shepard, a spokeswoman for the city of Vancouver, said elections officials are asking anyone who may have placed a ballot in the box after 11 am on Saturday to contact them to check the status of their ballot.
The boxes are about 15 miles apart.
“Any voter who returned their ballot to the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center ballot drop box in Vancouver — at any point this weekend – should contact the Elections Division of the Clark County Auditor’s office immediately to request a replacement ballot, due to an arson at the ballot drop box,” said Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez via X.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/28133649/Ballot-Drop-Box.png367632lacamashttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pnglacamas2024-10-28 13:51:522024-10-28 13:52:00Authorities Investigating Fires at 2 Ballot Boxes — in Vancouver & Portland
Vancouver, British Columbia — Ocean Wise is pleased to announce the expansion of whale presence alerts to commercial mariners in southern resident killer whale critical habitat. This expansion is thanks to SMRU Consulting in collaboration with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, as they integrate underwater microphones, or hydrophones, off the coast of Lime Kiln Point State Park on San Juan Island, Washington State, to the Whale Report Alert System.
The Ocean Wise Whale Report Alert System, or WRAS, works to protect whale populations from ship disturbances and collisions by alerting nearby commercial mariners to the presence of whales. With this integration, hydrophones at Lime Kiln will provide data to the WRAS, which will automatically send alerts to nearby large vessels with real-time information on whale presence.
Ocean Wise first introduced the integration of hydrophones – or underwater microphones – into the WRAS in April 2024 with its integration with the Boundary Pass listening station in collaboration with Transport Canada, JASCO Applied Sciences and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. Hydrophones automatically detect whale calls and clicks. These whale detections are then communicated in real-time to mariners via the WRAS, helping them to make informed decisions to slow down or re-route to avoid disturbing or injuring the whales.
The hydrophone located in the waters surrounding Lime Kiln Lighthouse, located off Lime Kiln Point State Park, was chosen for data integration with WRAS, as this is an area well frequented by Southern Resident Killer Whales.
In collaboration with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and The Whale Museum, SMRU Consulting upgraded the existing hydrophone at Lime Kiln in 2016. Since its integration with the WRAS in June 2024, the system has sent over 100 real-time alerts to mariners, 44% of which were issued after daylight hours—times when traditional visual whale detection methods are less effective.
Ocean Wise anticipates that the expanded use of hydrophones will lead to more alerts being generated by the WRAS, increasing mariner awareness and reducing the risk of vessel strikes.
The Whale Report Alert System is a key component of the Ocean Wise Sightings Network. For more information, visit ocean.org/whales.
About Ocean Wise
Ocean Wise is a global conservation organization dedicated to empowering communities to take meaningful action to protect and restore our oceans. Through research, education, innovation, and collaboration, we are addressing critical ocean challenges, including plastic pollution, overfishing, and climate change. With operations in Canada, the United States, and Chile, our work impacts over two dozen countries worldwide.
About the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and the Port of Vancouver
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is the federal agency responsible for the shared stewardship of the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest port. Our mandate is to enable Canada’s trade through the Port of Vancouver, while protecting the environment and considering local communities. The port authority oversees the use of port land and water, which borders 16 municipalities and intersects the traditional territories and treaty lands of more than 35 Coast Salish Indigenous groups. Enabling the trade of approximately $300 billion in goods with between 140 and 170 countries each year, port activities sustain 132,400 jobs, $9.3 billion in wages, and $16.3 billion in GDP across Canada.
About SMRU Consulting
SMRU Consulting is a global leader in marine mammal consulting and research, delivering innovative, robust and environmentally sound solutions to clients active in the marine environment. Our staff have extensive experience in carrying out research into many facets of marine mammal biology. We work across all marine sectors from wet renewables, civil engineering, infrastructure, oil and gas and decommissioning to government, defense, and scientific research and development. We have considerable experience with developing frameworks for environmental assessments, the development of risk modeling techniques such as noise impact assessment methods and collision risk modeling, Bioacoustics, Active sonar, Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM), Seal telemetry and count data and Industry-focused R&D projects. SMRU Consulting also works closely with our academic partners, the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) and the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) at the University of St. Andrews.
A longtime Washougal resident accused in the hit-and-run deaths of two German tourists at Sandy Swimming Hole made his first court appearance Wednesday at Clark County Superior Court. He told police he’d been drinking at a local Chinese resident prior to Tuesday’s incident.
David Croswell, 71, is facing two counts of vehicular homicide while driving under the influence of intoxicants and two counts of hit-and-run resulting in death.
Court records show a preliminary breath test taken Tuesday night revealed Croswell had a blood-alcohol level of .085. .08 or greater is considered driving under the influence.
He was pushed into court in a restraint chair as he requires oxygen.
The prosecution Wednesday asked for $200,000 bail due to the nature of the case. Croswell himself has minimal criminal history — a 1982 conviction for first-degree negligent driving, and possession of marijuana.
Judge Gregory Gonzales set Croswell’s bail at $500,000. His arraignment is scheduled for July 10.
What we know about Croswell:
He’s a lifelong resident of Washougal.
He has medical issues, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD.
His daughter, Leticia, who lives with him, said her father drinks about once a month, and that no alcohol in the house appeared to be missing, according to a court affidavit. She said “… David sometimes will sneak down to ‘Chinese restaurant’ and drink with (a) friend.”
Officers said Croswell admitted to drinking alcohol beforehand, according to court records.
He has minimal criminal history.
Police do not believe Croswell has any connection to the victims, Rudolf Hohstadt, 61, and Regina Hohstadt, 62, who were German tourists on vacation. The incident happened at 4:50 Tuesday afternoon, said Sgt. Alex Schoening, of the Clark County Sheriff’s Department.
Sandy Swimming Hole continues to be roped off, pending a complete investigation. It’s a popular summer destination for local youth and families.
Washougal, WA – The Two Rivers Heritage Museum reopened their doors March 1 to welcome visitors after their annual four-month closure for maintenance and display enhancements.
“Winter is always a busy time for us,” said Camas-Washougal Historical Society President, Jim Cobb. “Even though the museum is closed for guests, we have a lot cleaning, repairing and reorganizing to do to keep it looking good and our exhibits fresh.”
In addition to new displays, a more modern security system was installed and additional space in the basement was organized for accessioning and curator work.
One of the new exhibits is called “OH, Teddy!” and as might be expected, features Teddy bears.
“While inventorying we found that we have lots and lots of dolls and Teddy bears,” said Karen Johnson, accessions volunteer and Oh Teddy curator.
www.AgentJeremiah.com
Most of the collection came from the estate of Barbara Heriford, a local collector who had visions of opening a doll shop before she passed away.
“We decided it would be fun to replace the old toy exhibit and bring out these bears that had been packed away for so many years,” said Johnson. “All we had was a list, so we went to work locating them all. It was a matter of pawing through boxes to find what we had. It was actually pretty fun. You’d open a box and say, ’Oh, look what I found!’ Each box you opened it was like ‘oh look, oh look, oh look!’ The bears are all so different and cute.”
The process then took more than a month to decide which bears to display and figure out how best to show them. “We have so many bears we could not just line them up in a row,” said Johnson. “I did research online to see how other Teddy bear exhibits were set up. I saw an exhibit from Japan which is the inspiration for the tight packed bears in the glass case we have now.”
Since the bears were mostly from a collection, there was not a lot of story behind each of them. So, Johnson decided to tell the story of the how stuffed toy bears became known as Teddy Bears.
“It is quite an interesting story,” Johnson teased. “It all started with a bear hunting trip President Theodore Roosevelt took in 1902. That is all I’ll say. I’d like to invite visitors to come in to learn the rest!”
To help explain the Teddy bear story, Sunni Lambert, a 4th grade student at Cape Horn-Skye Elementary, was recorded telling its history so it could be played back for guests at a push of a button. “Sunni did a great job and her recorded sweet voice telling this story helps to bring the exhibit to life,” Johnson said.
Another new display “Toys That Teach,” is a thoughtful and fun look at toys through the past that educated through play. “It is an interesting display and we think it will engage conversation,” Johnson said. Retired contractor and teacher, Walt Eby, curated the exhibit.
Teddy Bears!
“Window to Our Past” is also new this year. Curated and created by Ivar Godtilbsen, the museum’s new computer network and support administrator features old pictures and QR codes. “It’s a new way of engaging our visitors,” explained Johnson. “They can use their smart phones with a QR code App to learn intriguing stories behind some interesting pictures from our photo collection.”
The Two Rivers Heritage Museum is located at 1 Durgan Street in Washougal and open March through October. Regular hours are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission costs are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for students and free for children under 5 and all CWHS members. Group tours are available any day of the week (by appointment only). Call 360-835-8742 for scheduling.
Once again, to celebrate spring break, students may visit the museum for free April 4-6. They must be accompanied by an adult.
CWHS representatives will be at the April First Friday, on April 5, in downtown Camas in the lobby of Journey Church. They will have interesting local artifacts and information about the work progressing on the Gathering Place at Washuxwal project.
“Our community has so much to be proud of in this museum,” Cobb said. “We hope local folks who have not had a chance to see the museum will stop in and look around at all we have to offer.”
CWHS is always looking for volunteers and new members to join and help support the preservation of local history. More information about the CWHS and the Two Rivers Heritage Museum can be found on their website at www.2rhm.com.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/07081950/C00A0822-3342-47D1-9C85-71FC5EFC181D-scaled.jpeg14512992Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-03-25 10:22:092019-03-25 10:22:18Two Rivers Heritage Museum Reopens for 2019 Season w/ New Exhibits
VANCOUVER, WA – Community Home Health & Hospice is hosting an open house to celebrate the grand opening of their new grief center in Salmon Creek. The open house will take place on March 6, 2019, from 4 pm – 6:30pm at the Seasons of Hope Grief Center, 3102 NE 134th Street, Vancouver. The ribbon cutting with the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce will take place at 4:30 pm. Attendees will enjoy refreshments hosted by Glenwood Place Senior Living, The Quarry and The Hampton Salmon Creek, games, live entertainment and prizes.
“We are excited about this project and humbled by the support we received. We could not have done this without the Clark County community,” said Greg Pang, CEO Community Home Health & Hospice. “We know there is a need for grief services in our community and we look forward to being a great community resource.”
The Seasons of Hope Grief Center offers free grief support for adults and children ages 5 and up in Clark County. For more information, contact 360.703.0300 or griefsupport@chhh.org
Community Home Health & Hospice is an independent, community-based non-profit healthcare agency serving the healthcare needs of Washington and Oregon families since 1977. Their services include home care personal services, home health, home hospice, in-patient hospice care and bereavement services. Every day, they care for 775 patients throughout Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties in Washington and Columbia County in Oregon. Community Home Health & Hospice’s mission is to bring peace of mind to patients and their families by providing compassionate, dignified, collaborative, and patient-focused home healthcare and hospice. They have received recognition for nine years as a HomeCare Elite top agency. For more information, visit www.chhh.org
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07083020/893A4AEA-612B-4FC3-855E-99C946B1CA04.jpeg7901762Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-02-05 15:04:272019-02-05 15:04:27Health: New Salmon Creek Grief Center To Open Its Doors Soon
MOUNT HOOD, OR — A Battle Ground pilot missing since last Friday’s departure from Grove Field is presumed dead after authorities discovered his plane’s wreckage on Mt. Hood, authorities said today.
George Regis, 63, a veteran pilot, took off from Grove Field Airport in Fern Prairie on January 25 in a four-person, single engine plane. The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office said he was the only person in the plane, which was en route to Arizona.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Civil Air Patrol received a signal from the plane’s emergency locator in the area of Eliot Glacier, on the northeast side of Mount Hood.
CAP confirmed the tail number of the plane matched the aircraft that was registered to Regis. An Oregon Air National Guard helicopter crew said they discovered a body, as well, which is believed to be Regis, according to the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office.
They also reported that they found a new flight plan that would have taken him around Mt. Hood, which greatly assisted in their search.
The authorities also confirmed that a recovery operation will begin on Wednesday morning.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office had asked on Monday for any information that may help them find Regis. The Grove Field Aviation Association did the same thing.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/07083206/3ECDE141-DA54-40DF-8625-050ACD510914.jpeg6131302Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-01-29 18:35:462019-01-29 18:35:46Missing Plane Wreckage Found on Mt. Hood; Pilot Presumed Dead
CAMAS, WA — The Clark County Sheriff’s Office is reporting that George Regis, a 63-year-old pilot, who was last seen departing Grove Field Airport in Camas, is listed as missing.
In their press release, authorities say that Regis departed Grove Field Airport (which is located at 632 NE 267th Ave. in the Fern Prairie area) around noon on Friday, January 25, and that he has not been heard from since that departure. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office believes Regis may have been traveling Southwest — to either Arizona or Texas.
His cellular telephone sent a final signal in the Newberg/Dundee, Oregon area on Saturday, January 26. A flight plan was not filed, and is not required of pilots and aircraft departing Grove Field, which is part of the Port of Camas-Washougal.
If anyone has information about Regis or his whereabouts, the authorities are asking you to call 911.
Grove Field is home to many local airplanes, both new and active, as well as vintage, and there are long-range plans to expand the airport. There has been a growing interest in aviation in the last few years, and Grove Field has been instrumental in helping people learn about the industry and how to fly aircraft.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/07083206/3ECDE141-DA54-40DF-8625-050ACD510914.jpeg6131302Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-01-28 18:33:512019-01-28 18:33:51Pilot Who Departed Camas Airport Missing; Sheriff’s Office Asks For Help
Olympia, WA — With the measles outbreak in Clark County continuing to grow, Governor Jay Inslee issued a proclamation Friday morning declaring a State of Emergency.
The proclamation directed the Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan to be implemented, which allows state agencies and departments to utilize state resources to assist in prevention and response efforts.
There are now 30 confirmed cases of measles across Clark County. Friday evening, the following lawmakers from Washington’s 17th and 18th Legislative Districts issued the statement below:
Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center
Sen. Lynda Wilson, R-Vancouver
Rep. Paul Harris, R-Vancouver
Rep. Brandon Vick, R-Vancouver
Rep. Larry Hoff, R-Vancouver
“We appreciate Governor Inslee issuing a State of Emergency this morning. The outbreak of measles in our local communities is extremely concerning, but we are thankful every resource has been made available to help the Department of Health respond quickly and effectively.
“The governor’s proclamation not only provides essential resources and personnel, but also brings a heightened public awareness about this dangerous and preventable disease. While this is an uncertain and unfortunate time for many across our county, this State of Emergency will help reduce the spread and length of the outbreak. We will continue to closely monitor the situation.”
For more information about the measles outbreak in Clark County, as well as resources on how you can prevent its spread, click here to visit the Washington State Department of Health’s website.
From left: Representative-elect Larry Hoff, Senator Ann River, and Representative Brandon Vick.
Vancouver, WA — As part of their group meeting at Green Meadows Thursday evening, the Clark County Republican Women (CCRW) presented a check to Pathways Pregnancy Center of Camas and Washougal.
The check, which was presented by CCRW president, Brook Pell, is part of the group’s annual “Impact Award,” which raises funds for local charitable organizations that support women throughout the county. Funds come from group members, with a matching donation from CCRW.
“CCRW membership is honored to present this monetary contribution to Pathways,” said Pell. “We could not have selected a more deserving organization as the first recipient of our annual CCRW Impact Award. Each year, volunteers and staff at Pathways are saving lives and helping women in need.”
Pathways Pregnancy Clinic provides services to young women who are coping with the fears and anxieties of an unplanned pregnancy. The faith-based organization provides counseling, ultrasounds, and free pregnancy tests.
Pathways is open during regular business hours, and is located at 2926 E Street in Washougal. For more information, call Pathways at 360.834.2829.
The presentation was part of a larger meeting that included a silent auction, dinner, group updates, and a keynote address by expert forensics accountant, Tiffany Couch, who addressed myths about public school funding. She provided information about confusion that surrounds the current McCleary school funding legislation, and its impact on local school districts.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/07083322/CED398DE-1267-4B71-A71F-A147F57DC4A6-scaled.jpeg18693529Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-01-25 17:40:592019-01-25 17:40:59Clark County Republican Women Present Monetary Award to Pregnancy Clinic
George, Washington — A bus accident in Central Washington changed many lives on Thanksgiving Day, including Battle Ground City Councilor, Shane Bowman, his family, and the small town of George.
Moments after bus three in a six-bus caravan transporting University of Washington Marching Band and Spirit Squad members to Pullman slid and rolled on the icy highway, Bowman said he heard the sirens of fire trucks and ambulances passing through George.
“I grew up in Central Washington four miles from George, we were visiting for Thanksgiving, working outside and we heard some police sirens and ambulances, so we assumed there was an accident,” said Bowman. “We finished our work and pulled up the news and learned that a UW band bus rolled over just six miles from us. My son said we should go see if we they need any help.”
So they did.
Within moments, the Bowman’s found out they were triaging victims at George Elementary School. So, they called the fire chief and asked if they needed anything.
“They said they needed food and blankets,” said Bowman. “We rounded up everything we had and headed down there. All the buses were there, five in total. So, we just took in everything that we had, we called a few friends to gather food, and we went to the gas station and cleared out all the hot pockets and burritos we could buy. We bought a couple hundred of them.”
Local community members brought everything they could to feed the 325 students and staff.
Using the tiny school’s kitchen, they heated up the food, put out the snacks, and watched local community members bring in their delicious Thanksgiving food.
“We fed all of them,” said Bowman. “We had enough water and people showed up with everything — soups and enchiladas. Everything.”
From 6:15 pm until the UW buses departed at 10:30 pm, Bowman’s family, including his son, Trey, and his parents, Alan and Sue (and a total crew of about 10) stayed for the duration. Another 15-20 families came in and dropped off food.
“We’d been down there quite a while, and a whole bunch of food came in — the kids just snacked on anything we had,” said Bowman. “Then a bunch of people brought in more food, blankets and mattresses. A couple even came in from Wenatchee on those icy roads. We thought they were going to spend the night at the school at first. It was chaos, but I was impressed with how professional everyone was. The UW students and staff are incredible. They had a lot to deal with. No complaining from anyone. The whole group was very professional.”
Bowman also got to spend time with Union High School graduate, Tommy Strassenberg, who used to live in Battle Ground. Strassenberg was a phenomenal wrestler who is now part of the UW Cheer team.
Everyone was equally impressed with the first responders — especially given the resource constraints an accident this size causes in rural Washington. Bowman said each little jurisdiction has ambulances, but they don’t have the resources here to deal with something this big.
The UW students are dealing with a spectrum of injuries — from sore backs and lacerations to broken bones and concussions, however, Bowman said it could have been a lot worse.
“I spoke with the bus driver of bus 4 who said he nearly hit bus 3,” he said. “A second collision would have made things a lot worse. We’re very grateful there were no fatalities. There was a lot of ice on the road. We have four-wheel drive pickups and the roads were slick. It was bad out there. There was freezing rain and sleet for about an hour.
“Regarding the response, I don’t expect anything different. I was in Battle Ground when we had the tornado come through, and we had the same thing there. People just stepped up, and put aside all their differences, and that’s what was cool. All the Fire Departments here are volunteers. It’s refreshing to see everyone help out.”
The UW students spent the night at Moses Lake, and will likely return to Seattle tomorrow morning. They won’t attend the Apple Cup, which was their destination.
UW Marching Band and Spirit Squad members pass time at George Elementary School in George, Washington.
Feeding the UW Marching Band and Spirit Squad at George Elementary School.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/07090414/C4D59C19-C576-46B5-BBDF-580F29E65E68.jpeg395710Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2018-11-23 15:45:152018-11-23 15:45:15UW Marching Band Bus Accident: George Residents Feed 325 Students, Staff
;
