Tag Archive for: Washougal

The 2019 Washougal Art Festival not only brings nearly 30 professional artists to show and sell their works, but proudly features an exciting line up of music and dance performances.  The fourth annual event will be held Saturday August 10 from 9 am to 4 pm at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main Street, Washougal and is presented by Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance (WACA) to raise funds to bring public art to Washougal.

The entertainment kicks off with the duo of Jay “Bird” Koder and Al Perez at 10:30 am  Each bring energy and soul to their music. At noon, a dance performance will be presented by Daniel and Lindsay.  Daniel Martinez is a dance instructor who loves to connect to his community through dance.  At 12:15 pm, local boy and crowd favorite, Wayne Havrelly will bring an upbeat mix of original music and creative covers with his show.  Capping off the afternoon is Rain or Shine trio specializing in vintage swing, blue grass, Brazilian and much more. Jeffree White, of the Washougal School of Music, is joined by Flauren Ricketts and Steve Cleveland.  

A portion of the funding for the performances was donated by the Washougal Business Alliance. 

Other event sponsors include Washougal School of Music, Camas Gallery, Joyce Lindsay, Susan Tripp, City of Washougal Lodging Tax Fund and The Paint Roller-Mobile Paint Party. Proceeds from this year’s festival will help fund an original Heather Söderberg casting of a life-sized bear to add to the public art of Washougal. 

Washougal Art

For a preview of participating Washougal Art Festival artists and their work, visit the WACA website at www.WashougalArts.org

While in Washougal, visitors are encouraged to discover works of public art using the WACA art map http://washougalarts.org/local-art/ which provides locations, artists name and the year for more than 30 installations around town.  Maps will be available at the event.

Camas, WA — There’s still time to purchase 2019 Ducky Derby tickets, which is part of the annual Camas Days celebration.

The event, which is organized by the Camas-Washougal Rotary Club, has allotted 5,000 tickets to be raffled off for the Derby, at a cost of $10 apiece.

“This is the annual fundraiser for the local Rotary Club, which goes to all the projects we support,” said John Tennant, of CW Rotary. “The money we raise supports scholarships, Young Men/Women in Action, High School robotics, polio, food drives, and provides essential money to be able to function.”

When people purchase tickets, they’re given a ticket stub receipt, and the main ticket is attached to each of the 5,000 rubber ducks. Rotarians recently hosted a tagging party, attaching the tickets to each duck.

The race begins on Sunday, July 28 at noon on the Third Avenue Bridge in Camas, when a front-loader donated by Nutter Corporation tips its bucket and unloads over 5,000 plastic ducks into the water below. From there, the current takes over and the ducks dash to the finish line. The fastest ducks down the river will win prizes for those who’ve adopted them.  The entire community is invited to come to see the Ducky Derby Race. The grand prize is a weeklong Alaskan cruise plus $1,500 for expenses. The second prize is $1,000 cash, and there is more than $8,500 in prizes overall.

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You can still buy tickets through Sunday, and the CW Rotary Club will have a booth at Camas Days. It’s likely the tickets will sell out half way through Camas Days. Each ticket is sold person-to-person.

Camas-Washougal Rotary Club is part of an international service organization that works to improves communities by assisting with education, health services, charitable giving, and disaster relief. The local chapter meets every Thursday and holds several special events throughout the year.

To learn more, visit www.CWRotary.com

Washougal Times (formerly Heller’s) offers an abundance of live entertainment while you dine and unwind. Coming up Wednesday (today) is Mac Potts, a blind musician who recently gave a TEDx Talk at Discovery High School. He’s able to play almost any song on demand. He’s performing tonight from 6-9.

Lacamas Magazine saw his performance a few weeks ago, and Potts is a talented singer and performer.

Here’s a list of upcoming entertainers:

  • Thursday, July 18, 2019 — Andrew Silva Jazz Combo 6-8 pm
  • Friday, July 19, 2019 — Double Down 8-11 pm
  • Saturday, July 20, 2019 — Mac Potts 6-9 pm
  • Thursday, July 25, 2019 — Andrew silva Jazz Combo – Dining Rm
  • Thursday, July 25, 2019 — Wayne Havrelly – Lounge
  • Friday, July 26, 2019 — Jesse Samsel
  • Saturday, July 27, 2019 — Crow’s Feet
  • Thursday, August 1, 2019 — Andrew Silva Jazz Combo
  • Friday, August 2, 2019 — Wayne Havrelly
  • Saturday, August 3, 2019 — Pacific Rhythm

Food wise, Washougal Times is simply American done well. It’s splashed in with Pacific NW ingredients with burgers, BLT’s, meatloaf specials, Copper River Salmon, fresher ingredients that are all around us. It’s about looking at what the community needs, so they’ve create menus around that. Then as the community changes the menu will change, as well. 

“We want to make sure we’re paying attention,” said Jackson. “We offer comment cards with each guest and chat with them about their experience. We don’t want people walking out the door unhappy. What can we do to make that right?”

Washougal Times
Good company.

The symbol that’s above the restaurant represents rushing water, which is why it’s in blue. Washougal Times is all about the community and the history and the times of this area. 

“On the marquee we have the slogan drink, eat, repeat,” said Jackson. “Come visit.” 

Hours: 11 am – 10 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday. Open until 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Closed Monday.

Located at 1826 E Street, Washougal, WA 98671

Visit www.WashougalTimes.com

Washougal Times
Enjoy a delicious burger with onion rings.

You can also see our first article on Washougal Times: https://lacamasmagazine.com/2019/04/washougal-times-has-its-official-grand-opening-this-weekend.html

The driver of a truck struck by a BNSF train Monday morning in Washougal was taken to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in critical condition, according to the Clark County Sheriff’s Department.

The deputy on duty said the driver was likely ejected from the vehicle.

BNSF Spokesman, Gus Melonas, said the accident happened at 6:18 am and that Camas-Washougal firefighters were dispatched at 6:23 am.

“The train was traveling westward through Washougal and the individual ran into the side of the lead locomotive,” Melonas. “The train didn’t derail. The train crew was not injured. The train can operate. The track was not damaged. Thirty-five trains use this main line daily.”

The truck, driven by a man described in his mid-50s, was struck on the train tracks on Whitney Street, just south of James Street, in Washougal. Melonas said the vehicle was pushed about 75 feet down the tracks.

“Arriving units discovered a small truck was traveling southbound on Southeast Whitney Street when it (was involved in a crash) with a westbound (BNSF Railway) train,” said the Camas Police in a press release.

The identity of the victim hasn’t been identified.

Police and BNSF are investigating the cause but noted it appears that all of the safety equipment is properly working. Melonas said he knows the victim was taken to the hospital in critical condition, but does not have an update.

“We are investigating the scene,” said Melonas. “We have tapes and cameras on the locomotives. But we won’t know for many days. The train was hauling grain.”

Whitney Street opened up for through traffic at 9:30 am.

In 2018, there were six grade crossing fatalities in Washington state, and 18 trespass fatalities, according to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. To learn more, visit: https://www.utc.wa.gov/publicSafety/railSafety/Pages/OLCrashStatistics.aspx

This story will be updated.

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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.

Our second article in this case: https://lacamasmagazine.com/2019/06/sandy-swimming-hole-washougal-resident-charged-with-killing-2-victims-idd.html

To learn more about Sandy Swimming Hole, click here: http://visitwashougal.com/tour/sandy-swimming-hole/

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Call today: 360-409-3167

A Washougal man, David Croswell, 71, is charged with two counts of vehicular homicide following Tuesday’s hit-and-run incident at the Sandy Swimming Hole Park in Washougal.

Police also identified the victims, Rudolf Hohstadt, 61, and Regina Hohstadt, 62, who were visiting from Germany.

The authorities said the Hohstadt’s were on vacation and simply relaxing at the park when Croswell sped through the parking lot, plowed through a chain-link fence, and killed both of them. The victims were visiting family and friends in the Portland-Vancouver metro area. Sgt. Alex Schoening, of the Clark County Sheriff’s Department, said the eyewitnesses saw a dark red Jeep Grand Cherokee speeding through the beach, never slowing down, and fleeing the scene on the east side of the park.

Schoening said the Hohstadt’s were transported to an area hospital with severe injuries but died within minutes of arrival. Police located both the suspected vehicle and Croswell within a few hours of the hit and run — less than a mile away from the crime scene. They were aided by surveillance cameras from nearby residents, said Schoening. He said the police are very grateful for that assistance.

“Our hearts go out (to) the victims and their family,” said Washougal Police Commander Allen Cook in a press release.

Croswell was arrested on two counts of vehicular homicide – driving under the influence of intoxicants and two counts of hit-and-run – death. The police said it’s likely more charges could be filed against Croswell. Vehicular homicide is a class A felony. Police also don’t think the Croswell knows the victims, but a full investigation will reveal more details.

The Sandy Swimming Hole park is roped off from the public until the full investigation is completed. The park is a popular summer play area for local youth and families.

See the initial article here: https://lacamasmagazine.com/2019/06/2-adults-killed-while-sunbathing-at-sandy-swimming-hole.html

The normally tranquil Sandy Swimming Hole is now a crime scene as Washougal Police report Tuesday evening they have apprehended the driver suspected of running over and killing two adults who were relaxing at the popular beach, along the Washougal River.

The two victims, a husband and wife in their 50s, died at the hospital, according to the police.

According to Sgt. Alex Schoening, of the Clark County Sheriff’s Department, the incident happened just before 5 pm at the Sandy Swimming Hole Park, which is a popular local summer attraction.

“At about 4:50 this afternoon, we were dispatched, along with the Washougal Police, to a report of a vehicle that had run over a couple of folks sunbathing in the park, and it left the scene,” said Schoening. “The vehicle came through the parking lot, came south through this fence, down the hill, and then drove out of the parking lot. The suspect vehicle was captured on a neighbor’s residential surveillance security video, and we were able to get a good description of the vehicle, which is a 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee dark red in color, driven by a male occupant.”

“We’re out here as the traffic homicide unit for the county, and we’re here to support the Washougal police in this investigation,” he said. “We do know the identity of the deceased, we’re just not releasing it at this time.”

Sandy Swimming Hole
The crime scene. The couple was relaxing on the beach when the driver hit them.

The victims were rushed to the hospital; one died shortly after arrival and the other was pronounced dead 20 minutes later.

Police reported they were looking for a red or maroon Jeep Grand Cherokee with extensive front-end damage, and missing a front grille. There is no indication yet of how they located the suspect.

Witnesses said the driver is a white male, in his 40s or 50s, with thinning, brownish hair.

Washougal schools are making major efforts with substance use prevention in their middle schools as leaders recognize that making healthy choices are not always easy, regardless of age.  But those decisions become more challenging and complicated for middle school aged youth who are trying to find independence, define themselves, as well as fit in.  

Leading efforts in the Washougal School District for both Jemtegaard and Canyon Creek Middle School to empower students to make healthy choices and have their voices heard is Wendy Butler, Student Assistance Professional for Prevention and Intervention from Educational Service District 112.  She works in close partnership with school principals, associate principals, school counselors, social workers and secretaries, Unite! Washougal Community Coalition and more.  

Butler is a part of the statewide Student Assistance Prevention-Intervention Services Program (SAPISP), administered by ESD 112 in selected Clark, Skamania, Wahkiakum, Cowlitz and Klickitat county middle and high schools. Tamara Crites is the specialist at Washougal High School.

SAPISP is a comprehensive, integrated model of services that focuses on substance-use prevention and other supports. The program places Student Assistance Professionals in schools to foster safe school environments, promote health and prevent alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse.

“One of the exciting things about prevention efforts with middle school-aged students is that it feeds up and feeds down,” Butler explained.  “This means they can still remember themselves before they may have hit a bump in the road.  They can still feel the positive effects of good choices they made when they were younger.  And we get to provide opportunities for them to look forward toward their goals and help empower them to get there. “

Butler approaches the middle schools’ overall prevention program in three components: universal prevention, which are big picture projects; small group conversations; and relationships with individual students.

“Universal prevention activities at both JMS and CCMS have so many fun pieces to them,” she said.  “They involve large groups and at times the entire school community.”

Examples include Red Ribbon Week, special guest speakers like Madison Langer from Tobacco Free Kids who shared straight talk about her journey in to and out of drug use, the Youth to Youth club that meets after school and at lunchtimes to work on prevention initiatives; and Real Talk, an interactive video presentation on facts about vaping that led to lively class discussions.  

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One of the newest projects is Courtyard Connections which takes place at the JMS courtyard at lunchtime. It began as an idea out of JMS music teacher, Dr. Snapp’s guitar class.  “Music and playing guitars are such a great way to make connections,” said Butler. “When we started, I thought each student would take turns, but no! Everyone plays at the same time in their own area.  Other students come out and will sit and listen.  Some will ask if they can try playing and others will share.” 

“There are so many smiles,” she added. “It is happening so organically.  Students who participate are feeling valued and know this is a safe place to try new things.” 

Sports activities: Substance Abuse Prevention

Sports activities are also important for students to access. They teach life and interpersonal skills and keep students involved and engaged doing something fun that is linked to the school.  Butler enjoys leading clinics for both basketball and volleyball and hosts open gym for students to play and shoot hoops. 

Butler stresses that the best prevention is becoming involved in something a person likes to do that is healthy.  “Students are encouraged to explore a variety of interests and then we figure out how to help them try it,” she said.  

A significant challenge for students can be the transition from elementary to middle school and middle school to high school.  It can be scary and overwhelming for students who are unsure how they will fit in.  The Welcome Wagon and Bridges to Success programs help relieve fears and give students confidence to take their next step in education. 

“Welcome Wagon features positive and supportive notes from middle school students to fifth graders to help introduce them to their new school,” said Butler.  “We will also create banners to put outside of each 5th grade classroom with welcoming messages from the middle schools.” 

Similarly, the Bridges to Success program invites high school students to sit down and talk with 8th graders. “Students prepare questions ahead of time for the high school students to address,” Butler said. “The messages from these older students are amazing and comforting to the younger kids.  Two years ago, a student gave some great advice and talk passionately about not having to change who he was when he came to high school.  He encouraged students to keep doing things their own way and get involved with others with similar interests. He said if they stay true to who they are and try to get along with others, they will find positive ways to fit in.”

Small groups

A second component to substance use prevention is gathering with small groups of students that have similar concerns, interests and goals based on a survey at the beginning of the year.  Topics include discussions around self-empowerment, being new to the school, or taking a stand against alcohol/drug use. 

“Our groups meet once a week,” Butler said.  “We are trying to remove barriers for students in order for them to feel supported and get what they need for themselves or others so they can focus on school.”

One-on-one Meetings

The third component in substance use prevention is being available to meet with students one on one.  “Students are welcome to knock on my door any time,” Butler explained. “They might be struggling with an issue, or want to learn how to help a friend, or maybe they are looking for the truth about something they heard.  For instance, there is an idea that ‘everybody’ is vaping or that it is ‘safe,’ and that is just wrong! I am happy to discuss the facts with them.” For Butler, it all comes down to offering trust, respect and a safe place for students to talk. 

“At some point most students will be faced with a decision whether or not to take part in something which they understand is not a healthy choice,” Butler said. “We know that if they have a plan ahead of time for what they will say or do, they are more apt to avoid doing something they do not want to.”

A strong message Butler sends to students is that decisions today will affect the choices they will have available to them tomorrow.  “They tell me they do not want adults to control them,” she said. “But look at the control that nicotine can have over someone.  It will their money, it will demand their time and it will reduce their health.” 

“I ask them to please listen to what I say, and you are welcome to throw it all away or perhaps keep a piece of what you heard,” she said.  “You never know when a situation will come that a seed of an idea or knowledge we have shared will come to their mind and help them to make a good choice.”

Washougal, WA — Jemtegaard Middle School (JMS) is the recipient of the 2019 Whole Child Award chosen by the Washington State Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. The Whole Child Award acknowledges and honors a school that makes significant contributions to student learning by creating a school culture with programs that exemplify two or more of the five tenets of The Whole Child Initiative: Healthy, Safe, Engaged, Supported, and Challenged; as well as serve as models for all educators across the state.  

“Our staff can think of no bigger honor than to be recognized for striving to meet the many needs of our kids,” said JMS Principal, David Cooke. “It takes a lot of work, but the results are worth it.”

JMS received their award at a school assembly on Wednesday, May 8, as well as a check for $500, sponsored by SHAPE Washington. 

“Equity and meeting the needs of the Whole Child is what drives the work of administrators, teachers, staff and community members at JMS,” said Cooke.  “We continue to listen and learn from our students so that we can improve to give each one the best chance of success. We focus strongly on equity and supporting the Whole Child.”  

Sustainable support protocol

JMS has a sustainable Student Support Protocol to foster a positive working relationship with peers and teachers for students to feel safe and supported in the classroom. Their Student Support Flowchart works to eliminate disruptive and/or off task behavior that can be damaging to the relationship between the student and teacher.

“Our primary process goals are to keep students in the learning environment as long as possible, allow teachers to keep teaching, even following problem behavior, and provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their behavior and have a voice in the refocus process,” Cooke said.

“The most effective way for students to learn is to be in the classroom with a quality teacher every day,” said Cooke. “With this new student support process, out of class time was reduced to five minutes for minor issues and up to 20 minutes for major issues for the majority of discipline referrals.”

As a result, this method is showing results with an 80 percent drop in disciplinary referrals this year, minimal suspensions and a high approval rating from staff. Many students with prior disciplinary referrals last school year are having minimal discipline concerns now. 

Restorative practices

Restorative practices also play an integral role in repairing relationships and restoring safety after bullying occurs.

“Traditionally, bullies were punished through exclusionary discipline,” said Cooke. “At JMS, we use restorative practices to bring all parties together so that the victim and family can explain how the bullying has impacted them and what they need from the student doing the bullying in order to feel safe.”

Their findings show that in 100 percent of bullying cases this year, with clear expectations and procedures for Restorative Circles used, none of the students violate the conditions after the meeting or continued bullying at JMS. Parents and guardians also appreciate the opportunity to meet each other and support all students.

“There are many people who support our mission including parents, community and educators across the district,” Cooke said. “As a team we have created a school that our students, staff and community can be proud of.”

Club 8 for students

An example of this teamwork is the Club 8 after-school program that helps keep students engaged in additional learning opportunities including arts, science, leadership activities, and more. The program is two years old and meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. The name represents an 8th period of the school day for learning.

“The goal of this program is to address an equity issue related to lack of extracurricular opportunities for students on free and reduced lunch who don’t have access to transportation,” Cooke said.

Club 8 not only provides a bus ride home to remove the transportation barrier but provides all students an afternoon snack. The program regularly has around 90 students in attendance for a school just over 500 (not including 7th and 8th grade athletics with 40-70 students per season.) The list of Club 8 opportunities continues to grow along with community support.

Community service with students

Adding to the positive culture of JMS, the entire student body works on community service projects. Students pick the project that interests them the most which includes building bird houses for local parks, making animal toys for a local shelter, creating positive posters to hang on the hall walls, and helping run games at the elementary school recess and more. 

“I’m proud of the hard work the Jemtegaard school staff and community does to educate the whole child,” said WSD Superintendent, Dr. Mary Templeton. “They have embarked on a journey to shift the culture of the school, focusing on identifying ways students may fall through the cracks, and ways in which they can provide resources to keep students engaged in learning, encourage safe choices, and provide students with the problem solving skills to succeed in the classroom and beyond.” 

Founded in 1956, as Washington State Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, now known as Washington State ASCD, is a community of all educators committed to promoting promising practices to ensure ALL students are safe, healthy, engaged, supported and challenged.

Washougal, WA — The former Heller’s, long a staple of Washougal, is now Washougal Times.

The new owner, Ben Jackson, took ownership on January 2, and he and his team have spent considerable time and money renovating the space.

Their grand opening is this weekend, April 12-14. Friday and Saturday nights will be filled live music, by Train River Blue Grass, which is a 4-piece band from 7:30-10 pm. They’ll have a customized menu for a large volume of people with over a dozen choices.

“We’re an ode to the community and the history of the community,” said Jackson. “After spending time in the 2 Rivers Heritage Museum we have gone back to 1890 to 50 years ago, and we’re showing the rich history. We’ve had a lot of people come in and identify people — there’s my mom and there’s my dad, and they’ve given me more photos of the history.”

“There is plenty of room on the walls for more times to come. The business is about something for everyone in the community. Something for kids, for families. Heller’s legacy is strong. Their 40-plus years of business they did was something else. Also, trying to make sure we offer up new things, but maintain some of that old feel of what Heller’s was because it was great. That’s why we do Prime Rib on Friday’s and Saturday’s, that’s why we have the Heller’s sign up.”

Washougal Times
Enjoy a delicious burger with onion rings.

Food wise, Washougal Times is simply American done well. It’s splashed in with Pacific NW ingredients with burgers, BLT’s, meatloaf specials, Copper River Salmon, fresher ingredients that are all around us. It’s about looking at what the community needs, so they’ve create menus around that. Then as the community changes the menu will change, as well.

“We want to make sure we’re paying attention,” said Jackson. “We offer comment cards with each guest and chat with them about their experience. We don’t want people walking out the door unhappy. What can we do to make that right?”

The symbol that’s above the restaurant represents rushing water, which is why it’s in blue. Washougal Times is all about the community and the history and the times of this area.

“On the marquee we have the slogan drink, eat, repeat,” said Jackson. “Come visit.”

Hours: 11 am – 10 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday. Open until 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Closed Monday.

Located at 1826 E Street, Washougal, WA 98671

Visit www.WashougalTimes.com