Washougal WA — The Camas-Washougal Historical Society was presented a check for $5,000 from The Honorable Frank L. and Arlene J. Price Foundation on Tuesday, September 3 at the Two Rivers Heritage Museum.
CWHS board members looked on as Kay Dalke-Sheadel, Price Foundation Executive Director presented the funds to CWHS president, Jim Cobb. The grant is the second received by CWHS by The Price Foundation and is earmarked for the Gathering Place at Washuxwal project, a Native American-inspired longhouse replica to be located on the south side of the museum.
“The building’s foundation is poured, cedar logs delivered, and we will begin structural construction soon,” said Cobb. “We know this outdoor pavilion will provide a beautiful, new venue at our museum to tell important stories of our area. We are honored that The Price Foundation accepted our grant proposal and is helping to make our vision a reality.”
The Price Foundation was created to provide funding for education, health and historical preservation projects in Clark and Cowlitz Counties. “It is exciting for me to see this money at work locally,” said Dalke-Sheadel. “Our giving supports education and historic preservation and you will be doing both with this grant!”
The CWHS launched its Gathering Place capital fund raising campaign in fall of 2017. So far, there has been more than $200,000 raised in in-kind gifts, grants and donations. Fund raising continues for the final stages of the project that include Native American carvings and artwork to adorn the pavilion, educational signage and landscaping.
Kay Dalke-Sheadel and Jim Cobb at the site.
“We are so grateful to the Price Foundation, our members and the community for their continuing support to help this project come to life,” Cobb said.
The Gathering Place is expected to help attract tourists, educational field trips and history lovers to the Two Rivers Heritage Museum and the community. “We look forward to increasing our ability to share stories of our earliest history,” Cobb said.
Find more information on The Gathering Place at Washuxwal visit www.2rhm.com. Donations can be made online. CWHS mission is to research, collect, preserve, and make available the rich history of Camas and Washougal, WA for the public. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. CWHS is a registered tax-exempt organization, Tax ID #91-1181503.
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 Lois Cobb 360-835-5449 for scheduling.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/07075648/028FB44F-0DB2-44E4-9EF3-253C8E400384.jpeg9651780Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-09-10 18:52:362019-09-10 18:52:45Camas-Washougal Historical Society Receives Grant From Price Foundation
When Washougal dentist and ultra runner, Dave Stinchfield, decided he’d tackle a 200-mile race, he wasn’t totally sure he could do it. But, when he embarked on this remarkable journey that began August 9, deep in the Cascade Mountains, he realized all his preparation running 50K and 100-mile races paid off.
“I was really excited building up to it, I was really excited about the whole thing, but I thought could I actually do this 200-miler? Actually I thought there’s a 50/50 chance, so I was wondering where my weak point was going to be,” said Dave, about a week after the race ended. “There was actually no part of the race where I thought I needed to quit.”
Aided by his wife, Adina; daughter, Morgan; brother, Tom; and a team of pacers and supporters, Dave completed the Bigfoot 200 race in 85 hours, 10 minutes, crossing the finish line at 10:30 pm on August 12.
Making the race successful is a delicate balance of mental stamina, focus, support, proper nutrition, hydration and foot care.
Dave walks us through the adventures of each day.
Day One
“The first part of the race is the Mount St. Helens blast zone, it was like running on the moon, and then going into Coldwater Creek I heard the thunder in the distance,” said Dave. “I was going to get two to three hours of sleep and it was just dumping and the rain was so loud I couldn’t sleep. My next leg was 19 miles that went up 5,000 feet. That’s what I had ahead of me and there was lightning and thunder and I put on all my rain gear and it took me seven hours to get through that section, and it took me on mountain ranges and cliffs. I passed a lot of people who were getting really discouraged. That was the first night.”
The 160+ ultra runners were supported by aid stations (10-15 miles apart) and sleep stations that are dispersed throughout the race. The runners let support staff know they’re ready for sleep, or if they have a vehicle they use those, but you’re not allowed to leave the area. Dave used a roof top tent on his truck, which Adina drove.
Dave along the trail.
Nutrition
Dave fueled up on breakfast burritos, guacamole, veggie hamburgers, and protein gels eaten along the way. Ultra runners need lots of salt and carbs.
“You need salt because it gets depleted and it makes you tank and you lose your appetite so I was taking salt tabs,” said Dave. “I sweat salt. I drank a lot of water and a lot of electrolytes. I use Tailwind, which is an electrolyte, and it keeps you balanced. I figured I burned about 25,000 calories during the race! I wasn’t able to replace all of that with food. I lost weight. I usually lose 5-10 pounds on these type of races. And, when I was done I really wanted pizza.”
Day Two
On day two, the storm cleared out and Dave was joined by a pacer named Wes, from Sunnyvale, California, who ran three legs with him, which lasted the whole day and into the next night — a total of 50 miles.
“A lot of the trails were deep rutted and shaped like a V from water run off or motorcycles and there were angled surfaces,” said Dave. “That was the whole 50-mile climbing stretch. He stayed with me until Lewis River camp ground aid station where I got three hours of rest. You have to balance how much you sleep with how far you’re getting behind. I had four time goals set, and I finished only three hours off my awesome goal. I had a really good pace going. I’m typically in top third group and I wanted to stay there in that top third.”
Foot Care
Experienced runners know when you start getting hot spots on your feet that’s where blisters form and you have to take care of it.
“I changed shoes five to six times, and most of the time I’d get wet pretty quick,” he said. “If you run on soaking wet feet it will create worse blisters. After 100 miles I had blisters that hurt with every step. I learned to endure the pain in my feet, but my joints and muscles didn’t hurt too much.”
Dave and Adina have been married for 26 years.
Day Three
On day three, Dave was joined by his brother, Tom Stinchfield, who ran two legs with his older brother.
“We left there with a river crossing and we went through this thick wet, overgrown trail area that was soaking wet,” said Dave. “I had a bunch of climbing with Tom, and he stayed with me for 25-30 miles. So he got me to the next aid station in the late afternoon and then he dropped off and I got my feet taped off again. A group called Dirtbag Medic was there and they examined everyone’s feet, so I felt like I covered a lot of ground and realized I had 60 miles left. I felt good, my pace was good, my joints and muscles felt really good.”
“So I left that aid station alone and it had four river crossings, one of which had a five-mile relentless climb, and once I got to the top of that it was nighttime. It was 1 or 2 am on Monday and I slept for three hours.”
Dave told Adina he just wanted to wake up at a particular time, and once he laid down flat, he was gone.
“I took my socks off to air out my feet,” he said. “I had a pair of running shoes once size larger because the feet swell up. To prevent foot damage you go to a bigger pair of shoes. Julie, works with Adina, joined me there, and she ran two or three legs with me. That was beautiful, and we went up these areas with gorgeous views of Mt. Rainier and Mount St. Helens and Mt. Adams. We came across a runner who was passing a kidney stone on this ridge out of reach of anybody. He wasn’t able to move anymore. He ended up having the Air National Guard airlifting him out from a ridge up 4,500 feet.”
On these long races, Dave said you have to watch your urine output as you can be totally dehydrated. Urinating regularly is sign you’re properly hydrated. Runners take dirt naps or short breaks at the aid stations, but they’re focused on constantly moving.
Day Four
During one of the updates, Adina reported “Just a marathon left.”
Dave said there were a couple times in the last quarter of the race where nothing would hurt.
“I didn’t feel tired at all, my feet didn’t hurt, it was almost this euphoria,” he said. “I could just take off running way faster than I was going. It was really a runner’s high. I felt I was able to do it with a decent time. Everything feels good, and you just take off running. I did my last leg with Morgan and then she jumped on with a half-marathon to the finish and at that point that was mile 193 and ran into 206.5, which was a nice sunset. I came in around 10:30 pm. The finish line was at White River High School in Randall, WA. You finish on the track right there.”
Pacers helped along the way.
Lessons Learned
“I learned that with every increase of distance and endurance I was always wondering am I capable of doing that? I learned that it was possible. We’re all going through struggles and I learned I had to take it one chunk at a time. I took it into small little chunks. I think I just got to get to that aid station. I learned I can actually do it. I’m so grateful for Adina and all they pacers that got me through it. That middle section is really tough.”
Would he do it agin?
“Yes, I would do it again. I’m gonna do it again next year.”
There were 160+ runners that started, and 55 dropped the race. Dave was number 35. There were 70 runners that came after him.
“After the race, we went and got some pizza then we went back to the hotel, I took a shower and I went to bed and slept for eight hours. Then I went back to the track in Randall and kept my feet elevated while I watched the runners finish. There were people from all over the world. I made some really good friends and saw people that really struggled and overcame it. I stayed there until 6 pm when the last runner came in.”
He said his feet really hurt for the next four to five days, and a couple of toes are numb.
He uses a couple brands of shoes: Altra and an Italian brand called Los Portiva.
“I think I need different brands to keep my feet guessing. I use Ultimate Direction for gear. I go through two to three pair of shoes at once and they last four to five months.”
“Ultra running is catching on. There’s a slogan that says 200 is the new 100. There are lot of ultra runners out there and the Pacific Northwest is the best place to run with all our trails and varying terrain. People come from all over the world to run here.”
Ultrasignup.com is where you go to sign up for these races, and search for Bigfoot 200 to learn more about this particular race.
Washougal, WA — Incoming Washougal High School freshmen, the class of 2023, were welcomed at a special, “We will graduate!” rally event on Monday, August 26. After learning the school cheer and meeting class advisers, school leadership and counselors, each student was invited to sign a banner, pledging their commitment to graduate high school.
“We want the Class of 2023 to be the first class to have a 100 percent on-time graduation and leave a legacy for other classes to follow,” WHS principal, Sheree Clark (this is her freshman year as WHS principal) told students and parents seated on gym bleachers. “Every thing you do at school the next four years will matter for you to reach the goal of graduating on time,” said Clark. “The good news is you are not alone. You have your friends, parents and a whole team of people at WHS to help you get through!”
The idea for the Freshman graduation commitment signing came from the Panthers Rising event held last spring that featured all graduating seniors who had made commitments for their post-high school education, including four and two-year colleges, apprentices, military and trade schools. They want students to be fully aware of all the options available to them post-graduation.
“We are challenging all of our WHS students to rise,” Clark said.
After students signed the banner, WHS staff present also signed their commitment to help students reach this goal. Today is the first day of the new school year at WHS and all through the school district. #EyeOfThePanther
Lacamas Magazine will be covering events throughout the school year, including several community outreach programs that are being planned.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07075859/77699F38-569D-41C3-B0A4-3C3E92E38A42.jpeg11632395Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-08-27 13:02:072019-08-27 13:02:14Washougal High School Kicks Off New School Year w/ Special Freshmen Rally
Washougal, WA — Washougal High School is introducing a new Advanced Placement (AP) course titled Computer Science Principles this year, bringing the total number of AP courses to 13. AP courses offer a rigorous, collegiate level curriculum that prepares students to succeed in college and other educational and training programs after graduation.
The Computer Science Principles course will feature volunteer instructors through the Microsoft Philanthropies TEALS program, bringing subject matter experience and opportunities for students to learn alongside industry professionals. In addition to computer science, students at WHS can take AP courses in subjects like art, calculus, biology, chemistry, English, music theory, physics, psychology, Spanish, and history. Students who complete the course can register for the AP exam in May, and students who perform well on the exam can earn college credit, providing an opportunity to skip introductory coursework when they enroll in college.
“We are excited about adding a new AP course subject for the 2019-20 school year,” said Aaron Hansen, WSD Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Student Services. “Last spring we were intentional with our message to students that we wanted all of our students to challenge themselves academically. Our AP enrollment reflects the good work our counselors did as we have many more students enrolled in AP courses this coming school year.”
According to Hansen, students who take AP courses learn valuable college-level study skills that will benefit them in all their high school classes and beyond. One of the benefits of taking an AP class is the exposure to the level of thinking, rigor and academics that Washougal students will experience in college, not to mention earning college level credit. “We are planning to continue to add more AP offerings at WHS as well as continuing to encourage all students to stretch themselves,” he said. “The work our students are doing now is preparing them to compete in the global economy and be able to effectively participate in a rapidly changing world.”
“Some families or students may believe that AP offerings are only available to students who ‘already get it’ or who already have all of the skill sets necessary to be successful in an AP course,” said Sheree Clark, WHS Principal. “This in fact is not the case at all. While our AP courses are rigorous, there is a high level of support within a small classroom setting that will coach and teach our students the skills necessary to be successful in these programs.”
Additionally, Clark points out that some believe AP courses are only for students on a 4-year college track. “While having AP courses on a students’ transcript for 4-year colleges can significantly increase a student’s chance for acceptance, these courses also provide essential 21st Century Skills needed for other post-secondary programs including apprenticeships, vocational programs and other career focused programs,” she said. “Many of these post-secondary programs and careers are seeking out candidates who are willing to take risks, work hard and challenge themselves.”
WHS students can also earn college credit while studying at WHS by taking College in the High School coursework in pre-Calculus, Calculus, and Spanish through a partnership with Central Washington University, and many additional courses through Dual Credit courses with Clark College and Mt. Hood Community College.
Helping students be prepared and be able to contribute to their community through career and college opportunities is a pillar of the new WSD Strategic Plan. These AP options prepare students academically to succeed in college and build job readiness skills to expand career opportunities. Students and families interested in learning more about Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, or College in the Classroom coursework can contact their school counselor. More information can also be found at http://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/whs/dual-credit-classes/
“At Washougal High School we believe that students should have every opportunity and access to rigorous courses, we want to see more of our students challenge and stretch their thinking beyond what is easy; if you take on the challenge, we will provide the high level of support,” Clark said.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07075916/997B65BD-E655-4CEC-B669-12AF9C287C64-scaled.jpeg10822560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-08-21 19:37:492019-08-21 19:37:58Washougal High School Adds Computer Science Advancement Placement Class
Washougal, WA — A parking and circulation project was completed over the summer at Gause Elementary to enhance student and staff safety while increasing parking capacity. These improvements were one of the final projects to be completed using funding by the voter approved 2015 capital facilities bond.
The Gause Elementary Circulation Project added a drive lane in front of the school with a pull-out lane that allows families to drop students off in the driveway rather than on the street. This will reduce congestion along 34th Street during peak pick up and drop off times.
In addition, the north parking lot was expanded to accommodate additional vehicles, and to create a loop for cars to more easily enter and exit without drivers needing to do a 3-point turn at the end of the lot. The parking area includes crosswalks for pedestrians to increase safety and trees to make the area cooler in the warmer months.
“Gause Elementary is excited to start the school year with a major redesign of the front of the school for safer and more efficient student pick up and drop off,” said Tami Culp, Gause Principal. “We are also grateful for the extended north parking lot to provide more adequate parking for our families and community for the school day and events.
“Student safety is a priority in the Washougal School District and these renovations align with the improvements needed to ensure the safety of our students,” said Culp. “We wish to thank the Washougal community for the dollars provided by the Bond for these features to Gause. I would like to invite the community out to Gause to see the investment they have made in our school!”
The Gause project was approved by the WSD Board in January 2018. It was paid for with excess funding resulting from excellent fiscal management of the 2015 $57 million capital bond. This project had been identified as a needed safety improvement during the 2014 Long Range Capital Facility Planning process.
The original bond funded safety and security remodel and upgrades at all schools, a new 550-student Columbia River Gorge Elementary (CRGE) and new 600-student Jemtegaard Middle School (JMS), a new Excelsior Building at Washougal High School, roof and HVAC improvements at Gause and Hathaway Elementary and building a new, modern transportation facility.
The other additional projects funded with excess bond funds were: construction of covered play areas for Gause and Hathaway Elementary Schools; construction of a dry storage building for athletic equipment at Canyon Creek Middle School; and improvements and upgrades to the Fishback Stadium (including replacing existing restrooms with ADA accessible facilities, relocating the concessions area, additional dry and secure equipment storage, replacing wood plank seating with aluminum seats, and installing new visitor side bleachers) all finished during the 2018-19 school year.
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.
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.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07080110/F2E11DD8-72AA-438C-85E4-0C569A2A7081-e1565057359424.jpeg321760Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-08-05 19:10:082019-08-05 19:10:14Washougal Art Festival to Showcase Local Performance Artists
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.
VancouverLaserSkinCareClinic.com
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.
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?”
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.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/07080504/CB8F1B54-35BD-4A0F-98AE-F695410E13EB-e1563406115587-scaled.jpeg12952772Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-07-17 16:33:182019-07-17 16:41:00Food + Dining Scene: Washougal Times Offers Comfort Food, Live Entertainment
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.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/07080600/25D2E7F8-AD8D-46B9-BC01-0225B888F315-scaled.jpeg25174411Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-07-15 11:28:312019-07-15 11:30:17Small Truck Collides With BNSF Train at Whitney Street Crossing in Washougal
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.
;
