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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/07081019/DC65BD11-18D0-4F20-96FD-6E18947690F4-scaled.jpeg13472881Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-06-25 21:30:062019-06-26 09:27:272 Adults Killed While Sunbathing at Sandy Swimming Hole; Suspect Found
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