Tag Archive for: Washougal

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Major Road Construction Begins at Key Washougal Intersection

Washougal Construction Update:

According to the City of Washougal, at the intersection of 32nd Street and Evergreen Way, some big changes are happening this week, beginning Monday, January 15.

The following bullet points outline the various construction projects under way so you can plan ahead when traveling in/around this area.

– Sidewalks will be poured on the northeast corner
– Southbound traffic on 32nd Street will be closed between E Street and Evergreen Blvd; vehicles will be detoured around this section of 32nd Street
– Northbound traffic will be allowed on 32nd Street
– Drivers should use alternate routes to get to SR-14 if they are on southbound 32nd Street; either use E Street to Washougal River Road or use alternate routes to get to E Street/Evergreen Blvd north of town as 32nd Street south of Evergreen Blvd will be open to traffic.

The city has a lot of ambitious projects coming this year. City Council meetings are held every other Monday at 7 pm at City Hall. The next one is scheduled for January 22.

There is also a public Port of Camas-Washougal meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 16 at 5 pm at the Port offices, which are located at the marina (by Westlie Ford).

To learn more, visit cityofwashougal.us

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Washougal City Mayor, Councilors Take Ceremonious Oaths of Office

Washougal, WA — Mayor Molly Coston and City Councilors Paul Greenlee, Ray Kutch, and Julie Russell took their ceremonious oath of offices Monday night at the Washougal City Council’s first public meeting of 2018. They were all sworn in by Judge John Hagensen.

Coston had already assumed her duties, and Monday’s oath was a ceremonious one. Greenlee, Kutch, and Russell took their oaths together, and the the council went about its public meeting.

”I’m very excited to be here,” said Coston, who went on to address high residential growth, which she said brings “big benefits and challenges.”

Russell is new to Washougal, and won her first city council race in November. She has already been assigned her committee duties: Finance, Public Works, Cemetery, and Parks.

“Since I’m new on the council, Finance and Public Works are good places to start,” said Russell, “to get a feel of where the money goes, and how the Public Works Department works.”

Washougal

City Councilors Paul Greenlee, Ray Kutcher, and Julie Russell take the oath of office.

The council heard from the public on the following:

Port of Camas-Washougal Waterfront Plans: High level plans for the area will be unveiled later this month.

Proposed Washougal bike park: Ed Fischer and Jan Verander urged the council to keep the proposed bike park moving along, as it was recently halted. Coston said the project was discussed at Monday’s workshop and that the council wants to move forward with the bike park. Verander said the park “is a great place to have an imagination, and some kids are solo people.”

The council also voted on some resolutions:

  • Minutes
  • Major accounts payable and payroll claims
  • New personnel policies

Coston had a brief mayor’s report, and the council took turns welcoming it newest members.

To learn more, visit www.cityofwashougal.us

Washougal

Julie Russell signs her oath of office at the conclusion of Monday’s Washougal City Council meeting.

 

Washougal

Washougal Mayor, Molly Coston, takes the oath of office from Judge John Hagensen.

 

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Lees Lead Washougal: Abby Honored for 2nd State Title, Tanner, Scott Excel

By Dan Trujillo

The Lees wrestling name will hang on the walls of the Joe Brown Gymnasium at Washougal High School forever.

Before the Panthers beat Mark Morris 54-27 in a league duel Thursday, head girls coach Heather Carver and the community honored Abby Lees with a 2017 state championship plaque. Her younger brother, Scott, climbed up the ladder and hung it next to Abby’s other banner from 2015.

Abby Lees earned a record of 105-6 for Washougal. She wrestled in four state finals matches at the Tacoma Dome and won two titles.

“Wrestling is like our family heritage,” Tanner Lees said. “We have a mat in our living room we can use all the time.”

“It’s what keeps our family together,” Scott Lees added. “When we get home, sometimes our dad might get us in a headlock and start teaching us.”

Tanner and Scott Lees are climbing their own ladders. The brothers wrapped up 2017 with Washougal River Rumble championships. Tanner finished in fourth place at state last season and hopes to win it all this year. Scott also wants to wrestle at the Tacoma Dome, in February, and bring home a medal.

 

Lees

Scott Lees turns his opponent into a pin fall predicament.

Scott and Tanner pinned their opponents from Mark Morris Thursday. Tanner Klopman, Andrew Hopple, Jason Powell, Jeffrey Wells, Mason Armstrong, Dakota Andleman and Bryce Williams also won their matches for Washougal.

As a team, the Panthers finished in first place at the Washougal River Rumble. They racked up 205 points to win the 13-school tournament. Centralia took second place with 159 points.

Cole Pass clinched the 126-pound championship for Washougal. He beat Centralia’s Dayvi Gaspar 6-1 in the final match.

Scott Lees defeated Castle Rock’s Elijah Bell 12-7 in the 132 title match. Tanner Lees pinned all four his opponents to finish first at 152 pounds.

Hopple took second place at 145 and Andleman earned second at 285. Jonathan Wells, Blake Webb, Klopman, Powell and Armstrong reached the third- and fourth-place round. Gus Shelley and Williams got to the fifth- and sixth-place rounds.

On Jan. 12 and 13, the Washougal boys and girls wrestling teams will compete in the Clark County Championships, at Skyview High School.

 

Lees

Jason Powell drives his opponent into the mat.

 

Lees

Andrew Hopple pins his opponent.

 

Lees

Tanner Klopman (right) locks up with a Mark Morris Monarch in the last match of the evening. The Panthers manhandled the Monarchs 54-27.

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The Bea 1000: Washougal Basketball Player Surpasses 1,000 Points

By Dan Trujillo

All for Washougal stood up and hollered when Beyonce Bea eclipsed 1,000 points and 600 rebounds in her high school basketball career Wednesday.

“It felt amazing,” she said. “It was really nice to do it at home. That’s what we all wanted, because the fans and my teammates made it happen and helped me get to this point.”

But more importantly to Bea, the Panthers defeated Hockinson 79-67 to improve to 3-0 in league play.

“The fact that it was a home game against a tough league opponent that we all love to beat … that just made it more special,” she said.

Bea came into the game 27 points shy of 1,000. She finished with 33 points, shooting 11-for-16 from the field and 11-for-14 from the foul line. She also racked up 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals and 4 blocks.

“Her teammates found her when she was open. They kept feeding her the ball. She was hot,” said head coach Britney Knotts.

Once Bea got to one thousand in the fourth quarter, Knotts called timeout so she could give the Panther a ball signed by her teammates and coaches.

Bea

Beyonce Bea takes home the game ball and another one signed by her teammates and coaches. The Washougal High School junior ranks fourth all-time with 1,006 points.

“It was amazing,” Knotts said. “I’ve never had a player reach a thousand. Those are things you hear about.”

Skylar Bea also had a big night for Washougal. The freshman collected 15 points and 8 rebounds. McKinley Stotts added 9 points and 5 rebounds. Ashley Gibbons netted 8 points. Kiara Cross chipped in 4 points, 6 assists and 9 rebounds.

Beyonce Bea is already the best rebounder in school history. She ranks fourth in career scoring with 1,006 points. Krissy Bassett holds Washougal’s all-time record with 1,351 points, followed by Alyssa Blankenship (1,241) and Kim Rink (1,169).

Bassett and Blankenship eclipsed 1,000 points when they were high school seniors. Bea is just a junior.

“I dedicate this to my parents and coaches,” Bea said. “They all have pushed me and they believe in me. Without them, it wouldn’t have been possible.”

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Revolving Panthers Take the Lead: WHS Hoops Teams Both 2-0 in league

By Dan Trujillo

Jakob Davis will never forget what happened on Friday the 13th.

The sophomore caught his second first down for the Washougal High School football team in a big league game at Woodland. He tried to leap over the defender, but got flipped over and landed hard. Davis heard the snap and then felt the pain.

“It’s broke! It’s broke! It’s broke!” He shouted. His coaches and teammates could hear the agony. There was nothing they could do.

Davis dislocated his elbow. A few weeks later, he was back at practices catching footballs with one hand. His season was over, but Davis was determined to heal up and compete again for the Panthers very soon.

“I just love basketball,” he said. “I’ve loved it since I was a kid. I always want to keep playing.”

Once Davis was cleared, new head coach AJ LaBree welcomed him with open arms. All of the sudden, the Panthers had another weapon in the arsenal.

“He has a really versatile skill set,” LaBree said of Davis. “We’re excited to have him back out there, just to see some of the things he can do. I think he’s just going to get better as he gets more comfortable.”

In just his second game of the season, Davis scored 16 points to help Washougal defeat R.A. Long 80-53 Dec. 19. Troy Prince-Butterfield, Carson Adams and Moses McEwen also scored in double figures for the Panthers.

Panther

Jakob Davis takes a tough shot for Washougal and earns a trip to the foul line. Photo by Dan Trujillo.

Thursday’s home game against Ridgefield turned into a more difficult challenge. The Spudders rallied to within three points late in the game, before the Panthers pulled away for a 54-45 victory. McEwen rose to the occasion with deep threes, rebounds, blocks and 24 points.

“I’ve been in a slump, lately, so it was good to get out of that,” McEwen said. “When the shot clock’s running down, you can only do one thing, so it’s pretty easy to let it go.”

McEwen dropped four 3-pointers on Ridgefield, including the deepest one in the final minute of the game.

“When he’s got it going, it’s really pretty,” LaBree said. “He’s got a gorgeous looking shot. High arching. Soft falling. All that good stuff.”

Kade Coons and Prince-Butterfield also hit clutch threes for the Panthers. Adams, Coons and Davis came through with big rebounds and putbacks for foul shots.

“Some of those guys made a mistake before. For them to not be afraid, come right back and try to do the right thing says a lot about their character,” LaBree said. “You don’t mean to turn the ball over or miss a shot, but it happens. You have to come back from that, and that’s what they did. A little adversity never hurts.”

Washougal (6-4) hosts Prairie tonight in the last game of December. Tip off is at 7 p.m.

“Prairie is going to be the toughest team we have faced so far,” LaBree said. “We’re excited for our opportunity to see what that’s like and see if we can hang around for a while.”

Washougal Girls Win Again

The Panther girls basketball team peeled the Spudders 56-41 Wednesday, in Ridgefield.

Beyonce Bea led Washougal with 21 points and nine rebounds. Her sister, Skylar, added 14 points and 10 rebounds. McKinley Stotts chipped in 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Washougal (6-3) hosts Hockinson Wednesday, Jan. 3, and goes to Skyview Saturday, Jan. 6. Both games begin at 7 p.m.

Beyonce Bea is 27 points away from 1,000 for her high school career. The junior is already the school’s leading rebounder.

Panthers Image Gallery

Photos by Dan Trujillo

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Basketball: Washougal Girls Soar to Victory in Longview

By Dan Trujillo

A feisty pack of Panthers came out of the locker room after halftime and jumped up by 20 points in the Longview Lumberdome Monday.

Beyonce Bea led the offensive and defensive outburst with 12 points, 10 rebounds, six rebounds and four steals. Her sister, Skylar, added 11 points and six rebounds. Maggie Hungerford chipped in 10 points and five assists. This led to a satisfying, 66-48 victory for Washougal in the first league game of the season.

“We wanted to come out and start league off the right way and show that we can play and just build our confidence,” Beyonce Bea said. “The first half was definitely better than the first. We all settled down and started playing our game. We all worked as a team and it worked really well for us.”

Emilee Smart got the hot hand early for Washougal and scored five points. Hungerford fed the Panthers a few assists and delivered eight points of her own in the first half.

“It just felt good every time I released it, and so I kept shooting,” Hungerford said. “Our team was struggling a little bit, energy wise. I just wanted to come off the bench and hype us up, a little bit.”

Washougal scored 17 points in the second quarter, but so did R.A. Long. The Panthers led by only seven at halftime. Something needed to change.

“It seemed like we were more offensively focused in the first half. We just had to turn it around in the second half and focus on defense and crashing the boards,” said Washougal head coach Britney Knotts. “We had a lot of girls who were ready to step in and step up, which is what we needed.”

Ashley Gibbons jump started the attack with a 3-pointer. Beyonce Bea grabbed an offensive rebound, and nailed a turnaround jumper in front of a defender for two more points. Kiara Cross then fired crisp pass to Skylar Bea on her way to the hoop. Bea made the basket, drew a foul from the defender and netted the foul shot for a 3-point play.

Panthers

Ashley Gibbons shoots a 3-pointer for the Panthers.

Beyonce Bea scored two more points off an offensive rebound. She then drew the eyes of the defender on a fast break, kicked the ball out to Cross behind the arc and she drained a three to give the Panthers a 14-point lead heading into the third quarter.

A few minutes into the fourth, Beyonce put Washougal up by 20. She thanked her teammates for having her back when the Lumberjills keyed in on her early.

“Everyone is going to double team me. For them to get experience hitting shots benefits all of us in the long run,” Bea said. “When the defense comes to me, we have another option. It’s not just a one, or two person team. We have more threats on offense and defense, and that’s exciting.”

Washougal (5-3) won the league championship last season, took third at districts and reached the consolation semifinals of the state tournament.

The Panthers hope to build on this good feeling in Longview when they play at Ridgefield Wednesday. Tip off is at 7 pm.

“I want to see two good halves, not just one. I want to put a full game together,” Knotts said. “We do that, and we’re unstoppable.”

Panthers Image Gallery

Photos by Dan Trujillo

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Washougal Water Maintenance Shop Damaged by Saturday’s Fire

WASHOUGAL, WA— At approximately 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 9 a fire was reported at the City of Washougal Water Maintenance Shop building located at 2247 Main Street. The Camas-Washougal Fire Department worked to extinguish the fire and secure the site. There were no workers present at the time of the incident and no injuries to report.

“We want to assure the public that the structure fire has had no impacts to the public water system and that there will be no disruption of service as a result of this event. Our water system is operating as normal,” says Trevor Evers, Public Works Director.

The building is used to secure utility maintenance vehicles and store equipment, tools and parts for the water system. At this time, officials are investigating the cause of the fire.

Camas-Washougal Fire Marshal Ron Schumacher said: “Upon gaining entry we found heavy smoke in the building with a small amount of fire. It took around 20 minutes for fire crews to knock down the fire and evacuate the smoke.” The damage that occurred was to the structure and contents within the facility.

The initial assessment of damage and losses from the fire indicate that the Shop Building will require extensive repair and that multiple vehicles, various tools, equipment and parts will need to be repaired or replaced. All properties are insured by Washington Cities Insurance Authority, a municipal organization of Washington public entities joined together for the purpose of providing liability and property financial protection to its members.

Fire

The Washougal Water Maintenance Shop was damaged by fire. Several vehicles will also need repair.

While the shop undergoes repair work, the City is reviewing options on alternative facilities.

A resolution declaring a local emergency and authorizing emergency procurements was approved by City Council on Monday, December 11.

The declaration will remain in effect until terminated by the Mayor when order is restored.

Mayor Guard explained that “this declaration allows us to make expedient and timely procurements for the contracts, equipment, tools and parts necessary to maintain services in our water system, and the ultimate repair or replacement of the building and equipment to return everything to normal status.”

The Mayor also expressed his gratitude to the Fire Department and City staff who responded to the scene Saturday, who have been working on this issue since, and the insurance claims adjusters for their efforts to ensure the uninterrupted provision of water services in the community.

 

 

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Events: Washougal Lights Up with Christmas Holiday Parade

Washougal, WA—City of Washougal and the Downtown Washougal Association (DWA) are teaming up to kick off the holiday season with the annual Lighted Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 7. This year’s parade is dedicated to the memory of Scott Campbell. The parade will run along Main Street and begin at 6 pm. It will end at Reflection Plaza where the tree lighting will take place at 6:30 pm.

The City is now accepting applications for parade participants. Entry is free and all entries must be lighted in some fashion. Awards will be given for Best Use of Lights, Santa’s Choice and, for the first time this year, Best New Entry. “Entries include local clubs, businesses, organizations and others throughout the community,” said Rose Jewell, Assistant to the Mayor and parade organizer. “Being a part of the parade is a wonderful way to let people know about your group and show support for our community. Enjoy the festivities with family and friends in Washougal’s downtown living room.” Applications are due by Monday, December 4 and can be found at City Hall and online at http://www.cityofwashougal.us.

During and after the parade, the City is serving complimentary cookies, hot cocoa and coffee. Entertainment will include musical and dance performances by high school students. “The Downtown Washougal Association encourages everyone to come early and grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant, or shop at one of the local businesses, before and after the parade. By supporting our local businesses, you help the business and our community thrive,” says Heena, DWA Board President.

Santa Claus is always the very special guest and will bring up the end of the event. He will be passing out candy canes and will be available for free photos with kids of all ages, compliments of Windows on Life Photography.

Other sponsors include Waste Connections, Riverview Community Bank and Starbucks.

“This community holiday event is a great way to get into the spirit of the season!” Heena added. “I hope everyone will come and join us!”

Parade Image Gallery

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Russell Addresses Costly Utility Bills in Washougal City Council Campaign

Washougal, WA — With just a few weeks left in the 2017 political campaign season, candidate Julie Russell continues her campaign for the Washougal City Council seat being vacated by the retiring Dave Shoemaker.

Over the past few months, she’s knocked many doors, gone through hip replacement surgery, and attend public forums to discuss her positions. Health wise, she’s recovered from her surgery and enjoys meeting with local residents.

So, what are the top reasons she’s running?

“I’ve always liked serving and making the community a better place,” says Russell. “Plus, I think we need to look at all options to address high utility bills, and do better community planning.”

The high cost of water is a hot topic among Washougal residents.

“So many struggle with high water bills,” said Russell. “I’ve met residents who re-use dishwater just to make ends meet.”

The city made some errors in the past, she said, in dealing with sewer systems.

“They didn’t upgrade sewer facilities in time and fell past state-mandated timelines so they had to build a costly system to keep the sewer safe and sanitary,” Russell said. “We’re currently using reserve funds to pay those bonds.  One option to address is to possibly merge with Camas or Clark County to provide a better water sewer and water.”

She also wants  to look at making improvements to blighted areas in Washougal.

Russell

Julie Russell is married to Evan Russell, and they have four children.

“There are areas where clearly code isn’t being enforced, so we need to do that,” she said. “Let’s get grants or set up volunteer community projects to clean up blighted property and spaces. Let’s work together to make these areas look better.”

She also wants to spend time on economic development, and do more to attract and keep businesses.

“The process to onboard new businesses needs to be streamlined so it’s easier to do business in Washougal,” she said.

Russell is running against Adam Philbin. We plan to feature his views in a future article.

Russell also has the endorsement of four of seven incumbent Washougal city councilors:

  • Dan Coursey
  • Dave Shoemaker
  • Michelle Wagner
  • Ray Kutch

Russell’s Background

Education

  • George Fox University, M.A.  Master of Arts in Marriage, Couples and Family Therapy – 2012
  • Brigham Young University, B.S. Bachelor of Science in Psychology, AS Associate of Science in Travel and Tourism – 1983

Career Highlights

  • Julie Russell Family Counseling; LMFT, LPC, LMHC, RPT, Self-employed/Owner/Operator.  Offices in Tigard and Vancouver; 2013 – Present
  • LDS Family Services – Therapist, Adoption and Children’s Services; 2008 – 2013
  • Open House Ministries; 2011 – 2012
  • Avanti Destinations – Quality Control, Contract Management; 2001 – 2004

Prior Government Experience

  • Tigard Water District Commissioner, Elected Position – July 2007  to Nov. 2016
  • West Bull Mountain Planning Technical Advisory Committee – March 2012 to Nov. 2014
  • Chair-Washington County Citizen Participation Organization (CPO-4B)- Jan. 2008- Nov. 2016
  • Vice Chair-Washington County Citizen Participation Organization (CPO-4B)-July 2005-Jan. 2008
  • City of Tigard, White Paper Parks Committee – 2004

To learn more, visit www.julierussellforwashougal.com

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Charleigh Chaston Update: After 12 Surgeries, Healing Slowly But Surely

Portland, OR — Several weeks ago, Washougal teen, Charleigh Chaston, fell 60 feet while hiking at Panther Falls, and sustained many severe injuries. During that time, family and friends have held a fundraiser to offset the family’s many medical expenses, and have done what they can to support the Chaston family.

This morning, Voss Chaston, Charleigh’s father, provided an update on his daughter’s progress.

“Charleigh continues to do well in her recovery,” said Voss. “She has had a dozen surgeries in the last four weeks. Her jaw and her femur are healing nicely without complication. She did have an infection in her right lower leg that has slowed the healing process and required several surgeries, but the doctors feel she is rounding the corner on that. She finally had surgery on her foot yesterday to pin some of the broken bones in place. She likely will not have full use of her right foot, but we have to see how things heal and how therapy goes. She is getting stronger every day. She is starting some of her seminary and schooling in the hospital this week.

“The support from the youth, the ward (LDS Church congregation), and the entire community has been humbling and absolutely amazing,” Voss said. “We have felt the love and the prayers from everyone. Words can’t express the gratitude and emotion we feel from this support. I believe it is one of the many miracles that have surrounded Charleigh in this entire ordeal. One miracle after another.”

Charleigh

The Chaston Family. From left: Finn, Taeg, Mindy, Voss, Charleigh, and Koy.

Chaston’s injuries

Chaston and her family were hiking at Panther Creek when she slipped and fell 60 feet to a rock at the bottom of the falls. Immediately after the fall, a nurse, a chiropractor, and her brother Taeg took care of her until she was life-flighted to a Portland hospital with severe injuries to her legs and jaw.

Her family reports she had no neck, head or spinal injuries.

Her injuries include shattered legs and jaw bones, as well as foot, heel, ankle and pelvis breaks.

Until August 30, she was in ICU in critical condition, but stable condition. She is currently in a less critical pediatric unit.

Friends of the Chaston family are still raising funds to offset the family’s medical expenses. The donate site is: https://sites.google.com/site/cheerforcharleigh/

All funds will go directly to the Chaston family.

Charleigh

Charleigh has had a dozen surgeries since her 60-foot fall at Panther Falls in August.

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