Toxic algae warning issued at Lacamas, Round lakes in Camas
Clark County Public Health has issued warning advisories for Lacamas Lake and Round Lake due to elevated levels of cyanotoxins from blue-green algae.
Public Health collected water samples from both Camas lakes on Monday, Aug. 2. Results revealed cyanotoxins above the threshold levels recommended by the Washington Department of Health. Warning signs have been placed at public access points at both lakes.
Cyanotoxins can be harmful to people, especially young children, and deadly for small pets that drink the water. Health officials recommend:
• No swimming or water skiing.
• No water contact for animals.
• Avoiding areas of scum when using motorized boats, paddle boarding, kayaking or canoeing.
• No drinking lake water.
• Cleaning fish well and discarding organs.
Public Health will continue to monitor Lacamas and Round lakes and, while blooms are present, take weekly water samples to test toxin levels. Signs will be updated as conditions change.
Public Health is also monitoring blue-green algae blooms at Vancouver Lake. Water samples collected from Vancouver Lake indicate toxin levels are currently below threshold levels set by the state. People and pets should avoid areas of scum in Vancouver Lake.
Blue-green algae can pose a significant health risk if the cyanobacteria or toxins are ingested, inhaled or contact skin. Inhaled bacteria or toxins could cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Skin contact could lead to rash, itching, blisters and eye irritation.
If water with cyanotoxins is accidentally swallowed, symptoms could include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, numbness of the lips, tingling in fingers and toes, and dizziness.
Additional information about blue-green algae and current advisories are posted on the Public Health public beach website. To report algae blooms in other bodies of water, visit the Public Health website.
Camas’ 2021 Summer Concerts in the Park wraps up Aug. 17 with Dancehall Days
The city of Camas’ Dancehall Days event, originally scheudled for Aug. 12, was postponed due to the forecast of extreme heat this week.
The show is now set for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, at Crown Park, 122 N.E. 17th Ave., Camas.
Dancehall Days will end the city of Camas’ 2021 Summer Concerts in the Park events with a blast of upbeat, danceable classic tunes from the 1970s and ’80s. The concert is free, open to the public and registration is not required for the event.
To learn more about Dancehall Days, visit dhd band.com/music.
No food vendors will be on site, but picnic dinners are welcome. A few small picnic tables are available upon a first-come, first-served basis. Chairs and blankets are encouraged. Alcohol and dogs/pets are not allowed in the park.
Washington state COVID-19 guidelines are in effect. Masks must be worn by unvaccinated individuals; social distancing is not required. The city is asking all attendees to be respectful of the state’s public health guidelines, event rules and other concert guests.
Camas Vintage & Art Faire returns Aug. 28
The 12th annual Camas Vintage & Art Faire will return to the city’s historic downtown from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28.
More than 60 vintage and art vendors will fill downtown Camas streets with vintage, antique and repurposed items. The event also will feature several local artists, with a wide array of artwork for sale.
Vintage vendors will showcase a variety of home and garden items and indoor and outdoor furniture and decor as well as vintage clothing, jewelry and accessories. Art selections include professional quality paintings, metal work, ceramics, garden art, photography, handmade jewelry, fiber art, recycled art and more.
The event will be held on Camas’ Northeast Fourth Avenue, near Camas Antiques, 305 N.E. Fourth Ave.
Bret Malmquist will perform jazz guitar music from 10 a.m. to noon, and the Carol Rossio Jazz Trio, with many songs in French, will perform from 12:30 to 3 p.m. In addition to the downtown restaurant choices, fresh food options will include Getta Gyro, BlackDog Hotdogs, Doug’s Kettle Corn and treats by Truly Scrumptious.
“We are so happy to be back, as we truly missed the vendors and this event in downtown last year,” said Downtown Camas Association (DCA) Executive Director Carrie Schulstad. “This fair has such diverse art offerings, and everyone loves the hunt for an unexpected vintage treasure. It has a relaxed, comfortable feel, and people will be delighted at all the new offerings. We have so much local talent. Our local shops are all open as well, so it’s the perfect way to spend the day in beautiful downtown Camas.”
Vintage Vendor registrations are still being accepted and registration information can be found online at downtowncamas.com/event/camas-vintage-art-faire. For more information, visit the 2021 Camas Vintage & Art Faire Facebook event page at facebook.com/events/163159925788830.
The DCA hosts the Vintage & Art Faire, sponsored by Camas Antiques. The DCA works year round to strengthen and promote downtown Camas through partnerships, events, beautification and historic preservation projects, economic development, advocacy and tourism functions. For information on the DCA and other downtown events, visit downtowncamas.com.
3 people injured in Highway 14 crash
Three people were taken to a hospital on Friday, Aug. 6, after a crash that closed state Highway 14 east of Washougal near the Skamania County line.
According to the Washington State Patrol, Ammar Hasan of Vancouver was speeding when he lost control of his yellow Nissan Sentra sedan around a curve near Milepost 22 and crashed into a maroon Ford Edge SUV in the oncoming lane.
Hasan was reported to have been injured, as were two people in the Ford. Driver Renat Eakin of Vancouver, passenger Brent Eakin of Newcastle and Hasan were all transported to PeaceHealth Southwest Washington Medical Center for evaluation and treatment of injuries.