Friday, Oct. 22, 2004

Vancouver Business Journal under new ownership
The Vancouver Business Journal was transferred from Minneapolis-based Dolan Media Co. to local ownership this month, acquired for an undisclosed price by a Vancouver-based investment group headed by brothers John McDonagh, VBJ Publisher, and Steve McDonagh, VBJ Business Manager, of Vancouver.

“We see this as an opportunity to provide a top quality, must-read product for the business community of Southwest Washington,” said John McDonagh, a newspaperman who brings nearly 30 years of experience to the new venture. M

“We are focused on giving the local business community something that is theirs,” said Steve McDonagh, an attorney who spent 16 years working for a San Francisco-based private law practice and will now oversee business operations for the Vancouver Business Journal.

Kaiser resumes flu shot clinics for high-risk patients

Aventis Pasteur's shipment of part of a large order of flu vaccine, that Kaiser Permanente wasn't sure it would receive, has allowed the health care organization to announce a resumption of its flu shot clinics for people in high-risk groups starting Wednesday, Oct. 27.

"That will really help us reach thousands more patients with chronic health problems, the elderly, and infants and toddlers among others," says Jan Weaver, coordinator of Kaiser Permanente's influenza immunization campaign.

With the new shipment, Weaver says the organization should now be able to operate all 12 of its flu shot clinic locations during normal hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting Oct. 27 and lasting for as long as the supply holds out. Based on demand this week, she's confident that will allow Kaiser Permanente to put on six clinics on Saturday, Oct. 30. Those Saturday clinics will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kaiser Permanente facilities in Beaverton, Skyline, Clackamas, and north Portland, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Vancouver, and Longview.

For the latest information about flu shots at Kaiser Permanente, from the Portland area please call 503-813-2000 and press 6, or from outside the Portland area call 1-800-813-2000 and press 6.

First major “Nickel” project in Clark County now open; completion event set for October 29

Cars began zooming over newly built ramps yesterday in Orchards, marking substantial completion of the first multi-million project in Clark County funded by the 2003 Legislative Transportation Funding or “Nickel” Package.

One lane on each of the new westbound on and off ramps on State Route 500 at the NE 112th Ave./Gher Road interchange were opened to traffic. Crews still need to apply lane stripes to the new westbound ramps.

A completion event for the interchange will be held Friday, October 29, 10 a.m. on the newly constructed ramp from SR 500 westbound to NE 112th Ave./Gher Road. The event will require a temporary ramp closure. Go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/SR500NE112Interchange/ for more information.

Dog Fighting press conference will air on CVTV tonight and on Saturday

Clark/Vancouver Television (CVTV channel 23) will air full and complete coverage of yesterday’s Vancouver Police Department press conference on dog fighting. The press conference will be aired tonight at 7:30 p.m. and tomorrow at 9:30 p.m.

During the press conference, Robert Reder from the Humane Society of the United States discussed issues related to dog fighting.  

On October 12, 2004, detectives from the Vancouver Police Department Violent Crimes Unit executed a search warrant at 8612 NW Lower River Road involved alleged dog fighting. Some of the evidence collected during that search warrant was also displayed during the press conference.

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program seeks volunteers for a variety of assignments

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is looking for volunteers 55 years and older for the following assignments:

• NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) is seeking volunteers to assist with the planning and preparation for the annual Christmas Party for the consumers of mental health services.
• Innovative Services NW- Caring Connections needs volunteers to help with "Respite & Recreation Saturdays" on Nov. 13 & Dec. 11. Volunteers are paired up with a child age 4 months to 18 years old to have a fun day of recreation and activities. This program is designed for families who have children with special needs to receive a break.
• Humane Society for Southwest Washington is looking for Santa(s) and Santa's helpers for the "Pet Portraits with Santa Paws.” Volunteers play the role of the jolly spirit of Christmas as people and pets come to take pictures with Santa. Photographers are also needed.
•  AARP of Oregon is seeking volunteers to visit doctor's offices and clinics in Clark County to drop off information and flyers about lowering their prescription drug costs. A background in working with a medical setting is preferred. Volunteers work in teams to visit 2-3 offices over the next few months. Training will be provided in November and reimbursement for mileage and all supplies is provided.

If you are interested in these, or other volunteer opportunities, please contact Jeanné Phipps or Bobbi Casanova, (360) 696-8221.

People

First Independent Bank has promoted Stephanie Koch to Vice President and Team leader of their Commercial Real Estate Lending Division at 1207 Washington Street in downtown Vancouver. Responsible for promoting growth, profitability and credit quality, Koch oversees the Vancouver commercial real estate department’s staff and loan portfolio. g Monte Silliman has been appointed as Vice President and Commercial Banking Team Leader of First Independent Bank’s downtown Commercial Banking Department. Previously a partner in a 75-year-old family owned agriculture business, Silliman joined First Independent Bank with 18 years of commercial lending experience.

News briefs

Bett's Bridge #26 on Salmon Creek Avenue between NE 134th Street and Corbin Road will be closed to traffic on Thursday, October 28, 2004 from 8:30 am until 4:00 pm to conduct utility location work. This work is required to prepare for the bridge replacement scheduled to occur in summer 2005. The public is advised to plan for and use alternate routes during the closure. For more information, please call Carolyn Heniges, Project Manager, at (360) 397-6118 ext. 4522 or send e-mail to Carolyn.Heniges@clark.wa.gov.
 g  g  g The Clark County Board of Commissioners is seeking applicants to serve as Clark County representative on the seven-member Fort Vancouver Regional Library Board of Trustees. The new appointment will continue through December 2007 to complete the unexpired term of Shirley Morgan, who recently resigned. Send a letter of interested and resume to Louise Richards, Clark County Board of Commissioners, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98665-5000 or call 360-397-2232 no later than November 5, 2004. Application letters should address challenges and perspectives concerning public involvement, facilities, materials and funding for the library district.
 

Friday Headlines

(Click on the headlines below for the rest of the story)

Mount St. Helens VolcanoCam [updates every five minutes]--USDA Forest Service, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Police urge prosecution of pit bulls owner--Columbian, Jeffrey Mize

Four religious groups plan to open private schools in county --Columbian, Amy McFall Prince

2 tenants to call Vancouvercenter home--Columbian, Jonathan Nelson

District 18 race weights past of incumbent--Oregonian, Allan Brettman

Bush and Kerry ratchet up attacks -- New York Times, Maria Newman

NPR 5-minute hourly news updates (Audio)

Friday on the Air

Clark County Focus—5:00 p.m. CVTV
Clark County Close Up—5:30 p.m. CVTV
Ghost Stories on Officers Row Parade—6:00 p.m. CVTV
Animal Control Hearings (10/14)—7 p.m. CVTV
Dog Fighting Press Conference(10/21)—7:30 p.m. CVTV
City/County Telecommunications Commission (10/6)—9 p.m. CVTV
 

The Weather and Town Tabloids  

Mark Bowyer counting the days. g Tauf Charneski grateful for choosy offspring. g Tiffany Bosket directing traffic. g Tina Clark soccer mom-ing to the max. g John McKibbin  dreaming of a full meal deal. g Lisa Dow preparing for the buffet line. g Friday, stormy, wet & downright nasty, 54. Saturday, morning showers, perfect armchair pitching weather, 56. Sunday, rainy and windy, 55.