Carolee Dewars joins Upkes Group

The Upkes Group, which supports businesses with financial and accounting services, has added Carolee Dewars as accountant. Prior to joining The Upkes Group, she was a bookkeeper for a local construction company. She specializes in QuickBooks accounting. Dewars resides with her family in Camas where she is currently serving as the president of the Camas Educational Foundation.

Since 2003, The Upkes Group has provided outsourced accounting and financial management oversight for businesses. The company specializes in providing sound financial and business strategies, which enable firms to grow. For information call 360-901-8742 or visit www.upkesgroup.com.

Battle Ground officials urge caution

Pedestrians and motorists are asked to be aware of a new crosswalk safety device at Main Street and 3rd Avenue in Battle Ground near Battle Ground High School and Burgerville.

The safety system, scheduled to begin operating today, warns drivers that a pedestrian is about to enter the crosswalk.  The system is activated like a crosswalk at a signalized intersection; pedestrians push a button from the sidewalk which will activate flashing yellow warning lights.

The intent of the lights is to warn motorists that a pedestrian is entering the crosswalk; vehicles must stop to allow the pedestrians to cross. 

LCC Recruiting for next class

Leadership Clark County is now accepting applications for the Leadership Class of 2010, according to LCC chair, Jon Yamashita.  Now in its 16^th year, LCC is a 10-month training and development program that prepares citizens to become more effective community leaders by providing an opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become active members of our community and assist in tackling the community's most pressing issues.

Enrollment is open to individuals from both public and private businesses and institutions and LCC seeks to fill the class with a broad spectrum of community members from diverse racial, ethnic, economic, and work experience backgrounds.

The classes run from September 2009 to graduation in June 2010 with approximately 36 participants.  The application deadline for enrollment is April 30, 2009.  Limited scholarships are available.  Additional information and applications can be obtained at www.leadershipclarkcounty.com or by calling dxecutive director Kathy Scott at 360-567-1085.

Refuge bridge to close

A heavily traveled section of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge will be closed for about a month beginning March 30 due to a $162,000 bridge repair. The one-lane wooden trestle bridge leads to the refuge’s 4.2-mile auto route on the southwest edge of the city of Ridgefield.

The bridge across Lake River was built before the refuge was created in 1965.

Community Calendar Links

• Southwest Washington Center for the Arts

• Greater Vancouver Chamber Community 

• City of Vancouver Calendar