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Here are some of the stories that were popular this week with Columbian readers:
Derelict vessels in Columbia River will be removed, Coast Guard says
Two derelict vessels will be removed from the Columbia River in September because they are discharging oil into the river and pose a collision hazard, according to a statement from the U.S. Coast Guard.
The wrecks of the Alert and the Sakarissa rest on the bottom of the river off Hayden Island, west of the Interstate 5 Bridge.
Vancouver sets daily heat record as heat dome covers region
Vancouver notched a daily record high on Tuesday, as a heat dome that settled over the area drove temperatures to 99 degrees at Pearson Field as of 5 p.m.
The previous record of 96 degrees for Aug. 30 has stood since 1918.
Washougal Mayor Rochelle Ramos to step down Sept. 17
Washougal Mayor Rochelle Ramos will be stepping down from her position on the city council on Sept. 17. According to a press release issued Monday, Ramos said she is leaving to pursue “a career growth opportunity in another state.”
“It has been an honor to serve as mayor. It was not my plan when I ran for office to only serve 10 months. I was also not actively seeking a new position. I was approached with an opportunity that is very positive for my family, and although it was a very difficult decision, I just couldn’t turn it down,” Ramos said in the release.
Ridgefield teachers to be present for first day, despite strike authorization vote
Despite authorizing a potential strike Monday night, Ridgefield teachers said they will be in the classroom for the first day of school this morning.
Ridgefield Education Association co-president Elizabeth Stamp said that the union will wait until its next scheduled bargaining session on Sept. 7 to decide whether to walk out. She said teachers wanted to limit interruptions at the start of the year and, for many new union members, certain benefits wouldn’t activate if they weren’t present on the first day.
- Next bargaining session scheduled for Sept. 7
- Related: Ridgefield schools welcome students amid open bargaining
- Across the county: Washougal teachers contract in limbo; union says COLA is sticking point
Vancouver riverfront land leased by Tidewater Barge Lines up for sale
The Vancouver riverfront property that is home to the Tidewater Barge Lines headquarters is for sale for $20.3 million.
The Tidewater company has a long-term lease, said the seller’s agent, David Hill, senior vice president and shareholder at Kidder Matthews in Portland. According to the listing on LoopNet, there are more than 14 years left on the company’s 40-year lease that ends July 31, 2036.
