Skamania County Sheriff

Sheriff’s Deputies Serve Three Search Warrants, Tree People Detained

Steve — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:55:54 +0000

At 7:00 Am, Thursday February 16th,2012 Skamania County Sheriff’s Deputies, assisted by Officers from the Clark/Skamania Drug Task Force, served three search warrants on three different residences in Stevenson, WA.

Results yielding from a long term investigation conducted by Skamania County Deputies and the Clark/Skamania Drug Task Force led Officers to believe the suspects apprehended were involved in selling methamphetamine. Jessica Chamberlain, 30 yrs old, Kim Bevans, 40 yrs old, and Tanjai Hanson, 39 yrs old, all from Stevenson were detained for possession and delivery of methamphetamine. Charges will be pending from the Prosecutor’s Office.

Sheriff Brown stated “The service of multiple search warrants this morning was a result of what continues to be a battle against those who illegally use and distribute controlled substances, including prescription medications, in our communities. While the manufacturing of methamphetamine is not as prevalent in our communities as it was 20 years ago, the use and distribution remains. This activity, coupled with the illegal use and distribution of prescription medications, challenges all of us to be aware and to report this illicit use when it comes to our attention.”

Snow Melt And Heavy Rains Next Hurdle For Skamania County

Steve — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:29:03 +0000

January 23, 2012

1100

The National Weather Service is predicting a warm front with heavy rains as the forecast for the coming week. With the high volume of snow and ice still in the mid to upper level elevations, authorities are expecting higher than normal water levels in Skamania County rivers and streams in the coming days.

“We encourage residents to be vigilant to increases in water levels if they live near rivers or streams in the County,” said Sheriff Dave Brown. “We have received a flood watch throughout the County from the National Weather Service for minor flooding resulting from the approaching warm front.”

Residents should monitor water levels in nearby rivers and streams and to stay alert to additional hazards while traveling, as limbs from storm ravaged trees will continue to fall, aided by the anticipated increased winds from the warm front.

Questions on resources that may be available for residents, should be directed to John Carlson, Skamania County Department of Emergency Management Coordinator at 509-427-8076 or email at johnc@co.skamania.wa.us.

Williams Pipeline Partnerships With Skamania County DEM

Steve — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:50:20 +0000

January 17, 2012
2:00 PM

During a time of tightening budgets, the Skamania County Department of Emergency Management has found a silver lining in an otherwise tightening budget future. The Department has relied mainly on dwindling Federal grant opportunities to ensure day to day operations. Williams Pipeline, based out of Tulsa Oklahoma, has generously donated $5,000 to offset the trend of reduced revenue sources for the Skamania County DEM.

“Over the past many years, we have enjoyed a positive working relationship with Williams Pipeline” said Sheriff Dave Brown. “This donation will ensure continuity of operations in the Department of Emergency Management.” The 2012 budget reductions saw the elimination of the vehicle utilized by Skamania County DEM. Williams made the donation to support the continued operation and maintenance of the vehicle assigned to the emergency management coordinator. Prior to the commitment by Williams, the vehicle was slated to be cut from the 2012 budget.

Williams Pipeline currently manages the major natural gas distribution lines that run throughout Skamania County. Williams has been an active partner with Skamania County and the City of Stevenson over the past several years. Williams employees have participated in numerous emergency management activities and exercises and provided safety materials and information regarding their operations.

Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Advising Missing Mother And Son Have Been Located

Steve — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:00:36 +0000

At 10:00 PM Monday January 2nd, 2012 Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Deputies are relieved to announce the missing Stevenson mother, Kelly Ann Hill , and her infant son, David Zachary Barresse, have been located.

The Sheriff’s Office wishes to thank the friends and family of the missing person’s and the media for their assistance in this matter. Both mother and son’s welfare has been verified by Law Enforcement Officers.

Thank you for your assistance.

Jacqueline Garrity
Assistant Public Information Officer
Skamania County Sheriff’s Office
Phone\ 509-427-9490
Email/ jacqg@co.skamania.wa.us

Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Is Seeking Assistance In Locating A Missing 34 Year Old Mother And 5 Week Old Son

Steve — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:43:36 +0000

Skamania County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing 34 year old Stevenson,WA woman and her 5 week old infant son. Deputies have information to believe that Kelly Ann Hill and her son David Zachary Barresse are missing/endangered.

Officers working on the case are requesting that anyone who has seen or been in contact with Ms. Hill to contact Deputy Garique Clifford or Deputy Summer Scheyer at Skamania County Sheriff’s Office at 509-427-9490 or email gariquec@co.skamania.wa.us

Thank you for your assistance.

Jacqueline Garrity
Assistant Public Information Officer
Skamania County Sheriff’s Office
Pho/ 509-427-9490
email: jacqg@co.skamania.wa.us

Teddy Bear Collection

Steve — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 23:56:53 +0000

On 12/07/11 the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office started collecting new stuffed teddy bears in honor of one of our employees. These bears will be donated to New Legacy Children’s Hospital and Providence Hood River Hospital. Donations will be accepted at the Sheriff’s Office 24 hours a day till New Years Day. Please help in honoring an upstanding community member and making children smile.

Thank You

Skamania County Sheriff’s Office
PO Box 790
200 Vancouver Ave
Stevenson, WA 98648
509-427-9490

UNITE’s Arrive Alive Tour 2011 Program to Educate on Dangers of Texting While Driving and Drunken Driving

Steve — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 07:42:04 +0000

The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Stevenson-Carson School District, is offering a distracted driving and drunken driving education program for the students. The Arrive Alive Tour from UNITE will visit Stevenson High School on December 15, 2011 from 8:20. a.m. to 3:10. p.m. UNITE’s Arrive Alive program uses a high-tech simulator, impact video, and a number of other resources to educate students about the dangers of texting while driving. The simulator allows students to experience, in a controlled environment, the potential consequences of distracted or drunken driving. The Skamania County CMASA group, which stands for Community Mobilization Against Substance Abuse, is sponsoring this program.

One of the most commonly recognized driving distractions is cell phone use. About 89 percent of all Americans have a cell phone, according to CTIA – The Wireless Association (Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association). According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers under 20 years old have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes. Their lack of driving experience can contribute to critical misjudgments if they become distracted. Not surprisingly, they text more than any other age group and the numbers of young drivers who text is only increasing.

UNITE brings health and wellness programs to high school and college campuses across the nation. Their programs are designed to heighten awareness to the dangers and consequences of drunk driving and distracted driving. The follow-up programs have a powerful impact on students to reinforce the subjects that schools and parents teach them daily.

For more information please contact Chief David Waymire at the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, 509-427-9490.

Thank you for your assistance.

Missing Hunter Located Deceased

Steve — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:31:12 +0000

UPDATED MEDIA RELEASE
November 15, 2011
1:30 PM

Search efforts recover body of missing Onalaska man

The search for David Sherwood, missing since Friday while Elk hunting in the Ryan Lake area of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, concluded with searchers locating his body on the side of a steep ravine. A private helicopter located Mr. Sherwood at approximately 1130 this morning. A second helicopter with Skamania County Sheriff’s Office personnel recovered Sherwood’s body in the hour long recovery operation.

“These past few days have been difficult for those involved in the search effort including the family and friends of Mr. Sherwood,” said Skamania County Sheriff Dave Brown. “Our efforts were challenged by both the terrain and the weather. We are grateful for all the assistance provided by the community of Onalaska the family of Mr. Sherwood and the volunteer search and rescue teams from the region.”

Today’s search efforts included nearly 70 family and friends of Mr. Sherwood.

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Respectfully,

Dave Cox
Undersheriff
Skamania County Sheriff’s Office

Search Continues This Morning For Missing Onalaska Elk Hunter

Steve — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:29:15 +0000

MEDIA RELEASE
13 November, 2011
9:15 PM
Search efforts will continue tomorrow morning at daybreak for an overdue elk hunter in the Ryan Lake area of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest NE of Spirit Lake in Skamania County. 56 year old Onlalaska, WA resident David Sherwood was reported as overdue by his son to Lewis and Skamania County authorities late Friday evening after Sherwood did not return from an elk hunt in the Ryan Lake area north of Mt St Helens.

Sherwood’s vehicle was found mid day Saturday on a spur road off the Forest Service 2612 road and search and rescue resources were immediately requested through the Washington State Department of Emergency Management. Search efforts in the area of the vehicle were coordinated throughout the night.

This morning, approximately 78 friends, family, and official Search and Rescue teams methodically searched the area until the search was suspended at approximately 7:00 PM this evening.

The weather has not been favorable in the search area, with heavy snow at times and limited visibility. The area is heavily timbered and in steep terrain.

Search efforts will resume tomorrow morning from the Search Base at the Ryan Lake Trailhead on the FS 2612 road. Weather is expected to continue to hamper search efforts as more snow is forecast to fall, adding to the already 8 to 12 inches in the area.

“I have been advised by our Search and Rescue Coordinator that we have requested an additional 20 ground searchers for first light in the morning”, said Undersheriff Dave Cox. “Additional resource requests for aircraft support have also been made, although their use will be heavily weather dependent.”
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Thank you

Dave Cox
Undersheriff
Skamania County Sheriff’s Office
509-427-9490 Office
360-772-6352 Cell

Search Continues For Missing Hunter

Steve — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:43:50 +0000

Search efforts will continue tomorrow morning at daybreak for an overdue elk hunter in the Ryan Lake area of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest NE of Spirit Lake in Skamania County. 56 year old Onlalaska, WA resident David Sherwood was reported as overdue by his son to Lewis and Skamania County authorities late Friday evening after Sherwood did not return from an elk hunt in the Ryan Lake area north of Mt St Helens.

Sherwood’s vehicle was found mid day Saturday on a spur road off the Forest Service 2612 road and search and rescue resources were immediately requested through the Washington State Department of Emergency Management. Search efforts in the area of the vehicle were coordinated throughout the night.

This morning, approximately 78 friends, family, and official Search and Rescue teams methodically searched the area until the search was suspended at approximately 7:00 PM this evening.

The weather has not been favorable in the search area, with heavy snow at times and limited visibility. The area is heavily timbered and in steep terrain.

Search efforts will resume tomorrow morning from the Search Base at the Ryan Lake Trailhead on the FS 2612 road. Weather is expected to continue to hamper search efforts as more snow is forecast to fall, adding to the already 8 to 12 inches in the area.

“I have been advised by our Search and Rescue Coordinator that we have requested an additional 20 ground searchers for first light in the morning”, said Undersheriff Dave Cox. “Additional resource requests for aircraft support have also been made, although their use will be heavily weather dependent.”

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Thank you

Dave Cox
Undersheriff
Skamania County Sheriff’s Office
509-427-9490 Office

360-772-6352 Cell