in 1916 Ice impeded La Center again in January 1916. The steamer was unable to reach the east fork of the Lewis River, because of heavy ice in both the Columbia and the Lewis Rivers. Freight for the town of La Center was being brought to Ridgefield, Washington by rail, and then carried overland by teams, wagons, and sleds. The steamer La Center could not go back on the run until the weather improved. This was reported to have been the first time in about four years that winter weather had tied up navigation on the Lewis River. Sale to Arthur C. Heston In early April 1916, Uriah S. and E.C. Brothers sold their interest in La Center to Arthur C. Heston, who had been running the steamer before the sale. The steamer was then described as "a small packet plying daily between La Center and other Lewis River points and Portland. Low water 1916 In the fall of 1916, the water in the Lewis and Lake rivers fell so low that boats risked grounding on sandbars, and log raft traffic was impeded. Rains in early November raised the river levels so that La Center could run again on its usual route on the east fork. La Center was also operating at the same time between Portland and Ridgefield, Washington on the Lake River, handling the freight work of the steamer Mimare which was then under reconstruction. Washed inland by flood On December 19, 1917, it was reported that La Center had been carried ashore during a flood and grounded at Lamb’s Landing, about three miles south of Woodland, Washington. The location of the grounding was a pasture between the east and the north forks of the Lewis River. La Center was still ashore on January 5, 1918. The boat was located high and dry 300 feet from the river after the flood receded. By January 17, 1918, La Center had been placed back in the river, by having been jacked up and skids being placed under the hull. Return to Lewis River Transportation Company In December 1918, La Center, then operating under Capt. Arthur C. Heston, was returned to the control of the Lewis River Transportation Company, of which Heston was secretary. The company was then operating from the Ash Street dock in Portland. La Center was then carrying only freight. Lewis River Transportation Company was owned and run