September 23, 2003, The Reflector

IT'S CREGO VS. REGAN IN GENERAL ELECTION

Incumbent Battle Ground city council member Bill Crego will face challenger Chris Regan in the Nov. 4 general election.

Regan garnered 45.3 percent of the vote in the Sept. 16 primary election, to Crego's 39.1 percent. Tom Ostro was eliminated in the primary with 15.6 percent of the vote.

Crego, who formerly operated Papa Murphy's Pizza in Battle Ground, is an agent for 503 Realty. He has served on the city council for six years.

Crego, 60, said he was pleased with the election outcome although he didn't win.

Crego said voters supported him because of his stand on environmental issues, keeping city growth away from the Lewis River and Salmon Creek. "Let the county pay the expense of taking care of those rivers," said Crego.

Voters also appreciate the Legacy development standards as a means of taking care of the growth problem, said Crego. "People are happy with smaller lots. I doubt that he (opponent Regan) has read or understands" the Legacy standards.

Crego said his experience was also a factor with voters. "I have an understanding of what's going on in the city," said Crego. "Battle Ground is fiscally sound. To remain that way we have to look at growth."

Crego said he was disappointed in the 25 percent voter turnout. "That not very good, especially for a mail-in election. Some people don't give a rip what's going on or don't care about the primary."

Crego and his wife, Linda, have four children. They have lived in the city eight years.

Regan, 38, works in middle management at Home Depot. He has lived in Battle Ground for seven years.

Regan said he is concerned about small lot sizes in the city along with crowded schools.

Regan said city officials have allowed "things to happen that are not appropriate to managing growth."

Regan is single and a Clark County native.

Yacolt

In a close runoff in Yacolt, incumbent town council member Jim Messer was defeated in a reelection bid. Challengers James Weldon received 36.3 percent of the vote and Karen Holyk 33.3 percent, to Messer's 30.4 percent.

Messer, 53, a 4-term incumbent, had listed improved sidewalks and parks in his reelection agenda, along with little league field parking and access.

Holyk, 52, said more small businesses should be encouraged to locate in Yacolt. She also supported grants for a youth center, and neighborhood watch programs for safer neighborhoods. She has lived in Yacolt for 10 years.

Weldon, 74, said he supports park and street improvements. He has lived in Yacolt for five years.

Other races

In the race for Camas city council, former Battle Ground resident Liz Pike Erikson garnered 51 percent of the vote against David Gast who had 35.8 percent and Bruce Lindoff who received 13.2 percent.

Tom Bradley and Nancy Baker each received about 34 percent of the vote in the race for the Port of Vancouver board. Robert Durgan received about 32 percent and was eliminated.

About 25 percent of registered voters in Clark County cast ballots in the Sept. 16 primary election.

WOODLAND MAYORAL CANDIDATES EXCHANGE VIEWS

More similarities than contrasts emerged Sept. 16 as candidates for mayor of Woodland appeared at a forum sponsored by the Woodland Chamber of Commerce.

Incumbent mayor Jim Graham and challenger Doug Monge agreed that growth is inevitable and that attracting business is an important goal.

They also agreed in their opposition to a business and occupation tax and an increase in the sales tax.

In addition, both Graham and Monge has experience in law enforcement. Graham served for 28 years on the Woodland police force, followed by 7 1/2 years as mayor. Monge is a patrol officer with the Longview police department.

On the other hand, Monge said he supports a change to a city manager form of government. Graham said he is not sure a city manager is needed. "The biggest problem is cost," said Graham. "We're looking at $100,000 a year plus benefits."

Monge said a full-time professional administrator could secure grants and bring business to Woodland. "A city manager will pay for himself in the long run," said Monge.

Monge said he supports the construction of a swimming pool at Horseshoe Lake Park. "I think it's going to revitalize this community and bring business to this side of town," said Monge.

Graham noted that the city council has agreed on the park location. He said it's now up to the citizen pool committee to construct the project. "I'm in favor of the pool, but not the park," said Graham. "I stand by my conviction that the park is not the place for the pool."

Monge said he was "dismayed" when he saw articles in the newspaper about the Woodland Care Center and what council member Daryl Maunu had to say about it.

"I believe Mr. Maunu was only exercising his right to express his opinions," countered Graham.

Maunu and challenger Chris Haughee will take part in a Chamber of Commerce forum on Tues., Oct. 21.

Monge expressed concern about urban sprawl, having witnessed growth in the Dallas, TX area. He has lived in Woodland since 1997.

Monge said the city's comprehensive growth plan is outdated and not always followed.

Graham expressed the need to control growth. He praised the quality of city staff who, he said, don't need a lot of oversight.

Graham has lived in Woodland all his life.

Monge said he did not have any experience in city government. Graham said he was in the same position seven years ago. Graham said he has learned that "you can't please everyone."

PLANNERS WEIGH HOME BUSINESS ISSUES

Deliberations will continue in November

Clark County Planning Commissioners heard testimony and debated proposed revisions to a Home Occupation Ordinance at a Sept. 18 public hearing, then shelved further deliberations until November.

The hearing was an extension of an Aug. 21 public airing of proposed rules that attempt to keep home businesses compatible with residential neighbors.

Many testimony came from rural business owners who said proposed rules to limit vehicles, accessory buildings and number of employees, and require fees for permits would put them out of business.

Building industry spokesman Matt Lewis said thousands of rural businesses, including 886 registered contractors in rural zip codes, would be hurt by the ordinance.

Rural business owners operate from homes because they can't find land zoned for industrial use in rural areas, said Lewis.

Lewis said he favors alternative rules developed by members of the Rural Business Coalition which call for lower fees and require business owners to mitigate potential nuisance problems with neighbors.

Lewis said mediation and binding arbitration should be used when necessary to settle neighbor disputes.

Brush Prairie resident Jolyn Cornelsen said it's almost impossible to make a living by farming 20 acres of land zoned for agriculture. Cornelsen said she would like to build a lodge and hold weddings on her 20 acres.

Mike Rotschy, president of Clark County Farm Forestry Association, said the ordinance will drive small businesses out of business, and discourage others from wanting to start them. "Make the ordinance business friendly and deal with nuisances as they come up," said Rotschy.

Contractor Corina Higgins said she has two vehicles, two trailers and two employees. A conditional use permit for her business would cost $24,000, said Higgins. "We have small children and don't want to go into debt," said Higgins.

Shelly Deal said her family run a landscape business with six employees on their Brush Prairie acreage. Deal said that as the business grew, no one realized they were violating county codes. Permit fees could force the business to close. "It would be crushing for us to have to move on," Deal said.

Rural Business Coalition member Jim Malinowski said the state Growth Management Act requires officials to promote rural business enterprises.

Malinowski said the proposed ordinance would put his brother, a small contractor, out of business and cost rural employees their jobs.

"Don't put any rural business out of business in this job climate," said Malinowski.

Tearful Battle Ground cement contractor Brenda Fairbanks said her business was closed by County officials after she paid fees.

"It's a very emotional thing for me," said Fairbanks. "My dad was a contractor and all of my family were contractors," she said. Fairbanks said most of her contractor acquaintances are illegal under terms of the proposed ordinance.

A man who asked to remain anonymous said barking dogs cause far more problems than business owners.

Neighbor objections

Ridgefield citizen Doris Carlson said an auto repair service near her home keeps 10-12 autos in an ill-kept yard and has "ruined our neighborhood."

Carlson's neighbor, Roland Homola, said he can't afford to pay fees to make his business legal. "If my neighbors come to me, I'll do my best to work things out...whatever it takes," said Homola.

In written comments, Ken and Debbie Michaels of Vancouver said a siding contractor creates increased traffic, keeps pallets of building materials in his front yard and depresses area home values.

Brush Prairie citizen Jarvis Burton said a business neighbor won't help maintain a private road and has guests who speed, Still, Burton urged low fees for business owners as long as neighbors "can't see it, hear it or smell it."

Ken MacIntosh said he is Burton's neighbor and does bronze art work at his home. He said he would enter into mediation with Burton.

Deliberations

Planner Jeff Wriston wondered aloud, "What do we do about the businesses out there today?" Wriston said existing home businesses need an amnesty period and a chance to get compliant with little or no fees.

"We have the ability to recommend low fees to the Board of County Commissioners," said Planning Commission chair Vaughn Lein.

Planner Carey Smith said low fees would cause other citizens to subsidize costs.

Planner Ron Barca said he could not be unjust to one constituency while helping another constituency.

Barca said performance standards for home businesses might eliminate neighbor impacts. He suggested commissioners define businesses with low and high impacts on neighborhoods.

"We have a relatively low number of complaints under the existing code," said planner Lonnie Moss. The County staff could not handle the workload created by the ordinance, said Moss.

County planning manager Patrick Lee said the County tallied 89 enforcement actions on home businesses in the past three years.

Moss said he prefers a blanket amnesty approach, with businesses subjected to complaints being brought into compliance.

"Amnesty doesn't cure problem businesses," said Wriston. Moss agreed, saying his only concern with blanket amnesty was how to deal with "bad apples."

Planner Dick Deleissegues said lower cost "type 1" permits should be used for home businesses with up to three employees. Only large commercial enterprises should be required to obtain a "type 2" permit, he said.

Moss said fees are not the only costs business owners will face if proposed ordinance provisions are enacted. Many businesses will be forced to hire consultants, and pay for screening, paving, renovations of old buildings and other mitigation, said Moss.

Faced with near-term hearings on the Comprehensive Growth Management Plan update, planning commissioners agreed to resume discussions of the Home Occupation Ordinance at a workshop with County staff members on Thurs., Nov. 6, 5:30 p.m.

Location will be announced.

Planners will resume deliberations on ordinance provisions Thurs., Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m., in the Commissioners Hearing Room on the 6th floor, Public Service Building, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver. Information telephone is 397-2375, ext. 4968.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Children ran, jumped, stretched, climbed, bounced, pounced, laughed and wiggled their way across several hundred feet of new playground equipment Sept. 19 at Woodland Primary School.

That afternoon, principal Mark Houk stood on the new equipment and led a dedication ceremony in front of community representatives, the student body, parents and family members, calling it "a day for thanks."

Part of the ceremony included a long line of third grade students who carried yellow notecards to the microphone. Each student named one of the project contributors as a gesture of thanks.

According to Roland Radtke, representative for the Olympia-based Northwest Recreation company who designed the equipment and trained school staff in its use, the multi-faceted modular equipment is state-of-the art.

Equipment includes four covered turrets, each accessible with wheelchair ramps and surrounded by 2-inch-thick foam flooring designed to protect a child from a 9-foot fall, Radtke said.

The turrets support a gaggle of slides, climbing bars, firepoles and game panels such as tic-tac-toe, labyrinth, pinball and chimes. Ships' wheels, math games, talk tubes and icon-finding contests round out activities. An eight-seat swingset and additional, smaller child's play area near the preschool are also part of the set up.

Members of Woodland's Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) spearheaded the $100,000 project in conjunction with the District.

According to PTSA representative Mary Casey, previous playground equipment was worn and hazardous. More than 600 children daily will use the new playground equipment, plus more during off-school hours. The playground will last about 20 years.

To raise money for the equipment, hundreds of students, families and area business participated in fundraisers such as walk-a-thons, popcorn sales and auctions, Casey said.

Radtke said if volunteers hadn't donated services, the project would have cost more than $200,000.

"It's quite a feat for a small community to raise this kind of money," Radtke said. "They did really well."

The PTSA thanked the following organizations, businesses and individuals for their help in the project:

Lewis River Motors, Save on Foods, T.O.D.A.Y. Foundation, Wal-Mart Foundation, Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, American Windows and Doors, USNR, Hayes Cabinets, Columbia State Bank, Fibre Federal Credit Union, Safeway, Rob & Linda Dore, Benno & Klazina Dobbe, PDM General Steel, Steve & June Jones, Groat Brothers, the Houk family, Burgerville USA, Dave's Garage, Woodland Co-Op Preschool, Tracy Keck, Schlecht Construction, NW Pet Products, Oak Tree Restaurant, Mosby Insurance, Advanced Electric Signs, Reed & Karen Sigfridson, Mike & Cindy Moss, Glacier NW, Barry & Teri Estes, Women of the Moose, Marisa & Bryan Johnson, Woodland Truck Line, Tammy Ludwigs, Lorna Cope, Hamilton Materials, Hi- School Pharmacy, Kim Olson, Dave & Pam Keck, Jim & Mary Casey, Bill & Beth Woodard, Woodland Education Association, Holland Inc., Julius & Carol Belchly, Jim Britt, Tom & Linda Wilson, Cyndi Volk, Cowlitz Fire District, Gary & Susan Loomis, Steve & Nancy Harms, Holland America Bulb Farms, Gerald & Deborah Deans, Kenneth Carty, Ansgar & Millie Schei, Jim & Carol Imhoff, Bill Hundley & Kay Purcell, Terry & Sharon Gatz, Michael & Linda Foglia, John & Jan Bohrensen, Wink & Betty Bottemiller, Clyde & Millie Schurman and the Colf Family Foundation.

NE 199TH ST WILL OPEN SEPT. 27

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Battle Ground motorists rejoice--NE 199th St. will be open Sat., Sept. 27, for through traffic from SR-503 to SE Grace Ave.

All or a portion of the road has been closed for construction since July 9, headed by Clark County Public Works. Battle Ground based Tapani Underground is the general contractor for the $6 million undertaking.

Although the road will be open, crews will continue putting the finishing touches on the project, said County project manager Matt Hall.

Installation of sidewalks on the north side, driveway enhancements, stormwater basin construction and landscaping will continue.

Also remaining is the installation of traffic signals at S Parkway Ave. and SE Grace Ave., to be completed in late fall, Hall said.

The project widened the former two-lane road bordered with deep ditches to a three lane boulevard with a continuous middle lane for turns, sidewalks, an asphalt path on the south side and underground utilities.

Funding for the project came from the County road fund, public works trust fund loans, the city of Battle Ground and the Federal Highway Administration.

CITIZENS LOBBY BG ON LAND USE ISSUES

Gardner seeks NE 199th St. access; church eyes former Meyers market site

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Citizen Dick Gardner asked Battle Ground city council members Sept. 15 to support a roadway access from NE 199th St. into 11 acres on the NE corner of NE 199th St. and SR-503.

Gardner and real estate agent Scott Fraser said final sale of the property to a developer who would build a theater complex at the site depends on street access.

Real estate agent Fred Bowman urged the city to help with street access. He said the proposed theater project would be good for the city.

After the meeting, Brian Carrico, city development services manager, said the Gardner property could be too close to the traffic signal at SR-503 for safe left/right turn accesses.

Public works director Sam Adams said the city only owns 10 feet of right-of-way on the north side of NE 199th St. west of Grace Ave. As a result, Clark County--not Battle Ground--has jurisdiction over access to NE 199th St. traffic flows, said Adams.

Clark County public works spokesman Richard Gamble said the lead agency for the development would normally be Battle Ground, after an application is submitted from the developer. The city could then approach the County about access issues from NE 199th St., said Gamble.

No applications have been filed with the city or county. Developer Elie Kassab, when contacted Sept. 17, said, "It's too early for that."

Gardner hopes city officials will help lead efforts to gain full access at the property. A theater complex with a nice restaurant is something the city needs, said Gardner.

Church eyes former Meyers Market location

Living Hope Church pastor John Bishop asked city council members to allow his church to use the former site of

Meyers Marketplace at the southeast corner of W Main St. and SR-503 pending a revision of the city code.

Bishop said the church wants to occupy and renovate the former market building. Games and youth activities at the site would give area youths a place to go and things to do, said Bishop.

However, Battle Ground city code does not permit churches in commercial zones. Bishop and his supporters want the city to change the zoning code. Bishop contends that several cities, including Vancouver, Camas, Seattle, and Everett as well as Clark County, allow churches in commercial zones. Bishop said area legislators Joe Zarelli, Don Benton, Tom Mielke and Marc Boldt have endorsed the church's plans.

Mielke administrative assistant Sandy White said the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act passed by Congress in 2000 allows land use changes for churches.

"Save the city some money and approve the church request," suggested White.

Mayor John Idsinga said the city staff will study the church request and provide guidance for the council.

Foursquare church quits plans

Wellspring Foursquare Church pastor Paul Mackie and his congregation approached council members in late August with similar plans.

Unknown to them, the Living Hope congregation had already begun plans to renovate the 38,000 square-foot building and were working with owners Bob Oja and Floyd Steen.

Mackie and his staff had been working through the real estate agent, who was unaware of communication between the owners and Bishop, Mackie said.

According to Mackie, he and Bishop spoke together and came to an agreement to let the Living Hope Congregation proceed because plans to use the building to benefit the community are similar.

An event, called The Marketplace--The Next Generation, to be held in the parking lot under tents Sept. 22-28 has been cancelled. The event would have presented the Foursquare congregation's plans for the area to the community.

The former grocery store is currently leased to Associated Grocers until 2008.

WOODLAND MULLS PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING

Bill Myers, staff reporter

A Vancouver architect presented three construction options for a city public safety complex at a Sept. 15 Woodland city council meeting.

The presentation by Rob Barrentine of Barrentine Bates Lee Architects provided information but did not call for council action.

Barrentine showed building options with price tags ranging from $3.9 million for a three-truck bay building without living areas to an $8.4 million building housing a six-truck bay garage and training tower, 4,500 square feet of living quarters for full-time firefighters and more than 12,000 square feet of office space for fire and police departments.

A fourth option suggested the city could buy land now for a future facility, at a cost of about $900,000.

The presentation included various full or partial potential funding sources, including federal or state grants, bonds, loans, impact fees and real estate excise taxes.

The city's existing debt capacity is estimated at $7.2 million, said an Aug. 21 project memorandum from economic and development services consultant E. D. Hovee & Company.

Future needs?

Fire chief Rob Dahl said the city might need 20 employee firefighters in 15 years if a decision is made for 24-hour staffing.

Dahl said future plans are to keep some equipment at current substations.

Mayor Jim Graham said a consolidation with Cowlitz Fire District 1 is likely possible in the future.

Council member Mike Kruse said the complex should be located centrally.

"Are we convinced in 20 or 30 years where the population growth will be?" asked Kruse.

Public works director Rob VanderZanden said the complex should be close to industrial areas as well as residential populations.

All agreed the complex should not be located in a flood plain.

Kruse said there are hints that an appropriate property for the complex could be for sale.

Following the meeting, council members met in executive session to discuss land purchase options.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

The Ridgefield and Vancouver school boards met with representatives from Educational Service District (ESD) 112 Sept. 17 to discuss the transfer of school district land from Ridgefield to Vancouver.

Board members discussed legal ramifications of the shift but have made no transfer-related decisions yet.

Vancouver District officials appointed representatives from their board to join with legal council for a future negotiation session. Ridgefield officials will make similar appointments at an upcoming board meeting.

The territory under consideration consists of 11 homes out of 33 that are accessed from NW Fair Acres Dr. at NW 151st St.

According to ESD chief financial officer Tim Merlino, the assessed value of the territory is $6.4 million. The 11 homes are currently in the Ridgefield district.

Other homes in the Fair Acres neighborhood are south of 159th St. and are already part of the Vancouver School District.

According to Ridgefield superintendent Mary Vagner, the petition to transfer territory was initiated by a Ridgefield family who want their two children to attend Vancouver's Chinook Elementary School on boundary exceptions.

Chinook Elementary was full, Vagner said, and the exceptions were denied. The children, along with the three other school-age children in the territory, now attend private school.

Out of 16 voters in the territory, six signed a petition to request the transfer. Because the petition was filed prior to a new law enacted this summer, only 10 percent of registered voters residing in a territory were required to sign. The new law requires 50 percent.

Petitioners believe the territory transfer will eliminate geographical disparity within the neighborhood, provide a shorter and safer commute for the children, and provide educational unity within the neighborhood.

Difficulties in transferring

According to Regional Committee chairman Bruce Hagensen, a former Vancouver mayor with more than 20 years experience in boundary transfer decisions, shifting territory between school districts is no easy matter.

Current law allows school boards to decide the matter, but few boards actually do so, Hagensen said, because a "giving" board does not want to relinquish any of its tax base and a "receiving" board does not want to appear covetous of free land. If board members do not reach an agreement, the decision is made by Regional Committee members.

Vancouver board member Dale Rice framed the dilemma. "If I were on the Ridgefield school board, I would not be interested in losing this tax base. [Vancouver's] board is not seeking this, but it's obvious this board would be interested in additional tax base. It seems clear [this case] will end up with the [Regional Committee]."

Yet when small-scale petition transfers are passed from school boards to the Regional Committee, results are seldom favorable toward petitioners. Hagensen said. The Committee infrequently approves transfers unless they benefit a large-scale number of taxpayers.

"We have seen a gradual change from dealing with globalized issues to more neighborhood issues," Hagensen said. "The predominant finding of the Committee, [given the current trend toward neighborhood issues], is that we do not support boundary changes."

The Regional Committee is bound by the state legislature to use a six-category criteria sheet to make its decision.

Criteria includes school performance, safety and welfare, history of property, geographic accessibility, economic impact and "other."

Hagensen said he does not consider some of the criteria to be beneficial even though it is legislatively mandated.

For example, Hagensen said, test scores do not reflect the global interests of taxpayers in boundary transfer decisions.

One district may outperform another, Hagensen said, "but why not just transfer the whole district?"

CITIZENS FLOCK TO OPEN HOUSE ON PLAN

Public hearing starts Sept. 25

Bill Myers, staff reporter

A steady stream of curious citizens attended a Clark County open house in Battle Ground Sept. 16 to see proposed updates to the Clark County Comprehensive Growth Management Plan.

Displays of maps and charts were staffed by County employees who fielded questions. Most staff members helped shape revisions to a plan that attempts to anticipate future population, jobs, land uses and transportation needs.

A Vancouver/Clark Parks and Recreation staff member displayed plans for future parks and conservation lands, and a city of Battle Ground official displayed a map of where city boundaries might be in 50 years.

County officials are using the event in Battle Ground and other recent open houses in Camas and Vancouver to communicate details of their proposed Comprehensive Plan.

A Clark County Planning Commission public hearing on the update starts Thurs., Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m., in the hearing room, sixth floor, Clark county Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver. Continuations of the hearing and/or deliberations are scheduled for Thursday evenings, all starting at 6:30 p.m. as shown below:

** Oct. 2, at the Elections/Motor Vehicle Building, 1408 Franklin St., Vancouver;

** Oct. 9, at Vancouver City Hall, 210 E 13th St., Vancouver;

** Oct. 16, at Commissioners Hearing Room, 6th floor, Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver; and

** Oct. 23, at Vancouver City Hall, 210 E 13th St., Vancouver.

The information telephone number is 397-2375, extension 4993.

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Battle Ground residents may pay higher storm drainage fees next year.

At a Sept. 15 city council meeting, finance director David Reeves asked council members to increase storm drainage utility rates by 22 percent.

In a memorandum supporting the hike, Reeves said a current $3.23 monthly fee for residential, commercial and industrial units should be increased to $3.95.

The increase would raise annual storm drain revenues from about $269,000 to $329,000.

Reeves said the city operated at a $35,105 loss in 2002 even after cost-cutting measures and delays in capital expenditures.

Battle Ground has 23 storm water facilities on over 15 acres of land, and more than 500 catch basins that need to be cleaned every other year, said Reeves.

The city maintains 5 miles of open ditches and 45 miles of drain lines, Reeves said.

Two trucks are used to maintain drain lines, which must be maintained and replaced if necessary, said Reeves. He estimated it would take $180,000 to replace the city's Vactor truck which sucks debris from catch basins and area drains, and about $120,000 to replace a Jetter truck used to flush lines or pipes.

Reeves said there will be more requirements and additional costs as the city continues to grow.

"My street floods"

Council member Alex Reinhold said his street floods and asked how he could justify an added fee to neighbors.

Public works director Sam Adams said: "That's part of what the drainage fund is for..."

Adams said the city will secure a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit next year. The permit is necessary because of storm water discharges into the Salmon Creek and Lewis River systems, and requires adequate funding of the storm drainage maintenance processes, said Adams.

Council member Sandra Barnes asked Reeves to provide a rate history for the storm drainage utility. Council member Bill Ganley said council members should see all proposed utility rates for 2004 before approving a storm drainage rate increase.

Reeves said the current rate has been in place for at least five years. He said he will bring a rate history and other proposed utility rates to the Oct. 6 council meeting.

WOODLAND EYES MORE COMMERCIAL LAND

Public hearing on Chumbley land set Nov. 3

Woodland City Council members Sept. 15 weighed a Planning Commission recommendation to reclassify more than 23 acres on Dike Access Rd. west of I-5 from light industrial to commercial zoning.

Council members decided more time was needed to study traffic issues. They scheduled a public hearing on the proposed rezone for Nov. 5.

In June, chief of police Grover Laseke and public works director Rob VanderZanden said they were concerned commercial zoning could create excessive traffic flows.

In August, a private, Kirkland consultant completed a traffic impact analysis for the Brothers Chumbley, LLC. The analysis, with mitigation recommended to offset major future traffic problems, was submitted for city review.

In September, planners recommended that council members approve a comprehensive plan and zoning map change to accommodate the rezone request.

The public hearing is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., during the Woodland City Council meeting at 100 Davidson Ave., Woodland.

Woodland, Ridgefield and Battle Ground discuss spring bonds

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Officials in three Clark County school districts are considering asking voters to approve bonds in spring 2004 to build new school buildings. Woodland, Ridgefield and Battle Ground school districts are bursting at the seams and need new buildings, say school officials.

Other school districts are well into construction projects.

La Center passed a $13.4 million bond last spring for a K-8 remodel and new construction.

Hockinson completed a new $17 million high school this fall as well as modernization projects at the primary and middle school levels in 2001 and 2002.

** Why numbers matter

School districts take enrollment readings throughout the year to analyze class space, staffing and budget needs.

Enrollment numbers used for budgets receive considerable attention, say district business managers.

Districts use a method of counting students for budgeting purposes, called full-time equivalent (FTE), which averages part-time students into the mix.

When district business managers prepare budgets each spring, they project conservative FTE numbers which are used to obtain apportionment dollars from the state.

As a result, if fewer students enroll than are projected, districts are not caught short-funded. If more students enroll than projected, districts receive more money from the state and can easily adjust budgets, say officials.

Enrollment numbers are often highest in the fall, say school officials. Districts lose students throughout the year because of drop-out rates in upper-level grades.

** Woodland

According to superintendent Bill Hundley, Woodland received "more growth than anticipated" this year with the biggest crunch at the secondary level.

"Enrollment continues to surprise us," Hundley said. "Woodland is a growing place."

Hundley said public discussions about passing a bond will take place this fall within the community. Depending on input received, a bond may be proposed by April 2004.

Some 1,998 students enrolled for Woodland classes this September compared to 1,947 last May.

School officials projected 1,840 FTE students would come to classes this September, however, some 1,907 FTE students are enrolled.

Hundley said the increase is spread throughout all grades with 17 more students in third grade and 30 more in ninth grade.

No new portables were added this year.

** Ridgefield

Ridgefield's secretary to the superintendent Bonnie Harris reported 1,833 students were enrolled in the District this September compared with 1,821 last May.

Enrollment decreased by 30 students in second grade, 10 in fourth and 22 in ninth, but increased by 20 students in third grade, 14 in eighth, 35 in 10th, and 21 in 12th.

Business manager Donna Gregg said District officials projected 1,722 FTE students; 1,752 FTEs enrolled.

No new portables were added this year.

** Battle Ground

Student enrollment in Battle Ground is up 431 students to 11,972 this September.

Much of the increase--284 students--occurred at the primary level. Over the summer, the District installed a 10-classroom portable building at the Chief Umtuch Primary School campus to accommodate growth.

Officials accurately projected 11,322 FTEs for budgeting; 11,322 were calculated this September.

** La Center

According to La Center financial officer Brett Blechschmidt, 1,342 students were counted this September compared to 1,324 last May.

The increase was mostly at the elementary level with kindergarten up 27 students, and third and fourth grades up 18.

District officials projected 1,235 FTEs this year with 1,262 FTE's enrolled.

Blechschmidt said space continues to be tight because of ongoing remodel work; District staff will use specialists and group work to help alleviate overcrowding. Work is projected to be finished by fall 2004.

** Hockinson

Superintendent Barry Gourley said the new school year has "really gotten off to a good start" with more students enrolling at the new high school than expected.

The district anticipated about 210 students at the high school, which currently incorporates ninth and 10th grades; 263 students are enrolled.

District-wide, 1,738 students enrolled in September compared with 1,545 last May.

Gourley said most of the growth is in first and second grades, as well as seventh through 10th.

The District added three new portable classroomss--two at the primary school and one at the middle school.

** Green Mountain

According to administrator Suzette McGraw, Green Mountain has 122 students this year, down from 123 last year.

Kindergarten is down to nine students from 22 last year, but more students enrolled in the District throughout the rest of the grades, McGraw said.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

College football fans are as common as leaves in fall. But how many fans travel to South Bend, IN, to see their team in action?

According to the Washington State University Alumni Association, about 5,000 Washingtonians flew to the midwest over Labor Day weekend to see the opening game between the Washington State University Cougars and the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

This was the first time the two teams have ever played. Notre Dame first opened its doors in 1842 and varsity sports began in 1887. Washington State was the team's 134th different opponent in 115 seasons of Irish football.

Battle Ground resident Paul Walden, a retired Battle Ground School District principal, took in the game with his son, Grant, who graduated from Washington State.

Throughout his 26-year career in the District, Walden was principal at Amboy Middle, Lewisville Middle, Pleasant Valley Middle, Maple Grove Primary, and Chief Umtuch Primary schools. Today, he teaches wind instruments for Music World and tests beginning teachers for City University.

Over the long weekend, the Waldens flew to Chicago, IL, and rented a car for the two- hour drive to South Bend. They were amazed at how many people they saw that they recognized from Clark County, Walden said.

After touring the National Football Hall of Fame, the duo toured the Notre Dame campus.

Notre Dame is an independent, Catholic university known for its rigorous academics and breathtaking architecture.

The school's 1,250-acre campus contains two lakes and 136 buildings including the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, a 14-story library, a 132-foot-high mural of Christ and a 124-year-old main building with its famed golden dome.

Notre Dame alumni include national security advisor Condeleezza Rice, television personality Regis Philbin, Early Show co-host Hannah Storm, best-selling author Nicholas Sparks who wrote A Walk to Remember among other works, and former Puerto Rico governor Pedro Rossello.

"The campus was simply amazing," Walden said. "They must have incredible financial support. Notre Dame is one of the most beautiful campuses I've ever been on."

Walden and his son aim to take in at least one "away" college football game each year. They've toured the universities of Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, Hawaii, Alaska, Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology and more.

Before the game with Notre Dame, the Waldens took in a 30-minute band concert and a ceremony that recognized incoming freshmen players and outgoing seniors. After the concert, band members followed tradition and walked from the concert site to the 80,000-seat stadium, with fans following.

Walden said the weather was perfect for a fall football game, low to mid 70s without a cloud in the sky.

Who won the game?

"Well, let's just say the good guys didn't, but they should have," Walden said. "The experience was worth it. I enjoy the cultural differences of traveling. We always end up talking to people we never anticipate. And I enjoy athletics, always have. Now I can say I've been to South Bend to see a football game."

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

An Amboy Middle School physical education teacher who was investigated last May for inappropriate conduct was transferred to Prairie High School at the start of this school year.

The teacher was exonerated last spring after an investigation conducted by Battle Ground School District attorney Bill Coats.

After the teacher resumed educational responsibilities last year, parents wrote letters to the District expressing displeasure. Some 87 students withdrew from physical education classes and were given an optional study hall period.

District staff and community members met last May and agreed to resolve the matter by hiring a third teacher, who worked collaboratively in the Amboy physical education department for the rest of the 2002-2003 school year.

District communications consultant Kelly Keister said the decision to shift the teacher to Prairie this year was made by the District human resources department and because a position opened up at Prairie due to a retirement. The Amboy teacher had also previously worked at Prairie as an assistant coach.

"The transfer is in the best interest of all parties," Keister said.

Keister said that before the teacher was transferred, the District continued to receive regular contact with Amboy parents who expressed a desire to have their students placed in other physical education classes.

Keister said the decision to transfer the teacher was not based on continued pressure from parents to have the teacher removed.

The shift, however, is considered an "administrative transfer," meaning non-voluntary on behalf of the teacher, Keister said.

The teacher did not return phone calls from The Reflector.

The third physical education teacher hired in Amboy is currently substitute teaching there until a permanent replacement is found for the physical education department.

OBITS:

DASHA JOINER

Dasha Lynnaye Joiner died at birth Oct. 1, 2003, in Vancouver.

Survivors include mother Candace of Vancouver, brothers Raymond Joiner and Cole Corchoran, at home in Vancouver, grandparents Dennis and Linda Holbrook of Vancouver and Robert and Kathy Joiner of Oregon, great-grandparents Robert and Avettia Holbrook of Vancouver, and aunt Heidi Joiner of Vancouver.

Hamilton-Mylan Funeral Home, Vancouver, was in charge of arrangements.

Dorothy Evelyn (Duval) O'Leary, 87, died Sept. 28, 2003 in Eugene, OR.

O'Leary was born May 5, 1916 in Crawford, and lived in Battle Ground for 50 years before moving to Eugene two months ago.

O'Leary was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She enjoyed reading, quilting and sewing. She loved her family, was a good cook and enjoyed fishing.

Survivors include widower Carl O'Leary, at home, daughter Michele O'Leary of Eugene, son Michael O'Leary of Salem, OR, and six grandchildren.

Committal was at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

HELEN GREENE

Helen (Kaarto) Greene, 84, died Oct. 5, 2003 in Redding, CA.

Greene was born Sept. 9, 1919 in Ft. Bragg, CA, and lived in Battle Ground for 24 years before moving to Palo Cedro, CA in 1996.

Greene was a Christian homemaker and loved caring for children. She also enjoyed hiking, swimming and traveling.

Survivors include son Stan Greene of Battle Ground, daughter Jan Carter of California, sisters Esther Isensee and Miriam Broderson, both of Battle Ground, and Evelyn Kaarto of California, brother Tim Kaarto of California, 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Services will be held Fri., Oct. 10, 11 a.m., at Layne's Funeral Home Chapel, Battle Ground, with internment at Elim Cemetery, Brush Prairie. Visitation will be Thurs., Oct. 9, 6-8:30 p.m.

Arrangements were handled by Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel in Redding, CA, and Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground.

Barton Davis, 81, died Sept. 29, 2003 in Vancouver.

Davis was born May 8, 1922 in Fort Worth, Texas, worked as an investment broker, and lived in Texas for 75 years before moving to Vancouver two years ago.

Davis attended Abelene Christian College. He was a Church of Christ minister for 40 years and pastored many churches in the Fort Worth, Texas area. He attended Church of Christ in Hazel Dell. He enjoyed Bible study, traveling, carpentry, photography, fishing and hunting. He collected coins and was interested in politics.

Davis was preceded in death by his first wife, Velma Davis, in 1992. Survivors include widow Lyvonne Davis, at home, daughter Linda Enos of Oregon, step-daughter Sharon Conway of Texas, sons Joel Davis of Ridgefield and Ken Davis of Texas, step-sons Terry Smith and Greg Smith, both of Texas, brother William Davis of Oklahoma, nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, five step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild.

Memorial services will be held Wed., Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m., at Hazel Dell Church of Christ, 11105 NW Lakeshore Dr., Vancouver, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

BONNIE MCKINNEY

Bonnie Nadine (Robertson) McKinney, 83, died Sept. 29, 2003 in Battle Ground.

McKinney was born Oct. 8, 1919 in Seligman, Missouri, and lived in Sequim for 13 years before moving to Battle Ground a year ago.

McKinney enjoyed cooking, canning, sewing, traveling and collecting figurines.

McKinney was preceded in death by step-son Thomas Lee McKinney in 1975. Survivors include widower John McKinney, at home, step-daughter Dorothy "Jeanie" Jean Elmer of Battle Ground, two step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren.

No public services will be held, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

Gary J. Mistic, 49, died of a blood clot in his lungs Sept. 29, 2003 at home in Longview.

Mistic was born Aug. 28, 1954 in Bemidgji, MN, graduated from Woodland High School in 1972, and worked as a senior water serviceman at Cowlitz County Public Utility District for 24 years.

Mistic was an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved the outdoors and spending time on his boat with family and friends.

Mistic loved life and lived as if there were no tomorrow. Mistic is remembered as a true friend to all. He had a huge heart and was willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.

Survivors include widow Alisa Mistic of Longview, sons Andrew Mistic of California and Matthew Mistic of Longview, daughter Rachel Mistic of Portland, parents Jim and Mary Mistic of Castle Rock, and sister Ann Bishop of Castle Rock, brother Robert Mistic of Castle Rock, and sister-in-law Susan Wilson of Battle Ground.

Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park and Cemetery was in charge of arrangements.

DIANA WALLILA

Diana Lynn Wallila, 49, died Sept. 30, 2003 in Woodland.

Wallila was born Dec. 3, 1953 in Vancouver and graduated from Woodland High School in 1972. She was active in Flanigan Clan and was a state champion javelin thrower. She was Planters Day queen in 1972.

Wallila attended Seattle Pacific University for 1 1/2 years, and worked at the Cowlitz County courthouse. She was active in Ducks Unlimited, and loved to fish, hunt and trap shoot. She became a private pilot and enjoyed many outdoor activities. She was also involved in the Handicap Equestrian Program.

Wallila will be remembered for her smile, and her loved of people and animals, including her horse and Yorkshire dog.

Wallila was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Bruce. Survivors include parents Robert and Marjorie Wallila of Woodland, sister Sandy Larson of Woodland, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Burial was at Frank Abel Cemetery, with the Woodland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

DOUGLAS BETZING

Douglas Earl Betzing, 61, died of cancer Sept. 20, 2003 at home in Ridgefield.

Betzing was born Feb. 24, 1942 in Vancouver. He was a descendant of the Betzing, Carson and Buckman pioneer families in the Vancouver and Portland area. He graduated from Ft. Vancouver High School in 1960 and worked as a salesman for Kings Command Meats Inc. of Kent for 15 years.

Betzing enjoyed life to the fullest, especially being with his family and friends. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, snow skiing, traveling, sail boating and cooking and entertaining.

Betzing was preceded in death by father, Francis Betzing, and mother, Lina Betzing. Survivors include widow Sharon Betzing, at home, daughters Kristin Deputy of Ridgefield and Katherine Malcolm of Cle Elum, step-son Doug Williams of Florida, step-mother Pauline Betzing of Vancouver, brothers Donald Betzing of Seabeck and Richard Betzing of Vancouver, sisters Diane Allen and Joann McMichael, both of Arizona, Marjorie Davis of Washougal and Dorothy Betzing of Vancouver, six grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Fri., Sept. 26, 11 a.m., at Ridgefield Church of the Nazarene, 747 Pioneer, Ridgefield, with burial at Wilson Bridge Cemetery. Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, is in charge of arrangements.

WANDA MURPHY

Wanda Jean Murphy, 75, died of cancer Sept. 16, 2003 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Murphy was born Sept. 5, 1928 in Kelso, and grew up in the La Center-Battle Ground area. She lived in Woodland and worked for 13 years at NW Rose Growers before retiring to live in Battle Ground where she managed the St. Helens Manor senior apartments.

Murphy was active in the senior community. She was a member of the Senior Center pinochle club, Eagle Auxiliary Club, Veteran's of Foreign Wars, and Senior Nutrition program. She bowled for many years in leagues.

Murphy enjoyed crocheting, playing pinochle, bingo, reading novels, working crossword puzzles and watching the Seattle Mariners.

Murphy was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Ennis. Survivors include daughter Dixie Youngs of Nevada, brother Charles Ennis of California, and three grandchildren.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date, with Davis Paradise Valley Funeral Home, Las Vegas, in charge of arrangements.

KATHY MORGAN

Kathy Jolene Morgan, 49, died Sept. 22, 2003 at home in Battle Ground.

Morgan was born April 9, 1954 in Garden City, Kansas, owned Kathy's Upholstry Shop in Battle Ground for five years, and lived in Clark County for 46 years.

Morgan worked for Jantzen Knitting and other sewing companies for many years. She loved going to drag races and enjoyed old cars, the outdoors, camping, hunting and fishing.

Morgan was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle Bangs, in 1994. Survivors include daughter Amanda Bangs of Battle Ground, sisters Janice Morgan of Idaho and Barbara Lehl of Alaska, brother Ray Morgan of Yacolt, and special companion Roy Fairman of Alaska.

Graveside services will be held Thurs., Sept. 25, 10 a.m., at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery, with Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

FRANKLIN REED

Franklin Gene Reed, 70, died Sept. 25, 2003 in Longview.

Reed was born May 18, 1933, in Duluth, MN, worked at Western Electric, and retired from Viking Industries after 13 years.

Reed served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking.

Reed had lived in Clark County for 25 years, 1970-1995, in Battle Ground and Vancouver. He last lived in Winlock.

Survivors include widow Shirley Reed, at home in Winlock, daughters Betty L. Dallmann and Joan M. Griffith, both of Vancouver, and June Lahti of Battle Ground, son Tony Reed of Seattle, sisters Margie Seitz of Ohio and Shirley Kobus of Minnesota, 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Davies Cremation & Burial Services was in charge of arrangements.

SANDRA OLSON

Sandra Kay (Baron) Olson, 49, died Sept. 22, 2003 in Brush Prairie.

Olson was born Jan. 28, 1954 in Los Alamos, NM, and lived in Clark County for 13 years.

Olson was a member of First Evangelical Church. She was a Sunday School teacher. She held a degree in psychology. She enjoyed sewing, working with children, helping others and writing letters. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, Italian food, and going to the beach.

Survivors include widower Steve Olson, at home, and daughters Rebecca Olson and Megan Olson, both of Vancouver.

Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, was in charge of arrangements.

TED SLETTEN

Ted M. Sletten, 76, died Sept. 22, 2003 in Ridgefield.

Sletten was born Aug. 31, 1927 in Sacramento, CA, worked as a baker, and lived in Clark County for 25 years.

Sletten had worked for Beck's, Fluhrer's, Johnson's, Safeway and Albertson's. He lived in Medford and Jacksonville, OR, as a child and young man. He enjoyed bowling, his computer, gardening and reading the Bible.

Survivors include widow Roberta Sletten, at home, daughters Sharon Rohlffs of Ridgefield and Deborah Sletten of Oregon, sisters Jeanne Peters of Oregon and Mary Cory of California, brothers Carl Sletten of California and David Sletten of Oregon, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A graveside farewell was held at Logtown Cemetery, Jacksonville, OR, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

EDGAR MCCLUER

Edgar "Buster" McCluer, 81, died Sept. 25, 2003 at home in Vancouver.

McCluer was born Sept. 8, 1922 in Pine Bluffs, WY, and worked as a pot tender for Alcoa Aluminum. He had also worked for Union Pacific Railroad.

McCluer graduated from high school in Colorado. He served in the Marines 1941-45 in the South Pacific. He loved his family and playing cards. He lived to read and watch sports.

McCluer was preceded in death by a son, David McCluer, in 1972, and sisters Mae Gorman and Rosie Adams, both in 2002, and Bessie McCluer in 1929. Survivors include widow Angelica "Midge" McCluer of Vancouver, daughter Cynthia McCluer of Kent, sister Edna Anderson of Colorado, and 41 nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Thurs., Oct. 2, 10 a.m., at Woodland Funeral Home with burial at frank Abel Cemetery. The Woodland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

ROBERT RYAN

Dr. Robert E. Ryan, 71, died Sept. 23, 2003 in Vancouver.

Ryan was born March 11, 1932 in Chicago, IL, and worked as an English professor at Purdue University and Clark College. He retired in 1997. He lived in Vancouver for the past 25 years.

Ryan began his teaching career at the Air Force Academy. He earned a doctorate in English from Loyola University. He served in the Air Force for 13 years. He enjoyed reading, writing and painting.

Ryan was preceded in death by son, Robert Anthony Ryan, in 1979. Survivors include daughters Sharon Hoekstra of Vancouver and Erin Lonas of Tennessee, brother James Ryan of California and six grandchildren.

Burial was at Park Hill Cemetery, with Hamilton-Mylan Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

MAXINE NOSKO

Maxine Rose (Ward) Nosko, 85, died Aug. 30, 2003, in Battle Ground.

Nosko was born June 2, 1918, in Battle Ground, and lived in Battle Ground her entire life.

Nosko was a lifetime member of the Martha Washington Chapter of Eastern Star, and belonged to a social club and pinochle club for many years. She enjoyed trips to Reno, NV and to the Washington coast, fishing and her flower garden. She and her husband of 50 years, Harry Nosko, operated a Grade A dairy farm.

Nosko was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Nosko, in 1993. Survivors include daughter Bette McClain of Bellevue, sons David Nosko and Michael Nosko, both of Vancouver, 11 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Cremation was handled by Little Chapel of the Chimes in Portland, with graveside services at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Vancouver.

CARMAN MARTIN

Carman Opal (Thompson) Martin, 77, died Sept. 19, 2003 at home in Battle Ground.

Martin was born Nov. 16, 1925 in Ariel, and lived in Washington her entire life. She enjoyed quilting, crafts, camping, long walks, feeding the birds, gardening and spending time with friends and family.

Martin was a member of the Battle Ground Lions and Nazarene Church. She volunteered several days a week at the Seventh-day Adventist Service Center in Battle Ground where she tied quilts for people in need.

Survivors include daughters Priscilla I. Coffield of Woodland and Alice M. Krutsinger of Portland, son Thomas Martin of Yacolt, sister Nettie Donison of Gresham, brothers Ned Thompson and Pierce Thompson, both of Vancouver, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Services will be held Mon., Sept. 29, 10 a.m., at Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, followed by burial at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Diana Lynn (Miller) Elsten, 40, died Sept. 12, 2003 in an automobile accident.

Elsten was born Sept. 9, 1963 in Vancouver, and worked as an office administrator for Full Bore Innovations for seven years. She graduated from Hudson's Bay High School in 1980. She had lived in Portland for 20 years.

Survivors include son Alex Elsten of Portland, father Delvin Miller of Woodland, brothers David Miller, John Miller and Michael Miller, all of Portland, and Garth Miller and Roman Miller, both of Woodland, and sisters Heather Miller of Woodland and Anita Kaiser of Portland.

Burial was at Elim Cemetery, Brush Prairie, with Bateman Carroll Funeral Chapel, Portland, in charge of arrangements.

JIM MUMFORD

James L. Mumford Jr., 80, died Sept. 17, 2003 at home in Ridgefield.

Mumford was born April 15, 1923 in Vona, CO, lived in Kuna, Idaho, and worked for John Deere Co. for 27 years, retiring in 1981.

Mumford served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He raised llamas.

Survivors include widow Karen Mumford, at home, sons James Mumford of Ridgefield and William Mumford of Vancouver, daughters Barbara Woods of Vancouver and Debra Antrim of Colorado, mother Juanita Brandt of Vancouver, step-children Kevan Savage of Vancouver and Karina Strandjord of Oregon, brother Jerrel Mumford of Idaho, 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Burial was at Northwood Park Cemetery and Mausoleum, with the Woodland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

BARBARA AMUNDSON

Barbara Mary (Stoltz) Amundson, 88, died Sept. 16, 2003, in Vancouver.

Amundson was born March 7, 1915 in Richardton, ND, worked as a welder in the Vancouver shipyards during World War II, and lived in Clark County since arriving on the morning of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Amundson had also worked at the Del Monte cannery from the 1950s to the 1970s. She enjoyed traditional rug hooking, genealogy, reading, spending time with her family, stamp collecting and crossword puzzles. She was a former Girl Scout leader and past president of the Covington Junior High PTA. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, the German and Russian Heritage Society, and the Association of Traditional Hooking Artists.

A lifelong Catholic, Amundson last attended St. John's Catholic Church.

Amundson was preceded in death by a daughter, Carolyn Moria Ritter, in 1992, and son Lavere Amundson in 1993. Survivors include son Darwin Amundson of Brush Prairie, daughters Barbara Molyneux of Vancouver and Linda Dietzman of Camas, sisters Claudia Mentzer of Kansas and Phyllis Schultz of Vancouver, brother John Everett Stoltz of Montana, 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Burial was at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery, with Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, in charge of arrangements.

Marie Elizabeth (Kaffan) Uray, 94, died Sept. 12, 2003 in Ridgefield.

Uray was born Jan. 4, 1909 in Hungary, worked in accounting and bookkeeping for the U.S. government, and lived in Ridgefield since 1985.

Uray was a member of the St. Philip's Catholic Church in Woodland, and the Southern California American Hungarian Club. She loved gardening, cooking, crocheting and trip to Reno, NV.

Uray was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen Uray, in 1979. Survivors include daughter Vickie Woods of Ridgefield, brothers-in-law John Donat of California and Leo Blache of Seattle, one grandchild and four step-grandchildren.

Hamilton-Mylan Funeral Home, Vancouver, was in charge of arrangements.