September 30, 2003, The Reflector

COWLITZ PUD SETS RATE HEARING

The board of commissioners of the Cowlitz County Public Utility District will hold rate hearings Tues., Oct. 7, 4 and 7 p.m., at the PUD building, 961 12th Ave., Longview.

Utility spokesman Dave Andrew said the commissioners will consider a 4.5 percent increase instead of the 6 percent previously discussed.

The increase is needed, said Andrew, because of increases in wholesale costs from the Grant Public Utility District, repairs at the Swift power facility, increasing insurance costs and reduced interest income.

A spring 2004 rate increase could be needed if the Bonneville Power Administration raises rates, said Andrew.

Comments can also be phoned to the utility, (800) 631-1131.

CLARK TREASURER SENDS NEW STATEMENTS

Clark County residents will soon receive property tax statements as reminders that second half property taxes are due by Oct. 31.

County treasurer Doug Lasher said second-half statements were mailed to all property owners, ending the single-statement policy that has been in place since 1986.

In recent years, second half statements were only sent to people who had lost statements, and in certain other cases such as home refinancing.

Considering staff time and postage, said Lasher, the new policy of mailing second-half reminder statements is about the same cost as the previous practice.

Fire District 12 error

Property owners in Fire District 12 (Ridgefield-La Center) will notice an increase in taxes on the new statements.

Larry Bartel, chief of Fire District 12, said a levy approved by voters in Sept. 2002 was overlooked and not included in 2003 property tax statements.

Bartel said he submitted the standard forms to the Clark County assessor for certification. The assessor did not notice the levy entry on the form, certified the taxes and returned the forms to the fire district without including the levy, said Bartel.

District officials did not notice that the assessor had overlooked the new levy.

The oversight came to light after tax bills had been mailed.

Both the fire district and the county sent letters to residents of Fire District 12 advising them of the error.

Taxpayers will see the new 35 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation tax on the recently-mailed statements. Taxpayers would have paid half of that tax in the spring had the error not occurred.

To further compound the problem, the levy amount does not appear on the "fire" line of the tax statement, but instead is distributed among all tax categories.

While the total tax due is correct as shown on the statement, said Clark County treasurer Doug Lasher, the distribution is erroneous.

Lasher blamed the mistake on a programming error "that was not picked up by my staff."

The incorrect statements will not affect the actual distribution of tax revenues to the agencies entitled, said Lasher.

Lasher said about 4,900 tax statements are mailed in Fire District 12.

Bartel can be reached at 887-4609, and Lasher at 397-2255.

FUN FALL OUTING: VISIT AREA FARMS

Ten area farms plus the Washington State University Research & Extension Unit will be open for visitors Sat., Oct. 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., on what is called Harvest Celebration Day.

Three of the farms grow food, while the others raise llamas, horses, alpacas and horses.

Hayride, petting farm, and ice cream will be part of the fun during the 5th annual Clark County event.

Twelve counties in Washington participate in the Harvest Celebration Day.

The event is free, with a donation of $5 per car invited to offset costs.

Information about the farm tour is available by calling the Cooperative Extension Service, 397-6060, ext. 0.

Here are the farms inviting visitors this year. Farm numbers correspond to the number of the map.

1. Columbia Gorgeous Alpacas. 38106 NE 211th Ave., Amboy. Tours of the alpacas farm invited. Located about 9 miles north of Battle Ground on SR-503, turn left on NE 211th Ave.

2. Greengate Farms, 9313 NE 166th Circle, Battle Ground. Learn how to raise horses on a small acreage. From Battle Ground, go west on NE 179th St., south on NE 92nd Ave., east on NE 166th Circle.

3. Quarry Ridge Farm, 25604 NE Manley Road, Battle Ground. A boarding ranch for horses. See how to raise healthy horses. North on NE 72nd Avenue from Dollars Corner, east on NE 239th St., north on NE 92nd Ave. which turns into Manley Road. Continue to where Manley changes into NE 259th St. and the farm is on the right.

4. Meadow Glade Lavender Gardens, 18700 NE 85th Ave., Battle Ground. Farm grows lavender and sells potted lavender, bundles and buds, other lavender products. From Battle Ground, west on NE 179th St. to NE 86th Ave, turn north. Road becomes 85th Ave.

5. Rock-N R Llamas, 14104 NE 76th Ave., Vancouver. See a llama cart driving demonstration at 10 a.m., wool spinning, packing demonstration. From Battle Ground, south on NE 72nd Ave. to NE 139th St., turn east, then north on NE 76th Ave., near Mingus Dahlias Farm.

6. Mingus Dahlias Farm, 7407 NE 139th St., Vancouver. Third largest dahlia farm in the country. Flowers will be in bloom unless there is frost. From Battle Ground, south on NE 72nd Ave. to NE 139th St., then turn east to the farm.

7. WSU Research & Extension Unit, 1919 NE 78th St., Vancouver. Hayride, petting farm, "germ city," raspberries and ice cream to eat, composting programs. Located about a half miles east of I-5 on NE 78th St.

8. Kunze Farm, 6109 NE 53rd St., Vancouver. Farm dries hazelnuts from all over the country, grows walnuts, apples, grapes, vegetables. Farm store open. From Battle Ground, south on NE 72nd Ave., east on NE 58th St., south on NE 56th Ave., east on NE 53rd St.

9. Joe's Place Farm, 701 NE 112th Ave., Vancouver. Farm produces fruit, vegetables, pumpkins on 86 acres. Hayrides. From Battle Ground, south on SR-503 to NE 112th Ave., south 2 1/2 miles to farm on left.

10. Si-Ellen Stables, 17400 NE 88th St., Vancouver. Horse stalling and boarding. Barrel racing demonstrations, western and English riding. From Battle Ground, south on SE-503 to NE 99th St., east to NE 172nd Ave., south to Ward Road, south to 88th Street, east to farm.

11. Valley View Blueberries, 21717 NE 68th St., Vancouver. Free samples of blueberry tea. Farm store have frozen berries, tea, ice cream, free recipes. Learn what it takes to grow blueberries. From Battle Ground, south on SR-503, east on Fourth Plain Road to NE 65th St., east on 65th to NE 192nd Ave., north to NE 68th St., east on 68th 1 1/2 miles to farm.

FALL CHINOOK COUNT SETS RECORD

The fall chinook count in the Columbia River is the second largest since 1948, according to officials of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Officials now estimate the count at 813,000 adults, well above the pre-season forecast of 595,200 fish.

Counts of juvenile fall chinook are also ahead of recent averages.

Based on dam counts through Sept. 17, officials have updated all upriver steelhead run sizes.

This year's 358,000 summer steelhead run to the Columbia River represents the fourth largest return on record, that is, since 1938.

Wild returns are tracking similar to pre-season forecasts.

Joe Hymer, biologist with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, attributed the strong fish runs to favorable ocean conditions, and good food supply and a lack of predators.

Hymer said ocean conditions are cyclical.

Hymer said the El Nino affect which warms ocean waters hampers food supply and invites mackerel which both compete with salmon for food and dine on salmon as well.

In addition, said Hymer, the strong runs can be attributed in part to good river flows during the out-migration period.

Hymer said habitat work being done by state and local officials and groups may have made some contribution to the strong runs. That work will make a difference, said Hymer, when fish runs decline as they will do in the future.

Cutthroats at Goose Lake

Officials surveyed 10 boat anglers with 10 cutthroats and one eastern brook trout kept at Goose Lake last week. The anglers had released 54 cutthroats.

A record high 1,900 boats were counted Sept. 13 on the Columbia River between Cathlamet and Bonneville Dam. An estimated 88,000 angler trips produced a record catch of 22,000 fall chinook through Sept. 18. The chinook catch is projected to total 28,000 fish for the season.

Hymer can be reached at 906-6740.

SEPTIC PERMITS REVOKED FOR HUNDREDS IN COWLITZ

In the interests of public health and safety, the Cowlitz County commissioners have revoked about 700 septic permits issued over the last eight years.

Permit holders have been advised to reapply for septic approval, with the county paying $300 for each such application.

The reapplication process could cost the county $200,000. County officials said applications to recover any additional losses would be considered.

None of the previously-approved and now-revoked systems have been constructed.

The problem arose earlier this year when county officials discovered that new, statewide septic standards instituted in 1995 had not been used properly to evaluate septic applications and soils data.

Dave Flemings, who supervised the staff work during part of the eight year period, said spot checks of 30-40 permits revealed errors.

In some cases, said Flemings, approvals were given without specific knowledge of the type of structure planned to be built.

In other cases, the "loading rates" of various soils were not correctly applied in making approval decisions, said Flemings.

And in some cases, he said, the soil evaluation on file did not match soils and other features found at the site.

Flemings did not offer an explanation for this latter circumstance. "I don't know," he said.

Flemings said officials at first thought the errors were rare, but later discovered errors to be widespread.

Officials were called in from the state Health Department and Clark County Health Department to review the findings. They confirmed the erroneous permit approvals, said Flemings.

Pete Pescador was the county employee who conducted the tests and made permit decisions, said county commissioner George Raiter.

Pescador's position was eliminated in budget cuts earlier this year. The position of his supervisor had been eliminated in 2002. Pescador had been with the county for 14 years.

Flemings could not explain why Pescador failed to apply state guidelines. "We believe he had good intentions," said Flemings. "He may have thought that certain conditions were good enough."

Mellissa Sutton, the employee who took over Pescador's work in January, discovered the errors, said Raiter. Flemings said Sutton does not need to be certified, but is taking classes.

Threatened with disciplinary action, Pescador resigned, said Raiter.

Flemings said that all 700 revoked permits were for standard septic system. Standard systems cost $2,800-$3,700 to install, whereas the construction cost of engineered systems could reach $15,000.

Raiter said there is no good solution. He said many people are angry over the matter, and public money will be spent that should not have been necessary.

Flemings said an outside, licensed septic system designer recently examined 11 permits and found three to be acceptable. He said that was about the same error rate county officials had found.

Flemings said the permits could not be reviewed solely from written records because some records varied from soils and situations found at the sites.

"Our issue revolves around people acting on bad information," said Flemings. "We believe they deserve good information."

Flemings estimated that 4,000 septic permits had been issued in the last eight years. Officials revoked about 700 that had not yet been constructed. All were for standard septic systems.

Officials have taken no action regarding the estimated 3,300 permits issued and constructed during the same period. And, said Flemings, no unusual rate of system failure has been noted.

All of the questioned permits were reviewed and approved by county staff. Flemings said officials have found no errors in similar work done by outside or non-county staff.

Eric Hansen, executive director of the Lower Columbia Contractors Association, said his organization wants to help the county solve the problem. "It should not get blown out of proportion," he said.

"Septic systems fail for any number of reasons," said Hansen, "such as not being installed as designed."

"It's the county's job to protect public safety," said Hansen. "We want the county to be successful. We don't want this drug out in court."

A letter from the county commissioners to owners of revoked permits said requests for reimbursement will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2004.

The letter said additional costs, in excess of the $300 site evaluations, could be submitted and would be evaluated based on "standard claim procedures."

The provided a list of licensed septic designers. Flemings said hat as of Sept. 1, the county is no longer conducting such evaluations.

Engineer comments

Mark Collier, a licensed septic designer, said septic approvals had been "pretty liberal" in Cowlitz County due either to lack of staff training or supervision.

"I don't know what he was doing up there," said Collier. "He was not evaluating sites according to the rules."

Collier said he has recently examined a dozen of the sites on which permits had been revoked and found none met state requirements. He said some of the sites may not qualify for any type of septic system due to slopes and type of soils.

Collier confirmed that actual site conditions did not always match information found in the county's permit records.

Collier praised the efforts of Cowlitz County officials to rectify the problem. "The county recognized the problem," said Collier, "and they acted on it."

Another view

Engineer Cal Ek of Battle Ground, who, like Collier, handles septic issues in Cowlitz County, expressed concern about two of his clients who received permit revocation letters even though their systems had been constructed.

Ek charged that Cowlitz County officials are trying to "retroactively apply new regulations" to existing permits.

Ek said the state's "guidelines" are not law. He said the county can develop their own rules and not necessarily follow suggestions from the state.

A task force spent a year developing septic approval rules in Clark County, said Ek. The county's criteria vary from state guidelines," said Ek.

"The new guidelines were never forced on anyone," added Ek. "They were never formally adopted in Cowlitz County.

As an example, said Ek, the soil loading rate in the state guidelines is .2 gallons per day per square foot of trench bottom, whereas the Clark County rate is .4 gallons per day. As a result, some drain fields in Clark County can be half the size they would have to be under state guidelines.

But Flemings said the state guidelines are the law by default in Cowlitz County because no other rules were ever adopted.

Ek suggested an industry task group be formed to evaluate septic rules in Cowlitz County. Flemings said he was moving ahead with such an effort.

Ek said septic conditions in Cowlitz County are more difficult than Clark given the slopes, unstable soils and water table conditions.

CLARK TREASURER SENDS NEW STATEMENTS

Clark County residents will soon receive property tax statements as reminders that second half property taxes are due by Oct. 31.

County treasurer Doug Lasher said second-half statements were mailed to all property owners, ending the single-statement policy that has been in place since 1986.

In recent years, second half statements were only sent to people who had lost statements, and in cases of home refinancing.

Considering staff time and postage, said Lasher, the new policy of mailing second-half statements is about the same cost as the previous practice.

Fire District 12 error

Property owners in Fire District 12 (Ridgefield-La Center) will notice an increase in their taxes from the spring statement.

Larry Bartel, chief of Fire District 12, said a levy approved by voters in Sept. 2002 was overlooked and not included in 2003 property tax statements.

Bartel said he submitted the standard forms to the Clark County assessor for certification. The assessor did not notice the levy entry on the form, certified the taxes and returned the forms to the fire district, said Bartel.

District officials did not notice that the assessor had overlooked the new levy.

The oversight came to light after tax bills had been mailed.

Both the fire district and the county sent letters to residents of Fire District 12 advising them of the error.

Taxpayers will see the new 35 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation tax on the recently-filed statements. Taxpayers would have paid half of that tax in the spring had the error not occurred.

Lasher said about 4,900 tax statements are mailed in Fire District 12.

Bartel can be reached at 887-4609, and Lasher at 397-2255.

Attorney Keith Hirokawa has filed an appeal on behalf of Woodland resident Dan Heermann, seeking to overturn the dismissal of arguments against Woodland's transfer of Horseshoe Lake property to the Woodland Swimming Pool and Recreation District for use as a swimming pool.

Cowlitz County Superior Court judge James Stonier decided in June that governmental entities are allowed to transfer property to a recreational district, and that Heermann had presented no evidence that the city had acted irrationally or arbitrarily.

Stonier also concluded that Heermann had provided no evidence that the Swimming Pool and Recreation District intended to subsequently transfer the property to a non-government citizens' committee.

The judge upheld the city's authority to make the property transfer without a separate declaration that the property is surplus to the city's needs.

Hirokawa said construction of the pool would result in a loss of open space. He said Woodland has insufficient open space and therefore cannot declare the park property as surplus.

"The court decided that the transfer of the land didn't lose recreational opportunities or property," said Hirokawa. But, he said, the construction of a pool building would cost the city open space.

In addition, Hirokawa said the appeal challenges Stonier's dismissal of all claims against the city. The Heermann's are entitled to their day in court," said Hirokawa.

Hirokawa said procedural appeal documents have been filed with the appeals court. Superior court documents will be transferred to the appeals court, he said, and a transcript prepared.

The actual hearing of the appeal issue is months away, he said.

Officials focus on job creation at hearing

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Small city officials at a Clark County Planning Commission public hearing Sept. 25 said they want expanded urban growth boundaries for more jobs.

The hearing was the first of four Planning Commission hearings on updating the County's 20-year Comprehensive Growth Management Plan.

Planning officials from Battle Ground, La Center and Ridgefield used maps to illustrate expansions of city boundaries beyond those proposed in a plan drafted earlier this year by the County.

According to County long range planning manager Patrick Lee, planning commissioners will hear testimoy from civic leaders, organizations, associations and individuals. They will also review 300 site specific requests.

Planning commissioners will then make recommendations to County commissioners.

Battle Ground

A Battle Ground plan submitted to County planners proposed boundary and zoning changes to add 14,067 jobs over the next 20 years. The drafted County plan left the city with less than half that number.

City proposals to expand northward past NE 244th St. and near the East Fork of the Lewis River, westward to NE 92nd Ave., and southward to Salmon Creek, were ignored in the County plan.

Battle Ground mayor John Idsinga and deputy city manager/planning director Dennis Osborn displayed a map of a preferred alternative. The map showed expansions west past NE 72nd Ave., north past NE 244th St., south below NE 159th St., and east past NE 142nd Ave.

"We're doing many projects because we want jobs," said Idsinga. "Jobs are our goals."

At the very least, three land additions are considered vital to future jobs in Battle Ground, said Idsinga.

Osborn defined the areas as about 85 acres north of NE 244th St., bisected by SR-503, for future industrial and mixed use purposes, about 85 acres west of SR-503 between NE 163rd and NE 169th Streets for future industrial use, and about 100 acres west of NE 142nd Ave. between NE 179th and NE 184th Streets for commercial and multi-family housing.

Battle Ground citizens elect city officials to make land use decisions in Battle Ground, said Osborn.

To have someone else do land use planning diffuses the whole planning process, said Idsinga.

La Center

Proposed La Center expansions were also omitted in the County draft.

Planning consultant Eric Eisemann asked planners to support inclusion of about 132 acres north and east of La Center into the city's urban growth area or urban reserves for future residential use.

Eisemann said city leaders want to diversify the city's industrial base and plan to work with County officials on a sub-area plan for the I-5/NE 319th St. junction area prior to the next comprehensive plan update.

Eisemann asked planners to support "as a first step toward realizing the long term goal of developing the La Center junction" the addition to the city's urban growth area of about 30 acres near Timmens and La Center roads for mixed use/employment purposes.

La Center Planning Commission chairperson Barbara Barnhart said the city has grown in the past 12 years from a "sleepy town of 500 to 1,800 people" and needs more room to grow.

Ridgefield

Eisemann, who also does planning work for the city of Ridgefield, said Ridgefield is not asking for an increase in its urban growth area or reserves for residential uses.

Acreage east of the city is needed for a Pioneer St. extension, Port of Ridgefield and industrial development, said Eisemann.

Eisemann asked that 30 acres of industrial reserve land east of I-5 be brought into the urban growth area for use by the Port of Ridgefield. Port director Brent Grening asked for inclusion of an adjacent 119 acres in the urban growth area to replace 125 acres developed for industrial and commercial uses since 1995.

Eisemann said the city supports a request by Larry Wilson Associates to bring 142 acres east of I-5, west of NE 10th Ave., and north of NE 264th St. into the city's urban growth area, or as an alternative, to bring about 420 acres at the site into the Ridgefield industrial reserve bank.

Larry Wilson said the proposed 420-acre expansion could be developed for mixed uses, with about two-thirds of the land for industrial facilities.

Rodney Smith, who owns property at the northwest corner of NE 264th St. and NE 11th Ave., said he and Fire District 12 officials urge inclusion of his and District properties in the city's urban growth area.

Eisemann asked the Commission to support the addition of acreage on Hillhurst Rd. south of Ridgefield High School to the city's urban growth area for future school construction.

Ridgefield mayor Tim Thompson said the city, with a new treatment plant and 850 homes under construction, needs more jobs and is "ready to grow."

Opposition

Baz Stevens said Fish First and other organizations have spent thousands of hours in fish restoration projects on area rivers.

Stevens said he opposes plans to allow city boundaries near rivers or their drainages.

About 30 people at a Battle Ground city council meeting opposed moving city boundaries near the East Fork of the Lewis River, while only three citizens favored the idea, said Stevens.

After the meeting, Idsinga said the East Fork is about three-quarters of a mile from planned Battle Ground expansion.

It would be far better for the river to have nearby sewers transporting waste than five acre lots with septic tank drainages to the river, said Idsinga.

Planning commissioners will start the next hearing Thurs., Oct. 2, at 5 p.m., and allow people from organizations to speak first. The hearing is scheduled at the Elections/Motor Vehicle Building, 1408 Franklin St., Vancouver.

Two more hearings are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m., as follows:

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

** Thurs., Oct. 23, at Vancouver city hall, 210 E 13th St., Vancouver.

Information telephone number is 397-2375, extension 4993.

STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO REVISE FOOD CODE

Regulation of potlucks a concern

Michele Bloomquist, staff reporter

State Department of Health officials are currently seeking public input as they update the 1992 version of the state food code.

The code regulates how foods in service establishments such as restaurants, vendor stands and other public venues are handled to ensure public safety.

David Gifford, state food program manager, said the proposed changes are based on 2001 changes made to the federal Food and Drug Administration food code.

Proposed revisions include slight revisions to the temperatures hot and cold foods should be stored at, stricter handwashing guidelines for food service workers, a requirement that a manager knowledgeable in food safety be present at all times when food is served, and other issues, he said.

Community potlucks "illegal"

What's attracting most public comment, Gifford said, is a revision to the current code aimed at exempting certain activities from Health Department oversight, including bake sales, pancake breakfasts, private potluck functions and picnics.

"Under the current code, all food service is regulated by the local health department," Gifford said. "Currently, the only exemption is for food served in private homes."

While health departments have overlooked such functions, such activities are technically illegal under current regulations, Gifford said.

The proposed exemptions are designed to change that, he said.

With the exemption, private organizations could hold potluck suppers for members and invited guests without health department oversight.

However, some organizations, including the Washington State Grange, don't think the exemptions go far enough.

At issue is the word "private," said Zula Bryan of the state Grange.

As proposed, the exemption would allow potluck organizers to invite members and guests to potlucks, but not the general public without complying with state and local licensing requirements for a food service establishment.

"We see this as another government invasion," Bryan said, "and as another way to collect taxes."

Grange members and others opposed to the proposed revision would prefer all potlucks, public or private, be exempt, Bryan said.

"For how many millennia have plain folks just gotten together and shared good, home-cooked food?" Bryan said.

Gifford said the Department of Health has no intention of cracking down on private potlucks, lemonade stands or bake sales.

However, when it comes to large scale public events with food coming from unknown sources, prepared and stored in any number of ways, health officials are concerned about the risk of a food borne illness, Gifford said.

"As protectors of public health, we have to weigh politics and public safety," Gifford said. "We want the public to tell us what they want us to regulate."

The current food code and proposed changes can be viewed at the Health Department's website,

www.doh.gov.wa

Gifford encourages anyone with input for the proposed food code changes to submit their thoughts in writing by Mon., Oct. 6, to the Office of Food Safety, Washington State Department of Health, Attn: Ned Therien, PO Box 47824, Olympia, WA 98504-7824.

Public comments will be taken into consideration in the Food Code revision, he said.

HOCKINSON SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES WANT EXCELLENCE TO CONTINUE

Michele Bloomquist, staff reporter

Rich Carson and Greg Gospe have a lot in common.

Both candidates are seeking to replace retiring Hockinson school board member Howard Ek. They say they are motivated by a desire to see the excellence of Hockinson schools continue.

Carson and Gospe also want to be involved during this time of change with a new high school, and the policies and budgetary decisions that go along with it.

Gospe and Carson's children attend school in the District. Both hold master's degrees, and both chose to live in Hockinson because of the quality of the schools when their careers brought them to the area, they said.

Carson, 56, moved to Hockinson two years ago from Beaverton. He and his wife, Sue, have three grown children and two younger daughters ages 3 and 7 who they adopted from China.

Carson currently works for Clark County as the director of the Department of Community Development.

Carson believes his experience managing an agency with a similar size budget and number of employees as the District would be an asset to the board.

Carson's major goals are to maintain and improve the District's high test scores through an excellent curriculum, and make sure the District remains fiscally healthy.

Changes Carson would like to see include lower teacher to student ratios, separate busing for primary/intermediate and middle/high school students, and continued improvement in the District's above average standardized testing scores.

More information about Carson can be found on his website at

www.votecarson.com

Gospe, 40, moved to Hockinson seven years ago from southern California. He and his wife, Pam, have four children ages 12, 10, 8 and 4.

Gospe works as a sales representative for a pharmaceutical company, an industry he has been involved with 14 years.

Gospe, whose wife is an educator in the Camas School District, said the tradition of being involved in schools runs in his family.

"My grandfather was on the school board in Spokane," he said. "Now I feel it's my time to give back to the community."

Gospe believes his work experience, perspectives and ideas will add to the existing board.

"I see this as an opportunity to join a team, not tell everyone how things should be done," he said.

One of Gospe's goals is to make sure the District fully leverages opportunities afforded to students by a Gates computer grant.

"I want to make sure computers aren't just window dressing," he said, "but are used to enable all children in the district exceed state standards."

More information about Gospe can be found at his website, www.gg4sb.org

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Battle Ground School District officials formally thanked a group of volunteers Sept. 23 for their work on the Battle Ground High School boys' practice football fields.

Appreciation awards were given to Scott Smith, Pete Manson and Chet Scibek. Surveyor Tim Scott was also recognized for his work.

According to high school athletic director Butch Blue, fields were previously difficult to use because of drainage problems.

Blue said the contractors brought in material and graded the fields to give them a 2 percent pitch. The pitch will help drain water. The fields were also hydroseeded.

Manson estimated 3,700 cubic yards of material were brought in from a 4-acre plateau site southeast of Lewisville Middle School, making the former plateau site useable for future fields or portables.

Manson estimated 300 hours were spent in the effort, saving the District about $75,000-$80,000.

State Patrol officers are looking for the driver of a car that hit a school bus Sept. 24 and kept going.

The State Patrol's primary investigator has identified a person of interest in the collision as Matt S. Parent, 20, who lives immediately north of the collision scene and is considered the primary operator of the vehicle.

The bus sustained about $1,500 damage. No students were injured.

According to state trooper Garvin March, a Laidlaw bus with 26 Battle Ground School District students was hit about 2:30 p.m. as the bus progressed northbound on NE 297th St.

March said the school bus driver reported he had just come out of a curve when he saw two vehicles coming downhill toward him at an excessive speed. The car in the rear, a red 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, lost control and crossed the centerline. The left front of the Eclipse struck the left front of the bus.

March said the bus stopped at the side of the road. The driver of the Eclipse exited his vehicle, pushed it off the road and jumped into the other vehicle which had been ahead of it, leaving the scene.

Patrol reports say Parent has no driver's license and there are Clark County warrants out on him for reckless driving, negligent driving, minor in possession of intoxicants and driving without a license from previous incidents.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Parent is asked to call the State Patrol Vancouver officer at (360) 260-6333.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

It's not too late to offer input on potential new school buildings in the Battle Ground School District.

District officials recently hosted three public forums to gather input about whether to ask voters to approve a bond in spring 2004.

Opportunities are still available through a 20-member bond committee and during public comment periods at regularly scheduled board meeting.

District administration officials are also considering a District-wide survey.

Bond forums were held on different nights at Amboy Middle, Prairie High and Maple Grove Middle schools. About 35-40 people attended each forum.

Citizens were asked a variety of questions in a small-group style format. Questions included: Does the District need a bond? If yes, what large and small scale building projects should be included in a bond?

Answers received at each meeting are now being analyzed by bond committee members who will make a recommendation to the school board Nov. 12.

If approved by board members, District administration will not actually run the campaign. Rather a volunteer group of area residents called Citizens for Better Schools will do so.

Bond facts

School Districts can raise money needed to construct new school buildings three ways: by gathering school impact fees, by asking voters to approve bonds, and, only if voters approve bonds, receiving match-money from the state.

Impact fees are collected whenever any new construction happens within a school district's area. Battle Ground currently collects $800,000-$1 million each year in impact fees.

According to District business manager Mary Beth Lynn, money collected from impact fees almost always funds new portables such as the new 10-modular complex between Chief Umtuch Primary and Captain Strong Elementary schools installed in summer 2003.

Bonds must be voter-approved. Money collected from bonds can be used to build new schools, purchase property, modernize buildings, add classrooms and repair large-scale structure items such as roofs.

Currently, Battle Ground voters are paying on a $20.3 million bond passed in 1993 which was used for remodeling and additions at Battle Ground High, Prairie High, Yacolt Primary and Captain Strong Elementary schools.

Voters said "no" to a separate bond proposal in 1997 which would have paid for more remodeling and repairs throughout the District as well as some new construction. At a recent bond forum, Prairie High School principal Greg Parcher said that bond may have failed because it was too ambitious.

With the 1993 bond, Battle Ground voters currently pay 67 cents for every $1,000 assessed value of their homes or property. Ridgefield School District voters currently pay similar to Battle Ground, at about 60 cents per $1,000.

In comparison, Hockinson and Camas voters pay more than $2.50, while Evergreen, Vancouver, and La Center voters pay about $2 per $1,000.

Are new schools needed?

According to demographic data provided by assistant superintendent Lynn Hicks, the District is growing faster than projected.

A private consulting firm, E.D. Hovee & Company, recently predicted Battle Ground will grow by some 300 homes annually.

Hicks said impact fees were collected from about 750 new homes last year.

Hovee forecast that 3,340 students will enter the District by 2021, or about 196 students annually. The greatest increase will come from grades K-5--more than 2,000 more students by 2021.

Hicks said Battle Ground has historically had ups and downs in its enrollment. This year the District grew by about 200 students, about 400 the year before, and about 300 in 2001-2002.

However, not every year sees such high growth. The District grew by only 39 students in 2000-2001 and 42 in 1999-2000.

Yet the District boomed by 560 students in 1996-1997 and 489 in 1994-1995.

Hicks said if current enrollment projections hold true, the District could use and be eligible for state matching funds as per state formula, the following new schools:

** A 100,000 square foot, K-8 school holding 900 students. Construction could begin summer 2005 at earliest, with occupation by fall 2006;

** A 60,000 square foot, K-4 school holding 450 students. Construction could begin summer 2006, with occupation by fall 2007;

** A 50,000 square foot, 5-8 grade school holding 450 students. Construction could begin summer 2007, with occupation by fall 2008; and

** A 120,000 square foot high school holding 800-1,000 students. Land acquisition could begin by 2009 with construction beginning summer 2012.

For more information, contact District communications consultant Kelly Keister, 904-1233.

Church building is 117 years old

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Eleven Scandinavian and four German families first gathered to worship God 120 years ago in La Center. They formed a church congregation that is still meeting today.

Sept. 21 marked the anniversary of the Highland Lutheran Church parishioners which first met on that day in 1883. Area historians and church officials claim it is the oldest congregation still gathering west of the Mississippi.

The worshippers first named themselves the LaCenter Norsk Evangelik Luthersk Menighed (congregation), then changed to Malagen Lutheran Congregation of Clark County, Washington Territory, in 1887, two years before statehood. Sometime later the name was shortened to its present moniker.

A church building was constructed in 1887 on land donated by E.D. and Annie Anderson of Portland. Materials and labor were donated by members. The original church still stands, next to a modern church where the current congregation meets.

One of the first families to worship in 1883 were James and Emma Stratton, immigrants from Norway who founded the now historic Stratton Farm in La Center, about one-half mile south of the church.

The couple's granddaughter, Viola (Johnson) Ikerd, 60, remembers growing up among church members and enjoying activities with her parents, Ted and Elsie (Stratton) Johnson, and her late younger sister, Joanne (Johnson) Barker.

Ikerd was baptized in 1943 at the church and remembers a "fire and brimstone preacher" who "scared the daylights out of us." He died when she was about 5 years old, she said.

"He would shout and shake his fist," she said, laughing.

Ikerd, now a Woodland resident, wasn't scared away and still attends the family church with her husband and children. She was present during the 120-year celebration held Sept. 21. Son, Mark, his wife, Jennifer, and their two children attend regularly, carrying on the family tradition.

"I met a lady after the service who knew my parents when they started dating at church," she said. "She told me mom and dad would sit in the back pew and snuggle."

Ikerd met her husband, Sherman Ikerd, at the church as well.

Although Ikerd's parents' love was born in the "new" church, they married at the Clark County Courthouse, likely because traveling ministers were intermittent, Ikerd said.

Historical accounts tell of the first pastor, Rev. Hogbarth Engh, who traveled from Portland by boat to La Center, then horse and buggy to the church. No housing was available, so the day-long trip was made once monthly. Some pastors came from as far away as Silverton, OR.

Ikerd said her grandfather died when her mother was in sixth grade. Ikerd's mother and grandmother took in pastors, school teachers and other boarders to make ends meet.

After a few years, the church split into two groups because of a language barrier, and separate services were held in the church on alternating Sundays--about twice monthly.

The German portion of the congregation named themselves the German St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Ikerd's mother played the church's pump organ, now restored and at the original building, for both services when she was a teenager.

"She always said it was awfully hard to do with the different languages," Ikerd recalled.

After the language barrier was solved, the two nationalities met as one congregation again.

The business of creating not only a church but a community faced the congregation. In March 1889 the group purchased one acre from Mr. and Mrs. Ehlback for a cemetery about one-half mile north of the church.

Historical records mention several illegible, older gravestones. Some early burials were Alfred Nikolai Moe, buried at 17 years old in 1896, Herman Norgard, 34, in 1893 and Helena Lindblom, 57, in 1895.

A large stone in the cemetery reads: In memory of the Christensens and all the Highland pioneers. This stone was placed by the Christensen family in remembrance of Anne Margarethe, mother of the Christensen family, who with her children came to the United States in 1873 after her husband and another son drowned in a fishing accident in Norway. Anne Margarethe is buried at this site. There is no stone or marker.

The Strattons and Johnsons are also buried at the site, Ikerd said, which was initiated by the church for the Highland community.

Also lending to a sense of community, potlucks and summer picnics were easier after a kitchen with a woodstove was added in 1900 to the back portion of the building.

Ikerd remembers a table outside the back door with a dishpan ready to receive hot water that was boiled on the woodstove for cleaning plates and utensils. While adults visited, children played tag and hide-and-seek on the lawn.

As the congregation grew, so did their spiritual needs. Needing a full-time, on-site pastor, the members purchased 20 acres in 1915 and built a house for the Rev. K. Ranstein and his new wife.

The parsonage was replaced in 1957 with money from the Home Mission Department of Evangelical Lutheran Church for pastor Alan J. Hatlen and his wife.

A Young People's Society was formed in 1940 for area youths and the congregation continued to grow. Ikerd said she remembers 40-50 regular attendees with more on major religious holidays. Today about 185 people call the church home.

The current meeting place, 38809 NE 41st Ave., was built in 1959, a new wing added in 1968, new restrooms and a fellowship hall in 1979 and a preschool in 1980. A committee chaired by Kathy Bosshardt of Woodland collected colored glass to create 17 stained glass windows for the chapel in 1972. A one-year intern program for fledgling pastors from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN was begun in 1988.

Highland church members are active in the community. A group of "sew and sews" are quilters who meet at the church to produce mass quantities of thick blankets for the needy. Parishioners are well-known for community potlucks, sing-alongs and other events.

Although the church is currently without a pastor, the congregation is still plugging along until one is hired. Retired Camas pastor Bud Erickson assists with communion and presides over celebrations. The inside of the church is undergoing restoration under the hand of church member Gene Stanley, but appointments for visits are accepted. Call the church office at 263-2302, Tues., Thurs., or Fri., 9 a.m.-noon for information.

The day after the anniversary celebrating faithfulness and community, the historical church stood silent, clapboards blinding white under the late summer sun. Gone are the towering firs that shaded the first building; young Arborvitae form the east boundary of the yard while a vineyard spreads on the north. A warm breeze pushes four empty seats on a rusty, old, iron swingset. From across the gravel parking lot at the daycare, children's laughter floats, reminiscent of tag in the yard from days gone by.

GOLF DRIVING RANGE BACK IN ORIGINAL OWNER'S HANDS

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Homer and Raydene Henry first opened H & H Golf, Inc. in 1993 as a showcase for Homer's custom golf club and repair services and a place for him to practice his golf swing.

After 7 years in the business, the couple decided to retire, sold the driving range at 11405 NE 72nd St. in 2000, purchased 20 acres for a farm in Chehalis, and spent the following three years enjoying the country even though Homer still commuted to his other job as a plant manager in Tacoma.

The couple's peaceful reverie was disturbed, however, in learning their former business, now named Ross's Pro Golf, had undergone financial setbacks and was in foreclosure.

The Henry's worked through the legal system to regain the driving range June 1 and opened for business by Father's Day this year.

That's the short version of the couple's comeback.

Before opening, they found themselves with work that required more than a little sweat equity.

The grass on the range had grown to more than 5 feet in some places, Raydene said. Homer hauled his tractor from Chehalis and tackled the range with a brush hog before being able to use a regular lawnmower.

An abandoned school bus and old truck that golfers used for target practice were hauled off and hazardous broken window glass cleaned up.

"A driving range doesn't need to look like a wrecking yard," Homer said.

All the buildings on the property needed paint inside and out, the green turf mats were replaced under the covered hitting area, the grass tee patched, repaired and fertilized, new range balls purchased and the septic system fixed.

"The place was dirty," Homer said. "A mess."

As a new H & H Golf, Inc. sign went up, old customers wandered back in. Over the summer, word-of-mouth advertising saw results with more customers, although the couple would like to see the business at 100 percent again.

"We're still working on the place, getting it trim," Homer said. "There's still some painting to do, getting the grass in perfect shape, and making the place clean enough that a woman feels comfortable here."

"Guys don't really care," he added with a chuckle. "But women do."

Former patrons may remember two old oak trees in the range, likely killed by lighting, bare twisting branches reaching to the sky that golfers often use as a "fairway shot," attempting a hit through the middle. An old barn is also still there, a landmark Homer said he can't part with yet, but may some day.

Although Homer still works his job in Tacoma and the couple still live in Chehalis, Raydene commutes almost daily to run the shop. Homer comes on weekends for upkeep and continued work.

The couple's son and daughter-in-law, Creig and Teri Henry of Ridgefield, staff the driving range as well. Their two children, Lauren, 6, and Matt, 3, can be found there, sometimes practicing their golf swings.

Homer still sells custom golf clubs. He measures each person, watches their swing, and creates a just-right fit. Prices range from about $150-$400. Golf club repairs are also done for reasonable fees.

"I'm one of the best repair guys in the area," Homer said. "I don't want to sound boastful, but I am proud of my reputation in the area."

Golf lessons are also available from Professional Golfer's Association of America apprentice Jeff Johnson for $35 per hour, $100 for three hours, $150 for five hours and will give a quote for small groups. Johnson also teaches at Cedars Golf Course in Brush Prairie.

Golf cards for various sizes of buckets full of golf balls are also available; the patron pays for 10 buckets and gets two free. Punch cards for large buckets with 100 balls are $70, medium with 70 balls is $60 and small with 40 balls is $40.

If purchased separately, large buckets are $7, medium $6 and small $4.

The shop inside is full of golfing items for sale such as gloves, putters, tees and new and used golf balls.

Although the last year was rife with disappointment, legal wrangles and hard work, the couple is happy to have the old business back in shape and under their ownership.

"It's open, there are no nets, lots of trees, and that gives our place character," Homer said. "We're not a big, fancy golf place, but we offer good customer service and make people feel welcome."

Children are invited to swing a club, too. If under 12 years old, they must be accompanied by an adult; if under 8, they must share a mat with an adult.

Hours are Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. The driving range is located on NE 72nd St. on the east side before the road forks left to Andresen Rd. For more information, call 576-5012.

BG'S BUILDING DEPARTMENT RUNNING AT A CLIP

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

In February, Battle Ground city council members voted to cancel a Clark County contract for handling the city's building permits, an act which could save the city about $274,000 annually, officials said.

As a result, a building official, building inspectors and a building permit specialist were hired, and a new city department opened its doors for business Aug. 26.

Saving money was not the sole driving force behind the council's decision.

City manager Eric Holmes said county planning officials routinely take about six to eight weeks or more for a plan check, and the inspection process is about the same.

Deputy city manager and planning department head Dennis Osborn said city staff would be able to provide services at a minimum of two weeks "if all the ducks are in a row."

Although the department is now open and functions, ducks are still being lined up as operations move forward.

"We've accomplished a lot in a small time," said building inspector Larry LaDuke. "Everything is new. A new building, a new department, new policies and no one here to turn to. We're trying to do this without being overwhelmed."

One glitch thrown into the midst of the department's birth was the resignation of building official Steve Pettit about two months after he was hired.

In addition to losing Pettit, Terre Gift, an inspector who is also interim building official, described other obstacles such as using a computer system the inspectors are not familiar with because they worked in other municipalities with different systems.

Gift's background is working in construction 25 years, as a temporary plans examiner for Vancouver, and most recently as a County building inspector who was assigned to cover Battle Ground.

LaDuke spent 28 years in construction before working as a building inspector and assistant senior plans examiner in Vancouver. He most recently worked for Independence, OR as a part-time building inspector.

Gift said his own experience with the County helped make a smooth transition from one entity to another.

City officials have agreed to accept the County's already approved plans and applications that took place before the changeover, and work with builders in progress, Gift said.

"So far, it's been smooth," Gift said. "We're very pleased."

Since Aug. 26, about 60 housing permits were issued from the new department and more than 30 plan reviews one week in mid-September.

According to city finance director David Reeves, the city has taken in $62,678 in building permit revenue and $4,598 in plan check revenue since Aug. 26.

Last year, the city paid about $280,000 to the county for permit business. The cost this year was expected to nearly double with the rise in permit fees.

Building fee calculations are based on square footage, number of bathrooms, valuation of the home constructed, mechanical units such as heating and air conditioning and other variables, said Osborn.

Last year County planners collected an average $600 per permit; this year the cost could have been $1,400 on average.

For Battle Ground to break even with the nearly $287,000 start-up cost and continue to function, 110 residential building permits are needed annually. Last year, 397 new homes were built. As of Sept. 24, 413 single family permits were issued, said building permit specialist Rosemary Armour.

Any extra revenue is not placed in the general fund portion of the budget, said Holmes, but will be used to sustain the building permit program services "over the long haul."

At the time council members chose to make the break with County services, council member Mike Ciraulo said he was concerned that staff can provide better service.

Although no comment cards are available at the planning department to gauge patron satisfaction, Gift jokingly said no one's tires have been slashed or rocks thrown at windows, so things seemed okay.

Gift said citizens are welcome to come in and ask questions, and have seen quite a few at the help counter already.

"Some people have great ideas, some have no idea from building a fence or shed to remodeling and building ab house," Gift said. "We're here to promote education and communication."

The building department is located on the first floor of city hall, 109 SW 1st St. For more information, call 342-5046.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Battle Ground School board members have approved a plan to borrow about $2.5 million from future levy funds.

The money will be used to pay for school maintenance projects and carry-over amounts already spent on baseball fields.

About $570,000-$900,000 will be spent on roofs, $400,000 will pay off money spent on fields, and the remainder on heating and ventilation systems. Some maintenance projects may be tied in with potential bond funding.

District staff said the decision to borrow money was made so maintenance projects that need immediate attention can be started without waiting for levy dollars to roll in by spring 2004.

According to inspection reports provided by District facilities administrator Kevin Jolma, the following roofs require repairs as soon as possible: Maple Grove Primary, Prairie High School auditorium, Yacolt Primary, the District's warehouse and the Amboy Middle School gym.

Jolma said the longer the work on the roofs waits, the more costly the repairs will be.

Jolma and assistant superintendent Lynn Hicks presented a prioritized list of projects at a Sept. 23 board meeting. Prairie's auditorium and the warehouse are the most critical roofs. Heating and ventilation systems are prioritized in a three-stage system with a dozen school sites needing attention in various stages. Most critical school sites, said Jolma, are Amboy's lower building, a portion of Battle Ground High School, Maple Grove Primary, Prairie and Yacolt.

District business manager Mary Beth Lynn said the concept behind the decision to forward funds is different than a traditional loan.

In this instance, the District will borrow money from a bank right away. As levy funds come in, the District will repay the loans over the three-year life of the levy.

"It allows us to take care of repairs now," Lynn said. "We know the dollars will be there. There's no risk as would be associated with getting a loan."

Lynn said the District can lock-in better interest rates at present, so it's more beneficial for taxpayers if the District obtains a loan now and repays it when levy dollars are received.

Five loan options were considered by District officials. A 2.7 percent rate was agreed upon with Cashmere Valley Bank. The District has up to five-years to repay the loan with no pre-payment penalties.

New levy funding facts

Battle Ground voters approved a maintenance and operations levy that will replace the area's current levy which expires in December.

According to Hicks, the next levy will bring in about $6.5-$7.5 million each year for the next three years. Because voters approved the levy, the state will also contribute an additional $2.3 million annually.

Voters approved the levy to be spent in four areas. Approximate dollar figures were also approved to be spent in each category.

Of the four categories, the first two will each receive about one-third of total levy dollars generated, and the last two categories will split the remaining third.

The four categories are:

** Staffing and class-size reduction to continue to fund positions for 28 teachers, about 8 assistant principal positions, and about two hours per building of additional secretarial staff;

** School site repairs such as maintenance projects, fire alarms, technology infrastructures and some staffing of custodial and maintenance workers;

** Curriculum and instructional programs for textbook purchases and staff training related to the new texts;

** Student security and safety for nursing and health care, security updates, support for at-risk students, drug and alcohol programs and more.

For more information about any District-related item, contact District communications consultant Kelly Keister, 904-1233.

Community members are invited to a formal dedication ceremony for Hockinson School District's new high school, Fri., Oct. 3, 6-9 p.m., at the new school campus, 16819 NE 159th St., Brush Prairie.

Building tours will be offered 6-6:45 p.m. A dedication ceremony begins at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.

State education leader Dr. Terry Bergeson of the state office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction will deliver the keynote address. Hockinson High School principal Sandra Yager and superintendent Barry Gourley will offer opening remarks.

Hockinson High School officially opened its doors to freshman and sophomore classes in August. The building will eventually accommodate some 1,500 students. Current enrollment is 263 students. Teacher to student ratio is about 1 to 13.

According to District officials, the new school's design includes state-of-the art technology and architectural enhancements to ensure resource efficiency, and student safety and continued growth capabilities. Construction costs totalled about $119 per square foot, nearly $31 per square foot below the state average.

"We're extremely proud of this," said Gourley. "It shows a strong commitment to the fiscally conservative values of the Hockinson community."

Refreshments and music provided by Hockinson students will follow the ceremony.

For more information, contact the District office at 448-6400.

Bill Myers, staff reporter

When Battle Ground Lake area resident Larry Mason found a threatened owl, he did everything right, said American Wildlife Foundation member Diane Adkin.

Mason, alerted by his barking dogs Aug. 22 at 6 a.m., found a great horned owl tangled in a barbed wire fence near his home.

As Mason approached, the helpless bird suddenly whipped its head around. Mason was startled by the large yellow eyes that glared at him.

Adkin said Mason's next steps were crucial to the bird's survival.

Mason kept his dogs from the owl, and began dialing wildlife resources. A recorded message from The Bird Man in Amboy referred him to the National Wildlife Foundation.

A Foundation recording referred Mason to wildlife veterinarian Janette Ackermann.

Following Ackermann's advice, Mason put gloves on before approaching the owl. He gently placed a towel over the bird's head and began cutting wire around the animal.

Mason freed the bird with strands of barbed wire still sticking from its feathers. Mason placed the owl in a large cardboard box, closed the lid, and drove the bird, which sat quietly in the darkened box, to Adkin's home in Camas.

Mason and Adkin took turns holding the owl, who blinked slowly at them but didn't resist. They carefully snipped and removed several remaining pieces of barbed wire that were snagged in the creature's feathers.

Adkin placed the animal back in the box and drove to the Foundation clinic in Molalla, OR. She arrived at 11 a.m., just five hours after Mason discovered the trapped bird.

When Ackermann examined the owl, she found a slight muscle tear, but no serious injuries.

The owl recuperated at the clinic on a daily ration of four donated, deceased mice. The bird, attached to a 300-foot line, passed a flight test with flying colors Sept. 12.

The following day, Adkin brought the bird to familiar surroundings in the Battle Ground Lake area, which is Mason's back yard.

Adkin described the dramatic release of the owl.

The owl perched on Mason's outstreched arm, its powerful talons gently clutching Mason's gloved hand. The talons are capable of crushing bones with squeezes of 1,100 pounds per square-inch of pressure, said Adkin.

Mason raised his arm and the creature noiselessly pushed air beneath his great wings. The owl lifted skyward, then veered straight to a stand of tall trees behind the yard.

"The bird knew he was home," said Adkin.

Adkin said the owl is a mature male who could have a larger mate nearby. Adult female horned owls are larger than males, with wing spans up to five feet, she said.

The birds breed in winter, and babies are born in January or February, said Adkin.

"It was a miracle the owl was not seriously injured," said Adkin. Large birds are smart creatures, and this owl will never forget Larry Mason, she added.

The American Wildlife Foundation is a non-profit organization that depends on donations. The telephone number is 1-503-829-9567.

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Battle Ground road project superintendent Rob Richardson recently described the behavior of several slowed motorists during paving of W Main St. and NW 20th Ave. as "unreal."

Richardson works for Nutter Corporation and has 21 years of road construction experience in Seattle, Everett and Portland. But the worst day of all was Sept. 12, in Battle Ground, said Richardson.

"I've never seen anything like that," he said.

Richardson said it was a very hot day and motorists might have been worrying about their cars overheating. He said he personally witnessed several enraged motorists vent at flaggers or road workers.

Most obscene verbal abuses or hand/finger gestures came from motorists between ages 35 and 65, not from young drivers, said Richardson.

A man flipped off a worker, then peeled out, causing his spinning tires to pepper a worker with small rocks.

A woman in her 30s was visibly angry when halted at NW 20th Ave. and W Main St. The motorist appeared on two more occasions during the day and cursed at workers. On a fourth and final visit to the intersection, she said nothing, but presented workers with her middle finger.

A southbound motorist on NW 20th Ave. was directed by a flagger to turn right onto W Main St. The motorist refused, and sat immobile through three light changes as traffic backed up on NW 20th Ave.

Richardson said when a flagger attempted to explain, the motorist "went ballistic."

La Center resident Karen Beasley, a traffic flagger since 1996, agreed that Sept. 12 was the worst day on the Battle Ground job.

Beasley said a man in a new BMW refused to take her direction, and almost certainly ruined the new car's paint finish when he drove it over a newly asphalted surface.

The worst behavior came from adult motorists, said Beasley. Teenage boys would honk, wave and laugh, but girls with cell phones seemed to ignore flagger directions, said Beasley.

Richardson and Beasley said rude or obscene behaviors came from equal numbers of male and female motorists. Richardson said workers reported almost 200 examples of profane or rude motorists on Sept. 12.

Motorists who rant and rave are the minority, said Richardson. Most people are understanding and courteous.

Richardson said problems often arise when motorists refuse to use alternate routes to avoid work areas. When they enter a road work zone, it would help if angry motorists would remember that the road is a work space.

"I wonder how these motorists would react if strangers entered their work spaces and screamed profanities or made obscene gestures?" asked Richardson.

YALE LAKE RAMPS WILL CLOSE

PacifiCorps will close Saddle Dam and Yale boat ramps on Yale Lake for several days during October.

Utility spokesman David Kvamme said flows from Swift Dam into Yale Lake will be halted for maintenance work on Swift Dam generators. The flow interruption will cause water levels to drop below Yale boat ramps.

Kvamme said Utility engineers estimate the Saddle Dam ramp will close Oct. 5. Closure of the Yale ramp, located at six feet lower in elevation, is estimated Oct. 12.

Kvamme said engineers estimate both ramps will reopen by Oct. 16. Ramps at Swift Reservoir and Merwin Dam will remain open, said Kvamme.