RIDGEFIELD SCHOOLS TO REINSTATE LOST HOURS

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Ridgefield School Board members are expected to vote Oct. 28 to reinstate hours cut last school year due to budget shortfalls.

The hours are expected to be reinstated Nov. 1.

According to District superintendent Mary Vagner, higher enrollment numbers for 2003-2004 have brought more state apportionment dollars to the District. With the additional money, restoring lost hours is the District's first priority.

District staff found themselves in a dollars crunch last year because of three reasons: lowered legislative funding, increased money needed to run various District operations such as utilities, and less money from the state due to a drop in enrollment.

To meet the challenge, District staff slashed spending across the board; 16 work-hours weekly were cut from maintenance, the District office and elementary school and high school positions.

In addition, office supplies, library materials, vehicle maintenance, swimming lessons, field trips, and programs involving music, dance and cheer all took a hit.

Reinstating work hours is the only action to be taken at present.

District staff calculated this year's budget based on a projection of 1,722 full time equivalent (FTE) students. The District receives about $4,000 per student from the state. October's count showed a higher count at 1,751 FTE.

District business managers say enrollment numbers typically drop as a school year progresses. Budgets are created over summer months and usually address fewer students than initially show up.

Last year District staff built their budget for 1,738 FTE students but only 1,729 were counted in October 2002. Numbers fluctuated throughout the year and climbed to meet original projections by year's end.

Vagner called reinstating lost hours a step in the right direction.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Not everyone is happy with changes made to a land use recommendation presented Sept. 25 to the Clark County Planning Commission by Ridgefield city representatives.

In a Sept. 26 letter to Ridgefield attorney Brian Wolfe, Michael Langsdorf, attorney for citizens living east of NE 10th Ave. who own land known as Walker Farms, accused the city of not presenting the same plan adopted by council members at public hearings held over the summer.

The original proposal asked County officials to consider adding some 450 acres into Ridgefield's urban growth boundary, and about 800 acres into the city's reserve--land which is considered next in line for inclusion.

Certain parcels of land east of NE 10th Ave. were deleted from the original recommendation, bringing the second recommendation down to about 250 acres into the urban growth area, and "substantially less" into the reserve," said Ridgefield planning consultant Eric Day.

"The original request was gigantic," Day said. "The County almost laughed at us."

Day said land proposed in the second recommendation included about 40 acres earmarked for a school on S Hillhurst Rd., three properties north of N 10th Ave. owned by the Port of Ridgefield, a road extension on the east side of the I-5 junction, about 140 acres of various parcels near the I-5 junction, and some last minute properties owned by the Port.

Langsdorf accused city members of individually polling city council members over the telephone about adding the additional land owned by the Port located east of the I-5 junction.

Council members were not asked if they favored deleting property east of 10th Ave, Langsdorf wrote.

At an Oct. 9 city council meeting, Ridgefield planning consultant Eric Eisemann explained the idea behind the decision. The original plan was not changed, he said, but streamlined to fit County planning commission recommendations.

After Ridgefield officials and citizens worked on a recommendation to bring additional land into the city's urban growth boundary over the summer, County planning commission members rejected Ridgefield's original recommendation, Eisemann said.

"[The commission's] advice was to modify our plan because it was too aggressive," Eisemann said, "and also work in a peer-to-peer process. [The next time we brought a recommendation] we went in and hit the highlights of the stronger points of our original plan."

Council member Gary Holmberg said he is uneasy with the process.

"The point is, people came to meetings for a reason" Holmberg said--"to have a voice."

Mayor Tim Thompson clarified the telephone comments as only revolving around Port properties and involving Port officials but not occurring from council member to council member.

County planning commission members are still considering the plan. If approved, the plan will go back to city officials then to County commissioners, likely by November. The final plan needs to be adopted before the end of December.

COWLITZ UTILITY FINALIZES RATE HIKE

The board of commissioners of the Cowlitz Public Utility District voted Oct. 14 to raise general electric rates by 4.5 percent effective Oct. 15.

The rate increase will cost the utility's average residential customer about $3.30 per month.

Earlier this year, utility officials had considered an increase of 10-15 percent. Reduced rate increases from the federal Bonneville Power Administration were credited with the lower rate hike in Cowlitz County.

Utility spokesman Dave Andrew said the average residential electric rate throughout the state was about 6.6 cents per kilowatt hour in 2002. "Cowlitz PUD rates have historically run between one-and-one-half and two cents less than the average rate for PUDs across the state. This still remains true today."

Utility officials said the rate increase is needed due to higher operating costs, including higher insurance premiums, and lower interest income.

"It is important to note that this increase relates only to these local factors and is not associated with BPA wholesale rates," said Andrew.

The utility commissioners simultaneously approved a 2.5 percent rate increase to take effect April 1, 2004, which is in response to Bonneville's rate change."Because of the way BPA has structured its rates, utilities will not really feel the effect of BPA's increase until April 2004," said Andrew.

Bonneville officials have said that its rates could decline instead of increase if a settlement is reached on lawsuits filed against it by public power customers.

Those lawsuits are over payments Bonneville made to investor-owned utilities. Bonneville officials have said that settlement of the dispute could occur in early 2004.

"The commissioners have given direction that if a settlement is achieved and implemented by BPA, PUD staff will rerun rate studies and provide a recommendation to them regarding an appropriate adjustment to rates at that time," said Andrews.

Cowlitz Public Utility District raised rates 30 percent in October 2000, and another 45 percent in October 2001.

The utility buys about 90 percent of its needed power from the Bonneville Power Administration, five percent from the Grant Public Utility District, and five percent on the open market.

When the utility's Swift II power house is reconstructed, about five percent of the utility's supply will come from that source.

Information, Dave Andrew, (360) 577-7502.

Shawn Lee of Ridgefield earned a degree in mechanical engineering and has the senior project to prove it.

The project is a 13-foot long, 7-foot wide hover craft, capable of moving on a cushion of air over earth and water at speeds up to 60 miles per hour.

Lee, 22, is at home in Ridgefield following graduation from the California Maritime Academy in Vallejo, CA, preparing for employment in the shipping industry.

Lee graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1999, and chose the Maritime Academy based on the advice of a friend. Students wore uniforms at the school, but Lee is not in the military Merchant Marines.

Lee is the son of Richard and Susan Lee of Ridgefield.

The hover craft project was a senior design effort at the Maritime Academy. A hover craft project had never before been attempted as a senior design project by students at that school.

Lee and another student built the craft in about 3 1/2 months, including raising the needed $14,000 through donations of money and materials.

Lee formed the hull of the craft out of 1/8th inch plywood, held together with electrical ties and then a layer of paste created with chopped fiberglass and epoxy. A rigid PVC foam was attached to the under side of the plywood to stiffen to material.

Lee acquired the 2-stroke, 115 horse power engine on e-Bay, convincing the seller to part with the Rotax 583, gas, snowmobile engine worth thousands of dollars for $800.

Some parts came from Australia as the students worked to assembly the craft at the lowest possible cost. Fiberglass was donated.

The engine drives a large fan which blows air out the back for steering. About a third of the air produced is channeled beneath the hover craft and into nylon pouches that ring the vehicle. The pouches direct the air downward for lift.

Building the craft out of aluminum, said Lee, would have been more expensive.

The hover craft weighs about 400 pounds, said Lee, and can carry about 600 pounds or 3-4 people.

Gauges available to the driver measure water temperature, RPMs, and volts that are recharging the battery. The craft has lights and a fire extinguisher.

Lee said he has driven the craft over water, stopped and gotten out. The craft tips only slightly when a person stands on one side due in part to foam flotation installed at several locations.

The nose of the craft contains additional structural members "in case the vehicle hits something," said Lee.

Lee plans to seek employment soon in the maritime business, either sailing out of Seattle on a commercial ship where he will work running engines, or in a marine facility on land.

For now, however, Lee is helping his father enlarge an agricultural building at the family farm.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Plans are underway to change the intersection of SR-501 (Pioneer St.) at Reiman Rd. and NW 22nd Pl. in Ridgefield.

Drivers currently find three roads converging off Pioneer St.: a slope onto Reiman for drivers heading west on Pioneer, an extension for drivers coming off of Reiman and heading east on Pioneer, and NW 22nd shooting straight off of Pioneer heading north up a hill into a residential area.

Improvements to the intersection will result in closing NW 22nd to automobile traffic and turning the road into a bicycle path. Pioneer and Reiman will be realigned for smoother traffic entry and exit. The new intersection will include street lights, an eastbound center turn lane and westbound right turn lane off Pioneer, and improved ground slope configurations for greater visibility.

The improvements are part of the Ridgefield Comprehensive Plan and the Ridgefield Capital Facilities Plan, and required as a result of conditions of approval associated with developing the Bellwood Heights subdivision.

The project is funded by the Bellwood Heights developer.

MAIN STREET PROJECT NEARS END, RIBBON CUTTING MARKS EVENT

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

"East meets West" is the name given to a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the near completion of the West Main Street Project in Battle Ground.

According to public works director Sam Adams, work to be completed includes finishing sidewalks, adding handrailings to sidewalks near drop-offs, pouring concrete into some medians and adding trees to others, installing permament road signs, putting fencing around a stormwater pond on the west end, hydroseeding and installing a master controller for traffic signals to "talk to each other."

The grand "re-opening" ceremony will take place Thurs., Oct. 30, 11 a.m., on the corner of NW 20th Ave. and W Main St.

The nearly $8 million, 6-month project will be completely finished by the original projected finish date of Thanksgiving, Adams said. If not, there is a per-day penalty for general contractors The Nutter Coporation of Vancouver until they finish.

The project is also on budget, reflecting some cuts made along the way, such as using concrete instead of brick in intersections and not perfectly aligning telephone poles and street lights.

Some problems not expected were the location of underground utilities which compelled re-aligning fire hydrants into sidewalks, and slop variations on the project.

"The list goes on and on," said Adams, "but nothing was a show-stopper or shut us down. We tracked daily and made field decisions as we went."

"It feels great," Adams said of the nearly complete project. "Once the street lights go up and the landscaping is in it will make a big difference. It will look really good."

The Nutter Corporation oversaw the one-mile project which expanded the street from two lanes to five, including medians and center turn lane between W 8th Ave. and NW 29th Ave. at Lewisville Meadows Mini Storage, added bike lanes, new sidewalks, landscaping, new signal equipment and intersection improvements at SR-503 and at NW 20th Ave. The project ended east of SR-503 near First Independent Bank at SW 7th Ave.

"This is a project I am proud of," Adams said. "Construction wise, it was difficult. It was a tough impact to the community and on traffic."

"I am mostly proud of [public works] staff for getting it done," he added. "The community was behind this project for the most part, and now people have something they can be proud of."

CITY, SCHOOL CANDIDATES TO FACE VOTERS NOV. 4

Hockinson and Battle Ground hopefuls answer questions

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Candidates for Battle Ground and Hockinson school boards and Battle Ground city council positions answered questions at an Oct. 14 forum hosted by the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters.

Chamber officials Joan Mayberg and Terri Tweedell moderated the event.

Leslie Jones, who is running against incumbent Karen Lehman for a position on the Battle Ground school board, spoke about an alleged invalid teacher's contract and her distrust of some consent agenda items passed at a school board meeting she attended earlier that day.

When asked about challenges facing the District, Lehman said it's important that the Interest Based Approach communication philosophy adopted by the board continue, as well as new curriculum adoptions. She also supports the passage of a bond.

Jones said student safety is a concern and alleged there were hundreds of unreported safety incidents last year and hoped to see "no portables soon" District-wide.

Lehman said state law nearly forces schools to use portables.

"[Districts] get money [from the state toward a new school] for unhoused students, those that are not in a brick and mortar building," Lehman said. "We have to have as many students in portables that would fill a new school before they give us money."

The District added more than 10 new portables last year, but Jones said portables District-wide are in disrepair and she is surprised they are not considered fire hazards and a dangerous place for students to be in. She said there are no restrooms and children are too far from food.

Jones is also concerned that portables would be "too exposed" in a "lockdown situation."

Lehman and Jones also disagreed about year-round and block schedule schooling.

Lehman said she has a personal bias toward it in some ways, but did not elaborate.

"I can't make that decision without stakeholder input," she said. "I'd need clear input from the community that it's okay."

In an Oct. 6 forum, Jones suggested holding off on her decision until the public has been engaged in forums to discuss those options.

However, at the Oct. 14 forum, she said she is in favor of block and year-round scheduling as a stop-gap until new facilities can be built. She described her daughter's success in a Texas school and said she is "very, very much in favor" of the idea.

Lehman said she wants to be re-elected to continue serving "the kids," and that her time on the board has been a blessing.

Jones said she realizes she's "had challenges" with District officials.

Jones is currently in the midst of a formal complaint filed in fall 2002 against the District for allegedly allowing a hostile educational environment to occur at her daughter's school.

However, Jones said she would like to see teachers trained to respond to daily procedures, and that she is "in it for the kids."

Hockinson hopefuls speak

Rich Carson and Greg Gospe are vying for an open position on the Hockinson school board.

When asked about challenges facing the Hockinson district, Gospe cited continued growth, needing another school site, hour-long school bus rides and making sure the new high school doesn't result in runaway budget costs.

Carson noted teacher/student ratio concerns as well as long bus rides with younger children mingling with older students.

As for the portable population increasing at schools, Carson said the structures are widespread because state funding for new schools is based on the number of portables a district has.

"The state law needs to change," Carson said.

Gospe agreed.

"No one likes portables," he said. "But they house students in a less crowded environment. It's a nice stop gap and a necessary evil."

Both candidates agreed year-round schooling is something to be considered.

Carson said discussion with educators have led him to believe it is "awkward" for students to spend nine months in school and have three off, then try to get back into studying. He said year-round schooling would give more consistency, and also help relieve busing problems.

Gospe said the schedule could be difficult for families with children in multiple grades.

"I have mixed feelings," he said. "I'd like to make sure everyone is on the same track with time on and off."

Gospe said he would like to be elected because he has respect for taxpayers, empathy with teachers, and can lend his expertise and experience to the position.

"Public education is the greatest thing America does with having a democracy," Carson said. "I bring experience, and I would like to do the job."

City council hopefuls take on mixed use, taxes and annexation

Newcomer Chris Regan is challenging incumbent Bill Crego, and Patrick Smith has taken on incumbent Sandy Barnes for positions on the Battle Ground city council.

Mixed-use developments received approval from every candidate, with conditions.

Regan said he supports mixed use, but "a lot of people didn't, and don't expect a minute mart or convenience store behind their house."

"There needs to be some thought and concern for citizens," Regan said.

Crego said mixed use is already incorporated into the city's Legacy Standards, and "is going on now."

"We have industrial across from multi-family and convenience stores next to single family residences," Crego said. "But we don't need industrial next to commercial. We need to look at how to infiltrate the areas."

Smith said mixed-use is a creative use of space that creates a community, and if it's well-planned it could be dynamic and add diversity.

Barnes said she supports the idea as long as common sense is used, and there is a plan that is done well and works well.

"It gives convenience to residents and an option to not use cars," she said, "and in some cases more safety for children."

Candidates were asked how they would change a "no-tax" mentality in voters.

Regan said the keys are educating and making a point of the need for money, that it's necessary and that how it is spent will be thought out and money not wasted.

"I believe that if most voters feel it's worth it, they will vote for a tax," Regan said.

Crego agreed and said education is important, but the effort also needs to be grass-roots where people understand "this is how you get what you need."

"It's like a pop machine," Crego said. "You're thirsty, you put your money in, and you get what you want or that specific thing."

Smith said, "I don't want to change their mind. I will work within the budget we have to provide the services they need."

As for annexation, Regan and Crego differed.

Regan said he has friends who have been "in discussions" with city staff, and believes it is better to come to the city for annexation, as they have done.

But Crego said that at some point, "the city needs to be aggressive."

"We should contact home and land owners and ask if they are interested in becoming a part of the city," Crego said. "That's part of planning for future infrastructure and zoning on new pieces."

"But we'll still have to ask the citizens and be sure they want to come in," Crego added. "They can say `yes' or `no.'"

SIX SEEK YACOLT COUNCIL POSTS

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Five candidates will be on the November 4 ballot for Yacolt town council positions, and defeated incumbent Jim Messer seeks reelection as a write-in candidate.

Van Tassell, Stewart, Messer

Businesswoman Laura Lee Van Tassell and North Country EMS paramedic Ronnie Stewart are running for council Position 4, challenged by write-in candidate Jim Messer.

Van Tassell owns an on-line business, Safari Time Home Decor, and is a volunteer for the Justice for Animal Welfare Society (JAWS). She was born and raised in Southern California, and left home after completing 11th grade in high school and moved to Oregon.

She and her husband moved to Yacolt in February 2003 after 20 years in Portland. They have two children and eight grandchildren.

Van Tassell said friends asked her to run for town council and she began to attend council meetings where too often she heard "no," "can't" or "won't."

Town leaders must create activities such as skate parks for youths, said Van Tassell. Something also needs to be done about motorists driving at unsafe speeds in the town, she said.

Van Tassell, 47, said she will promote volunteerism if elected, to encourage citizens to help each other.

Stewart was raised in California and Arizona. After graduating from high school, Stewart served as a medic in the U.S. Army. He is currently a staff sergeant with the National Guard.

After working nine years as a paramedic in Graham, WA, Stewart accepted a paramedic position with North Country Emergency Medical Services in Yacolt two years ago. He lives in Yacolt with his wife and three sons and coaches a youth soccer team.

Stewart, 39, said he supports progress made by the town council, and would like to see more law enforcement, including reserve deputies or police officers, funded by grants.

A community center with activities for youths and seniors, and possibly a public swimming pool, would be good for the town, said Stewart.

Stewart said if elected, he will promote more health and safety fairs with professionals giving career guidance to children.

Incumbent Jim Messer, completing his 16th year and fourth term as a council member, came in third behind James Weldon and Karen Holyk in a close primary election for council position 5. Messer is now running as a write-in candidate against Van Tassell and Stewart. Election laws bar Messer from running as a write-in candidate for the same position he lost in the primary election.

Messer works as a superintendent with the state Department of Natural Resources.

Messer said he wants to maintain the small town character of Yacolt while continuing to upgrade town streets, sidewalks, parks and other infrastructures.

"We have more to do," said the 53-year-old incumbent. Messer said that if elected, he will work to improve little league fields with more parking. With improvements, tournaments could be played at Yacolt, he said.

Messer and his wife have raised four children in the Yacolt area. He has worked 32 years for the state Department of Natural Resources at Larch Corrections Center.

Holyk, Weldon

Nursing assistant Karen Holyk and associate pastor James Weldon are running for the Position 5 seat.

Holyk, a product of Oklahoma, has lived in Yacolt with her husband and children for 10 years.

The 53-year-old candidate is a registered nursing assistant who specializes in senior citizen care.

Holyk said town leaders need to be more open with citizens about plans for a new community center.

Youths need more things to do, said Holyk. A skate park and/or paint ball court would help, as would room at a safe community center for ping pong, pool, board games and/or crafts, she said.

Weldon, an Oregon native, with his wife of 53 years, have been Yacolt residents for five years. They have two children, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

A seminary graduate with two bachelor's degrees and a minister for 50 years, Weldon is associate pastor at Minnehaha Church of Christ. He is a part-time photographer and a retired lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary.

Weldon's public service experience started 40 years ago when he was town treasurer in Augus, NE. He was a reserve police officer in Dunsmuire, CA.

Weldon, 74, said he appreciates recent progress on streets and parks in the town and wants to participate as town leaders work for future upgrades.

Smith

Incumbent Debra Smith is running unopposed for a fourth four-year term as Position 1 council member.

Smith, a Yacolt resident since 1982, was raised in the midwest where she graduated from high school. She's a U.S. Army veteran, and took culinary and baking classes for five years at Clark College.

Elected last year to be president of the North Clark Little League, Smith is married and lives with her husband and four children.

Smith, 47, said if reelected she will encourage completion of recently initiated septic system maintenance programs, support more street improvements and help develop a town community center. She is a member of the Community Center Planning Committee.

Commissioners put Salmon Creek collector on hold

Bill Myers, staff reporter

After citizens and a candid County official said a sewer line stinks, Clark County commissioners refused to condemn properties in the way of a new collector pending more study and public involvement.

The action came at an Oct. 14 public hearing.

The commissioners' action put the brakes on environmental studies needed for about five miles of proposed 48-inch collector pipe running south under I-205 and across or near several residential properties to NE 119th St. in the Salmon Creek area.

The collector would supplement an existing sewer connector line under NE Salmon Creek Ave. that transports Battle Ground and Meadow Grade area sewage.

County Public Works director Pete Capell said the proposed collector is part of a needed expansion of the Salmon Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant, now nearing 85 percent capacity.

Capell said his department considered three other routes for the additional collector. Two were discarded because of cost or conflicts with other utilities. Another route, along the south side of I-205 and then south across three properties to NE 119th St., will be explored further, said Capell.

Existing pipeline smells

Kenneth Hodge, a resident of NE Salmon Creek Ave., said he and other neighbors received no notification of plans to build a new pipeline.

The existing pipeline smells, said Hodge.

Two property owners said they fear the new line and added stench will adversely effect their property values.

Debra Caffrey, who owns property near the existing pipeline and the proposed new collector right-of-way, said the new line would be 19 feet from her 77-year-old grandmother's front door.

Caffrey said she won't let her grandchildren to play in her yard because of smells from the line on Salmon Creek.

Capell agreed. Strong odors come from manhole covers in the area, especially in hot weather, he said.

Capell said recent studies suggest that chemicals placed in the pipeline at the Battle Ground plant could eliminate much of the odor. But tests of the chemicals need to be done during warm weather, he said.

Public contacts about the project were limited to property owners where easements were needed, said Capell.

Commissioner Craig Pridemore asked, "There was no public involvement?"

"No," said Capell.

"Shoot!" said commissioner Betty Sue Morris.

"Something like that," said Pridemore.

Commissioner Judie Stanton said property owners in the area need to be involved in the process.

"We can't steamroll our citizens," said Pridemore.

Capell said his department would meet with area neighbors and review alternatives.

BOARD RULES 76TH ST. WIDENING NECESSARY

Bill Myers, staff reporter

The Clark County commissioners ruled after an Oct. 14 public hearing that a proposed widening of NE 76th St. is a public use and necessity.

The ruling sets the stage for work on NE 76th St. between SR-503 and NE 142nd Ave., and is a requirement for potential condemnation proceedings against three land owners who have not agreed to sell land for the project.

County plans for road improvements include addition of a center turn lane, bike lanes and sidewalks.

A Public Works project description said limited right-of-way requirements resulted in a need to acquire property from 47 property owners and relocate two families.

Property owner Alan Trenda, 13209 and 13213 NE 76th St., asked to sell limited right-of-way at two duplex locations, said proposed work will limit parking and driveway space for tenants.

Trenda said planned revisions by County engineers would force tenants to back over a berm and through a blind spot to access the street.

Trenda said the County will have to buy him out.

Public Works officials are continuing to negotiate with Trenda.

Dave Ward, spokesman for property owner Danny Johnson, 13111 NE 76th St., said Johnson has no quarrel with the project, but wants an independent appraisal to evaluate impacts to Johnson's property.

Public works spokesman Scott Sawyer said legal issues have slowed negotiations with K. Smith and Sons, LTD, owner at 13208 NE 76th St.

A 13-year-old boy suffered head and neck injuries Oct. 13 when his bicycle collided with an auto on NE 112th Ave. near NE 199th St. south of Battle Ground.

According to Clark County Sheriff's information, the boy was southbound on NE 112th Ave., and turned left into the path of southbound motorist Lenny G. Lease, 40, of Battle Ground.

The bicyclist was taken to Southwest Washington Medical Center.

CHIP SEALING SEASON COMES TO AN END

Michele Bloomquist, staff reporter

With the end of warm weather, city and county road crews are wrapping up roadwork.

It's not a moment too soon, said Hockinson resident Hal Frisby.

Frisby has filed several claims over the past few years for chipped windshields and broken headlights he said were caused by a road repair called chip seal and would like to see the technique abandoned.

Chip seal uses a layer of tar covered with gravel to extend pavement's lifespan, said Bud Cave, operations manager for Clark County public works.

"We've done the research and looked at what's available," Cave said. "Chip seal is a very valuable tool for us, there's really not another option that can take it's place."

According to Clark County risk manager Ed Pavone, who handles chip seal damage claims like Frisby's, about 25 to 35 such claims are paid in Clark County each year.

Costs range from $35 for a windshield chip repair to over $250 for a windshield replacement.

Which roads get the application is based on data from a computer program that calculates traffic volume, wear and other conditions, Cave said.

The technique is used most often on main rural roadways. At 81 cents per square yard, chip sealing costs over nine times less than repaving, Cave said.

In 2002 some 138 miles of roads in Clark County were chip sealed at a taxpayer cost of $787,615 versus 40 miles of repaving which cost citizens $1.8 million.

Because of cost and the need to close roads for longer periods of time, repaving is used only when a road's foundation is crumbling, Cave said.

Chip seal, on the other hand, is used when a road is structurally sound, but needs resurfacing to keep it that way, Cave said.

While Cave admitted the technique used for decades is messy, he said computer controlled trucks give road crews more control of the tar and gravel mix than ever before.

After the road is tarred and graveled, a roller packs down some of the loose material and the road is reopened to traffic, Cave said. A few days later, a sweeper removes excess gravel.

The biggest problems for motorists occur in the time between rolling and sweeping, said Pavone.

When traffic moves too fast--over 25 miles per hour--it kicks up the loose rock, resulting in damages such as Frisby's, Pavone said.

The loose material also poses problems for motorcyclists who can loose traction on the rock.

Cave said next summer the County plans to post more signs warning people to slow down, and will sweep chip sealed roads after one day rather than two to reduce the amount of time motorists encounter loose gravel.

Cave said County officials also plan to publicize which roads will be chip sealed and when so motorists can plan an alternate route.

"We want to preserve the roads, but at the same time we don't want to create additional problems," Cave said. "We're doing everything we can to reduce issues and we take concerns seriously."

Frisby said he's met with Cave and other County officials to discuss his concerns and is pleased to hear more signs and notice will be posted.

Still, he expressed doubt that motorists used to traveling 50 miles per hour on rural roads will slow down, even with additional signs.

"Everyone's in such a big hurry these days," he said. "If people would just slow down, that would help a lot."

Pavone said motorists who believe their vehicle was damaged by chip seal this season can contact risk management, 397-2025.

RIDGEFIELD PASSES NEW ANIMAL CODE

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

A growing city means more dogs and cats, as well as more people.

Ridgefield city council members cited increased pet population as the reason for tightening regulations Oct. 16 that pertain to animals.

According to police chief Bruce Hall, the previous code was less than one-quarter of a page, written about 17 years ago, and treated everything as a criminal offense.

The new code is modeled after state codes and is more comprehensive, Hall said. Battle Ground and Woodland's codes were also used as models in the new code's creation.

The new code requires annual animal licensing within city limits, offers more control to enforcement officials when dogs that bite are involved, protects animals from cruelty, requires notification if dogs are classified as dangerous, and requires leash use for all dogs that are not kept in control.

"In a nutshell the new code protects people better," Hall said. "It puts the responsibility on pet owners and is good for pets, too."

City officials will soon consider whether to build a temporary shelter for lost and injured animals at the city's public works facility.

For more information about the new ordinance, contact the Ridgefield Police Department, 116 N Main Ave., 887-3556.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Candidates for Ridgefield school board and city council went head-to-head Oct. 15 at a forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

League representative Marcine Miles moderated the tightly run event, which was over in one and one-half hours. About 70 people attended the forum held at the Ridgefield Community Center.

Forum time was split between school board and council candidates. Candidates made opening comments, answered a series of pre-arranged questions developed by League associates, were allowed to ask opponents one question, and made closing comments.

City council incumbent Mike Hefflin requested more input from community members be allowed in future forums.

Two seats are open for city council: newcomer Gary Adkins is running against Hefflin; newcomers Fran Kemper and David Standal are running for a seat left vacant by incumbent Brett Graham who chose not to seek reelection.

Two school board seats are also being up this election. Newcomer Chris Swindell is challenging incumbent Mary Byrne, while Ray Warner is challenging incumbent Cathy Kreger.

Incumbent Gladys Doriot is running unopposed for city council. Incumbent Wendi Morris is running unopposed for the school board. Doriot and Morris did not participate in the forum.

Council race: Hefflin vs. Adkins

Hefflin told the audience he stands on his record of the past four years. He acknowledged Adkins as a capable opponent, yet challenged Adkins to show how he would make a better council member. Adkins discussed his record of involvement with the Port of Ridgefield and planning commission, as well as his 44-year career as a businessman. He promised to use his business skills for the benefit of Ridgefield if elected, as well as listen to the public.

Hefflin and Adkins agreed on questions of impact fee rates, the future lessened presence of agricultural industries throughout Clark County, and the inevitability of growth for Ridgefield.

Hefflin stressed the need for more family wage jobs in Ridgefield as well as the preservation of downtown business district.

Adkins advocated clearer communication, better representation and strengthened public accountability.

Council race: Standal vs. Kemper

Standal and Kemper are both longtime Ridgefield residents with previous political experience. Both are currently on the city's planning commission. Both are business people; Kemper is retired.

Standal and Kemper agreed on the issue of limiting municipal government-backed social services.

Standal said he would encourage high density housing only as far as it is required by the County's growth management plan. He advocated providing opportunities for diverse tax bases to locate in the area, as opposed to the city aiming to attract specific industries.

Kemper said she did not agree with the County's plan, although it is law. She acknowledged a limited need for affordable housing. She would like to see clean industries locate at the Ridgefield junction such as high-tech companies with higher wages.

School race: Swindell vs. Byrne

Swindell has 16 experience on the school board, but has not been on it for the past eight years. He said his desire to get back on the school board is because Ridgefield is faced with growth-related challenges, and the community needs to be involved.

Byrne has been a school board member for the past eight years and is basing her campaign on education and student learning, she said.

Swindell and Byrne agreed on the questions of providing various post-high school preparatory avenues for students, for supporting handicapped and special education programs, and for the need for consistent community involvement in schools.

Swindell believes the school board needs to be more open to the concerns of the public.

Byrne said school administration has acted to address communication issues such as creating additional board-sponsored forums called chat sessions.

School race: Warner vs. Kreger

Kreger and Warner are both long-time Ridgefield residents. Kreger has children in the Ridgefield system; Warner has relatives in the school system but not children.

Kreger said the top three challenges currently facing the District are meeting academic standards for new standardized tests, tackling growth in light of aging facilities, and providing stable funding sources in light of reduced state-level funding.

Warner said the top three challenges currently facing the District are increasing communication with the community, increasing involvement, and working with council and port members to address growth.

When asked how each candidate would garner additional financial support for the District, Warner cited grants and community support.

Kreger said grant writing is already happening. She advocated increased communications with state legislators.

Warner acknowledged a learning curve ahead of him, if elected. He promised to support the community and schools.

Kreger said she is most passionate about children, education and the Ridgefield community. Being a board member gives her an opportunity to work with all three. She promised to undergird staff, parents, community members and students.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

When the day began Oct. 16, Lewisville Middle School math specialist Kim Ellett couldn't have known it would turn out to be a day like no other.

But when she heard her name announced during a school assembly as a Milken National Educator Award winner, her day suddenly became $25,000 brighter.

Education professionals have dubbed the Milken Award as the "Oscars of Teaching." Only two teachers out of about 70,000 in Washington will received the award this year--Ellett is one.

Award recipients are selected by a national educator's panel appointed by each state's department of education. Fewer than 2,000 teachers nationwide have received the award since the program's inception in 1985.

The award is given to educators who demonstrate excellence and leadership inside their schools, in their profession and in their community.

Although this is only Ellett's second year at the school, Lewisville principal Kent Martin said her work with teachers to strengthen math instruction and efforts to stimulate student interest in math have already made an indelible impression on the school.

Ellett has developed schoolwide math activities such as "Math Night," a multi-activity learning event that most recently drew more than 450 students and parents.

In addition to the award money, Ellett received an all-expenses paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., for a national education conference.

Award kept hush-hush

Ellett clearly appeared as if she had no idea she was getting the award.

Students, staff, city and state officials gathered in the school's gymnasium under the pretense of hearing Deputy superintendent of public instruction Mary Alice Heuschel speak about student achievement.

Ellett, who had a free class period immediately prior to the assembly, was snookered by District communications consultant Kelly Keister into shaking hands with dignitaries as they walked through the front door.

After the school's advanced band played the National Anthem, District superintendent Shonny Bria introduced the event simply as "an exciting day," and turned the microphone over to Heuschel.

The tone of the assembly quickly changed as Heuschel related the real reason she was visiting Lewisville--to honor one of their own.

Heuschel explained the award, then narrowed the criteria to which teacher it might be. She engaged students with a complex math formula which arrived at the number 25,000, then brought students up front to hold up signs with the amount.

Heuschel praised all teachers at the school and took an informal poll of how many students believed their teacher should get the award.

Every hand in the gymnasium went up.

The announcement was made, and Ellett slowly walked forward. She honored her colleagues and thanked the award presenters.

As the assembly finished students crowded around Ellett to give hugs and get autographs.

Seventh-grader Anna Funaki was one of the autograph seekers.

"She's a great teacher," Funaki said. "She's helped a lot of kids. She really does a great job."

OBITS:

JOHN YOUNGMAN

John Youngman, 97, died Oct. 13, 2003 at home in Woodland.

Youngman was born Nov. 13, 1905 in Russia. He moved from Vancouver to Woodland in 1946. He attended school in Idaho.

Youngman owned and operated Youngman's Sporting Goods 1944-1965. He helped his family build the Lewis River Golf Course where he worked for the remainder of his life. He helped each of his children build their homes and built his own home as well.

Youngman was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge, and a volunteer firefighter for the Woodland Fire Department. He drove school bus in Woodland for several years.

Youngman was preceded in death by his wife, Marguerite, in 2003, brothers Bill Youngman in 1942 and an infant brother, and several sisters. Survivors include son John G. Youngman of Arizona, daughters Karen Stading of Woodland, Teresa Youngman-Geissler of Castle Rock, and Delrae Carroll of Kelso, sisters Marie Boyer, Marian Goodwin and Emma Becker, all of Oregon, 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Tues., Oct. 21, 11 a.m., at the Lewis River Golf Course, with interment at Frank Abel Cemetery, Woodland. Dahl-McVicker Funeral Home, Kelso, is in charge of arrangements.

Lillian Ilean (Pratt) Northrop, 81, died Oct. 13, 2003 in Battle Ground.

Northrop was born March 15, 1922 in Baker, Montana, and lived in Woodland for many years.

Northrop served as a seaman first class in the U.S. Navy.

Northrop was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Northrop. Survivors include son Alan G. Northrop of Aberdeen and Patrick Northrop of Woodland.

No services were planned, with Dahl-McVicker Funeral Home, Kelso, in charge of arrangements.

SANDRA BECKHAM

Sandra Gaye Beckham, 60, died Oct. 16, 2003 in Vancouver, following a long-term illness.

Beckham was born April 6, 1943, in Longview, and lived most of her life in western Washington. She attended grade school in Brush Prairie and graduated from Battle Ground High School. She earned a nursing degree from Clark College.

Beckham worked in nursing for 20 years at Kaiser Permanente in Oregon and Hawaii. In retirement, she cared for the elderly in adult foster care and hospice.

Beckham twice traveled to Burma to serve as a medical missionary to refugees. She loved horseback riding and hiking, and dove the Great Barrier Reef. She had rafted whitewater rivers.

Survivors include sons Daniel Carlson and Andrew Carlson, both of Washougal, David Carlson of Everett and Dennis Carlson of Vancouver, sister Linda Amack of Vancouver, brothers Rob Beckham of New Mexico and Tom Beckham of Spokane, and seven grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held Sat., Oct. 25, 10 a.m., at Trinity Baptist Church, 6700 MacArthur Blvd., Vancouver.

HELENE KOWALCHUK

Helen Dalla-Bona Kowalchuk, 77, died Oct. 12, 2003 in Woodland.

Kowalchuk was born April 2, 1926 in Vienna, Austria, and moved to Woodland eight years ago from Vancouver. She was raised in Austria and came to Seattle in 1955.

Kowalchuk traveled the world with her husband who was in the military. She worked as a nurse during World War II.

Survivors include husband Richard J. Kowalchuk, at home in Woodland, and friends Bobby and Christel Gilpatrick of Colorado, JoAnn Aberle of Woodland, and Stan and Bobbie Dickenson and John and Lorene Bumgarner.

Graveside services were held at Longview Memorial Park in Longview, with the Woodland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

IOLA ROSIER

Iola Etta (Miller) Rosier, 70, died Oct. 14, 2003, in Amboy.

Rosier was born Aug. 9, 1933 in Vancouver, worked as a sewing machine operator for Bemis Bag. Co. for 20 years, and lived in Amboy for 23 years. She was an lifelong resident of Clark County.

Rosier enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling and playing the penny slots in Reno, Nevada.

Rosier was preceded in death by a son, Arley Holmes, in 1972, and daughter Dianne Miller in 2001. Survivors include husband Vernie Rosier, at home, step-daughters Patricia Kein and Edith Sparks, both of Portland, sons LeRoy Holmes of Vancouver and Jon Holmes of Elgin, step-sons William Rosier of Oregon and Robert Rosier of California, sister Liz Campbell of Vancouver, brother James Miller of Yacolt, four grandchildren, five step-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren.

Committal was at Park Hill Cemetery, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

JACK WETLESEN

Jack Wetlesen, 88, died Oct. 15, 2003 in Banks, OR.

Wetlesen was born Nov. 4, 1914 in Jossing Fjord, Norway, worked as a warehouse supervisor for California School District, and lived in Battle Ground for 25 years before moving to Oregon.

Wetlesen was a member of the Elim Lutheran Church. He was a sergeant for King's Guard in Norway. He enjoyed fishing, eating, going to the beach, taking walks, boating, camping, buying cars and watching soap operas on television. He also enjoyed telling jokes and stories. He had helped answer phones at Hello World Travel agency.

Survivors include widow Sigrid Wetlesen, at home, sons Einar Wetlesen of Oregon and Gunnar Wetlesen of California, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Committal was at Elim Cemetery, Brush Prairie, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

PATRICIA SAGE

Patricia Ardell (Decker) Sage, 79, died Oct. 18, 2003 in Vancouver.

Sage was born June 25, 1924 in Pine City, MN, and lived in Clark County for 39 years.

Sage played the piano and organ. She enjoyed traveling, especially to Europe and the United States. She loved to be active and enjoyed tap dancing, tumbling, bicycling, hiking and swimming. She enjoyed her family and loved people.

Survivors include husband Gordon Sage, at home in Vancouver, daughter Donna Sage of Vancouver, sister Lorraine Becker of Hoodsport, and four grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held Wed., Oct. 22, 2 p.m., at Memory Memorial Park Cemetery, Vancouver, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground in charge of arrangements.

ROBERT ROBERTS

Robert Arthur Roberts, 95, died Oct. 16, 2003 in Vancouver.

Roberts was born Dec. 13, 1907 in Buffalo, NY, worked as a merchant in auto parts, and lived in Battle Ground for over 20 years. He lived in Clark County for 26 years.

Roberts was a member of the Al Malikah Shrine Masonic Lodge in California, and the Battle Ground Elks. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing cribbage with Russ Chrissman.

Roberts was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Roberts, in 1975. Survivors include daughter Darlene Sack of Vancouver, grandson Doug Burton of California, and special friends Julie and Joe Zamboldi of Battle Ground, Lisa Arieta and Pat Meyers, both of Vancouver, Russ Chrissman of Vancouver and Mari Moorehead of California.

A memorial service will be held Sun., Nov. 2, 11 a.m., at the Battle Ground Elks Lodge, 907 SE Grace Ave., Battle Ground. Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, is in charge of arrangements.

DAVID MCGRAW

David Lee McGraw, 52, died Oct. 19, 2003 at home in Woodland.

McGraw was born Sept. 27, 1951 in Salem, IL, worked as a painter, and moved to Woodland in 1986. He grew up in LaSalle and Peru, IL.

McGraw served in the U.S. Army 1973-1977 and 1980-83. He enjoyed gardening, flowers and computers.

Survivors include widow Helen (Dewey) McGraw, mother Martha Rhodes of Idaho, son Eli McGraw of Illinois, daughter Rachel Harkins, step-daughters Leslie Hamak of Vancouver, Julie Denton of Kalama and Shellie Kemp of Idaho, brothers Stephen McGraw and Chuck McGraw, both of Woodland, and Mike McGraw of Norway, sister Cherie LaRoche of Minnesota, and eight grandchildren.

Services will be held Tues., Oct. 21, 1 p.m., at Woodland Funeral Home, Woodland, with the Woodland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Memorial services for Eric H. Wedin, 81, who died Sept. 20, 2003 in Newberg, OR, will be held Sat., Oct. 25, 11 a.m., at Cherry Grove Friends Church, NE 92nd Ave. and NE 219th St., Battle Ground.

Wedin was buried at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.

Wedin was born in Heisson, operated a sanitary service in north Clark County and in Skamania County, and served as a Skamania County commissioner.

Wedin served in the U.S. Navy and was at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

Survivors include sister Vickie Cresap of Battle Ground.

A complete obituary was published in the Oct. 15 issue of The Reflector.

Atrells Funeral Home, Newberg, is in charge of arrangements.