BURNED OUT FAMILY GIVES THANKS

Everything lost in fire

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

"You have to cry, you have to laugh, you have to grieve," Becky Branstetter said after her home of 10 years burned to the ground. "It's as close as you can get to death and finalizing everything."

Branstetter and her family watched in shock Oct. 29 as flames consumed their 1979 double-wide mobile home at 1002 SE Grace Ave., Battle Ground.

Fire District 11 chief Dennis Mason said the home was destroyed and declared a total loss, valued at about $80,000. Three fire engines worked for about one hour to contain the blaze which began at about 4:30 p.m. Crews worked until about 9:30 p.m. putting out hot spots.

"We lost everything," Branstetter said, including a beloved family pet, Sparky, a 1-year-old miniature dachshund.

Fear for family

Branstetter was not at home when the fire began. She returned that afternoon with her daughter, Erica, 15, and friend to find the street blocked off. She told an officer she needed to get inside the blockade to see if her sons were alright, not knowing her house was on fire.

After determining who Branstetter was, the officer asked her to pull over and escorted her to the flaming house while her daughter ran on ahead, she said.

"My first fear was for my boys, (Nathaniel, 18, and Jordan, 13)," she said. "I'd left them at home."

The boys were in the back yard near a detached garage when the fire broke out, she said. One turned around and saw black smoke and fire coming from the front of the house.

According to Branstetter, the boys were unaware she and Erica had left the house and frantically broke windows and kicked at the back door trying to get in.

The boys finally noticed their mom's van was gone, but didn't know if their sister had gone with her.

"There wasn't anything they could do," she said. "The house went that fast."

The family reunited on the street with bystanders watching the firefighters shoot streams of water into the blackened, smoke-belching frame.

Eric, a carpenter, was blocked in traffic on his way home from work at the NE 199th St. end of SE Grace, unaware of the unfolding events.

Giving thanks

A family friend took the Branstetters in for about one week while a rental house in the city was found, which the couple's homeowner's insurance pays for.

But generosity did not end there.

Calls flooded the Chamber of Commerce and this newspaper from area citizens asking how to help the family.

Generosity from strangers began the next morning as Becky Branstetter sifted through the ruins of her home.

"All I had was the clothes I was wearing--old sweatpants and a t-shirt, no coat," Branstetter said. "It was so cold outside. Then an older lady walking her poodle asked if that was my house that burned down. I told her 'yes.' She asked if I had a coat. I said 'no.' She gave me one of hers--a $90 arctic jacket with the tags still on, and $40 cash. I cried."

Another resident drove by and saw Branstetter sorting through ruins and asked if she could use some towels. The driver handed Branstetter a garbage sack of brand new towels with four sets of everything in a variety of colors, saying she thought Branstetter may appreciate them more than her daughter would.

"There's been a lot of stuff like that," she said. "It's amazing."

Because of citizens' generosity, the family have more than enough furniture, bedding, toiletries, appliances, clothing and household items, Branstetter said.

What is needed now is elbow grease from those so inclined.

Insurance will pay only $2,500 to remove what's left of their house before rebuilding can begin, she said. The lowest estimate so far is $15,000.

"There's no way we can afford that, so we are doing it ourselves," she said. The family wears rubber gloves, allergen masks and grubby clothing to dig, shovel, scoop and find.

"If people drive by and we're out there, they are more than welcome to help," she said and added, "it's a pretty dirty job. We have extra gloves and masks."

Clean-up was only one unforseen financial shortfall. The family still makes mortgage payments, and pays for utility and telephone bills for a home that is no longer there, she said, and the insurance doesn't cover the entire cost of rebuilding.

An account has been set up by a family friend at Washington Mutual Bank under number 93 357377 8 for financial donations.

This year, the Thanksgiving holiday has a clearer meaning to her family, Branstetter said. "We're not so worried about material things," she said. "Things don't matter. Our family, generous people helping, and just the ability to cry and laugh over such a tragedy as a way of grieving helps."

"It's a new holiday, a new year," she added. "We get to start all over, fresh and new."

RARE MALADY CLOUDS ARSENIC ISSUE

Bill Myers, staff reporter

A rare disease has been diagnosed at an unusually high rate in an area of northwest Clark County where arsenic has been found in drinking water wells.

The disease has similar symptoms to arsenic poisoning.

The possibility of mis-diagnosis has been raised by one medical professional.

Doctors say that Guillain-Barre (ghee-yan bah-ray) Syndrome (GBS) is very rare, and officials at the Braintrust Center for Neurological Disorder Information at Massachusetts Institute of Technology estimate the disease afflicts 1-2 people in every 100,000.

But in the Cedar Creek area of northwest Clark County, residents said they know of at least nine victims in the Cedar Creek, Woodland and Kalama areas which have a combined population of under 20,000 people.

Residents, who declined to be identified, said victims have lasting impairments from the disease.

Symptoms of GBS include weakness or tingling in the legs, spreading to weakness in the arms and upper body. Symptoms can increase in intensity until certain muscles cannot be used at all. In severe cases, patients become almost totally paralyzed, interfering with breathing.

Symptoms of arsenic poisoning are similar, including numbness of hands and feet, and other nervous system impairments.

Arsenic poisoning can also include cardiovascular disease, various cancers, and diseases of the skin and nervous system.

Fred Berman, Ph.D., director of the Toxicology Information Center at Oregon Health Sciences University research center in Portland (OHSU), explained the symptoms of GBS and arsenic poisoning, and said "misdiagnosis is conceivable," meaning the Cedar Creek area residents diagnosed with GBS may in fact be suffering from arsenic poisoning.

Berman said repeated exposure to arsenic at levels of .03 to .1 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day can cause "symmetrical peripheral neuropathy," a numbness that can turn into "pins and needles" effect, then affect both the sensory and motor nervous systems, leading to "wrist and ankle drop."

Berman calculated that a 45 pound child need consume only 10 ounces of water a day for the highest level of toxic exposure to be present.

That same 10 ounces, he said, could affect a 150 pound adult at the lower level of risk.

Bill Robertson, who heads the Poison Control Center in Seattle and has taught at the University of Washington for 40 years, said most people recover from GBS in about two years.

But in the Cedar Creek cases, residents said most victims had lasting impairments. One remains in a wheel chair.

Robertson confirmed that arsenic can cause peripheral neuropathy. Affects from arsenic poisoning do not go away by themselves, said Robertson, who said he did not believe arsenic would cause GBS.

Medical experts don't know what causes GBS. Factors triggering GBS are thought to include infections and stress.

Finding of the unusual number of cases of GBS in the Cedar Creek area were relayed by The Reflector to officials of the state Department of Health who expressed surprise and said they would investigate the matter.

The investigation will involve Rob Duff of the state Department of Health and Karen Steingart of the Clark County Health Department.

Gary Rischitelli, a research physician at OHSU, also wants to be involved in the research.

Clark County officials have asked anyone diagnosed with GBS to call Linda Boothby at the Health Department, 397-8257.

Problem found in July

Arsenic levels 30 to 170 times the federal standard for safe drinking water have turned up in private wells in northwest Clark County.

Recent tests in the area of Hayes and Cedar Creek roads between Woodland and the Cedarville area yielded results of 300 to 1,700 parts per billion (ppb) of arsenic.

The federal standard for safe drinking water is 10 ppb.

The discovery started in July when a reading of 1,150 ppb was found in a private well near Hayes Road and NE 411th Circle.

Randy Phillips of the County Health Department said tests in three new wells in the same area showed readings exceeding 300 ppb.

Phillips declined to name owners or give specific addresses of affected wells. He said citizens might be reluctant to cooperate if their identities are made public.

After the initial high readings, Health Department officials sent letters and surveys to 132 well owners in the vicinity of the affected wells.

As of Nov. 22, officials had received responses from 16 of those surveyed. Water tests from those 16 wells showed 10 above the federal safety standard, including three over 500 ppb.

Carl Addy of Addy Laboratories, a Vancouver water testing company, confirmed a finding of 1,700 ppb in the same general location earlier this month.

Joe Ellingson of the County Health Department said 324 new well tests have been performed since Jan. 1, 2002, with 88.5 percent below the 10 ppb standard. Most but not all tests exceeding the standard were in the Cedar Creek vicinity.

Duff said people with high arsenic wells should immediately switch to bottled water for drinking and cooking until the problem can be solved.

Engineer Bart Stepp of Odell Engineering Inc. in Vancouver said filters can eliminate low levels of arsenic. Levels over 1,00 ppb could require a more expensive system, priced at $5,000-$10,000.

Arsenic is a poisonous chemical element found in underground rock formations. It is used in rodent poisons and insecticides, and is usually odorless, tasteless and invisible when mixed with water.

Officials track tests result

Clark County officials have begun tracking private well test results as they screen for arsenic.

Tests of 47 wells north of NE 389th Street and west of Munch and Pup Creek roads show 25 (53 percent) exceed 10 ppb.

Residents interviewed in areas where high levels of arsenic have been found said they would test their water as soon as possible.

Some residents said their wells were tested when their homes were built several years ago. Two said their wells were too shallow to have an arsenic problem.

Ellingson said wells established before January 2002 were tested for bacteria and other inorganic matter, but not for arsenic.

Ellingson said that while high arsenic levels tend to be in deep wells, high amounts of the poison have also been found in shallow wells.

A resident whose well tested at more than 300 ppb said she and her family switched to bottled water for drinking and cooking. She said she is getting information from engineering firms about filtering systems.

Cowlitz County

Cynthia Johnson of the Cowlitz county Building Department said that arsenic levels are not checked in Cowlitz County private wells.

Developers test water for arsenic at new community wells serving three or more households, said Audrey Shaver of the Cowlitz County Health Department, but not wells serving a single family.

Moderately high levels of arsenic were found in drinking water years ago near Hanson Road east of Woodland, said Shaved, who said she would provide a report to The Reflector on arsenic test results at new community wells near Woodland by early December.

ARMSTRONG RETURNS FROM AFGHANISTAN

Tom Armstrong of Battle Ground has completed a third trip to Afghanistan in his efforts to provide medical care and other assistance.

Armstrong was in Mazar-e Sharif and outlying villages Sept. 28-Oct. 27.

Armstrong said he found conditions better than during his two previous trips.

Armstrong traveled to Afghanistan with Northwest Medical Teams in early 2002, then returned by himself in July-August, 2002.

On his latest trip, Armstrong, a retired firefighter and EMT, treated Afghan citizens who suffered from infections, leprosy and fungus ailments. He helped diagnose and transport more seriously ill patients to doctors and hospitals for medical attention. He paid for the performance of some operations.

Armstrong said some unusual diseases exist in northern Afghanistan that American doctors may not be familiar with.

Armstrong employed the services of a translator, rented a vehicle and hired a driver.

Armstrong said he found no one near death or in need of emergency feeding tubes, as he had in past trips. He lived with the family of his translator for most of his trip.

Armstrong also set up a learning center, complete with computer, printer, extra ink and a digital camera, and provided curriculum for grades 1-8. He expects neighborhood children will use the learning center four days a week, two hours a day.

Armstrong also translated emergency response manuals from English to Dari, the official language of northern Afghanistan. The manuals provide emergency crews with instructions on CPR, airway breathing, extricating severely injured people, and other technical information.

Armstrong made the trip at his own expense, including donating computer equipment for the learning center. Total cost, he said, was about $3,500. He said he has spent about $12,000 of his personal money in making three trips to Afghanistan.

Armstrong suffered back and kidney illness from the rough flight through Russia, and became sick from eating chick pea soup. In all, he lost about 10 days due to his own illnesses, he said.

In addition, two warlords started military action in the district of Balkh where he was going, located about 30 miles from his translator's home. U.S. planes attacked, he said, and Afghan police quieted the skirmish.

Armstrong equipped himself with pharmacy supplies as he traveled to villages. He also paid the cost of operations for needy children.

Armstrong has made 13 trips around the world to provide similar assistance, including trips to Albania and Somalia. The trip to Afghanistan took him from Portland to San Francisco, to Korea and then into a former Russian republic ont he border of Afghanistan.

Armstrong said he is guided by the principle of "love thy neighbor" in making the journeys abroad. He said he is uncertain about making future trips to the country.

CANDIDATES SOUGHT FOR DRAINAGE, DIKING DISTRICTS

The Clark County Elections Department will take filings for commissioner positions for drainage and diking districts beginning Mon., Dec. 1.

Positions are open on Drainage Improvement districts 2 and 5, and Diking Improvement District 14.

Drainage Improvement District 5 is located in the Brush Prairie area, and Drainage District 2 is located at Fargher Lake.

Diking Improvement District 14 is located in the Vancouver Lake area.

Filings will be accepted at 1408 Franklin St., Vancouver, until Fri., Dec. 5, 5 p.m. An election will take place Feb. 3.

Candidates must be a registered voter in Washington and must own property in the drainage or diking district.

Information, Tim Likness, 397-2345.

Bobby Johns of Battle Ground was sentenced to 90 days in jail Oct. 30 for driving with a suspended license.

As instructed by Battle Ground Municipal Court judge Steven Sowards, Johns reported to the Clark County jail Oct. 31 to begin his sentence.

But later that day, Johns had been released and was celebrating Halloween in a Battle Ground pub.

Sowards later described the sentencing and jail mixup as a "legal hiccup."

Sowards' order was for Johns to be incarcerated in the Clark County jail, and to remain there until officials of a jail in Wapato, WA picked him up.

But Clark County jail personnel read Sowards instructions as if they were to transport Johns to the Wapato jail. They declined to do so, and released Johns.

Almost three weeks later, Johns, 44, was summoned back before Sowards in a "show cause" hearing, taken into custody, and transported to Clark County jail for subsequent transport to Wapato.

Earlier this year, Battle Ground officials contracted with Wapato for prisoner incarceration as a way to save money.

The Wapato jail charges Battle Ground $35 per day for incarceration, while the often- overflowing Clark County jail charges about $50.

Under the contract with Wapato, officials at Wapato will pick up and transport prisoners from Clark County to their new city jail.

Only prisoners with sentences over 30 days are sent to Wapato. Johns was the first Battle Ground prisoner so sentenced.

Sowards said officials of the Clark County jail did not understand his order.

The communications system has been cleared up, said Sowards, and Clark County jail officials now understand that they are to hold Battle Ground prisoners until picked up for transport to Wapato.

Johns would have appeared earlier in the "show cause" hearing had he been notified timely, added Sowards. But three weeks went by to allow time for proper notification.

"He (Johns) was lucky enough to be the first one," said Sowards.

"None of this is your fault," Sowards told Johns at the Nov. 20 hearing. The charge against Johns dates back to 1998.

Battle Ground police chief spearheaded the contract with Wapato which was finalized Sept. 17. Wapato is located near Yakima.

Johnson said prisoners released from Wapato at the conclusion of their sentences will be released into the city of Wapato.

BALLOTS DUE ON COUNTY AG COMMITTEES

Farmers and ranchers have until Dec. 1 to return ballots for their representation on Farm Service Agency county committees.

Sandra Starbuck, county executive director for the Farm Service Agency, said ballots were sent to producers in Clark and Cowlitz counties, excluding areas west of I-5.

County committees review office operations and make decisions on how to apply some federal agricultural programs. Elections are held annually with areas up for election rotating each year.

Candidates are nominated by farmers and ranchers, and must live in the county they represent.

Information is available from Starbuck, 883-1987, ext. 2.

Michele Bloomquist, staff reporter

Experience the holidays Victorian-style during the first two weekends in December at the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens in Woodland.

The historic 114-year-old farmhouse and grounds will be decorated in all-out festive splendor for the event, said organizer Ruth Wendt.

"The event is our Christmas greeting to the public," Wendt said. "This is our time to welcome people in and let them see what the old house looks like decked out for the holidays."

Although the lilac gardens are open year-round, the home of self-taught hybridizer Hulda Klager is only open twice annually.

The Klager Christmas event gives visitors an opportunity to wander inside the late 1800s Victorian farmhouse, Wendt said.

In addition to viewing interesting artifacts and furnishings, the public can enjoy six decorated trees, each with a unique theme, she said.

In the parlor, an old fashioned tree arrayed in red and gold with a train circling the base will take center stage.

In the main room, a lilac tree decorated in shades of purple with lilac blossoms and a "family tree" of ornaments with photos of the Klagers will be on display.

"Last year we had the photo ornaments on the parlor tree, but people said they would have liked to get a closer look," Wendt said. "This year, they'll be able to see the photographs up close."

A kitchen tree with gingerbread ornaments and a baking theme await guests as well.

In the glassed-in conservatory where Klager spent hours developing new varieties of lilacs, a garden hoe and watering can join a garden-themed tree that pays tribute to Klager's adventurous spirit.

In Hulda's bedroom, a Victorian-inspired tree decorated in blue and white and birdhouses graces the room, Wendt said.

During the Christmas event, guests may take a more intimate look at Klager's family home than usually possible during the busier spring event when rooms must be roped off, she said.

Volunteers will be in each room to point out items of interest and answer questions.

On the way out to the gardens, hot cider, coffee and cookies will be served to keep guests warm, Wendt said.

Outside, twinkling lights will outline garden paths, shrubs and trees, giving visitors a new look at the landscape bared by winter's frost, Wendt said.

The gift shop will also be open for the event, offering holiday ornaments, lilac-scented bath and body products, and other items for gift giving, Wendt said.

The event will be held during the weekends of Dec. 5-7 and 12-14, 4-7:30 p.m. each night.

A gate donation of $2 per person for the site's upkeep is requested. Children under 12 are free.

Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens is located at 115 S Pekin Rd., Woodland.

For more information call (360) 225-8996 or visit www.lilacgardens.com

FIREFIGHTER DIES IN TRAINING

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Paramedic/firefighter Richard J. Tiffany, 35, died of cardiac arrest Nov. 17 while exercising in the gym at the Fire District 12 downtown Ridgefield station.

According to District spokesman Henry Von Dem Fange, employees are scheduled for physical training exercises on every shift.

Tiffany had just completed a run on the treadmill when he collapsed at about 5:50 p.m.

Lt. Gary Deschand, who was also exercising, called 911 and began CPR immediately. Deschand was unsuccessful and Tiffany was pronounced dead at the station, Von Dem Fange said. A coroner retrieved the body.

Von Dem Fange said Tiffany was in excellent physical condition and had just returned from attending the state Fire Academy which is "very strenuous."

Tiffany joined District 12 in May after working 12 years as a paramedic for American Medical Response where he was a supervisor for four years and lead paramedic the last three. He also worked for a time at Fire District 11.

Tiffany's death "is a complete shock to our department," Von Dem Fange said. "He was a family man and just a very nice guy."

A debriefing meeting for Clark County firefighters, paramedics and their families was held the day after Tiffany's death.

Tiffany was a union member of Clark County Firefighters Local 4229.

Tiffany leaves behind his wife, LeAnn Tiffany, and sons Richard, 15, and Jonathan, 9, at home in Battle Ground.

Donations may be made at any First Independent Bank in the name of the Richard Tiffany family fund.

CLARK COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER MOVES FORWARD

Michele Bloomquist, staff reporter

If Congress approves, federal land could be used for the location of a new Clark County Community Health Service Center, United States Senator Patty Murray announced Nov. 10.

The move could save the Clark County Community Services Department, and Clark County taxpayers, $238,000 over the agreement's 25 year period, or nearly $6 million, said Murray spokesperson Todd Webster.

The Center would be located on the current Veteran's Administration (VA) campus across the street from Clark College, Webster said.

The Center would serve both veterans and area residents with a one-stop multi-agency medical center offering health care, mental health services, drug and alcohol programs and programs for the deaf and elderly, she said.

The Center would be in addition to, not in place of, any other health services already available to veterans or citizens in the community, Webster said.

Murray called VA secretary Anthony Principi's sign-off on a 30-day Congressional Notice of Intent to Execute a "big step forward," toward the Center's final approval.

Senator Maria Cantwell and Representative Brian Baird have also supported the Center's construction, Murray said.

"The consolidated services building is a win-win for our local veterans and the community, said Baird. "Combining county and VA health services under one roof is a common sense approach to approve the quality and availability of care in our region."

Next, the Notice of Intent will be sent to Congress for a 30-day review period, she said.

Once the agreement obtains Congressional sign-off, Clark County would be able to move ahead with the construction of the Center, Murray said.

Ground breaking is expected to occur in January, Webster said.

COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH COURT SEES DROP IN RE-OFFENDERS

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

A $791,562 grant given by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to the Clark County Department of Community Services and Corrections has been instrumental in a drop in crimes committed and probation violations by mentally ill people, said Cheri Dolezal, deputy director.

Dolezal said grant money is used to improve the County mental health court's capacity to provide mental health services to offenders.

The grant was awarded two years ago and is portioned out at $395,781 per year.

As a result of funding for the Mentally Ill Re-arrest Prevention Program, re-offenses, crimes and probation violations are down, said Dolezal.

The program's goals are to reduce the number of arrests of the mentally ill, to improve their quality of life through support and stabilization, and to reduce service barriers between mental health, community-based agencies, the courts, law enforcement and corrections, said Dolezal.

Of the 119 participants tracked, statistics showed an 89 percent reduction in bookings after six months at the mental health court. Probation violations were reduced 56 percent and re-offenses were reduced significantly, she said.

"By changing the way the system deals with mentally ill offenders, we can begin to break the costly cycle of re-offense, incarceration, probation and back again," she said.

The Program was successful because of improved service coordination, Dolezal said. Enhanced services included increasing court staff, adding a judge and contracting with two area mental health service providers for intensive case management.

Randy Fritzler, District Court judge who also holds mental health court, said coordinating services and risk management resulted in enhanced public safety at reduced cost.

"The unique collaboration that has been established with community services is a breakthrough for the judicial branch of government, Fritzler said. "We have established here...that a mental health court can safely and efficiently divert people with serious disabilities from the criminal justice system."

Scott Anders, a District Court judge who presides over mental health court cases, said the project is off to a "great start."

"I believe it's the intent of all partners to do what needs to be done to keep the momentum going," Anders said.

Threats written in graffiti in a boys' bathroom at Ridgefield High School led to a lock-down situation Nov. 17.

No one was hurt, nor any property damaged.

According to Ridgefield School District superintendent Mary Vagner, a message was found late Friday afternoon Nov. 14 and reported to administrators by a student.

Ridgefield Police reports show the message stated: "People will die 11/17/03."

Vagner said the schools took the threat seriously and followed protocol in handling the situation.

This is the fifth situation of this type this school year; two have occurred at the high school and three at the middle school.

For the most recent incident, the Ridgefield Police Department was contacted immediately, Vagner said. School staff were instructed Sunday night to be on campus by 6:45 a.m. Monday. Some parents were also contacted and aided in the procedure. A locker search was conducted 5 a.m. Monday.

As students arrived on Monday, three stations were set up for searching backpacks. Students were banded with identification saying they had been searched and were able to attend classes. The principal, vice principal and school resource officer spoke to each class during third period about the incident.

Vagner said students were "frustrated and angry that the day had been disrupted because of someone's actions."

Two investigations are now underway, one by the school and one by the police department.

School administrators and police are asking students to come forward with information or self-report. A $120 reward is being offered for information that leads to apprehension of the culprit.

Parents were notified of the incident by letter.

Students are currently restricted from using backpacks on campus.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

An independent group of Battle Ground financiers has determined the Battle Ground School District is spending money wisely.

The group's findings came after members of the Battle Ground Bond Committee requested an evaluation of district audits for the past 10 years.

According to Bond Committee member Alex Mintz, a question about the District's fiscal responsibility with large sums of money had been brought to Committee members' attention by an outside party.

The Bond Committee is charged with developing a recommendation on what type of bond is needed to improve overcrowding of area schools.

Bond Committee member Terri Tweedell, who is also executive director of the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce, took the request for an outside examination to Chamber president Joan Mayberg, a certified public accountant.

Mayberg formed a subcommittee of the Chamber to evaluate District audits from 1992-2003. The audits were originally performed by the state Auditor's Office.

Sub-committee members who performed the overview

were Mayberg, Greg Robertson from Edward Jones Investments, bank managers Bonnie Franklin from Riverview Community Bank, Wendy Middlewood from First Independent Bank and Moj Gan Casraei from Columbia Credit Union, and Battle Ground mayor and Holt Homes representative John Idsinga.

Sub-Committee members performed the overview at no charge. They wrote a letter Nov. 12 to the bond committee that included the following:

"Our examination concluded that the District has strong administrative procedures and guidelines in place... The District has ensured the proper use of public funds and resources...

"The committee finds the administration of the District to be exemplary, and agrees with the Washington State Auditor's Office on their findings that the District has been and is in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations."

District business manager Mary Beth Lynn presented the letter Nov. 18 to school board members.

FLU SEASON HITS CLARK COUNTY EARLY

Influenza season is hitting the area earlier this year than usual, say health officials, but it's not too late to get a flu shot.

According to Karen Steingart ofthe Clark County Health Department, the Influenza A virus was identified at four Clark County schools in mid-November including Battle Ground High and Amboy Middle.

Steingart said this winter could be a more severe flu season than usual. It takes about two weeks to develop maximum protection after a flu shot.

Health officials recommend that the following individuals get vaccinated:

** persons 50 years and older;

** residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities that house persons of any age who have long-term illnesses.

** adults and children 6 months of age and older who have chronic heart or lung conditions including asthma;

** adults and children 6 months of age and older who need regular medical care or who have been in a hospital because of metabolic diseases such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease or weakened immune systems;

** children and teenagers 6 months to 18 years old who are on long-term aspirin therapy and could develop Reye Syndrome after the flu; and,

** women who will be more than three months pregnant during the flu season.

For more information, contact the Clark County Health Department, 2000 Ft. Vancouver Way, 397-8215.

A Nov. 21 fire at 2067 S Royal Road, Ridgefield, led investigators to discover alleged drug manufacturing equipment and to the arrest of two people.

Ridgefield police arrested Gayla Renee Mills, 37, and Danny Maurice Rusk, 41, on felony charges of possessing and manufacturing methamphetamine and marijuana, and distributing illegal substances.

The two suspects had rented the Royal Road home which has been secured until the Health Department can determine the level of contamination.

Ridgefield police are looking for a stolen Chevrolet pickup truck, silver in color, with Washington plate A57798, and two other people who fled the scene.

According to Ridgefield police, firefighters responded to a 9 p.m. blaze centered in a shower stall and an outside wall.

The Clark County fire marshall determined that an unknown burning substance had been dumped down a shower drain, and had burned through drainage pipes.

Investigators allegedly found laboratory equipment and chemical supplies in and around the home. Four subjects were seen running from the residence just prior to the arrival of police and fire personnel.

Armed with a search warrant, investigators returned Nov. 22 and reportedly found marijuana plants, drug scales, drug paraphernalia and chemicals.

Mills had paid eight months of rent in advance at the residence.

NORMAN ALLWORTH

Norman Dale Allworth, 67, died Nov. 18, 2003 in Lacey.

Allworth was born Feb. 24, 1936 in Portland, worked as a chemical and environmental engineer including work on environmental cleanup projects, and retired in 1998. Allworth was a long-time Battle Ground resident until moving to Lacey three years ago.

Allworth attended Oregon State University. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He enjoyed contract bridge, sailing, kayaking, river rafting, rock hounding, mushroom hunting, hiking and RVing. He had lived in the San Francisco area, Los Angeles area, Beaverton and Coos Bay, OR, Bellingham, Puyallup, and Salt Lake City.

Allworth was preceded in death by brother Al Allworth in 2002, and grandson Nathan Machock in 2001. Survivors include widow Leilani Allworth, at home, step-daughter Heidi Machock of California, sons Dave Allworth and Dan Allworth, both of Oregon, and Randy Allworth of Seattle, step-sons Brian Alonzo of Tumwater and David Alonzo of Seattle, sister Barbara Browning of Washougal, brothers Bob Allworth of Louisiana and George Allworth of Oregon, and 11 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Tues., Nov. 25, 1 p.m., at Layne's Funeral Home Chapel, Battle Ground, with committal at Crawford Cemetery, Battle Ground. Layne's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

ALICE WASER

Alice (Schubert) Waser, 69, died Nov. 22, 2003 in Portland.

Waser was born Oct. 14, 1934 in Yacolt, worked as a bag handler for Bemis Bag, and lived in Clark County her entire life.

Waser had worked for Shasta Trailer and Jantzen Knitting Mills. She loved gardening. She enjoyed fishing, going to Reno and gambling. She helped her husband put on the logging show in Amboy for 23 years, starting in 1966. She was a member of the Amboy Ladies Aide Society. In earlier years, she was involved in Blue Birds and Camp Fire Girls.

Waser was preceded in death by brother Elmer Schubert. Survivors include widower Albert Waser Sr., at home in Battle Ground, daughters Helen Russell and Joyce Heasley, both of Battle Ground, and Phyllis Brossard of Brush Prairie, son Albert "Bert" Waster Jr. of Amboy, sisters Ruth Koplin of Idaho and Dorothy Parnell of California, brothers Clair Schubert of Nebraska and Kenneth Schubert of Oregon, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Wed., Nov. 26, 11 a.m., at Layne's Funeral home Chapel, Battle Ground, with committal at Brush Prairie Cemetery. Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, is in charge of arrangements.

Joyce Gayle (Sigel) Vogel, 76, died Nov. 17, 2003 at home in Apache Junction, AZ.

Vogel was born Aug. 28, 1927 in Woodland, graduated from Woodland High School in 1945, and worked at the Veterans Hospital in Portland. She was a Bluebird and Campfire leader in Longview for several years. She graduated from Lower Columbia College as a licensed practical nurse in 1962 and worked at St. John's Hospital, Rutherglen Nursing Home, and the Pediatric Clinic in Longview.

With her husband, Louis Vogel, she owned and operated the Scandia Motel in Woodland for many years.

Vogel enjoyed RV'ing and made many friends at RV resorts. She enjoyed traveling, especially a freighter cruise to the Marquesis Islands. She also traveled to England, Scotland, Wales, France, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico.

Vogel enjoyed water volleyball, ceramics, playing cards, dancing, clogging and the 4 p.m. happy hour. She volunteered to take blood pressures until she lost her sight. She also enjoyed gambling and won $17,500 twice in one year.

Vogel was preceded in death by daughter Rebecca Dawn Ferguson. Survivors include widower Louis Vogel Sr., daughter Susan Januscheitis of Longview, son Scott Ferguson of Ariel, step-sons Louis Vogel Jr. of Woodland and Craig Vogel of Vancouver, step-daughter Vicki Potter of Arizona, two grandsons, eight step-grandchildren, one great-grandson and nine step-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held Sat., Nov. 29, 10 a.m., at Frank Abel Cemetery, Woodland, with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. at the Baptist Church on Lewis River Road, Woodland. Arizona Cremation Company of Mesa, AZ, is in charge of arrangements.

GORDON MYERS JR.

Gordon Sheridan Myers Jr., 71, died Nov. 20, 2003 at home in Battle Ground.

Myers was born Aug. 19, 1932 in Bismark, ND, owned and operated Captain Cook's Motel in Lincoln City, OR for 12 years, retired in 1993, and lived in Clark County for 63 years.

Myers served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He worked for Crown Zellerbach for 17 years, then Arrow Transportation for 10 years, before owning a motel. He was a member of the Battle Ground Elks Lodge, the American Legion Smith-Reynolds Post, and the VFW.

Myers was an outdoorsman and hard worker, and loved his family.

Survivors include widow Carol Myers, at home, sons Gordon Myers III of Battle Ground, daughters Sherrie Correia of Oregon and Trisha Myers of Vancouver, brothers Richard Myers of Oregon and Bruce Myers of Vancouver, sister Virginia Christenson of Vancouver, five grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

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

RICHARD TIFFANY

Richard James Tiffany, 35, died of cardiac arrest Nov. 17, 2003 in Ridgefield.

Tiffany was born Feb. 4, 1968 in Elgin, IL, and moved to Battle Ground in 1985. He worked as a firefighter and paramedic for Clark County Fire District 12, and as a paramedic for American Medical Response and North Country Emergency Medical Services.

Tiffany served in the U.S. Navy 1986-1990, and won awards as a aviation electronics technician. He enjoyed camping, hiking, rafting, and game playing with his family. He also enjoyed reading spiritually-uplifting and motivational books. His positive attitude was felt by all, including his infectious laugh.

Tiffany was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he participated in the scouting program and young men's leadership organization.

Tiffany was preceded in death by his father, Richard Tiffany, in 1973. Survivors include widow Lea Ann (Francis) Tiffany, at home in Battle Ground, sons Richard and Jonathan Tiffany, at home, mother Peggy Stark of Illinois, brother Paul Tiffany of Vancouver, sisters Anne Tiffany and Julie Kelly, both of Illinois, and Carol Hall of North Dakota, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Interment was at Crawford Cemetery, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.