PICKETS SLOW WORK AT LEGACY HOSPITAL

Construction of the new Legacy Salmon Creek hospital slowed Nov. 26 as pickets from the Operating Engineers Local 701 stood at three construction gates.

The picketing was aimed at the Nutter Corporation, a subcontractor on the project and a company that does not have a contract with the Operating Engineers.

Jim Anderson, head organizer for the union, said the picketing was informational and not intended to stop workers of other craft unions from working at the site.

But, said Anderson, many workers declined to cross the picket line and work had slowed. Some members of a carpenters' union stood across the street from the project, refusing to cross the picket line.

"It wasn't our goal to stop work," said Anderson. "We are just exercising our First Amendment rights."

"We want a contract with Nutter," said Anderson. "If not on this job, then in the future."

Anderson said Nutter is a non-union contractor. "We offered them (Nutter) an agreement on this job," said Anderson, who said Nutter's response was that the higher union wages were not affordable within their bid.

Anderson said union workers are paid about $26 per hour, plus full medical benefits, pension and vacation. He said Nutter employees earn $15-19 an hour, and must contribute to the cost of their health insurance.

The Operating Engineers union represents heavy equipment operators, crane operators, concrete pump operators and dirt hands.

"We've been tracking Nutter for some time," said Anderson, who contended that union workers are better trained than Nutter employees. He said Nutter has experienced a high level of safety violations.

Anderson said the union has had contractual agreements with Nutter on other jobs.

Anderson said the Operating Engineers 701 union has about 3,200 members. Few members have been unemployed, said Anderson, despite the poor national economy in recent years.

Anderson said one gate at the hospital construction site had been designated for non-union access. The pickets would have been restricted to standing near that gate, he said, had Nutter crews or their suppliers not used other gates as well.

Once other gates are "tainted"--used by non-union crews--said Anderson, they can then legally picket at those locations as well.

Anderson said his union watched the site for two weeks to affirm gate use by non-union personnel.

Dave Schmidt, vice president of Baugh Skanska, prime contractor on the hospital construction project, disputed Nutter's alleged use of union gates.

"We know as a fact that Nutter did not use those gates," said Schmidt, who left open the possibility that suppliers to the Nutter Corporation may have used the union gates.

Baugh Skanska could reestablish the gates for union and non-union access, said Anderson, and then picketing would be limited to the union-access gate.

Schmidt said good people were out of work due to the picketing.

Schmidt said the vast majority of workers at the site did not cross the picket line.

"It's too bad in my mind," said Schmidt, who lamented that about 100 people did not work and did not earn a wage on the day before Thanksgiving.

Schmidt declined comment on the comparative wage rates paid by Nutter or sought by the Operating Engineers.

"Nutter is a very good sub-contractor," said Schmidt. "They comply with the provisions set forth by the owner."

"They do a tremendous amount of work in the community," said Schmidt, adding that if Nutter did not pay well, they would not have all the work they perform.

Anderson said the picketing would continue. "As long as Nutter works, we're going to be here," said Anderson.

Anderson said picketing would not take place every day.

Anderson said it is illegal for picketing union members to discourage workers of other unions from crossing the picket line.

Schmidt disputed Nutter's alleged use of union gates at the hospital site. "We know as a fact that Nutter didn't use the gates," said Schmidt.

Schmidt said the picketing could slow down overall construction "a day at a time." If picketing continues, he said, "it could jeopardize the completion schedule."

Nutter declines comment

Jeff Woodside of the Nutter Corp. said his company is a subcontractor on the hospital project to Baugh Skanska of Beaverton, OR. He referred questions to officials at Baugh.

Pickets from a laborers' union had previously appeared at the construction site, said Woodside.

Officials of Legacy Health Systems, the Portland-based company that is building the new hospital, said they were monitoring the picketing effort.

"We are aware that Local 701 placed pickets this morning at the construciton site for Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital to protest the presence of a non-union subcontractor," said Legacy spokesperson Maggie Huffman.

"As a result of the protest, all workers, including union workers, were sent home for the day," said Huffman. "Legacy requires all contractors and subcontractors to provide its employees with health insurance, as well as possess a reputation for quality work."

BOY PERISHES IN MOBILE HOME BLAZE

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Fire destroyed a 25-year-old mobile home north of Battle Ground Nov. 25, and took the life of 6-year-old Devon Michael Brannam.

Clark County deputy fire marshal Richard Martin said the blaze began about 12:40 a.m. when Michael Brannam, Devon's father, used gasoline to restart a fire in the woodstove and the gasoline can ignited.

A caller reported that the 1978-era, double-wide mobile home at 15013 NE Hidden Meadows Lane was engulfed in flames at about 12:40 a.m., said Fire District 10 captain Gordon Brooks.

Brannam, his fiance Tracy Smith, and her 8-year-old son, Loren Smith, escaped through a bedroom window as the mobile home burned. Martin said the family had about 15 seconds to escape the inferno.

Smith and Loren were transported to Legacy Emanuel Hospital with second and third degree burns. Smith was released the day after the blaze, suffering burns to her hands. Loren is still in critical condition with burns over 25 percent of his body.

Michael Brannam was treated and released at Southwest Washington Medical Center for minor burns to his face.

Brooks said he believes Devon Brannam likely became disoriented while following his family, couldn't make his way out and headed for another exit.

Brooks was one of the searchers who found the child's remains about nine hours after the fire in what Brooks believes was a pantry or laundry room.

"My guess is that he was overcome by smoke and perished before he burned," Brooks said, pausing and adding quietly, "he just didn't make it out."

Five dogs and three puppies also survived the blaze and were taken in by family members.

The fire crew from Amboy arrived about nine minutes after the call came in, Brooks said, and had trouble maneuvering the narrow, muddy, switchback road as well as finding the address, which "was not well marked."

"But even if we had cut the response time in half, it would have made no difference," Brooks said. "The fire burned quickly and advanced fast. The people woke up within a couple of minutes when the fire started and barely had time to get out."

The way older mobile homes are constructed makes them virtual fire traps, Brooks said. There is no fire resistant material, such as in current building codes, and the material catches fire quickly. Tin roofs and aluminum outer walls with no sheetrock hold heat in.

The home was assessed at $24,000, and is a total loss. There was no insurance.

Two District 10 engines, two water tanks carrying 3,000 gallons of water, one tank with 2,000 gallons, and 14 volunteer firefighters contained the fire in about 20 minutes. Crews worked several hours on hot spots and clean-up.

"A wonderful little boy"

June Brannam, Devon's "grammy," said the youth was a "wonderful little boy."

"He wanted to be a policeman and a fireman when he grew up," she said. "He loved to play baseball. He was a typical American boy who adored his daddy."

"Devon said to me once, `Grammy, my daddy always comes home,'" she said. His mother is Heidi Youngren of Camas. Michael had custody of their son.

Michael and Devon lived with his parents, June and Carl Brannam of Camas, until about six months ago.

The blonde-haired, brown-eyed little boy loved his grandfather whom he called "Crusty," and had a huge smile for everyone and an infectious laugh, June said. He had just acquired a pit bull puppy that he adored.

Devon was a first grade student at Yacolt Primary School, June said, and although he liked school, he was still adjusting to the change from attending kindergarten in Camas last year.

The youth was also excited about having an older brother, she said.

June was given the boy's most recent school photo just days before he died.

"This is tragic," she said, "especially with the holidays so close."

The land and home belonged to Tracy Smith through a Trust of her grandfather, Edward Hazen, June said.

Smith, her son, and Michael Brannam will move in with his parents until new lodgings can be found.

Financial donations to help with funeral expenses and to help defray other costs can be made at any Riverview Bank branch in the name of Tracy Smith or Michael Brannam, or sent to the Salvation Army at 1612 I St., Washougal, WA 98671, or to June and Carl Brannam, 427 W Park St., Camas, WA 98607.

PLEASANT VALLEY TEACHER CHARGED BY COUNTY PROSECUTORS

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

David R. Herpst, 52, 12306 NE 11th Circle, Vancouver, will face a charge of second degree rape in a Tues., Dec. 9 arraignment in Clark County Superior Court.

According to senior deputy prosecuting attorney Tom Duffy, a charge of unlawful imprisonment may be added later.

Herpst, a third grade teacher at Pleasant Valley Elementary School near Salmon Creek, allegedly met a 31-year-old Lake Oswego, OR man at a bar near Portland airport Nov. 15 and invited the man to his home.

Once there, Herpst allegedly became increasingly aggressive with the man, bit and pinched him, then invaded the man's rectum with his fingers and continuously scraped his colon.

Herpst allegedly kept the man in a chokehold, refused to let him leave the residence and threatened to let his dogs in the room to keep the man from leaving.

A Clark County sheriff's report state the alleged victim convinced Herpst he needed to use the restroom, then fled out the garage door, yelling "you're crazy" to Herpst.

Deputy Wally Stefan wrote in his report that the alleged victim was concerned he may be hurt or killed by Herpst.

Herpst was arrested and booked at the Clark County jail on allegations of rape and unlawful imprisonment. Bail was set at $30,000, which Herpst met and was released.

Second degree rape is a Class A felony with a minimum sentence of 6 and one-half years in prison.

Herpst taught in Sonoma, CA schools 1982-1989. He was hired by the Battle Ground School District to teach kindergarten at Pleasant Valley in 1989, and took a two-year leave of absence 1999-2000. He came back in 2001 to teach third grade.

Kelly Keister, Battle Ground School District spokesperson, said Herpst originally took personal days off from teaching, but has since been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of any trial.

ARSENIC FINDS STILL HIGH NEAR WOODLAND

More than half of private wells show high levels

Bill Myers, staff reporter

More than half of private wells screened by Clark County Health Department officials in recent weeks contain arsenic levels considered unsafe by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

According to Health Department data, 17 of 31 wells near Hayes and Cedar Creek roads contain more than 10 parts per billion (ppb) of arsenic.

Two wells tested at more than 500 parts per billion.

The 31 tests signal a 23 percent response from 132 area well owners who received a Nov. 5 letter from the Health Department.

The letter, triggered by finds of 300 to 1,700 ppb in six new wells in the area, warned of a potential arsenic hazard and offered free water tests to selected residents between Woodland and the Cedarville area.

Many residents get private tests

Several residents contacted outside of the Health Department survey have said they will get private tests.

A resident in the 6300 block of Cedar Creek Rd. east of Dobler Hill Rd. said a private test of his well water a few years ago showed more than 50 ppb. He said he gets drinking water from a neighbor's well that has a low arsenic reading.

Private well test kits are available for $35 at Hi-School Pharmacy stores in Battle Ground and Woodland. Kits may be obtained directly from Addy Laboratories at 2517 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Turn-around time is about two weeks.

Addy Laboratories owner Carl Addy said high numbers of private arsenic tests are being ordered.

Health Department water specialist Paul Greenwalt said it would help the agency understand the scope of the arsenic situation if citizens wood share test results, good or bad, with the agency at 397-8054.

Area well driller says arsenic not unusual

Don Pitner of Pitner Drilling & Pump Inc., a well driller for more than 40 years at 1100 NW Hayes Rd., said Health Department officials began paying more attention to arsenic after EPA lowered the safe drinking water standard from under 50 ppb to under 10 ppb.

While he could not estimate a percentage of arsenic finds, Pitner said arsenic is not unusual in areas south of the North Fork of the Lewis River.

Pieces of grayish-blue rock on a drill bit pulled from a bore hole often signal a possible arsenic problem, said Pitner.

Pitner said a plastic pipe lining, with neopreme packers used to seal out the arsenic formation, can protect water from arsenic located above a water aquifer. But if an aquifer is the source of arsenic, a filtering system is needed, he said.

Pitner, with his son Mike, drills about 100 wells each year. He said arsenic is most commonly found at depths below 150 feet in the area.

Additional stories about arsnic in area wells was published in the November 19 and November 26 editions of The Reflector.

VICTIMS DESCRIBE MYSTERY MALADY

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) remains a mystery to those who suffered from the malady and the medical community.

The mystery thickens as high arsenic levels are found in well water in areas where GBS patients live or once lived.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the disorder afflicts about one of every 100,000 people and can strike anyone.

The cause is unknown.

Four citizens who once lived or currently live along Hayes, Cedar Creek or Munch roads were diagnosed with the malady in the last 24 years. The hunt for victims continues.

Medical experts say that Guillain-Barre syndrome causes the body's immune system to begin destroying myelin sheaths surrounding axons of peripheral nerves.

About 70 percent of those afflicted with GBS are cured after three years, with about 30 percent having residual weakness.

The mother of AB, a female victim in her early 20s, lived on Munch Rd. during her pregnancy and moved to the Pup Creek Rd. area after her daughter was born.

The daughter was diagnosed with GBS three years ago after suffering numbness, a loss of leg control and double vision.

Leg impairments required the patient to use a wheel chair.

The daughter has recovered except for slow reflexes and a tendency for fingers and toes to curl if exercises are not done.

Victim CD, a resident of Cedar Creek Rd., was diagnosed with the ailment about 10 years ago when she was in her 30s.

Flu-like symptoms were accompanied by a numbness of fingers and toes, followed by complete paralysis from the neck down and intensive care treatment for several months.

CD says she still has difficulty walking on uneven surfaces.

EF was a healthy lad of 17 living on Cedar Creek Rd. until he woke up and couldn't move after having flu-like symptoms and "tingling" legs about 23 years ago.

Diagnosed with GBS, EF almost completely recovered in a few years. He still complains of weak calf muscles and curled fingers.

Efforts to find possible links between GBS and arsenic levels in well water continue.

Dr. Joel Steinberg, vice president of the Guillian-Barre Syndrome Foundation in Pennsylvania, is an MD, Ph.D, and former GBS patient.

Steinberg said heavy metals, including arsenic, "are well known to cause peripheral neuropathy and can mimic GBS."

Urine and blood tests are used to measure arsenic levels, said Steinberg.

Of the cluster of GBS victims found in northwest Clark County and Woodland areas, Steinberg said, "I would rethink the GBS diagnosis." He said the situation sounded more like arsenic poisoning than GBS.

According to spokesman Ken Cole at the Southwest Washington Medical Center, the hospital has treated 27 patients for GBS in the past three years.

If an incident rate of one in 100,000 is accurate, there should be about 3.5 patients each year in Clark County, which has a population of about 350,000. Hence, a three-year patient total in the entire county should be closer to 12.

GBS victims, past or present, are asked to call Linda Boothby at the Clark County Health Department, 397-8257.

BG, COUNTY PLANNERS CROSS SWORDS OVER BOUNDARIES

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Battle Ground and Clark County planning staffs appear to be in a tug-of-war over proposed urban growth boundaries as part of a state mandated Comprehensive Growth Plan update.

The city faces an uncertain future as County long range planners and planning commission members shrink Battle Ground's outer areas.

The latest, and third, revision from the County reduces the boundary again. Changes were also made in July and September.

According to Dennis Osborn, city planning director and deputy city manager, the changes are substantial.

County officials are calling for 360 less industrial acres, or 73 percent that Battle Ground sought, 100 less mixed-use acres, or 25 percent, and 600 less residential acres.

That means a loss of 1,120 acres from the city's approved Final Environmental Impact Statement and 1,687 acres lost from the preferred alternative submitted earlier this year.

The potential impact to Battle Ground is "incredible," said mayor John Idsinga.

"Clark County is trying to force Battle Ground to stay a bedroom community," he said. "Battle Ground doesn't want houses, we want jobs."

Idsinga said that city officials have worked hard on transportation as a way to draw economic development to the city. The County's plan changes what Battle Ground can offer.

According to Osborn, County officials said the loss would be about 221 jobs. Osborn disagrees, saying it is "substantially more than that."

City staff projects 15 jobs per net industrial acre, Idsinga said. With a 360-acre loss, that is 5,400 jobs gone.

In addition, Battle Ground's preferred alternative predicts a population of 34,200 by 2023, but County officials request the city still take 30,000 people with 1,600 fewer acres.

"That doesn't jibe," Osborn said.

"We would be happy to take some of the people if we get some of the jobs," Idsinga said. "We've been saying that all along for four years."

Retaliation?

Officials vary in their explanations of the shrinking borders.

Osborn said it has been "implied" to city staff that if they changed their stance about a County-proposed "no net loss of industrial land" plan, it would "improve Battle Ground's situation."

The plan calls for city officials to agree to never rezone industrial land for another use, or if they do rezone, to pick up the same amount somewhere else.

For example, Osborn said, if 10 industrial acres are rezoned to commercial, city officials would have to rezone 10 acres of another use to industrial.

City officials balk at the idea because the heart of the issue is self-governance, Osborn said.

"Battle Ground citizens should not have to be bound by someone else's agreement if they request a rezone," he said. "Even the state recognizes that cities are a changing, dynamic environment and allows annual updates to comprehensive plans."

"Let Battle Ground deal with the requests of the citizens who elected the officials to make those decisions," Osborn added.

Idsinga agreed.

"The commissioners were not elected to run the city," he said.

Although County long-range planner Pat Lee said a change of mind from city officials about the "no net loss" plan "may help" when they go to argue "to get back some of that industrial land" from the county commissioners, rejecting the plan is not the reason boundaries have changed.

Lee said reductions are strictly from a planning point of view and have more to do with road use than anything else.

"The major reason is that a transportation demand analysis showed a significant strain on the road system between Battle Ground and Vancouver," Lee said. "Battle Ground doesn't have sufficient revenue for that kind of [city requested] growth, so we scaled back."

Osborn disagrees. He said Battle Ground should not be held responsible for County road failure and their inability to fund their capital facilities plan.

"I say they need to help fund our roads," Osborn said. "We have more county traffic than residential."

Osborn said there are 55,000-60,000 people in the far-reaching Battle Ground School District who travel into and through the city, and the city's population is only about 13,000.

Lee said the analysis tried to determine how many trips are generated coming in from the north and exiting south, as well as what is generated inside the city. The result is the boundary recommendation, he said.

Osborn also believes County officials want the boundaries set back so potential revenue stays in County coffers, thus helping the county pay for their own countywide capital facilities plan.

Battle Ground's plan

Lonnie Moss, a County planning commission member, said commissioners acted on the recommendations of county staff in curbing Battle Ground's borders.

Moss said planners think Battle Ground cannot prove a revenue stream to provide water, sewer and services for the increased area.

"Battle Ground says they think they can," Moss said. "The County thinks they can't. The real question is whether or not they can support expanded boundaries."

Another factor playing into planners' decision is that Battle Ground's capital facilities plan is not finished, Moss said.

"There's no way to make a good judgment when their capital facilities plan doesn't exist," he said.

Idsinga said the reason the plan doesn't exist is that planners keep changing the map.

"The process is flawed," he said. "The target keeps moving and does not allow us to get a plan in place."

"I'm frustrated with the process," Idsinga said. "This whole thing was not handled right."

Moss said even the planning commissioners had a difference of opinion about "which side to come down on," the County's recommendation or the city's.

"My view was to go for a more expanded boundary for their capital facilities plan and let them scale back later if they need to," he said. "It's just unfortunate that we all got to this place in the process where we don't have a capital facilities plan in place."

Idsinga said he is in favor of Moss's idea.

"If we had the opportunity to get our plan in place, we could adjust at that point if we needed to," said Idsinga. "If we need to adjust down, give us that opportunity."

Idsinga said the city has had fully funded capital facilities plans since 1997. He admits there are sewer capacity issues, but said city staff members are working on that issue.

"This council has a reputation for doing the things they need to do and stepping up to the plate," Idsinga said. "We're going to stick to our guns on this one."

A public hearing with testimony will be held Mon., Dec. 8, 1:30 p.m. at the Public Services Center, sixth floor, 1300 Franklin Ave., Vancouver.

COMMUNITY SAYS TIME FOR NEW HIGH SCHOOL

Woodland School Board to consider issues in January

Michele Bloomquist, staff reporter

After hearing information about space shortages, 61 of 75 people who attended meetings with Woodland School District officials said, "build a new high school."

The classroom crunch is caused in part by an under estimates done 10 years ago about how much the District would grow, said superintendent William Hundley.

In 1990, enrollment at all schools totaled 1,274 students, said Hundley. When school started in September this year, the number was 2,026.

There is only one open classroom in the entire District--at the Intermediate School--and the high school is over capacity by 52 students, Hundley said.

District officials will likely purchase one or two portable classrooms at a cost of $100,000 each at the end of this school year to keep up, he said.

Hundley, who led most of the 10 informal meetings held in October and November, asked parents and community members how they would like to see the District handle the issue.

Five choices were to build a new high school, build a new middle school, buy land only and build later, buy portables, or do nothing/something else. People choose building a new high school over other options by more than four to one, Hundley said.

Hundley was somewhat surprised by the response, he said, given that the audiences know that buying land and building a new high school will cost about $40 million.

The price would be somewhat offset by $1 million in savings the District has to purchase land, and $7.5 million in matching funds available through the state, he said.

Minus that, a $31.5 million bond to build would raise Woodland's combined bond and levy tax rate by $1.82 bringing it to $5.86 per $1,000 in assessed value, Hundley estimated.

In Kelso, the current combined bond and levy rate is $5.96 per $1,000, in Kalama, $2.67, in Ridgefield, $3.09, in La Center, $4.82 and in Hockinson, which just completed construction of a new high school, $5.23 per $1,000.

If a new four-year high school were built, the District could convert the current high school/middle school campus into a three-year middle school, and convert the primary and intermediate schools into K-5 schools, Hundley said.

Doing so would solve the District's growth needs at all grade levels into 2015 and beyond, he said.

The District currently does not collect impact fees on new construction to offset the additional costs for schools that growth can bring. That is something that may also need to change, Hundley said.

District officials looked into impact fees in 2000, Hundley said.

Despite a 78 percent voter approval for impact fees and the agreement of the city of Woodland and Clark County officials, the idea failed when Cowlitz County officials wouldn't agree, he said.

"We intend to keep asking," Hundley said. "We won't give up on that. It's only fair."

Hundley presented the results of the community feedback meetings to school board members Nov. 24.

Hundley asked board members to review responses, ask for more information if needed, and think about the timing for action.

Hundley said board members will likely begin deliberating options in January.

If board members agree that a bond for a new high school is the next step, the issue could go before voters in March, April or May 2004, Hundley said.

WOODLAND MAINTENANCE SHOP MOVE SET

Michele Bloomquist, staff reporter

The Woodland Public Works maintenance shop will move to 38404 Lakeshore Dr.

The move is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, said Public Works Director Rob VanderZanden.

For about 20 years, Woodland's public works maintenance shop has been located on a one-quarter acre parcel on 4th St. leased from the Port of Woodland, VanderZanden said.

A need for increased space prompted city officials to look for a new location, a process which began several years ago, he said.

"We've been too crowded forever," VanderZanden said. "For us, this move will be like someone opened the door and let us go outside."

The city purchased the 2.5 acre site on Lakeshore Dr. from the state Department of Transportation for $140,000 in October 2002.

The site served as the area maintenance shop for the Department until 1997. At that time a new facility was built in Woodland. Department officials declared the site surplus, VanderZanden said.

The building, which was constructed sometime in the 1950s or 60s, will serve as offices and shop for the eight member maintenance crew, VanderZanden said.

Within the next few weeks, construction is expected to begin on a 40 by 72 foot pole building to be used for equipment storage.

A smaller, portable building will be moved to the site to serve as the crew's lunchroom.

VanderZanden said city officials hope to someday replace the site's aging shop building with a new one at the same location.

The building, planning and community development functions of public works will remain in the city hall annex, 230 Davidson Ave.

For more information, call public works at (360) 225-7999.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

An area citizen's group awarded grants Nov. 18 to 15 teachers in the Battle Ground School District to use for educational projects with students.

This is the second award of this type made by the Battle Ground Educational Foundation within the last year. The Foundation also donates money for the Teacher's Make A Difference awards held in the spring.

Foundation board president Nancy Anderson said the Foundation has an ongoing campaign to solicit donations from groups and individuals.

The Foundation received 24 applications for the Teacher's grants. Anderson said a 12-member board evaluated the applications. Battle Ground business people, retired teachers and parents comprise the board.

Individual grants ranged $150-$500. About $6,000 was awarded. Winning grants include projects involving new whiteboards, special education books, reading strategies and a vacuum pump for science classes.

For more information or to make a donation, contact Anderson at 896-6538.

STOREDAHL PREPARES FINAL CONSERVATION PLAN

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Representatives for the J.L. Storedahl & Sons gravel mine submitted their final draft of a Habitat Conservation Plan to federal agencies Nov. 28.

If approved, agencies will issue Incidental Take Permits to allow mining activities to occur at Storedahl's Daybreak site adjacent to the East Fork of the Lewis River.

Mining activity may potentially affect some endangered/threatened species such as Chinook salmon and bull trout.

The public has 30 days to review the Plan. Included with the Plan are mitigation measures to correspond with the proposed mining.

Storedahl has operated a gravel processing plant at the Daybreak Mine since the late 1980s. Excavation has resulted in five ponds. Currently, off-site material is processed at the site but no active mining takes place.

Storedahl proposes to expand the Daybreak site by mining aggregate for sand and gravel from a low terrace area above the 100-year flood plain. Expansion of the project site would occur on about 178 acres, with mineral resources extracted from about 101 of the acres.

On-site mining activities are expected to occur over 10-15 years depending on market conditions.

Storedahl representatives say the expansion is needed because of rapid area growth and an increased need for aggregate, which is used in asphalt and concrete.

Concurrently, and following mining completion, reclamation and enhancement projects are proposed to occur throughout the area and over the entire 300 acres of the Daybreak site. The proposed plan will remain in effect for 25 years to ensure reclamation and monitoring are completed.

The $11.6 million reclamation project includes reforesting sections of the property, reconfiguring roads and wetland areas, donating water rights to protection groups, and monitoring a variety of renewal and protection projects involving frogs, fish and vegetation.

After the reclamation project is completed, a $1 million endowment fund will be established, dedicated to monitoring and managing the site.

Storedahl representatives say their plan differs from past mining projects that have happened on site.

The company plans to build ponds that are further away from the river, take measures to decrease turbidity of water released from their holding ponds into the river, better monitor and manage fish, and implement several water quality and quantity management measures.

Federal agencies are expected to decide on the Plan by first quarter 2004.

For more information, to obtain full copies of the Plan, or to submit written comments, contact Tim Romanski, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 510 Desmond Dr. SE, Suite 102, Lacey, WA, 98503-1263, (360) 5823, fax (360) 753-9518, or Laura Hamilton, NOAA Fisheries, same address, suite 103, (360) 753-5820, fax (360) 753-9517.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Ridgefield School District patrons will be asked to approve a replacement levy to provide funds for some of the District's general expenses in an election set for Tues., Feb. 3, 2004.

Board members unanimously authorized a resolution Nov. 25 asking voters for some $7.9 million over three years.

Ridgefield's overall annual budget is about $11.9 million. The District has four schools and about 1,750 students. The levy would yield $2.46 million for 2005, $2.65 million in 2006 and $2.76 in 2007.

The levy is not a new tax. Ridgefield homeowners have paid about $2.49 per $1,000 of assessed value each year under the current levy, which expires in 2004.

The rate translates to about $498 per year for owners of $200,000 homes.

Voters will pay less per $1,000 of assessed value if the proposed levy passes. The proposed rate for the new replacement levy is $2.44 per $1,000 of assessed value for each of the three years, or about $488 per year with $200,000 property.

District staff say the rate may go down further than $2.44 depending on area growth. Anticipated commercial, industrial and residential growth in the Ridgefield area will yield more overall dollars and less out-of-pocket expenses for individuals.

What it pays for

According to District business manager Donna Gregg, levy money in Ridgefield pays for a portion of several staff positions as well as curriculum, technology, buildings and grounds maintenance, utilities, classroom and building supplies, equipment repairs, transportation expenses not covered by the state, library supplies and several learning assistance programs.

Levy dollars pay for all extra curricular activities in the District including sports.

Compared to other area school districts for 2003, Ridgefield voters find themselves paying mid-range levy rates at $2.49 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Hockinson homeowners pay $2.42 and La Center homeowners pay $2.82.

Highest on the list are Vancouver homeowners at $3.17, Washougal at $3.35 and Evergreen at $3.17 per $1,000.

Lowest rates are Battle Ground at $1.63, Camas at $1.79 and Green Mountain at $1.62.

Levy funds do not pay for new building construction or portables, which are financed by bonds and impact fees.

Ridgefield voters find themselves at the bottom of the list in 2003 for bond rates, paying 59 cents per $1,000 assessed value.

Also near the bottom are Battle Ground at 68 cents and Green Mountain at 99 cents.

Hockinson homeowners top the list at $2.81. Camas follows at $2.50, Washougal at $2.49, Evergreen at $2.05, Vancouver at $2.01, and La Center at $1.99 for $1,000.

RIDGEFIELD SCHOOLS SHUFFLE BOARD

Ridgefield School Board members unanimously elected Wendi Morris as Board chairperson Nov. 25, replacing Joe Leadingham

Leadingham was elected vice chair.

Morris, a four-year Board member who ran unopposed in the last election, also retained her position as District representative to the state legislature. Kathy Koller was appointed alternate state representative.

One of Morris' first actions was to formally recognize outgoing Board members Mary Byrne and Cathy Kreger.

Morris thanked the women for "outstanding service over the past eight years."

Morris noted Byrne and Kreger's roles in casting vision, helping to adopt curriculum cycles and adding strength and stability to the Board.

Leadingham also applauded the women's role on the Board.

"It will be a challenge to put together a team as effective as that," Leadingham said. "But we can do it. I'm excited about the future."

Newcomers Chris Swindell and Ray Warner replaced Byrne and Kreger.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Ridgefield City Council members anticipate conservative spending for 2004 despite increased revenue from burgeoning area growth.

Council members held the last of two budget hearings Nov. 20. The budget is expected to be adopted at the first council meeting in December. Council members dispelled rumors that the city will be rolling in money for 2004 or spending money recklessly. Members cited several long-term financial responsibilities including repaying debt incurred for sewer and water upgrades.

"We're not flush," mayor Tim Thompson said. "But we're better in 2004 than we have been for awhile. It's nice to see the city becoming financially stable."

Council member Gladys Doriot questioned city administrators about proposed increased levels of staffing. The city plans to add a full-time building inspector and a full-time technical services technician for public works, and increase hours in police and clerk positions.

Council member Mike Hefflin defended the proposals, saying "as long as the city grows, we're going to be adding people."

Council member Gary Holmberg questioned public works director Randall Jones on a proposal to spend $15,000 on a truck for the new building inspector when the inspector could use one of the city's old police cars instead.

Jones said a truck is needed to maintain professional appearances on job sites, as well as to provide reliable transportation. He doubted whether the full $15,000 would be used.

Citizen and former mayor Tevis Laspa recommended the city provide a budget overview along with spread sheets to provide context to the budget.

Budget particulars

According to city clerk/ treasurer Kay Kammer, city staff estimates a beginning balance of $1.7 million by January. The balance is earmarked for various causes such as street and sewer improvements.

Over the course of 2004, the city will bring in about $5.2 million and spend about $4.7 million.

By the end of December 2004, city officials estimate coming out ahead with a reserve balance of $2.2 million.

City officials anticipate a quadrupling of money brought in from water and sewer connection fees in 2004--from about $300,000 in 2003 to $1.2 million in 2004. Water and sewer operating income is projected to almost double, from $560,000 in 2003 to $920,000 in 2004.

Increases in customer rates for water and sewer are not anticipated.

Revenue collected from impact fees--money paid by developers when new construction is built--is projected to more than double from $96,000 in 2003 to $200,000 in 2004.

Money collected from sales tax, property tax, a variety of fees, fines, licenses and permits, and various charges for development and other services will rise from $1.2 million in 2003 to $1.8 million in 2004.

Kammer said the city's law enforcement budget is set to rise from $605,000 to $857,000, but contracts are not yet solidified.

Part of the rise is to offset a dip the city took from 2001 to 2002 when the police department's budget fell by about $40,000.

In 2004, money will be spent to add overtime hours that were cut last year. One three-quarter time police officer will be moved to a full-time position and one three-quarter time police clerk will be moved to a full-time position.

Costs for operations, vehicle maintenance and jail beds at the Clark County facility are also rising. City officials are also set to add one new police vehicle.

Money spent on stipends for new council members will rise. Previously, council members were paid $50 per meeting for regular council meeting only. In 2004, new council members will also be reimbursed for any extra, city-related meetings they attend. The rise will not apply to Holmberg and Thompson.

Two major capital works projects are set. A variety of improvements are slated on S 5th St. for about $166,000, mostly funded by a Community Development Block Grant, and improvements on Mill St. are set for about $275,000, mostly funded through Transportation Improvement Board grants.

For complete copies of the budget or for more information, contact Kammer at 887-3557

OBITS:

JOHN JOHNSON

John Franklin "Jack" Johnson, 77, died Nov. 26, 2003 in Woodland.

Johnson was born Aug. 24, 1926 in Norfolk, NE, and grew up in Elgin, NE. He served in the U.S. Navy on the destroyer USS McKean in occupied Japan.

After the war, he earned a bachelor's degree from Wayne State Teachers College in Nebraska, and a master's degree from the University of Nebraska. He also studied at the University of Oregon and became a teacher and school administrator.

Johnson retired from the Oregon Department of Transportation as a bridge tender. He operated a small engine repair and mower shop and was very good at fixing engines.

Johnson was preceded in death by brothers Melvin Johnson and Robert Johnson, and son Steven Johnson. Survivors include widow Eleanor Johnson, daughters Kathryn Johnson, Lorraine Brocke, Marjorie Johnson, Marilyn Johnson, and Evelyn Johnson, father Guy Johnson, sister Virginia Leighton, brother Ray Johnson, and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. The Woodland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

EDNA OVERMAN

Edna Elizabeth Kyte (Kester) Overman, 86, died Nov. 27, 2003 in Battle Ground.

Overman was born Feb. 19, 1917 in Draper, Utah, worked as a self-employed business woman in the mattress manufacture/retail sales industry, and lived in Battle Ground for 4 1/2 years.

Overman was a member of the Order of Eastern Star for over 50 years. She belonged to Mizbah Chapter #5 and Mountain Chapter where she served as Worthy Matron in 1975. She also belonged to Bethlehem Shrine #1 and White Shrine of Jerusalem for over 50 years. She was also a member of Daughters of the Nile and the Social Order of Beauceant. Over the years, she held many local and state offices in these organizations.

Overman was preceded in death by her husband, Arch Overman, in 1974, daughter Maxine Ann Kyte Conrad Berhmann in 1998, step-daughter Beverly Overman Lowe in 1996 and grandson Jeff Conrad in 1976. Survivors include daughters Bonnie Bridge of Battle Ground and Eyvon Borrowman of Utah, step-daughter Elois Lindquist of Utah, step-son Norman Overman of Utah, sisters Bessie Miller of Portland and Lola Burraston of Utah, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Tues., Dec. 2, 1 p.m., at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Battle Ground, with committal at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Battle Ground. Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, is in charge of arrangements.