BATTLE GROUND COUPLE PILOTS CHRISTMAS SHIP

Michele Bloomquist, staff reporter

For six seasons in a row, Battle Ground residents Tom and Jerri MacGregor have decked their boat in lights to participate in the annual Christmas Ship parade in Portland.

The duo can be found traveling the Columbia and Willamette rivers with a blue goose wearing a red scarf on their bow 14 out of 31 nights each December.

"We've been out in all kinds of weather," said Jerri. "The parade has only been canceled one time in the years we've participated, because of fog."

The MacGregors, who are avid boaters, said they are relative newcomers to the event, which started 49 years ago when a lone, decorated sailboat set off from the Portland Yacht Club.

Over the years, more and more boaters joined in the fun, which draws crowds by the thousands to watch the ships go by each year.

The couple fell into the parade by accident when a fellow boater announced he would be selling his boat.

When the MacGregors asked if they could take over his space at the marina, he told them they could, "if they took the goose," Jerri said.

"We had no idea what he meant," said Tom. "But there it was up in the rafters."

The boater and his wife spent that season teaching the MacGregors the ropes and the couple have been hooked ever since.

"When you're a boater, it's just another reason to get out there," Tom said. "Plus we've met some great people."

Each evening the couple invites a different set of friends to ride along.

Guests help out by bringing dinner to the docks, said Jerri.

When the lead boat gives the signal, boats of all sizes set out from marinas up and down the shore, meet at a central location, then proceed single file in a floating procession, lights ablaze.

Two fleets, one on the Columbia and one on the Willamette, sail with 25 or more boats each night.

Some decorations are simple, "made of copper tubing, baling wire and bubble gum," said Jerri while others sport elaborate, store bought displays.

Like the blue goose, many have been handed down over the years from one boat to another as skippers retire, she said.

The leader directs the parade, communicating by radio when ships should curtsy to the shore or perform a maneuver called a cartwheel, where ships make a 360 degree turn.

The ships remain in close contact throughout the event, warning each other about debris, buoys, and pilings lurking in the night waters.

Coast guard, fire and sheriff officials from Oregon and Washington also lend a hand, escorting the parade each night.

Each boat owner pays their own expenses, including decorations, fuel and maintenance costs, said Tom.

Some hotel and restaurants who benefit from the crowds drawn by the Christmas Ships contribute to a fund to pay for insurance and the administrative costs of the event.

The boats will continue to sail nightly, 7-9 p.m., until December 20, when both fleets join forces for the final parade of the season from the Sellwood Bridge to Milwaukie to Swan Island on the Willamette.

The ships can be viewed on the Columbia River from I-205 to Steamboat landing on Tues., Dec 16, in North Portland Harbor on Wed., Dec. 17, from the I-5 bridge to Hayden Bay on Fri., Dec. 18, and from the 42nd Ave. boat ramp to the I-5 bridge on Fri., Dec. 19.

For more information and detailed schedules, visit www.christmasships.org

AMPHITHEATER BOOSTS ECONOMY, OFFICIALS SAY

The first season for the Amphitheater at Clark County pumped $10 million dollars into the area economy, according to Tammi Bryant who manages the venue.

The short, inaugural amphitheater season had nine events, compared to a full season which will have about 25 events. Total attendance for the nine concerts was about 67,000, with the Jimmy Buffet concert leading the way with about 18,000 fans in attendance.

Bryant said Quincunx of Washington, the company that operates the amphitheater, made lease payments of $456,000 to Clark County, plus $107,000 in taxes to the state, some of which will benefit Clark County.

Bryant estimated that an additional $7 million was spent on offsite transportation infrastructure.

Wages of about $634,000 were paid to 808 part-time and full-time employees in food services, janitorial, security, parking, stage, vending and management services.

Bryant said the amphitheater paid over $1.4 million for goods and services. Travel expenses for those coming from Oregon, Washington and Canada were put at $350,000.

Non-profit organizations raised about $40,000 in staffing concession booths.

Ticket prices ranged $32.50-78, with 50 cents of each ticket benefitting area organizations.

Bryant's calculations do not include the cost of construction or the 200,000 worker hours involved.

"We are pleased to have given the area a preview of some of the great talent our venue will attract which may otherwise have not made this top on their tour," said Dan Braun of Quincunx. "We look forward to presenting a full season in 2004 and bringing many, many more of the world's top performers to the amphitheater."

Bryant can be reached at 816-7000.

Reporter Marcus Brotherton was honored as Reflector Staff Member of the Year for 2003 during festivities at the company's annual holiday party held Dec. 6 at Camas Meadows Golf Club.

Brotherton, 35, is a full-charge reporter, covering events in Ridgefield and in the Battle Ground School District, plus an array of other topics.

Brotherton was chosen for the award by vote of Reflector staff members. Publisher Marvin Case and his wife, Anne, do not vote.

The award carries a $200 prize and name engraved on a permanent plaque.

Brotherton grew up in British Columbia, Canada, and attended Multnomah Bible College in Portland followed by graduate work at Biola University in Los Angeles, CA. He is a U.S. citizen.

With The Reflector, Brotherton was project manager for the Southwest Washington Visitors' and Convention Bureau's tourist magazine. He also spearheaded a recent update of The Reflector's writing style manual. He has been with The Reflector for three years.

"I applaud the judgment of our staff in selecting Marcus for this honor," said publisher Marvin Case. "He has an excellent concept of what is newsworthy and what readers want to know. He is thorough. He is balanced. And he works hard."

"In addition," added Case, "he received compliments from the public on his work. He is a valued member of our reporting team."

Brotherton and his wife, Mary, have a daughter, Addy, age seven months.

CLARK ESCAPES WITHOUT POWER RATE HIKE

Residents of Cowlitz County not so lucky

The cost of electricity in Clark County will not go up in 2004, according to a budget approved last week by the commissioners of Clark Public Utilites.

But power prices could rise in Cowlitz County on April 1, 2004, on the heals of an increase in October 2003.

Carol Curtis, commissioner with Clark Public Utilities, said budgets for power, water and wastewater "allow us to continue providing customers with outstanding service and high reliability at a reasonable price."

Total electric system sales are estimated at $293 million, up about 4.3 percent from 2003. The number of electricity customers is expected to grow by 2 percent, a slower rate than the 3 percent experienced in 2003.

Residential sales of electricity are estimated at 60 percent of the total.

Cost of power is the utility's largest expense. In 2004, the utility will spend about $204 million for power and transmission, with about $86 million of that total going to the Bonneville Power Administration.

Bonneville officials raised their price to public utilities by 2.2 percent in October, a lower increase than had been projected.

Utility spokesman Mick Shutt said in September that if Bonneville would limit its planned increase to 5 percent, residents of Clark County would not have an increase at this time.

Shutt said the utility presently has more power from all sources than it needs. The utility will rely on power from Bonneville, said Shutt, because it is less costly at 3.8 cents per kilowatt hour than any other source, including the uility's own River Road Generating Plant.

The River Road plant is projected to operate at 90 percent capacity for 11 months in 2004, said Shutt. In reality, however, the plant will operate less than that, he predicted.

The plant will be shut down in May for maintenance.

Cost of operating the River Road plant will be about $89 million in 2004, said Shutt. The remaining $29 million in power acquisition expense will go for transmission services, and acquisition of power on the open market.

Shutt said the utility will operate with 350 employees in 2004, up nine from the current levels.

Negotiations continue with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 125, said Shutt. The union contract expired in February 2003.

Lawsuit not yet settled

Bonneville officials said last fall that settlement of a lawsuit filed by public utilities over how federal hydropower benefits are divided between public utilities and investor-owned utilities could result in a cut in rates by as much as 6.4 percent.

In that lawsuit, 16 public-owned utilities argued that Bonneville's agreement to buy power back from investor-owned utilities was illegal.

Shutt said Clark Public Utilities is ready to settle under terms of a proposed agreement. He said the commissioners of Clark Public Utilities will discuss the lawsuit issue int he next month.

Two of the 16 utilities who are part of the lawsuit do not want to settle, said Shutt, complicating resolution of the litigation.

Construction projects planned

The Clark Public Utilities budget includes $20.5 million in construction projects, including a new substation to serve the Ridgefield and La Center areas, improvements to other substations, and improvements to the transmission system, including upgrades in areas prone to power outages.

The new $2.2 million Ridgefield substation will be located at the southwest corner of NE 10th Ave. and S 5th St., near the new Dollar Tree warehouse. Construction is now underway.

Shutt said substations are used to lower voltage rates from electricity passing from overhead or underground liens to homes and businesses.

Electricity can be transmitted more efficiently at higher voltage rates, said Shutt. Power lines are typically 115,000 volts. The new Union Ridge substation wil cut power to 12,500 voltes.

Shutt said the new substation is needed because of increased demand from areaw residential, industrial and commercial growth.

In addition to the Ridgefield substation, transmission line improvements are planned at NE Lockwood Creek Road in La Center, Worthington Road in Yacolt, Rawson Road in Venersborg, and 112th Ave. and 279th St. north of Battle Ground, and other locations.

About $1.3 million in work will be undertaken in connection with the new Legacy Hospital in the Salmon Creek area.

The Legacy work will allow the hospital to obtain power from two substations instead of one, and make other upgrades in the general Salmon Creek area.

Legacy Health System will pay about half the cost of the construction work, or about $650,000.

Debts refinanced

Shutt said that the utility refinanced some long-term debt in fall 2003, gaining lower interest rates and saving money.

The refinancing of $6 million of debt saved about $2.5 million after fees, and the refinancing of another $22.4 million in debt saved about $1 million.

In addition, said Shutt, the utility borrowed about $60 million in new money in October 2003 at rates of 2.9 percent to 4.2 percent.

Borrowing was done this year instead of 2004, said Shutt, because of favorable interest rates.

Rates up in Cowlitz County

The cost of electricity in Cowlitz County went up 4.5 percent on Oct. 15, 2003, and is slated to increase again by 2.5 percent on April 1, 2004.

Dave Andrew, spokesman for the Cowlitz County Public Utility District, said the October increase was not related to the price of power from Bonneville.

Andrew said the rate hike was needed due to higher insurance premiums and reduced 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.

Despite the price increases, Andrew said the cost of power in Cowlitz County remains lower than the state average for public utility districts by 1 one-and-one-half to two cents per kilowatt hour.

The October increase added about $3.30 per month to the power bill of the average residential customer who uses 1,500 kilowatt hours per month.

The Cowlitz Public Utility District obtains about 80 percent of its power from Bonneville, with the remainder from Grant County Public Utility District, the open market, and, when operating, the Swift powerhouse on the North Fork of the Lewis River.

Andrew said bids are now being taken on rebuilding the Swift powerhouse, including the construction of a concrete spillway from the powerhouse location to about a mile east.

The Swift powerhouse has been out of operation since it was damaged when earth gave way in April 2002. Power generation from Swift could resume in mid-2005, said Andrew.

Lawsuit settlement a factor

If a settlement is reached in the lawsuit against Bonneville, the April 1 increase could be avoided, said Andrew.

In fact, said Andrew, rates could decline in April instead of being increased if the lawsuit is resolved.

Andrew said that the current price of power from Bonneville--about $37 per megawatt hour--would decline to $34 if the proposed settlement becomes final.

The utility currently charges its residential customers 5.12 cents per kilowatt hour, a price that would increase to 5.25 cents in April without a lawsuit settlement.

LAWYER SAYS GROWTH PLAN ILLEGAL

Other testimonies urge plans for capital facilities

Bill Myers, staff reporter

A Vancouver lawyer testifying before the Clark County commissioners Dec. 9 said a proposed update to a Clark County 20-year Growth Plan is illegal.

Attorney John Karpinski, representing the Clark County Natural Resources Council, was critical of an update approved by the Clark County Planning Commission in November.

The County doesn't have a funding plan for proposed boundary expansions, said Karpinski. Because the County lacks a 20-year Capital Facilities Plan for cities, schools, utilities and needed roads, the growth plan is "fatally flawed," he said.

The state Growth Management Act requires growth plans to be adequately funded by Capital Facilities Plans, said Karpinski.

If County revenues can't pay for infrastructures needed for a higher population rate, County officials can't legally plan for that population, said Karpinski.

Karpinski was one of about 65 people who spoke during a marathon of testimony to commissioners that ended Dec. 9 after 11 p.m.

Karpinski proposed a four- step "fiscally constrained" planning alternative that would link future growth and levels of service to projected revenues.

Vancouver attorney Steve Hornstein said the growth plan will be remanded if it lacks adequate capital facilities to support projected growth. Hornstein said a Capital Facilities Plan should be done at the same time as a land-use plan.

Chamber president predicts job shortages

Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce president John Mckibbin said commissioners should take six months for more study to align jobs to population growth, and complete a Capital Facilities Plan.

The proposed land-use plan update will create a shortfall of more than 67,000 jobs in Clark County over the next 20 years, said Mckibbin.

Mckibbin said officials should plan to match a Portland ratio of one job for every two residents. As proposed, the update will only make the current one job per three resident ratio worse, he said.

Mckibbin said a 1.8 percent County population growth projection from the state Office of Management is too conservative. Growth will be closer to 3 percent," he added.

Steve Stuart, executive director of Friends of Clark County, said a Capital Facilities Plan should be created before adoption of a land use plan.

SOME LANDOWNERS LEFT OUT OF PLAN UPDATE

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Even though the Clark County commissioners invited citizens to submit requests for land use changes, requests from rural landowners will not be considered.

Months ago, the Clark County commissioners decided not to hear requests for zone changes from landowners unless their properties would be affected by changes to the County's Growth Management Plan.

Commissioner Betty Sue Morris said the Board decided not to hear from unaffected rural landowners because of the scope of work anticipated in updating the plan.

County long range planner Patrick Lee said 79 of 288 landowners who brought site-specific appeals to the plan update process own rural property that won't be affected by a plan revision.

Requests from unaffected landowners, and landowners who own land not rezoned during a Board review of change proposals that begins Dec. 16, won't be considered during the plan update process.

Those who wish to rezone properties will be required to submit applications during annual fall reviews, meet tests for rezoning and pay more than $7,500 in County application, conference, mapping and Comprehensive Plan change fees.

Attorney appealed

Vancouver attorney LeAnne Bremer, representing rural property owners, asked the commissioners Dec. 8 to consider all requests by rural landowners during the plan update.

Bremer said the Board, with a pronouncement early in the update process, signaled an intent to consider all properties on a case-by-case basis.

County planners also led citizens to believe rural landowner requests would be considered during the update process, said Bremer.

Planning commission member Lonnie Moss said he did not agree with the Planning Commission decision to follow Board direction. Reviewing all landowner requests would have been "the right thing to do," said Moss.

Bill Myers, staff reporter

State and Clark County Health officials plan to knock on the doors of 80 homes to offer arsenic tests in northwest Clark County.

The homes belong to well owners who haven't replied to recent County Health Department offers to provide free tests of well water.

State Health Department toxicology specialist Rob Duff said 54 of 134 well owners responded to offers by County Health Department workers to test wells along Hayes and Cedar Creek roads.

Thus far, half of tested wells showed arsenic levels exceeding the federal safety standard of 10 parts per billion (ppb), and several tests yielded tests exceeding 300 ppb, an amount considered very dangerous by health officials.

An area arsenic problem surfaced in July when a home inspection report showed arsenic levels of 1,150 in a well near Hayes Rd. and NE 411th Circle.

New wells routinely tested for arsenic by Clark County Health workers in the past two years show a pattern of high arsenic content in the Hayes and Cedar Creek roads area.

In 2001, the Federal Environmental Protection Agency reduced its arsenic standard for safe drinking water in public water systems from 50 ppb to under 10 ppb.

State Health Department environmental health specialist Jim White said evidence has linked arsenic to lung, bladder and skin cancers. Studies also show a potential link to liver and kidney cancers.

Residents with questions about arsenic in drinking water may call the Clark County Health Department at (360) 397-8428.

UNSAFE ARSENIC RECORDED IN COWLITZ WELLS

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Evidence from the Cowlitz County Health Department indicates unsafe levels of arsenic may exist in wells east of Woodland.

In response to a request from The Reflector, Audrey Shaver at the Cowlitz County Health Department said state records indicate four Group B wells--wells with three to 14 connections--near Lewis River Rd. east of Woodland were tested for arsenic in the past five years. She said three tests showed arsenic levels over 10 parts per billion, the federal safety limit.

Shaver said she found a 1993 record of 10 wells with one or two connections in the vicinity of Hanson Rd. She said six tests exceeded 10 ppb and two of these exceeded 50 ppb.

Private wells in Cowlitz County are not normally tested by authorities for arsenic levels. Shaver said the 1993 file did not contain reasons for the tests.

A current health standard for arsenic in public drinking water of under 50 ppb was changed by the Environmental Protection Agency to 10 ppb in 2001. By 2006, all community water systems serving more than 25 people will be required to meet the arsenic standard of under 10 ppb.

High levels of arsenic in drinking water are usually associated with underground aquifers located in rock or soil with naturally high arsenic levels.

High levels of arsenic in water used for irrigation can accumulate in soils and increase a potential for contamination of produce.

High levels of arsenic were recently discovered in private wells near Hayes and Cedar Creek Roads in Clark County east of Woodland. Citizens may secure kits to test their water.

State and Clark County Health Department officials continue to urge owners of private wells to obtain arsenic tests and take corrective actions if wells exceed 10 ppb. An immediate corrective action would be to switch to safe bottled water for drinking and cooking until an appropriate filtering system is installed.

Kits for tests may be obtained for $35 at Hi-School Pharmacy stores. Laboratory results are confidential.

More information about arsenic in drinking water is at the state Department of Health website, http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw or at the agency toll-free line, 1-800-521-0323.

LA CENTER INKS $21 MILLION BUDGET

Council shuns property tax increase

Bill Myers, staff reporter

La Center city council members unanimously approved a $21.4 million 2004 budget Dec. 10.

The budget will not include a one percent tax hike allowed by state law. Council members approved a motion last month by council member Richard Curtis to forego the increase.

Projected revenue sources include $198,000 from real/property taxes, $121,500 from retail sales and use taxes, $205,000 from building permits and plan check fees, and $376,000 from miscellaneous card and punch board gambling taxes.

Revenue of $2.8 million from card room taxes will be added to a Reserve Fund expected to have a beginning balance in 2004 of $14 million. Reserve fund interest is projected at $133,000.

Projected Reserve Fund expenditures include payments for city projects and capital outlays totaling $16.8 million.

Road projects will include construction of D St. to Pacific Hwy. between 3rd and 5th streets, and reconstruction of 5th St. with curbs, sidewalks and drainage system.

Consulting services for downtown revitalization are budgeted at $45,000.

The budget projects a $2 million expenditure for culvert replacement and road reconstruction at Brezee Creek.

Employee costs climb

Total salaries for city employees, driven largely by new employee costs, are expected to climb from $620,134 to $724,078.

Employee benefits, impacted by a 26 percent health insurance rate hike, will increase from $194,300 to $242,750.

New employee salaries listed in the 2004 budget include $70,728 for a finance director/clerk hired in September 2003, and $45,000 for a new police officer.

Salaries for city hall and police department executive assistants are budgeted at increases of more than 24 percent.

The budget anticipates a 7.5 percent pay hike for the chief of police. Increases for police officers are proposed at 6.5 to 9.5 percent, including 4 percent overtime pay.

Proposed salary increases for Public Works and Parks employees range from 2.7 percent to 3 percent, with 4 percent overtime scheduled for maintenance workers.

Planned capital outlays are budgeted for new mobile data computers and protective vests for the Police Department, and a lap top computer and cash terminal system in the Finance/Permitting area of city hall.

Other expenditures are expected for a new pickup truck and truck/trailer for the Public Works Department.

Copies of the budget are available at La Center City Hall, 214 E. 4th St., La Center.

VOLUNTEERS UP, DONATIONS DOWN COUNTYWIDE

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Although weather cooperated and more than 4,200 people walked and knocked on doors Dec. 6, food donations were down around Clark County in the annual Walk and Knock food drive effort.

Stacy Walters, county chairman for the interservice program, said about 123 tons of canned and non-perishable food items were collected from doorsteps around the county this year--down about 12.5 percent from 141 tons last year.

Battle Ground and Hockinson volunteers gathered 13.4 tons, a 10.5 percent decrease from 15 tons last year. Ridgefield brought in just over 6 tons, down 31 percent from over 9 tons last year.

Walters said he isn't sure why food donations were down, but guessed one factor is a slowed economy.

"Some people at houses who gave in the past notably gave less," he said. "I think the number one contributing factor is that people are feeling the pinch this year."

"A lot of people did what they could do," he added, and said some people gave equal to or more than previous years. "It's a tough call to make" as to why donations are down, he said.

Of the total collected countywide, Battle Ground accounted for 11 percent, and Ridgefield served up 5 percent.

"Those cities did great," Walters said.

Although donations were down, volunteerism was markedly up, Walters said.

Organizers, walkers, drivers and packers traipsed across the county most of the day. In the Battle Ground area, 618 people helped out, up from 568 last year. Hockinson saw 138 volunteers, up from 105, and Ridgefield helpers numbered 195, up from 120 last year.

"We were very happy volunteer numbers were up significantly," Walters said. "We're always scrambling at the last minute to find enough people."

Of the 4,200 total volunteers, about 3,000 came from Boy and Girl Scout groups, Walters said. The rest were made up of "every facet of the community" including 4-H clubs, service clubs, student groups and individuals.

By Thurs., Dec. 11, the entire amount of food was distributed to 10 Clark County food banks, leaving an empty warehouse, Walters said.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Seven state legislators met with Ridgefield School District officials and citizens Dec. 8 to discuss the upcoming legislative session, school funding and related issues.

School Board chair Wendi Morris moderated the forum. About 20 people attended the event. A similar forum was held last year.

Last year, politicians mostly discussed state budget cuts and how less money would affect schools.

Politicians said no additional cuts were expected this year and that school spending would essentially stay stable.

Much of any new spending that may be earmarked in the upcoming session will be driven on case-by-case demand, such as an immediate need for more jailspace state-wide, they said.

The politicians represent the 17th, 18th and 49th districts. Covering some 55 square miles, the Ridgefield District falls into all three areas.

Attending the meeting were Rep. Deb Wallace (D-17), Sen. Joe Zarelli (R-18), Rep. Tom Mielke (R-18), Rep. Ed Orcutt, (R-18), Sen. Don Carlson (R-49), Rep. Bill Fromhold (D-49) and Rep. Jim Moeller (D-49).

Rep. Marc Boldt (R-17) and Sen. Don Benton (R-17) were unable to attend.

One theme of the night was the state's need to produce graduates who can find jobs in industries that compete on global scales.

Wallace, who works for the Columbia River Economic Development Council, said "her phone is ringing off the hook" by companies that want to relocate to Washington and Oregon, yet she sees another related trend of area manufacturing jobs going overseas.

Wallace said today's schools must offer students "world-class learning environments" that enable them to get higher education-based jobs. This means money must be spent to acquire new curriculum and develop cutting edge courses.

Politicians said that finding the money to balance state budgets and undergird schools is always a challenge.

The state spends about 40 percent of it's $48 billion budget for 2003-2005 on education. Social and health services receive about 32 percent, and transportation about 7 percent.

The state's general fund carries a deficit of about $2 billion.

Fromhold, who is vice chair of both the House higher education committee and appropriations committee, said

Washington's economy is being rebuilt from the past recession, but on a slower level than the rest of the country.

Fromhold said funding K-12 education is one of the biggest duties of the state. One state-level aim is to balance jobs with the home-building industry, making sure jobs are in place along with new homes built.

Zarelli, who is vice chair of both the senate education committee and the economic development committee, blamed last year's budget cuts on Washington's alleged poor attitude toward business.

This year, Zarelli said bills that offer tax incentives to firms that do research and development such as Wafertech have helped stimulate the state economy. The bills help save and create jobs in industries that produce family-wage salaries.

Orcutt agreed with the positive link between industry tax credits and job creation.

"The higher the tax base, the better the schools," Orcutt said. "Jobs and school budgets augment each other."

Moeller, however, said the state must be careful when giving corporate tax credits because money is taken from other areas. In slowed economies, state money spent on social services tends to be cut first, yet demand for services increases because more people are out of work.

Superintendent Mary Vagner ended the meeting by requesting additional phone meetings with the legislators. An invitation was offered for legislators to visit Ridgefield schools during the school day.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

A national historic landmark found in Clark County is nearly restored to the way it was a century ago.

Over the past several months, improvements have been made to the Cedar Creek Crist Mill, located 9 miles east of Woodland.

Work has centered around the construction of a 16 by 20 foot storage shed that replicates a cedar shake shed once on the property.

"Once the shed is completed, the Mill will be completely intact," said Friends of the Grist Mill president George Fountain.

To maintain authenticity, volunteers framed the shed with hand-hewn timbers and sided it with board and bat materials. A few nails were used, Fountain said, but volunteers mostly used hardwood pegs with mortis and tennon joints.

Volunteer Chuck McGraw is the project's main contractor. Fred Schultz did most of the framing work. Vern Yaeger donated much of the lumber. Timbers were donated by Friends members, Fountain said.

Members began to research plans for the shed about a decade ago, Fountain said. Construction began last spring and is expected to be completed by mid-January.

"It's been very gratifying work," Fountain said.

Historical records show the water-powered Mill was built in 1976 by George Woodham and his two sons. Families throughout north Clark County brought their grain to the Mill to be ground into flour or livestock feed.

The Mill became the center of activity where dances and musical entertainment were held frequently.

After several owners, Gorund Roslund purchased the Mill in 1905 and added a cedar shake shed to the rear of the original structure. Another shed was added on the front of the mill and used as a blacksmith shop.

The idea, said Fountain, was to have several businesses at one location to increase profitability.

Time, weather and vandals took their toll on the Grist Mill, which was eventually abandoned.

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife bought the property in the late 1950s. The Fort Vancouver Historical society leased the Mill in 1961, replaced the Mill's rotting foundation, and had the Mill registered as a historical landmark.

The Friends, a non-profit corporation, was created in 1980 to restore the mill. Volunteers used broad axes and adzes to replace posts and beams authentically. The shake shed was removed in an early restoration project.

Today the Mill is a working museum. Tours are available.

To get to the mill, go to Woodland. Take exit 21 and turn right, turn right again to cross North Fork Lewis River. Turn left onto NW Hayes Rd. toward Amboy which becomes Cedar Creek Rd. About 9 miles from Woodland, a sign points left to the mill. Turn left on Grist Mill Rd. and travel about three-quarters of a mile.

For tours, contact (360) 225-5832.

WOODLAND POSTPONES SIGN CODE HEARING

Michele Bloomquist, staff reporter

The continuation of a public hearing on Woodland's sign code scheduled for Dec. 9 has been postponed until January.

The reason? Three of the planning commission's five members were unable to attend, said public works director Rob VanderZanden.

Three or more members must be in attendance to create a quorum necessary to take any action, he said.

Absent were Mike Amirineni, Jim Yount, and Darwin Rounds.

After receiving feedback from planning commission members and business owners, city staff members have proposed four revisions of the city's sign code.

The sign code specifies the number, size and height of signs advertising city businesses.

Area business owners have been following the issue closely and are requesting the code allow business to have larger, taller and multi-colored signs.

Several have also requested the city permit electronic signs and billboards in the highway commercial areas along the freeway to draw shoppers off I-5 into Woodland.

The hearing is expected to continue at the next regularly scheduled planning commission meeting, Tues., Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m., City Hall, 100 Davidson Ave.

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

BROTHERS LAND NATIONAL FLY FISHING TITLE

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Steve Rajeff of Battle Ground and his younger brother Tim Rajeff of Vancouver recently split $30,000 and share the national title of Fly Fishing Masters.

The duo competed in a top-of-the line competition in mid-October hosted by the Outdoor Life Network on television.

Rajeff, a fishing rod designer at GLoomis in Woodland, first heard about the championship when he was contacted during the competition's planning stages to recommend a fly casting location for the first round.

Rajeff recommended the Angling and Casting Club at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, and they took his advice.

Rajeff and his brother, who is a North America distributor of Airflow fly lines, showed up with about 50 other pairs at the site for the first junket of the Far West regionals.

Across the nation in the New England, Southeast and Rocky Mountain regionals, 50 other duos for each area competed in different locations.

The first portion was to see how far and accurate the fly fisherman could cast and hit a target. Out of the 50, eight of the best pairs were chosen and moved on to the fishing competition. The Rajeffs were among them.

Over two days, winners were whittled down to one team representing their region, then it was on to the championship.

Secrecy shrouded the event, Rajeff said. The four teams met in Kansas City as the central place. They boarded a chartered jet for an undisclosed location. All the fishermen were told was that they would be fly fishing for trout.

As the jet headed west, team members tried guessing where they were going.

"We saw the Rocky Mountains, and someone said they saw the Grand Tetons south of the plane," Rajeff said. "Then the big organizer said `okay, everybody close the curtains.'"

About 30 minutes later, the plane began descending with passengers still guessing the location.

Rajeff recognized buildings around the Bozeman, MT airport.

Ford was one of the television shows big sponsors, and provided sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks. Each fisherman had his own cameraman plus a soundman for each team.

After unloading at the hotel, the contestants were told to bring their fly rods and waders, they were leaving right away for the river.

The group drove 23 miles east to Livingston, MT which skirts the shores of the Yellowstone River before reaching 3-mile long Depuys Spring Creek on a private cattle ranch. The creek is well known for its rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout.

While there, teams were allowed to explore the creek, which was divided up into four "beats" or sections, Rajeff said. They also competed for casting accuracy and distance in a natural pond made by the creek to determine who got the first choice of "beats."

They were also told they could not use any flies they brought with them, and were given kits to tie their own overnight. The men were allowed to sift through grass, weeds and turn over rocks to determine the right tie for the stream.

The Rajeffs made "very tiny" size 20 and 22 barbless hooks with olive mayflies and size 20 midges, "like gnats," to "match the hatch," he said. They decided on 2-pound test leaders as well.

The first fishing day was cold, windy and some hail mixed with snow fell. Fishermen had two hours to catch two trout each, or four per pair. Winners were determined by inches of the catch. The first fish was recorded, but if the second was unsatisfactory, the pair could choose to try one more time for a bigger catch.

Rules were no barbed hooks and no injury to the fish or there would be zero score for that fish.

The Rajeffs came in second in the first round with only three fish caught between them. They competed against third ranked Colorado team in the quarter finals.

On the final round day, the weather cooperated with highs in the 50s and partly sunny skies. The brothers caught four, 15-16 inch trout for a total of 60 inches, within one hour and 45 minutes.

Teams were given four hours to compete on that last day, so the Rajeffs cooled their heels while waiting for the competitors to finish. In the end, the Colorado team only had three fish, as one was disqualified because a barbed hook was used to catch it.

"We waited two hours and 15 minutes to find out," Rajeff said.

"[The event] was very well organized," he said. "Great care was taken to not impact the private property or the fish. It was perfectly ecologically managed."

Although Rajeff seems to have taken the title and the $30,000 prize money with ease, he rarely participates in competitions, he said.

"My biggest background is tournament casting," he said, and holds 28 awards for American All-Around and 13 for World All-Around champions.

View the Fly Fishing Masters competition through December on the Outdoor Life Network Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Pacific time and Sundays at 10 a.m.

PHOTO: Steve Rajeff (shown) and his brother Tim won $30,000, the national Fly Fishing Masters title and this wood carved trophy on an event sponsored by Outdoor Life Network.

ARMY CAPTAIN SURPRISES WIFE WITH VISIT

It took Bruce Gleason four days to travel from Bagdad, Iraq to Portland. The surprise trip reunited Gleason and his wife, Rebekah, after seven months of being apart.

Gleason, 31, a captain and medical doctor in the U.S. Army, planned the surprise days earlier, making arrangements with Rebekah's father, Cliff Barbour of Vancouver.

But Barbour was surprised as well.

As far as Barbour knew, the plan was for Cliff and Pat Barbour and their daughter Rebekah to be seated at a restaurant on Rebekah's birthday Nov. 28. Flowers would arrive, followed by a phone call from Gleason in Bagdad. Rebekah would be surprised by the phone call.

But plans changed.

On Nov. 24, Gleason called Barbour to say he wouldn't be near a phone on Nov. 28 and that the surprise phone call had to happen that evening.

So the Barbours and daughter Rebekah were seated that evening at the Papa Haydn restaurant in northwest Portland, a restaurant near the spot where the Gleasons had met and a favorite of the couple.

They waited. No flowers. No phone call. No surprise.

Then Bruce Gleason appeared in person and in uniform. He had successfully surprised everyone.

The phone call earlier that day had come from an airplane, not Bagdad. He had arranged the entire event without anyone knowing what was really going to happen.

Bruce and Rebekah Gleason were married in June 2000 and have been living in Ansbach, Germany where Gleason is stationed with the Army. He has been in Bagdad since May 2003.

Gleason was conspicuous as he traveled in his desert fatigue uniform. The restaurant provided a free bottle of champagne. The Heathman Lodge provided half-price lodging for the couple Nov. 24-Dec. 2.

A first-class passenger on his flight traded seats with Gleason, saying Gleason deserved it more than he did. On another leg of the journey, the airline upgraded Gleason to first class.

Gleason was given free cigars when he tried to purchase the smokes to take back to soldiers in Iraq.

On Dec. 3, Gleason headed to New York to arrange for future study in neurosurgery, and Rebekah left for California.

Gleason returned to Bagdad on Dec. 11. The surprise became a memory as the reality of war returned.

FAIRGROUNDS BRING DOWN OLD TO MAKE WAY FOR NEW

Michele Bloomquist, staff reporter

Some 10 buildings at the Clark County Fairgrounds were demolished last week to make way for a new hall.

The move marks the first step toward the construction of a planned 100,000 square foot exposition center style facility, said fair director Tom Musser.

Buildings removed included the community center, the floral building, the small animal building, the horse stall barn I, the 4-H building, the grange, the home arts building and three small buildings located in the kid's park.

Crews salvaged timbers from the horse stall barn where draft horses once flexed their muscles during fair time, for use in the new building, Musser said.

Construction of the new $12-14 million hall is expected to begin by mid-December and be complete by January 2005, Musser said.

The new facility will then house some, but not all, of the tenants formerly located in the demolished buildings during fair time, Musser said.

During the 2004 fair, scheduled Aug. 6-15, all will be housed in temporary facilities, Musser said.

A transition team meets every Monday night at 7 p.m. at the fairgrounds to work out the details of exactly where everyone will go during and after the hall is built, Musser said.

"There have been some tense nerves during the transition, but it will all be worked out," Musser said.

Coffman Excavation of Oregon City performed demolition and utility work. General contractor and construction manager for the project is Hoffman Construction of Portland.

Proceeds from the newly completed amphitheater and a sales tax kickback to Clark County for tourism will fund construction of the new hall and other fairground improvements, Musser said.

Unlike the old buildings, the new hall will not be used only during the fair, said Musser.

"In the end we will have a nice building that is usable year-round," Musser said.

Antique, craft, hobby and other consumer shows are expected to lease the space, creating not only a revenue stream for the Fairgrounds, but a boost to the surrounding community, Musser said.

"The people who come to exhibit and visit the shows will be staying, eating and shopping here," Musser said. "The whole community will benefit."

After the hall is completed, the Fairground's master plan calls for replacing all but three remaining buildings: the grandstand, equestrian center and one barn.

More information about the hall's construction, transition team meeting minutes and more can be found at

www.clarkcofair.com

BILLY SOWARDS

William "Billy" Vernon Sowards, 41, died Dec. 7, 2003, in Battle Ground, from a self-inflicted gun shot wound.

Sowards was born June 5, 1962 in Seattle, worked as a pipefitter in industrial construction, and lived in Battle Ground for 20 years.

Sowards graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1980. He was a member of the Pipefitters Union #290. He had coached soccer and little league. He enjoyed fishing, kite flying, boating, crabbing, motorcycle riding and watching sports on television. He was the neighborhood fix-it man and was very mechanically inclined.

Survivors include father Richard Sowards of Long Beach, mother Anna Cross of Battle Ground, son Ethan Sowards of Yacolt, and brothers Steve Sowards of Battle Ground and John Sowards of Vancouver.

Memorial services will be held Sat., Dec. 20, 11 a.m., at Layne's Funeral Home Chapel, Battle Ground, with Layne's Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

BERNICE WEST

Bernice B. (Berger) West, 85, died Dec. 11, 2003 in Vancouver.

West was born Nov. 28, 1918 in Raymond. She was co-owner of Arthur West and Sons Painting Co. She enjoyed playing pinochle and bingo. She also enjoyed water aerobics and spending time with her family and at the Luepke Senior Center in Vancouver.

West was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur West, in 1996, and four brothers. Survivors include daughters Patricia Graham of Vancouver and Jennifer Bannan of Olympia, son Michiel West of Battle Ground, sister Eunice Ash of Vancouver, nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He dog Buster was a very special companion.

Evergreen Staples Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

BRETT SHANHOLTZER

Brett Wayne Shanholtzer, 38, died Dec. 1, 2003 in Seattle from injuries suffered in a snowmobiling accident in north central Washington.

Shanholtzer was born Sept. 20, 1965 in Portland, and graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1984. He lived in Battle Ground until 1988 when he moved to East Wenatchee. He worked in fuel delivery for Cenex in the Wenatchee Valley orchards.

Shanholtzer enjoyed snowmobiling, water skiing, auto racing and family and friends.

Shanholtzer was preceded in death by his father, Wayne "Red" Shanholtzer, in October 2003. Survivors include widow Robin Shanholtzer of East Wenatchee, mother Michelle Shanholtzer of Battle Ground, step-mother Janet Shanholtzer of Battle Ground, daughters Kristen Crump and Paige Shanholtzer, both of East Wenatchee, son Josh Crump of East Wenatchee, brothers Toby Shanholtzer and Nolan Shanholtzer, both of Battle Ground, sisters Lynn Gray and Annette Shanholtzer, both of Battle Ground, grandparents Bob Brett and Kay Brett, both of Oregon, two nieces, two nephews, and best friend Gary Livingston of Battle Ground.

A memorial gathering will be held Sat., Dec. 20, 10 a.m., at the Battle Ground Eagles Hall, 619 SE 1st St., Battle Ground.

ROBERTA SQUIRES

Roberta L. Squires, 68, died Dec. 11, 2003 at home in Battle Ground.

Squires was born June 21, 1935 in San Diego, CA, and lived in Clark County for 68 years, 43 years in Battle Ground.

Squires attended Battle Ground High School. She worked as a secretary for Farmers Insurance 1976-1981 and Battle Ground Pharmacy for three years. She made pies at Tiger Bowl. She also worked as a caregiver and administration assistant at Parkway North Care Center.

Squires enjoyed crocheting, flower and vegetable gardening, baking and animals. She also enjoyed her grandchildren. She loved spending time at the beach at Ocean Park. She loved everything about the beach.

Squires loved to cook. She made sure that each person in her family had a favorite pie to eat during the holidays. Christmas was her favorite time of year.

Squires took care of cats and brought home strays throughout the years.

Squires was preceded in death by son Rick Pierce in 2000. Survivors include widower Darrell Squires, at home in Battle Ground, daughters Vickie Gaines of Vancouver and Cindy Fleming of La Center, sons Ron Squires of Yacolt, Kasey Squires of Battle Ground, Kevin Pierce of Vancouver and Mike Pierce of Tacoma, brothers Robert "Bob" Slawson of Battle Ground Larry Slawson of California and Wesley "Corky" Slawson of Amboy, 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held Fri., Dec. 19, 2 p.m., at Layne's Funeral Home Chapel, Battle Ground, with Davies Cremation & Burial Services in charge of arrangements.

RAGNAR JONSSON

Ragnar Gunnar Jonsson, 87, died Dec. 6, 2003 in Portland.

Jonsson was born Sept. 19, 1916, in New York City, NY, worked as an electronics technician in the natural gas industry, and lived in Battle Ground for four years.

Jonsson served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a 20-year member of the Gas Company Travel Club. He enjoyed fishing. He traveled all over Europe, Africa and elsewhere in the world. He enjoyed farming and raised fruit. He also enjoyed the Reader's Digest, tinkering with electronic apparatus, and repairing things.

Survivors include daughter Sally Filler of Battle Ground, and two grandchildren.

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

VERNA HARPER

Verna Maxine (Calvert) Harper, 76, died Dec. 7, 2003 in Vancouver.

Harper was born May 3, 1927 in Jay, Oklahoma, worked as a grocery clerk, and lived in Clark County for 60 years.

Harper graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1946. She enjoyed embroidery, bunco, cribbage, home canning, camping and the coast. She also loved television, watching soaps.

Harper was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Harper, in 1976. Survivors include daughter Peggy Seley of Vancouver, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

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

FLOYD ANDERS JR.

Floyd St. Clair Anders Jr., 74, died Dec. 6, 2003 in Vancouver.

Anders was born March 5, 1929 in Fremont, CA, worked as a marine biologists for the National Marine Fisheries Service, and lived in Clark County for nine years.

Anders earned a degree in zoology from the University of California Berkeley in 1952. He participated in rowing and swimming at Berkeley. He served in the U.S. Army.

Anders was a past member of the Kiwanis, Healdsburg Air Port Commission and Navy League. He volunteered for Democrat candidates. He enjoyed radio-controlled airplanes, fly fishing, bowling, crossword puzzles and traveling. He was an avid reader, enjoyed wine tasting and liked to barbecue.

Survivors include widow Joan Anders of Vancouver, daughters Sandra Crockett of Arizona and Pam Buzan of Oregon, sons Scott Anders of Brush Prairie and Brian Anders of Portland, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

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

RICHARD STROBEL

Richard Ervin Strobel, 48, died in a traffic accident Dec. 11, 2003 in Vancouver.

Strobel was born Jan. 26, 1955 in Richmond, CA, worked as an engineering manager for Mentor Graphics in Oregon, and lived in Clark County for 13 years.

Strobel was a former secretary of the board and co-founder of DeNies Resources Inc. in California. He was active in Club "T" MG. He enjoyed photography, computers, gourmet cooking and restoring collector automobiles.

Survivors include widow Alison Strobel, at home, mother Dorothy Strobel of California, step-daughter Keri dela Torre of Vancouver, step-son Darren dela Torre of Vancouver, and sister Sharon Strobel of California.

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

ROBERT PAUL

Robert Dale Paul, 86, died Dec. 11, 2003 in Portland.

Paul was born Nov. 15, 1917 in Anamosa, Iowa, worked as a medical doctor, and lived in Yacolt for five years.

Paul was a physician for many years in Rawlins, Wyoming. He enjoyed racing sports cars, flying, boating, fishing, building things and painting.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Paul, in 1993, and son Peter Paul in 1986. Survivors include daughter Rebecca Paul-Fields of Yacolt, son John Paul of Wyoming, brother Richard Paul of Iowa, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

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

RICHARD WILLIAMS

Richard Lee Williams, 71, died Dec. 12, 2003 in Ridgefield.

Williams was born Aug. 19, 1932 in Winslow, Arkansas, worked as a maintenance man, and lived in Clark County for 14 years.

Williams was a member of the Teamsters Union. He enjoyed carpentry, camping, jetty fishing, boxing, reading, eating and watching sports on television. He also liked to watch things grow and gardening, including growing vegetables. He enjoyed mowing the lawn. He loved his grandchildren, nature and his dogs.

Survivors include daughter Brenda Cooper of Ridgefield, sisters Maxine and Bonnie, and three grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held Wed., Dec. 17, 10:30 a.m., at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

ALMA SIMONSON

Alma E. Simonson, 96, died Dec. 10, 2003 in Battle Ground.

Simonson was born Feb. 24, 1907 in Reedley, CA, and lived in Vancouver for 90 years.

Simonson farmed in Hockinson for many years. She worked at the Riviera Motel well past her 70s. She was a member of Living Church of God. She was an excellent seamstress.

Simonson was preceded in death by her husband, Levi Simonson, in 1966. Survivors include daughter Francine Forney of Brush Prairie, brother Alfred Kriko of Oregon and three grandchildren.

Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, was in charge of arrangements.

ROBERT BEEBE

Robert Kenneth "Bob" Beebe, 65, died Dec. 4, 2003, at home in Culdesac, Idaho after a battle with stomach cancer.

Beebe was born April 15, 1938 in Vancouver, and was a resident of Clark County and Home Valley, WA until moving to Idaho in 2000.

Beebe graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1956. He worked in logging with his father. At age 17, he worked on the Dalles Dam in Oregon, and then as an ironworker on the Swift Creek Bridge. He also worked on the John Day Dam in Oregon.

Beebe also worked in cutting firewood and raising cattle.

In 1962, Beebe moved to North Dakota and worked on the Minute Man missle site. He later returned to logging, then became a self-employed sawmill operator. He also built houses. He moved to Home Valley in 1986.

Beebe enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and working with his hands. He was a life member of the NRA. He loved his family and many friends. He was a member of the Carson Bible Church and the Culdesac Community Church.

Beebe was preceded in death by son Yancy Beebe and granddaughter Mandy Beebe. Survivors include widow Claudia Beebe of Culdesac, Idaho, sons Ricky Beebe of Amboy and Craig Beebe of Carson, daughters Beatrice Jacobson of Battle Ground, Bernita Trotter of Idaho, and Claudina Campbell of Issaquah, sister Tammy Cross of Vancouver, brothers Timothy Beebe of Battle Ground and Tracey Beebe who is serving in the U.S. Navy in the Middle East, several aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Burial was at Berge Cemetery near Carson. Family members invite friends to sign an on-line guest book maintained by Mountain View Funeral Home in Lewiston, Idaho at:

mtviewfuneralhome.com

VERNE BAUMAN

Verne F. Bauman, 83, died Dec. 10, 2003 at home in Woodland.

Bauman was born Oct. 24, 1920 in Camas, was owner/operator of Bauman's Egg Ranch for 34 years, and lived in Woodland since 1955.

Bauman was a member of the Woodland Baptist Church. He drove a school bus for 19 years for the Woodland School District. In his early years, he worked for the Corps of Engineers in Alaska building roads.

Bauman enjoyed fishing. He loved his dog Scoobydo and his cats. He had served as a cemetery commissioner. He loved his family.

Bauman was preceded in death by daughter Diana Bauman-Leathers in 2000. Survivors include widow AnnaBelle Bauman, at home in Woodland, sons Dennis Bauman of Oregon and Gregory Bauman of Woodland, daughter Gayle Bauman of Ilwaco, nine grandchildren and six great-grandsons.

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