DORIOT VOTED NEW RIDGEFIELD MAYOR

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Ridgefield city council members Jan. 22 unanimously elected Gladys Doriot mayor.

Doriot replaced Tim Thompson who has served as mayor since 1999. Thompson is still on the council.

Council member Gary Holmerg was voted mayor pro-tem.

Doriot, 69, has served as a council member for 12 years. Her first order of business was to thank Thompson for his service. She pledged to host organized and friendly meetings and urged council members to continue to come to meetings prepared.

Doriot said one of her biggest goals as mayor will be to establish good working relationships with all council members. Two members, Gary Atkins and Dave Standal, are new this year.

"I'm looking forward to this year," Doriot said. "[We'll] have lively discussions, take votes and move forward."

Doriot graduated from high school in Medford, WI, and moved to Ridgefield in 1970. She worked as a bus driver for the Ridgefield School District and transferred to the Woodland School District in 1977 where she worked as a dispatcher and later as transportation director. She retired in 2002.

When she's not busy with city-related business, Doriot enjoys reading, fishing, traveling to the beach and spending time with friends and family.

Doriot has four children and one grandchild. She has been a widow since 1992.

BG VOCAL GROUP WINS FESTIVAL

The Battle Ground High School vocal jazz choir, under the direction of Darcy Schmitt, won first place among large schools at the 42nd annual Clark College jazz festival Jan. 22 in Vancouver.

Battle Ground senior Drew Ledbetter won an outstanding musician award for his solo work in a song called Bijou which was arranged by Darcy Schmitt.

During Schmitt's 10 years as vocal director at Battle Ground, the school's jazz choir has qualified for the finals at the Clark College festival five times, winning twice, and coming in second twice and third once.

"They were amazing and did Battle Ground proud," said Schmitt of her vocal jazz ensemble. "And I couldn't be more proud. I'm simply bustin'."

Dan Wheelon of Prairie High School also won an outstanding musician award.

Bands do well

The Woodland High School jazz band, under the direction of Paul Cline, took second place among single A schools.

Prairie High School, with its new director Dave Williams, finished in third place among Four-A schools.

Garfield High School from Seattle won the sweepstakes award at the festival, along with four outstanding musician awards.

The Garfield band, directed by Clarence Acox, will return in January 2005 to entertain during next year's festival.

Over the last 10 years, Garfield High School has won the Clark College festival four times.

Roosevelt High School, also from Seattle, won the festival in 2003 and returned this year to perform during the judging period. Under festival rules, a sweepstakes-winning band cannot compete the following year.

Roosevelt has won the Clark College festival sweepstakes three times in the last 10 years, and eight times during the festival's 42 years.

BOZARTH COUPLE HONORED AS CITIZENS OF THE YEAR

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Ralph and Shirley Bozarth were chosen by the Woodland Chamber of Commerce as 2004 Citizens of the Year during a Jan. 24 banquet at the Oak Tree Restaurant.

"They've done everything in this community from soup to nuts," said Darlene Johnson, last year's notable citizen, while presenting the award. The couple's family heritage dates back to pioneer times in the area.

"This couple has a very familiar name, a street name, land donation and a familiar face in the Woodland area," Johnson said. "This couple is what I would call true volunteers, giving of their time and talents and never expecting or wanting recognition."

Johnson said the Bozarths have a great love of history, which is evidenced in the preservation of their 100-plus year-old home as well as their interest in saving and taking care of some of the oldest homes in the area.

Their love of Woodland's history has led them to spend a significant part of their lives teaching others about it, and especially about Indian life in the Pacific Northwest, Johnson said.

The couple has an extensive collection of Indian artifacts and have traveled to several schools and museums. In fact, some of their Northwest Coast Indian artifacts have been on display during the summer for the last 10 years at the North Clark Historical Museum.

In addition, the couple spends countless hours of study and preparation for oral history presentation at the Museum, wrote Museum coordinator Roberta Emerick in her nomination letter.

The couple also schedules time to host Museum visitors throughout the year as Saturday volunteers, creating historically-themed floats for the Woodland Planter's Day parade and volunteering to preserve the Lelooska collection in Ariel. Several carvings in the couple's collection were given by the Lelooska Foundation in appreciation for their conservation work.

Tsungani Fearon Smith and Mariah Stoll-Smith Reese of the Foundation wrote that the impact of the Bozarth's work has reached "hundreds of thousands of children and adults."

The Bozarths were instrumental in the construction of ceremonial houses in Ariel by helping purchase timber, sawing boards and placing "immense" cedar beams on carved house posts, Smith and Smith Reese wrote in their nomination letter.

The couple was pivotal in engineering and constructing the A-frame museum building in Ariel which now houses more than 600 artifacts.

In addition to getting the Foundation grounds underway, the Bozarths helped cook for large events, swept decks, raked paths, shared their historical knowledge with visitors, retrieved materials needed for carvings and costumes, helped with ongoing maintenance of the buildings and grounds, and volunteered time at the museum as occasional curators.

The couple seemed delighted and shy as Johnson called them to the podium while the nearly 100 audience members stood to their feet, applauding. Johnson placed elaborate flower arrangements in Shirley's arms and a recognition plaque in Ralph's hand.

"This couple before you has brought and continues to bring a new level of awareness to our history, sometimes called roots, and I for one am very thankful for that," Johnson said. "Let's give a big hand for the first 40 years of outstanding service. We are looking forward to the next 40."

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

A fire leveled a house in Ridgefield Jan. 20, claiming the life of a family pet.

Firefighters from Fire Districts 6, 11 and 12 responded to a blaze at 19610 NW 30th Ave. just before noon.

Homeowners Jim and M'Lyn Walther were out of the house when the fire started. M'lyn was doing errands while Jim took the family's other two dogs on a walk.

Jim said he walked for about 30 minutes. When he returned, he smelled smoke and saw flames. He was not carrying a cell phone so ran to a neighbor's home to call 911. The neighbor wasn't home, so Jim ran to another neighbor, who wasn't home either.

The Walther's neighborhood is set on small acreages, so Jim, a retiree, ran several hundred yards to the main road (NW 199th St.) where he flagged down a motorist who alerted emergency services.

Jim believes at least 20 minutes passed from when he first saw flames until fire crews arrived because of difficulty locating a phone, he said.

Ridgefield fire chief Larry Bartel said the two-story house was about 75 percent engulfed when firefighters arrived.

"It went extremely fast," Bartel said.

Jim tried to rescue the dog inside the house by climbing a ladder to an upper window. He smashed the window but decided not to enter the blazing house.

"Thick smoke just blew out of the window," Jim said. "I knew she couldn't have survived that. I think she went quickly."

The dog, a Beagle mix the family adopted from the Humane Society for Southwest Washington, was named China.

M'Lyn said the couple lost everything in the fire except their two cars. She had a checkbook in one of the cars, so the couple is able to access bank accounts.

M'lyn works as a yarn artist and lost some 50 handcrafted wool baskets in the blaze.

The couple said they have insurance and will be fine financially. They will stay with relatives. They have lived in the home since 1996.

Clark County deputy fire marshal Curtis Eavenson said the fire was accidental, likey caused by an electrical problem with a space heater and an outlet.

Humane Society spokesperson Brittany Gosselin said a memorial fund has been established to help the family's transitional expenses. Jim is a volunteer for the Society and walks dogs each Thursday at the shelter.

Contributions may be made at any First Independent Bank branch or mailed to P.O. Box 1409, Vancouver, WA 98668.

STATE AUDITOR CONFIRMS BG SCHOOLS

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

State auditor Brian Sonntag has reviewed a number of alleged problems with the Battle Ground School District brought by an area resident and concluded the District is conducting business in a legal and competent manner.

Leslie Jones brought the issues to the state's attention prior to her unsuccessful bid for a school board seat in the November general election. More than one-third of area voters supported Jones in her race against incumbent Karen Lehman.

Jones, a non-practicing attorney, also filed a malicious and sexual harassment complaint against the District spring 2002 on behalf of her daughter, who has now graduated.

Jones said her communications with the auditor were not politically motivated and unrelated to the complaint filed on behalf of her daughter.

Jones said she brought the concerns as a parent and District patron, and because she "desires to see honesty in the District."

Sonntag answered Jones' concerns in a Dec. 15 letter. Board chair Frederick Striker read a copy of the letter at a Dec. 16. school board meeting.

Jones was not at the meeting when the letter was read and had not yet received the letter, she said.

Jones said the public reading of a letter addressed to her before she had seen it showed poor judgment on behalf of the Board. She plans to file a formal complaint against the state auditor's office for sending a copy of the letter to the District when the District did not request it.

As to Jones' claims against the District, Sonntag's staff concluded that:

** The District was in compliance with bid requirements in its use of contractors for the Battle Ground High School baseball field project. Jones contended they did not comply;

** A contract for architectural service with the spouse of a District principal is not a conflict of interest.

The auditor determined conflict of interest law is not applicable in this case because a principal is not an elected official or a municipal officer;

** No conflict of interest was present because a board member voted to set compensation for teachers while the board member's wife was a District teacher.

The auditor concluded that the board member could vote on a bargaining agreement because the board member was elected after his wife was hired;

** No conflict of interest was present when the District's human resources assistant director be part of contract negotiations with the teacher's union.

Jones' concern was that the assistant director was, in effect, negotiating her own contract/compensation.

The auditor obtained legal advice and determined no conflict of interest laws were violated;

** Executive sessions on June 12 and 18, 2002 were properly advertised and held for appropriate reasons as required by state law. Jones alleged they were not; and

** Adequate supporting documentation exists to determine Board members properly approve vouchers.

The state auditor expressed concern that notification faxed to newspapers as required by law for a September 2002 board retreat was 15 minutes short of a 24 hour-notification requirement.

The auditor's office recommended the District more closely monitor compliance with state notification requirements.

Jones called the auditor's report "a sorry piece of propaganda" and "inconsistent with the attorney general's interpretation of the law."

Jones said she has documentation showing inaccuracies in Sonntag's findings and is considering an appeal to the auditor's process.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Ridgefield city council members toyed with the idea of formally endorsing the school district's upcoming replacement levy at a meeting Jan. 22.

But after consulting with legal counsel, they decided to offer an informal thumbs-up instead.

Superintendent Mary Vagner addressed council members about the levy which, if passed, will continue to provide funds for some of the District's general expenses.

Council members Gary Atkins and Tim Thompson and mayor Gladys Doriot said they already decided to vote yes for the levy in an election set for Tues., Feb. 3, 2004.

The levy is not a new tax. Ridgefield property owners have paid about $2.49 per $1,000 of assessed value each year under the current levy, which expires in 2004. Levies typically run two to four years before needing renewal so District officials can check in with voters. The current rate translates to about $498 per year for property owners with $200,000 valuation.

The replacement levy asks voters to approve some $7.9 million over the next three years which would comprise about one-fifth of the district's overall budget.

Ridgefield's overall budget is about $11.9 million annually. The levy will yield about $2.46 million for 2005, $2.65 million in 2006 and $2.76 in 2007.

Ridgefield has four schools and about 1,750 students.

Voters will actually pay less than they do now if the proposed levy passes.

District staff say the rates may go down further than $2.44 depending on area growth. Anticipated commercial, industrial and residential expansion in the Ridgefield area would reduce the amount of tax per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

What it pays for

According to District business manager Donna Gregg, levy money in Ridgefield pays for a portion of several staffing positions as well as curriculum, technology, buildings and ground 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, officials said.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Ridgefield city council members voted unanimously Jan. 22 to hire an outside attorney to investigate city manager Randy Bombardier's role in authorizing the removal of lead-based paint from city hall in June 2002.

Allegations include violations of the Hazardous Waste Disposal Act and Water Pollution Control Act, both gross misdemeanors and each carrying a maximum $10,000 fine and one year in prison.

Council members emerged from a nearly two-hour, closed-door executive session held after their regular meeting Jan. 22 to vote on and deliver two directives.

The first was to hire Eileen Lawrence from the Covington, WA-based Cedar River Law Professionals.

Lawrence read the second directive, a summary of a notice to Bombardier with multiple stipulatives.

Included in the second directive was an instruction for Bombardier to not act as the City's spokesperson in connection with an ongoing investigation conducted by state Department of Ecology and federal Environmental Protection Agency officials.

Clark County Sheriff's Office officials are also assisting in the investigation and looking into additional complaints from employees alleging "possible retaliation or possible violation of statutory whistleblower protections," Lawrence read.

Bombardier was further "encouraged but not required" to cooperate with the investigation and advised to seek independent counsel.

Bombardier was required to not discuss the issues with anyone other than investigators or his own private attorney, and was also directed to preserve any City files and records that may be pertinent to any investigations.

Bombardier's supervisory duties over city personnel were suspended until further directives are issued by the council.

Lawrence would not clarify what Bombardier's new roles are, saying only that no further information will be given until the investigation is complete. She would not comment on when the investigation might be over.

City attorney Brian Wolfe later clarified that Bombardier will continue to run the day-to-day operations of the city, but is not be permitted to evaluate or discipline city personnel until further notice.

Also attending the executive session were Gerd Hattwig, chief criminal investigator for Ecology, and Tom O'Malley, criminal investigative director for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Both men left the meeting after about 30 minutes. Neither would comment, and Hattwig would "neither confirm nor deny" any investigation was occurring.

After the directives were read, Bombardier said it would be wisest if he withheld comment. Prior to the executive session, Bombardier maintained his innocence, saying "perhaps there were errors of omission, but no deliberate attempt was made on [his] behalf to skirt the law."

City council members would not comment further.

What it's all about

Investigators remain tight-lipped about specifics of what happened in Ridgefield June 2002.

That paint removed from city hall contained lead does not appear to be under contention.

Paint on trim closest to the roof, two pillars by the front door, lower cinder blocks and on the face above the pillars and front door was shown in an August 2001 report from Portland's Coffey Laboratories to contain various percentages of lead.

At issue appears to be who knew what and decided what, if anything, about removing and disposing of the paint.

Environmental agencies require contractors to follow various protection measures when certain levels of lead-based paint are removed. Contractors need to be certified for the task. Jobs require more time and money when protective measures are used than in regular paint removal.

If lead-based paint is removed in a non-certified way, lead can enter human bodies in mist, fumes and dust, which can cause multiple health problems, say Department of Health representatives.

Tapes of three council meetings in 2001 show council members discussing hiring someone to remove lead-based paint.

Out of the five current council members, only Gladys Doriot and Tim Thompson would know first-hand about the meetings or report from Coffee Lab. The other three were elected into office after 2001.

Also under question is who saw two bids sent to the city in September and November 2001 by the Vancouver-based Foes & Sullivan contracting company. Both bids mentioned lead-based paint at city hall, and estimate removal and repair costs at $32,800-$40,400.

Exactly what happened to the bids at a city level remains a mystery. City officials never responded to the bids, said Dale Foes of the contracting company. In April 2002, Thompson announced at a city council meeting the city had received no bids.

Thompson said a number of things could have happened to the paperwork during that time because the city was seeing an influx of new employees such as a city clerk, a relatively new police chief, and a new city manager. Bombardier was hired October 2001.

Seven months after Bombardier's hiring, removing the paint came up again in a council meeting. Council member Gary Holmberg asked if a "lead survey" had been done on the paint.

Bombardier said a call for bids published that month had mentioned nothing about lead-based paint. He also told council members the paint would not be removed, but painted over after a proper seal was applied.

Bombardier later authorized hiring Drake's Quality Painting to perform the job for about $4,500.

The work contract with Drake's details sanding, scraping and pressure washing as part of the process. No mention is made of sealing.

Eben Drake said he was not told about any report from a laboratory that showed lead-based paint on city hall.

Drake also said he is not certified to remove lead-based paint but didn't think there was much lead as his own test came back low.

State Labor and Industries officials say the only valid test for lead is one performed by a certified laboratory.

PORTLAND MAN TAKES JOYRIDE, ATTEMPTS TO RUN DOWN OFFICER

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

A Portland man was charged with first degree assault, attempting to elude police, second degree burglary and two counts of first degree theft after a wild Saturday morning in Battle Ground and north Clark County.

Samuel Rusnak, 33, 7606 SE Flavel Rd., #1, Portland, was reportedly clocked traveling 60 miles per hour in the 25 mph zone near E Main St. and NE Grace Ave., Battle Ground on Jan. 17 about 10:30 a.m.

According to police reports, officer Simon Geller flipped his emergency lights on to pull the vehicle over, and the 1996 Ford Taurus driven by Rusnak pulled into the parking lot at Al and Ernie's Foodliner.

According to Geller, Rusnak backed out of the parking space straight at the patrol car and stopped less than a foot away from the front bumper. Two passengers got out and began walking away, Geller said.

Geller yelled at the two men to stop when they reached the nearby railroad tracks, and one of them told Geller to "watch out, he is crazy," the report said.

Geller said Rusnak waved his arms, then started to back up the vehicle. Geller, who was standing about three feet from the patrol vehicle's driver side door, reportedly yelled at Rusnak to stop the car.

According to Geller's report, Rusnak put the car into drive and stepped on the gas, lurched forward, then stopped. Rusnak reportedly smiled and waved.

Geller pulled out his duty handgun, believing Rusnak was going to try to run him over, he wrote. Rusnak reportedly pointed his finger at Geller mimicking a gun, then accelerated at a high rate of speed toward the officer, causing him to run backward toward the trunk of the patrol car. Geller said the vehicle barely missed him.

Officer John Graves came on the scene as Rusnak fled, and the two officers chased Rusnak eastbound on NE 219th St., past the Tukes Mtn. area at speeds up to 65 mph with Rusnak reportedly driving in the oncoming lane of traffic, forcing vehicles off the road to avoid head-on collisions.

The officers called off the chase after about two miles due to "extreme danger to person and property" and "the vehicle would not move back into its own lane of travel."

Clark County Sheriff deputies saw the Taurus about 15 minutes later on NE 199th St., headed west. Deputies pursued Rusnak to SR-503, then called off the chase because Rusnak was again reportedly driving northbound into oncoming traffic.

According to Sgt. Dan Polen, deputies called off the pursuit because of Rusnak's reported reckless driving, but kept track of where he was by the calls from concerned citizens.

A short time later, the vehicle careened off the road down a 40-foot embankment into trees at SR-503 and Beaver Creek Rd. Rusnak reportedly fled on foot and stole a Dodge Dakota pickup from a nearby home and continued northbound.

Rusnak was apprehended a short time later on Pup Creek Rd. in Woodland when he allegedly tried to steal another vehicle from a private home and was caught and detained by the owner until deputies arrived.

When deputies recovered the wrecked Taurus, they reportedly found several checkbooks, bank checks, a passport, expensive sunglasses, social security numbers, credit card information and bank statements from various Oregon and Washington residents.

After being booked at the Clark County jails, Rusnak was transported to Battle Ground for an interview with Det. Mike Molzahn.

In the interview, Rusnak reportedly told Molzahn he wanted to threaten Geller because he was in possession of stolen property and didn't want to go back to prison. He reportedly said he'd spent 19 months in prison for burglary.

Rusnak allegedly confessed to going on a crime spree with the two earlier passengers that day, one of whom he met while in prison. He reportedly blamed his behavior on taking a "pink pill" the night before at a party in Oregon, but didn't usually do drugs, he said.

Before being taken to the County jail on Battle Ground's charges, Rusnak wrote an apology letter to Geller.

BG PUBLIC WORKS UNDER INVESTIGATION

One employee suspended, probe continues

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

The Battle Ground Police Department is investigating allegations of equipment theft at the city's Public Works Department.

During the course of the investigation, 10-year employee Glen Rasmussen was found to have allegedly lied on handwritten time cards.

As a result, Rasmussen was charged with official misconduct on three counts of third degree theft. He pleaded not guilty in an arraignment Jan. 15. A pre-trial date of Feb. 5 is set.

Rasmussen reportedly intentionally misrepresented hours worked on weekly time cards with intent to receive benefits for leave or pay, according to Chris Sundstrom, municipal court prosecuting attorney.

Police documents show Rasmussen claimed he worked two 8-hour days and took sick leave for one 8-hour day on weekly time cards in July, August and September 2002.

However, the police investigation revealed Rasmussen was reportedly on duty as a reserve police officer with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office during those days and hours claimed on city time cards.

Rasmussen is currently on paid administrative leave from the city. He is an employee in the water, sewage and drainage department under public works foreman Cal Newton.

Rasmussen is also on suspension as a Multnomah County reserve officer pending the outcome of charges, said Lt. Mike Shults. Rasmussen has worked for the city three years.

Battle Ground police estimate Rasmussen was paid $508.32 from his public works job that he reportedly did not earn. His hourly wage is $25.36, according to city finance director David Reeves.

In recorded transcripts of a police interview, Rasmussen claimed he has a "memory like a piss ant," is "lousy" at keeping records of time, made a "stupid mistake," and had no "criminal intent."

Lt. Roy Butler's report states Rasmussen "should have caught the mistake when the weekly time cards were signed and turned in, or at the next opportunity when the monthly time sheets are submitted to him for review and signature."

Police probe into equipment theft

In a recorded interview, Det. Mike Molzahn asked Rasmussen for specifics about rumored equipment theft, specifically a city generator Rasmussen allegedly saw inside another employee's partly open vehicle trunk.

Rasmussen reportedly took pictures, had film developed at a one-hour developing facility and gave them to Newton in June 2003.

According to the report, Newton did not contact the police until September 2003 with a "laundry list of equipment that supposedly had been stolen, and that these pictures [of a generator in a car] were [supposed to be] proof," Molzahn said in the interview.

Items reportedly stolen over the last 12-18 months include used police vehicle tires, five-gallon cans full of gas, a hedge trimmer, pole saws, chain saws, weed eaters, blowers, hand tools and a generator. Gas was also reported siphoned from a city vehicle.

Rasmussen said department policy allows employees to borrow tools as long as they ask a supervisor. He also said he didn't know if the employee he accused of theft had permission to borrow the generator.

In the transcript of the interview with Butler and Molzahn, Newton said he told Rasmussen "just don't get me in the middle of this crap. I don't want nothing to do with it."

Newton said he did not confront the employee or the employee's supervisor about the generator because all the photo showed was a generator in a trunk. Newton said he had a green one at home that was similar.

Newton said he gave the photos to another supervisor who asked about a missing generator. He guessed the photos ended up with public works superintendent Steve Rommel, but said he didn't know how.

The generator "all of a sudden showed up at the end of October," Butler told Newton in the tape. "Magically, poof, it reappears. What kind of tool borrowing policy, whether written or unwritten, do you guys [have] down there?"

Newton said it is an accepted practice to go to a supervisor, ask to borrow something and take it home for a day or two.

"We kind of unofficially quit doing that a long time ago, but yeah, it's been a long time ago that's somebody's asked me," he said.

However, Shawn Scott, public works lead man under Newton, said the "unofficial" policy is not accurate.

Scott told Butler and Molzahn a memo came out "a year ago, a couple years probably, maybe three" that there "was no using of any or borrowing of any city equipment."

Scott also said he would be surprised to hear anyone did borrow things "because I know you're not supposed to borrow anything."

But Scott later said it is possible employees borrowed equipment because there's "policy and reality anywhere you go."

Police tires reportedly distributed

In the taped interview with Newton, Molzahn said one piece of "informant" information is that "several employees were stinging over a pile of police tires, the used tire pile, saying `okay, you guys all grab tires, we're taking some home tonight too, so you guys help yourselves.'"

Molzahn said there were 12-16 tires stored at the public works yard on SE Grace Ave. that still had some life left in them, but were not fully serviceable.

The tires were stored "in case we come in and somebody had slashed every tire on a patrol car and we needed tires right away," Molzahn told Newton.

Newton and Rasmussen denied taking tires and seeing or knowing about other employees taking them.

However, in a transcribed police interview, Scott said he took two tires to use on a utility trailer at his home. He said Newton was there with an employee, Dave Petty, who was "loading all that stuff."

"[Police tires] were supposed to be going to get thrown away...they were supposed to go to the dump is what I heard, and I threw them on an old trailer," Scott said.

The day after Scott's interview with police in November 2003, public works director Sam Adams sent a memo to Scott ordering him to return the tires.

According to Adams in the letter, two city resolutions state "No surplus property may be sold or given either directly or indirectly to city employees or members of their household. Fallen trees, construction debris or recyclable odds and ends and the like shall be deemed waste and disposed of in a manner the department head deems sufficient."

Police chief Ron Johnson said the equipment theft issue is still under investigation and more information will not be released until more charges, if any, are filed.

"POT" OPERATION FOUND IN RIDGEFIELD

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Acting on a tip, Ridgefield police officers served a search warrant Jan. 18 at 5054 Pioneer St., Ridgefield, and reportedly found a full-fledged marijuana growing and delivery operation.

Lee Roy Givart, 58, James L. Givart, 35 and Joseph R. Givart, 37, all of Ridgefield, were arrested and booked at the Clark County Jail on charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and unlawful use of a building for drug purposes.

Officers reportedly seized 22 mature marijuana plants with an estimated worth of $2,000 per plant for $44,000 total value, several grocery bags containing partially processed marijuana, packaging materials, scales, cash and other items associated with growing and distributing the drug.

Officers report the upstairs portion of the house was transformed to accommodate the active operation.

On the way to jail, Givart reportedly told an officer he knows it is wrong to grow marijuana, but that is how he makes his living.

Kalama police officers assisted in the arrest.

GOP GOVERNOR CANDIDATE IN WOODLAND

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Comments by a state senator from Issaquah who wants to govern Washington got standing applause Jan. 20 at a Woodland Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

Gubernatorial republican candidate Dino Rossi, representing the 5th District in East King County since 1996, said he will make tough decisions needed to eliminate a record $2.8 billion budget deficit.

Rossi said he attempted to balance the state budget while chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee and is committed to not raising taxes.

A third of the deficit can be corrected by saying "no," said Rossi. Another third can be erased by better use of funds and realistic reductions in expenditures, such as postponing scheduled purchases of $8.4 million worth of new state cars, he said.

Rossi said he learned that moderate Democrats, Independents and Republicans can work together to find a "philosophical majority" rather than a "political majority," and then do the right things for citizens.

The candidate pledged, if elected, to stimulate a business-friendly environment where children who grow up in the state will find jobs.

A hostile business climate in the state causes Boeing and other companies to look elsewhere, Rossi said.

Rossi said a survey shows 66 percent of citizens in the state believe leadership is on the wrong track. He said his confidence is buoyed because in California, Mississippi, Kentucky, Maryland, Vermont and Rhode Island, where 56 percent or more people had a similar opinion, a Republican replaced a Democrat governor.

Support for his candidacy is coming from Democrats and Independents as well as Republicans, said Rossi.

Rossi said he was cheered when retired Seattle Mariners player Jay Buhner agreed to support him. Buhner will appear with Rossi at a Tues., Feb. 10 dinner/photo reception fundraiser at the Heathman Lodge in Vancouver.

Rossi is married and lives with his wife and four children east of Bellevue. A graduate of Seattle University, Rossi is a commercial real estate broker.

Four other Republicans, three Democrats and one Independent have announced their intentions to run for governor.

The filing deadline for candidates is July 30, with the primary election slated for Sept. 14.

MISSING MAN FOUND DEAD IN POND

Clark County Sheriff's deputies looking for a missing person Jan. 19 found the body of Dean Allen Thomas, 37, inside a partially submerged pickup in a pond behind his Battle Ground residence.

According to a Sheriff's report, deputies responding to a 911 call at 3:30 p.m. from 6300 NE 239th St. learned that Thomas, who lived at the address with his mother, had been missing since 2 a.m. Family members told deputies that Thomas often tried to drive vehicles through a backyard pond. He would reportedly use a winch to remove a vehicle that didn't make it and try again.

Deputies found the pickup in the pond, with water just past the seat level. The water temperature was approximately 40 degrees.

After the truck was towed from the pond, the victim's body was removed and transported to the Clark County Medical Examiner's Office.

Medical Examiner spokesman Don Phillips said a toxicology report was ordered to determine the cause of death. He said such reports usually take four to six weeks.

STATE, COUNTY OFFICIALS SEEK ARSENIC

Environmental health workers visit homes

Bill Myers, staff reporter

State and Clark County health officials began knocking on doors Jan. 21 to test water from private wells in the northwest portion of the county for arsenic.

Officials are visiting homes of well owners in areas where recent well water tests have shown high levels of arsenic.

A campaign to identify arsenic locations began last fall when tests of private wells showed levels of arsenic at rates of 300 to 1,700 parts per billion (ppb).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set the safe standard for arsenic in drinking water at 10 ppb.

Clark County environmental health specialists offered free arsenic screening to 132 residents along Hayes, Cedar Creek and Munch roads in northwest Clark County. Responses from 52 residents were mapped.

Officials began knocking on doors last week, visiting residents who had not responded. They hope personal interviews and explanations will convince well owners to allow water tests.

Tepid response in Cowlitz County east of Woodland

Well owners east of Woodland in Cowlitz County are also encouraged to have wells tested for arsenic and report findings to environmental health specialist Cynthia Johnson at the Cowlitz County Building Department.

High levels of arsenic were recorded in an area near Hanson Rd. several years ago. Recent articles in The Reflector said area well owners can secure arsenic test kits for $35 from area Hi-School Pharmacy stores.

Johnson, who is tracking test results on a map, requests that findings be reported to her at (360) 577-3052.

Johnson said she has received test results from five well owners, all reporting tests under 10 ppb.

Johnson said one well owner said he knew that three other well owners would not report results. Johnson said she fears such unreported well tests might exceed safe arsenic levels.

Health officials in both counties said that public cooperation is critical to identifying locations of high arsenic concentrations.

Laboratory experiences

Carl Addy, owner of Addy Laboratories in Vancouver, said names and addresses of persons obtaining test results are kept confidential.

Addy said the highest arsenic level his laboratory found south of the North Fork of the Lewis River was 2,150 ppb.

Technicians at Addy Laboratories process Hi-School Pharmacy test kits and can also provide test kit samples directly to the laboratory at 2517 E Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver.

Addy said two persons obtaining tests declined to give addresses and may have used fictitious names.

"Emerging issue"

At a Jan. 20 meeting of the Clark County Health Advisory Council, environmental health director Lou Dooley described the arsenic problem in northwest Clark County as an "emerging issue" that needs to be clearly identified.

Dooley said state Department of Health workers oversee public water systems supplying 15 or more users.

He said county workers have oversight over two to 14-user water systems, but no government entity is charged with making sure individual wells are safe.

Utility weighs in

Creation of a public water district is a potential solution for affected well owners.

Clark Public Utilities water services manager Eric Beck said the utility has asked the state Department of Health to complete a scope of work to ascertain costs of testing a private well east of Woodland for flow volumes.

Area resident Dave Petersen, owner of the well, said he would help his neighbors if he could. Petersen said his well produces more than 100 gallons of water per minute.

Beck is hopeful the Health Department will provide a grant to pay for the test which will cost about $1,500.

Bottled water solution

Health officials urge well owners with high arsenic levels to switch immediately to bottled water.

Several well owners in Clark County east of Woodland have made the switch, including Bridge Rd. residents Danny and Sue Wilkerson.

The Wilkersons agreed to be interviewed, saying all area citizens need to be alerted to have water tested.

The Wilkersons said they were shocked last August when water from their 500-foot deep well tested for arsenic at 700 ppb.

Danny Wilkerson said the family uses 10-15 five-gallon bottles of water monthly for cooking. Pets drink bottled water too, said Sue Wilkerson.

Because a health official said bathing in water containing more than 500 ppb could present health risks, bottled water is used for bathing visiting grandchildren.

Danny Wilkerson said everyone needs to know the danger. At a recent meeting with health officials, he asked, "How many people are unknowingly allowing their kids to drink poison?"

Wilkerson's question is echoed by health officials who have heard from less than half of 132 well owners contacted in an area where deadly arsenic levels exist.

OBITS:

JULIE HALDEMAN

Julie Marie (Haag) Haldeman, 51, died Jan. 17, 2004 in Battle Ground.

Haldeman was born Jan. 7, 1953 in Seaside, OR, worked as a baker for Nabisco, and lived in Clark County her entire life, seven years in Battle Ground.

Haldeman enjoyed painting, sculpting and drawing. She liked needlework, reading, hiking and going to the ocean. She loved her three cats and watching Oprah.

Survivors include daughter Robyn Haldeman of Battle Ground, sisters Leslie Thorson of Oregon, and brothers Steve Haag and Glenn Haag, both of Battle Ground.

Memorial services will be held Sat., Jan. 31, 2 p.m., at Layne's Funeral Home Chapel, Battle Ground, with Layne's Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

ISAIAH RITOLA

Isaiah Ritola was stillborn Jan. 18, 2004 in Vancouver.

Survivors include parents Jonathan and Erica Ritola, at home in Battle Ground, sisters Sadie Pickering, Jaycee Ritola and Grace Ritola, all at home, grandparents David and Lorraine Ritola of Brush Prairie and Lowell and Dannie Mattix of Battle Ground, and great-grandmother Ethel Corrin of Vancouver.

Graveside services were held at Elim Cemetery, Brush Prairie, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

JACKIE MITCHELL

Jackie (Jack) Leonard Mitchell, 58, died Jan. 18, 2004 at home in Woodland.

Mitchell was born May 24, 1945 in Poteau, OK. He attended school in California. He served 20 years in the U. S. Navy beginning in 1963, earning rank of Senior Chief EB.

Mitchell worked as a parts and service director for an auto dealership in Jerome, Idaho, where he lived for 16 years. He later worked in real estate for Century 21 Cascade Pacific in Vancouver, and as a supervisor for the Portland Habilitation Center.

Mitchell enjoyed ballroom dancing, traveling, riding bicycles, and running. He also enjoyed visiting with his brothers and sisters. He attended St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Vancouver.

Mitchell built his dream home in Woodland.

Mitchell was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty, in 2000, father Samuel Mitchell, and brother Robert Mitchell. Survivors include widow Elizabeth (Beth) Mitchell, at home in Woodland, mother Juanita Mitchell of California, son James Mitchell of Vancouver, sisters Sammye McKim of Idaho, JoAnn Mick and Vicki Salmon, both of California, and Gale Morrison of Texas, brothers James Mitchell of Idaho, Rick Mitchell of Pennsylvania, and Mike Mitchell, Peter Mitchell and Chuck Mitchell, all of California, and two grandchildren.

The Woodland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.