MIELKE NAMED TO GAMBLING COMMISSION

State Rep. Tom Mielke has been appointed to the state Gambling Commission by Speaker of the House Frank Chopp.

Mielke replaced for Rep. Cheryl Pflug.

"I'm very honored to be appointed to this position," said Mielke. "I look forward to working with the commission to ensure that gambling establishments in our state comply with the law."

Mielke joins three other members of the legislature who serve as ex officio members of the Commission. They do not vote except for actions taken on tribal gaming compacts.

The state collects a Business and Occupation tax on gambling, while cities and counties can impose direct gambling taxes. Licensed gambling establishments paid nearly $44 million in local gambling taxes in the 12 months ended June 30.

Mielke can be reached at (360) 786-7850, and 608-6201.

INJURED ARMY MAN RECEIVES PURPLE HEART

Army sergeant Jeremey Wellman of Brush Prairie received the Purple Heart award Feb. 8 for injuries suffered in the line of duty in Iraq.

Wellman, a practical nurse, was one of 10 Army personnel to receive the Purple Heart in ceremonies held in Vancouver.

Major General Lawrence Johnson, commander of the 70th Regional Readiness Command, presided over the ceremony.

Wellman said he would like to return to Iraq to continue the work he was doing.

Wellman is a member of the 915 Forward Surgical Team, an Army Reserve unit stationed at Fort Vancouver.

The unit consists of about 20 people who are doctors, nurses, operating room technicians and medics.

The unit arrived in Iraq in April 2003, and had moved to a base in Balad. On July 3 at about 10 p.m., three motor shells exploded in the vicinity, one hitting the camouflage netting hung over their unit.

The exploding shell injured 15-16 people. Six were flown to Germany for surgery. Wellman suffered shrapnel injuries to his legs, lower back and buttocks. Metal fragments remain in his body, he said.

Wellman returned home three weeks after the July 3 attack. He has also returned to work as a nurse at Southwest Washington Medical Center in Vancouver.

While in Iraq, Wellman's unit treated 10 surgical patients, he said, mostly Iraqi prisoners of war.

"I'd love to go back," said Wellman. "I like what we were doing over there. I'm very supportive of what was going on. I know what to expect. I could help."

Wellman said it's not likely his unit will return to Iraq because of vacant positions. "We're not a full unit," he said.

Wellman said he is considered applying for Special Forces in the National Guard, and could be assigned overseas again.

In the awards ceremony, held at Pearson Air Museum, two soldiers received both the bronze star and purple heart, and eight others received the purple heart.

Wellman and his wife, Samantha, and their son, Braeden, two months, live in Brush Prairie.

COURT REINSTATES ANNEXATION PROCEDURE; NEW BILLS PENDING

In a unanimous January decision, the Washington State Supreme Court has reinstated the petition method of annexing land into cities.

Legislative committee spokesman Jeff Hyman said the decision affirms previous state law under which annexation petitions could be filed with cities based on signatures of those owning 60 percent of the assessed value in the annexation area.

In 2002, the Supreme Court declared that method unconstitutional because it provided "special privilege" to owners of higher value lands over owners of lands of lesser value.

After some changes took place in court judges, the court agreed to rehear the case and, in late January, reversed its earlier decision.

Two other methods of annexation also exist in state law, said Hyman.

One method is by election in which 50 percent plus one of those who live in an annexation area vote in favor of the action.

The other method is by petition, requiring both 50 percent plus one of the assessed value, and 50 percent plus one of the registered voters in the area.

Hyman said several bills have been introduced into this session of the legislature that would add new annexation procedures.

Hyman said Rep. Jim Moeller (D-Vancouver) introduced a bill that would allow an annexation to take place through agreement between a city and a county, not requiring approval by those living or owning property in the annexation area.

Under this bill, if the two parties do not agree on annexation terms, the matter can be taken up in binding arbitration.

MACAW COMES HOME

Lucy was loose for about 24 hours before she returned home.

Lucy is a red Macaw, measuring about three feet from head to tail feathers.

Lucy escaped Feb. 10 while owner Andrea Sexton was moving Lucy from the cage in her home to an outside aviary.

Lucy disdained the aviary and flew into a nearby fir tree.

Worried about cold weather, Andrea Sexton summoned cat rescuer Tom Croley of Battle Ground who tried unsuccessfully to recover the bird.

Croley arrived at the scene after dark about 6:45 p.m. Spotlights revealed the red bird about 60 feet up in a tree.

Croley climbed the tree, only to discover that Lucy was actually in a contiguous tree which was too thin to climb.

Croley attempted to coax the bird onto a long pole. The bird was on the pole at first, but then flew away to yet another tree.

Croley suspended the effort after about three hours.

Lucy spent the night outside.

The next day, Dave Sexton attempted to entice Lucy to return home. At one point, Lucy flew toward Sexton but was scared off by the family dog.

Sexton climbed a tree himself and got within arms' reach of Lucy, but Lucy flew into taller trees.

Later in the day on Feb. 11, Andrea, fresh from the shower, stood on the deck, dropped her towel, and yelled, "Come home, Lucy, Come home, Lucy, Come home, Lucy."

Lucy obliged.

Lucy flew to the house, slid down the roof, tripped on the rain gutter, and landed on the deck.

"My wife just flashed her and Lucy came home," said Dave Sexton.

Lucy has strayed before, said Sexton, but has returned voluntarily to her cage.

Lucy is one of two Macaws in the Sexton home.

Dave Sexton said Macaws are sensitive to cold weather. Sexton was also worried because Lucy had not had anything to eat or drink for about 24 hours.

Croley, manager of Massie Glass in Battle Ground, specializes in rescuing cats from trees. He climbs trees using rope and rigging equipment.

Croley can be reached at 518-2727, and 687-2343.

Sexton owns Master Tech Automotive in Battle Ground.

COWLITZ PUD FACES INSURANCE PROBLEMS

Two of the insurance companies with policies covering the Swift No. 2 hydroelectric project owned by the Cowlitz County Public Utility District have denied coverage of damages caused by an embankment failure in April 2002.

The two companies have filed a lawsuit against the Utility asking the court to declare that there is no coverage.

The suit also asks that, if coverage is found to have existed at the time of the embankment failure, it is excess to insurance coverage provided by others.

A third company, Lloyd's of London, has acknowledged coverage, according to Utility officials.

The two companies denying coverage are Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange of Kansas, and TIG Insurance Company of Texas.

The two companies have also sued Lloyd's of London.

The suit denies that the embankment collapse is a covered peril. Sections of the insurance policy were cited in the suit, including provisions that list non-covered losses such as hidden defects, earth movement, and certain water losses.

The suit also alleges that the Utility was unable or unwilling to supply certain requested information.

The two companies together provided $100 million in property damage coverage to the Utility for Swift No. 2. Lloyd's of London provided $70 million in coverage.

Ron Worthington, director of customer services for the Cowlitz County Public Utility District, said Utility officials have had discussion with the two insurance companies since the embankment failure in 2002, and that this lawsuit is the first correspondence denying coverage.

The issue is to be heard in federal court in Tacoma. Worthington could not predict when the lawsuit would be heard.

Worthington said Lloyd's of London has not only acknowledged coverage, but paid about $20 million so far.

Worthington said the Lloyd's policy included business interruption insurance and the cost of replacement power. He declined to describe the nature of the coverages provided by the three companies or how they relate or overlap.

Worthington also declined to comment on how the two companies have filed a joint suit or otherwise worked together to deny coverage and file the lawsuit.

On April 21, 2002, an underground embankment failure sent a wall of water over SR-503 and through the plant powerhouse.

Utility general manager Dennis Robinson indicated disappointment in the two insurance companies' decision to deny coverage and simultaneously sue without any discussion with the Utility. He said the Utility would continue to pursue coverage and will file a response to the lawsuit within the next few weeks.

HAZEL DELL BUSINESS GROUP UNEASY ABOUT ANNEXATION

Annexation issues dominated a meeting of the Hazel Dell Salmon Creek Business Association Feb. 11.

Those attending heard from Bob Bandarra, manager of the Hazel Dell Sewer District, on the perils of the city of Vancouver annexing some or all of the Hazel Dell area and taking over the Sewer District.

Association president Casey Collins took a straw vote on the choice between annexation of Hazel Dell into Vancouver versus the creation of a new city. None of the 35 people present favored annexation; most but not all favored a new city.

Bandarra said Vancouver officials have said they want to annex the territory within their urban growth boundary.

That boundary extends northward through most of the Hazel Dell and Salmon Creek areas, and continues irregularly to the Clark County Fairgrounds.

Bandarra said state law gives Vancouver the authority to assume control of the Hazel Dell Sewer District following annexation.

The District currently serves areas inside and outside of the Vancouver Urban Growth Boundary, providing service to Battle Ground and Hockinson as well as the general Hazel Dell and Salmon Creek areas.

Bandarra argued against annexation, noting that the Hazel Dell District provides service at less cost than Vancouver.

"We believe the city wants to take over our utility service," said Bandarra.

Clark County owns the Salmon Creek Treatment Plant, said Bandarra, who took over leadership of the District about eight months ago.

Bandarra said the Sewer District pays all the bills, while the County operates the plant. He said the District has asked Clark County to turn the plant over to the Sewer District. The County has refused; Bandarra said District officials will ask again.

Bandarra said some efficiencies could be realized if the District operated the plant or at least staffed an oversight team. "We want operational input," said Bandarra.

Bandarra said District officials will again ask Battle Ground to support transfer of the plant to the District.

Battle Ground city manager Eric Holmes said the question of plant ownership involves a larger policy issue. "What is the most efficient way to protect our ratepayers," questioned Holmes.

Battle Ground pays about 18 percent of the current debt of the Hazel Dell Sewer District, along with monthly fees.

Bandarra will meet with the Battle Ground city council on Mon., Feb. 23, 7 p.m., to continue plant ownership discussions.

Expansion planned

Bandarra said planning is underway for another expansion of the treatment plant.

Plant capacity was expanded from 7.4 to 10.3 million gallons a day in 1995, and will be expanded to 16.3 million gallons a day by 2007, he said.

Battle Ground uses about 18 percent of plant capacity, said Bandarra, pays about 18 percent of the operating costs, and will pay about 18 percent of the expansion cost.

Pete Capell, who heads the Clark County Public Works Department, said an alternative to plant expansion is the use of available capacity at Vancouver's westside plant.

Regional facility

Consideration is being given to the creation of a regional authority for wastewater treatment, said Bandarra. Such an entity could operate both the Salmon Creek and Vancouver plants.

Holmes cited the economies of scale in having a regional authority operate treatment plants in Vancouver, Hazel Dell and perhaps Ridgefield. He said connection and service area matters should remain local.

Capell said a study is underway on the disposition of the Salmon Creek Plant.

Capell said the most viable options are the creation of a regional entity for treatment only, or the status quo.

The next step, said Capell, is a technical and financial analysis of a regional entity. All cities and agencies are interested, he said.

Such an entity would be for treatment only, not collection, he said.

Transfer of the plant to the Hazel Dell Sewer District is unlikely, he said.

More annexation discussion

"Vancouver wants to go north," said Collins. "Hazel Dell seems to be in their sights."

"This is the only venue in our area to discuss these issues," added Collins.

Voters turned down a new city proposal in 1996.

MORAN SELLS BG AUTO PARTS STORE

Chuck and Karen Moran have sold Battle Ground Auto Parts to the NAPA Corporation, and plan to pursue other interests.

Chuck Moran, 56, said he intends to build hot rods and custom cars after taking some time off to travel.

Moran purchased Battle Ground Auto Parts 15 years ago. Over the years, he expanded the store from 1,900 square feet to 4,500 square feet. Health issues, he said spurred the sale, primarily leg and back trouble.

Moran began learning the automotive business by working in an auto repair shop owned by his father in Spokane. He has constructed several cars for himself, he said.

While he has used other shops to fabricate metal parts in the past, Moran now plans to acquire fabrication equipment and do that work himself. He plans to eventually open a business location.

NAPA currently offers the business for sale. Inquiries can be addressed to the NAPA Distribution Center in Portland.

Moran said he will continue to co-sponsor the Harvest Days Car Show, in conjunction with Dick's Tire Factory, Mike's Import Repair, and Art Morse Auto Repair. He plans to continue to live in Battle Ground.

Moran said his wife, Karen, hopes to realize a long-held dream of owning a florist shop.

Mary Webster will continue to manage Battle Ground Auto Parts; Moran will retain an office in the same building.

LA CENTER DEBATES TRIBE ACCORD

Council member claims threat. Public meeting set March 2

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Proposed talks with Cowlitz Indian tribal leaders had La Center city council members debating next moves at a Feb. 11 meeting.

After mayor Jim Irish and city attorney Daniel Kearns said tribal leaders offered to meet with city officials and La Center card room owners, council member Richard Curtis said he was threatened by tribal leader Dave Barnett at a Feb. 10 Clark County hearing.

Curtis said Barnett threatened him just before County commissioners heard testimonies about a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the tribe and County.

Curtis alleged that Barnett said that if Curtis did not support the County agreement, there would be no MOU with the city of La Center. Curtis said another La Center resident witnessed the incident.

Because of Barnett's comments, "I felt that it was in the City of La Center's best interest for me not to testify," said Curtis.

Curtis said the city should write to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Department of Interior about such "strong arm" tactics. Curtis said depositions from him and the citizen who witnessed Barnett's comment should be enclosed with the letters.

Council member Linda Tracy said she found tribal leader John Barnett's tone at the hearing "threatening."

Council member Dale Smith, after hearing from the city attorney that an MOU is a binding document, said he believes council members should form a committee and proceed with negotiations.

Early in the meeting, Kearns said tribal leaders suggested that La Center card room owners be involved in discussions in an effort to form a collaborative arrangement, perhaps involving shuttles to and from facilities.

Curtis said, "I see this as a stall, stall, stall!"

Irish and council members agreed to hear concerns and opinions from La Center citizens about provisions that should be in an agreement with the tribe.

The mayor scheduled a public meeting for Tues., March 2, 6 p.m., at the La Center Community Center, 1000 E. 4th St. Information telephone number is 263-2782.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Parents of eighth grade students in the Battle Ground School District attended the first of seven forums Feb. 5 being held to explain new state-mandated graduation requirements.

The class of 2008 will be the first class affected by the changes.

In four years and beyond, graduating seniors will be required to earn a certificate of mastery, complete a culminating project, and create a plan for what they will do immediately after high school. Plans for the new requirements were set in motion in 1993 when state legislators passed House Bill 1209, the Education Reform Act of Washington State.

Legislators said the rationale behind the Bill was that students must be prepared to live and work in a world of constant change and innovation.

Primarily, the state's reform effort concentrates on three areas to help boost student academic achievement: setting standards, measuring student progress through testing, and keeping schools accountable to meeting academic expectations.

According to Dr. Terry Bergeson, state superintendent of public instruction, the idea behind tighter requirements is to respond to a changing world.

"Today's graduates require skills and knowledge we couldn't begin to imagine even 10 years ago," Bergeson said. "We've gone beyond asking our students to learn and remembers facts, to requiring them to apply what they learn and become critical thinkers."

Prairie High School principal Greg Parcher said the new requirements make sense when viewed from a global perspective.

"Compared to other countries, we're slipping," Parcher said. "[The new requirements] will help raise our academic standards and help students begin to define who they are when they graduate."

District administrator Linda Azcarate walked some 45 parents through specifics of the new requirements at the meeting. Requirements include the following:

** Certificate of mastery.

To obtain the certificate, graduating seniors must pass four sections of the 10th grade WASL test--reading, writing, listening and mathematics. Science may be added in future years.

Opportunities to retake all or sections of the WASL will be available to juniors and seniors who do not meet standards. Special testing accommodations will be provided to students with disabilities and other special needs;

** Culminating project.

An integrated learning project will be required to help students understand the connection between what they do during their high school career and how it connects with post high school goals.

The culminating project is being piloted by classes in Battle Ground high schools this year;

** Diploma and beyond plan.

Students must lay out a plan for meeting high school graduation requirements and what they expect to do the year after graduation. The plan will be considered part of the culminating project;

** Meet class credit requirements.

Students must pass classes in English, math, science (including one lab), social studies, health and fitness, visual or performing arts, occupational education and electives for a total of 22 credits.

Parents who attended the first meeting appeared to support the new requirements.

Battle Ground parent Phil Virgin's third child will be affected by the changes. Specifically, Virgin was glad to hear the "Diploma and beyond plan" will be integrated into the culminating project.

"Overall, [the new requirements] sound like they provide better educational tools for the kids," Virgin said. "If you put the bar higher, the kids will rise to the challenge."

Brush Prairie parent Marcia Anderson said she liked what she was hearing, but wasn't sure if the changes would translate to stricter requirements.

"I'm not sure if a lot will be changed," Anderson said. "That concerns me. It sounds like re-labeling of what's already happening."

Eighth grade students Abraham Mendez and Ben Bunn, who attend Pleasant Valley Middle School, are part of the first class affected by the new requirements.

They said passing the WASL tests did not bother them, but they are concerned the culminating project will take time away from regular class work.

Meetings were also held Feb. 9 and 12 at Maple Grove Middle School and CAM.

Additional meetings will be held Mon., Feb. 23 at Homelink River, 2204 NE Birch, Camas, Tues., March 2 at Lewisville Middle, 1008 W Main St., Battle Ground, and Thurs., March 18 at Amboy Middle, 22115 NE Chelatchie

Rd., Amboy. All meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.

For more information about new graduation requirements, contact school principals or guidance counselors, District communication consultant Kelly Keister at 904-1233 or assistant superintendent Diana Gilsinger at 885-5338.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Foundations are nothing new at university levels, say education officials. But finding them at K-12 public schools is relatively new.

Foundations are similar to parent-teacher associations and booster clubs, say officials, but different in that they provide less hands-on activity within schools. Mostly, Foundations concentrate on raising money for programs and services not funded by regular school funding mechanisms.

Hockinson School District parents and community members created a Foundation in 2001.

Battle Ground has had one since 1994.

La Center has had "a grassroots" scholarship organization since about 1968, say Foundation representatives, although La Center's was made formal in 1990.

Ridgefield and Woodland school districts are currently without Foundations, but officials from both districts say parents and community members have discussed a need.

Just getting started in Hockinson

Hockinson parent Rich Carson, who heads the Clark County Department of Community Development, is the newest trustee on the Hockinson Public Schools Foundation. He said Foundations are meeting a niche in the complex issue of providing funding for public schools.

"Foundations are a fairly recent phenomena," Carson said, "but most schools are getting them now. They can do a lot of good for students and communities."

Carson said the Hockinson Foundation budget is some $25,000 annually. Foundation trustees are interested in creating an endowment--invested money from which only interest is spent.

The interest will be spent on scholarships, new technology, field trips, staff training, and classroom grants for special needs.

Hockinson Foundation president Jim VanNatta, who owns and runs Hockinson Market, said one main project the Foundation has worked on so far are brick-pavers on the east side of the high school. Pavers can be purchased and engraved.

Another fundraising activity was hosting an annual golf tournament which produced about $3,000 in 2003, VanNatta said.

VanNatta said the group welcomes donations in several formats including corporate gifts, wills, memorials, life insurance, trust, real estate, stocks and bonds, and payroll deductions.

Trustees hope to have scholarships available in two years--in time for this year's sophomores to graduate.

Several uses in Battle Ground

Battle Ground Educational Foundation president Nancy Anderson, who works at Maple Grove Primary School, said schools and students in the Battle Ground area are reaping the rewards of 10 years of Foundation giving.

The Battle Ground Foundation provides money to five main areas in the District: two funds help low-income students purchase clothes and school supplies, a teacher's award program, classroom grants and a Principal's Checkbook, which gives about $250 to each District principal to use on school-related activities.

The Foundation raises money several ways including receiving donations, Albertsons partnership cards, automatic payroll deductions from District staff members, a memorial fund for deceased teacher Donna Mower-Hampton, and partnerships with area churches and service groups.

District administrator Marty Crisp, who tracks expenses, said the Foundation has also received several sizeable endowment funds over the years including $94,000 from the late Helen Eaton, $16,000 from Robbie Agard, and $3,300 from the Battle Ground High School class of 1953.

Crisp said a current need is for someone to develop a web page.

Provide scholarships in La Center

The La Center Community Scholarship Foundation is a branch of the federal organization called Scholarship America. The affiliation enables the Foundation to facilitate and administer scholarships from a variety of organizations and donors.

La Center's Foundation focuses its efforts solely on providing scholarships, said president Joan Wolverton. In 2003, students reaped $14,200 in scholarship money, which included $10,000 from a casino fund, $3,000 from the Foundation's endowment and several memorial gifts.

Overall, the Foundation has about $50,000-$60,000 in an endowment which is managed by the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington.

Wolverton said the Foundation has been involved in a variety of fundraisers over the years including a cookbook sale, art auctions, sales of art, gifts and donations, and state grants.

For more information about the Hockinson Foundation, contact Jim VanNatta, 892-1054, or online:

hock.k12.wa.us/foundation.pdf

For more information about the Battle Ground Foundation, contact Marty Crisp, 885-5382 or e-mail:

crisp.marty@bgsd.k12.wa.us

* For more information about the La Center Foundation, contact Joan Wolverton, 263-2713 or Linda Gwinn, 263-2495.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Clark Public Utilities will construct a new water reservoir at 21708 NE 259th St. But exactly when the project will be built is unknown.

An application for the development is currently under review by Clark County officials.

Utility spokesman Mick Shutt said a 500,000 reservoir, water lines and a stormwater facility is planned for the site. The new system will replace a 112,000 reservoir east of Heisson.

Shutt said anticipated area construction is prompting the need for a beefier system.

The new system is not needed immediately, Shutt said, but utility representatives want to have paperwork in place ahead of time. No timeline is set for development.

Design and estimated costs are also uncertain, Shutt said, but the system may look like a similarly-sized facility on Finn Hill Rd. in Venersborg near the Finn Hill Rock Quarry.

Some citizens say $55 million is not enough

Marcus Brotherton, Staff reporter

Hammering out details for a final bond proposal proved a difficult task Feb. 10 for Battle Ground School Board members.

Members ended a lengthy meeting by creating six options for a final proposal.

Narrowing down from six to one final proposal is expected to happen at the next Board meeting Tues., Feb. 24. A bond is tentatively set go to area voters May 18.

What complicated the Board's decision was an influx of information gathered from six public forums held over several months.

District staff melded the additional input together with a prior recommendation from a bond committee made up of citizens and District staff. Committee members began work on their proposal last August and presented it to the Board in December.

Options now range from accepting the bond committee's recommendation as given, to accepting the proposal with the citizens' input as given, or various combinations of the two, to one proposal which raises the highest figure by $2 million to buy more land in Amboy.

Board member Karen Lehman said she arrived at the meeting expecting to "rubber stamp" the bond committee's recommendation, but assimilating new information from the forums required more work.

At stake is some $9 million that may added to the committee's original recommendation of $54.9 million.

If agreed upon by Board members, new totals could push final figures to $64.1 million coming from area taxpayers, with $37 million coming from the state for an overall proposal of $101.1 million.

Some citizens say the new amount is too high and area voters will never approve that much. Others say the amount is too low and will not solve problems that need to be addressed in area schools

Who proposed what?

District spokesperson Kelly Keister said a lot of diverse people and ideas have come together to bring the bond proposal as far as it is now.

On the bond committee are long-time District parents, parents new to the District, a high school student, patrons without children, retired citizens, business representatives, teachers, District staff and principals.

About 200 people attended the forums, with about one-half of those being District patrons, the rest bond committee members, District employees and Board members. Keister said several hundred responses were also received from a survey mailed to area voters spring 2002.

The bond committee's original recommendation calls for the following:

** Two new K-8 schools to be built for $45.2 million, one likely on the Cresap property on NW 112th Ave. in Battle Ground, and the other possibly on the Mint Fields site at NE 199th St.

The first school could be occupied by fall 2006, the second by fall 2007;

** Replace the lower building at Amboy Middle School for $11.5 million.

Built in 1947, Amboy Middle is the oldest building in the District. Latest upgrades were made in 1983. District officials say the building has heating and cooling and structural issues that cannot be fixed with a simple renovation;

** Purchase 10 acres of land near Amboy for a future high school for $700,000;

** Remodel Laurin Middle School for $10.5 million.

Laurin was built in 1965 with additions made in 1979. Laurin currently has no cafeteria or commons;

** Study what to do with Lewisville Middle and Chief Umtuch Primary sites.

Committee members said the campuses need attention immediately, but the issue of what to do is still too complicated to make a decision. For example, one idea calls for demolishing the schools, selling the land and building new schools away from the center of the city;

** Replace the track and roof and refurbish the auditorium at Prairie High School for $2.6 million. Prairie High School was built in 1979;

** Remodel Battle Ground High School stadium and add 1,000 seats for $1.8 million;

** Upgrade technology infrastructures for $2 million at schools not receiving remodels, and;

** Upgrade heating and cooling systems for $2.4 million at schools not being remodeled.

Project costs include design fees, taxes, permits, document production, engineering, reviews, advertising, furnishings, equipment and contingencies.

Input from community members added two projects to the bond committee's original recommendations.

The first is to construct a commons area and four classrooms at Amboy Middle school for about $3.1 million more.

The second is a proposal to not simply study what sort of work is needed at Lewisville Middle and Chief Umtuch Primary schools (as was recommended by the bond committee), but to go ahead and fund a remodel of both facilities, with 16 added classrooms. The additional work will cost about $5.1 million more.

Various options for drama additions at Battle Ground High School were also presented.

Balancing needs, wishes and voter approval

Bond committee members were given the chance to address Board members at the Feb. 10 meeting.

Several advocated leaving the committee's original proposal as is, saying the proposal reflects several months of research.

Committee member Lori Benson said she is concerned that the dollar amounts shown in the new proposal are higher than what the committee originally aimed for. Committee members wanted to keep the bond around $50 million.

Committee member Lou Maurina said although he voted in favor of the committee's original proposal, both that and the new proposal are too low and more classroom space is needed than proposed. He advocated a bond in the $120-$130 million range, but doubts area voters will ever pass that amount.

"[The current proposals] will not do the job," Maurina said. "When the last nail is driven, we'll have to have almost the same thing all over again."

Committee member Alex Mintz warned Board members that Battle Ground voters do not have a strong history of supporting school bonds.

Mintz was also on the Battle Ground Levy committee and reminded Board members of the slim margin (about 44 votes) by which the levy passed.

"We have to prioritize," Mintz said. "I think anything over $50 million is death."

Board member Fred Striker said he recognizes voters' hesitance toward larger dollar amounts, but encouraged the Board to lean toward the $64 million mark.

"I don't think what we're asking for is sufficient," Striker said. "If we don't go out for what we really need in the next five years, what's going to happen?"

Board member David Sonntag said he is leaning toward the $64 million mark as well.

"It's tough to pass a bond measure of any amount," Sonntag said. "But [the higher amount] is more what's needed in the future."

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Tamara Markegard walked halfway across the westbound lane of E Main St. in Battle Ground and stopped. She held up a yellow and orange flag with a blinking strobe light on its end.

Vehicles in three of the four lanes paused while high school students traversed the street.

In the fourth lane, a souped-up Civic screeched to a halt in front of Markegard and revved its engine. The driver, a young man, offered a jaunty salute.

"That happens every once in a while," Markegard said. "The driver's just teasing me. But it's really not that funny."

Markegard has worked as a crossing guard for the Battle Ground School District for six years. She estimates she helps 400 people cross the street daily.

School officials are currently working to increase the visibility and safety of the District's guard program. If Markegard could tell people one thing about her job it would be to "think safety," she said.

Not just students use the service. Any pedestrians crossing E Main St. between 7-8:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m.-noon and 2-3:45 p.m. benefit from the District's guards. Markegard helps a 98-year-old woman get to a bus stop every morning.

"Mostly, I'm just trying to get people safely across the street," Markegard said. She thought for a moment and grinned. "That, and I want to live to see the end of the day myself."

"Safety is always a concern when it comes to getting children safely to and from school," District facilities director Kevin Jolma said. "It's particularly tough when it's dark outside, or weather's rainy or foggy."

Jolma worked with Battle Ground city officials and police officers throughout the first weeks of 2004 to boost safety at area school crosswalks.

Installing strobe lights on the guard's hand-held stop signs has helped, Jolma said. Some areas of crosswalk striping have been repainted. The city has installed bright green and yellow school zone signs. Police are making extra patrols through spring months.

"The community feedback has been very positive," Jolma said. "We all benefit from increased safety."

One continual concern, Jolma said, is having traffic slow down in school zones, especially on E Main St. in front of the high school.

Vehicles must slow to 20 mph in school zones when children are present. State law defines "present" as whenever school children are within a marked crosswalk or at the curb or shoulder of a road within a posted school speed limit zone.

On E Main St., the zone extends from just west of MacDonalds to the Battle Ground Community Library.

Part of the community

"Crossing guards are an important part of our community," said District transportation specialist Brenda Lester.

"They perform an extremely vital job."

Some school districts use school-age children as crossing guards, but Battle Ground employs only adults. The decision was made several years ago after research showed adult guards were more visible, more decisive and all-around safer, Lester said.

The District employs 13 guards and two pedestrian monitors who walk children through some streets around Maple Grove Primary School. Guards earn $10.54-$12.21 per hour.

Lester said community members largely recognize and value guards, sometimes bringing them coffee and donuts. One lady knitted caps for all the guards a few years ago because she thought they looked cold.

Crossing guard Tim Spence was formally recognized at a recent District board meeting for the role he plays within the community.

Spence, a retired insurance agent who has worked as a guard the past five years, was credited with saving the lives of two high school students. The students wished to remain anonymous, but said they didn't know what they'd do without Spence.

On a morning with heavy traffic in mid-January, the students were about half-way across E Main St. when a truck driver ignored Spence's stop sign and roared through the crosswalk.

Spence saw the truck coming and used his flag to turn the students around in the nick of time.

"The truck just whizzed by," Spence said. "It was a few feet away but would have hit [the students] if they had kept going."

Spence said he enjoys his job, especially being outside. He has a comfortable pair of boots and several rain suits.

COUNTY MAY SELL RAILROAD

Contract "surprise" forces negotiation

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

An obscure paragraph in a lease contract written in 1994 has the potential to derail dinner train and freight service plans for the Clark County-owned Chelatchie Prairie Railroad.

The 10-year-old contract between the County and the Lewis and Clark Railway Company (LINC) gave the company the option to buy the 33-mile railroad when the lease ended Jan. 31, 2004.

According to County railroad coordinator Steve Schulte, LINC official Ed Bernsten submitted a proposal to buy the rail line about 5 p.m., Jan. 30.

"It came as a complete surprise to us," Schulte said. "But we're legally obligated to go through and honor the contract provision."

The contract was approved by then commissioners David Sturdevant, Busse Nutley and John Magnano, County attorney Curt Wyrick and then County central services manager Doug Johnston.

In the contract, County officials granted the "operator the exclusive right to purchase the project line for a price and under such terms as may be negotiated at the time of sale."

According to Johnston, now the director of general services for the County, the option-to-buy provision is not unusual.

"It's very common," he said. "A municipality doesn't always want to be responsible for a railroad. Government isn't traditionally involved in the railroad business."

Schulte said current commissioners and staff, who were not involved in approving the original lease, called an immediate executive session after receiving Bernsten's offer.

"The commissioners sent a letter setting parameters to consider selling," Schulte said. "We're going through due process to set a bare minimum price. [The company] has to prove financial capability and submit a written commitment to purchase. If they can do that, we'll continue."

Schulte declined to name the price proposed by the County. He said LINC officials have until Feb. 18 to respond.

When reached for comment, Bernsten, operator and manager for LINC, would only say that he did submit a proposal to buy the line and declined to name the price given by County officials or why he waited until the last minute.

"No interest in selling," railroad plans roll on

Despite the thrown switch, negotiations are still on track to work toward restoring freight service and a dinner train concept with The Spirit of Washington and Columbia Basin Railroad, as well as letting a volunteer railroad group continue seasonal excursions on the north line.

Anticipating expiration of the Lewis & Clark lease on Jan. 31, as well as the Battle Ground, Yacolt and Chelatchie Prairie Railroad (BYCX) lease, County officials sent out a request last September for proposals from short line railroad operators across the nation who would be interested in running freight and/or passenger services.

The Battle Ground, Yacolt, Chelatchie Prairie Railroad volunteer group opted to exercise their first right of renewal and are in negotiations with County officials for an interim lease.

LINC officials did not respond to the request for a proposal, Schulte said, thereby letting their lease lapse.

Eastern Washington-based Columbia Basin Railroad was the finalist, expressing an interest in running the freight line as well as proposing a dinner train by Seattle area Spirit of Washington railroad, owned by Eric Temple.

County officials are currently working out interim lease arrangements with Temple to move freight before moving to a binding contract regarding dinner train and track upgrade work.

Rail freight service was to begin Feb. 1 with Columbia Basin, but a delay in shipping a diesel engine from eastern Washington as well as in obtaining federal Surface Transportation Board approval have put the service off until possibly late February, Schulte said.

Although LINC was supposed to provide service until Jan. 31, they quit mid-month before the contract expired because they couldn't afford the insurance, Schulte said.

According to Schulte, LINC officials asked permission to operate trains without insurance.

"The County said `no' for risk management reasons," Schulte said, such as a car versus train accident or a railroad worker injury that may leave the County liable.

The railroad service hauled plastic pellets to Andersen's Dairy in Battle Ground and occasionally picked up a load of pipe along the line, Schulte said. Less than 100 cars per year were moved.

Left without freight service, dairy officials are using truck services to get goods until rail service is restored, Schulte said. County officials are keeping the company updated on negotiations and timelines.

LINC's offer to buy the rail line has not stopped plans to continue with Temple's proposal, Schulte said, adding that Temple is in agreement and still desires to set up a dinner train and freight service.

"Historically, the Board [of commissioners] has had no interest in selling the railroad," Schulte said. "They value the railroad highly for the potential it brings as a railroad corridor as well as non-railway for economic development, and are excited about the future."

"We have some obligation to the current proposers," Schulte added. "We can't abandon the process they went through. And we're still really excited about Columbia Basin Railroad and the dinner train concept and prospects."

TEMPLE PLANS STILL ON TRACK

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Railroad operator Eric Temple is moving forward with plans to bring rail freight service and a dinner train to Clark County.

Temple is the owner of the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train in the Seattle area, and partner in his family-owned Columbia Basin Railroad in eastern Washington.

Temple is currently working out an interim lease agreement for the freight side of the 33-mile County-owned Lewis and Clark Railroad that runs from Chelatchie Prairie to the Lakeshore area.

When the agreement is established, Temple and County officials can move forward in negotiations for a dinner train concept, track upgrades and economic development, said County railroad coordinator Steve Schulte.

Temple hopes to recruit new freight-shipping businesses along the corridor to promote economic development.

Although Temple's first move is to secure rights to operate freight business from the federal Surface Transportation Board, he already hired an architect to draw a conceptual design of a tourism center/central boarding place for a dinner train in Hazel Dell.

Temple's vision focuses on vacant, County-owned land on NE 78th Ave. between St. Johns and Andresen roads near the County public works operations center.

The drawing shows a community gathering place, three-story, railroad-theme hotel to accommodate receptions and corporate events, retail areas for photos and souvenirs, and a clock tower that could be seen from I-5 and I-205. A canopy would protect passengers next to the train.

Schulte said the concept "seems to fit pretty well" and "has all the makings" for a depot and community center because of excellent road access and no grade crossings.

However, County officials have final say in the property's eventual sale or lease, he said.

"We'll cross that bridge if we come to it," Schulte said.

Temple also hopes to build a winery, conference center and amphitheater as a dinner train destination in Chelatchie Prairie.

"Of greatest interest is the dinner train concept," Schulte said. "I suspect [Temple] will shift [to that] once other significant issues are resolved."

BOMBARDIER EXAMINATION STILL ON

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

An investigation into misconduct by Ridgefield city manager Randy Bombardier continues.

Bombardier is accused of interfering in a state Department of Ecology and federal Environmental Protection Agency investigation into alleged improper removal of lead-based paint from the front of city hall in June 2002.

Eileen Lawrence, council-appointed attorney handling the case, is specifically looking into employee complaints and allegations about Bombardier regarding possible retaliation and violation of whistleblower protection laws.

Lawrence said she expects the probe to wrap up by early March.

After a Jan. 22 executive session, Ridgefield city council members hired Lawrence to head the internal investigation.

Council also directed that Bombardier is not to act as the city's spokesperson for the state-led environmental investigation and suspended some of his supervisory duties over city staff.

Bombardier was also directed to hire his own attorney, not discuss the investigation

with anyone other than law enforcement, and to preserve any city files and records that may be pertinent to the investigation.

Newly-elected mayor Gladys Doriot said council members have not received information yet about any findings.

"I really don't know how it's going," she said. "I just know that it's ongoing."

NICKEL TAX FLOWS TO I-5/SR-502 INTERCHANGE, OTHER PROJECTS

State sets open house to review ramp plans

Bill Myers, staff reporter

A state Department of Transportation official said Feb. 3 that a $34.7 million interchange at I-5 and NE 219th St. (SR-502) is one of several projects funded by the new 5-cent gasoline tax.

Addressing the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council, Transportation spokesman Glenn Schneider said the state agency hopes to accelerate the interchange project to ease congestion during amphitheater events.

The interchange will provide a direct connection from I-5 to the Battle Ground area.

Transportation specialists say it will also improve mobility and safety along the interstate at the confluence at I-5 and I-205 south of NE 179th St.

Transportation project manager Chuck Rehsenberger said preliminary engineering work and environmental assessments at the proposed site are underway.

Environmental studies on selected configuration alternatives will be completed in 2004 and 2005.

Schneider said right-of-way purchases, scheduled originally for 2005, could begin soon. The state plans to award a construction contract in fall 2006, and officials have a fall 2008 completion goal.

Transportation officials will host an open house Thurs., March 25, 6-8 p.m., in the Battle Ground High School cafeteria, to show diagrams of the I-5/NE 219th St. project. Information telephone is 759-1310.

NE 219th St. widening partially funded

The gas tax provides $15 million for preliminary engineering and right-of-way acquisitions to widen NE 219th St. from I-5 to Battle Ground. No allocation was made from the "nickel fund" to pay for construction.

A recent effort by Battle Ground city councilman Bill Ganley to speed up funding of NE 219th St. and SR-503 to the SR-500 corridor improvements failed.

During a December Regional Transportation Council (RTC) meeting, Ganley followed a recommendation by an RTC staff advisory committee to designating both routes "Highways of Statewide Significance."

Ganley's motion died without a second or support from other RTC members.

Clark County commissioners, all members of the RTC board, followed a recommendation of County staff members and didn't support the designations because state law exempts Highways of Statewide Significance from local concurrency ordinances.

An exemption would prevent County officials from charging project developers for signals or other roadway improvements needed because of increased traffic.

Other projects

Throughout the state, the 5- cent gas tax will fund $4.2 billion for "nickel projects," including $211 million of work in Clark County.

Other projects funded in the County by the tax include:

** SR-500/NE 112th Ave. Interchange, $23.3 million. Construction is underway, with completion set for June 2005;

** Widening of I-5 to three lanes from NE 99th St. to the junction of I-205 and replacement of I-5 bridges over Salmon Creek and NE 129th St., and widening of northbound I-5 off-ramp to NE 134th St., $34 million. Construction is underway, with completion targeted for December 2006;

** New ramp to NE 112th Ave. from the westbound Mill Plain Blvd. loop off of northbound I-5, $12 million. Preliminary engineering work is underway. Right-of-way acquisition is targeted for 2005, with construction in 2006 and 2007;

** I-5/NE 134th St. interchange work will eliminate one traffic signal on NE 134th St. and relocate I-5 and I-205 ramps. Existing Salmon Creek Park and Ride will be moved to a larger site on the west side of I-5, $40 million.

Preliminary engineering is underway, with right-of-way purchases to begin in 2009. Construction set for 2011, with completion in 2013.

Clark County will partner on I-5/NE 134th St. project with another $40 million of work, including construction of a NE 139th St. overpass and improvements at NE 23rd Ave., Hwy. 99, NE 10th Ave., and the I-205 ramps; and

** Vancouver Rail project will add new rail bypass tracks through Vancouver rail yard and construct a vehicle/pedestrian access at W 39th St. in Vancouver, $53 million.

Environmental impact statement is complete. Construction is targeted for 2007.

Officials mull traffic dilemma

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Luxury buses could ease traffic congestion during venues at the Amphitheater at Clark County.

Members of an Amphitheater Traffic Discussion Group discussed the use of such buses during a Feb. 9 meeting as state, county and Amphitheater officials attempt to eliminate traffic gridlock during events.

Amphitheater spokesman Brad Lothspeich said Amphitheater officials are considering private luxury buses which could carry 50-60 patrons. Buses would collect patrons at designated collection points in the Portland-Vancouver area for round trips to the Amphitheater.

Private buses were considered because public buses are on routes during evening rush hours.

Lothspeich said six to 12 buses making multiple trips might transport 5,000-6,000 patrons to the venue.

No fares would be charged to Amphitheater patrons, said Lothspeich.

Some members of the group said it would be a challenge to attain meaningful ridership.

Clark County Fairgrounds director Tom Musser said it took several years to get about 20 percent of County Fair patrons to use buses.

Clark County public works director Pete Capell said whatever means Amphitheater officials use to get patrons to buy tickets at should be used to encourage bus transportation.

Advantages of bus ridership include quick access and exits without waiting in lines, said Musser.

Other pluses named were time-saving routes, no driving hassles, no parking charges, early admission, preferential treatments and gift incentives.

Getting the word out might be a problem, said Musser. Young amphitheater patrons do not tend to read newspapers, he said.

Lothspeich said the Amphitheater office has more than 10,000 e-mail addresses of 2003 Amphitheater patrons.

Potential off-site collection points under consideration include area Park and Ride lots, Vancouver Mall, the Fisher's Landing area and Portland area restaurants.

Bus routes considered

After considering seven options, group members settled on "preferred" and "preferred backup" routes.

The preferred route runs from I-5 west on NW 78th St., north, then north on

Lakeshore Dr. and NW 36th Ave., east on NW 179th St., south on NW 11th Ave., and east on NE 164th St.

The preferred backup route heads north on NE 72nd Ave., west on NE 199th St., south on NW 11th Ave., and east on NE 164th St.

Buses would return on the same routes.

Moderated by Pete Capell, director of Clark County Public Works, the discussion group includes representatives from the traffic consulting firm Kittelson & Associates, C-Tran, Amphitheater at Clark County, Clark County Fairgrounds, the state Department of Transportation, State Patrol, and Clark County Sheriff's Office, public works, general services, community development and prosecutor offices.

The group meets on Mondays, 1 p.m., in available County meeting rooms. Information telephone is 397-4071.

Area citizens site environmental, economic fears

Bill Myers, staff reporter

After hearing four hours of testimony at a Feb. 10 public hearing, Clark County commissioners will give further consideration to a draft agreement with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.

Commission chair Betty Sue Morris said commissioners will deliberate the accord and testimonies, and either sign it Feb. 17 or delay it pending further evaluation.

Tribal chief John Barnett pledged "communication rather than confrontation" in opening remarks. At the close of the hearing, he said, "if the County defers, we will move forward on our own."

The agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), outlines payments to offset tax shortfalls, requires infrastructure development according to County codes, and outlines agreements the tribe will make for County services on 150 acres at I-5 and NE 319th St. near La Center.

The accord calls for additional payments if a gaming casino is built.

Tribal leaders who insist that they have not decided how to use the land want to have the acreage placed in trust by the U.S. Department of Interior, a move that could pave the way for operation of a gaming casino.

Early in the hearing, County civil attorney Curt Wyrick joined Morris is praising cooperative efforts by tribal leaders to reach agreement with the County. The County cannot force the tribe, a sovereign entity, to sign an agreement, Wyrick said.

Wyrick said the tribe has a "high probability" of obtaining trust status with or without an agreement with the County.

Environmental concerns

Ridgefield residents Gregory and Susan Gilbert, who live near the proposed tribal development, showed an aerial photograph of a drainage gully that they say will bring run-off from the development into the East Fork of the Lewis River.

Cynthia Bushell, another area resident, said 50 million gallons of run-off will reach the East Fork even if only 10 percent of the 150 acres is paved.

Susan Gilbert said the development would threaten an American bald eagle habitat.

Greg Gilbert said area soil is poor and lays on "tough clay." Without knowing development details at the site, no one can know how much run-off will occur, said Gilbert.

The Gilberts and other citizens urged commissioners to continue the hearing pending a complete environmental assessment and until tribal officials say how they will use the land.

Wyrick said County officials have not yet seen a copy of the tribe's draft environmental assessment.

Economic fears

Jim Irish, mayor of La Center, said La Center citizens "welcome Cowlitz people without hurting what is here."

The city needs to protect its card rooms which provide the city's major tax base, Irish said.

Irish chided the commissioners for denying a La Center request during Comprehensive Plan deliberations to bring job-producing land at Timmen and La Center roads within its urban growth boundary.

"You can't approve this MOU and at the same time deny La Center a chance to diversify its economic base," he added.

Commissioner Judie Stanton said Timmen Rd. residents testified that they did not want to be part of La Center.

Camas and Spokane residents said tribal casinos should pay the same taxes as other gaming businesses, to "level the playing field."

Woodland Chamber of Commerce spokesperson Darlene Johnson said commissioner approval of the MOU will give a green light to federal authorities who will conclude local citizens have no objections to a casino.

La Center resident Sandra Bennett said that, as a former real estate appraiser, she knows a casino will cause area property values to sink.

Johnson said the tribe could also purchase and convert adjacent land to trust land.

"For you to rush this thing is not acceptable," Johnson told commissioners.

Attorney Greg Overstreet, representing La Center card room interests, said it is a myth that the County is powerless to prevent land from going into trust.

"The Bureau of Indian Affairs looks carefully at whether a local community consents to having a tribe come to an area," said Overstreet.

Overstreet said that allowing "intensive" urban growth in a rural area violates the Growth Management Act. The County needs to amend its Comprehensive Plan to let this happen, he said.

Community relations consultant John Bockmier said a casino opened in 1992 by the Tulalip tribe of Marysville grew to a 2,000-acre parcel of tribal trust land on I-5, housing a 227,000 square-foot casino, a WalMart, Home Depot, several other retail shops and plans for a new 47-acre shopping mall.

Bockmier, who represents La Center card room interests, said his clients have no disagreement with the Cowlitz tribe's right to economic development, but question the choice of location.

A review of a complete environmental assessment and verification of the tribe's claim to be indigenous to Clark County should come before approving the MOU, said Bockmier.

Ridgefield school superintendent Mary Vagner said she would like to see tribal land retained in the tax base for Ridgefield schools.

Lucy Blake, a 97-year-old tribal member from Washougal, submitted a written statement in which she said she is delighted about prospects for tribal economic development and hopes for a casino.

Ridgefield port director Brent Grening and Clark

County Fire District 12 chief Larry Bartel spoke in favor of the accord. Of a tribal agreement to pay for fire services, Bartel said, "John Barnett gave his word and kept it."

An area carpenters' union spokesman said the tribal project could mean more family-wage jobs and opportunity.

"Horns of a dilemma"

Morris said, "This is a horns of a dilemma for County commissioners."

Not signing the MOU could create a "very significant risk" to County citizens and area schools, said Morris.

"If we don't sign the agreement and the tribe is successful in acquiring trust status (and a casino venture), what is the loss to all jurisdictions?" Morris asked.

Commissioner Craig Pridemore conveyed to the audience a recent discussion that he had with tribal leader Dave Barnett (son of John Barnett).

Pridemore quoted Barnett as saying that he is trying to do the right thing for his people.

"My response to Barnett was `So am I,'" said Pridemore.

YACOLT SETS MEETING ON CENTER PROJECT

Yacolt town leaders will hold a public meeting Mon., Feb. 23, to unveil conceptual plans for a new community center.

City clerk/treasurer Brenda Finnegan said false rumors about activities planned at the center have caused an uproar in the town.

Officials will provide details of planning progress, she said.

Citizens will be invited to comment at the meeting, set for 7 p.m., at the Yacolt School gymnasium.

Information telephone is 686-3922.

Bill Myers, staff reporter

A victim of vandalism in Yacolt believes whoever sprayed blue paint in her neighborhood is guilty of a "hate crime."

Christine Lane said a person or persons on the night of Feb. 10 sprayed blue paint on her sidewalk and car, and damaged three other homes in the 400 and 500 blocks of W Christy.

Other sidewalks, vehicles, area street signs and a multi-unit postal box were also sprayed.

Profane expressions were sprayed on two sidewalks. The word "Tiny," and letters "TD" were sprayed on signs. Vehicles were sprayed with random lines. A garage door bore unintelligible letters and numbers, "tD 3:16CRIP."

Yacolt public works director Paul Testor said most of the spray paint washed off because targets were sprayed while they were wet with dew.

Lane believes one or more youths are responsible and that whoever did it sprayed a neighbor's home just because they are Apostolic Lutherans. "That's a hate crime," said Lane.

Lane's home and homes of her son's friends were singled out, said Lane. She said her son attends Amboy Middle School and has been harassed by bullies. Lane said she intends to file a criminal complaint and her husband will take civil action if the culprit is found.

Lane said she took several photographs of the vandalism to the Clark County Sheriff's Central Precinct office. An investigation by deputies and school officials is underway.

LA CENTER SEWER RATES HIKED

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Clark Public Utilities will hike La Center sewer rates and connection fees effective March 1.

The Utility will charge $26.89 per month per equivalent residential unit (ERU), a monthly increase of $4.39 for single-family homeowners.

Rates for senior citizens will remain at $20.50 per ERU.

Hook-up (development) charges per ERU on new connections will increase from $2,340 to $4,320.

La Center city council members expressed surprise when public works director Jeff Sarvis announced the new charges at a Feb. 11 council meeting.

With a split vote in January, council members had voted for no monthly rate increase, but much higher ($5,547) hook-up charges.

Utlity water resources manager Eric Beck said utility commissioners who have final authority on rate decisions feared it would be a financial risk to rely solely on future growth to pay for $4.6 million of major wastewater treatment plant upgrades.

Beck said newcomers aren't the only citizens who will benefit from the new sewer treatment plant. He said existing customers also benefit because the previous plant needed a lot of work.

The last sewer rate increase for La Center residents was in 1986, said Beck. Clark Public Utilities began managing the city's sewer system in 1992.

OBITS:

RICHARD BLOOMQUIST

Richard Gustav Bloomquist, 69, died of a pituitary tumor Feb. 11, 2004 in Vancouver.

Bloomquist was born May 6, 1934 in Portland, and lived in Brush Prairie for 63 years.

Bloomquist had worked in logging, was a log truck driver, and bought and sold timber.

Bloomquist was a licensed pilot and delighted in flying. He had good mechanical skills and kept his equipment in good working order. He made generous contributions to Christian missions and liked to read the Bible and Bible commentaries. He enjoyed pets and animals, and enjoyed taking care of them.

Through his long illness, he kept a good attitude and faith in God.

Survivors include brother Victor Bloomquist of Brush Prairie, sister Marie Girard of Battle Ground, and two nieces.

Memorial services will be held Fri., Feb. 20, 1 p.m., at Glenwood Community Church, 12201 NE 72nd Ave., Vancouver, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

BETTY DIXON

Betty Bertha Letitia (Barr) Dixon, 86, died Feb. 8, 2004 in Gladstone, OR.

Dixon was born Dec. 16, 1917 in Portland, worked as a librarian, and lived in Battle Ground for 59 years.

Dixon graduated from Grant High School in Portland. She enjoyed plants, crocheting, knitting, tap dancing and traveling throughout the United States. She loved reading and picking huckleberries, and was considered a great cook.

Dixon worked for the Fort Vancouver Regional Library for 25 years.

Dixon was preceded in death by her husband, Philo Dixon, in 1997. Survivors include daughter Connie Schrock of Oregon, sons Jim Dixon of Vancouver and Wes Dixon of Virginia, sisters Ethel McGill and Gwen Seivers, both of Oregon, four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

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

DORIS HAMES

Doris L. (Johnson) Hames, 73, died Feb. 7, 2004 in Vancouver.

Hames was born Feb. 4, 1931 in Bemidji, MN, and lived in Clark County for two months.

Hames enjoyed sewing, gardening and doing jigsaw puzzles. She lived in North Bend, OR 1996-2003. She was a member of the Skyline Baptist Church in North Bend. She spent most of his life in Randle.

Hames was preceded in death by her husband, George Hames, in 1994. Survivors include daughters Terry Hiatt and Connie Bewley, both of Oregon, son Randy Hames of Oregon, four grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

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

LOREN YANCEY

Loren Eugene Yancey, 76, died Feb. 3, 2004 in Vancouver.

Yancey was born FEb. 4, 1927 in Stevenson, worked as a mechanic, and livedin Clark County for 50 years.

Yancey retired from the Bonneville Power Administration in 1988 after 22 years of employment. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a 51 year member of AA. His grandchildren were his life.

Survivors include six children and several grandchildren.

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

SIGRID WETLESEN

Sigrid T. (Stokke) Wetlesen, 92, died Feb. 8, 2004 in Banks, OR.

Wetlesen was born July 11, 1911 in Norway, grew up in Rjukan, Norway, and was the first woman to be licensed to ride a motorcycle in 1929. She remained in Norway during the Nazi occupation.

After the war, Wetlesen emigrated to Canada in 1951, and to California in 1960. She enjoyed camping and fishing vacations in Oregon. She moved to Battle Ground in 1977.

Wetlesen made every holiday a special event. Growing flowers was a big part of her life. She was an avid bicyclist into her 80s. She was very spiritual and loved to sing hymns at church.

Wetlesen was preceded in death by her husband, Jacob "Jack" Wetlesen, in October 2003. Survivors include sons Einar Wetlesen of Oregon and Gunnar Wetlesen of California, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

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

MARIE WHITTAKER

Marie Catherine (Bryson) Whittaker, 95, died Feb. 13, 2004 in Vancouver.

Whittaker was born Aug. 3, 1908 in New Castle, PA, worked as a secretary for Mahoning Valley Steel Company, and lived in Clark County for 23 years.

Whittaker was a member of St. John's Catholic Church and Catholic Daughters. She liked reading, sewing and bus trips with other senior citizens. She enjoyed her grandchildren.

Whittaker was preceded in death by her husband, James Whittaker, in 1970, and two brothers. Survivors include daughter Patricia Pearson of Ridgefield, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A funeral mass will be held Fri., Feb. 20, 9 a.m., at St. John's Catholic Church, 8701 NE 119th, Vancouver, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

WILLIAM VALENTE

William Mario Valente, 73, died Feb. 13, 2004 in Battle Ground.

Valente was born March 10, 1930 in Los Angeles, CA, worked in the plywood lumber industry, and lived in Clark County 40 years, 20 of which were in Battle Ground.

Valente served in the U.S. military during the Korean Conflict. He enjoyed watching television. He liked boxing and action movies. He also like cats, working on his truck and fishing. He was loving to his children. He enjoyed helping his neighbors.

Valente was preceded in death by his wife, Norrene Valente, in 2001. Survivors include daughters Norrene Godfrey of Battle Ground and Marie Valente of Louisiana, son William Valente of Battle Ground, and four grandchildren.

Private services will be held, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

Eudora A. Albershardt-Hubbard, 93, died Feb. 12, 2004 in Portland.

Hubbard was born Jan. 21, 1911 in Hillsdale, OK, moved to Vancouver in 1943, and worked at Kaiser Shipyards as a welder.

After the war, Hubbard worked as a master seamstress, and in the early 1960s, opened a drapery business in Salmon Creek. She retired in 1971.

Hubbard enjoyed knitting, crocheting, reading her Bible, crossword puzzles and watching sporting events on television. Her family was her joy.

Survivors include daughters Helen Mosier of Brush Prairie, Lila Crisp of Spokane and Sara Beall of Vancouver, sons Kenneth Hubbard of Texas and Dale Hubbard of Spokane, 21 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

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

CHARLES DALEY

Charles Robert Daley, 81, died Feb. 1, 2004 in Vancouver.

Daley was born Dec. 1, 1922 in Buck Run, Pennsylvania, and worked as a sales manager in the trucking business. He worked for White Freightliner and Volvo White for over 30 years, retiring in 1989.

Daley served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He enjoyed reading, practical jokes and his family.

Daley was preceded in death by his first wife, Paddy Daley, in 1999. Survivors include widow Kay Daley of Battle Ground, daughters Patricia Sieg of Oregon, Donna Jarvis of Virginia and Courtney Jacques of Battle Ground, sister Pat Marzilli of Florida, and four grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held Fri., Feb. 20, 3 p.m., at Vancouver Funeral Chapel, with the Vancouver Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

DELMAR BLACK

Delmar Ray Black, 41, died Feb. 9, 2004 in Vancouver.

Black was born Dec. 18, 1962 in Bristol, VA, worked in nursing training in the Job Corps, and lived in Clark County for 22 years.

Black enjoyed playing board games, watches and puzzles.

Survivors include sisters Melissa Black of Virginia and Carol Ann Cassidy of Tennessee, and brothers Donald Black of Battle Ground, Rick Black of Montana and David Black of Washington, D.C.

Services may be scheduled at a later time. Davies Cremation & Burial Services is in charge of arrangements.

ARTHUR FANNAN

Arthur Fannan, 81, died Feb. 10, 2004 in Woodland.

Fannan was born June 5, 1922 in Yakima, worked in horticulture, and was a longtime Woodland resident.

Fannan enjoyed baking cakes and gardening. He gave food to the needy in Woodland. He never said a bad word about anything or anybody and was always happy. He was writing a book about his life. He had co-authored a book on horticulture.

Fannan knew both the English and Latin names of shrubs and trees. He had worked at Big Deals in Woodland and took care of the garden center there.

Fannan studied horticulture at the University of Kansas. He held three masters degrees.

Fannan was preceded in death by his wife, Celia, in January 2004. He is survived by many friends.

Graveside services will be held Wed., Feb. 18, 3 p.m. at Frank Abel Cemetery, Woodland, with the Woodland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

ALYCE WILSON

Alyce A. Wilson, 93, died Feb. 13, 2004 in Yacolt.

Wilson was born Aug. 1, 1910 in Etna, and lived in Vancouver all her life except 38 years in Portland.

Wilson was a member of Amaranth Lodge Washington #9, Portland, having joined in 1964. She enjoyed gardening, sewing and crocheting.

Wilson was preceded in death by her husband, William Wilson, in 1989. Survivors include several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Wed., Feb. 18, 12:30 p.m., at Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, with interment at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorial Garden Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

ALFRED TODAK

Alfred Joseph Todak Jr., 61, died of mesothelioma Jan. 24, 2004 in Olympia.

Todak was born Feb. 1, 1942 in Pensacola, FL, and earned a Ph.D. in human resources at age 58.

Todak's motto was "to be effective," which he demonstrated by building an international nursing recruiting business, domestic recruiting and teaching. He wrote professional articles on the nursing shortage.

Todak was active in his community and in the Tamoshan Homeowners Association. He donated to football scholarships.

Todak help fund surgery in the Philippines where he was appalled at the level of poverty.

Todak was known for his sense of humor. He was a trivia master.

Todak traveled weekly to Chicago, IL for medical treatments. He encouraged others to try new types of therapy. He funded a website at the University of California to help others obtain information about the disease.

Survivors include widow Stephanie Todak of Olympia, son Alexander Todak of Olympia, mother Maybelle Todak of Puyallup, brothers Tom Todak of Puyallup and Paul Todak, sisters Barbara Todak of Oregon, Nancy Bennett of Lakewood and Liz Norem of Federal Way, mother-in-law Dotha Wall of Woodland, brother-in-law Gary Wall of Woodland, sister-in-law Theona Wall of Federal Way, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Graveside services were held at Frank Able Cemetery in Woodland, with Mills and Mills, Olympia, in charge of arrangements.