APARTMENTS GIVE WAY TO COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

The Olde Towne Apartments at Parkway and Main, Battle Ground, have been largely demolished and will be rebuilt both as apartments and commercial office space.

Crews disassembled the second floor of the apartment building last week, and tore down a series of cottage apartments that stood behind the corner building.

Area historians believe a building at the site was constructed in the 1800s with a tavern downstairs and a brothel upstairs.

That building burned down, and was rebuilt in the late 1880s for the same two purposes.

Demolition crews last week discovered brothel records in the walls.

Construction foreman Chuck Nokes said a paper ledger book showed payments to the girls, and deductions for expenses.

Nokes said the records were hard to read, but girls were apparently paid either $1 per week or $1 per customer, minus deductions for their room at 50 cents per week, food at $3, and medical examinations at $5.

Nokes said he could not determine what customers paid for brothel services.

The brothel business apparently ceased in 1909, said Nokes.

The records were given to the Clark County Historical Society, said owner Karen Lang.

The building was added onto in the 1930s, said Nokes.

In the 1940s, owner Morris Morgan operated a grocery store in the building with apartments upstairs.

A community library occupied a portion of the building at one time.

By the 1940s, the building contained two apartments downstairs and four upstairs, according to retired teacher Corrine Gilroy.

Gilroy said the Morgan Apartments were referred to as "Teachersville" because they were mostly occupied by teachers.

Gilroy said that, in addition to herself (Corrine Carpenter Gilroy), others living in the building in the 1940s were Ruth Slye, Mary Shepherd, Aileen Smith, Donna Neubert, and Helen Miller. All were teachers.

Gilroy said the single, female teachers shared a refrigerator located at the top of the stairs.

Gilroy said she lived downstairs, and had a bedroom, living room, and, with a step up, a kitchen. She said the building seemed old at the time.

The building was constructed of red, brick-like cinderblocks. Morgan would come frequently to stoke the furnace, said Gilroy.

Demolition crews found a 1899 coal-fired boiler, which had not been used in recent years.

Crews also found threatening writing on upstairs walls. Nokes said police were called to photograph the writing, part of which contained threats against a women by a jilted boy friend, and in another location, satanic references by someone approached by a gay man.

While she lived there 1946-48, said Gilroy, cottage apartments were constructed on the westerly edge of the property. Those were also occupied by teachers, she said.

Among those who lived in the cottages were Roy and Clara Griffith, Dave and Miriam Turney, and Cleon and Margaret McConnell. All but Roy were teachers.

The McConnells had also lived in the corner apartment building.

In 1978, Lang Brothers Enterprises purchased the apartments and hired the late Pat Voit as manager.

Barber Neal Blomquist said he first occupied space in the building in 1980, moving his business from Duluth. He remained there until 1995.

Blomquist said a barber named Morford had worked in space in the Morgan Apartments building, then moved his business to Duluth.

In 1965, a man hijacked a taxi in Vancouver, killed the female driver, then drove north to Duluth. The man crashed into the barbershop, ran into the shop in an effort to escape the pursuing police, and in the process shot both a customer in the chair and the barber.

Blomquist moved into Morford's space at Duluth in 1967, then followed him in reverse order in 1980 to the space in the Morgan Apartments.

Different businesses occupied space in the building over the years, said Blomquist. including a public library, beauty shop, used clothing store, bakery, and a foos ball gaming business.

Karen Lang said the corner building will be reconstructed with three apartments upstairs of 700 square feet each, all with bay windows and a "trendy" appearance.

Downstairs will remain for commercial use, with 2000 square feet available for one, two or three tenants. Construction should be complete later this year, said Lang.

Anyone interested in renting space in the building is invited to call Lang, 798-7988.

STILL WORKING ON IT

Officials of the U.S. Department of Agriculture continue to review the Livestock Compensation Program about a year after it was criticized by this newspaper. It's time for them to reach a conclusion.

Under the program, western Washington livestock farmers received money from the federal government following an earthquake that jolted the region in summer 2001.

The earthquake damaged government buildings in Olympia but that was about it.

Farmers did not need to show any losses or damage to their livestock or facilities to be eligible for the money. No damage claim was asked by program administrators and none given. As long as the farmers owned certain livestock at the time of the earthquake, they were eligible for the money. They could have long since sold their animals.

Farmers did not even pretend to have suffered damages.

No one would object to farmers receiving compensation for actual losses suffered in an earthquake or other natural disaster. But giving money away for no reason is wrong.

This newspaper informed U.S. Rep. Brian Baird of the flaws in the program. Baird contacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and an investigation was begun. That was in summer 2003.

Last week, Baird said the federal investigation is still going on.

Baird said the Department of Agriculture has expanded the study to include the Nonfat Cattle Feed Program, another program intended to compensate farmers for losses stemming from natural disasters.

In neither case, Baird learned, were farmers asked to specify losses. They qualified for the money just by showing up.

Baird said this fact alone shows the programs to be flawed.

Nevertheless the investigation will continue, Baird was told, including an examination of whether program regulations conform to Congressional intent.

Baird said the investigation is scheduled to conclude this spring with a report that will contain recommendations for reform.

Don't hold your breath.

Marvin F. Case

Two candidates will vie Thurs., March 4, for a position on the board of supervisors of the Clark County Conservation District.

Incumbent Steve Keirn, who has served as a supervisor for 12 years, will be challenged by Dvija Michael Bertish. Both are Vancouver residents.

Keirn is a soil scientist who works for the Clark County Health Department.

Keirn said he is an advocate for rural agriculture and small farms. He wants to work for clean water in rural areas.

Keirn said he recognizes private ownership and the rights of private property owners.

Bertish said he believes the Conservation District could do more to protect water quality in Vancouver, not just in rural areas. The District should not just assist farmers, he said.

"The District could accomplish more," said Bertish. "It needs to be elevated the way it does things."

The Conservation District assists small farm landowners with conservation projects designed to promote good land stewardship.

For example, the District provides money for the planting of vegetation along creeks, and the construction of roofs over manure piles.

Current emphasis is on Salmon Creek, Chelatchie Creek and Cedar Creek areas.

The Conservation District obtains funding through grants, including grants from the Washington State Conservation Commission, Department of Ecology and Fish Recovery Board.

The 5-member board of supervisors meets monthly, and conducts quarterly workshops.

Other members of the board are Doug Steinbarger, John Baugher, Dean Longrie and Scott Walz.

Registered voters throughout most of Clark County are eligible to vote in the March 4 election, which will be held 7-9 a.m. at Meadows Kitchen, 7703 NE 72nd Ave., Vancouver. Both candidates said the 7-9 a.m. voting period is inconvenient for the voting public.

Information, Denise Smee, 883-1987, ext. 110.

REWARD OFFERED FOR RETURN OF TRACK HOE

A $1,000 reward is offered for the return of a nearly-new track hoe from a construction site in La Center.

Randy Christopher said the 2003 Cat 305 CR Mini Hydraulic Excavator was stolen sometime between 5 p.m. Fri., Feb. 20, and 8 a.m. Mon., Feb. 23. It was located near Landerholm Road about a quarter mile east of NE 40th Ave.

The machine is valued at $60,000.

The track hoe is painted in factory yellow and black. It has an open cab.

Christopher said there are not a lot of 305 models in Clark County.

About 200 pieces of heavy equipment are stolen each week throughout the United States, said Christopher.

The theft may not have been insured, he said.

Anyone with information is urged to call 546-2502.

WHERE DID ALL THE BUILDING LOTS GO?

People looking for building lots in mid and north Clark County are in for a surprise.

Surprise No. 1: At present there are no residential building lots available for sale in the cities of Ridgefield, La Center or Yacolt, and only one for sale in Battle Ground.

In addition, only six residential lots are currently for sale in Woodland, four in Camas and only 20 in Vancouver.

People who want to buy a new home in a city in Clark County cannot buy a lot and find a builder. Instead they must deal with production builders in track subdivisions.

In all of Clark County, there are presently only 28 listings for vacant land from 5,000-20,000 square feet.

Surprise No. 2: The supply of rural parcels of one acre or larger has declined while prices continue to go up.

Ron Bertsch, broker/owner of Coldwell Banker United Properties in Battle Ground, said that only 58 parcels of land one acre or larger are presently listed for sale in unincorporated areas of mid and north Clark County--north of about NE 179th Street.

Those parcels range in price from $64,900 for two acres on CC Landon Road in Yacolt, to $1.3 million for 55 acres on NE Riverbend Dr., Battle Ground.

Not all rural parcels currently listed for sale are desirable, said Bertsch. "The ones I know of are pretty steep," he said.

Whereas 233 parcels of one acre or larger were offered for sale during 2002, only 120 were offered during 2002. Many of those could have been the same parcels, said Bertsch.

Bertsch described one recent sale in which a family sought enough land for a homesite and a horse. After an extensive search, the family purchased five acres northeast of Battle Ground at a price of $125,000 and installed a sand septic system. Half the property is wetlands and unusable even as pasture.

In another recent sale, five acres of good horse ground sold for $175,000.

Some people are looking for land with mobile or manufactured homes that can be removed to make way for new construction, said Bertsch.

Bertsch said 63 parcels of vacant, residential land were sold in the last six months, ranging in size from one to 15 acres.

The 58 parcels currently for sale are not even a six month supply, said Bertsch.

Of the county's claimed xxxxx potential rural residential building lots, only xxxx are presently divided into the size of their zoning. Bertsch said there is a difference between the county's "potential" building lots and the reality of parcels available for sale. The division of land requires about 18 months to complete, he said.

Leonard Magazine of Real Estats, a Vancouver company that monitors real estate sales data, said that 343 parcels of 1-10 acres were sold countywide in 2001 with an average price of $95,000.

The average price for such sales in 2003 climbed to $104,000, said Magazine.

The latest issue of The Reflector contains only two rural parcels for sale: two acres in the northeast corner of Clark County, and 1.8 acres in Brush Prairie with a price tag of $151,900.

What causes short supply?

The question is: is the short supply of building lots a consequence of state and county growth planning, or the result of rapid population expansion?

Both, said civil engineer Lonnie Moss, who is also member of the Clark County Planning Commission.

Moss said the problem is supply and demand.

While demand has increased sharply, supply has not followed. As a result, prices go up.

Moss said there is so much demand for residential building property that much of it never reaches the Multiple Listing Service (real estate market).

Builders are knocking on doors to find land to build on, said Moss.

Whereas in the past, lots in a new subdivision would be advertised for sale and later sold, today the shortage of supply causes builders to buy every available piece of property they can find before it can reach the market.

The answer, said Moss, is to create more supply. But, he said, two county commissioners don't want to do that.

"As supply diminishes, prices go up," said Moss. "Pretty soon, people will go away."

"To me this is not growth management, but growth control," said Moss. "(State Growth Management Act) directed the management of growth, not the control of growth."

Vancouver attorney John Karpinski, often a foe of land divisions and development, was not surprised at the short supply of rural building lots. "They ain't making them no more," said Karpinski.

"It doesn't both me at all," he added.

Karpinski said people rushed to divide their property to avoid the moratorium in the mid-1990s. He was uncertain why those people have not since offered their land for sale.

Karpinski said the county growth plan contained assumptions about the timing of lots reaching the market.

Real estate broker Ron Bertsch can be reached at 687-3183, and Moss at 260-9400. Karpinski can be reached at 690-4500.

MOBILE BURNS IN LA CENTER

A mobile home owned by Catherine Sinclair was destroyed by fire Feb. 25, claiming a cat along with it.

The fire was reported about 3:35 p.m. at 36605 NE North Fork Ave., La Center. Fire Districts 10 and 12 responded with about 15 people.

The fire began in a bedroom, according to a spokesman for the Fire District 12. No injuries were reported.

BG MAN DIES AFTER BOATING ACCIDENT

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Fish and river enthusiast Bill Wiggins, 76, Battle Ground, died from a heart attack at the scene of a boating accident Feb. 25 about one-half mile west of Daybreak Park on the East Fork Lewis River.

Emergency crews responded to the scene of the accident about 12:25 p.m., close to the J.L. Storedahl and Sons mining operation on NE 269th St.

Two, 14-foot drift boats--one owned by Wiggins--launched into the River with three passengers each at Lewisville Bridge off SR-503 for a 7-mile survey trip for the conservation group Fish First, said Ridgefield resident Craig Lynch, one of the passengers.

The men, including two out-of-town hydrologists, were gathering information for a forum that evening regarding Storedahl's request to allow surface mining on the river.

After the first boat with Lynch, La Center resident and hydrologist Dean Swanson and Barry Southerland made it through, the second carrying Wiggins, Ridgefield resident Richard Dyrland and a un-named Colorado hydrologist, hit a rock the size of a small car, ejecting the men into the river. All wore approved flotation devices, Lynch said.

The men, including Wiggins, made it to shore. Lynch said Wiggins staggered and collapsed. Southerland, a trained Emergency Medical Technician, began CPR immediately while Lynch and Swanson ran to a Clark County maintenance shed to call emergency crews.

A Life Flight helicopter was called, but Wiggins died before it arrived, said Sheriff Cmdr. Tony Barnes.

Lynch said he believes Wiggins suffered a heart attack before the boat hit the rock.

"It was his boat, and he was a skilled rower," Lynch said. "It's fairly easy to avoid that rock, and he'd been there many times before. [Others] said they noticed he was having trouble rowing just before he hit the rock."

Wiggins began work for the Battle Ground School District in 1950 as a teacher and was later appointed principal at Amboy Middle School. In 1971, he transferred to Battle Ground High School where he served as assistant principal, athletic director and principal until his retirement in 1980.

Wiggins was also a member of Friends of the East Fork of the Lewis River, Fish First, and the Clark/Skamania Fly Fisher's club.

"The only bright light in this tragedy is that Bill passed away doing something he loved," said Dennis Way, president of the Fisher's club. "He was on the river, volunteering his time and attempting to make outdoors a better place for all of us."

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Ridgefield city council members sparred among themselves Feb. 26 over two issues--whether subject matter of a Feb. 12 executive session should have been discussed in public, and whether correct procedures were followed in hiring an outside attorney who is currently investigating city manager Randy Bombardier.

At times, the discussion appeared heated and confrontational, with allegations of impropriety and cover-ups exchanged by council members as well as some people in the audience.

At issue with the Feb. 12 executive session is whether news of a delayed appeal to the state Department of Ecology regarding the city's sewer permit capacity should have been discussed in a public meeting instead.

City staff sent an appeal to the state one day past the deadline. The state subsequently disallowed the appeal.

City attorney Brian Wolfe said council members and city staff needed to discuss strategies of how to handle the situation, therefore the matter fell into a litigation category and qualified as executive session material.

Council member Gary Holmberg said he did not agree with Wolfe's explanation. Previous meetings were held with no mention of the situation leading up to the appeal and its denial.

"Frankly," Holmberg said, "when I walked into that meeting I had to pick my jaw off the ground. There's no way [not filing the appeal in time] could have been botched as badly as it was."

Wolfe said it was important to bring the matter to council members' attention that night because the matter was going to appear in media sources soon.

Council member Dave Standal asked for a formal correction of the city's minutes which will put the contents of that portion of the executive session in public record.

However, no minutes were taken during the executive session. But Council members and city staff agreed to reconstruct from memory related portions of the meeting's content.

Payment for attorney

Mayor Gladys Doriot drew attention to a $4,605 invoice from attorney Eileen Lawrence listed for approval in the evening's consent agenda.

Portions of the invoice are for legal work done by Lawrence before council members authorized her hiring Jan. 22.

Details of the invoice shows Lawrence having phone calls and e-mails with Ridgefield police chief Bruce Hall, Wolfe, Homlberg and Standal regarding issues surrounding the investigation of Bombardier's conduct.

Lawrence also researched various legal options and prepared a draft directive to the city manager on Jan. 7.

"I was dumbfounded when I saw this bill," Doriot said. "My concern is that I didn't know [we] could go out [as council members] and solicit legal advice and have the city foot the bill."

Standal questioned Doriot specifically if she believes the actions taken by himself and Holmberg were unauthorized.

"Yes," Doriot said. "You should have called a special [council] meeting. It only takes three people."

Holmberg said the bickering about the bill was a moot point, and that the only reason for having a bill in the first place is because of impropriety at a city staff level--the real issue that needs to be discussed.

"This city is a circus," Holmberg said. "We're going to get to the bottom of this and then we need to get on with business."

Standal proposed a motion to pay Lawrence's bill prior to Jan. 22. Homlberg and Standal voted yes, with Doriot and Tim Thompson opposed. Council member Gary Atkins was absent. Split motions fail.

Doriot proposed a second motion that Lawrence's bill be paid from Jan. 22-30, for services starting after she was employed by the city.

The second motion also split 2-2, with Doriot and Thompson voting yes, Holmberg and Standal opposed. The motion also failed.

Council members called a special meeting, Thurs., March 4, 7:30 p.m., at city hall, 230 Pioneer St., to discuss issues with the permit and any legal ramifications and Lawrence's attorney fees.

An executive session will also be held that night to discuss personnel matters.

NEW LAYOUT AT FAIRGROUNDS FOR SUMMER

The construction of a 100,000 square-foot Exposition Hall at the Clark County Fairgrounds poses a challenge for Fair organizers.

A committee of past and present Fair Board directors will organize the relocation of several live and staticl exhibits displayed at the annual summer festival. The Fair this year will be held Aug. 6-15.

Committee chair Janet Bellcoff said it is the "Board's obligation to insure that those groups and the fairgoing public have a great experience during the construction phase this summer."

"Every group has been accommodated," Belcoff added.

Construction of the new Hall began in late December. It is currently set to open in the first quarter of 2005. Plans call for the hall to host a variety of consumer shows such as boats, recreational vehicles, antiques and crafts, Fair officials said.

For information about staging changes, visit

www.clarkcofair.com or call 397-6180. Maps will be available in May.

To ensure there is space for every department and organization that enters the 2004 Clark County Fair, Fair officials have designated relocations on the grounds.

The construction of a 100,000 Exposition Hall prompted officials to make sure everyone is accommodated.

The following is a list of relocations:

** Kid's Park moved to the former Community Park behind the Dairy Women's booth;

** Kiddie Carnival moved to the former Action Zone, east of the Grandstand;

** OMSI Science Fair moved west of Cook's Racing Pigs, south of the Horse Arena;

** Brad's World Reptiles moved west of Cook's Racing Pigs, south of the Horse Arena;

** Information booth moved west on the midway next to the fire station;

** First Aid moved to a portable unit;

** Livestock--goats remain in goat barn and move to former sale ring east of sheep ring; pigeons, poultry and rabbits move to livestock barn and canopy south of the goat barn;

** Pygmy goats move to west end of Horse Arena;

** Sheep move to livestock south, southwest corner and former sale ring east of sheep ring;

** Scottish Highland cattle move to livestock south, southwest corner;

** Non-livestock--Fine arts and home arts such as baking, food preservation, cheesecake contest, clothing, community booths, needlework, wine and beer will be in commercial building 3; Boy and Girl Scouts will be in a tepee or tent in the new Kids Park; floral and master gardeners, vegetables, fruits and special crops will move to FFA building and photography will be in a trailer south of the food court;

** 4-H: Dogs and cats will be in a tent east of livestock south; small animals such as poultry, rabbits, pigeons, will move to the livestock barn and canopy south of goat barn; kitchen will move to former first aid station; still life exhibits, stage and office will be in commercial building 3; floral and garden move to FFA building, photography will be in a trailer south of the food court; fashion and talent shows will be on a stage in the new Kids Park, and the junior livestock auction will be in the beef and dairy ring.

Maps will be available from the Fairgrounds office, 17402 NE Delfel Rd., Ridgefield, in May. For more information, call 397-6180 or visit

www.clarkcofair.com

KNIVES NOT FOR SCHOOL

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Jack knives used to comprise an integral part of what could be found in a child's pockets, along with baseball cards, string and a stick of bubble gum.

But not so these days, say school officials. Too dangerous. Too much potential for too much to go wrong. Knives of all shapes and sizes are prohibited on most school grounds today.

According to communications consultant Kelly Keister, Battle Ground School District administrators treat knife-related activity seriously.

If a student is caught with a knife, the minimum discipline procedure is a phone call to parents or guardians. The maximum is expulsion, Keister said.

Expulsions do happen. If a student is found with any knife with a 2.5 inch blade or larger that can be opened with one hand (essentially a switchblade), the student is automatically expelled, Keister said.

The District has had 15 knife-related suspensions or expulsions so far in the 2003-2004 school year.

Recent Battle Ground police files show one such case involved a 12-year-old student at Lewisville Middle School. The student brought a knife with a 2.5-inch blade to school Feb. 4 and was expelled.

As of late February, Keister said the student was still out of classes. A hearing was held in early February with a professional evaluation set up at a later date to determine the next step.

Officials abandon plans to interview parolees

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Yacolt citizens heard Feb. 23 that "community angst" caused state officials to drop plans to interview parolees at a proposed Community Center.

Some angst remained as several citizens demanded that activities for youths be included at the Center.

Billed by mayor Jim Robertson as a town forum where citizens could share ideas and ask questions, the meeting was attended by about 70 citizens, including several school-age youths.

More than 20 citizens unleashed unvarnished, three-minute sound bites about an estimated $1.9 million cost and proposed uses of a Center that would house a town hall, a dispatch area for Clark County Sheriff deputies and an area for senior activities.

A pre-teenage boy, Jeffrey Egly, spoke first.

"I thought it would be for indoor games," said Egly. "I would like a place for kids to hang out."

Citizen Laura Van Tassell said an estimated $5,000 monthly maintenance tab at the facility could be better used. There are 160 seniors in Yacolt, and 500 youths, said Van Tassell.

Citizen Barbara Kincaid suggested a gymnasium at the Center.

Council member Debra Smith said insurance costs and supervision must be considered.

"Who will supervise [the children]?" she asked.

Some citizens said they would volunteer to staff a youth area at the Center.

"Nothing to do"

"What's the definition of a community center?" asked citizen Frank Logsdon. "It should be a place for the whole community," he said

. Logsdon said there is juvenile delinquency because kids don't have anything to do.

When citizen Brian Paris asked youths in the audience to line up, 23 obliged.

"Give us some rooms we can use," said Paris. "Instead of 40 or 50 kids out looking for malicious mischief, they'd be where we could see them."

Julie O'Donnell, who owns a home near a proposed Center site across the street from the existing town hall, said her home value might drop because of the Center.

Parent Onny Desclous said Pacific Rock Products will donate materials to help build a skate park. She called on council members to provide a location for one.

Smith said Ridgefield citizens raised $10,000 for a skate park, and reminded council members that skaters were told they would have council backing if they got their parents involved.

Robertson invited skate park supporters to make a presentation at the March 1 town council meeting.

Citizen Heather Nicholson, 19, said she was a "juvenile delinquent" because she had nothing to do.

"We're all sick of it," she said.

Citizen Lisa Walker said the facility looks more like an administrative center.

"We'll have to pay for it," she said.

Martha Price, the last citizen to speak, braved the tide of public opinion.

"The Free Evangelical Church has many activities for youths," she said.

"Yeh, if you've got 100 bucks," shouted a man from the audience. Architect's report

Early in the meeting, consultant Rod Orlando, a member of the Community Center Steering Committee, over-viewed a project first conceived in August 2002 during an open house attended by town and Sheriff's Office officials.

Town leaders hoped to move city hall from its current location, now almost 100 years old and showing signs of wear. They wanted to provide space for senior citizen activities, and hoped work space at a Center for sheriff's deputies could result in more deputy time in the community.

In May 2003, the town was awarded a $20,000 development grant. Architects Barrentine, Bates and Lee were hired to complete a development scenario, including costs. In November, the firm completed a budget summary and drafts of a proposed 7,180 square foot Center.

The proposed structure would include 1,150 square feet for town hall waiting, reception, staff and executive offices; 3,490 square feet for council chambers, administration and restrooms; 1,130 square feet for deputy work space; and 1,140 square feet for a community center housing a senior clinic, kitchen, storage, library and restroom.

Post-forum comments

"It was a good meeting and I appreciated the citizen comments," said Robertson.

"We need to listen to those who are willing to step forward and speak up," said council member Judy Mason.

Robertson said he and council members will review citizen comments at a workshop. A second forum will be held within a few weeks to answer questions, he said.

FREE KITTEN OFFER BRINGS 70 CALLS

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Kittens must be in short supply and in great demand, said La Center resident Kathy Mayfield.

Mayfield made that observation after running a classified advertisement Feb. 18 in The Reflector, offering free kittens.

Something had to be done, said Mayfield. Her two-year-old female barn cat Lucy had back-to-back litters three and six months ago.

Mayfield said she received more than 70 calls within two days of running the advertisement, which also offered free bunnies. Most responders wanted kittens, she said.

Four of five kittens found homes. The fifth, a bashful female, hasn't met new owners because she runs away and hides when strangers arrive.

About 90 percent of responders to the advertisement were women, said Mayfield. Most wanted kittens for children or senior citizens.

Mayfield, who owns Lucy, and Lucy's mother, Cece, said. "Many callers wanted me to take their name in case we have more kittens."

This is likely at the Mayfield acreage. Lucky, the male cat who fathered the first litter, fell prey to a coyote. But the cool cat responsible for litter number two still hangs around under bushes near the Mayfield home.

Seasonal trend for kittens

Brittney Gosselin at the Humane Society for Southwest Washington said kittens are in greater demand during winter months when cats are less likely to get outside to find mates.

Pet owners let their animals out more often in warm weather, she said. The mating urge also tempts animals to escape through open windows and doors during warm weather.

Gosselin said the Humane Society shelter often receives more than 60 unwanted kittens per day in July, August and September. Calls to the shelter, 693-4746, are always encouraged, she said.

AMPHITHEATER EXIT ROUTES EXAMINED

Alternates would require revision of permit

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Representatives of Clark County, state Department of Transportation and Amphitheater at Clark County met Feb. 23 to eye alternative routes for clearing autos after Amphitheater events.

Officials meet weekly as they attempt to solve Amphitheater traffic flow problems that were observed during the 2003 season.

Normal exits for most vehicles after concerts is via NE 179th St. to southbound I-5.

Mark Butorac of the consulting firm of Kittleson and Associates said maximum southbound on-ramp capacity is 2,000 vehicles per hour. The capacity won't clear Amphitheater parking lots within a goal of two hours.

Assuming 2.5 persons per vehicle, a second exit route should be added when attendance reaches 12,500 persons, and a third route added for venues attended by 16,000 or more patrons, Butorac said.

Bus transport, not yet considered in the estimates, would enhance exit times, he added.

Options on the table

Four of five alternative departures move traffic westerly on NE 179th St. to NW 11th Ave.

One option would send vehicles north on NW 11th Ave. to NE 199th St., then south on NE 219th St. to Union Ave. and southward to NE 134th St. and I-5 or I-205

However, this route wasn't popular with the transportation experts who saw potential conflicts as southbound traffic jogged across NE 179th St. to Union Ave.

Another plan would move traffic south on NW 11th Ave. to NE 149th St., then along NE 10th Ave. to NE 134th St. to I-5 or I-205.

One option would route traffic south on NW 11th Ave. to NE 149th St., westerly to NW 21st Ave., and to NE 134th St. for the trip to freeways.

Another alternative would send traffic north on NW 11th Ave. to NE 199th St., then westward to NW 29th St., and southward to NE 134th St. for freeway access.

An option to use the Amphitheater emergency exit to NE 164th St., to NW 11th Ave., and south to NE 149th St. and NE 10th Ave. to NE 134th St. would conflict with transit operations, said Discussion Group chair person Pete Capell.

Highway improvements declared infeasible

Butoric, said solving problems with new highway or freeway enhancements isn't feasible.

The consultant said costs and environmental issues scrapped consideration of a project that would extend NE 10th Ave. over Whipple Creek to provide direct access to the NE 134th St. interchange.

Ridgefield resident Lora Caine said the route improvement is in the Clark County 20-year Comprehensive Plan.

Butoric said widening NE 179th St. to six lanes wouldn't increase I-5 on-ramp capacity.

Construction of a new on-ramp lane for southbound I-5 at NE 179th St. creates a weaving issue for southbound traffic trying to access right lanes for access to I-205, said Butoric. The safety issue makes it unlikely that federal or state transportation officials would approve another lane of flow onto I-5 at the location.

Butoric said a NE 199th St. on ramp to I-5 would encounter similar objections from federal and state officials.

Proximity to the I-5/I-205 split prohibits construction of an on-ramp to I-5 at NE 164th St., said Butoric.

Fewer tickets offered as solution

Vancouver attorney John Karpinski, representing Citizens for Transportation Safety, said rearranging traffic won't fix the problem.

Karpinski said Amphitheater officials should limit ticket sales to prevent traffic congestion.

The Traffic Improvement Group will meet on Mon., March 8, 1 p.m., in the Licensing Conference Room, 1408 Franklin St., Vancouver.

STATE MAY LIFT HAZARDOUS SITE LABEL FROM LANDFILL

Bill Myers, staff reporter

State officials want to remove Circle C Landfill near Ridgefield from a list of hazardous sites in the state.

The landfill at 31313 Paradise Park Rd. was operated in the 1970s and 1980s as a mixed waste, non-municipal landfill.

The original operation began by filling an existing ravine west of McCormick Creek.

Fill was dumped without a bottom liner or leachate collection system. Leachate, a liquid formed by percolating rain or groundwater through decomposing materials, caused contamination at the site, officials said.

The facility was closed in 1991 by owners of the Circle C Corporation because they could not comply with solid waste regulations adopted by the state.

Formal closure, under authority of state solid waste regulations, included building a soil cover over the landfill in October 1991 and monitoring leachate, ground and surface water runoff and air.

Methane gas collected from a passive gas collection system is burned at the site.

Leachate is collected and trucked to the City of Vancouver sewage treatment plant for disposal.

A February 2004 state Department of Ecology notice said post-closure monitoring has not shown any violations of cleanup standards. Circle C Landfill is 12 years into a required 20-year maintenance and monitoring period.

Clark County Health Department officials will continue to monitor the site until 2011.

Monitoring reports may be reviewed at the Ridgefield Library, 210 N Main Ave., Ridgefield. Interested persons may review and comment on the proposed removal of the site from the Hazardous Sites List through March 19, 2004.

More detailed site documents may be reviewed by calling Ecology's regional records center at (360) 407-6365.

Written comments should be sent to Bob Warren, site manager, at the Ecology Southwest Regional Office, Toxics Cleanup Program, PO Box 47775, Olympia, WA 98504-7775.

Owner reactions

Circle C Corporation vice president Karen Carlson said the landfill was capped after closure with fabric and several feet of clay.

Carlson said her family accepted construction and demolition debris at the landfill, but not toxic materials.

Carlson said she is pleased that the state proposes to remove the site from the Hazardous Sites List. She said the land is vacant, not operating, but as a closed landfill will continue to be regulated by minimal standards for solid waste landfills.

Circle C Corporation is a family-owned corporation. Carlson's mother, Cora Mae Carlson, is president.

MEMORIES OF OLD TOWN BATTLE GROUND STAY ALIVE

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

A recent drive around Old Town Battle Ground evoked a lot of memories for Battle Ground police chief Ron Johnson.

Johnson, 56, a lifetime area resident, grew up in Hockinson and attended Battle Ground schools after completing eighth grade in the Finnish community.

Cruising through older neighborhoods in his unmarked car, Johnson reminisced about people and places he's known his entire life.

Johnson wheeled the dark blue cruiser to the curb on E Main St. in front of Sagebrush Mercantile.

"Geez, I remember when that part of the building was a tavern," he said, pointing to the east portion. "If I remember right, there was a separate entrance right next to it where there was a pool hall. Yeah, I used to go in there to play pool when I was a teenager."

There used to be a dentist office across the street where Ross Electronics is now, Jake's Plumbing used to be where the Lewis River Dancers now meet, and Gene's Auto Supply was next to Jake's at the current Martial Arts Center.

A little further east Johnson drove by a brick building on the south side where Hair Country and Forever Crafting are. It used to be a laundromat, he said.

"Battle Ground Motors and Hanley Body Shop were where Happy Family and Battle Ground Inn are," he said, gesturing with his free hand. "I took my `57 Chevy in there for Bob Bertsch to work on the carburetor."

Johnson's longtime interest in E Main St. history has spurred action by the Old Town Battle Ground Merchant's Association to collect pictures for display in several stores.

Steve Irby of Irby's Fine Wines and Bistro at 801 E Main St. has set aside a corner with a few historic photos of his popular restaurant.

The photos on display of Harvey's Cafe were given to him by Johnson. Harvey's was where Irby's is now located.

Johnson has fond memories of going to Harvey's with his parents and two older sisters for occasional meals. But it isn't a burger he remembers most. It's a bubble gum machine.

The machine sported three ducks to shoot at with a little "pistol" when a penny was loaded into it. Pull the trigger, and a gumball popped out.

Battle Ground's first mayor, Louie Rassmussen, had a real estate office next to Harvey's, which is now Donovan's Tattoo, Johnson said.

The Place Tavern, next to Donovan's, was the Bee Gee Theater. The domed roof harks back to the days when theater screens were accommodated in the structure.

Johnson doesn't remember the price of a ticket or what movies he saw there. But he does remember that he really wanted to see The Blob when it appeared in 1958, but he never did. Can't remember why, he said.

Across the street, Al and Ernie's market flourished, run by brothers Alvie and Ernie Dunning. Behind the store there was a tall grain elevator. Johnson remembers seeing it burn down.

"One time, I was very small, we saw a lot of smoke from Hockinson in Battle Ground's direction," he said. "We got to town, and the huge grain elevator was on fire. I saw it burn and crash down. I never did know why it was even there."

While attending high school, Johnson spent more time in town.

Kampus Korner Kafe was located where Napa Auto Parts is, close to the high school and now-demolished junior high building.

Johnson fondly remembered lime Cokes, made with lime syrup mixed into fountain-drawn soda, nothing like what is sold in bottles today, he said. As a teen, he also spent time with his friends at Tiger Bowl, which still stands, where a burger and chocolate sundae could be bought for 50 cents.

Next to the Kafe was a service station run by Marvin Brothers, who was to become Battle Ground mayor in the mid-1990s.

The spot where Dante's Italian Restaurant, a satellite dish sales office and a certified public accountant's office now are at 15 E Main St. used to be Bea & Don's Market, owned by Bea and Don Primley.

The previous old wooden building extended to the street, and Johnson remembers wood steps ascending from E Main St. to the store.

Not too far east a wooden structure still stands facing E Main St., now housing K.A.B. Motors--House of Imports, on SE 4th Ave., next to the Chevron station. The building was owned by Sheldon Onsdorff who rented freezer lockers to store meat for those who didn't have freezer space at home, Johnson said. Onsdorff also did meat cutting.

Onsdorff didn't have far to get to work, as he lived across the street in the still-standing white house, Johnson said, which now houses Allstate Insurance offices.

Another house Johnson remembers stands out in its current neighborhood at 412 SE 2nd Ave. The three-story farmhouse, now surrounded by a subdivision, was a Johnson family destination for an excursion to the country while visiting Battle Ground.

Bob Rieck was the owner, and often welcomed the Johnsons when they came to his farm to ride horses and fish in Woodin Creek.

"We caught a few fish," Johnson remembered. "But there weren't too many."

Cruising back to his office, Johnson rattled off more names and places: Old Doc Clark's office at the old post office, now Cabin Fever; old Doc Skinner who practiced on E Main St.; the town's original liquor store at Fox Building II on NE 1st St.; and the old First Independent Bank Building and a drugstore.

"We're losing a lot of the history of Battle Ground," Johnson said. "Buildings, occupants are changing. We need to preserve what we can."

Those who wish to donate photos of an older Battle Ground may contact Brooke Nielsen of Kidz Cloz, 604 E Main St., at 687-6997. Photos will be displayed on a presentation board in the store before being sent to other businesses for display.

Irby will also consider putting more historic photos on display. He can be reached at 666-4877.

PLUMBER SOLVES ARSENIC PROBLEMS

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Plumber Jim Studt specializes in getting bad stuff, including arsenic, out of water systems.

Studt began his plumbing career 27 years ago when he became a plumber's helper for an uncle in New York.

A Woodland resident the last 12 years, Studt started Studt Plumbing and Water Treatment four years ago.

Studt said arsenic is frequently found in wells on both sides of the North Fork of the Lewis River.

Unsafe levels of arsenic can turn up anywhere. Studt said he installed one arsenic treatment system south of Dollars Corner when a homeowner discovered an arsenic level exceeding 50 parts per billion parts of water (ppb).

An arsenic level of less than 10 ppb is considered safe for drinking water by Environmental Protection Agency officials.

The plumber said he has installed at least 12 arsenic treatment systems north of the North Fork of the Lewis River, and about eight systems on the Clark County side of the river.

Studt said the highest level of arsenic he ever treated was near Hayes Rd. east of Woodland where a well delivered arsenic in water at a rate of 380 parts per billion.

Arsenic problems can be fixed with treatment systems, said Studt. Higher quantities of the poison require more treatment equipment and higher costs.

"There is no silver bullet," he said.

Studt offers free arsenic screening but needs to identify the chemistry of water before installing a treatment system.

Chemical tests can be used to determine whether arsenic is in arsenite or arsenate form, the content of iron and other elements. Arsenite must be oxidized into an arsenate form before treatment, said Studt.

Chemistry determines what treatments will work, and if filtering should be done with metal oxide media, ion exchange, or with other technology, said Studt.

There are two types of water treatment systems, said Studt. A point-of-use system treats water at a faucet and a point-of-entry system treats all water entering a home.

Point-of-use systems range from $300 to $450. Filters in such systems cost about $90 and are replaced about every six months, said Studt.

Water treatment tanks, similar to those used in water-softeners, are used in point-of-entry systems. Studt said commonly-used technologies to treat water involve either metal oxide media or ion-exchange.

The low-end cost of a point-of-entry system is about $2,500, said Studt. Treatment media contained in entry systems start at $1,600 and will treat 700,000 gallons of water. Media replacement for an average family is necessary about every five to seven years, said Studt.

Studt said costs of systems will always depend on the system needed and labor necessary to install it.

Studt began studying water treatment systems several years ago. He is certified by the Water Quality Association, a national membership organization that collects and disseminates water treatment data.

Anyone can access the Association and its water information library at the Association website, wqa.com. "I'm in a small community, and want to keep a good reputation," Studt said. He gladly provides names of satisfied customers.

Studt Plumbing and Water Treatment can be reached at 360-225-6173.

LA CENTER DOWNTOWN PLAN UNVEILED

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Two plazas, a landscape island and angled parking could become realities in downtown La Center.

Plazas, the island and more parking were among visions for downtown presented Feb. 25 to La Center city council members by a Vancouver consultant.

Using a booklet and exhibits, Otak Inc. consultant Joe Dills guided council members through a plan to create a new "downtown core area" in the city.

The Otak study, funded by a Community Development Block Grant, listed key features for a future downtown, including mixed use zoning and pedestrian-friendly walkways with access to parks and views.

The vision includes parking areas on the interiors of the blocks between 4th and 5th streets and angled parking along Birch and Cedar avenues. A triangular-shaped landscape island is envisioned on Aspen Ave. near the 4th St. junction. Plazas would be located at the base of Aspen Ave. south of 4th St., and on Birch Ave.

A network of pedestrian and bicycle links would access Brezee Creek and Lewis River Wetlands Stewardship Park areas. Steps from Birch Ave. would lead to Lewis River Wetlands Stewardship Park and a proposed amphitheater.

Comprehensive Plan text changes

The consultant study recommended that changes to the city's Comprehensive Plan identify downtown as the "historic heart of the community."

Suggested text modifications would envision the downtown as a primary location for small shops, services and civic uses; a place pleasant for walking that accommodates cars and parking; a mixed use center; a place for community events, with attractions and services for all ages; and a place that supports existing business, including gaming, while allowing diversification of the economic base.

Text changes would recognize the new Downtown Core Area District and the city's intent to work with businesses on mixed-used projects, improve public spaces and support downtown vitality.

Following the presentation, city council members voted to accept the consultant study. They asked public works director Jeff Sarvis and city planner Eric Eisemann to study zoning and traffic circulation issues.

A public meeting previously scheduled for March regarding the J.L. Storedahl & Son's gravel company has been postponed until Thurs., April 29, 7 p.m.

The meeting will be held at the Clark County Public Service Center, suite 680, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver.

In the first scheduled meeting, Storedahl representatives were set to appear before County hearings examiner Larry Epstein to discuss a rezone request and plan approval for mining expansion on the company's Daybreak site adjacent the East Fork Lewis River.

The meeting was rescheduled due to a request for a conditional use permit. The permit would allow continued use of a rock crusher at the site. Epstein will preside over the second meeting as well.

For more information, contact County planner Josh Warner, 397-2375, ext. 4898.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Developers of a planned commercial retail and entertainment center off SR-503 and NE 199th St. met with Battle Ground School Board members Feb. 24 to describe the project and discuss partnerships with schools.

Plans call for a 17,000 square-foot movie theater with some 60,000 square feet of commercial space to be built just west of the Maple Grove schools campus.

The site, now dubbed the Gardner Center, would feature stores, a bank and a family-oriented restaurant.

New to the plan is a full-service athletic club complete with a junior-sized Olympic swimming pool. The 35,000 square-foot facility would include weight lifting equipment, exercise rooms, child care facilities and parking for about 200.

Vancouver developer Elie Kassab recently signed a purchase agreement with Joe Melo, representative for Recreational Design Services LLC, a Vancouver-based company that developed the facility now owned by Bally Total Fitness off NE 164th Ave. in Fisher's Landing.

Melo is set to develop the fitness center portion of the center while Kassab will develop the rest of the site.

Melo and Kassab encouraged Board members to support the project. The Center will boost area taxes, provide jobs for students, allow sports teams and clubs to use fitness equipment and space, and offer large-scale seating in its theaters which could be used for educational purposes, they said.

A similar arrangement has been worked out with the Evergreen School District, Melo said, which uses the NE 164th facility for its swim program.

"The center will be a huge draw for the community," Melo said. "We believe Battle Ground is ready for a facility this size."

Tammy Ferguson, project manager with the Kassab group, discussed the theater portion of the development, saying a theater will benefit all ages. Senior citizens as well as high school students are often employed by theaters.

Ferguson described a Super Student Program created at another theater built by Kassab in Sandy, OR.

As part of the program, students who do their homework for 30 consecutive days receive a free movie pass. The first month the program was in effect the theater handed out 800 passes.

In addition, the theater would be available for community use during off-hours, Ferguson said. Churches, clubs and educational groups will be welcome to use the space.

If all goes according to plan, construction could start on the site by late spring, with completion by late fall.

Battle Ground city planners have yet to give final approvals, however, a positive environmental review was issued Feb. 24.

Kassab said he has encountered several hurdles along the way. One of the biggest obstacles is to secure access to the site from the state-governed SR-503.

One plan calls for an extension of NE Scotton Way to SR-503, an option Kassab said will benefit the area by taking pressure off the NE 199th/SR-503 intersection near the school.

Kassab noted that Sen. Joseph Zarelli (R-18) and Clark County commissioner Craig Pridemore have expressed support for Center access from SR-503.

"It's easy to give up," Kassab said, "but we're not going to."

Board chairman Sam Kim said he supports the establishment of greater commercial tax bases in Battle Ground. A larger commercial tax base will ease the amount of taxes paid by individual property owners.

Board member Karen Lehman said she also supports the Center idea.

"You would not only be working with our kids," Lehman said, "but contributing to our tax base, which helps everyone."

OBITS:

STEPHEN MEACHAM

Stephen A. Meacham, 19, died Feb. 24, 2004 at Fort Huachuca, AZ where he was serving in the U.S. Air Force. Cause of death is pending.

Meacham was born Oct. 4, 1984 in North Bend, OR, and attended schools in Eugene, OR. He was seeking a career in intelligence and was taking morse code training.

Meacham enjoyed computer club, magic club, band, cross country and Boys Scouts of America where he received an Eagle Scout badge. He was also awarded the Americanism Award in 2002 from the American Legion.

Meacham was involved in the youth group at the Foursquare Faith Center Church in Oregon.

In 1994 at age 9, Meacham saved his younger brother's life in a 30-foot fall to a river. Meacham was preceded in death by his father, John L. Meacham, in 1992. Survivors include mother Nancy Meacham of Vancouver, sisters Jennifer Meacham of Portland, Amy Vance of Battle Ground and Heather Weber of Vancouver, brothers Benjamin Meacham of Battle Ground, Timothy Meacham of Oregon and Thomas Meacham of Vancouver, grandmother Vicky Knack of Arizona, and four nephews.

Interment was at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, with Evergreen Staples Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

TERESA LEWIS

Teresa Marie (Richter) Lewis, 78, died Feb. 24, 2004 in Battle Ground.

Lewis was born Oct. 2, 1925 in Pittsburgh, PA, and lived in Battle Ground for two years.

Lewis was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Survivors include husband John Lewis, at home, daughter Teri Lewis of Battle Ground, sons Greg Lewis of California and Jon Lewis of Vancouver, and four grandchildren.

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

ROBERT MCCARTHY

Robert "Bob" Joseph McCarthy, 63, died Feb. 24, 2004 in Salem, OR.

McCarthy was born Sept. 25, 1940 in San Francisco, CA, worked as a grave digger, and lived in Clark County for 10 years before moving to Oregon.

McCarthy was a previous owner of Guardian Vault Co., and worked at opening graves in Portland, Vancouver and Clark County. He lived in Portland for 27 years and Vancouver 10 years. He owned a trailer park in Coos Bay, OR. He was an auctioneer and second hand store owner. He was a foster father. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, garage sales and cooking.

Survivors include widow Lois McCarthy, at home, daughter Colleen Polock of Oregon, son Mike McCarthy of Vancouver, sisters Lois Adams and Darlene Rogers, both of California, and Cecilia Hurley of Portland, brothers David Hurley of California, and Gary Hurley, Sean Hurley and Dan Hurley, all of Portland, and two granddaughters.

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

BILLY WIGGINS

Billy Clyde Wiggins, 75, died Feb. 25, 2004 in Battle Ground.

Wiggins was born Sept. 10, 1928, in Vancouver, worked as an educator for 30 years in Battle Ground Public Schools, and lived in Clark County his entire life.

Wiggins served as a first fire commissioner in Amboy. He was a member of the Amboy Lions, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Clark-Skamania Fly Fishers. He enjoyed model railroading, fly fishing and tying, hiking, hunting, fishing, gardening, farming, leather working, woodworking and playing baseball.

Wiggins laminated fishing net frames, collected boats and made his own fishing rods.

Wiggins was preceded in death by a grandchild, Sean Wiggins, in 2002. Survivors include widow Mary Lou Wiggins, at home, daughters Debra Wiggins of Montana and Nancy Wiggins of Texas, son Gary Wiggins of Vancouver, and two grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held Sat., March 6, 11 a.m., at Battle Ground High School East Gym, Battle Ground. Casket will be open Wed., March 3, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Layne's Funeral Home Chapel, Battle Ground. Private interment was planned for Park Hill Cemetery, Vancouver.

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

MILDRED HILBERG

Mildred G. Hilberg, 93, died Feb. 22, 2004 in Vancouver.

Hilberg was born Sept. 21, 1910 in Chicago, IL, and lived in Clark County since 1946.

Hilberg was a member of the Brush Prairie Baptist Church and a member of the Golden Heirs of the church. She enjoyed gardening and loved flowers. She enjoyed banking, cooking, entertaining and knitting.

Hilberg was preceded in death by her husband, Elwin Hilberg, in 1978, and daughter Mary Skoko in 1986. Survivors include daughter Anna Lewis of Vancouver, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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

Stephen A. Meacham, 19, died Feb. 24, 2004 at Fort Huachuca, AZ where he was serving in the U.S. Air Force. Cause of death is pending.

Meacham was born Oct. 4, 1984 in North Bend, OR, and attended schools in Eugene, OR. He was seeking a career in intelligence and was taking morse code training.

Meacham enjoyed computer club, magic club, band, cross country and Boys Scouts of America where he received an Eagle Scout badge. He was also awarded the Americanism Award in 2002 from the American Legion.

Meacham was involved in the youth group at the Foursquare Faith Center Church in Oregon.

In 1994 at age 9, Meacham saved his younger brother's life in a 30-foot fall to a river.

Meacham was preceded in death by his father, John L. Meacham, in 1992. Survivors include mother Nancy Meacham of Vancouver, sisters Jennifer Meacham of Portland, Amy Vance of Battle Ground and Heather Weber of Vancouver, brothers Benjamin Meacham of Battle Ground, Timothy Meacham of Oregon and Thomas Meacham of Vancouver, grandmother Vicky Knack of Arizona, and four nephews.

Interment was at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, with Evergreen Staples Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.