VIRGIL WALLACE GETS LEG UP

Surgeons have repaired Virgil Wallace's right leg and the self-proclaimed "Old Woodsman" could be up and walking by summer.

Wallace, 87, slipped on ice Jan. 5 and severely broken bones near his right ankle. One area of bone about three inches long was broken in five places.

Wallace said he had pulled his car to a berm of snow and ice at the side of the road to make way for a garbage truck. He got out of his van and began to walk, but slipped. He hit his head on his van on the way down.

While trying to get up, Wallace said he saw his foot lying at an unusual angle from his leg.

"It was a heart-breaker," said Wallace.

Wallace twisted his leg in the fall, and dropped his 190 pounds on the foot as well.

Because surgeons were busy with a flurry of broken bones during the snow and ice storm, Wallace waited from 10:30 a.m. Jan. 5 until 6:30 p.m. Jan. 6 before surgery was undertaken.

Steel braces were added to stabilize the leg.

After the two-hour surgery, Wallace's leg was placed in a cast up to the knee. Four weeks later, the cast was removed by someone who told Wallace she would not cut him in the process. Wallace now has a 2-foot scar from the cast removal process.

Wallace spent eight days in Southwest Washington Medical Center, then a month in Cascade Care Center.

Last week he moved into Mallard Landing and Assisted Living Community in Battle Ground.

To avoid surgical error, Wallace said he posted a sign on his right leg: "This is the leg you put the foot on," the sign read. Wallace can now wiggle his toes.

"It's the fourth time I've broken my right leg," said Wallace, who worked as a logger for many years.

Wallace was injured when a log pinned him against a truck in 1952. His cork boots stuck in bark in 1964 resulting in knee surgery. In another accident, a log shoved his big toe well into his foot.

Wallace said he has twice injured his left leg in logging, once with a saw above the knee, and another time when he nearly cut his left foot off with an axe in 1956.

Wallace now sells firewood from his Yacolt home.

Wallace has been a favorite speaker to school groups and others, describing the early days of logging. He has authored seven books, including his works of poetry and prose, and a book for children.

A youth group from a Yacolt church assisted Wallace by stacking five cords of firewood in his woodlot.

Wallace said he plans another trip to Alaska when he recovers.

Wallace removed the boot that replaced the cast to allow viewing of the repaired foot and leg.

"I always enjoyed looking at women's legs," said Wallace. "I thought the women might enjoy looking at this leg."

Cards can be sent to Wallace at Mallard Landing and Assisted Living Community, 813 SE Clark Ave., Battle Ground, WA 98604.

Despite the recent donation of $100,000 from the estate of the late Gladys Hare, work on the Cathlapotle Plankhouse project at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge has come to a halt.

Greg Robinson, hired to head the work, has been laid off.

Worked ceased on the plankhouse in late February when funding from the state Department of Transportation was put on hold by officials of the state Historical Society.

Construction of the plankhouse is part of the celebration of the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Hare's donation is earmarked for maintenance and upkeep of the plankhouse, not for construction.

Setbacks arose on the project in January when representatives of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe objected to being excluded from the plankhouse project or recognized as having lived in the Refuge area during the era of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

In a Jan. 5 letter to Refuge manager Tom Melanson, John Barnett and Mike Iyall, representatives of the Longview-based Cowlitz Tribe, said that, because the inhabitants of the Cathlapotle Village are not documented, then the project should include all tribes of the region.

Barnett and Iyall objected to involvement of only the Chinook Tribe in the work. "We want history to be correct and complete," wrote Barnett and Iyall.

Barnett and Iyall said anthropologists have no recorded knowledge of the true name of the people of Cathlapotle. They added that a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service publication lists Cowlitz Chief Umtuch as the last great chief of Cathlapotle.

The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Barnett and Iyall said the Fish and Wildlife Service's printed materials, along with its website, are not objective with regard to the Cowlitz Tribe.

Meetings on the issue between the Cowlitz Tribe and the Fish and Wildlife Service began in February, mediated by David Nicandri, director of the Washington State Historical Society.

Nicandri said two meetings held so far have been cordial, with Melanson and Scott Aikin representing the Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bill and Mike Iyall representing the Tribe.

Nicandri said federal law requires agencies to consult with tribes on projects such as this, which is something Fish and Wildlife Service intends to do in the future, he said.

"The Cowlitz are not trying to supplant any other tribe," said Nicandri.

Nicandri affirmed that descendants of the last Cathlapotle residents were Cowlitz.

Nicandri expects the issue to be resolved in 1-2 months.

Federal guidelines, said Nicandri, urge groups to err on the side of inclusion in cases like this. Nicandri noted the "500 years of troubled history" that the Cowlitz Tribe has endured.

Funding in limbo

Arlene Johnson, project director for the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Committee of Vancouver/Clark County, said the plankhouse project was fully funded before the state money was held up.

Johnson said $100,000 of the $470,000 plankhouse budget came from the National Park Service, $135,000 from two private grants, and $15,000 from donations. The remaining $220,000 was promised from the state Department of Transportation, said Johnson, but has been put on hold pending resolution of the Cowlitz issue.

Refuge spokesperson Yvette Donovan said money is not now available to rent equipment to continue construction.

Work parties are being held the first Sunday of each month to prepare logs for eventual construction. Work parties had previously taken place weekly.

Johnson said the work by La Center carver Adam McIsaac has also been put on hold.

The plankhouse project is the construction of a replica of the kind of house occupied by Indians at the Refuge area when the site was visited by Lewis and Clark in 1805-06. Indian plankhouses were of various sizes.

So far, the site has been prepared and an initial pole installed. Workshops have been held on the making of cord from cedar withes which will hold the structure together. Workshops have also been held on other topics.

Cedar logs have been acquired and are in various stages of preparation.

Officials welcome Hare bequest

"Mrs. Hare's contribution has helped ensure that we will be able to keep the doors open at the plankhouse for generations to come," said Melanson. "Funding for long-term maintenance costs has been an important concern for us since we began working on this project. Mrs. Hare's generosity and her legacy have helped put our minds at east about this issue."

Gladys Hare never visited the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge in her 95 years, nor did she ever participate in the Cathlapotle Plankhouse Project.

But her friends say she was interested in both birds and education. She had friends in Ridgefield who brought the project to her attention. Friends said she had a "vast collection" of porcelain figurines of birds.

Hare had worked as a teacher early in her adult life. She died in December 2003. She had lived in Portland.

LA CENTER FIRES FINANCE OFFICER

Bill Myers, staff reporter

La Center mayor James Irish dismissed finance officer/city clerk Brian Yaw from city employment effective Feb. 29.

The termination came days before the expiration of Yaw's six-month probationary period as a new employee, set to expire March 8. Yaw was hired Sept. 10 by former mayor Liz Cerveny.

Irish said Yaw has an excellent education and corporate employment history, but did not have knowledge of state laws, city codes or municipal processes.

"The learning curve for a new city clerk/treasurer is very steep," said Irish.

Irish said city officials are seeking applications for the position.

Bus, light rail, trolley are options

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Regional Transportation Council (RTC) officials mulled plans March 2 to study options for a high capacity transit loop in Clark County.

Officials are seeking a $2 million grant from the Federal Transit Authority to fund a study of a bi-state, high-capacity transit loop that would use SR-500, Fourth Plain Blvd., or other corridors to connect I-5 with I-205.

In a memorandum to board members, RTC director Dean Lookingbill outlined reasons for the study.

Projected county growth will significantly increase travel demands between the interstates, said Lookingbill.

Lookingbill said high demand for travel will continue between the Vancouver and Portland metropolitan areas, with bottlenecks already causing delays for commuters, business, and industry on I-5 and I-205 bridges.

By 2023, according to RTC engineer Bob Hart, afternoon peak hour I-205 corridor traffic at the Glenn Jackson bridge will increase 78 percent. Afternoon peak hour traffic on the I-5 Interstate bridge is projected to climb 23 percent.

Afternoon peak hour traffic on SR-500 from I-5 to I-205 is projected to increase 36 percent by 2023. A 21 percent increase in afternoon peak hour traffic on Fourth Plain Blvd. is projected.

Additional high capacity transit will improve commuter and freight mobility and stimulate business and economic development, said Lookingbill.

Options for high capacity transit include an option for improving existing transit services with schedule and priority changes without major capital construction.

RTC engineers and/or hired transportation consulting firms will evaluate three alternative transport modes in the study: Bus Rapid Transit, Light Rail Transit and Street Car/Trolley.

An Alternatives Analysis complies with Federal Transit Authority planning guidelines and is a first step toward getting future federal help with future construction projects.

RTC board member Rod Monroe, representing the Oregon Department of Transportation, said private funding played a large role in paying for light rail transit in the Portland area because businesses view light rail as permanent.

Citizen Paul Edgar, attending the meeting as an alternate for state representative Tom Mielke, said equal funding priority should be given to improving roads. Jobs are tied to road capacity, not light rail, said Edgar.

Lookingbill said the transit loop study was a system analysis, not an "either/or."

"We can't continue to widen I-5," said Lookingbill.

RTC board member and Battle Ground city council member Bill Ganley said citizens could learn a great deal from the study.

LA CENTER LEADERS SAY NO TRIBAL PACT

Cowlitz Tribe asks federal agency to take land in trust

Bill Myers, staff reporter

La Center city council members at a March 2 hearing said they won't support the crafting of an agreement with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.

The following day, tribal leaders asked the U.S. Department of Interior to take land at I-5 and NW 319th St. into trust.

At the hearing, 16 citizens--all who testified--said they would oppose a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with tribal leaders.

City leaders scheduled the hearing to measure public attitudes on whether the mayor should execute an MOU with the Cowlitz Tribe and if so, what agreements should be included.

The Cowlitz Tribe owns or controls about 151 acres of land at I-5 and NW 319th St. Tribal leaders recently executed an MOU with Clark County commissioners. The MOU is subject to approval by federal authorities.

Tribal leaders have not said how they will use the land, but have always said they will ask the U.S. Department of Interior to accept the land in trust.

Trust status could pave the way to development by the Tribe of a gaming casino at the site.

At the hearing, citizens expressed concerns about adverse economic impacts by un-taxed tribal businesses, plus environmental issues.

Some citizens said they don't believe they can trust tribal leaders who won't say how they will use the land.

Before citizens testified, council member Richard Curtis said he opposes any agreement with Cowlitz tribal leaders because "they have never been forthright."

Citizens with economic concerns said tribal members who don't pay state or local taxes will have a business advantage.

Some citizens, including card-room workers, fear casino-gaming a couple of miles away would draw essential business away from four card rooms. The card rooms employ several hundred people and annually provide the city with about $3 million in tax revenue.

Ridgefield citizen Susan Gilbert lives between the tribal land and the East Fork of the Lewis River. Gilbert, who fears that run-off from pavement at the site could destroy area wildlife habitat, urged citizens to address concerns to the Regional Director of the Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) in Portland.

La Center resident Wendy McGraw said she has studied negative impacts of casinos on other communities. She urged citizens to write letters to federal officials opposing land trust status.

La Center citizen Samantha Hatch said an agreement will amounts to tacit approval of a tribal undertaking.

Hatch said Clark County, even with a limited waiver of sovereign immunity executed by the Tribe during MOU negotiations, can't sue the Tribe.

County civil attorney Curt Wyrick maintains that the limited waiver will enable the County to enforce terms of the MOU, by lawsuit if necessary. Hatch and other citizens at the hearing said they are not against the Cowlitz Tribe, but are opposed to a casino near La Center.

La Center resident Kamie Biehl said the Tribe needs an agreement with the city to satisfy BIA officials.

Biehl, who organized a citizens opposition group, Stand Up for North County Citizens, asked council members to develop a detailed study of potential impacts of tribal development.

La Center resident Sandra Bennett, a retired property appraiser, said a casino will hurt area property values.

Bennett said she received threatening phone calls after writing to the BIA and Clark County commissioners.

Consultant John Bockmier, who represents La Center card rooms, said Cowlitz Tribe officials began negotiations in August 2003 with the state Gaming Commission.

Bockmier said a city council committee should study the entire issue including school impacts, contact other communities near casinos and establish rapport with officials at the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Bockmier posed a question to council members.

"How do each of you feel about a tribal casino?" he said. "Citizens should know where you stand."

La Center mayor Jim Irish said council members would speak after hearing all testimony.

La Center Lions Club member Steve Fuller said tribal development, with subsequent sales of fireworks by tribal members, would destroy fundraisers of area non-profit organizations.

Jo England, chief executive officer of the New Phoenix and Last Frontier card room casinos, urged council members to immediately send a letter to the BIA.

La Center citizen George Miller said County commissioners "basically sold out."

Council members polled

When testimony ended, citizens again asked council members to state their positions.

Council member Linda Tracy said she is not in favor of an MOU.

"I don't like to feel threatened," she said.

Council member Janice Fowler said she is not in favor of an MOU or a casino at the junction.

Council member Russ Marshall said, "I'm not really in favor of an MOU either. I wanted to hear what the community had to say. You elected us to represent you."

Curtis said he won't support an MOU, and that the city should outline potential impacts in a letter to the BIA.

Council member Dale Smith said he is not in favor of any non-regulated entity at the junction.

Irish said, "You have five council members not in favor of the MOU. I will represent the city in that manner."

Irish said a committee of council members will evaluate citizen comments and the city attorney will draft a letter to the BIA as soon as practical.

Application submitted March 3

La Center city attorney Dan Kearns said tribal leaders submitted an application to the BIA March 3, asking that land at the I-5/NW 319th St. site be taken into trust by the Department of Interior.

COUNTY FINALIZES INDIAN ACCORD

Disclaimer says no endorsement intended

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Clark County commissioners Craig Pridemore and Judie Stanton approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) March 2 with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe with a resolution containing an arm's length disclaimer.

Commissioner Betty Sue Morris was away on a business trip.

The MOU, executed in conjunction with a limited waiver of sovereign immunity signed by tribal leaders, outlines County and tribal agreements if land held by the Cowlitz Tribe at the junction of NW 319th St. and I-5 is accepted in trust by the U.S. Department of Interior and developed by the Tribe.

Tribal leaders have said they plan to seek trust status, but have not said how they will use the land, about 151 acres situated west of I-5.

Tribal lands accepted in trust by the federal government are exempt from state and local land-use rules and can be used by a Tribe to house gaming facilities.

The Resolution

In approving the MOU, Pridemore and Stanton signed a two-part resolution.

Section I of the Resolution approves the MOU.

Section II contains this disclaimer:

"Nothing in this Memorandum of Understanding should be construed as evidencing county support for or endorsement of the Tribe's trust application. The Board has concerns that the trust application, if federally-approved, would permit uses on this rural and resource land which otherwise would not be allowed under the County's comprehensive land use plan, would permit gaming, which is otherwise prohibited in unincorporated Clark County, and could potentially adversely affect existing business."

Citizens say disclaimer didn't go far enough

Darlene Johnson, representing the Woodland Chamber of Commerce, said language in the resolution did not reflect concerns about a future casino expressed last month by Pridemore when the commissioners voted to add a disclaimer to the agreement.

Washougal citizen Don Bohlin echoed Johnson's opinion.

"This agreement will negate regulations which others must follow," he said.

Bohlin said the resolution should list concerns about problem gambling, impacts on the East Fork Lewis River environment, and tribal exemptions from taxes.

Pridemore said the Tribe's waiver of sovereign immunity expresses a willingness to adhere to local laws. Pridemore, who said last month he has "strong concerns" about a competitive advantage, un-level playing field and casino gambling, said his personal feelings about gaming should not be written into the agreement.

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Wilco Farm Stores Inc. of Mt. Angel, OR has submitted a letter of intent to buy the Cenex Harvest States store in Battle Ground.

The changeover may be complete by April 1, said Wilco chief operating officer Sam Burgarsky, although that is an aggressive date, he added.

Burgarsky declined to reveal a negotiating price, but said the purchase will include existing Cenex inventory.

This is the second purchase attempt in two years.

Wilco officials entered into purchasing discussions in February 2002, then dropped out. At that time, Cenex, headquartered in St. Paul, MN, also owned stores in Longview and Brush Prairie. Those stores have since been sold or closed.

Burgarsky declined to comment on specifics about why the Oregon farm cooperative backed out of the last deal, but did say some prior issues are better understood now and efforts are currently being made to resolve them by both companies.

What can customers expect?

Patrons will likely see few changes at first, Burgarsky said. The store has done well in its market and has a good customer and staff base.

"There may be some small changes at first, but it will stay a lot like it is now," he said.

Current store manager Mike Williams will stay on, but general manager Jerry Kolke will not be retained. Burgarsky said the agreement is mutual.

"Jerry is more of an executive with Cenex," Burgarsky said of the 35-year employee. "Those job slots are filled at Wilco. We need a store manager, but the executive manager slot is covered."

Kolke said he isn't sure of his plans at this point other than taking some time off to relax and look at his options.

Over time, people will see more changes with a shift to increased farming supplies.

"Our intention is to have a farm core in the store, not like it is now, where there are a variety of retail items." Burgarsky said. "We are a farm store business that deals purely in retail. We focus on small farm communities."

Wilco has been in business more than 30 years, with 14 stores spread across the Willamette Valley in Oregon.

The store has three divisions: agronomy/seed and grain, petroleum and retail.

Cenex fits Wilco's profile of targeting small farms and communities in rural areas such as southwest Washington, Burgarsky said.

Burgarsky said some customers may have a perception that Wilco is "less local" than Cenex and won't be as interested in the community.

"We are actually more local," he said. "Cenex is based somewhere in the mid-west. We're a smaller, farmer-owned co-op from the Willamette Valley."

BG APPROVES QUEST FOR PARK IMPROVEMENTS

$11.6 million total needed for city recreation

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

In a unanimous vote March 1, Battle Ground city council members passed an ordinance that will ask voters to put their money where their mouths are regarding parks improvements.

Two questions will come before voters in an April 27 special election:

To approve 45 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation of property added onto taxes for 20 years to generate $7.8 million for park improvements and construction in the city limits; and

To okay a 50 cents per $1,000 property tax increase to maintain those parks. If approved, the lid lift would generate $360,000 the first year, and increase by 1 percent annually for the next 20 years.

City officials say if both measures are approved, 95 cents per $1,000 value will be tacked onto property taxes. The annual cost will be about $152 for a $160,000 home, or about $13 per month.

The proposal would cost most property owners "less than [the price of] one latte

a week," said council member Bill Ganley.

Ganley also said the city has the lowest property tax rate in Clark County and the proposed increase won't change that.

"If voters pass these parks measures, we will be able to fund a quality parks system, maintain other core services, and still have the lowest property tax rate in the county," he said.

The city will come up with the remaining $4 million from Park Improvement Fees assessed on new homes and Real Estate Excise Taxes the $11.6 million construction undertaking with

The process to fund parks began about 18 months ago in response to citizens' outcry that there are not enough developed parks in the city, said city officials.

In fact, council member Alex Reinhold based part of his campaign for office three years ago on a promise to make sure money is spent on parks.

A citizens committee was formed early last year with about 30 members who worked with Parks Advisory Board members and city-hired consulting firm Otak, Inc. to come up with a plan.

Public work sessions, community outreach events and week-long workshops were held in an attempt to generate interest and hear what people want in park improvements, said city manager Eric Holmes.

After several adjustments, council members settled on improvements in nearly every park with the lion's share going to develop the Remy Property on SW 20th Ave. for $4.3 million, and $2.6 million toward Fairground Park improvements on the east end of town.

Remy's costs include site development of the mostly wetland, 80-acre parcel, including parking lots, trails, baseball diamonds, soccer field/skateboard park, restrooms, concession stands, playground equipment and benches, lighting, bleachers and dugouts.

Fairgrounds Park will see a pavilion with stage, restrooms, improved parking and access, a play set, town commons and entry plaza fountain.

Other park improvements are:

** Florence Robison Park, site furnishings such as benches and trash receptacles--$10,000; ** Gardner Oaks Park, paved loop trail, gravel paths, site development--$155,000;

** Hidden Glen Park, play equipment, benches and site development costs--$70,000; and

** Kiwanis Park, upgraded play fields, restroom improvements, an extra basketball court, walkway lighting, playground upgrades, paved loop path and site development--$410,000.

"It will take passion and conviction on the part of the council to get the word out," Holmes said. "Present the opportunity for citizens to invest in their community. This is a landmark event for council."

Mayor John Idsinga said it will also take passion and conviction of the city's residents.

"Little leaguers, soccer people and skateboarders have worked hard on this," he said. "The bottom line is still jobs. To attract jobs we need good schools and good parks.'

"The community has done a good job," Idsinga added, "Hats off to the [committees] for all their hard work. I think we will prevail. This is good for our community."

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Ridgefield city staff appeared optimistic about sewer capacity March 4, even though the state Department of Ecology has limited the permitted capacity of the city's expanded treatment plant.

Concerns had been raised that the treatment plant might soon run out of capacity, causing growth to come to a halt.

For the past several years, Ridgefield has operated under a permit that allowed 350,000 gallons per day of treated effluent to be discharged into Lake River.

Because of anticipated growth, $3.5 million was spent to expand the city's sewer plant. Officials had hoped to receive a permit that would allow 700,000 gallons to be discharged daily.

The state approved a permit Dec. 15 allowing 500,000 gallons, saying that some plant equipment needs to be updated. Research is also needed regarding a land corridor through the National Wildlife Refuge to send treated sewage to the Columbia River rather than Lake River.

The city appealed the state's decision. However, because documents arrived at the state one day past the 30-day appeal deadline, state officials denied the appeal.

Discussion over the denied appeal prompted an outcry at a Feb. 26 council meeting. Some council members believe the appeal process had been botched.

Ecology spokeswoman Sandy Howard said March 5 that the appeal was reviewed by the state Pollution Control Hearing's Board and denied.

City public works director Randall Jones read a memo March 4 about events of the past two months.

Jones said the good news is the city's overall sewer capacity has increased, even though it is not as much as had been hoped for. Highest flows for 2003 were 219,000 gallons per day, well below the 350,000 gallons allowed by the old permit. The new permit allows the city to more than double its present flows.

Jones said the city needs to prepare for higher flows in the future, but previous numbers reported by media sources painted a more urgent need than will likely occur.

The Reflector previously reported 1,129 permits for new homes in Ridgefield have been approved or are in the pre-approval stage. Jones said this number indicates preliminary plat approvals, not permits, and plat approvals do not guarantee homes will be constructed anytime soon.

Jones said that, as of Feb. 26, 16 new home permits are pending and 22 new home permits have been issued. He believes 500 to 700 homes could be built over the next two to three years.

The city currently has 702 commercial, industrial and residential sewer customers. Jones believes present capacity will be enough to handle currently approved development.

"Let's be clear, though," Jones said. "The city is not out of the woods, and won't be until growth stops."

Jones clarified events surrounding the appeal process. He said he signed an affidavit taking most of the blame for submitting the appeal late.

In the affidavit, Jones blamed the late appeal on adverse winter weather, out-of-town visitors over the holidays, and a surprise health condition which has since been righted.

Jones said the affidavit actually was part of an appeal strategy written by city attorney Brian Wolfe in conjunction with other city staff. In reality, other people knew about the permit and could have pressed the appeal within the 30-day window.

City engineer Dean Hergesheimer agreed with Jones and took responsibility for pushing the appeal because he wanted the city to obtain another 200,000 gallons of capacity.

"I had to argue with [Jones] that filing the appeal was worth doing," Hergesheimer said. "I wish I had not done that. I should have just said `good enough.'"

Jones recommends carefully researching options to pursue more sewer capacity.

Jones believes an analysis about Lake River's water quality and its ability to receive more discharge will pave the way for a renewed application for an increase to the discharge limit.

In the long-term, other solutions may exist rather than running a pipeline to the Columbia River, Jones added.

City manager Randy Bombardier said the city's relationship with Ecology is good even though it appears strained in the media.

Bombardier said Ecology representative David Knight told him Ecology's interest is to work with the city to provide a remedy to its sewer needs.

Ecology officials plan to analyze the amount of dissolved solids in Lake River, an action that Bombardier believes shows Ecology is working with the city toward a solution.

Howard agreed. She said lines of communication are open between Ecology and Bombardier.

City officials will decide specifics about Ridgefield's long-term sewer issues in about eight months after more studies are completed.

"Let's be patient and work this out as a community," mayor Gladys Doriot said.

Doriot recruited council members Tim Thompson and Gary Holmberg to head a workshop March 25 to discuss city sewer options and solutions.

Developer cautions city

Not everyone is content with the city's level of patience.

Developer John Crist cautioned council members that high levels of commercial growth are "on the horizon."

Crist, who is responsible for developing the Union Ridge acreage at the I-5 junction, indicated he is receiving inquiries about the land.

Crist is concerned because city officials discussed sewer capacities four years ago and are still discussing the matter today without resolution.

"If you want commercial development to occur, you better fix it and fix it now," Crist said. "You have to step up to the plate. You don't have eight months to two years."

RIDGEFIELD CITY ATTORNEY RESIGNS

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Ridgefield city attorney Brian Wolfe submitted a letter of resignation to the city council March 5, citing family and stress-related decisions as his reasons.

One option calls for Wolfe to act as city attorney until a replacement is found.

Wolfe, 60, practices with the Blair, Schaefer, Hutchison and Wolfe firm in Vancouver. He has acted as Ridgefield's attorney since 1986. About 14 percent of his business annually is with Ridgefield.

In a letter to city officials, Wolfe wrote that he experienced a similar stressful environment as is happening now in Ridgefield while working with Battle Ground in 1994 and does not wish to go through it again.

Wolfe said he has nothing personally against city officials, but is simply tired of the work-related environment in Ridgefield.

"For your contract consultants to attend Council meetings," Wolfe wrote, "during which they may be purposely embarrassed or vilified for some hidden reason when our professionalism does not let us respond is not a proper way to conduct city business. I will not put myself through personal attacks or innuendoes any longer."

PICKETERS UNHAPPY WITH THREE KINGS

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Labor union picketing of Three Kings Environmental in Battle Ground got a little out of hand March 5.

Members of the Laborers International Union of North America Local 35 showed up at the business, 1311 SE Grace Ave., at 6 a.m., and unloaded two inflatible rats which were then perched on the back of pickup trucks in front of the company.

As the cold, drizzly morning wore on, more union members from Longview, Portland and the Vancouver areas joined ranks. Organizer Ben Nelson said about 40 workers were at the site.

"It's about a labor dispute," Nelson said. "Three Kings is a `rat' company. They offer substandard wages, they have terrible safety records and numerous [safety and health) violations."

Nelson declined to state specific examples other than workplace injuries.

Three Kings employees are not members of the union.

"We're exercising our constitional and legal right to be here," Nelson said as waist-high water sprinklers next to the sidewalk were turned on, dousing picketers.

Three Kings owner Ron King came outside. Accusations, epithets and name calling ensued from both sides.

"You're an economic terrorist," said one man to King. "You have the right to hire and fire people."

King said his employees do not want to join the labor union, and that the company has offered them that option.

"The employees have to choose it," King said. "I can't force them."

Nelson said picketers will stay "as long as we need to until there's a resolution." The group plans to picket the company's job sites as well.

Three Kings provides environmental clean-up services as well as general contracting, demolition, and asbestos, lead and mold abatement.

OBITS:

BETTY O'KEEFE

Betty Jane (Ledford) O'Keefe, 76, died March 6, 2004 in Vancouver.

O'Keefe was born Feb. 25, 1928, in Vancouver, and lived in Clark County for 74 years.

O'Keefe enjoyed painting, crafts and traveling.

O'Keefe was preceded in death by her husband, William "Bill" O'Keefe, in 1988. Survivors include daughter Kathleen O'Keefe of Aberdeen, sons Daniel O'Keefe and Dennis O'Keefe, both of Vancouver, and Glenn O'Keefe of California, four grandchildren and two-great-grandchildren.

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

DONALD WERNER JR.

Donald Herman Werner Jr., 79, died March 5, 2004 in Battle Ground.

Werner was born Dec. 17, 1924 in Mitchell, Nebraska, worked as a potroom foreman for Alcoa where he was employed for 31 years, and lived in Clark County for 56 years.

Werner served in the U.S. Navy Armed Guard 1942-1945. He was a member of the American Legion, Masonic Lodge and Elks. He enjoyed woodworking, camping, fishing, hunting and traveling.

Survivors include widow Pearl Werner, at home, daughters Rita Peacock of Portland and Bonnie La Barre of Battle Ground, sons Tom Werner of Texas and Steve Werner of Fargher Lake, sisters Delores Clocker and Mildred Henzler, both of Vancouver, and LaVonne Clark of Virginia, brother Lloyd Werner of Nebraska, 19 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

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

RODGER DALEN

Rodger Douglas Dalen, 89, died Feb. 28, 2004 in Bellingham.

Dalen was born July 20, 1914 in Douglas County, MN. He graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1934 and worked for the Seattle Lumber Industry. He helped build Grand Coulee Dam as an accountant at the building site. He was a Boy Scout leader in Grand Coulee, WA 1941-42.

Dalen served in the U.S. Army, landing in Normandy on D-Day. He earned a Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, Bronze Service Arrowhead, and the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal. After the war, he worked for the Veterans Administration Hospital in Vancouver until he retired.

Dalen attended Clark College after retirement and earned a degree in food service. He then worked as a baker in Portland. He attended Hillcrest Church of the Nazarene in Vancouver where he was a Sunday School teacher, usher and church treasurer. He was also a committee member and leader with the Boy Scouts of American until shortly before his death.

Dalen is remembered by family and friends as kind, gentle and willing to share his time and energy. He enjoyed family celebrations, Saturday morning cartoons with his daughter and then his grandchildren, going to church, baking cookies, trips to the beach and watching sports on television.

Dalen also enjoyed gardening, weekend barbecues at Lake Merwin, and studying about World War II.

Dalen was preceded in death by brothers Alfred Dalen, Arnold Dalen and Vernon Dalen, and grandson Stephen Tsiorvas.

Survivors include widow Sue Dalen of Vancouver, daughter Katherine Dalen of Bellingham, brother Rolland Dalen of Vancouver, sisters Betty Goldberg and Lois Anderson, both of Vancouver, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

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

WALTER DEWEY

Walter Eugene Dewey Jr., 80, died March 6, 2004 at home in Battle Ground.

Dewey was born July 14, 1923 in Fort Dodge, Iowa, worked for Alcoa for 32 years, and lived in Battle Ground for 70 years.

Dewey served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming and building, and loved being with his family.

Dewey was preceded in death by his wife, Millie, in 1996, and daughter Jeanette in 1980. Survivors include sons Duane Dewey of Glenwood, Randy Dewey of Yacolt and Tom Dewey of Battle Ground, daughter Jeannine Hill of Vancouver, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thurs., March 11, 12:30 p.m., at Memorial Gardens Funeral chapel, Vancouver. Interment will be in Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

ELLEN SAGER

Ellen G. (Johnson) Sager, 89, died March 1, 2004 in Battle Ground.

Sager was born Oct. 4, 1914 in Mauistique, Michigan, lived in Medford, OR, then Longview for 25 years before moving to Battle Ground 10 years ago.

Sager enjoyed reading and shopping. She also loved to cook, especially cookies and pie crusts.

Sager was preceded in death by step-sons Melvin Sager and Jerry Sager, brother Carl Johnson and sister Esther Coraven. Survivors include step-son Ed Sager of Vancouver, sister Sigrid Wallen of Renton, and numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

The Woodland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

DONALD UNDERWOOD

Donald Wesley Underwood, 79, died March 1, 2004 in Battle Ground.

Underwood was born April 3, 1924 in Clovis, NM, worked as an auto mechanic, and lived in Clark County for five years.

Underwood liked cars and working on his van. He enjoyed carpentry and hunting, and had a great sense of humor. He enjoyed his pet dogs and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include widow Linda Underwood of Vancouver, daughters Donna Hartford and Barbara Zuter, both of Missouri, step-daughter Mary Stackawiz of Vancouver, sons Wesley Thornton of Vancouver, Kenneth Thornton of Arizona and Daniel Thornton of Oregon, step-son Dwayne McClain of Vancouver, brother Marvin Underwood of Portland, 12 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.

A service will be held at a later date. Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, was in charge of arrangements.

LUCILLE ALBERTSON

Lucille Helen (Taylor) Albertson, 75, died Feb. 20, 2004 in Chehalis.

Albertson was born March 6, 1928 in Belle, MO, worked as a seamstress in the clothing industry, and lived in Vancouver and Ridgefield before moving to Chehalis.

Albertson was a member of the Adna Seventh-day Adventist Church. She enjoyed gardening, yardwork, playing games and jigsaw puzzles.

Albertson was preceded in death by her husband, Charles E. Albertson, in 2002, and sister Marcy Shaug in 1988. Survivors include mother Elsie Taylor of Missouri, daughter Toni Hinckle of Vancouver, sons Kevin Albertson of Battle Ground and Michael Albertson of Vancouver, sisters Norma Wisemann and Annie Higgins, both of Missouri, and Shirley Clark of Illinois, brothers Dewayne Taylor of California, and Franklin Taylor and Phillip Taylor, both of Missouri, and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

No served will be held at this time. Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, was in charge of arrangements.

JOHNNY TARTER

Johnny "John" R. Tarter, 56, died Feb. 28, 2004 at home in Amboy.

Tarter was born April 3, 1947 in Wilbur, WA, worked as an industrial electronics repairman, and lived in Amboy for 12 years.

Tarter served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was volunteer director for Amboy Territorial Days celebration. He enjoyed drawing, model trains, fishing, boats, rafting and fixing anything electrical. He lived in Amboy since 1991.

Survivors include daughter Kelli Tarter-Dutton of Vancouver, brother Marv Tarter of Spokane, sister Margie Wylie of Spokane, special companion Valeri Bardini of Amboy, one grandchild, and dog Lady.

Inurnment was at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, with Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, in charge of arrangements.

AUSTIN GREVSTAD

Austin Michael Grevstad, 13, died of leukemia Feb. 29, 2004 in Portland.

Grevstad was born Aug. 20, 1990 in Portland, and was a student at Gordan Russell Middle School in Gresham, OR. He enjoyed skateboarding, video games and drawing.

Survivors include father Eric Grevstad of Battle Ground, mother Angie Kulu of Oregon, brother Alec Grevstad of Oregon, half brothers Zane Grevstad of Battle Ground and Kade Kulu of Oregon, grandparents Jerry and Rosalie Grevstad of Ridgefield, David and Billie Jean Raisanen of Oregon and Mary Romans of Spokane, five uncles, seven aunts and 17 cousins.

Bateman Carroll Funeral Chapel, Gresham, OR, was in charge of arrangements.

KATHRYN KNUDSON

Kathryn D. Knudson, 46, died of breast cancer Feb. 26, 2004 in Camas.

Knudson was born Feb. 4, 1958 in Smyrna, Tennessee, and was raised and educated in Battle Ground. She enjoyed traveling and country music. She had lived in Hawaii, California, Florida and Montana.

Survivors include son Joshua Zurita of California, sisters Karen Boose of Camas, Kim Benke-Smith of Montana and Kristina Welch of Florida, grandmother Rosella Knudson of Battle Ground, special companion Erroll Maynard of Montana, uncles Kyle Knudson and Van Knudson, both of Battle Ground, and Larry Halbert of Longview, four nephews and three nieces.

Cremation and other arrangements were handled by Davies Cremation & Burial Services.

BOBBY VANDIVIER

Bobby Allen Vandivier, 73, died Feb. 27, 2004 at home in Battle Ground.

Vandivier was born Jan. 21, 1931 in Franklin, IN, and lived in the Battle Ground area for 33 years.

Vandivier had worked as a supervisor with Western Electric for 20 years and as production manager with Gem Top. He enjoyed raising flowers and a vegetable garden, and reading books. He had battled cancer since 1996.

Survivors include widow Marva Vandivier, at home, sons Thomas H. Vandivier and Jerry A. Vandivier, both of Indiana, daughters Michelle Terry of Colorado and Holly Hensley of Indiana, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Sat., March 13, 2 p.m., at Battle Ground Community United Methodist Church, 10300 NE 199th St., Battle Ground, with Davies Cremation & Burial Services in charge of arrangements.

ELLEN SAGER

Ellen G. (Johnson) Sager, 89, died March 1, 2004 in Battle Ground.

Sager was born Oct. 4, 1914 in Mauistique, Michigan, lived in Medford, OR, then Longview for 25 years before moving to Battle Ground 10 years ago.

Sager enjoyed reading and shopping. She also loved to cook, especially cookies and pie crusts.

Sager was preceded in death by step-sons Melvin Sager and Jerry Sager, brother Carl Johnson and sister Esther Coraven. Survivors include step-son Ed Sager of Vancouver, sister Sigrad Wallen of Renton, and numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

The Woodland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.