FORMER MANAGER TAKES MONEY

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Former Ridgefield city manager Randy Bombardier accepted $85,000 and released the city from "any and all claims" April 19 in a deal to avoid a public hearing and extended lawsuit about his firing in March.

Closure for the city of Ridgefield is the impetus behind offering Bombardier the deal, said interim city manager George Fox and mayor Gladys Doriot.

The package includes six months pay, accrued and unpaid vacation and some legal fees accrued through April 19 regarding employment law issues.

"I don't like paying money to settle claims any more than anybody else in my position would," said Fox. "However, if you look at the bigger picture, this course of action saved the city from wasting a lot of time and effort."

CLASS OF 1944 GATHERS AT POMEROY FARM

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Members of the Battle Ground High School class of 1944 gathered at an April 16 reunion on the Pomeroy Historical Farm near Yacolt.

The gathering has been an annual event since 1994.

Membership in the reunion isn't limited to graduates, said class member Lil Freese.

The generation was tested by turmoil. Students and families of the era faced the blight of a depression and sacrifices brought on by World War II.

"Many boys, including Francis Rice, enlisted after the war started," said Freese. "Some didn't come home."

Others, including Lou Gray and 1944 senior class president Howard Hart, entered the armed services after graduation.

A pamphlet prepared for the reunion honors the memory of 56 class members.

Whereabouts of 19 class members are unknown.

Class member Malven Gaiter took the longest journey to the reunion, traveling from his home in Wasilla, AK.

Washington is still home to 21 of those who came to the reunion.

Several members provided autobiographical sketches of their current lives for a booklet. Optimism, faith and gratitude are common themes.

SPEAKERS URGE ANTI-CASINO CAMPAIGN

Say project will cause dire environmental, economic fallouts

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Speakers at an April 16 meeting in La Center warned of dire environmental and economic fallouts if a casino is built by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe at I-5 and NW 319th St.

The meeting was sponsored by Stand Up for Clark County Citizens, a citizens' group oppposing tribal efforts to have the U.S. Department of Interior take into trust about 151 acres of land purchased by a tribal member.

Trust status could clear the way for construction of a casino at the site.

Speakers included Steve Stuart, executive director of Friends of Clark County, Linda Matson, an Olympia lobbyist, and Elaine Willman, a Washington, D.C. lobbyist from Toppenish. Willman claims a Cherokee Indian heritage.

Speakers urged citizens to write letters to the Portland Office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) during a 30-days public comment window following submission April 13 by the Tribe of an Environmental Assessment on development of a 40,000 square foot casino at the I-5 site.

Stuart said tribal members historically had no interest in hurting fish populations. But this project may have significant negative impacts to East Fork fish populations, he said.

Clay soil will permit run-off to the East Fork, resulting in increased water temperatures and silting not mitigated, said Stuart.

Economic forecasts

"A large sucking sound," will be heard economically throughout Clark County when the tribe has a casino and develops other businesses, said Matson and Willman.

All Clark County businesses will suffer as the Tribe increases its drawing power, said Willman.

"It's all about money," said Willman. Money will influence legislators and enable tribal leaders to build more businesses, she said.

A member of the Citizens Equal Right Alliance, Willman said she witnessed a change of culture after the Yakima Tribe established a casino in Toppenish.

"The federal government is our problem," said Willman.

Willman said there are 567 federally-recognized tribes in the U.S. Of these, 340 have reservations, and 291 are trying to get recognized, she added.

In Washington, there are 29 federally-recognized tribes, said Willman. This could mean, based on an agreement signed by governor Gary Locke, 145 tax-free casinos.

"'Big C' was a word used for cancer," said Willman. "Now it means casino."

Willman said senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray are sponsors of SB 578 which would amend the Homeland Security Act and give tribal governmentals authority over non-tribal members on reservations.

"This bill will allow tribal members to define terrorism," said Willman.

The challenge is to speak out on this issue without being called "racist," said Matson. "This battle is going on all over the place."

Matson and Willman said they were "100 percent certain" that citizens can stop efforts by the Tribe to develop a casino by writing letters to BIA about the environmental impacts and by engaging their legislators.

State representatives Ed Orcutt, Tom Mielke and state senator Joe Zarelli attended the meeting. None spoke.

State representative candidate Pam Brokaw said she supports the group effort. She said that if the casino is built, she will work, if elected, to help card rooms be more competitive.

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

A 97-year-old bell rang for the first time in two years April 11 at a 120-year-old church in Hockinson.

Elim Lutheran Church members chose Easter Sunday the let the bell peal across the countryside.

Youthful members Timothy and Matthew Branch were chosen for the honor, bringing the bell to life at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services.

The bell was removed two years ago and stored at the home of church member Ted Brouhand while the bell tower was refurbished.

According to church member Harry Branch, the tower had deteriorated to the point that there were concerns it may collapse.

Although the tower won't be fully restored until this summer, it is strong enough to hold the weight of the bell again.

Stuck Stede & Bros. in St. Louis, MO manufactured the bell in 1907. It was presented to Elim Lutheran Church by the Ladies Aid Society of Hockinson that year, and installed for $3 by John Larson.

Two inscriptions adorn the old bell: Presented to Elim Church by the Ladies Aid Society of Hockinson, Clarke, Co. Wash. 1907, and a Swedish translation of Isaiah 55:6 which reads, Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.

Residents in the Finnish community could count on the bell ringing every Sunday morning as a call to worship.

The bell was also a way to communicate with citizens when a member of the church died. The bell rang throughout the valley one time for every year of age the deceased had lived, Branch said.

Both traditions will be revitalized.

Church members celebrated Elim's 120-year anniversary March 22. A traditional church service is held every Sunday, 8 a.m., and a contemporary service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday School is held at 9:30 a.m.

The church is located up a hill on the corner of NE 182 Ave. and NE 159th St., east of the Hockinson Market.

FEDS RAID HOME NEAR BATTLE GROUND

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Federal agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, along with Clark County Sheriff's deputies, served a search warrant April 16 at a home west of Dollars Corner.

The 6 a.m. raid at 3001 NE 219th St., Battle Ground, was conducted to search for and confiscate a cache of firearms and narcotics, federal agents said.

Agents will not disclose what was retrieved from the fenced-off residence on the state highway other than to say a small amount of methamphetamine was found.

The property is owned by Michael Muncey, an alleged convicted felon and Gypsy Joker motorcycle gang member, agents said.

A team of about 20 agents and deputies in full gear drew weapons to secure the scene before entering the residence before dawn.

Agent Fred Milanowski said "it looks like there's a lot more going on than really is." The large team of law enforcement personnel was needed because of the size of the nearly 3-acre parcel and several outbuildings and vehicles that needed to be searched, he said.

Besides Muncey, two other adults and five children ranging 3-12 years of age live at the residence, Milanowski said.

Agents left by early afternoon. No arrests were made.

Milanowski said the federal search warrant was a long time coming with help from a tipsters.

One passerby caught in commuter traffic which slowed on the busy highway was happy to see the police action.

The man rolled down his window, applauded and yelled to officers, "Praise God! You finally got him! Hallelujah, thank you Jesus!"

AGENCIES TELL BG TO CLEAN UP PUBLIC WORKS

Employee complaints brings trouble to surface

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Leaky paint cans, lead-acid auto batteries, rusty 55-gallon oil drums on the ground and a piece of asbestos/concrete pipe tossed into a field are a few things three public agencies found during a recent inspection of the Battle Ground Public Works site on SE Grace Ave.

State Department of Ecology, Southwest Clean Air Agency and Clark County Health Department officials responded to a public works employee complaint and toured the site April 8.

According to Ecology spokesperson Sandy Howard, "Battle Ground appears to need a lot of technical assistance."

"We came down to get an initial reaction," Howard said of the entourage. "There was nothing major or flagrant, but we'll need to meet to look at some areas. There are a lot of things."

"Our area of concern is the wastewater facility transfer station," she added. "Our initial inspection showed some structural areas that need to be improved."

According to public works director Sam Adams, there may be some trouble with the headworks, or main channel.

"We're bringing in some folks to look at it," Adams said.

Battle Ground used to operate a wastewater treatment plant at the SE Grace site. It was dismantled and parts sold years ago. What is left is used as a sewer and stormwater holding lagoon before material is transferred via pipe to the Hazel Dell Sewer District treatment system.

Gary Bickett, Environmental Health Program manager for the Clark County Health Department, said his agency is concerned about spilled on-site sewage and that there apparently is no biosolids permit to move it out of the facility.

Bickett said the agency is also concerned about the oil drums, batteries and paint cans found seeping into the ground.

Another concern is a pile of debris from cleaning storm drains and streets that "sits there until someone takes it out or it's recycled."

"They can store it, but not bury it," Bickett said. "Normally it's screened to get out litter, junk and big rocks. That hasn't been done."

Adams said the way Battle Ground stores its debris pile isn't any different than any other city.

"We will have a meeting to work out solutions," he said. "We want to work with the city to fix the problems and figure out the right thing to do."

City fined for asbestos debris

Bob Elliott, executive director of the Southwest Clean Air Agency, said a one and one-half foot piece of curved, broken, asbestos/concrete pipe was found sticking out of the ground. It was tested for asbestos content before it could be moved.

"It had a high content," Elliott said. "There was 90 percent asbestos in the lining and 50 percent on the outside."

Elliott said it appeared to have been placed in the field, not worked its way to the surface from underground. There were no other pieces found at that site.

"We have issued a violation, like a ticket, to the city for improper disposal of the piece of pipe," he said. "There is a 30-day period that may affect enforcement and action. There is a monetary penalty. The price depends on what happens in that 30-day period."

After six days, the agency gave the city permission to properly remove and dispose of the pipe via qualified contractor.

Adams said Keystone Contracting double-bagged the piece and removed it from the premises.

Elliott said the piece was small enough that his agency has no concerns about surrounding residents being exposed to asbestos dust.

Asbestos pipe issues date back to 1990s

Asbestos pipe disposal and improper waste issues appear to go back a few years, according to official documents obtained by this newspaper.

In a February 11 memo to employee Tad Arends, Adams said officials had investigated allegations about improper waste disposal at the operations center on SE Grace Ave.

Adams specifically mentioned asbestos pipe, one empty 55-gallon oil barrel above ground, and various garbage items in the southern portion of the property.

"We have found that a piece of asbestos pipe was buried but retrieved and disposed of by a certified contractor in May of 2001," Adams wrote. "The barrels, there were three, were crushed and recycled by McCall Oil Company. Steve Rommel [public works superintendent] conducted a surface inspection of the south property and found some pieces of trash, but nothing to indicate an active dump site. Steve did not find surface oil or other petroleum residue that would show of dumping."

"I feel that this investigation is complete, and appreciate your concerns about dumping at the Operations Center," Adams concluded to Arends.

An asbestos waste shipment report from 2001 proving the removal of the pipe is on file. However, no records could be found regarding the disposal of oil drums, Adams said.

Non-certified employee reportedly asked to work on pipes

Last summer, Battle Ground police began an investigation into allegations of property theft and employee harassment.

During the course of interviewing employees, allegations of improper asbestos pipe handling came up.

Arends accused public works foreman Cal Newton of asking him to repair asbestos/concrete water pipes even though he wasn't certified to do so.

Newton's police interview transcripts record Newton denying that.

"Tad had said something about working on asbestos pipe or something like that and certification or something," Newton said. "I never made Tad work on asbestos pipe. We, I mean..."

Detective Mike Molzahn said Arends had documented all the times that he'd been asked to work on asbestos pipe although he didn't have equipment or certification.

Newton still denied the allegation.

When contacted by this newspaper, Arends said he is now certified, but in 1994, Newton asked him and another employee to repair a section of asbestos pipe on the south side of W Main St. when he wasn't certified to do that work.

"I told him I wasn't certified and didn't have a proper fitted mask or equipment," Arends said. "He got upset and said just to go out and fix it."

Arends said he operated a backhoe and helped certified former employee Bob Jones do the job.

Jones was fully suited and cut off a section of the old pipe, spliced in new plastic pipe and left the old section in the ditch "like you're supposed to do," with smaller pieces, Arends said.

"I tried to keep my face away from it while he cut," Arends said.

According to state Labor and Industries rules, a minimum 14 hours of hands-on training is needed for certification.

When working with asbestos, employees wear air purifying respirators and protective clothing from head to foot. When asbestos is cut, a steady stream of water needs to be on it to keep particles down, and then larger pieces of pipe double-bagged and taken to a hazardous waste site.

Newton said he was told by Ecology officials several years ago that throwing small pieces of asbestos pipe into dumpsters is okay, but that he'd never done that, and always called a certified contractor for removal.

Arends disagrees because of an alleged incident in 1997.

"I was called out to a job site with a now former employee and while we were there, Cal asked me to load a piece of asbestos pipe and throw it out in the back of public works," Arends said.

"I asked him if we weren't supposed to bag it a certain way, and he said `no,'" Arends said. "So I tossed it and took a picture and gave it to the public works director then, Paul Haines, and told him of my concerns. I also took pictures of oil drums placed upside down with oil leaking onto the ground. Nothing ever happened."

Haines has since moved to be public works director at the city of Shoreline. He could not be reached for comment.

"Full technical assistance mode"

"Everything is quite preliminary here," Howard said about the recent findings on site. "We're in full technical assistance mode, just finding out what needs to be done."

"Battle Ground has grown tremendously and the infrastructure needs to keep in step," she added. "They want to do the right thing. We're in the first step--fix it."

Adams said his department is working with all agencies concerned.

"If there's a problem, they'll point it out, and we'll be more than happy to step up to the plate and fix it," Adams said.

City manager Eric Holmes said what's great about working with federal and state agencies is that they come in and make sure cities are doing things right.

Holmes also said city officials will do whatever needs to be done to be "a responsible and responsive government agency," including making new policies, procedures and practices.

"We can't turn back the clock," he said. "We will recognize our mistakes, take care of what needs to be fixed and go forward."

BOLDT WANTS TO BE COUNTY COMMISSIONER

State Rep. Marc Boldt (R-Hockinson) has announced his plans to run for the Clark County commissioner seat being vacated by Judie Stanton.

Boldt, 49, said he hopes to change the culture of county government as an elected commissioner.

"I will take more of a lead," said Boldt. "I'd fight the system so staff doesn't dictate the flow and draft policies."

Bold said his approach would be to develop the budget and new policies, with help from staff, and then seek public input.

At present, he said, staff develops the budget, sends it to the commissioners and then to the public.

Boldt said the county budget should include long-range projections, such as income and expenses five years out. He said county officials should make decisions as to what county government should do and pay for, including law enforcement, parks and transportation.

Amphitheater

Boldt said he will inherit the amphitheater problems and have to deal with them, even though the project should never have been constructed on public property.

"The biggest thing is we have to be honest," said Boldt--"how many cars are coming. We need to work with area residents to find a solution."

Boldt said consideration will need to be given to another I-5 exit as part of the amphitheater solution.

Boldt said "government should not spend millions of dollars to build something that costs $200 to go to."

Rather, he said, government should build parks and let families enjoy them.

Storedahl mine proposal

Boldt, who drives a truck for a gravel company, said the Storedahl mining proposal should be resolved by elected officials. He said the commissioners sometimes hide on issues like this.

Similarly, said Boldt, residents of the Brush Prairie should know how their commissioners said on the proposed asphalt plant.

Lobbying the legislature

Boldt said the county would not have to hire an lobbyist with him as a commissioner. "I would be the lobbyist," said Boldt. "If I want something, I can call," said Boldt, noting that he has a broad knowledge of state government.

Boldt put emphasis on jobs. "I think our county is too much in love with Oregon," said Boldt, noting the thousands of Clark County residents who work in Oregon.

Boldt proposed adding industrial lands to the growth management plan. "We're too passive," said Boldt.

Boldt also suggested creating a three-county economic development group to pursue jobs and industry, with Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania counties joining for the effort.

Boldt said the county railroad to Chelatchie Prairie offers considerable potential for industrial development.

Boldt and his wife, Dawn, have four children at home and two grown. He can be reached at 256-9025.

FIRSTENBURG DONATION WILL AID RIDGEFIELD SPORTS COMPLEX

An athletic complex with two full-sized soccer fields and a football practice field is under construction at Ridgefield High School thanks to a donation of $150,000 from Ed and Mary Firstenburg of First Independent Bank.

The complex will be known as the First Independent Bank Sports Complex in honor of the long-standing commitment to the Ridgefield community by Ed and Mary Firstenburg.

Others have donated materials, in-kind services and money toward the project. Another $12,000 is needed to finish the work.

Ed Firstenburg started as assistant cashier at Ridgefield State Bank in the 1930s, and acquired other banks, forming First Independent Bank in 1954. The Firstenburgs raised their family in Ridgefield, and all three of their children graduated from Ridgefield High School.

The Ridgefield Booster Club, Lewis River Soccer Club and Ridgefield School District joined in the project to expand and upgrade athletic fields at the high school.

Anyone wishing to donate to the work is invited to call Nancy Simmons, 887-3175.

LIBRARY INTERNET FILTER NOW IN PLACE

An enhanced Internet filtering system is now in place at libraries in the Fort Vancouver Regional Library System, complying with provisions of the federal Children's Internet Protection Act.

Internet users are now required to show their acceptance of the library's new policies as they sign-in to use library computers.

The new policy limits access to the Internet.

Children 16 years of age and younger will be allowed to view Internet sites only with the use of a filter that blocks explicit sexual images. Adults 17 years of age and older will automatically receive basic filtered access as well, but may request that the filter be disabled.

In addition, parents and guardians of children ages 16 years and younger may request that their children receive enhanced filtered Internet access which also blocks websites that feature violence, hate, discrimination, information on illegal activities, drugs, gambling, adult sites and chat rooms.

Parents and guardians of children 16 years and younger may also request that their children have no Internet access. Adults may choose enhanced Internet filtering at any time.

Previously, parents and guardians could request that the basic filter be removed for their children. That option no longer exists.

"This enhancement to our existing Internet-filtering system is proof of the Board of Trustees' responsiveness to the community and citizen input," said library system executive director Bruce Ziegman. "Even though we already had a filtering system in place, the Board gathered extensive public input and decided to strengthen library policy to conform to the terms of the law."

Ziegman said library officials are considering changes to the placement of Internet computers in branches, especially at the main Vancouver library.

"We'd hoped to be able to reconfigure Internet computers in future, larger, more up-to-date Vancouver facilities," said Ziegman, noting that voters turned down a construction bond measure March 9. "The 40-year-old main library was never designed for computers, and the current, awkward location of computers there creates problems with inadvertent viewing and patron assistance."

The district plans to begin installing children-only computer stations in all branches in May, with completion by end of summer. Children's computers will limit Internet access to sites pre-selected for appropriateness for children, said Ziegman.

Former state Rep. Jim Dunn (R-Vancouver) said he will seek election to the 17th Legislative District seat being vacated by Rep. Marc Boldt.

Dunn served in the state legislature 1996-2003; Boldt is running for county commissioner instead of the legislature.

"Having served with Marc Boldt for six years, I am confident I can continue the direction he set in restoring the legislature to a body for the people," said Dunn.

Education must remain affordable but become more effective and efficient," said Dunn. "A greater percentage of the monies spent needs to be for the classrooms."

Dunn said educating children, providing decent pay for teachers, and supplying materials and equipment necessary to prepare students for the demands ahead should be top priorities for state government.

Dunn said the state's educational system is "not broad enough to prepare students" for jobs in the high-technology industries. He said companies are bringing their own employees to the area because not enough trained workers are available.

"We spend too much on administration and not enough on teaching," said Dunn. "It's an academic issue, not a money issue."

Dunn also cited problems with discipline in schools.

In addition, Dunn cited housing, transportation and business climate as matters that deserve attention. "All four are tied up in the same ball of wax," said Dunn. "We have to improve if we are to have a long-lasting economic recovery in the state."

"We need to do something about growth," said Dunn. "We are compressing more and more people into small areas. Large lots outside urban growth areas are becoming unaffordable."

Dunn said money that could be used to replace the I-5 bridge with a taller structure should instead be spent on building two more bridges to Oregon.

Dunn said a bridge to the west between the ports of Portland and Vancouver could handle truck traffic, and a second bridge could be constructed near Andresen, under the airport runways, connecting to 82nd Ave. in Portland.

"We need more traffic corridors rather than funneling people to those two bridges," he said.

Internet access in libraries

Dunn said there is no reason for sexual materials to be available in libraries even for adults.

"Why have (such materials) in libraries," questioned Dunn. "(Sexual materials) are blocked from computers anywhere else in government. Why are they in libraries?"

Dunn said he would agree for adult access to sexual materials in libraries if computers were completely out of view of other people, and no one could walk by and see such materials on computer screens.

Dunn and his wife, Joan, recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Dunn can be reached at 896-5761.

UTILITY UPS APPLIANCE REPAIR RATES

Appliance repair services conducted by Clark Public Utilities will cost more in the coming months due to a rate increase.

The utility's Board of Commissioners decided April 13 to increase appliance repair service rates effective May 1 from $56 to $66 for the first half hour to avoid projected losses in the program.

Utility records show a financial loss in appliance repair work for 2003 of $64,764. Officials had predicted a loss of about $51,000 in 2004 if rates were not changed.

A charge of $17 for each additional 15-minute period after the first half hour was not changed.

"Our policy is that the appliance repair service should not be subsidized by other operations," said commissioner Nancy Barnes. "It was appropriate to adjust the rates so that those who use the service pay for it."

Barnes said the appliance repair service is "extremely popular. This utility has offered repair services for more than 50 years and many of our customers appreciate the service."

Utility spokesman Mick Shutt said 5,379 customers used the service last year, or about 3.6 percent of all utility customers.

Shutt said utility crews repair ranges, heating and cooling equipment, furnaces, water heaters, and spa heaters.

Shutt said the utility's accounting system allocated building rent, phone expense and other indirect costs to the appliance repair program, along with the cost of labor and materials.

The state court of appeals ruled last year that the utility did not have authority to offer appliance repair service; the utility has appealed the decision to the state Supreme Court.

Shutt said the costs of legal services expended to defend continuation of the program have not been charged against appliance repair.

The utility also operates a water heater insurance program in which customers pay $2.40 a month, plus tax. The utility will then repair or replace defective water heaters.

Fee for the water heater insurance program will not change.

Shutt can be reached at 992-3238.

HARRIS WANTS TO BE COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Vancouver city council member Jeanne Harris (D-Vancouver) has announced her candidacy for Clark County commissioner. She will face state Rep. Marc Boldt (R-Hockinson) for the position being vacated by Judie Stanton.

"Clark County is a great place to live," said Harris, who works out of her home as an agent for Farmers Insurance. "I want to help keep it that way."

Harris called for more planning on the county's future. "We need to know where we are going," said Harris. "What do we want to be in 20-50 years?"

Harris said financing for local government is somewhat uncertain. "We need to be flexible," said Harris. "Revenues always change. It's not an easy job. Local government has become very complex."

Harris said she supported the Home Rule initiative which voters defeated last year.

Harris has taught business-related classes at Clark College, and is pursuing a master's degree herself,.

Harris said she has identified money in the county budget that could be used to help retain businesses. She said the Columbia River Economic Development Council does not work to keep existing businesses in place.

Harris said she toured the county jail and concluded that, before more money is spent on incarceration, programs should be undertaken to reduce crime to intervention in families and reduce alcohol and drug use.

Amphitheater traffic

Harris said she had not studied the issue of amphitheater traffic. "I don't know enough on that," said Harris. "I'm not very good about going into the details of that."

Harris said her approach would be to examine the studies of other groups. "Bring me a plan," said Harris.

Casino

Harris said the commissioners did the right thing in signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe on the proposed casino at the La Center/I-5 Junction. "I would have done what they did," said Harris.

Gravel mining

Harris said mining can take place as proposed in the Daybreak area. "They can figure out how to mine and protect the environment at the same time," said Harris. "I legislate for the middle. I don't legislate for the ends. I want to serve as many people as possible. You can't satisfy everybody."

Zoning land for jobs

Harris said the update of the county growth plan should be finalized as is without the addition of any more job-creating lands for industrial or commercial purposes. "It's time to move forward," said Harris.

Equity

Harris said everybody should be treated the same by county government. But, she said, people cannot expect to be treated the same by different jurisdictions of government.

County railroad

Harris said she was not ready to discuss the future of the county-owned Chelatchie Prairie Railroad. "I don't know a lot about it," said Harris.

"I absolutely love serving my community," said Harris, who chairs the C-Tran board, and has represented Vancouver on the Health Department board and growth plan update effort.

Harris said a study will be undertaken to determine if future ridership would justify the construction of high capacity transit system. Light rail is one option, she said.

Harris said light rail could become a reality in Clark County without a vote of the people, but if elected, she would insist on a vote.

Harris is a native of Oregon. She moved from Beaverton, OR to Vancouver in 1987. She has two children and a granddaughter.

Harris can be reached at 896-0422.

CHINESE STUDENTS CHEER BG SINGERS

Bill Myers, staff reporter

A la Carte, an area choir group, was "wildly received" by students and faculty members at three Chinese universities, said choir director/pastor Ed Shaw.

Shaw said 21 singers, ages 16-65, and a teenage Power Point operator, flew to China on March 20 as part of an inter-cultural entertainment exchange.

It was largely a Battle Ground show, with 17 of the singers coming from the Battle Ground Baptist Church choir, said Shaw.

Chinese students participated with the Americans in shows at Confucius Culture and Shangdong universities, and at the Shangdong Medical School.

Shaw said the singers opened each program with Mu Ti Hua, a Chinese folk song, followed by a bevy of Christian and spiritual renditions including Getting to Know You, Deck the Halls, and other American favorites.

At the end of each show, students "clapped, hollered and stormed the stage to hug the singers," said Shaw.

Shaw, a retired music, history and English teacher, said this was the first time that a group of American citizens were invited by Chinese government university officials to perform public, advertised concerts that included Christian music.

"What is just as exciting is that we were invited to return by a Minister of Tourism," said Shaw.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Ridgefield city council members voted April 8 to increase the city's 2004 budget by about $59,000.

Council member Tim Thompson was the only dissenting vote.

Thompson said he needed more time to review the budget proposal before making a decision.

Interim city manager George Fox said the proposal had been handed out two weeks earlier and encouraged council members to pass the proposal as soon as possible to keep up with city business.

Thompson was absent from the previos council meeting.

Budgets are always estimates, said city clerk Kay Kammer, and mid-year adjustments are not unusual as actual expenditures become better known throughout each year.

Fox said this year's adjustment is needed to offset staffing changes.

When Ridgefield's budget was created at the end of 2003, the city was projected to begin 2004 with about $475,000 in the general fund, Kammer said.

The city actually began the year with about $78,850 more than it thought, or about $552,000.

Previous projections estimated the city would end 2004 with about $375,000 in the general fund. With the budget adjustment, the city will now end the year with about $316,000, thus the difference of about $59,000, said Kammer.

Variety of changes

In preparing figures for the budget update, vacant positions and other decreases resulted in an extra $40,000, which was applied toward adjustment expenditures, Kammer said.

Reductions in engineering and planning services accounted for $150,000, which was also applied toward adjustment expenditures.

Kammer said the newest adjustment reflects the following changes:

** About $80,000 will be spent on severance packages and settlements for three vacated staff positions: the city manager, whose employment contract was terminated; and the public works director and an administrative assistant, who both resigned;

** $40,000 is now budgeted toward legal expenses for an ongoing state Department of Ecology investigation and hearing regarding former city manager Randy Bombardier's involvement with alleged illegal removal of lead-based paint from city hall;

** The city clerk's salary was adjusted $10,000 annually to be equal to the city's other department heads. The clerk, public works director and police chief all now receive about $63,000 annually, said Kammer.

The philosophy behind the decision, Fox said, is to promote sound fiscal management and longer employee retention rates by leveling the playing field for department heads. The pay rate is calculated based on average salary and benefit data from the Association of Washington Cities;

** Some $27,000 is budgeted for retroactive pay for police staff for 2003, assuming a contract is settled this year. $10,000 will be spent for additional law enforcement training;

** $75,000 is now budgeted for a full-time planning director position; and,

** $30,000 is budgeted toward a new city-wide, high speed computer network.

For more information about the city's budget, contact Fox or Kammer at city hall, 887-3667.

ABANDONED HORSES AWAIT ADOPTION

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

On March 6, a group of 4-H youths found seven abandoned horses in boarding stalls at the Clark County Fairgrounds.

The horses were without food, water and care. They were also sick with lice, mites, broken and cracked hooves, and one had an eye abscess, said lead County Animal Protection and Control officer Darcy Hendrickson.

Hendrickson said someone arranged for horse boarding March 3, left some food that was gone by the time the animals were discovered, and never came back.

Information left at the time of boarding may well have been bogus, Hendrickson said, as the agency has been unable to trace the owners.

The horses are mostly paint--five geldings and two stallions. They have been placed at five foster homes while awaiting adoption if the owners are not found.

Hendrickson said the horses, ages 10-13 years old, are under veterinary care and recovering.

In the event the owner is not found or come forward to claim the animals, the horses will be put up for adoption Mon., April 26, without appeal by the owner.

If the owner comes forward and wants the animals back, he or she must be able to provide proof of ownership and will be liable to pay back to Clark County the cost of storing the horses and veterinary care before the horses will be returned. Hendrickson said the cost is about $500 so far.

To adopt the horses, apply in person May 5 at the Animal Protection and Control agency, 1300 Franklin, downtown Vancouver.

Applicants will be reviewed and property inspected before acceptance is given, Hendrickson said.

For more information, contact the agency at 397-2375.

CASINO COULD COST LA CENTER MILLIONS

Tribal attorney disputes consultant estimate of machines

Bill Myers, staff reporter

A Portland consultant's report April 6 predicted a tribal casino at I-5 and NW 319th St. would drop city of La Center revenues by $2.4 million.

The report was completed for the city by Robert Whelan, a senior economist at ECONorthwest.

City council member and mayor pro-tem Richard Curtis sent the report with a cover letter to the regional director at the Portland office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

In preparing the report, Whelan's projections assumed a tribal casino operating after about two years in 2008.

Whelan assumed a mix of 3,000 machines and 75 gaming tables, a 200-room hotel and food and beverage outlets.

The consultant said the Cowlitz casino would cause a 61.3 percent decline in gaming taxes collected by the city.

Whelan said gaming-related traffic would increase from about 817,581 to 3,433,367 vehicles. He said the tribal development would generate about 217,147 gallons of wastewater each day.

In his letter to Indian Affairs regional director Gerald Ben, Curtis termed the potential financial impact to the city as "devastating."

Curtis said financial losses could be prevented if tribal casino gaming is limited to machines. Curtis said another solution could be an agreement by tribal leaders to mitigate the city's lost tax revenue by contracting for services or by executing cooperative agreements with the city and card rooms.

At an April 14 city council meeting, council member Dale Smith said Clark County commissioners asked BIA in writing to include the letter with their comments on the Tribe's application to have the land taken into trust.

Smith said he "hand-carried" the letters to the BIA Portland Office to meet a 30-day comment deadline.

How many machines?

At an April 13 meeting with Woodland Chamber of Commerce members, Cowlitz Tribe attorney Dennis Whittlesey said the assumption of 3,000 machines in the ECONorthwest report is too high.

Whittlesey said state law limits a new tribal casino to 425 machines.

Whelan, contacted April 14, didn't waiver from prediction of 3,000 machines. He said state law limits tribes to 425 class III gaming machines for only the first year of operation.

Tribes may own up to 675 class III machines in later years and can buy rights for additonal machines from other tribes, said Whelan. His estimate of 3,000 machines assumes all machines, including poker, bingo and other class II machines not limited by law.

Whelan said a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling will dramatically increase numbers of class II machines. Manufacturers are also improving machine technology. By 2008, people won't know the difference between class II and III devices, said Whelan.

The forecast of 3,000 machines is based on modeling at the site, and assumes no nearby competition, said Whelan.

In his report, Whelan defined class I gaming as social games not normally played in casinos. Class II games are poker, pull tabs and forms of bingo or lotto games, including those with electronic, mechanical or computer-based outcomes. By definition, all other forms of gaming are class III.

Reserves tapped for new jail, but termed "substantial"

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Cowlitz County commissioners voted April 13 to maintain solid waste disposal fees at the County landfill on Tennant Way.

The commissioners approved a resolution to keep a current fee of $39.30 per ton through the life of the landfill, which is expected to be full sometime in 2014.

The disposal fee of $39.30 was established in 1998. Using projected Consumer Price Index increases, the fee should increase to $58.50 by 2014, according to a County exhibit.

County commissioner George Raiter said about $11.5 million of solid waste reserves will help fund a new jail. Raiter said an accumulated remaining reserve of over $10 million should keep rates stable for about 10 years, hopefully when the landfill is filled.

Raiter said rates after the landfill fills should gradually increase because garbage will likely be moved to out-of-county sites. "Compared to other cities, we should have very inexpensive disposal rates through 2024," said Raiter.

OREGON FIRM WILL BUILD NEW JAIL

$12.5 million project targeted for 2005 completion

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Woodburn Construction Co. of Oregon will build the new Cowlitz County jail.

County commissioners voted April 13 to award a $10.2 million contract to the construction firm for construction of a new, seven-pod, 47,000 square foot lock-up.

Five other construction firms presented bids.

Department of Corrections director Bill Weiss said the total jail cost when fully equipped will be about $12.5 million.

The new facility will hold up to 290 inmates in pods that can be observed by corrections officers in a centrally-located tower facility, said Weiss.

Architect Jim Pettrick of DLR & Associates said one pod will hold women inmates and a smaller pod will be a home for trustees.

A central building will house a kitchen, administrative offices and class, chapel and visitation areas.

The current jail will be used to house inmate overflows, said Weiss.

Weiss said the new jail is badly needed because the existing County jail facility, with a capacity of 240, is often crammed with 270 inmates.

Weiss said the new facility is targeted for completion by November 2005.

TRIBE COMPLETES ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

Public has 30 days to comment

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Cowlitz Indian tribal attorney Dennis Whittlesey said an Environmental Assessment of envisioned impacts of a casino at I-5 and NW 319th St. is ready for public review.

Speaking at a packed Woodland Chamber of Commerce meeting April 6, Whittlesey said a 30-day public comment period on the document began that day.

Copies of the two-volume report are at the Fort Vancouver, Three Creeks and Woodland community libraries. Disc copies are available at the Miller-Nash law firm, attn: Stephen Horenstein, 500 E. Broadway, Vancouver, 98660, 699-4771 and at the Cowlitz Tribal Office, PO Box 2549, 1055 9th Ave., Longview, WA, 98632, (360) 577-8140.

Vancouver attorney Stephen Horenstein, who represents the Tribe on environmental issues, said the environmental review was thorough and did not reveal obstacles to construction of a casino at the site.

At the meeting, Whittlesey, Horenstein and Lewis & Clark College history professor Stephen Beckham said federal officials acknowledged Cowlitz tribal rights in 2002 after years of legal battles and frustration.

Beckham, who said he worked for the Tribe for 26 years and knows their history, said the Tribe is indigenous to Southwest Washington and Clark County.

Horenstein said a proposed 40,000 square foot gaming casino with 425 machines would bring more traffic and trade to Woodland business owners near I-5.

Asked if tribal casino workers are paid state minimum wages, Whittlesey said the tribal wage rate in Washington is "above prevailing rates," averaging $23,000 per year.

Whittlesey said a casino "is likely" on the land. He said naming gaming as the intended use at the site guaranteed the highest level of federal scrutiny of the Tribe's application to have the land held in trust by the Department of Interior.

Whittlesey said tribal leaders executed an extensive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Clark County, and now wish to come to terms with area communities. "We're here to talk," said Whittlesey.

Whittlesey said only tribal businesses would be at the site. One should not compare development at the 151-acre site at I-5/NW 319th St. with non-tribal commercial development that occurred on 30,000 acres of Tualip Tribe property near Marysville, said Whittlesey.

Reports that casino operations would damage the East Fork of the Lewis River are untrue, said Whittlesey. He said Cowlitz tribal leaders are very concerned about fish preservation and have been prominent during Lewis River relicensing negotiations.

County statements termed "disingenuous"

La Center citizen Kamie Biehl asked why tribal leaders failed to disclose their intention to apply for "initial reservation" status at the site during MOU negotiations with Clark County commissioners. Designation of the site as an "initial reservation" would prevent a Governor's veto of gaming at the site after trust status is granted.

Horenstein said County staff members were made aware of the tribal members' intentions during MOU negotiations. Comments to the contrary are "disingenuous," said Horenstein, (meaning not candid or honest).

An April 2 letter from County commissioners to the director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs stated, "The initial application was for the land to be taken into trust, not to establish a reservation that would be exempt from the Governor's review..."

In the letter, commissioners asked Indian Affairs officials to treat the trust application in accordance with an earlier application by the Tribe "which did not request a proclamation of reservation status."

LA CENTER LIBRARY OPENS MAY 8

Public invited to ribbon-cutting ceremony

Bill Myers, staff reporter

A ribbon-cutting ceremony Sat., May 8, will launch a 100-year-old La Center building toward a new future.

In a grand opening set for 2-4 p.m., Fort Vancouver Regional Library District officials will oversee the official opening of the La Center Community Library.

The library building at 1402 E Lockwood Creek Rd. was constructed in 1905 at the corner of E 4th St. and Cedar Ave.

It was a home, six-bed hospital and drugstore occupied by Dr. Charles Zenner and his wife who treated area citizens. After decades of ownership and occupancy changes, the building was marked for destruction by fire in 2002 to provide area firefighters with practice.

A determined citizen, Margaret Colf Hepola, decided it deserved a better fate.

Hepola, who had helped to restore other historical sites including the historic Cedar Creek Grist Mill near Woodland, believed the building should become a much-needed community library.

The Colf Family Foundation purchased the old building. On August 15, 2001, the Colf Construction Co. hoisted it from its foundation and rolled it on a house-moving trailer to the Lockwood Creek Rd. site.

Colf Construction Co., owned by Hepola's son Robert Colf, restored and refitted the old building with an elevator and bookshelves, constructed a parking lot and installed landscaping.

The 3,300 square-foot library will open with about 8,000 books, but has space for almost twice as many, said Library District spokesperson Candy Morgan. She said more books will be added as funding is available.

Morgan said Geraldine Veenstra, Woodland Community Library librarian, will take on additional responsibility at the new La Center facility.

The public is welcome to attend the grand opening. Distinguished guests are expected and refreshments will be on hand. Information telephone is 699-8815.

LOCKE VETO CANCELS SR-504 STUDY

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Governor Gary Locke vetoed a provision of a new law that would have funded an economic study of Mount St. Helens tourism activities, and explored funding of an extension of SR-504.

The measure, part of the State Transportation Supplemental Budget, was one of several spending proposals chopped from the supplemental budget by the Governor March 30.

Governor's Office spokesman Bill Alkire said a Department of Transportation study was done in 2001. Locke concluded a new $400,000 study was not a high priority when fiscal restraint is necessary.

In a March 19 letter, Woodland mayor Doug Monge asked Locke to support the SR-504 extension that would connect Coldwater Lake to Windy Ridge and the Lewis River valley areas. Monge said the connection would provide increased tourism and economic benefits to the city and Lewis River valley.

OBITS:

PAT HART

Pat Faye Hart, 60, died April 17, 2004 at home in La Center.

Hart was born Sept. 9, 1943 in The Dalles, OR. She loved her family and life on the farm. She was known for her warm smile, hospitality, and putting the needs of others ahead of her own. She ran a jewelry business from her home. Friends believe she gave away more than she sold.

Hart was baptized in 1975 as one of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Survivors include husband, Mike Hart, sons Rick and Steve, grandchildren Micah and CJ, and her mother, Vera Roberts.

A memorial service will be held Wed., April 21, 6 p.m., at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Woodland.

Davies Cremation & Burial Services is in charge of arrangements.

JOHN MCMAHON

John (Jack) Thomas McMahon, 68, died April 17, 2004 at home in Seaview, WA.

McMahon was born Jan. 2, 1936 in Sioux Falls, SD to Chester McMahon and Caryl Hawkey-McMahon, moved to the Vancouver area and graduated from Vancouver High School in 1965.

McMahon retired from Boise Cascade in 1991 after 40 years of service, last as foreman. He worked for several other employers throughout his life including as campground store clerk at Crater Lake where he was known to have the best cup of coffee in the world.

McMahon enjoyed football, baseball, basketball, History, Wildlife and Animal Planet channels, camping, fishing, gardening, old cars, deer and duck hunting, storytelling and reminiscing, bagpipe and country music, clam digging, watching the waves and sunsets, helping those in unfortunate situations and spending time with his family.

McMahon devoted time to his church, Ridgefield Church of the Nazarene, where he was an active member, a Sunday School teacher for junior boys, board member, first baseman for the baseball team and involved with Easter and Christmas services.

McMahon also coached Little League, was a member of the Slo Pokes auto club, campground cook during summer months in Seaview and organized several community fundraisers such as Thanksgiving and Christmas charitable baskets.

Survivors include wife of 45 years, Cleona, at home, mother Caryl Hawkey-McMahon of La Center, sisters Hazel Mazna and Sharon Lambrecht of La Center, Carol Fox of Battle Ground, Sheila Meeter of Warden, Colleen Bonney of Long Beach, brother Joe McMahon of Kalispell, MT, daughter Teresa Kemp of Ridgefield, sons Albert McMahon of Castle Rock, Delbert McMahon of Vancouver, Robert McMahon of Eureka, CA, Tim McMahon of Ridgefield, 21 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and several friends.

A memorial service will be held Fri., April 23, 11 a.m., at Ridgefield Church of the Nazarene, 747 Pioneer St. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or a favorite charity in lieu of flowers.

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

MARION GRAHAM

Marion "Fossil" Cleo Graham, 76, died April 13, 2004 in Portland.

Graham was born Nov. 30, 1927 in McCall, SD, worked as a concessionaire in the carnival business, and lived in Clark County for 28 years.

Graham served in the U.S. military during the Korean Conflict. He attended Battle Ground Baptist Church and was a lifetime member of the American Legion and AARP. He was interested in everything and enjoyed people, flying, baseball, Nascar races, working with his hands and talking with friends on the phone. He loved his family and never wanted to see anyone go hungry or go without.

Graham was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Graham, in 1992. Survivors include daughters Victoria Browning and Deborah Holter, both of Battle Ground, Gloria Riepma and Aprylle Smith, both of Vancouver, and Daphne Haworth of Yacolt, sisters Ruth Martin and Doris Henderson, both of North Carolina, brother Charles Graham of North Carolina, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Committal was at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Vancouver, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

NEVA SLAWSON

Neva C. (Utley) Slawson, 86, died April 15, 2004 in Vancouver.

Slawson was born Feb. 4, 1918 in Hereford, TX, worked as a certified physical therapist, including employment at Mary Johnson Nursing Home in Battle Ground, and lived in Battle Ground for 56 years and Clark County 62 years.

Slawson enjoyed crocheting, reading, cooking and baking. She enjoyed bowling, playing Scrabble, crossword puzzles and being with her grandchildren.

Slawson was preceded in death by her first husband, Woodrow Mobley, in 1966, second husband Robert E. Slawson in 1997, and daughter Roberta Squires in 2003. Survivors include daughter Eileen Nielson of Vancouver, sons Dennis Mobley of Oregon, Robert Mobley of Fargher Lake, James Mobley of Vancouver, Robert Slawson of Battle Ground, Wesley Slawson of Amboy and Larry Slawson of California, 24 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held Wed., April 21, 2 p.m., at Brush Prairie Cemetery, Vancouver, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

Wilena "Winnie" (Hill) Carl, 84, died April 13, 2004 in Ariel.

Carl was born June 14, 1919 in Montesano, worked as a choker setter in the logging industry, and lived in Ariel for 63 years.

Carl enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, gardening and canning fruit. She also liked animals and loved cats.

Carl was preceded in death by her husband, Bus Carl, in 1980, and brothers Don Hill and Hesley Hill. Survivors include special companion George Albertson of Ariel.

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

GRACE BILLINGS

Grace (Marshall) Billings, 95, died April 17, 2004 in Vancouver.

Billings was born April 7, 1909 in Chamberlain, SD, moved with her family to Vermont at 18 months old, then to Chester, Montana. She graduated from Western Montana College and taught at Big Timber, Montana for two years. She moved to Vancouver about 1941 and taught in the Vancouver School District for 30 years, retiring in 1971.

Billings had also attended Western Washington University.

Billings had worked as an elementary school art teacher. She was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church. She was also a 75 years member of Eastern Star, including the Silver Light, Martha Washington and Henry Wentworth chapters.

Survivors include cousins Robert Wigen and Mildred Blackstone, both of Montana, sister-in-law Janet Billings of Portland, special friend Joann Jenny of Brush Prairie, cousins, nephews and great-nephews.

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

WANDA SOFIE

Wanda Kay Sofie, 60, died April 12, 2004 in Tigard, OR.

Sofie was born Feb. 2, 1944 in Sullivan, Indiana, worked as an elementary school teacher 1971-2004, and lived in Clark County for 50 years.

Sofie taught at Green Mountain School, Harney School, and Minnehaha School.

Sofie was a member of the Church of Christ in Vancouver. She graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1962, and earned a degree from Central Washington University. She was a county dairy princess. She loved to play the accordion and sew. She recently made her daughter's bridal dress and bridesmaids' dresses.

Survivors include mother Ava Dean of Vancouver, son Carl Sofie of Vancouver, daughter Rebecca Mark of Oregon, and brother Kenneth Dean of Vancouver.

Graveside services were held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery, with Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, in charge of arrangements.

BLANCHE HOGAN

Blanche M. "Marie" (Krebser) Hogan, 82, died April 12, 2004 in Ridgefield.

Hogan was born March 6, 1922 in Ridgefield, worked as a secretary, and lived in Ridgefield her entire life.

Hogan loved to sew and enjoyed needlepoint. In earlier years, she enjoyed bowling, was active in 4-H, and enjoyed fishing and clamming with her family.

Hogan was preceded in death by her daughter, Juanita Marie Hogan, in the late 1970s. Survivors include husband Robert A. Hogan, at home in Ridgefield, son Duane Hogan of Vancouver, brother A.E. "Mike" Krebser of Yacolt, and grandson Jason Hogan of Vancouver.

Burial was at Northwood Park Cemetery, with Hamilton-Mylan Funeral Home, Vancouver in charge of arrangements.