MURDER VICTIM FOUND NEAR ARIEL

Detectives match fingerprints with missing Vancouver man

A partially decomposed body found May 3 by a hiker near Ariel has been identified as a missing Vancouver man.

According to Cowlitz County chief criminal deputy Charley Rosenzweig, the victim was Yakov V. German, 37, a Vancouver man missing since August 2003.

Rosenzweig said criminal laboratory technicians identified German from his fingerprints.

German's partially decomposed body was found almost completely buried under about six inches of soil about two miles south of Jack's Restaurant near a trail about 300 feet east of SR-503 on land owned by a timber company.

An autopsy reportedly determined that German was the victim of homicidal violence. Rosenzweig declined to give further details of the cause of death pending follow-up examinations at the Washington State Crime Laboratory.

After the body was removed from the shallow grave by Cowlitz County Coroner's Office workers, detectives scanned the area with metal detectors. They dug and sifted dirt from the grave, and completed a perimeter search of the forested area.

Vancouver police will conduct investigation

Rosenzweig said responsibility for the homicide investigation was shifted on May 10 to the Vancouver Police Department.

Vancouver Police lieutenant Marla Schuman, contacted May 10, said her department had just accepted jurisdiction over the case. Schuman said detectives are starting to gather information about the victim, crime scene and evidence. She said German was a single male who lived in the 5500 block of Evergreen Blvd.

Detective Wally Steffan will handle the homicide investigation, said Schuman. Anyone with information or knowledge of German is asked to call Steffan at 696-8279.

KAYAKERS BRAVE AREA WHITE WATER

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Kayakers from near and far-away places braved churning white water to race on Canyon Creek and the East Fork of the Lewis River May 1-2.

Kayaker Eric Jackson, a top-rated Tennessee paddler, said 65 racers took part in the events, including kayakers from New Zealand and Ireland. Men and women competed in Men's Pro, Women's Pro and Junior Men's classes.

The races were segments of the annual Oregon Cup, a kayak competition sponsored in the Portland-Vancouver for the last five years by Alder Creek Kayak Supply Inc. of Portland.

Jackson said kayakers were tested on a one-half mile, Class 5 stretch of Canyon Creek. Streams are classified from 1 to 6, with higher numbers signaling greater white water challenges and drop-offs, Jackson said.

The Canyon Creek stretch included three falls of 15, 12 and 10 feet, with surging rapids in-between, said Jackson. When negotiating falls, racers try to land nose-down at a 45-degree angle so they can "scoop out" of the water with forward momentum, he said.

"It really hurts to land flat," said Jackson.

Jackson said it took racers about three minutes to complete the Canyon Creek run.

At a stretch of white water on the East Fork of the Lewis River above Moulton Falls, kayakers raced "head-to-head" in groups of four.

"Head-to-head racing can get pretty physical," said Jackson. Jackson said Yacolt kayaker Mike Olsen was doing well on the East Fork until his kayak was rammed by two other paddlers.

The Canyon Creek Men's Pro race was won by North Carolina racer Andrew Holcomb. Jackson took first place on East Fork run-offs. Oregon kayakers Brooke Winger and Cindy Hall won Women's Pro races at Canyon Creek and the East Fork. Lawrance Simpson of New Zealand won the Junior event on Canyon Creek. Oregon racer Zach Miller won the Junior match up on the East Fork.

MORE CATS SHOT IN BATTLE GROUND

A Battle Ground cat owner is convinced someone is shooting cats with a pellet gun.

A Battle Ground resident in the Winchester Ranch/Robin Wood in southwest neighborhood in southwest Battle Ground said her two 3-year- old cats, MC, a female, and Elliot, a male, were recently killed by pellets. MC was shot in the head on May 2. Elliot was hit in the abdomen on May 3.

The cat owner said both cats wore fluorscent collars and large identification tags.

The woman, who asked that her identity not be disclosed, said other cat owners near her home have complained during the past 18 months about their cats dying mysteriously. An entry wound through fur caused by a pellet is almost invisible, she said.

A story in the Feb. 19 issue of The Reflector reported another cat death in the same neighborhood.

Lt. Roy Butler of the Battle Ground Police Department said an investigation is underway.

PEDESTRIAN DIES ON I-205

A Vancouver man died May 6 after being struck before dawn by an auto on I-205 near NE 134th St.

A Washington State Patrol report said Travis Jeremy Lane, 22, was a pedestrian on the freeway when struck at about 5:15 a.m. by a northbound auto driven by Troy J. Williams, 30, of Vancouver.

Lane was transported to Emanuel Hospital in Portland where he was pronounced dead at 6:07 a.m.

Patrol spokesman Garvin March said Williams was unable to avoid the victim. It was dark at the time of the accident and Lane was wearing dark clothing, said March.

No abandoned or disabled vehicles were found in the area of the collision.

Anyone with information is asked to contact trooper Todd Gates at 260-6333.

20-YEAR BASH PLANNED IN RIDGEFIELD

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

The Ridgefield Community Center has come a long way in 20 years.

What started out as a partnership between a food bank and library in an old, small building ended up as a viable Center serving the residents with the Community Library in a new building at 210 N Main.

A grand party celebrating the Center's anniversary will be held Sat., May 22, 6:30 p.m., at the Center.

Partygoers can expect gourmet hors d'oeuvres, delicious desserts and entertainment by the Pacific Crest Pioneer Band, Scottish bagpiper Scott Richardson and the Vancouver U.S.A. Scottish Country Dancers.

Photos of the Center's past and present as well as special guest speakers will take visitors back in time to the beginnings of the community icon.

Neighbors helping neighbors

According to Candy Morgan, associate director for the Ft. Vancouver Library District, the Ridgefield library received a call from the group, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, in 1984 for a possible partnership in the building for food distribution.

That was before a Library District was formed, Morgan said, and in the days the library's Priscilla Club met at the building on S Main Ave. A portion of the old library used to be a warehouse and was not occupied by the library, so it was renovated for the non-profit neighbor group to use through fundraising, Morgan said.

The library eventually became a District. In 1994, a new location was found for a library at N Main Ave.

Although Neighbors Helping Neighbors was no longer involved with the library, a new group had formed called The Ridgefield Community Association.

The group worked with library officials to share space in a building to be constructed at 210 N Main Ave.

Library officials and citizens met at the Country Junction cafe at 6:30 a.m. regularly to discuss building plans and fundraising efforts.

Newspaper drives, recycling efforts, donation dinners with table captains that would "pass the hat," pancake breakfasts, grants, and a $70,000 Meyer Memorial Trust donation helped bring the dream together, Morgan said.

Ten years later, in 1994, the dream became a reality.

The partnership works, Morgan said. Library staff use the Center's kitchen, restrooms and meeting rooms, and people who gather at the Center often wander to the library.

"It's a very positive relationship," Morgan said. "It's a tie with the library to the community through the Center."

Morgan was involved from the beginning. By 1984, she had been named associate director three years prior. Although she was not the librarian in Ridgefield at the time, she is the person Neighbors Helping Neighbors approached.

"The whole library and Community Center exists because it was community initiated," she said. "It's important, the community partnership aspect. People believe this is theirs and have given it tremendous support."

Morgan and Pat Jones, Neighbors Helping Neighbors founder and another person who was instrumental from the beginning, will be featured speakers at the celebration.

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

It took a couple hours to clear out what staff needed from Ridgefield city hall April 30 to conduct business elsewhere, said Kay Kammer, Ridgefield city clerk.

City hall closed because of "extremely" high amounts of lead dust in the ventilation system, on ledges, hanging lights and in an upstairs storage room, according to officials.

But on May 6, David Wang, industrial hygiene consultant for the state Department of Labor and Industries, said that might not have been a good idea and that some items should have been left behind because of the high concentrations of lead dust in the building.

In fact, he wasn't keen on letting unprotected lead remediation contractors tour city hall that morning to craft bids to compete for the job.

When asked if wanted to accompany the group, he said, "I won't go in there."

Wang preferred the group wear protective face masks, but because none were available, he said, at the very least the bottom of their shoes needed to be washed upon exiting the building.

"Wash your shoes," he said. "Don't go home and contaminate your families."

After the contractors exited the building, Wang escorted them down an alley to another building to clean shoes and discuss what Labor and Industries expects during the clean-up. The agency will supervise the project, which was expected to get underway by Monday.

"We will follow proper procedures by law and the Labor and Industries standard," Wang said, "and make sure employees are not exposed to hazardous levels of lead."

Wang said the agency will write a program and review it with the contractor before they go in.

Interim city manager George Fox said he wants to hire someone immediately.

"We want it done, and we want it done right," Fox told the group of contractors. "First priority is quality, second is timing, third is cost."

What happened?

An environmental consulting company hired by the city submitted a report last week that showed five out of nine areas in city hall tested up to six times more lead dust than the Environmental Protection Agency says is safe.

Lead paint from the front of city hall was allegedly improperly removed in June 2002 under the direction of former city manager Randy Bombardier.

An Environmental Crimes Task Force made up of state and federal agents is conducting an investigation into the event, according to city staff and the Ridgefield Police Department who have been asked to assist.

Representatives from the agencies will neither confirm nor deny there is an investigation underway.

Business continues

Kammer, also chief financial officer for the city, said it took a team of employees using public works trucks to haul away everything they could carry in boxes the afternoon city hall closed.

Computers, accounts receivable and payable, utility billing information, a recorder to tape city council meetings and city municipal code and ordinance books were among items taken out of the contaminated building.

"It was a great opportunity to work on and enhance our emergency plan," Kammer said. "What did we bring, what did we miss. It was also a great team effort."

Kammer said if information they need isn't in what they brought, one of the city's consultants will likely have it.

Sharing the small building department structure is a challenge, she said, although it is a good opportunity to get to know the two newly-hired building inspectors.

"We stagger the hours we work so someone always has a desk," she said.

Aside from business as usual, Fox said there is some concern about lead dust exposure with current and former employees.

The city will pay for all employees and any concerned citizens to have blood lead levels tested before the end of July.

Some employees have had theirs done, and one former employee has requested it so far, Fox said.

Police chief Bruce Hall said the results are not public at this time because of the ongoing investigation.

BATTLE GROUND EDUCATORS AWARDED

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Laughter, tears and a song or two were all a part of the annual Teachers Make A Difference Awards ceremony May 4, hosted by the Battle Ground Education Foundation.

About 200 people attended the event, which was held at Maple Grove Middle School.

Any employee of the Battle Ground School District could be nominated to win one of seven awards. The awards mark excellence in education.

Long-time area residents Robbie and Pearl Agard began the awards program in 1998 in honor of Robbie's fifth grade teacher, Belle Staley Lawrence.

According to the Agards, Lawrence spent recesses and lunch hours helping Robbie hone math skills, something which later proved invaluable in business.

After seven years, the program has grown to seven community-sponsored and funded awards. The Agards' Belle Staley Lawrence Award remains the largest, providing $2,000 and a plaque to the winner. Other awards range from $500 to the $1,000 administrator award.

This year, 164 nomination forms were received for 43 individuals. Nominations were gathered from District parents, students and community members. Judges were retired teachers, business leaders, collegiate professionals and community leaders.

According to judging criteria, awards are given for "outstanding dedication and excellence in serving the children of the Battle Ground School District."

This year's winners are:

** The Belle Staley Lawrence award for $2,000 to Scott Grove from Chief Umtuch Primary. Grove worked 15 years as a teacher before working as a District Title 1 administrator. He has worked since 1994 as a principal--six years at Glenwood Heights Primary and four years at Chief Umtuch. School colleagues serenaded Grove with a song they had written in his honor.

** The Gerrie Caines award for $500 to Gayle Pierce from Pleasant Valley Primary.

** The Wally Barker award for $500 to Robyn Yearout from Chief Umtuch Primary.

** The Battle Ground Auto License award of $500 to Cory Pierce of Glenwood Heights Primary.

** The B & B Tile & Masonry Corp. award of $500 to Sandy Klavano of Chief Umtuch Primary.

** The Administrators award of $1,000 to Paul Henkel of Summit View alternative.

** The Riverview Community Bank award of $500 to Ryan Cowl of Captain Strong Elementary.

Education Foundation helps support District

The Foundation is an all-volunteer, non-profit corporation providing financial support to students, teachers, parents and schools.

The organization relies on tax-exempt donations and grants from individuals, businesses and organizations, said Foundation president Nancy Anderson.

Besides the awards ceremony, the Foundation provides student emergency-need grants, curriculum enhancement mini-grants, and $250 annually to each principal in every school in the District to be used for discretionary school spending.

SEX OFFENDERS ARE LISTED AS TRANSIENT

According to Clark County Sheriff's Office information, the Level III sex offenders identified in this article are transient offenders without permanent addresses.

Authorities monitor Level III offenders because they believe such offenders have the potential to reoffend.

James Matthew Kelly

James Matthew Kelly, 21, described as a 6'0," 200-pound white male, has brown hair and eyes.

Kelly was convicted in 1997 of first degree rape of a child and two counts of first degree child molestation involving two neighbor children, a 9-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy.

Following his arrest, Kelly reportedly admitted to six additional victims, males and females, ages 3-10.

Kelly reportedly used bribes, coercion and intimidation to gain compliance from victims.

Kelly recently served a 14-month prison sentence for third degree assault involving a non-sex crime, after he stabbed a man with a knife.

Daniel James Meeks

Daniel James Meeks, 30, is described as a 185-pound, 5'7" white male with brown hair and blue eyes.

Meeks was convicted in 1991 of attempting to sexually assault an 8-year-old girl after pushing her to the ground and removing her clothing.

The offender reportedly admitted assaulting at least three other male and female victims who were from 3 to 9 years old.

Meeks reportedly relocated from Oregon to Clark County last year and has no permanent address.

Troy J. Nardi

Troy J. Nardi is described as a 39-year-old, 5'8," 170-pound white male with brown hair and blue eyes.

Nardi was convicted in 1996 of first degree child molestation for assaulting a known minor female between the ages of 19 months and 7 years. In a separate incident, he was convicted of communicating with a minor for immoral purposes.

Previous offenses include sexual assaults of a known 5-year-old female and another known female while she was 8-10 years old.

Gregory A. Wright

Gregory A. Wright, 23, is described as a 5'8," 172-pound black male with brown eyes and black hair.

In 1998, Wright was convicted of second degree assault with sexual motivation and fourth degree assault after separate, forcible sexual assaults on two females, ages 13 and 14. He reportedly threatened one victim with a knife and choked the other victim during the assaults.

Wright was charged in 2000 with probation violation after having sexual contact with another 14-year-old female.

According to Sheriff's information, Wright recently completed a sentence for unlawful possession of a firearm.

The above offenders have completed sentences imposed on them and are not wanted by authorities at this time.

They are being supervised by the state Department of Corrections and monitored by the Clark County Sex/Kidnapping Offender Registration Unit.

Any attempt to use this public information to threaten, intimidate or harass sex offenders will not be tolerated by law enforcement agencies.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

When the bell rings at Woodland Middle School, the hallways fill up and clog like an interstate during rush hour.

Woodland voters will decide whether or not to alleviate school congestion May 18 when a $40.1 million bond proposal is weighed.

"School enrollment is exploding in Woodland," said District superintendent Bill Hundley, "and more students are expected."

In the past 10 years, the District has grown 45 percent, from 1,390 students to 2,018. Conservative estimates show another 600 students coming to the District in the next 10 years.

To meet the need, the District has added portables. Currently, there are 13 portables at the District's five schools. Another four portables will be added next year. But portables are a short-term solution, Hundley said.

If the bond passes, a 900-capacity high school will be built on land still to be purchased near the District's intermediate school on Lewis River Rd. The high school will be designed to be expanded to a 1,200-student capacity when needed.

The new high school will feature state-of-the art science labs, up-to-date technology capability, football, soccer, baseball and softball fields to be shared with the community, and three full-sized basketball courts.

The District is currently in a sales agreement to buy the 38-acre site for a new high school, Hundley said, contingent on the bond's approval. If the bond does not pass, the property owner has a second earnest agreement from a developer who is expected to turn the land into subdivisions.

"It's important we pass this bond the first try," Hundley said. "If we lose [the new high school site] and have to locate to another site, it will cost taxpayers an extra $1 million-$2 million for development costs."

In addition to a new high school, the bond will finance a remodel of the current middle school site. More seating and parking will be added at District stadium. Science and technology upgrades will be made to current schools.

If a new high school is built, probably by September 2007, existing schools will be reconfigured to make more space available at them.

The primary school, currently K-3, will be made into a K-2. The intermediate school, currently 4-6, will be turned into a 3-5. The middle school, currently 7-8, will become a 6-8. High school will stay 9-12. The District also has a K-5 site in Yale.

Altogether, the bond will bring some $40.9 million to the District. At least $7 million of that amount is expected to come from the state. State match amounts can fluctuate due to enrollment numbers. The remaining $33.9 million plus interest will be generated by area taxpayers.

Woodland property owners currently pay $1.70 per $1,000 assessed value toward existing bonds. The new bond would add about $1.53 per $1,000 of assessed value for a total bond rate of $3.23. A 20-year repayment schedule is proposed.

For a $200,000 home, that means an additional $306 annually, or $25.50 monthly.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Battle Ground School District Board members have authorized the expenditure of $279,000 to purchase 4.24 acres at 9916 NE 134th St., Brush Prairie.

The property borders the Glenwood Heights Primary/Laurin Middle schools campus.

The sale is not yet final. A feasibility study is needed as well as final Board approval, said District communications consultant Kelly Keister.

Keister said impact fees from housing developments would pay for the property. The property would be bought outright, not financed.

The proposed purchase would complete the Glenwood/Laurin property into a rectangular shape.

Keister said the property is strategic for proposed remodels and expansions of the current campus.

RIDGEFIELD SCHOOLS NAME NEW SPORTS COMPLEX

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Ridgefield School Board members have named the District's new high school athletic fields the First Independent Bank Sports Complex after accepting a gift in late April of $150,000 from Vancouver residents Ed and Mary Firstenburg.

The Firstenburgs are founders and owners of First Independent Bank.

In the mid 1930s, Ed Firstenburg was employed as a teacher at Ridgefield High School where he taught business and shorthand.

The Firstenburgs raised their children in Ridgefield. Bill, Bruce and Joy Firstenburg all graduated from Ridgefield High School.

Lewis River Soccer Club president Mark Burton approached the Firstenburgs for help in completing community efforts that were already underway at the high school, according to District communications consultant Robyn Chastain.

Donations of materials, in-kind services and money by area businesses, individuals and civic groups have produced some $138,000, Chastain said.

The Firstenburg's gift will further enhance the school's athletic complex, providing two full-sized soccer fields, and one practice football field.

About $12,000 is still needed to complete phase one. The Firstenburg funds will go mostly toward phase two. Interested donors are asked to contact Nancy Simmons, 887-3175.

TWO ROAD CLOSURES MAY SNARL TRAFFIC

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Two road closures in the Battle Ground and Ridgefield areas may have area motorists grinding teeth while they wait this spring and summer.

State Department of Transportation officials and Clark County Public Works closed two area arteries May 10.

NE 219th St. from the Battle Ground city limits west to NE 10th St. will be mostly one-lane traffic until sometime in June, weather permitting, Transportation officials said.

Workers began posting signs and taking erosion control measures in preparation for paving which will begin May 19.

Flaggers and pilot cars will guide motorists through the area while the two-lane road is paved.

During paving, driveways in both directions along NE 219th St. will be blocked for up to one hour.

Officials said residents and businesses should expect their driveways to be blocked when they see the paving "train" getting closer to their property.

Transportation officials will know about 24 hours in advance where the crew will work. To find out when the crew will be nearby, call the Vancouver engineering office at 905-1500, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. If calling after hours, leave a message and someone will return the call.

Motorists should expect delays of up to 20 minutes. All paving work is weather dependent. If it rains, paving will be postponed until the highway surface is dry.

Construction will take place during daylight hours Mondays through Thursdays and until noon on Fridays. No construction will take place on weekends or holidays.

Morse Brothers Inc. of Sherwood, OR was awarded the construction bid at $908,860.

For more information about the paving project, call 800-725-9669.

Clark County officials have closed NE 10th Ave. between Carty Rd. and NE 259th St. in the Ridgefield area from May 10 until October this year.

Only residential and business access will be allowed.

The two-lane road will be widened with shoulders added for traffic safety and better visibility.

Retaining walls and drainage improvements will be constructed as well.

Although the project is an extension of past improvements done from NE 219th St. to Carty Rd., there will not be cantilevered structures on the wetland because there is less than 1 acre of wetland affected, said project manager Linda Small.

The stormwater collection areas will have natural enhancements such as plants and trees, she said.

Businesses operating along the corridors will be open and access allowed, however, patrons should expect detours and some delays.

Tapani Underground of Battle Ground was awarded the construction bid for $2,087,762.

For more information, contact Small at 397-6118, ext. 4753.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

On a warm day, sections of the Prairie High School roof feel mushy underfoot.

Battle Ground School District operations administrator Kevin Jolma and District maintenance supervisor David Klemetsrud have climbed the roof to survey some of the repair projects potentially funded if voters pass a bond May 18.

"It's an ongoing battle," Jolma said. "We're putting patches on patches up here. It looks like a leopard."

Prairie was last roofed in 1979 when the school was built. If the bond passes, Prairie will get a new roof as well as a refurbished auditorium and new track.

An approved bond will bring some $95 million to the District's 17 schools. Part of the money, about $55 million plus interest, will come from area taxpayers. The other $40 million will come from the state.

The bond initiative is primarily in response to widespread area growth, say school officials.

Current schools are already over capacity. Enrollment projections show more new students are coming to the area. About one third of bond money will be used to construct new school buildings.

Bond money will also be used to bring some school buildings into the 21st century, say officials. Another third of the bond money will be used to demolish part of three school campuses considered not repairable and build new schools on existing sites.

The final third will be spread out on a variety of projects including a property purchase, heat and cooling upgrades, refurbishing District stadium, a new addition a Battle Ground High School, and roof repairs.

District schools have more than 1.3 million square feet of roofs, according to District maintenance reports.

Schools in need

The lower building at Amboy Middle School is one of the buildings that will be torn down if the bond passes.

Built in 1947, the lower building is the oldest active school building in the District. The Central Building in downtown Battle Ground is older, but no longer in use.

Amboy principal Shayla Ebner described some of the challenges of educating students at the Amboy site.

"There's a lack of heat in winter," Ebner said. "The windows are a problem, old tiles are coming up, the plumbing's worn out, some of the carpets are duct taped, there's inadequate electricity--some classrooms only have one outlet--you can't run a microwave and a computer in the same room, the staff lunchroom is used as a classroom. There are some real building needs here."

A walk through Amboy's maintenance room shows Ebner is not kidding.

The school's switch room--similar to a circuit breaker board in a house--looks like it was constructed during World War II. When electrical components shorted out awhile ago, no replacement parts could be found, Klemetsrud said, because they aren't made anymore. District workers had to scout vintage parts from other schools.

In one corner of the Amboy maintenance room sits an abandoned water heater, corroded, with asbestos warning stickers on it. Removing the heater was too expensive, Jolma explained.

"If this school was demolished it would actually release [maintenance] funds," Jolma said. "We may be able to keep it operating, but it's not a good use of money longterm. It's tax dollars better spent to have structures designed for the 21st century that fit today's standards."

The District spends about $916,000 annually on building maintenance, according to District records. The figure includes labor, personnel, supplies and vehicles. Annually, the District's overall budget is some $84 million.

Educating about 12,400 students, Battle Ground is the third largest school district in Clark County after the Vancouver and Evergreen districts. If the bond passes, area property owners' tax rate will climb about 68 cents per $1,000 assessed value, for a total bond rate of about $1.33 per $1,000 value.

For a $200,000 home, additional taxes would be about $136 annually, or $11 monthly.

CLASSIC CAR OFFERED IN CHARITY AUCTION

A 1956 fully-restored Studebaker Power Hawk will be up for auction Sat., May 22, in a benefit for the Rocksolid Community Teen Center in Brush Prairie.

The third annual benefit auction will take place at the Red Lion Inn at the Quay, Vancouver.

Doors open and silent auction begins at 5 p.m. A beef and salmon buffet dinner is set for 6 p.m., with live auction at 7 p.m. Bob Hamel will be the auctioneer.

The Studebaker was donated by Battle Ground dentist Dr. Wayne Truscinski. He said the vehicle is in good shape, and worth about $7,500.

Truscinski said someone probably has a better need for the Studebaker. He said he doesn't want to have to deal with potential buyers in order to sell it.

Other auction items include lasik eye surgery by Dr. Will of Vancouver, tickets to races at Portland International Raceway, use of beach houses and condo in Mexico, and sports memorabilia.

Prizes in a raffle will be a quilt and a $200 gift certificate at Fred Meyer. Door prizes of a night's stay in Astoria and dinner will be awarded.

Rose float princesses will be present, and a magician will entertain.

The auction raise $33,000 last year.

Admission is $40 per person, with tickets and information available by calling the Teen Center, 885-2181, or Lori Lindberg, auction chair, 687-0326.

The Teen Center provides activities for students 2-5:30 p.m. on school days, including pool, foosball, air hockey, a theater, crafts, use of computers and gymnasium, and food.

Lindberg said some food is available free through a "healthy foods" program. Other foods are available for a fee.

The Teen Center operates a bus to pick up students after school; parents pick up students by 5:30 p.m.

Lindberg said 25 students visit the Center daily, with 45 at special events and up to 225 for evening programs.

The Clark County commissioners will conduct a public hearing Mon., May 24, 6:30 p.m., on the latest draft of the county's home business ordinance.

Some elements of the draft ordinance are intentionally left as options pending public comments.

The ordinance divides home businesses into four general categories--those that are exempt, those created before 1995, those defined as "minor," and those defined as "major."

As drafted, the ordinance applies a series of performance standards to all businesses, requiring home businesses to deal with noise, odors, glare, dust, smoke, vibration and radiation. While the ordinance requires these nuisances to be non-detectable at property lines, it does not explain how the rule will be applied or enforced.

The ordinance has been under preparation for almost three years. Once finalized, the ordinance will replace existing county rules that generally ban most larger types of home occupations.

Pre-1995 businesses

Gordy Euler, county staff person working on development of the home business ordinance, said leniency for pre-1995 businesses is designed to keep long-standing businesses in operation.

"Some business owners fear they won't be able to comply with the new ordinance," said Euler. "The commissioners don't want to shut down businesses, but want home businesses to be compatible with neighbors and neighborhoods."

Thus, he said, an accommodation for long-time businesses is part of the draft ordinance.

Pre-1995 businesses would still need to meet the performance standards and obtain a Type I permit.

Euler described a Type I permit as an over-the-counter document, requiring a 21-day review and costing $79.

On the other hand, said Euler, pre-1995 businesses will be "frozen" in size and would need permits to expand. Officials are undecided whether such businesses would be "frozen" at their 1995 size or as they operate today.

Exempt businesses

Certain businesses will be exempt from the county's new rules.

Exempt businesses in urban areas are those with no accessory structures or outside storage, no more than two employees, no on-site customers, no heavy equipment, no retail sales, and no more than one business-related vehicle.

Exempt businesses in rural areas are the same but can have an accessory structure of up to 400 square feet.

Permits are not required for exempt businesses unless two or more exempt businesses are operated on the same parcel of land.

Minor home businesses

"Minor" home businesses qualify for a Type I permit process unless located on a private road.

Minor home businesses in urban areas are those with an accessory structure of up to 400 square feet, maximum of two employees, up to six on-site customers per day, no outside storage, no heavy equipment, and no on-site retail sales. They operate within 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Minor home businesses in rural areas are the same, except an accessory structure of up to 1,000 square feet is allowed.

Euler said minor home businesses located on private roads will have the choice to either obtain support from all neighbors on the road, or go through the Type II review process which includes neighbor notification and a hearing before a Hearings Examiner.

Major home business

"Major" home businesses are subject to a Type II review process.

Euler described a Type II process as including public notice to neighbors, 78 day review period, and costing $2,605.

A major home business in an urban area can have an accessory structure of up to 900 square feet, three employees, 12 customers per day, no outside storage or heavy equipment, no retail sales, operate 7 a.m.-8 p.m., and be located on a lot of at least 10,000 square feet.

A major home business in a rural area must conform to a matrix which specifies accessory structure size, number of employees, allowable outside storage, business vehicles, and heavy equipment based on property size.

For example, a parcel 10 acres in size could accommodate an accessory structure of 1,750 square feet, three employees, 1,000 square feet of outside storage, two business vehicles, two trailers and three pieces of heavy equipment.

Home occupations on parcels larger than 20 acres would be limited to five pieces of heavy equipment, four trailers and four business vehicles.

There is no provision in the ordinance for businesses operating with more than five pieces of heavy equipment.

Building industry responds

Matt Lewis, spokesman for the Building Industry Association of Southwest Washington, said his analysis of home business complaints shows that most are in urban areas, and auto repair businesses are the leading offenders.

Lewis said his organization had favored a performance-based solution rather than restrictive rules.

Lewis said complaints about home businesses could be resolved through medication and other means without county limitations. "We can solve complaints without going after businesses," said Lewis.

Lewis called the proposed rule limiting a business on five acres to one business vehicle "asinine."

Lewis did not object to new businesses facing more stringent rules than existing businesses. But he said new rules should not be imposed retroactively on existing businesses.

Hearing set

The public hearing will be held at Prairie High School, 11500 NE 117th Ave., Brush Prairie.

The draft ordinance is available at Clark County Community Development, 1300 Franklin St., third floor, Vancouver, or by calling Euler, 397-2375, ext. 4968, as well as on the county's web site: www.clark.wa.gov

WOMAN ALLEGES ATTACK BY COUGAR

A woman riding horseback at Battle Ground Lake State Park told authorities last week that her horse was attacked by a cougar.

The woman refused to be identified and declined a request, relayed by state officials, to call The Reflector without giving her name.

According to Capt. Murray Schlenker of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, the woman said she was riding at the park about 2:15 p.m. April 6 when a cougar jumped on the neck area of the horse.

The woman said she, the horse, and the cougar then rode about 500 feet along the path before she jumped off. The cougar reportedly continued on the horse for a short distance, then ran off in the woods. Her dog was also present, she said, and chased the cougar away, the woman said.

Park ranger Carl Hinze said the park was closed for about three hours after the incident while state officials searched for the cougar. Dogs were also used but failed to pick up a cougar scent.

The woman estimated the cougar at 100 pounds, according to a report from Fire District 3.

Schlenker said the horse had two small scratch marks but no broken skin. Schlenker said the marks could have been made by brush. "We would expect more damage to the horse" in this incident, said Schlenker.

Schlenker said it is unusual for cougars to attack humans or to attack horses with riders.

Man shoots cougar

The next day, May 7, Mike Bononcini, 20, said he was driving by a farm where a friend lives near Battle Ground Lake, spotted a cougar in the field, and shot it twice.

Bononcini said blood was visible on the cougar which, he said, crawled into nearby brush.

State officials searched for the animal, again using trained dogs, but did not find it.

"The dogs bayed at some scent," said Schlenker, which could have been an animal other than a cougar, he said.

The search was concluded at the Crystal Springs housing development.

Bononcini said he shot the cougar with a scope at about 900 feet. He said he is capable of shooting a prairie dog at 3000 feet with a scope.

Cougar sightings

Schlenker said reports of cougars in the La Center and Ridgefield areas are more common that reports near Battle Ground Lake.

Sherry Lambert said her husband, Russ, saw a cougar earlier this spring on their property about two miles southeast of Battle Ground Lake.

Russ Lambert followed the cougar, moving east to west, until it disappeared on a neighbor's property.

About two years ago, Tom Croley of Battle Ground reported being stalked by a cougar at Battle Ground Lake.

Croley said he was with his dog in late spring when he saw a cougar crawling toward him in tall grass. The animal repeatedly raised its head above the grass to look his way, said Croley.

As Croley walked toward the cougar, it ran away, he said.

Schlenker said that in 2003, a cougar attacked a fisherman from behind on the banks of the Kalama River.

HEADLINE INCORRECT

A headline in last week's Reflector announcing that cupcakes were banned in Woodland schools was not correct, although the accompanying story was accurate.

As described in the story, the Woodland School Board considered such a ban at its last meeting, noting the potential cleanliness uncertainties and health risks of home baking and home kitchens.

But the board took no action to banned home-made goods.

The board directed superintendent Bill Hundley to gather information in preparation for a future discussion of the topic.

The Reflector regrets the erroneous headline.

WILLIAM HENKEL

William Jack Henkel, 73, died May 9, 2004 at home in Brush Prairie.

Henkel was born May 22, 1930 in Portland, worked as a dairyman, and lived in Clark County for 57 years, 38 years in Brush Prairie.

Henkel was a member of the Military Vehicle Collectors Club of Oregon and enjoyed club functions and appearing in parades. He enjoyed watching wildlife. He liked his dog, Rivers, and enjoyed fishing, military campouts, car shows and raising Black Angus. He also enjoyed traveling to Canada and going to the coast.

Survivors include widow Joy Henkel, at home, brother Bob Henkel of Vancouver, uncle Bill Blackwood of California, niece Jason Henkel of Brush Prairie, and numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins.

Graveside services will be held Thurs., May 13, 11 a.m., at Brush Prairie Cemetery, located across SR-503 from Prairie High School, Vancouver, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

GERALD IRETON

Gerald Richard "Jerry" Ireton, 62, died April 30, 2004 at home in Battle Ground.

Ireton was born Feb. 23, 1942 in Vancouver and worked for the American National Can Company.

Ireton was founder of Columbia Cascade Company, a primitive Rifleman association, and founder of Low Revs Street Rod Association. He also founded Clark County Metro Security, and served as a fire arms instructor for the state and county.

Ireton served in the U.S. Army 1964-66, and then served in the inactive reserves. He was also a member of the Cla Forbes Scottish, Oregon Scots Guard, National Rifle Association and Law Enforcement Alliance.

Ireton enjoyed riding his motorcycle, driving street rods, attending primitive rendezvous and events, and writing for "Timber Times," a model railroad magazine.

Ireton was preceded in death by brother James Ireton in 1987. Survivors include widow Sharon Ireton, at home in Battle Ground, son Keith Stowell of Michigan, daughters Brenda, Kathy, Heather Stowell, Holly Stowell of Vancouver, Shelly Oleyar of Oregon, Carey Morris of Camas, and Janet of Colorado, sister Susan Stuart of Vancouver, and 16 grandchildren.

Private services were planned, with Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, in charge of arrangements.

MARY STOREY

Mary Louise (Miller) Storey, 97, died May 6, 2004 in Vancouver.

Storey was born March 7, 1907 in Erie, Kansas, and was a longtime Clark County resident.

Storey moved with her family to Brush Prairie in 1912. She graduated from Vancouver High School in 1925 and worked for an insurance agency.

Storey was active in the American Legion Auxiliary. She managed the Kampus Korner restaurant for her son.

Storey was preceded in death by her husband, George W. Storey, in 1984. Survivors include sons G. Kenneth Storey of Vancouver and Will "Bill" M. Storey of Idaho, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were held at Park Hill Cemetery, with the Vancouver Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

JOSEPH BRATTIN

Services for Joseph Thomas Brattin will be held Wed., May 26, 3 p.m., at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland.

Following the services, family members will gather at Sayler's Old Country Kitchen, 10519 SE Stark, Portland. Friends and relatives are welcome to join them.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances are invited to American Legion Post #14, 4607 St. James Rd., Vancouver, 98663.

CARL DRAPER

Carl Francis Draper, 92, died May 2, 2004 in Vancouver.

Draper was born May 21, 1911 in Farmington, worked in dry cleaning, operated Draper's Cleaners in Battle Ground for 42 years, and lived in Clark County for 54 years.

Draper was a member of the Battle Ground Kiwanis Club. He enjoyed fishing, clam digging, traveling, ballroom dancing and golf. He loved the coast. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Survivors include widow Constance "Connie" Draper, at home in Vancouver, sister-in-law Gwen Clark of Vancouver, brother Darrel Draper of Arizona, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Committal was at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

CHRISTOPHER ANDERSON

Christopher Wayne Anderson, 23, died May 2, 2004 in Vancouver.

Anderson was born Dec. 30, 1980 in Centralia, Illinois, worked as a sales representative in the fundraising industry, and lived in Clark County for four months.

Anderson attended the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church. He grew up in Burley, Idaho. He enjoyed skateboarding, computers, and spending time with his best friend, Jamie Delgado, of Vancouver.

Survivors include widow Andrea Anderson, at home, parents Cherrie and Thomas Blackwell of Idaho, daughter Alexandrea Anderson, at home, sons Randal Cole and Christopher Anderson, both at home, brothers Joshua Anderson, Kalen Anderson and Nickolaus Anderson, all of Idaho, and grandparents Lynn and Mary Grace Johnson of Idaho.

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

HENRY MOORE

Henry "Bill" Moore, 74, died May 3, 2004 in Portland.

Moore was born Feb. 10, 1930 in Cusick, and lived in Clark County for 34 years. He held several jobs from working on the family farm to owning a service station. He served in the U.S. Army 1947-1948, stationed in the Philippines. He was a volunteer firefighter. He worked in mines in Idaho and a brick factory in Oregon. He was a millwright for International Paper until injury forced retirement in 1979.

Moore was a member of the Yacolt Grange and a CB club. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren and working on cars.

Moore was preceded in death by sisters Mildred, Evelyn, Peggy, Ruth and Isabelle. Survivors include widow Harriett Moore, at home in Yacolt, daughters Kalenda Moore and Carolyn Moore, both of Oklahoma, Linda Huston of Yacolt, and Mary Rowe of Battle Ground, son James Moore of Yacolt, brother John Moore of Woodland, six grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Inurnment was at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, with Davies Cremation & Burial Services in charge of arrangements.