WOODLAND GIRLS ARE STATE CHAMPS

Two team members take individual titles

Bill Myers, staff reporter

After competing in state finals in Cheney on May 29, the Woodland High School girls' varsity track team reigned supreme.

When the dust settled at the Eastern Washington University track field, the nine-member Woodland team, led by two seniors with top state efforts, were perched atop Class 2A girls' track teams in the state. More than 50 other teams went packing.

Jill Theony finished first in state with a 42-foot, 8-inch shot-put effort. Tara Ward ranked first in long jump after leaping 17-feet, 8-inches.

Team members are seniors Theony, Ward and Bree Cochran; juniors Jenaya Sledge, Ashley Hubenthal, sophomore Brooke Fincken, and ninth graders Ashley and Alysha Kofstad and Kylie Brusco.

The team effort brought a third girls' track state championship to Woodland and 39-year Woodland High School coach Steve Hansen.

Team members were honored June 4 at a school assembly.

WALK ON TRACKS KILLS TWO, INJURES THREE

Picnic turns to tragedy on trestle south of Woodland

Two picnickers died and three were injured when they were hit by a freight train May 31 on a rail bridge over the Lewis River south of Woodland.

A Clark County Sheriff's report said Arin M. Kight, 30, and a neighbor, Ashley M. Falk, 12, both of Ridgefield, were knocked from the trestle by a southbound Union Pacific freight train at about 3:15 p.m.

Rescuers recovered their bodies from the river.

A Clark County Medical Examiner's spokesman said both deaths were caused by blunt force head trauma.

Kight's children, Heaven Campbell, 12, and Matt Thompson, 7, with Wayne Frye, 6, were transported with unspecified injuries to hospitals in Portland.

Frye is reportedly the son of Kight's fiance, Melissa Barkley, who did not walk on the trestle. All are residents of Ridgefield.

Frye's condition is graded "serious" at Legacy Emanuel Hospital. Campbell and

Thompson were treated and released.

Ridgefield police officer Carl Mealing responded to the scene and later interviewed Barkley. Mealing reported Barkley said she warned Kight and the children to stay off the bridge before the accident. Barkley reportedly shouted a warning when she heard the train approaching.

Clark County Sheriff's detective Alex Schoening said Kight was drinking Sparks, an energy-boosting beverage containing alcohol, before he escorted the children up an embankment to "see the bridge."

Schoening said results of an autopsy test of Kight's alcohol blood level should be available about mid-June.

Woodland police sergeant Brad Gillespie said trespass incidents and accidents at the trestle are not unusual.

Two tracks cross the span, but a gradual curve north of the bridge limits visibility to a few hundred feet.

Schoening said the train was traveling about 50 miles per hour, or about 75 feet per second. If the victims saw the train as soon as possible, they may have had four or five seconds to get out of the way.

"If someone is caught off guard, there's no place to go," said Gillespie.

"Danger--Keep off"

Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railway owns tracks in Washington. Union Pacific Railway freight trains use tracks between Portland and Tacoma, said Burlington Northern spokesman Gus Melonas.

Signs posted at both ends of the bridge warn pedestrians to keep off, said Melonas. Trespassers may receive criminal trespass citations.

The Lewis River bridge spans 808 feet and is a busy crossing with about 60 trains crossing daily, said Melonas. Freight trains are allowed to roll at 60 miles per hour and Amtrak trains can reach 79 miles per hour at the crossing.

Melonas said the engineer blew the train whistle and applied emergency brakes immediately upon seeing people on the bridge. A witness said the lead engine stopped about 300 feet south of the trestle, with freight cars trailing across the bridge and on tracks to the north.

Melonas said that including Kight and Falk, four pedestrians have died on the bridge since 1984 in spite of warning signs.

So far this year, 10 pedestrians have perished on Washington rails, despite warnings on signs and fences, said Melonas.

Melonas said 90 pedestrian-trespass deaths have occurred since 1997 in Washington.

TRAIN VICTIM SHY, LOVED PEOPLE

Memorial account established

A family friend close enough to be known to Ashley Falk as "Auntie Patti" said the 12-year-old girl who died May 31 when struck by a train was "shy, but loved people and was fun-loving."

Vancouver resident Patti Martinez said Ashley was born in Portland and moved with her family to Ridgefield about two years ago.

Ashley was a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism and loved ancient history, Martinez said.

The View Ridge Middle School seventh grade student loved being with family and friends, said Martinez.

"Please say thanks to everyone, including friends unknown, who cared about Ashley," Martinez said.

A memorial account in Ashley Falk's name is at Oregon First Community Credit Union, 220 Pioneer St., P.O. Box 96, Ridgefield, WA 98642.

Army reservist reportedly confessed to murder

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

The decomposing remains of a 37-year-old woman stuffed into a military footlocker were discovered May 28 in the back of her van in Battle Ground.

Matthew James Denni, 38, 1911 SE 1st Place, was arrested May 29 and charged with the first degree murder of his wife, Kimberly Faye Denni. If convicted, he faces a minimum 25-year sentence.

Denni, an Army reservist supply sergeant with the 671st Engineer Co. of Portland, will be arraigned Thurs., July 10, in Superior Court by judge Roger Bennett. Denni is being held on $250,000 bail. He is on suicide watch.

Coroner reports state Denni died of a single shot from a Navy Arms brand 9mm semi-automatic handgun. A bullet was fired under her left jaw, and exited the back right of her head near her ear.

A search warrant affidavit states Denni confessed he shot his wife during an argument March 18 in the couple's bedroom in a rented apartment above a barn on the northeast corner of NE 199th St. and S Parkway Ave.

The affidavit states Denni placed her remains in the container, then in the back of the 1990 Ford Aerostar van that day.

Landlord and neighbor Wayne Redjou said he was gardening recently and noticed a "very distinctive and strong odor of rotting meat" coming from the van, the report states.

Redjou opened the door and discovered the van was filled with flies and maggots, the report states. He jump-started it and moved it to the back of the 5-acre property. He saw the box where the odor was coming from and asked Denni about it.

Denni reportedly told him it was rotting garbage and he planned to take it to the dump. Redjou allegedly told him the dump wouldn't take something so foul-smelling and suggested they bury it on the property instead.

The affidavit said Redjou dug a hole with his tractor and helped Denni carry the heavy box to bury it with about 18 inches of dirt.

Denni allegedly dug up the container later, placed it back in the van and buried rotting meat and grass in a similar footlocker in the same place, reports state.

According to the affidavit, Denni said he does not know why he did that or what he was thinking at the time.

When officials dug in the yard they found the garbage, but the other stench remained. They found the woman's remains in the back of her van.

The suspected murder weapon was found in Denni's Ford Bronco that was parked at the Reserve office base in Portland.

Kimberly Denni is described as 5-feet 8 inches tall and about 165 lbs. Her body was crammed into the 3-feet long, 16-inch deep and 17-inch wide container.

"It was a pretty tight fit," said Battle Ground Sgt. Carl Mullen, who added she was not cut up.

The search was conducted with help from an interlocal agreement with the Clark County Sheriff's major crimes unit.

Mike Kinnie, senior deputy prosecuting attorney, believes the murder was premeditated based on Denni's activities before and after his wife's death.

Family and friends alerted police

According to the affidavit, Denni told police he and his wife spent the evening of March 18 drinking. He reportedly said she accused him of looking at another woman and became angry.

When the couple arrived home she "nagged at him about the other woman," Denni reportedly said, while he was trying to watch television.

According to Mullen, Kimberly Denni called her boyfriend to tell him about the fight and that she was coming over. She told Denni she was going out dancing with him.

Denni was "frustrated and angry" the report said, opened a dresser drawer for the gun and shot her.

Mullen said the Redjou family was in California at a wedding the week of March 13-21 and were not on site at the time of the murder.

Family and friends contacted Battle Ground police officer Aaron Kanooth when Denni's stories didn't match up and no one had seen or heard from Kimberly Denni for two months. Her family lives in North Carolina.

Denni reportedly told Kanooth his wife was out of town, and he didn't know where she was, but she called him about every two weeks.

However, the report states Denni gave conflicting accounts to others about his wife's whereabouts.

Denni declined to fill out a missing person's report until May 27, when Kanooth found Denni at home with his girlfriend of two months, the report states.

Denni reluctantly filled one out and seemed "scared" to do so, the affidavit said.

Later that day, Redjou contacted the police because of the increasingly foul odor in his yard. The family knew of the missing person report and "put two and two together," said police chief Ron Johnson.

A search warrant for the property was obtained May 28. Using floodlights, squads of Battle Ground police and Clark County Sheriff deputies found Denni's body in the late evening hours.

Matthew Denni was located with his 7-year-old daughter the next day at a family church camp outing at Kiwanis Camp Wa-Ri-Ki on the Washougal River, Mullen said.

The child had been living at home with Denni, officials said.

Sheriff Deputies and Child Protective Services arranged for the girl to stay at the camp with family friends until June 1. She was picked up at school and taken into custody by the protection agency, Mullen said.

Marital difficulties blamed for incident

Married about seven years, the couple lived in Vancouver until Kimberly Denni moved to Battle Ground in August last year. She did not work outside the home.

Matthew Denni served in Kuwait and Iraq as staff Sgt. with the 3rd Infantry about one year. He returned home to Battle Ground in October last year on disability for a gunshot wound in the leg that officials believe may have been self-inflicted. Denni returned to work at the base about early April.

Kimberly Denni was arrested and convicted in January 2002 for obtaining a prescription drug by fraud and forgery--both felonies.

Denni was sentenced to a Clark County diversion program, with which she failed to comply. She was re-sentenced in February 2003 to 20 days work crew.

Court records say Denni showed up at the work site with a forged note from her doctor excusing her from 10 days of the sentence. She was then sentenced to 20 days in jail for felony forgery, which she served in January this year.

In an attempt to avoid jail time, Denni sent a handwritten note to judge Roger Bennett asking for leniency. She wrote that her husband was serving in Iraq and her family was "3,400 miles away." She was concerned for her daughter. "I am all she has and I am begging you to please let me serve this some other way."

Denni ended her note saying, "I didn't mess up if for no other reason than to keep my husband proud of me and keep him safe. He doesn't need to worry about me--not now.

Ya'll have a good day."

CORPSE FOUND UNDER I-5 IN WOODLAND

Victim identified as a Mexican citizen

A woman walking with her children and a dog on May 29 discovered a male corpse at a makeshift camp under the I-5 overpass near Lewis River Rd. in Woodland.

A Cowlitz County Medical Examiner's Office spokesperson said fingerprints identified the dead man as Fernando Topete-Rios, 36, a Mexican citizen who left an uncle's address in Kirkland last month to return to Mexico.

The victim had been dead for at least 10 days, said Woodland police Sgt. Brad Gillespie. Autopsy results did not show signs of trauma, he said.

Detectives are waiting for laboratory results which should be received within a few weeks before ruling out foul play, said Woodland chief of police Rob Stephenson.

CLARK COLLEGE WILL USE NEW BUILDING FOR STUDENT NURSES

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

When student nurses at Clark College begin classes in 2005, they'll find the classrooms are in a new building and are located on the Washington State University-Vancouver campus.

Beginning this fall, returning students will see more new faces than usual as the college has received a $250,000 grant to add 25 slots to its current 180 openings.

"This is a great opportunity we have to meet the demand for health care professionals to serve the growing population in southwest Washington," said Clark President R. Wayne Branch.

Last year, the college was forced to reject 160 applicants because of lack of space, said Sue Groth of college relations.

"We're going to fit all the students somehow on our campus next year," Groth said.

The nursing program at Clark operates out of a building with one lab and a few classrooms. The new building will offer more space for the two-year associate degree program.

The three-story, $19.8 million Clark Center will include 14 classrooms, six technology computer labs, four science labs, a multipurpose room and a physical education-health lab.

Nursing classrooms and labs will be on the third floor, Groth said.

Although the building will be on the WSU-Vancouver campus, it will be reserved for Clark College students, she said.

Clark nursing students have the opportunity to continue working toward bachelor degree at WSU. After completing the two-year program, students are qualified to take the state test to become registered nurses.

Construction on the new building is expected to begin this summer and be ready for occupancy in 2005.

Sharing the Clark building will be the engineering, computer science and biology departments.

Clark nursing program officials decided to locate in the new building when no additional space could be found on the Clark campus.

COUNTY WILL EASE PROPOSED RULES ON HOME BUSINESSES

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Clark County commissioners agreed June 2 to lighten up on rules that many rural home business owners insist would close their doors.

The hearing continued a three-year effort by the County to craft a Home Business Ordinance that would generally allow businesses to operate while reducing impacts on neighbors.

A decision to ease rules developed after efforts of a citizens task force, Clark

County Planning Commissioners and County staff followed hours of hearing testimony. Most testimonies came from business owners who argued against rules that could stifle rural home businesses and economic activity.

In deliberations after testimony June 2, commissioner Betty Sue Morris cited specific examples of how businesses could be hurt by proposed rules. "I won't approve anything that will cause people to lose jobs," she said.

Commissioner Craig Pridemore said, "I'm not going to vote for anything that says if you're in business, your neighbors are irrelevant."

Pridemore also said he was concerned about an uneven playing field. He said business owners who follow permitting rules find it difficult competing against rural home business owners who don't have the same rules.

After compromising on specific rules, commissioners told County staff members to incorporate revisions into new language and prepare a new draft ordinance for discussion at a continuation of the hearing on Tues., June 15, at 10 a.m.

New rules

Commissioners agreed that home business rules should not prohibit wholesale or manufacturing and that only adult entertainment enterprises and on-site retail uses will be banned at home businesses.

New language will "grandfather" most businesses that started before 2001, allowing them to continue with a Type 1 permit. A Type 1 permit is the least expensive and easiest home business permit to obtain. Previous language allowed "grandfathering" only for businesses created before 1995.

Most businesses established after January 1, 2001 will also qualify for a Type 1 permit, but must meet ordinance standards within four years. Previous language forced businesses to measure up within a year after passage of the ordinance.

Businesses defined as "major home businesses" will be required to execute an agreement with neighbors or apply for a Type 2 permit.

The commissioners agreed to substantial easing of requirements for large rural businesses. Revised rules allow four to six instead of two to five employees, larger accessory structures and outside storage.

Allowances for numbers of vehicles, trailers and pieces of heavy equipment will be based on how many can be stored on 2 percent of a property.

Adherence to codes

Applications for Home Business Permits will ask home business owners if they have complied with other County code provisions.

County planner Gordy Euler said applicants will be asked to acknowledge they have legal buildings at their businesses. Avoiding the question could create a liability for the County if someone gets hurt in a fire or unsafe condition, he added.

Euler said anyone with a building constructed without a building permit will need a building permit and proper inspection procedures to be legal.

Stables and wineries

Further study on rules for stables is necessary, said Euler. Is a stable an agricultural use or a home business? The commissioners will have to decide, he said.

A wine-tasting business without a vineyard on site, will be treated as a business, said Euler.

Euler said a copy of the revised Home Business Ordinance will be on the Clark County website, www.clark.wa.gov. The hearing will be continued in the Commissioners' Hearing Room, Public Service Building, 1300 Franklin Ave., Vancouver. Information telephone is 397-2375, ext. 4968.

JAWS OF LIFE USED IN WOODLAND ACCIDENT

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Charles L. Gruelle, 45, Woodland, was taken by Lifeflight helicopter to Southwest Washington Medical Center with unknown injuries June 3 after an early morning accident.

According to a Cowlitz County deputy report, Gruelle was northbound on the 1700 block of Dike Rd. in Woodland about 9:30 a.m. when his vehicle left the road and slammed into a power pole.

The pole was partially broken, and Gruelle was trapped inside, said the report by deputy Pat Schallert.

When Cowlitz Fire District 1 crews arrived, Gruelle was not alert, said deputy Charlie Rosenzweig.

Rescue crews worked about 30 minutes using the Jaws of Life to extract him.

No other passengers were in the car and no other vehicles were involved.

Rosenzweig said Gruelle was cited for first degree negligent driving.

FIRE CONSUMES WOODLAND MACHINE SHOP

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

H and N Repair machine shop in Woodland suffered a $100,000 loss to fire June 3. Three fire agencies fought the blaze and worked to keep an adjoining home, warehouse, other structures and a pile of wood pallets from igniting as well.

Passers-by noted fire coming from the warehouse and alerted the owner, Gene Manring, who lives in the connecting home, said Woodland fire chief Rob Dahl.

Manring found the structure fully involved in flames and attempted to douse the fire himself before calling 911, Dahl said.

When firefighters arrived, they found the main shop area engulfed in fire, Dahl said. The shop produces wood pallets.

Crews from Cowlitz Fire District 1, Woodland Fire and Cowlitz District 5 in Kalama worked four hours to completely put the fire out.

In all, four engines, a ladder truck, one squad, one aid unit, one medic unit, five water tenders and three command units responded.

Manring, who did not carry insurance on the building, reportedly told fire officials, "I never planned on having a fire."

FREE VAN SERVICE CONNECTS VANCOUVER WITH CHEHALIS

To encourage people to try public transportation, van service connecting Vancouver with Chehalis will be provided free of charge during June.

The van service is operated daily along the I-5 corridor by the Lower Columbia Community Action Council (CAP).

"There's never been a better time to leave the driving to us," said Kelly Wagoner, manager of the transportation program for CAP. "With gasoline prices over $2, we're finding more and more people who want a less expensive way to get to work or to school, or to go to town for shopping."

The south route connects Longview-Kelso with Vancouver six times daily, Monday through Friday, with stops in Kalama, Woodland, La Center and Ridgefield, ending at the Salmon Creek Park and Ride where riders can transfer to the C-Tran system.

The CAP van system also connects Longview with Chehalis four times daily, Monday through Friday, ending at Wal-Mart in Chehalis.

Wagoner said the CAP van system has been increasing in riders, with 229 rides in January, 387 in February, 520 in March and 521 in April. The free rides in June are seen as a way to encourage people to try the CAP van system.

CAP's transportation system is funded by a grant from the state Department of Transportation. The grant continues to June 2005.

The 14-passenger vans are wheelchair-accessible and equipped with bike racks. The fare is normally $1.

Information about the free transportation system is available by calling Kelly Wagoner or Alan Rose, (360) 425-3430, or (800) 383-2101.

Despite the urgings of board member Fred Striker that a bond election be held in September, members of the Battle Ground school board heeded the advice of a citizens' committee and moved toward scheduling a second vote on a construction bond for February 2005.

Battle Ground voters turned down the $55 million financing issue in a May 18 special election.

Members of the citizens' committee, headed by Alex Mintz and Sue Crank, said the new September balloting procedures might confuse voters, and they might not be able to muster enough volunteers to work during the summer for a September election.

Because the state's "open primary" election system was invalidated by a court decision, the state legislature adopted a new system that will require voters to select a ballot by party--Democrat, Republican or Libertarian. Non-partisan matters at a primary election will require a fourth ballot, said Mintz.

Mintz suggested that voters might not follow through with the complicated balloting system, and might skip a school bond measure.

The board decided to reconvene a citizen bond committee to consider the content and structure of the future ballot measure, designed to help the district accommodate its growing student population. The matter might be placed before voters as two election issues instead of one.

Mintz and Crank expressed concern that the bond issue might get lost in a large November general election, headlined by a presidential election.

Mintz said the bond would have passed on May 18 if it had had 694 more "yes" votes.

Voters in seven of 26 precincts approved the measure by more than the required 60 percent margin, including some precincts where voters favored the measure by as much as 69.3 percent.

Voters in the northern part of the district were least favorable. Mintz said voters casting ballots at polls favored passages by almost 84 percent, compared to absentee voters who cast 56.7 percent "yes" votes.

Overall, 12,174 votes were cast in the election, about 700 fewer than in the successful February 2003 levy election. Turnout in May 2004 was 42.2 percent of registered voters.

"The key is turnout," said board chair Sam Kim. "Can we consider this bond election to be a preparation to passage a second time around?," questioned Kim.

"The campaign doesn't stop," said Kim. "I believe we can turn right around and do it a second time. To me, the signal is unclear and we need to hear what the public has to say."

Kim expressed concern about maintaining the dedicated effort of the citizen's committee that worked on bond passage.

Most of the discussion during the 1 1/2 meeting focused on the timing of a second vote on the bond issue, not on the content of the measure.

District spokesperson Kelly Keister stressed the importance of communicating with the public as decisions were made on another bond election. She said some voters might question whether the bond money is really needed if a second election is held nine months after the first.

"The further out (the next election) the more critical it is to keep a dialogue with the public," said Keister.

"What are our options," questioned Mintz, who listed options to the bond as more portable classrooms, double shifting students, and year-round school.

Keister suggested collaboration with the public to learn why 42 percent voted "no" on the measure. She cautioned against polarizing people, including "no" voters.

Crank said she heard some "buzz" about tearing down Chief Umtuch Primary School.

The bond committee and citizen support group were praised for their efforts to pass the construction measure. "What could we possibly have done to bring out the few (more voters) we needed," questioned District superintendent Shonny Bria.

Bria suggested that some people did not realize the benefits they would garner from passage of the measure.

"We've heard a lot in this campaign that will help in the next campaign," said Crank.

CEREMONY TO MARK HISTORY TRANSPOLAR FLIGHT

A dinner and auction on Sat., June 19, complete with dignitaries from Russia, will mark the 1937 transpolar flight from Russia to the United States by Valery Chkalov.

Chkalov landed in Vancouver on June 20, 1937, completing the historic first transpolar flight.

The 67th anniversary of the flight will include a re-dedication of the Chkalov Monument at 3:30 p.m., an antique aircraft fly-in at 4:30 p.m., hosted bar and silent auction at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., and a program and live auction with dancing at 7:30 p.m.

Guests from Russia include a mayor, an aviation museum director, and the director of an aviation art museum. Proceeds from the event will help defray their travel expenses.

Tickets are $50 per person.

The event will be held at the Pearson Air Museum. RSVP, 694-7026.

LIBRARIES PLAN SUMMER READING ACTIVITIES

"Discover New Trails...Read" is the theme of this year's summer reading program at branches of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library system and its bookmobiles.

Participants may sign up now at any library branch and receive a reading guide, book mark, pin and program information.

Participants will keep a log of every 20 minutes they read, and will receive certificates and prizes for reading time.

In addition, craft and entertainment programs are held weekly at branch libraries for summer reading program participants. The program ends Aug. 15.

Teens age 12 by Aug. 31 or going into seventh grade may register for Teen Summer Reading 2004, with the theme, "Get Lost...Read."

Teens completing 10 hours of reading may bring their journals to the library staff and receive a book gift card or movie pass.

Here are the Summer Reading Program events as they get underway at branch libraries:

Battle Ground

Because of space limitations, the Summer Reading Program at Battle Ground will be held outside, rain or shine. Participants are asked to bring their own blanket or chair if they wish to sit.

On Thurs., July 1, 2 p.m., participants will take part in Buffalo Bowling, Sweet Tooth Promenade, Salmon Fishing, Panning for Gold, Cow Roping and Wild Horse Racing events.

Then on Tues., July 6, 11 a.m., Arthur will bring a mix of music, illusion, comedy and magic.

Storytime for ages birth to 24 months is 10:30 a.m. Thursdays, July 8-29. Preschool storytime is 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, July 7-28.

687-2322.

La Center

On Thurs., June 24, 11 a.m., Jen and Wendy Bernard, the singing sisters, will present a theatrical, high-energy concert of wacky songs for children at the new La Center library.

And on Thurs., July 1, 11 a.m., Tom Question will provide kinetic fun with stilt-walking, juggling, and comedy. He also plays the Chinese yo-yo.

Preschool storytime is 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, June 15-July 27. 619-1800.

Ridgefield

On Tues., June 22, 2 p.m., Rick Meyers will present old-time music at the Ridgefield library, including American folk music, playing the musical saw, spoons, Jew's harp, limberjack and banjo.

Then on Tues., June 29, 2 p.m., a program called Leapin' Lizards is planned, with snakes, lizards and other reptiles.

Toddler storytime for ages 1-3 with siblings welcome is 10:30 a.m. Fridays, through Aug. 6. Preschool storytime is 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, through Aug. 4. 887-8281.

Three Creeks

The Summer Reading Program will kick-off at the Three Creeks library Tues., July 6, 11 a.m., with western-themed games, and candy snacks.

Then on Thurs., July 8, 11 a.m., the Snake Man will present a slithery journey through the world of reptiles.

Family storytime is Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., July 7-Aug. 4. 571-9696.

Vancouver Mall

Summer Reading Program participants will decorate the Vancouver Mall library Sat., June 26, 2 p.m., with a western theme.

Then on Wed., June 30, 2 p.m., participants will celebrate America's birthday with games and music, while making America flag placemats. Cake will be part of the fun.

Swaddler storytime for ages 0-12 months is 9:30 a.m. Fridays through July 30. Storytime for ages 12-24 months is 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays through July 28. Toddler storytime for ages 24-36 months is 11 a.m. Tuesdays through July 27. Preschool storytime for ages 3-6 is 11 a.m. Wednesdays through July 28. Family storytime is 7 p.m. Tuesdays through July 27.

892-8256.

Woodland

Silly songs will be offered Wed., June 23, 2 p.m., at the Woodland library, with Samson and Delight-Ya. A bubble machine and fog machine will be part of the fun.

Then on Wed., June 30, 2 p.m., magician Bob Eaton will enchant program participants who want to learn new tricks. Preschool storytime is 10:30 a.m. Fridays, June 25-July 30.

225-2115.

Bookmobiles

The Summer Reading Program is also offered at bookmobile stops in conjunction with regular bookmobile service. Program events are generally held outside.

Amboy

The bookmobile will stop at Amboy Middle School Thursdays, July 1, 15 and 29, 9:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m., with summer reading activities 10-11 a.m.

Green Mountain

The bookmobile will stop at Green Mountain School Tuesdays, June 29, July 13 and 27, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., with summer reading program 11 a.m.-noon.

Hockinson

The bookmobile will stop at Hockinson Heights Intermediate School Wednesdays, June 30, July 14 and 28, 10:15 a.m.-1 p.m., with summer reading program 10 a.m.-noon.

Yacolt

The bookmobile will stop at Yacolt School on Thursdays, July 8 and 22, 10 a.m.-1:45 p.m., with summer reading program 11 a.m.-noon.

C-TRAN ADDS SMALLER BUSES

Responding to public suggestions, officials at C-TRAN, Clark County's public bus transportation system, have acquired 10 new, smaller buses which they will use on lower demand routes, including Route 7 to Battle Ground.

The new, 29-foot buses seat 23 people instead of 40 seats on a standard 40-foot bus.

C-TRAN spokesman Scott Patterson said the shorter buses are made by Chance Coach Inc. of Witchita, KS, and cost about $254,000 each, or about $31,000 less than full-sized models.

The Opus coaches have a wheel base of 163.5 inches, said Patterson, compared to XXXX inches on a 40-foot bus. The smaller buses also have lower floors. The floor of the Opus is about xx feet off street level.

The new buses are expected to achieve about six miles per gallon more than standard buses.

Patterson said the expected life of the smaller bus is 12 years, also about the same as larger buses.

C-TRAN has a fleet of 107 buses, plus retired buses which serve as spares.

Patterson said 10 older buses will be retired as the new 10 buses arrive.

Patterson said one of the new, smaller buses was taken on a test run June 4, and placed in service June 7 on the Battle Ground route.

The new purchase also represents a change in philosophy for C-TRAN, said Patterson. In the past, C-TRAN purchased as many as 40 buses at a time. Following direction from its board of directors, C-TRAN now will acquire fewer replacement buses more frequently.

Upgrading the fleet incrementally provides quicker access to better technology, resulting in enhanced safety and efficiency, and reduced emissions and maintenance costs, said Patterson.

The average difference in cost to maintain a 1990 bus compared to a 1995 bus is about 12 cents per miles, said Patterson.

Patterson said the federal government pays about 80 percent of the cost of buying new buses.

C-TRAN buses leave the Battle Ground Park and Ride lot on E Main Street every 45 minutes on weekdays starting at 6:30 a.m., then 7:15 a.m., 8 a.m., 8:45 a.m., and so forth. Information, 696-4494.

BOARD AFFIRMS NEW PRINCIPALS

Three new principals in the Battle Ground School District were affirmed June 1 by the Battle Ground School Board, and will take over for the upcoming school year.

Linda Allen has been named principal at Lewisville Middle School.

Allen has been with the District since 1993. She taught sixth grade at Amboy for five years, taught fifth grade for two years, interned as an administrator at Amboy 2001-02, and was assistant principal at Lewisville 2002-present.

Barbara Baird joined the District in 1999, serving as an assistant principal at Maple Grove Primary and as a reading specialist at Lewisville 1999-2000, then assistant principal at Maple Grove Primary and Laurin Middle School for three years, and full-time assistant principal at Maple Grove 2003-2004.

Kent Martin, principal at Lewisville 1999-present, is now principal at Glenwood Heights Primary School. Martin has been with the district since 1996. He taught math at Battle Ground School 1996-98, and interned in administration 1998-99.

Chris Lines, who has served as principal at Glenwood Heights, will leave the District, according to District spokesperson Kelly Keister, and Mike Gomez, who has been principal at Pleasant Valley Primary, will be reassigned to a middle school.

OBITS:

LLOYD WITSBERGER

Lloyd Vincent Witsberger, 80, died June 6, 2004 in Vancouver.

Witsberger was born March 21, 1924 in Wheeling, WV and lived in Ridgefield the last 24 years.

Witsberger worked as a railroad manager for Missouri Pacific and Union Pacific.

Witsberger was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Battle Ground, the Elks Lodge and railroad Retirees Union.

Witsberger enjoyed swimming, and was an accomplished musician and teacher of the violin and piano.

Witsberger is survived by his wife of 24 years, Jean Witsberger, brother, Melvin Witsberger of West Virginia, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass will be held Thurs., June 10, 2004 at 11 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Battle Ground. Private internment will follow at St. Anthony's Cemetery in Tigard, OR. Arrangements are by Hamilton-Mylan Funeral Home.

The family asks donations be made to any charity of the donor's choice in Witsberger's name.

OMER PETERS

Omer Edward Peters, 83, died June 5, 2004 at home in La Center.

Peters was born Dec. 16, 1920 in Tell City, IN and was a Clark County resident five years.

Peters was a heavy construction laborer and lake patrol man for Paradise Lake. He served in the US Army during World War II.

Peters was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed fishing and music. After retirement, he and his wife spent most of their time traveling.

Peters is described as a loving, caring man who will be missed dearly.

Peters was preceded in death by his son Jim Peters in 1985. He is survived by his wife, Ethel Dauby Peters at home in La Center, sons Larry Peters of La Center, Ray Peters of Toledo, John Peters of Big Lake, AK, Tom Peters of Paradise, CA, sisters Emma Goffinet of Tell City, IN, and Hettie Dauby of Jeffersonville, IN, brother Claude Peters of Jeffersonville, IN, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Wed., June 9, 2004, 1 p.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Battle Ground, with committal following in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Layne's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

GRACE PITTMAN

Grace Evelene Pittman, 94, died June 6, 2004 in Longview.

Pittman was born Jan. 10, 1910 in Homestead, OR. She married Daniel Claude Pittman May 18, 1930 and in 1932 the couple purchased land and moved to Amboy.

Pittman lived in Amboy until 1946 when the couple moved to the Woodland Bottoms to run a dairy farm. In 1960, they moved to downtown Woodland.

Pittman was a devoted member of Woodland Christian Church and a 68-year member of the Woodland Grange. She enjoyed writing her life story, crocheting, traveling and genealogy.

Friends say that everyone who came in contact with Pittman was blessed by her beautiful smile, her quiet and reflective personality, and that she was adored by all who met her.

Pittman was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel, in 1987 and daughter Evelene Ruth Kralman in 1977. She is survived by daughters Myrtlemay Crane of Lynnwood and Laura Clark of Woodland, 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.

A graveside service will take place Fri., June 11, 1 p.m., at Amboy Cemetery. Davies Cremation and Burial Services are in charge of arrangements.

Donations in Pittman's name can be made to Puget Sound Christian College.

LAWRENCE MANN

Lawrence N. Mann, 80, died May 28, 2004 in Woodland.

Mann was born April 19, 1924 in Clark County. During World War II, Mann was in Bermuda and was involved in the search for a missing squadron of five planes.

Mann lived most of his life in the Portland-Vancouver area, including 10 years in Hazel Dell and the last two years in Woodland.

Mann had worked for the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. He also had driven a school bus and a taxi cab in Portland.

Mann enjoyed woodworking. For 20 years he rode with the Christian Motorcycle Association. Mann was preceded in death by his wife, Raythea (Abell) Mann. Survivors include son Howard Mann of Oregon, daughter Pamela Belasco of Woodland, step-son Leland Anderson, step-daughters Geri Harem of Oregon and Harlean Bennett of Packwood, 35 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Davies Cremation & Burial Services was in charge of arrangements.

ROBERT LARSON

Robert "Bob" Dean Larson, 84, died May 30, 2004, at home in Ridgefield.

Larson was born Oct. 9, 1919 in North Bend, WA and was a 34-year resident of Clark County.

Larson graduated from Walla Walla college in 1954 with a degree in biology. He was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist faith for 61 years and a charter member of the Ridge Dell Seventh-day Adventist church in Ridgefield.

Larson served in the US Army during World War II and was a supply sergeant on a hospital ship. He made seven trips between New York and Europe, helping transport wounded soldiers and foreign war brides.

Larson enjoyed woodworking and carving ducks and loved to grow things such as orchids and Christmas trees with his wife.

Larson was a nature lover and enjoyed doing anything outdoors. He was an Eagle Scout, liked yard work, birdwatching, photography, camping, canoeing and going to the beach.

Larson was willing to help people whenever it was needed and was active in the orphan organization International Children's Care, where he donated time and experience over several years. He also worked in the South Pacific World Health Organization and taught sanitation in nursing schools in the South Pacific.

Larson was preceded in death by his son Bruce Robert Larson in 1975. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy Larson, at home in Ridgefield, son Timothy Larson of Nampa, ID, two grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Funeral services were held June 4, 2004 at Ridge Dell Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ridgefield with committal in Ridgefield Cemetery. Layne's Funeral Home of Battle Ground was in charge of arrangements.

NORMA HAMMONS

Norma L. (Ripp) Hammons, 59, died June 3, 2004 in Vancouver.

Hammons was born March 23, 1945 in Grant's Pass, OR. A resident of Woodland, Hammons was the owner of Woodland Wheelchair Transportation Service and a homemaker.

Hammons enjoyed traveling, ceramics, scrapbooking, spending time with her family, caring for folks, oil painting, going to the beach and Hawaii, and had a big heart.

Hammons is survived by her husband, Loma Hammons, at home in Woodland, daughter Danita Ellerbroek of Lake Oswego, OR, son Bradley Hammons of Woodland, sisters Nancy Darnell, Kathy Ripp and Janice Ripp, all of Vancouver, brothers Jerry Ripp of Seattle and Dennis Ripp of Woodland, grandchildren Benjamin, Naomi and Hunter Hammons of Woodland, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held June 8 at St. Mary of Guadalupe Church in Ridgefield. Layne's Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

DONALD SINGER

Donald Ray Singer, 75, died June 4, 2004 in Vancouver.

Singer was born April 27, 1929 in Tyrone, OK, worked as a warehouseman for Kaiser, and lived in Clark County for 36 years.

Singer enjoyed panning for gold and gambling. He was a good handyman at home, and mechanic. He was a member of the Cherry Grove Church.

Survivors include widow Jane Singer of Battle Ground, daughter Donna Castro of Battle Ground, son David Singer of Battle Ground, six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Davies Cremation & Burial Services was in charge of arrangements.

IRMA MORRELL

Irma May (Stagg) Morrell, 100, died June 2, 2004 in Vancouver.

Morrell was born Sept. 18, 1903 in Garfield, NJ, and lived in Clark County for 15 years.

Morrell enjoyed knitting, crocheting, reading and crossword puzzles. She was a very friendly person.

Morrell was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Morrell, and five children: Charles, Robert, Harold, Dorothy and Emma. Survivors include daughters Irma Noble of Yacolt and Roberta Miller of Florida, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

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

FRANCISCO QUITUGUA

Francisco "Frank" Terlaje Quitugua, 77, died May 29, 2004 in Battle Ground.

Quitugua was born Sept. 13, 1926 in Asan, Guam, Mariana Islands, worked as a warehouse supervisor for James River, retired in 1988, and lived in Clark County for 53 years.

Quitugua was a prisoner of war during World War II in Guam. After the war, he was a cook for Pam American Airlines and came to the United States in 1949. In 1952 he brought his family to Vancouver. He was employed as a cook by Tidewater Barge Lines and Western Transportation Company before working for James River. He enjoyed spending time with his children. He enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling.

Quitugua was preceded in death by his first wife, Guadalupe Quitugua, in 1994, and daughter Patsy Mae in 1955. Survivors include widow Maxine Quitugua, at home in Battle Ground, daughters Florence McMahon of Alaska, Mary Martin of Battle Ground and Lydia Ripley of Portland, sons Frank Matanane of Port Orchard, Daniel Quitugua of Brush Prairie, Francisco Quitugua of California, and David Quitugua of Battle Ground, step-children Alex Mansker of Idaho, Doris DeChenne of California, Carrol DeChenne of Kansas and Les DeChenne of Oregon, brother Miguel Quitugua of Guam, 19 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

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

JAMES PRICE

James Harold Price, 87, died May 27, 2004 in Ryderwood.

Price was born Jan. 10, 1917 in Sevierville, Tennessee, worked as a union representative for International Aluminum Workers Union, retiring in 1977, and lived in Clark County for several years before moving to Cowlitz County nine years ago.

Price had worked for Alcoa for many years and was president of the local Aluminum Workers Union. He was involved in the Democrat Party. He enjoyed golf, bowling, fishing and singing. He enjoyed retirement near Ryderwood.

Price was preceded in death by son Earl Price, two brothers, one sisters, and two grandchildren. Survivors include widow Sylvia Price, at home, daughters Ida Horne of Ridgefield, Ann Magnusson of Vancouver, Linda Duncan of Battle Ground, Pamela Jasmer of Hockinson, Mary Talbott of Oregon, Catherine Price-Frazier of Kentucky, and Jean Cornell of Florida, sons James Price Jr. of Ridgefield, Richard Price of Vancouver and Norman Price of Florida, 28 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Layne's Funeral Home Chapel, Battle Ground, with committal at Northwood Park Cemetery, Ridgefield. Layne's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

GREGORY BUNNELL

Gregory Brian Bunnell, 57, died June 2, 2004 in Vancouver.

Bunnell was born Aug. 17, 1946 in Aberdeen, worked in building maintenance, and lived in Battle Ground and Vancouver for 36 years.

Bunnell enjoyed camping, sports, and the Seattle Seahawks and Mariners.

Survivors include widow Sheila Bunnell of Vancouver, mother Ann Scherrer of Portland, step-sons Jason Osborn and James Osborn, both of Vancouver, step-daughters Jodi Lawton of La Center and Janelle Osborn of Vancouver, brother Jake von Scherrer of Florida, sisters Gina Ford and Barbara Currier, both of Portland, and nine grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Sat., June 12, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Marshall Community Center, 1009 E McLloughlin Blvd., Vancouver, with Crown Memorial Center-Cremation and Burial, Milwaukie, OR, in charge of arrangements.

MAURIE THOMPSON

Maurie Adelein (Panzer) Thompson, 89, died June 2, 2004 in Vancouver.

Thompson was born Feb. 11, 1915 in White Stone, NY, attended school in New York, and lived in Woodland for 68 years.

Thompson enjoyed sewing, canning, reading, gardening, collecting cookbooks, and her dog, Cotton.

Thompson was preceded in death by her first husband, Arthur Insel (married 23 years), and second husband, Thomas Thompson (married 16 years). Survivors include daughters Lorraine McGahey of Portland, Gwen Coffin of Oregon and Karen Taylor of Oak Harbor, eight grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were held at Woodland I.O.O.F. Cemetery, with the Woodland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.