RIDGEFIELD SCHOOLS TO BUY LAND

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Ridgefield School Board members decided June 22 to enter into negotiations to purchase land for a future school site.

A 50-acre site across from Ridgefield High School, owned by longtime Ridgefield residents Bill and Bernice Bartel, is for sale. The price is currently under negotiation.

The deal is expected to be completed by mid-July, said board chair Wendy Morris, and will be contingent on passing a bond.

Board members are considering which type of bond to run. A bond run in September 2004 would be for land purchase only, Morris said. A bond in February 2005 would be for both land purchase and school construction.

Exactly what type of school would be built on the Bartel property is still undecided, Morris said. Options include building a high school only, a high school and middle school complex, a middle school only, or phasing in various grades into one complex.

Community members are welcome to offer input. Display boards are expected to appear in Ridgefield businesses soon. Community members are also welcome to attend any Board meeting.

Morris said regardless of what type of school is built, buying the Bartel property makes sense for Ridgefield schools.

"Major growth issues are knocking at our door," Morris said. "This is the first step."

The District passed up a chance to buy 70 acres west of the high school in the early 1990s, Morris said, which could have been used for schools today. The land is currently the Wishing Wells subdivision.

Public input has been sought for more than the past six months on growth needs for the District.

Enrollment in Ridgefield schools has risen by about 300 students in the past 10 years. Ridgefield currently educates about 1,850 students in four schools.

Board members have sanctioned several companies to obtain growth projections.

One short-term projection predicts another 185 students by 2008.

Another longer-term study suggests the District could add as many as 5,000 students by 2023.

Five new subdivisions in Ridgefield and five in Clark County in District territory are poised for development.

BG HIGH GRADUATE HEADED FOR NATIONAL FINALS IN RODEO

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Nick Stevens, 18, a 2004 Battle Ground High School graduate, has earned a position on the Washington State High School Rodeo Team and will travel to Gillette, WY, July 19-25 for the 56th annual National High School Finals Rodeo.

Stevens qualified to compete in the Team Roping event. His partner is from Moses Lake.

To qualify for nationals, Stevens competed in several competitions held throughout the school year. He placed fourth out of 23 teams at recent state level competitions. The top four finishers at state are eligible for nationals.

The national event will feature more than 1,500 contestants from 39 states, five Canadian provinces and Australia. The event is reportedly the world's largest rodeo.

Students compete for more than $125,000 in prize money and $225,000 in college scholarships.

The competition will be televised nationally on the Outdoor Life Network and is scheduled to air Aug. 15 and 22. Check area listings or www.rodeohigh.com for times.

After the competition, Stevens is tentatively set to attend Yakima Community College in the fall to ride for the college's rodeo team.

He is the son of Wendy and Milton Stevens of Amboy.

COUNTY WILL SHOW ROAD PLANS

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Clark County planning and public works officials will air short and long term goals at a Thurs., July 8, open house in Dollars Corner.

At the meeting, long range planners will showcase what they believe are essential capital facility needs for the next 20 years.

Public Works transportation specialists will answer questions about existing road work and projects planned over the next six years.

The open house will provide the public with an opportunity to ask questions and comment on planned 2005-2010 Transportation Improvement Projects.

Targeted road projects

Public Works program engineer Robin Krause said projects underway include a NE Hwy 99 realignment near NE 134th St., widening NE 162nd Ave. from NE 39th St. to Ward Rd., improvement of NE 76th St. between NE 94th Ave. and NE 107th Ave., and upgrades on NE 10th Ave. north of SR-502 (NE 219th St.)

Projects slated in 2005 include realignments of NW 117th and NW 119th streets to create a new connection between NW 7th and Hazel Dell avenues, a widening, with bike lanes and sidewalks of NE 117th St. between Hazel Dell Ave. and Hwy 99, and completion of a NW 149th St. walkway project near NW 21st Ave.

Nailing down start dates on projects beyond 2005 is difficult because of environmental and land issues, said Krause.

Krause said projects on the six-year drawing board include re-constructing Betts Bridge over Salmon Creek Ave., widening NE 137th Ave. between NE 4th Plain Rd. and NE 76th St., widening St. Johns Rd. from NE 50th Ave. to NE 72nd Ave., and widening NE 72nd Ave. between St. Johns Rd. and NE 99th St.

Construction of a new NE 139th St. overpass spanning the junction of I-5 and I-205, could get underway by 2008, said Krause. The project

will require close state/county coordination, he said.

The open house is scheduled for 4-7 p.m., at the Fire District 11 Dolllars Corner station, 21609 NE 72nd Ave. Information telephone is 397-6118, ext. 4330.

State completes new NE 129th St. bridge over I-5

State transportation officials recently opened a new NE 129th St. bridge over I-5.

The new span has a 12-foot wide lane in each direction, plus a center turn lane, 6 foot wide sidewalks on both sides, and safety fencing. The bridge was replaced as part of an I-5 widening project between NE 99th St. and NE 134th St. in the Salmon Creek area.

WOODLAND OFFICER PROMOTED

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Woodland police officer Brad Gillaspie was promoted last month to Sergeant after written and oral examinations.

A Woodland police officer since 1991, Gillaspie will initially earn an annual salary of $54,072 under the collective bargaining agreement between the city of Woodland and the Woodland Police Officers Association.

Gillaspie will fill the sergeant position vacated by the promotion of current Woodland chief of police Rob

Stephenson.

Stephenson, who worked with Gillaspie for several years, said he believes the new sergeant "will excel in his new position."

Bill Myers, staff reporter

After a June 23 public hearing, La Center city council members approved a list of transportation project priorities.

The list identifies road projects with anticipated funding sources and is part of the transportation element of the city's capital facilities plan.

Projects targeted for completion within the next six years include improved pedestrian facilities on downtown E 4th St., and a traffic signal at Pacific Hwy and 4th St.

Council member Richard Curtis said citizens generally oppose installing traffic signals to solve problems. Curtis voted against adoption of the transportation plan amendment.

Public works director Jeff Sarvis said traffic studies would be done before signals are installated.

Police seek mail box vandal(s)

La Center police chief Tim Hopkin said someone is destroying lock mechanisms in cluster mail boxes throughout La Center.

La Center postmaster Vicki McGuire said 11 individual mail boxes were damaged recently at four separate locations.

Hopkin said incidents appear to happen midday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Anyone with information is asked to contact La Center police at 263-2745.

New kiosk highlights exploration

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

"At 5 o'clock... we embarked and proceeded up on the NE of an island to an inlet about one mile above the vilage. Encamped on a beautiful grassy place..."

So wrote William Clark on the evening of March 29, 1806, on the return trip of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

The island was the confluence of Bachelor Slough and Lake River, below a bluff on the edge of Ridgefield.

Standing in a new kiosk at the intersection of Pioneer St. and N Main Ave., Ridgefield librarian Ann Margaret O'Reilly pointed to two maps on plaques, designed by Woody Warren, hanging on the kiosk walls.

"That's where they landed and that's where they saw the first (Cathlapotle) plankhouse," she said.

"There were about 900 Cathalpotle living in the village," said Earleen Griswold, a Lewis and Clark committee member. "Now there are about 900 to 1,000 (people) in downtown Ridgefield."

The kiosk and plaques tell the story of the exploration, focusing on Lewis and Clark's Lake River stopovers going west and returning home.

Life-size figures of the two explorers, along with Sacajawea, her baby Pompey and the Corps dog Seaman, stand beside the kiosk which contains information about the long voyage into unknown territory.

Completed last week, the kiosk has been a year-long project headed by Bruce Crockett.

Crockett, however, gives most of the credit to his 11-member committee--a group of volunteers who have spent several hours researching expedition history, designing information plaques and creating figures.

The log kiosk was built by students Colby Gratzer, Chris Renner and Mark Wubben in David Tanner's class at Ridgefield High School.

Other volunteers, including O'Reilly and Randall Pearl, helped with research.

"Everybody contributed to research," O'Reilley said.

Patricia Thompson cut the life-size figures which were painted by Melissa Myers. The dog was done by Lindsey Schoeneman, a senior at Ridgefield High School.

Judy and Ed Sessions, who are fairly new to the community, jumped in.

"We were retired and wanted to get involved," Judy Sessions said. "It's been an exciting project."

Other committee members who worked on the project are Cathy Hughes, Carol Pinnell, Lindsay Warren and Allene Wodaege.

It's not over yet.

Crockett said the committee will be a part of Ridgefield celebrations for the next two years. During the Ridgefield Fourth of July event, the Sessions couple dressed in period costumes and handed out literature.

A Chinook storyteller and a basketweaver appeared at the Art and Cultural Fair in January.

A traveling trunk of Lewis and Clark memorabilia will be displayed during October's Birdfest, Crockett said.

The committee raised nearly $6,000 last winter for the project. The money has been used to purchase logs for the kiosk and will go toward projects such as the traveling trunk.

Although funds are adequate for some projects, committee members would like to do more, and are looking for more members and more money.

"We've spent about half the money," Crockett said, "and we'd like to do projects for the next two years."

The exact spots where the explorers camped are not accessible to the public, as parts of them are archaelogical sites, Crockett said, adding that part of the camp site may now be under water.

But the view from the kiosk can fire imagination. It's easy to visualize the group of men and one woman pulling their pirogues into the marsh and setting up camp.

Clark recorded the first night, Nov. 4, 1805, that he and the Corps spent along the marsh.

"I slept but very little last night for the noise kept dureing the whole of the night by the swans, geese, wite & grey brant ducks &c."

ANTHEM TO BAGHDAD, A SOLDIER'S STORY

Bill Myers, staff reporter

While a student at Battle Ground High School, Jesse Futrell sang the National Anthem at high school events.

The 2000 graduate also played John Travolta's role in a school production of Grease.

Futrell now patrols the streets of Bagdhad.

In letters home, Futrell, a U.S. Army sergeant with the 1st Cavalry Division, describes horror and hope in Bagdhad.

It's a place where soldiers on security patrols swelter from rushes of adrenalin and 100-plus degree heat under 60-pound armored vests and combat helmets, said Futrell.

A soldier's gear, including a weapon with ammunition, weighs about 100 pounds.

As they clear abandoned buildings, soldiers find stockpiles of weapons and ammunition and encounter furtive terrorists.

The soldiers also deliver humanitarian aid to poor Iraqi families who find shelter in the buildings.

"You never know what to expect," said Futrell.

Futrell said a work day for patroling soldiers starts at 6:30 a.m. and ends at about 8:30 p.m. "Home" for Futrell and other soldiers is a trailer park base, complete with sand bag placements that help shield them from occasional rocket attacks.

During patrols, Futrell hands bags of goodies to children. He packs treats sent by family and friends in small bags to keep bullies from "hogging all the stuff."

Negative events in Iraq are only a small piece of the real story, said Futrell.

"There is so much good," he said.

The sergeant, on his second tour in Iraq, said "Iraqi people for the most part are starting to accept us, not as occupiers, but as liberators."

Futrell described a recent example.

While patrolling a campus at an agricultural college, students began to yell, chant and throw things at Futrell and other soldiers.

Futrell said an Iraqi security guard stepped into the fray. Calming the students, the guard explained that the Americans were helping rebuild their school and their country.

More than 100 students, shouting "Shukran!," tried to shake hands with the GIs, said Futrell. Shukran means "thank you" in Arabic.

"Hearing the word gives me a purpose for being here," said Futrell.

Futrell, the son of Mary Jane Wilkinson of Battle Ground and Rick Futrell of Vancouver, joined the Army after graduating from high school. The soldier's wife, Jessica, and baby daughter, Madison, reside in Arizona.

WATER TREATMENT FIRM OPENS IN WOODLAND

SafeH20Systems offers Home Water Plant

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Officials at a water-treatment company, SafeH2OSystems in Woodland, say they can solve arsenic and other drinking water problems.

The company, which recently opened at 1227-K Goerig St., offers customers The Home Water Plant, a point-of-entry treatment system that treats all water entering a home.

Company marketing manager Aaron Marshall said the system processes water automatically in six steps.

The first step filters out dirt, rust and undesirable odors produced by chlorine or chlorine compounds, he said.

A second step is the work horse of The Home Water Plant and sets it apart from other systems, said Marshall. The step passes water through a selective filtration membrane system to remove water-hardening minerals, he said, adding that the process does not remove minerals considered beneficial to good health.

The membrane removes a majority of heavy metals and other undesirable materials including arsenic, lead, copper, clay, silt and rust, Marshall said. Unlike conventional water softeners, the membrane does not require additions of salt or chemicals in its cleaning process.

A third step involves storing water in an atmospheric (normally 150-gallon) storage tank, said Marshall.

A next step moves water through an ultraviolet sterilization unit, he said. This process destroys biological contaminants, including cryptosporidium, e-coli and giardia.

A final step is carbon filtration, which insures good tasting water, said Marshall.

The Home Water Plant stands 50 inches high, is 25 inches wide and 16 inches deep.

Features listed on a system brochure include a bronze one-third horsepower motor, two selective filtration membranes, automatic flush, low inlet pressure safety switch, three carbon and sediment filters, gauges, indicator lights and color-coded tubing.

System inventor Dick Scheu, who helps with company sales and marketing, said casings and cabinets for The Home Water Plant are made in Woodland by Accra-Tech Inc.

Scheu has worked with water-cleaning systems for 40 years, he said. He worked on a reverse osmosis system about 25 years ago, and began to develop The Home Water Plant four years ago.

The Home Water Plant system equipped with a basic filtration membrane will remove up to 87 percent of arsenic, said Scheu. He said the company offers another membrane at about the same cost that removes up to 97 percent of arsenic content.

Scheu said it costs between $5,000 and $6,000 to have The Home Water Plant installed. Costs vary depending on location and installation variables, he said.

Scheu said a water storage tank is needed with The Home Water Plant. Plastic tanks start at about $250, and stainless steel tanks cost about $800.

Customers are offered maintenance contracts, which include filter replacements, for under $200 a year.

The Home Water Plant is environmentally friendly and will bring good water to people without unwanted chemicals, said Scheu. SafeH2OSystems provides a 100 percent guarantee with The Home Water Plant.

SafeH2OSystems may be reached for information and service at (360) 225-5001.

GROUP APPEALS AMPHITHEATER DECISION

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Some citizens are appealing a ruling by a Clark County hearings examiner to allow Clark County Amphitheater patrons to exit on roads west of the fairgrounds.

The hearing examiner's ruling was a "money-based" decision, said Vancouver attorney John Karpinski.

In a statement June 29, Karpinski said he appealed hearing examiner Larry Epstein's decision to County commissioners on behalf of Citizens for Transportation Safety, and citizen Henry Lasch.

In a June 15 decision, Epstein amended a Conditional Use Permit that steers Amphitheater operations.

The amendment allows traffic monitors after concerts attended by more than 9,000 patrons to direct up to 1,400 vehicles west on NW 179th St. and south of NW 11th Ave. to reach I-5.

Karpinski said a key argument in the appeal is that in his decision, Epstein referred to a "substantial expenditure" made by the Amphitheater operator.

"This is outrageous," said Karpinski. "Spending a lot of money isn't a proper legal reason for approving a permit."

Karpinski also faults the examiner for allowing use of "substandard" back roads and permitting increases in noise between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m.

Lasch, a resident of NW 11th Ave., said Epstein contended that increased noise after 11 p.m. is not significant because it won't bother enough people.

Lasch, admitting sarcasm, said awakened residents complaining with late night calls to the homes of Epstein, Amphitheater officials and/or County commissioners won't be significant either because the calls would bother even fewer people.

Karpinski said there are more than a dozen legal violations in the Epstein decision.

The lawyer said he expects a hearing in July.

BROKEN ARROW, LIFE WITH MEANING

Memorial service for schooling horse set July 10

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Broken Arrow died June 12 where he loved to live--at the Broken Arrow Equestrian Center near Yacolt.

The Arabian chestnut gelding was 32 years old.

Hundreds of people in Clark County learned to ride and now love horses because of "Arrow," said Cheryl Christensen, whose equestrian center has always carried the horse's name.

Christensen said Broken Arrow was foaled April 11, 1972 in Graham.

The horse was named for an imperfect, pointed white marking from his brow to the tip of his nose.

"He was dancing with his rider down a street in Chatsworth, CA when I first saw him in 1974," said Christensen. When she discovered that the lady who owned Arrow could not ride because of a back injury, Christensen offered to help the woman at her ranch.

"For more than two years, I rode, worked and played with Arrow," said Christensen. Christensen said she wanted to buy the horse, but the price was too high. When prospective buyers couldn't handle the high-spirited horse, the price for Arrow dropped. Christensen bought the horse in 1977.

After competing with Arrow and finishing in the top 10 in 50-mile endurance races over a span of six years, Christensen moved with her horse in 1983 to Hawaii.

Christensen opened a riding stable there where she first tested Arrow's willingness to allow unskilled strangers to ride him. The horse showed great patience and tolerance, especially with little children, she said.

In Hawaii, Christensen rode Arrow in a Kamehameha Parade. The horse danced and strutted his way to a Best Horse prize, topping 200 other horse entries.

Christensen moved Broken Arrow Equestrian Center to Hazel Dell in 1987 and to the Fargher Lake area in 1989.

Broken Arrow continued to love parades and pranced with his owner and Equestrian Center students in Territorial Days parades in Amboy.

At the Center, Arrow continued to patiently allow novice riders to scramble from stirrups to saddle and learn the joys of riding. Christensen said Arrow was her number one schooling horse until six months before he died.

Christensen said everyone who knew ever Broken Arrow is invited to a memorial ceremony scheduled for Sat., July 10, 4 p.m., at the Equestrian Center, 37501 NE 177th Ct., Yacolt.

A potluck meal will follow the memorial service. Visitors are asked to bring salads or desserts only. Christensen may be reached for information at 263-4022.

ACCUSED MOLESTER PLEADS NOT GUILTY

Another teacher accused in 2002 at Captain Strong

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Thomas Henry Moody, 53, pleaded not guilty June 30 to eight counts of first degree child molestation.

Moody, 15413 NE Beebe Rd., Battle Ground, a fifth grade teacher at Captain Strong Elementary School in Battle Ground, faced Superior Court judge Roger Bennett.

If convicted on all eight counts, Moody will face a minimum sentence of 16 years in prison.

Moody was put on paid administrative leave May 4, the day after six girls in his class, ages 10-11, told principal Laurie Sundby that they had been inappropriately touched by Moody several times, according to a court affidavit.

Unreported incidents

Some incidents reportedly occurred during the 2001-2002 school year with some of the same students, because Moody moved from teaching fourth to fifth grade.

Those episodes were reported to then-principal Cindy Larson, but not to the superintendent's office or law enforcement agencies.

District spokesperson Kelly Keister said Larson didn't tell anyone about them.

The earlier accusations surfaced after a law enforcement officer found a letter from Larson to Moody directing him not to touch any female student, or any student in a manner that may be misinterpreted.

The May 3, 2002 letter, signed by Moody in acknowledgement, was reportedly placed in a file in the principal's office.

Larson was put on paid leave around the same time and then resigned two weeks later on an unrelated matter.

Keister said at that time that health reasons were hampering Larson's performance, and that with proper care, Larson's medical issues could be managed.

Larson, 51, was arrested by a Clark County Sheriff's deputy June 23 this year for driving under the influence of alcohol after she reportedly lost control of her vehicle and hit the ditch at NE 100th St. and NE 72nd Ave. She suffered scraped knees.

Bob Kanekoa with the Child Abuse Prevent Center prosecuting atorney's office, said charges of failure to report will not be filed on Larson.

Different teacher suspended for unwanted touching at same time

Coincidentally, another fifth grade teacher at Captain Strong was put on paid suspension in May 2002 while he was investigated for unwanted touching.

Keister said the teacher was not Moody.

Six or seven children who accused that teacher were interviewed by an investigator from the District's legal counsel in Tacoma, Keister said. Because the allegations were not sexual or abusive in nature, the incidents were not reported to law enforcement, Keister said, which is standard. Accusations were more along the lines of back rubbing.

The teacher was "deemed fit," and reinstated last fall in the same grade at the same school and is still employed in the Battle Ground School District, Keister said.

Complaints are similar to 1998

The most recent touching accusations against Moody are similar to reported incidents in May 1998 from two other students while Moody taught fourth grade at Maple Grove Middle School.

An affidavit filed by prosecuting attorney Wendy Hanson for the Child Abuse Prevention Center said a total of eight girls have accused Moody of touching them in similar ways and areas since 1998. Two of the girls are now 16 years old, and were 11 at the time they reported Moody's alleged actions.

Allegations since 1998 include rubbing the small of their backs, their buttocks, near the top of and just under breasts, and that he slipped his hand inside at least two girls' overalls to rub the buttock area.

The 1998 incident was reported to Child Protective Services, Keister said, by then-principal Steve Lien, but not reported to police. Moody was suspended then as well, then re-instated the following school year.

No follow-up was done by the District, she said, because the District's Tacoma legal counsel said there was insufficient evidence for discipline.

At the time of the allegations, acting superintendents were Ken Crawford, Cheryl Mayo and Bob Risinger. Shonny Bria was hired in July 1998.

Keister said Moody will remain on leave this time pending the outcome of any trial.

An omnibus hearing, where both sides lay out information on the case, is set for Thurs., Aug. 12. A readiness trial is scheduled for Thurs., Sept. 23, which may proceed to a trial, on the docket for Mon., Sept. 27 with judge Bennett.

NOT JUST FEED AT LJC IN WASHOUGAL

Expanded garden center offers home decor and more

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Gordon and Patty French had big plans when they bought LJC Feed in Washougal nine years ago.

A grand opening ceremony Fri.-Sat., July 9-10, will mark those changes in a grand way.

The feed store/pet supply/garden center is nearly unrecognizable from what it was before.

The building was doubled in square footage and went from an outside muted blue color to bright, barn red--hard to miss on the corner of NE 3rd Ave. and NE 6th St. The parking lot has also changed from gravel to asphalt.

The feed area was moved and expanded, making room for the store's extensive line of Carhartt clothing, tack, pet supplies and more.

The "bird stuff," with feeders, houses, seeds, suet and more, has space of its own in a central location that's easier to get to rather than tucked in with everything else, said Patty French.

Next to bird items, such as 50-lb. sacks of black oil sunflower seeds for $13.99 each and suet packages at 59 cents apiece, patrons can find deer chow and apple-flavored buck and doe blocks, and fish food for pond koi and goldfish.

At the store front, new porches were built, lighting installed and red cement poured and set.

"It's not claustrophobic anymore, and people are getting used to the changes," said Patty French. "One customer stood right next to the bird section and asked where it was. That was funny."

But the biggest change is the transformation of the garden center, now dubbed the Patty-O Garden and Country Store at LJC Feed.

The Frenches took an open-air, covered, gravel area that served as a garden center and made a two-story building. The garden/home decor area is on the lower floor while offices are located on the upper level in a loft area.

Walking through the doorway that separates the two areas, the change in venue is apparent even down to the music. The feed store plays a country music station; music from a contemporary adult music station wafts through the Patty-O.

"This is mine," French said, grinning. "The other side is his."

French chatted with a customer who was back for a second time that day for purchases. The patron said she was decorating an old house and enjoyed the "perfect" items she found in the store to decorate it with.

"I'm going to go more cabiny than rustic in the near future," French told her. "We're going to have some awesome lamps. You may want to come back."

Chainsaw art depicting bears, moose and fish are for sale by area artist Terri Seekins, as are original oil paintings of Native Americans, a flamboyant rooster on canvas, throw pillows, notecards, bonsai plants, wall hangings, a rooster weather vane on a pedestal and more.

In front of the Patty-O are flowers and other plants for sale at reasonable prices. A hanging fuchsia basket sells for $15.

"We have good prices too, we always concentrate on that," French said. "We've got some high-end stuff, but most people can afford to shop here."

Not everyone was happy about so many changes, French said. There was concern that the eclectic garden area outside would vanish.

It will stay, she said, and will be just as varied and complex as before.

The area west of the Patty-O is open, with a gravel path. French calls it her garden utopia, a menagerie of mystery, where patrons could inch through for several hours and not see everything.

There are ponds, garden art such as rusty wrought-iron fence panels, signs such as Thyme Began in a Garden, heavy cement sun faces, pedestals, crown and birdcage hanging planters, iron pyramid trellises and a Farmer Brown boy piece made of iron who carries a bucket for a plant.

Employee Shannon Nickelsen also creates garden arrangements with art which are placed throughout the menagerie.

"She is our little earth muffin," French said. "She doesn't have just one green thumb, she is all green thumb. She's very artistic and can make anything."

French hand selects every item in the Patty-O and takes pride that people won't "see my stuff anywhere else. I have things that are different, and I like it that way."

The garden center also carries supplies for creating ponds, including water plants.

Supplies for taking care of the garden are handy as well, with "ferti-lome" being the main brand the store carries, as well as sprinklers, sprays and more.

French toured her store with a smile on her face.

"I've been telling everyone for nine years that we wouldn't always be small," she said. "I came through on my promise. I'm having fun, too."

LJC Feed and the Patty-O section are open Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, call (360) 835-0164.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

The Ridgefield School District budget is looking solid and stable for 2004-2005, according to district officials.

Board members are expected to approve a $12.5 million budget plan in mid-July.

The District went through a rough spell in 2002-2003 when budgets were cut across the board due to over-projections from previous years, said Donna Gregg, who splits her time as business manager between the Ridgefield and Hockinson school districts. The cuts enabled Ridgefield's budget to be brought back in line.

"That year paid for itself," Gregg said. "If we didn't make cuts then, we'd have to make them now."

This year's budget focuses on maintaining programs from 2003-2004, and looks to the future when larger-scale growth is anticipated.

Last year's budget was based on 1,722 students in four schools. This year's budget anticipates 1,727 students.

Steeper growth rates are expected in the next few years as families move into several new housing developments under construction in and around Ridgefield. Gregg said she prefers to project yearly enrollment numbers conservatively when making budgets.

Financial projections show a balanced budget for 2004-2005, up a slim margin from the 2003-2004 budget of $11.9 million. The District has about 5 percent of its overall funds in reserve, as recommended by the state.

About 72 percent of the budget comes from state apportionment dollars--money received when students enroll and are counted.

Gregg said predicting the exact amount of money to be received and spent for an upcoming year is always a work in progress. Fluctuations arise because of variable dollar amounts spent on items such as utilities.

Nevertheless, said Gregg, each year a line-by-line analysis is made of everything spent and received. Budgets are not simply rolled over from year to year.

Budget specifics

Increases in revenue are expected next year from area property taxes--about $2.4 million in 2004-2005 compared with $2.2 millon in 2003-2004.

About $145,000 more will come in because the District has more special education students this year. About $26,000 more federal funds will come in, partially due to changes in food services.

Most expenditures will stay the same.

The superintendent and curriculum director's salaries are frozen again this year at $192,000 combined. About $12,000 more will be spent on salaries for a new high school principal and assistant principal positions.

Classified staff will receive a 2 percent raise, with 1 percent coming from the state. Teachers up through the first seven years of teaching will receive a 1-3 percent pay raise, also due to legislative approval.

A jump in capital outlay funds is expected due to increases in the District's budget for classroom supplies, technology, curriculum and maintenance.

Full copies of the proposed budget are available from the District office, 2724 S Hillhurst Rd., Ridgefield, 887-0200.

EXPANSION EFFORT UNDERWAY AT FIRM FOUNDATION

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

A groundbreaking ceremony was held June 29 at Firm Foundation Christian School, 19919 NE 107th Ave., Battle Ground.

Plans call for a doubling of the existing classroom space at the private, preschool-8th grade, Christian faith-based school, and build a gymnasium, music room and larger library/media center.

The entire project will cost about $2.5 million and is expected to be completed by fall 2005.

School administrators hope to raise about $3.4 million in an ongoing capital campaign, with additional money used to retire current debt, said school development director Randy Graves.

Incoming principal for 2004-2005 Ronda Hilman said increased enrollment is driving the need for more space.

In 2003-2004, the school averaged 163 students. For 2004-2005, the school expects 100 more for an enrollment of about 260. Four new teachers are added for fall 2004.

"The growth here has been just remarkable," said Hilman. "We're really excited to see what's ahead."

Firm Foundation began in 1995 with 32 students in a rented facility. The school moved to its current 6-acre location March 2001.

Board chair Chris Helmes said the gym, science lab, library and extra classrooms are phase two of a three-stage development process.

Stage three involves building a high school, perhaps on land west of the school. A high school is planned in three to five years, Helmes said.

CITY MANAGER SEARCH CONTINUES

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

The process of hiring a new Ridgefield city manager has taken a next step.

The city council will meet in a work session at 6:30 p.m. Thurs., July 8, at city hall to discuss the method to be used in the hiring process.

The work session is open to the public. After the process is established, city councilors will select the top candidates.

"We're not in any hurry," said mayor Gladys Doriot during the June 24 meeting. "We may choose several finalists, whatever the council is more comfortable with. We're operating absolutely wonderfully now."

Council member Gary Holmberg agreed that the council should be deliberate in its selection process.

"I want the most thorough background check," he said. The city's deadline for applications was the end of May, but interim city manager George Fox said applications are still being processed.

CROWDS ATTEND RIDGEFIELD GALA

Laura Leadingham, 16, was crowned queen of Ridgefield's Fourth of July ceremony during a weekend filled with celebration.

The 16-year-old daughter of Beverly and Joe Leadingham received the crown Friday night and reigned over Saturday's parade.

Parade-time brought sunny skies and mild breezes as about three thousand people crowded Ridgefield's streets and later thronged into Adams Park to eat salmon, put their faces in pies, and hear the music of this year's grand marshal, Michael Allen Harrison.

The Grand Marshal's Award in the parade went to Ridgefield True Value Hardware. The Sara Community Celebration 100 Years float received the Mayor's Award.

Ridgefield Cub Scout Pack 310 won best theme among non-commercial floats, and

Monte's Pump Service had the best commercial float. Lumpy the Rodeo Clown earned the youth award.

Saturday afternoon's pie-eating contest was a down-to-the-wire struggle.

A girl in the 12 or under category challenged adult Richard Kemper for the crown in the final "pig-off," but in the end, Kemper scarfed up the most pie.

Jasmine Houston, victorious in the 12 and under category, consumed 14 ounces of pie, while Brian Hugo in the 13 to 17 group ate 11 1/2 ounces. Kemper ate 16 ounces in his division competition.

The two-day event began on Friday with the annual cruise-in. Fifteen awards were presented for vehicles.

Bob Comeau and his 1939 Chevrolet took the Best in Show award.

Richard Martin had the best import with his 1966 Sunbeam.

Other cruise-in winners were Debbie Storie, Frank Hanson, Bob Foster, Shane Petterson, Jim Leith, Glenn Bunker, Larry Myers, Sam Mullen, Ernie Meroe and Del Hawkins.

EDITORIAL:

LIBRARY DISTRICT HIRES NEW DIRECTOR

Mary Devlin has been hired as director of community libraries for the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District following the retirement of long-time associate director Candace Morgan.

Devlin will oversee community library services through the District's 13 branch libraries and three bookmobiles in Clark, Skamania and Klickitat counties, and parts of Cowlitz County.

Devlin was previously interim central library director for the Multnomah County Library. She is an adjunct assistant professor of medical informatics at Oregon Health & Science University.

Devlin holds degrees from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, and a master of library science degree from the University of Oregon.

Associate Director Doreen Turpen, who was previously responsible for the Vancouver Community Library, will not head the newly-created department of district resources, overseeing services that are not branch-specific such as the collection department, technical services, reference coordination, circulation and family programs.

Tom Taylor, the District's reference coordinator, is serving as acting Vancouver librarian until a new Vancouver branch librarian is hired.

Information, Sue Vanlaanen, 699-8815.

CLARK GROWTH PLAN TOPIC OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

Public comments are invited as the Clark County commissioners consider the update of the county's growth management plan.

State law requires the County to develop a six-year plan for facilities that support growth and identify funding sources to pay for those facilities, said Pat Lee, Long Range Planning Division director for Clark County.

Facilities include water, sewer and stormwater systems, parks, transportation and school facilities, and police and fire services.

Lee said the commissioners have three options: Adopt the land use map as currently proposed; phase in new urban areas through "urban holding" designations which would delay development until capital facilities can be provided; or adjust the land use map to reflect available funding for capital facilities.

The latest County land use map, showing proposed urban growth boundaries, was published in last week's issue of The Reflector.

Here is the schedule of public hearings on the growth plan update:

** Tues., July 13, 10 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m. Testimony from city and agency officials.

** Tues., July 27, 1-5 p.m., 6:30-9:30 p.m. Testimony from property owners regarding land use changes inside existing urban growth boundaries.

** Tues., Aug. 13, 1:30-3:03 p.m. Testimony regarding capital facilities, land use map, policy, code changes.

** Wed., Aug. 4, 1:30-4:30 p.m., 6:30-9:30 p.m. Testimony.

** Mon., Aug. 9, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Final testimony. Commissioners begin deliberations.

** Tues., Aug. 10, 10 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m. Commissioners plan conclude deliberations and take action.

Lee said the plan update process got underway in November 1999, and was converted along the way from a five year update to a 10 year update.

Since then, said Lee, the state legislature has changed the update process from five and 10 year intervals, to seven and 10 years.

Information is available by calling Lee, 397-2375, ext. 4112, or Bob Higbie, 397-2375, ext. 4113, and at the County's website:

www.clark.wa.gov/longrangeplan/review/index.html

OBITS:

ALBERT LEONARD

Albert Gerald Leonard, 60, died July 1, 2004 at home.

Leonard was born May 4, 1944 in Faulkton, SD, worked as a construction engineering contractor, and lived in the Hazel Dell area for 26 years.

Survivors include widow Donna Leonard, daughter Michelle Cichcosz of Davenport, sons Albert Leonard of Puyallup and Rodney Beacock of Vancouver, sister Judy Brown of California, and 11 grandchildren.

Hamilton-Mylan Funeral Home, Vancouver, was in charge of arrangements.

THOMAS VOELLER

Thomas George Voeller, 41, died June 28, 2004 in Clackamas, OR.

Voeller was born Feb. 16, 1963 in New Rockford, ND, owned a snack vending business for 15 years, and lived in the Portland area for 15 years.

Voeller was legally blind and received two kidney transplants, one from his brother. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, reading, boating and shooting, and had the "gift of gab."

Survivors include parents Agnes and George Voeller of Battle Ground, sisters Shirley Cooper of Vancouver, Nita Calvin of California and Patricia Voeller of Battle Ground, brothers Randy Voeller of Vancouver and Michael Voeller of Battle Ground, seven nieces and nephews, and four great-nieces and great-nephews.

Memorial services will be held Fri., July 9, 11 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Battle Ground, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

EILEEN TOLBERT

Eileen May (Littlefield) Tolbert, 79, died June 29, 2004 in Vancouver.

Tolbert was born Oct. 23, 1924 in Wauna, OR, lived in Clark County for 54 years, and in Woodland for three years.

Tolbert was a member of the Ridgefield Church of the Nazarene, Gideons Auxiliary and Christian Women's Club in Woodland. She was active in Historical Society in Bandon, OR. She made baby scrapbooks for people and enjoyed writing letters and cards. She was active in mission programs. She liked baking desserts and playing the organ and piano. She was a church secretary and Sunday school teacher. She was interested in photography, travel and genealogy. She had worked in a school in Kelso, in a bank in Idaho, and in the shipyards in Vancouver, and in a soda fountain/bus station in Kalama. She loved strawberries, raspberries and daisies. She was a practical joker and liked to go the coast. She loved her family.

Survivors include husband Robert H. Tolbert, at home, daughter Susan Dye of Oregon, sons Timothy Tolbert of New Mexico and Gary Tolbert of Kalama, sister Deanna Hoefs of Sumas, 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Wed., July 7, 11 a.m., at Ridgefield Church of the Nazarene, Ridgefield, with burial at Frank Abel Cemetery, Woodland. Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, is in charge of arrangements.

MARY MILLS

Mary Elizabeth (Kies) Mills, 93, died July 1, 2004 in Vancouver.

Mills was born April 19, 1911 in North Plains, OR, and lived in Clark County for 17 years.

Mills was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She was in scripture classes at church. She was a past member of Pumpkin Ridge Grange and Nehalem Valley Grange, both in Oregon. She was also a member of Fire Flies in California. She enjoyed writing and wrote her family history. She also enjoyed sewing, gardening, canning and traveling. She worked with gleaners groups to provide food for the poor.

Mills was preceded in death by her husband, Marion Pierre Mills, in 1991, and son, Louis Mills, in 1965. Survivors include daughters Georgianna "Jo" Garceau and Carol Colpitts, both of Oregon, Loretta Pollock and Elizabeth Barker, both of Alaska, Helen Lousia Dupuis of Montana, and Lucille Sarvela of Brush Prairie, son Norman Mills of Oregon, sisters Vera LaPlant of Oregon and Hazel Barnes of Vancouver, 28 grandchildren and 55 great-grandchildren.

Services were set for Tues., July 6, 10 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Battle Ground, with burial at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, is in charge of arrangements.

PAUL BURGESS

Paul Andrew Burgess, 37, died June 28, 2004 in Vancouver.

Burgess was born Jan. 22, 1967 in Portland, was disabled, and lived in Clark County his entire life.

Burgess was active in Special Olympics and cross country skiing. He enjoyed shooting pool, fishing, riding his three-wheel bicycle and camping. He loved people and visiting.

Survivors include parents Martha and Robert Burgess, at home in Vancouver, brothers Thomas Burgess and Richard Burgess, both of Vancouver, and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held Tues., July 6, 1 p.m., at Northwood Park Cemetery, Ridgefield, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.