THOUSANDS ENJOY HARVEST DAYS IN BATTLE GROUND

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Battle Ground resident Art Krenzel said his faith was restored in the next generation while he watch the Harvest Days Parade July 17 on Main St.

Out of the 113 entrants, one Cub Scout marching with his troop saw a "little old lady" watching the parade from a wheelchair near the library, Krenzel said.

"He zeroed in on her," he said of the boy he guessed to be about 6 years old. "He excused himself through the line of people and brought her a sucker. He smile and handed it to her and patiently waited while she slowly reached for it."

"It was an unbelievable second in time," Krenzel added. He watched the rest of the queue with a smile on his face.

Winners and people abound at every place

Terri Tweedell, Chamber of Commerce executive director, said about 20,000 people attended the four-day Harvest Days festivities.

Revenue was only up about $50 from last year, even with the suggested donation of $2 per adult or $5 per family, which generated $2,050. It costs about $36,000 annually to host the summer celebration.

There were also a few more entries in the Fred Meyer Harvest Days Grand Parade this year, with several of those having multiple vehicles and people walking.

Judges made the rounds at 8:30 a.m. and announced winners before the parade began.

The sweepstakes winner was New Song Family Worship Center.

For the floats, Fred Meyer won the best theme award, Parkway North Care Center won the director's award, Cub Scout Pack #361 took home the best youth group award, Aberle Films gained Outstanding commercial, and Sweet Potato Queens won outstanding non-commercial.

In the large vehicle category, outstanding youth went to Best U.S. Taekwondo, outstanding commercial was taken by PCR Contracting, Inc., and Mallard Landing won outstanding non-commercial.

The Battle Ground High School AFJROTC marching unit took the outstanding youth award, and the Royal Rosarians went home with outstanding adult marching unit.

In music entries, Southwest Washington Children's Home Society won outstanding youth and New Vision Church won outstanding adult.

The Clark County Fair Court won outstanding mounted group in the horse division. The Fort Vancouver Rodeo Queen was outstanding mounted individual, Starlight Riders garnered outstanding 4-H group, B.J. Range Riders was outstanding 4-H individual, and Lumpy the Clown was the most outstanding pooper-scooper.

The pie and dessert baking contest July 15 winners were Linda Maulding for first place apple pie, Melva Carlson second place and Carol Stassens third place.

Berry pie winners are Suner Starling first place, 14-year-old Kristie Kennedy second place and Latresha Starling third place.

Ruby Jubilee dessert winners were Donna Shrider first place, Julie Chisholm, second place and Carol Stassens third place.

Several children and adults sputtered their way to earning the best watermelon seed spitting award July 17. Sarah Bennet, 16, took top honors by launching a seed 281 inches--or 23 feet. Shayna Service, 11, spit 190 inches or about 16 feet, and 5-year-old Jana Williams catapulted her seed 107 inches--9 feet.

Hot dog eating contest winners were 8-year-old Haleigh Dixon, 11-year-old Christopher Hilton and Chris Reinhold, 15.

Theran Stevenson, 11, of Battle Ground, found the "needle" in a haystack and won $100.

July 18 lawnmower races took place under mostly sunny skies while the temperatures ran into the low 90s for the third day.

A record four women signed up to race this year, said Battle Chamber of Commerce executive director Terri Tweedell. Brenda Olstad of Amboy was the Powderpuff winner and took home $100 cash.

For the third consecutive year, Amboy resident Ramey Waser took first place and $100. Scott Waggoner of Battle Ground took second and $50, and Richard Thompson of Morton took third place and $35.

The most outrageous lawnmower award was given to Van Wilson representing the Woodland Fire Department. The fire engine red, souped-up riding lawnmower was decorated with yellow flames.

It did well until the finals where it conked out.

Delores Johnson of Battle Ground was the winner of the red, white and blue Rose Float Quilt this year. Alice Boggs of Battle Ground won a Log Cabin pattern quilt.

4-H members competed all weekend. Winners are as follows: Fine arts, Becca Mintz, blue ribbon. Gardening, Dianne Marble, champion and blue ribbon. Sewing, Dianne Marble, champion; Becca Mintz and Kathlleen Mintz, red ribbons, Stephanie Von Volkinburg Superintendent's Inspiration Award and a red ribbon, and Shacura Brown Superintendent's Inspiration Award and red ribbon.

Crochet winner is Kathlleen Mintz with a special award and blue ribbon. Food preservation awards went to Stephanie Von Volkinburg as champion and a blue ribbon, Dianne Marble, blue and red ribbons, and Shacura Brown as reserve champion and a blue ribbon.

Educational display winners are Heather Giberson and Charlie Barrows with blue ribbons. Photography winners were Katy Kanis as champion and with blue and red ribbons, and Shelly Kanis as reserve champion and blue, red and white ribbons.

Creative arts winners are Dianne Marble as champion and with blue and red ribbons; Stephanie Von Volkinburg with a red ribbon and Shacura Brown with a red ribbon.

Youth wins talent search

Dancer Joshua Salarzon was named Entertainer of the Year in the annual Harvest Days Talent Search, sponsored by The Reflector.

Salarzon, 13, is the son of Vivian and Jaime Salarzon of Vancouver and a student at the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics in Vancouver. He dances at school and at parties. In the talent show, Salarzon danced to music by Michael Jackson.

Other division winners in the Talent Search were Melisa McVicker, Chelsea Jordan, Stefanie Seamens, Jessie Cain, and a two-family group with members Christina Dickson, Benjamin Dickson, Brandon Dickson, Ashley Dickson, Daniel Dickson, Elizabeth Knopp, David Knopp, Joshua Knopp, Eric Knopp and Justin Knopp.

Chili cookoff

In the chili cookoff, a tasty creation by Elaine Hertz and the North County Community Food Bank was the judge's choice, with Fire District 11 second.

The public preferred a chili prepared "Five O'Clock Somewhere," a team of the Firemen's Association.

The Food Bank Chili also won the showmanship award.

The event raised $482 for the Food Bank.

CAMPAIGN UNDERWAY FOR RIDGEFIELD TOP DOG

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Ridgefield residents may look no further than the corner of N Main Ave. and Pioneer St. for a permanent city manager.

In fact, the latest candidate is well acquainted with business owners, several children, and likely knows the placement of every fire hydrant in town. He may also be an honorary member of the Garden Club for his part in watering sidewalk plants, said his owner.

Meet Otis, a Boston Terrier who keeps regular office hours at Ridgefield Hardware.

Posters have popped up in Ridgefield business windows and on counters inside shops touting "Otis For City Manager."

Paid for by the "He Will Do Better Than the Last Guy Committee," Otis' supporters say he has a "leg up" on the city council, is "ruff" on crime and corruption, is a true watchdog on growth and expansion, and would be a "doggone improvement."

Otis' owners, Scott and Kathy Hughes, were taken by surprise at their dog's nomination.

"This is not our doing," said Scott Hughes, chuckling. "We were out of town over the weekend. When we got back, we found a poster in the store and in the windows of some businesses."

Why does Otis want to be city manager?

"Well, he's never taken a hand-out from city hall or the police department," Hughes said. "But he gets goodies from other businesses. Maybe he wants the job because he got snubbed from the city."

Think he has a chance?

"They currently have a Fox as interim city manager," Hughes said, referring to George Fox, "so he figures they won't discriminate against a Boston Terrier."

Business owner Earlene Griswold of Seasons Coffee, Tea and Remedies and the Old Liberty Theater, said Otis is a good candidate for the job.

"We watch Otis walk to work every day," she said. As for characteristics, he is "funny, punctual, gets along with everybody, makes his rounds around town, is good mannered, likes kids and has a good presence in the community."

"In the past, our city managers didn't get along very well with the community," she added.

Citizen David Gurock said he supports Otis because he is well known, is in town every day and can be trusted.

Otis, who is 11 years old, which is about age 77 in doggy years, was born in the hardware store to then owners Russ and Ruby Pfeifer, who are Kathy Hughes' parents.

Otis accompanied Russ to the store every day from open to close, walking the seven blocks to work and back.

But Russ suffered a stroke about four years ago and quit going to the store regularly. After a few months, Otis went to work without his owner. Russ died in May 2003.

"Ruby let him out in the morning so he could go to work," said Scott Hughes. "He rarely missed a day."

When Otis started following the Hugheses home about six months ago, Ruby gave them the dog.

"He's a man's dog," explained Kathy. "He really attached himself to Scott."

Up until then, Otis walked by himself to "the office" like clockwork at 8 every morning and left when the store closed at 6 p.m.

Now he rides with the family to and from work except for an occasional Saturday when the family takes a day off. That's when Otis wanders into town by himself. Once there, he lays in his bed by the front door or outside on the sidewalk, and "just hangs out," said Kathy, until its time for him to make rounds visiting businesses.

Several business owners keep containers of dog biscuits ready for Otis. He knows where they are, too. Donna Quall, owner of Lily Wiggans Antiques, said he comes in and sits in front of the counter where they're kept.

Quall and a few other people are the culprits behind the Otis campaign.

"We just sat outside one morning and discussed how much we love him," Quall said. "He's very dear and so dignified, and a very important part of our community."

Quall said the impetus behind the idea is to "bring a little levity to the situation" in Ridgefield and make people laugh.

In the last few years, Ridgefield has faced several troubles. Most notable were a wastewater treatment plant scandal that resulted in criminal convictions of three employees, and the recent "paint-gate" where lead paint was allegedly taken off the front of city hall the wrong way, endangering the community's health two years ago, according to the state attorney general.

Randy Bombardier, the city manager at that time, was fired in March and is facing charges of wrongdoing from the state. Tom Weldon was the city manager before Bombardier and walked off the job after less than a year because he was unhappy with a job performance review. A slow search for a new manager is underway.

Meanwhile, city officials are trying to get the city back on its feet and instill confidence in its citizens.

Quall and company are doing their part to make people smile.

Quall said the Otis campaign is not meant to be anything against anyone, but rather a chance to laugh a little and bring attention to a great dog.

"He seems to have the qualifications for a fine city manager," she said, offering Otis a biscuit. "I always look forward to him stopping by. Look at him...isn't he dignified?"

Five flee scene

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Excessive speed and alcohol use are believed to have led to the death of Candice Pennington-Carter, 18, of Kalama, in a single vehicle accident July 17.

Boone T. Bergsma, 20, Kalama, was the reported driver of a Ford Explorer packed with nine other passengers.

The vehicle, reportedly traveling about 20 miles an hour over the speed limit on a winding road, rolled and came to rest on its side in the roadway, said Cowlitz County chief criminal deputy Charlie Rosenzweig. A call for help came in about 2:41 a.m.

No one wore seatbelts, the report said. Two passengers were in the front, four in the back seat made for three, and four in the cargo area of the van where there are no seats, said Rosenzweig.

Pennington-Carter was in the front passenger seat and was ejected into the middle of the road. Rosenzweig said she likely died on impact from head injuries.

Bergsma was taken to Oregon Health and Science University for treatment of head and neck injuries.

Baylee Romander, 18, Woodland, was transported to St. John Hospital with leg injuries.

Ashley Lovall, 18, Kalama, suffered head injuries and was taken to St. John Hospital.

Aaron Denton, 18, Kalama, suffered head and arm injuries., and Christopher Rainford, 16, Kalama, suffered leg injuries.

Kim Pennington-Carter,16, Kalama, sister of the deceased, was not hurt, nor were Meghan Laroy, 16, Kalama, Corrina Holt, 16, Woodland, or Cole Dalvey-Brown, 16, of Kalama.

By the time deputies and emergency crews arrived, Lovall, Denton, Laroy, Holt and Dalvey-Brown had fled into the woods, Rosenzweig said.

Cowlitz County Search and Rescue volunteers helped deputies search the woods for five hours to make sure no one was lost who was injured and needed medical attention.

"They fled, they took off," Rosenzweig said of the teens. "It was a waste of time and a real problem for our resources because of what they did. We used every available resource for five hours only to find they'd left the area. Two did have injuries, but had taken rides to the hospital."

For rides into town, the youths doubled back to the house where the party they had just left had taken place, said Rosenzweig.

The whole incident could have been avoided if the teens had made good decisions instead of bad ones that night, Rosenzweig said.

"The knew the driver had been drinking, they'd all been drinking, and they still got in the car with him," he said, "and then they didn't wear seatbelts."

"Nothing good comes from a drinking party," Rosenzweig added. "Kids need to understand how important it is to make good decisions."

Bergsma was charged by the State Patrol with vehicular homicide and vehicular assault.

Anyone with more information about the incident may call deputy Tory Shelton at (360) 577-3092 or Crime Stoppers at (360) 577-1206.

WOMAN SURVIVES VAULT OVER CLIFF

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

A 36-year-old Vancouver woman survived a 20-foot drop over an embankment on her All-Terrain Vehicle on Larch Mountain near Yacolt.

Ann Cooper was stopped from falling farther downhill by a clump of trees and rocks, said Clark County Sheriff Sgt. Tony Barnes. She suffered a broken ankle and possible head and back injuries.

Deputies and crews from Fire District 13, Fire District 9, North Country Ambulance and the Volcano Rescue Team arrived on the scene in a short amount of time because Cooper's 10-year-old niece "gave very good directions" to the wreck site over a cell phone, said Barnes.

Cooper was taken by ambulance to the Larch Mountain Honor Camp, then flown via a Life Flight helicopter to Legacy Emanuel Hospital.

Barnes said he does not know why the vehicle left the road.

TWO WALK FROM PLANE CRASH

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Colleen Morris heard a "roaring sound" and knew something wasn't right with the Cessna 150 airplane that had flown overhead a few moments before.

Busy with constructing her house on her parents' 200 something acres near La Center, she sent her mom, Delverna Swanson, to investigate.

Delverna ran down the field and met her husband, Dean Swanson, where he was mowing hay. He told her he'd seen the airplane drop from the north and fly near trees on the other side of the East Fork of the Lewis River by their property, but didn't rise. First aid kit in hand, he was already headed to the site. Delverna had called 911 before leaving the house.

On July 16, about 11:30 a.m., the airplane, flown by an instructor from Evergreen Aviation, and a student, crashed just past the Swanson's grass air strip runway, known as Daybreak on the Federal Aviation Seattle Sectional map. The couple has owned the property and air strip for 35 years. The crash occurred on Clark County property at the north end of NE Bjur Rd. near Ridgefield.

The Swansons met the instructor in their field north of the river where the plane had crashed. He appeared to have suffered some scratches from coming though the brush, said Delverna.

Dean continued on to the plane where he found the student pilot in the cockpit with a cut knee and nose.

By the time rescue crews arrived, the men had already walked away from the wreck.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the cause of the accident.

According to Dean Swanson, who has logged some flight time himself, the airplane seemed to approach his landing field from about 500 feet, which is too high to land. As Swanson sat on his tractor, earplugs in, he saw the plane drop to about 50 feet when it appeared to wobble. He said it looked as if it lost power after nosing up as if the engine stalled.

The plane continued into a thicket of trees just past the river which winds by their property and the landing strip. Swanson didn't hear anything, he said, because of his earplugs and tractor engine.

But Colleen heard it, about one mile from the house.

The airplane had a broken wing and tail section. Fire District 11 crews stopped a gas leak into the cockpit and contained gas in the soil to keep it from getting into the river, said chief Dennis Mason.

Jeff Tuttle, with the County water quality and environmental services, oversaw the removal of the plane in sections because it landed in a wetland area.

The wings, motor, and drained fuel were removed before the body of the plane was dragged out the next day with a chain attached to a four-wheel drive vehicle, he said.

A view from the air of the wreckage July 16 showed the downed plane faceing north. It appeared to have hit a tree and spun in a half-circle.

The Swansons are no strangers to air traffic on their property. Evergreen, Pearson and Brush Prairie flight schools often use the grassy strip for practice touching down and taking off, said Delverna.

Sometimes people stay for a picnic by the river before taking off into the wild blue yonder again. Some flight schools from all over the state use the property, she said.

Despite all the air traffic, there have been very few incidents, Delverna said.

One of the most memorable accidents was about seven years ago when a man tried to "prop start" his plane by spinning the propeller. It worked and the plane took off, she said, but without him in it. The airplane sheared a limb off a tree and dropped just short of the river.

COSTS OF HIGHWAY SIGNS SKYROCKET

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Costs to businesses that advertise along state highways are skyrocketing.

Business owners paying $35 a year for state Motorist Information "next exit" signs along two-lane state routes will now pay $364 yearly.

Merchants who paid $100 last year to advertise on "next exit" signs and ramps on busy freeways and expressways will now pony up $910 per year. Marilyn Monfort, who owns a two bedroom, bed and breakfast business in Cougar, said that prior to 2000, she paid $10 yearly to maintain her east and westbound signs on SR-503 near Cougar.

The rate went to $35 yearly in 2000, said Monfort. A Washington State Department of Transportation official notified her on April 15 that her new rate will be $364.

Woodland Dairy Queen and Casa Maria restaurant manager Steve Magness, with two business signs along I-5, said increases from $100 to $910 are "unbelievable."

Magness said that he will pay the new rates for 2004-05 and register complaints with legislators.

"What would happen to us if we asked our customers to pay $18 for a hamburger?" Magness asked.

"Still a bargain," says Transportation spokesman

State Transportation spokesman Mike Dornfeld said Department officials began sending letters announcing higher annual fees to business owners at Motorist Information Sign (MIS) renewal anniversaries a few months ago.

Dornfeld said the higher fees, $910 for signs on freeways or expressways with more than 80,000 vehicles per day, $683 for signs on such highways with less than 80,000 vehicles per day, and $364 for signs on conventional, two-lane highways, are needed to cover costs of placing and maintaining the signs.

With an MIS fee, business owners pay for a back panel to hold a sign, sign costs, up to two installations in opposite-direction locations, and up to two ramp directional signs.

The state also charges $115 for changing existing logo signs.

Dornfeld said back panels which hold signs on freeways can advertise up to six businesses. A pair of back panels (one for each direction) containing names of six businesses would generate $5,460 (6 x $910) in annual revenue. Back panels on two-lane routes are allowed up to four business signs, he said.

In Washington, about 2,100 businesses participate in the MIS program, said Dornfeld. If all business owners accept the new fees, they will pay about $1.4 million, which is entirely dedicated to the MIS program, he added.

Transportation traffic engineer Toby Rickman gave reasons for the higher fees in an April 15 letter to Monfort.

Rickman said the 2002 legislature directed the Transportation Department to select a private contractor to conduct the MIS program, but when the Department tried to select a contractor, a state employees union filed for--and was granted--an injunction.

Representatives from the Washington Federation of State Employees contended that privatization would cause state employees to lose jobs.

The injunction was granted. In 2004, the legislature passed a bill authorizing the Department to restart the MIS program and run it until June 2005.

The temporary measure required the Department to recover all costs associated with the MIS program. "This prevents taxpayers from having to subsidize road signs for businesses," said Dornfeld.

Dornfeld said the legislature may again order the Department to privatize the sign program next year. He said experience in other states, including Nevada and California, indicates that private companies charge more than the Department would for signs and maintenance services.

Dornfeld said all signs on state highway rights-of-way must be constructed with reflective aluminum sheeting and "break-away" materials to minimize injury if someone drives into them.

On a rural freeway, a private company would charge more than $20,000 for a set of back panels and ramp signs, said Dornfeld.

Dornfeld said signs are "still a bargain" for businesses, even at higher rates, because they are seen by hundreds, and often thousands of motorists each day.

Monfort said higher fees will hurt small business owners most. Under the rules, Skamania Lodge and Monfort's two bedroom bed and breakfast will pay $364 each year for signs on state routes. "That's hardly fair," said Monfort.

Monfort said she will have a private company make a sign for her business and put it on private property.

"I'll wash the sign once a year myself," Monfort said.

Private property option not available on scenic routes

A Scenic Vistas Act, passed by the legislature in 1999, requires a permit from the Department from off-premises business advertisers who want to post signs that can be seen from a roadway listed as a "Scenic Highway" by the legislature.

Business owners who want to advertise along Scenic Highways can generally do so only by participating in the Motorist Information Sign program.

Permits from the Department, which cost $300, are required for off-premises, business-advertising signs visible from Scenic Highways. If outside an incorporated city, signs must be on commercial or industrial property with at least three visible developments within 500 feet of each other. Signs inside an incorporated city must be on commercial or industrial property.

SR-503, from SR-500 to Yale Lake and west to Woodland, is designated as a "Scenic Highway."

Legislative references for advertising are RCW 47.42.045, WAC 468-66-050 and WAC 468-66-070.

A Battle Ground man pleaded not guilty July 8 to raping a 15-year-old girl and giving her liquor and marijuana.

Todd E. Henderling, 39, 319 N. Parkway Ave., is charged with rape in the second degree, rape of a child in the third Degree, furnishing liquor to a minor and delivery of a narcotic to someone under 18.

Clark County Superior Court judge John Wulle granted a motion from Henderling's attorney Suzan Clark for a discovery hearing on Aug. 25 and scheduled a trial for Sept. 29.

According to a Battle Ground police report, the alleged victim complained on June 21 that Henderling had sexually assaulted her at his residence on June 18.

Henderling, who was granted supervised released, was arrested June 23 after he turned himself in to Battle Ground police.

CHRISTIAN CENTER GAINS NEW PASTOR

Bill Myers, staff reporter

The Mountain View Christian Center has a new full-time pastor.

Mark Geer, who accepted the pastor position July 1, previously ministered at the Assembly of God Church in Warden near Moses Lake for eight years. His pastoral experience began in 1991.

Geer earned a bachelor's degree in pastoral ministry from Northwest College in Kirkland.

The pastor and his wife, Michelle, have two children, a boy 12 and girl 10.

Michelle, also a graduate from Northwest College, plays piano, has led worship and taught Sunday School. She is a certified school teacher.

Geer said he is delighted to be part of the Mountain View Christian Center community. He said he hopes to develop a youth associate pastor and start informal home Bible study groups.

The Center church was previously led for 10 years by pastor Jon Hagebush, who left last December for personal reasons.

BG TEACHER PLEADS GUILTY TO SEXUAL ASSAULT

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Pleasant Valley Elementary School third grade teacher David Herpst pleaded guilty July 12 to fourth degree assault with sexual motivation in Clark County Superior Court to judge John Wulle.

With his guilty plea, Herpst, 53, 12306 NE 11th Circle, Vancouver, avoided charges of second degree rape and unlawful imprisonment of a 31-year-old man he picked up in a Portland bar in November, according to court records.

Herpst is sentenced to 30 days work crew with a two-day credit for time served, two years probation, $842 restitution, $500 victim's assessment, a $500 fine and other court fees.

Herpst is also not to have any contact with the victim for two years, and must undergo testing for the AIDS virus.

In the November incident, Herpst and the victim met at a Portland bar. The victim consented to go to Herpst's home with him for sex.

Once there, Herpst became increasingly aggressive with the man, biting and pinching and getting him into a chokehold.

Herpst refused to let the victim leave the residence and threatened to let his dogs loose in the room. The victim said he is afraid of dogs, and that as he spent more time with Herpst, he was afraid of being seriously injured or killed.

According to a Clark County Sheriff's deputy report, the victim convinced Herpst to let him use the bathroom, then fled the residence out the garage door yelling, "You're crazy!" to Herpst.

Even after his conviction, Herpst desires to return to teaching in the Battle Ground School District.

District spokesperson Kelly Keister said Herpst remains on paid administrative leave while the District attorney wraps up his investigation. Herpst has been on paid leave since Nov. 24 last year.

Herpst's continued employment or termination will be determined when District officials receive a recommendation from the attorney, Keister said.

Herpst taught in Sonoma, CA schools 1982-1989. He was hired to teach kindergarten at Pleasant Valley in 1989, took a two-year leave of absence, and came back in 2001 to teach third grade.

RAILROAD CARS RUN AMOK IN CHELATCHIE PRAIRIE

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

A donated passenger car and caboose given to a railroad volunteer group lurched loose and derailed during regular "yard movement" in a lumber mill yard in Chelatchie Prairie.

The caboose came to rest with its end jutting partway into the yard's access road. The attached passenger car was nearly completely tipped onto its side, bending part of the caboose with it.

The cars derailed because railroad tracks crossing the mill road were filled with dirt and debris from trucks crossing regularly, said Battle Ground Yacolt Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Association president Linc Reed-Nickerson.

The incident will not hold up summer excursion rides, as the cars were not in use.

The cars were donated to the Association with plans to restore or scrap out for parts, said Reed-Nickerson. The dilapidated cars are either burned or rotted out on the inside.

"They are one step above scrap-donated," he added.

"It was an unfortunate `oops,'" Reed-Nickerson said of the derailment. "We just need to get a crane in there to move them back on track and into the yard."

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Ridgefield School Board members decided July 13 to tackle burgeoning area growth in stages.

Voters will decide the fate of a $1 million bond proposal Sept. 14.

The bond will provide about half the costs associated with buying about 50 acres owned by longtime Ridgefield residents Bill and Bernice Bartel. Impact fees will provide the rest of the money.

If the Sept. 14 bond is approved, Board members will schedule another bond election, perhaps in February, to provide funds to build new schools and update current buildings.

The property, located at 23800 NW Hillhurst Rd., is due west across the street from Ridgefield High School. What sort of new schools will go on the property is yet undetermined.

Board member Joe Leadingham described the strategy of scheduling bonds in stages as an opportunity for community engagement.

"This [upcoming bond election] is more than a land purchase," Leadingham said. "It's a kick-off to something greater."

Community members have indicated in the past they want a site picked out and secured before decisions about new buildings are made, Board chair Wendi Morris said.

"We need to get the land under our belts," Morris said, "then ask, `now what?'"

Superintendent Mary Vagner described the land across from the high school as a strategic piece of property, because it's close to existing schools, flat, buildable, has limited wetlands and is easily served by sewer and water.

First step to meet growth needs

Purchasing the Bartel property is part of the overall plan to meet demands from area growth, Board members said.

Reports show Ridgefield schools are above capacity. The District's two elementary schools, designed for 850 students, currently serve about 900. View Ridge Middle School has reached its capacity with 300 students. Ridgefield High School was designed for 475 students and serves about 600.

Looming on the horizon are students coming from several housing developments now underway around Ridgefield.

District legal council Marnie Allen said about 1,000 new houses are currently being built within District boundaries with more growth projected.

History shows every 10 houses generate about five new students, Allen said. Reports vary, but as many as 1,000 new students are expected in Ridgefield by 2010.

"You might not like all the growth," Board member Chris Swindell said, "but it's here."

Numbers provided by consultant Jon Gores from Seattle-Northwest Securities Corporation show Ridgefield taxpayers' annual bill will not rise if the $1 million bond is passed.

Area property owners are paying about 55 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for an existing bond. That bond rate will go down to 43 cents per $1,000 in 2005, the same year a 10-year payment schedule on the new bond would begin.

The new bond would add about 11-12 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, bringing the bond rate in 2005 back up to 55 cents per $1,000.

Gores also offered various options for passing construction bonds. The nature and amount of future bonds is yet undetermined.

District business manager Donna Gregg said about $600,000 is on hand from impact fees to provide the remaining money needed to purchase the 50 acres; $1 million from impact fees is expected to be available in the fall.

Walker property also discussed

Board members also agreed to formally advocate a land rezoning process in an Aug. 3 meeting with Clark County commissioners.

Under question is about 103 acres located southeast of NW 279th St and NE 10th Ave. owned by Walker Farms, LLC.

Property owners Jim and Laurie Walker and David Callaham have offered to give the District 10 acres for an elementary school or to sell, so long as the property is included in Ridgefield's urban growth boundary and annexed by Ridgefield before January 2006.

Board member Kathy Koller described the proposal as "an extremely generous offer."

RIDGEFIELD KEEPS UP WITH FAST GROWTH CHALLENGE

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

The city of Ridgefield is expected to double in size over the next five years.

Community Development Department director Kevin Snyder said that 1,051 residential units are in various stages of approval for development or construction.

Population statistics indicate that an average of 2.3 people occupy each residential unit. The city's population, now about 2,200, could more than double to 4,617 with what's on the books now.

Snyder said he cannot predict just how fast houses will be built or how many more applications for houses will be submitted.

"The impact will be market driven," he said. "Our goal as staff is to identify the tasks we need to work on to stay ahead of the curve."

Development impact fees imposed by the city help relieve stress placed on the city and the school district by rapid population growth, said Snyder.

Impact fees for each house are water, $2,000; sewer, $4,000; streets, $1,943; parks, $1,933, and schools, $3,559.

Rapid housing development hits hard at the city's ability to treat wastewater, said Ridgefield's consulting engineer David Jansen of Gray and Osborne.

Jansen said the residential development already in progress will "bring the city close to capacity" under the current system, but plans are in place to increase capacity if needed.

The Department of Ecology has limited the city's capacity to 500,000 gallons per day of discharge, said Sandy Howard, Ecology spokesperson.

The monthly wastewater treatment report submitted to Ecology for July shows the plant handles about 106,000 gallons per day.

The city had sought even greater capacity, but that request was denied by Ecology last winter after an appeal from the city filed after the deadline had passed.

Despite that stumbling block, the city is in fairly good shape, Jansen said, provided it takes some short-term steps to improve the collection system.

Ecology's Howard agreed.

"Everything seems to be on an even keel," she said. "They are meeting requirements, working on the next phase."

The next phase is the design stage, and the city has applied for a state public works trust fund loan to begin upgrading the treatment plant.

"They (city staff) have sent a letter to the Department of Ecology stating that they are beginning a plan," Jansen said.

A successful upgrade will include additional sewer lines to relieve pressure on older, downtown Ridgefield lines, he said.

At the same time, the city must also improve equipment at the treatment plant. Both projects are scheduled to be complete in summer 2006.

Although short-term improvements are necessary, more must be done over the long term.

"Even 200,000 more gallons won't be enough to serve the entire urban growth area," Jansen said.

Once the treatment plant reaches 85 percent of capacity, further steps must be taken to accommodate any future growth.

"We'll need a long-term plan for growth," Jansen said. "We'll look at a range of opportunities."

One measure that has been discussed is for the city to build a pipe carrying treated sewage to the Columbia River.

Costs are a consideration, Jansen said, and the city will look at several alternatives.

Included in the opportunities is a way to recycle treated wastewater. A number of uses are possible, Jansen said, such as treating the water twice before it flows into the river and using that water to irrigate grasslands or provide water for steam heat.

Water that is twice treated is virtually free from contaminants, Jansen said, but it may not be used for human consumption or on edible crops.

"You've got opportunities for reuse in any community," Jansen said. "The question is can you get it to the people who can use it."

The city is faced with the challenge of pacing its growth to match the capacity of its infrastructure, which includes transportation and schools.

"The infrastructure has to grow with development," Jansen said. "It becomes a chicken-egg situation because the fees charged to developers pay for the improvements.

"We're trying to move everything forward at the same type of pace."

Community development director Snyder is optimistic that Ridgefield is up to the challenge of rapid growth.

"I don't call it a challenge," he said. "I call it an opportunity."

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

A plume of highly contaminated ground water creeping toward Carty Lake in Ridgefield is being steam-cleaned.

The Port of Ridgefield's Lake River Industrial site, faced with severe contamination caused by creosote and other pollutants used to treat wood poles in years past, has begun a process of using steam to separate contaminants from the soil.

The steam activates the molecules of polychlorinated biphenyls (commonly referred to as PCBs), copper and other pollutants, making them easier to remove from the ground and ground water.

Tara Erickson, project supervisor for the Port's remediation center, said the $45-$50 million dollar cleanup project will treat a 4-acre plume of contaminants which stretches into the outer edges of Carty Lake.

"This is the largest state supported remediation," said George Fox, deputy Port director and the Port's chief financial officer.

A state petroleum tax helps pay for the remediation center, which employs 13 people and operates around the clock.

"This is very new and very exciting," Fox said.

The state has allocated $8 million every two years for the plant, he said.

The operation has gone smoothly since its beginning on May 24, Erickson said.

Computers monitor the system 24 hours daily, she said.

Under the process, steam is injected into the ground, heating the ground water that moves through the soil. Water and vapor are separated. Water is pumped through a complex system that removes the particulates, Erickson said.

Treated water is pumped into Lake River, leaving the soil free from contaminants and keeping Carty Lake clean.

"We're highly regulated," Fox said about the steam-cleaning process.

WOODLAND WOMEN HELP INDIA LEPERS

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

One Woodland woman is devoting most of her time to helping people who live in a place she may never visit and suffer from a disease that people may think has been eradicated.

Beverly Wake crochets bandages for people in India who suffer from leprosy, also known as Hansen's Disease. She not only crochets, she teaches other women to make the bandages.

Wake is a member of the Woodland First Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She has taught about 25 women in the church to crochet. So far, they have made about 34 bandages.

Wake said her goal is for the women to crochet 100 bandages by the end of the year.

"She's been working and teaching almost 24 hours a day," said Sue Leavitt, president of the Woodland Ward's Relief Society.

The first shipment of bandages will go out soon to two Ward members, Rex and Pat Beazer, who have been Mormon humanitarian missionaries in New Delhi since early this year. Keri Moss, the Beazer's daughter, said the couple work primarily with orphanages and girls' homes, teaching life skills, English and music.

The Beazers will distribute the bandages to a leprosy village.

"It's hard to believe leprosy still exists," Leavitt said.

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, more than one million people worldwide are permanently disabled by Hansen's Disease.

In 2002, 763,917 new cases were diagnosed worldwide, with 96 of those diagnosed in the United States, the agency states.

Hansen's Disease is caused by bacteria and can be treated successfully with antibiotics, according to the agency.

The bandages crocheted by the Woodland women must be made according to specific directions, Beverly Wake said.

"They must be 3 inches wide and 48 inches long," she said. "The fabric cannot contain any dye."

The bandages are also washable.

One of Wake's students, Sandra Sanders, has outpaced the teacher by crocheting 13 bandages.

FORMER BG WORKER SENTENCED FOR THEFT

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

With tears streaming down his face, former Battle Ground public works employee Glenn Rasmussen was sentenced by Clark County District Court judge Ken Eiesland to 15 days jail, a $600 fine, about $560 restitution to the city and two years "bench" probation for theft of time from the city.

Rather than report to a probation officer, those on bench probation report to a judge periodically to review the case and the convict's behavior.

Tears seemingly gave way to anger after Eiesland laid down his verdict and Rasmussen reportedly muttered under his breath, "It's not over" to prosecuting attorney Chris Sundstrom.

"Your comment was uncalled for Mr. Rasmussen," Sundstrom said loudly in the courtroom.

Before being sentenced, Rasmussen, 42, told the judge he'd been through months of torment and hell. He lost his 10-year public works job, was fired from being a Multnomah County reserve deputy, and faces discharge from his nine-year stint with the Air Force because of his theft conviction.

Whether Rasmussen actually serves his sentence soon depends on two factors, said Sundstrom.

If he posts 10 percent of a $10,000 appeal bond before July 21, the sentence will be postponed indefinitely, he said.

Beverly Lavy, Rasmussen's attorney, tried to ask for an appeal before sentencing. Eiesland said she was premature, as appeals are generally filed after the punishment is named, not before.

After sentencing, Eiesland set an appeal bond at $10,000. Lavy balked and asked the judge for no appeal bond because Rasmussen has been unemployed since early January.

Eiesland said the $10,000 bond reflects the cost of the two-day "complicated trial" in June, and Rasmussen's privately retained attorney.

"The simpler the trial, the lower the bond," Eiesland said.

Lavy also asked for a new trial, saying the audio portion of the June 21-22 trial malfunctioned and there is no recording of it.

The judge denied the right to a new trial until after a determination of whether the audio can be recovered, which court technicians are attempting, he said. If it can't be regained, Rasmussen will get a new trial.

Lavy also asked the judge not to sentence Rasmussen. She said he is an upstanding citizen who made a mistake in record keeping his time sheet and already lost his job with the city, was removed from his reserve officer position and may lose Air Force duty. She also said it would be difficult for him to get gainful employment with these charges on his record.

Sundstrom argued that Rasmussen had an opportunity to avoid all that when the city offered him a "civil compromise" to avoid a trial.

City officials asked Rasmussen to pay the city back for three days worth of time and benefits for when he claimed he worked and didn't, said Sundstrom. They also asked him to drop his wrongful termination suit and to not contest not getting unemployment benefits. In return, the charges would have been dismissed.

"He had an opportunity to make amends," Sundstrom told the judge. "He said `forget it,' yes he did and you know it, Lavy. In fact, he told Battle Ground that he wanted a public apology through me from the city."

"This was not a witch hunt, your honor," he added. "He committed a crime. A jury of his peers said as much. He gambled, took his chance, and lost. He refuses to accept any responsibility whatsoever for what he did."

Eiesland looked at Rasmussen and said, "In your mind you were wrongfully convicted and didn't do anything wrong?"

"I didn't maliciously do this," Rasmussen said. "In the past few months I've felt like a pretty crappy individual. I have plenty of remorse. I've been devastated, not because I got caught, but that I made a mistake. Doesn't it seem strange to you that they're going out on a limb for something that could have been handled in-house?"

Sundstrom said Rasmussen refused the offer to drop charges. He added that Rasmussen's stealing time on a time card was a violation of public trust. He earned about $25 per hour.

"He was paid through utility rates and tax dollars," he said. "He claimed he worked and he didn't."

Rasmussen wondered why he was being made an example of when several other public works employees fudged on time cards.

"We're not aware of any other employees who claimed they were working and were not," Sundstrom said.

Rasmussen addressed the judge, saying, "A considerable amount of the story hasn't been told."

Public works director Sam Adams said new policies are in place that better track employees time off and time worked. There is a paper trail now, signed by a supervisor and the superintendent that keeps track of employees work hours.

Prior to Rasmussen's arrest, employees turned in handwritten time cards to a supervisor who also kept track of workers' hours on his calendar.

Using a computer program, employees and supervisors track each day what is done and time spent, Adams said. The new system seems to work fine, and there are no plans to use time clocks or other electronic type time cards.

NEW FACES JOIN RIDGEFIELD STAFF

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

Trying to clear away ghosts of past misdeeds, interim Ridgefield city manager George Fox has hired two new department heads, including a new director for the beleagured public works department.

Ridgefield has also contracted with a new engineering firm and a new attorney.

In addition, the city has expanded the planning department to four employees and changed the name to Community Development Department.

One position remains unfilled, however, that of the city manager. City council members recently decided to indefinitely delay hiring a permanent city manager to replace Fox.

Mayor Gladys Doriot said the new department heads need time to become adjusted to their jobs and the city before a new leader is hired.

Included in the new hires is city attorney, Michael J. Wynne, a Ridgefield resident, who is also the city attorney for Kalama. Wynne's office is located in downtown Vancouver.

Justin Clary of Edmonds, a civil engineer with a degree from Washington State University, heads the public works department.

Clary, who most recently was associated with an environmental consulting firm, was hired in the wake of several scandals affecting the operation of the wastewater treatment plant.

The new public works director is convinced that processes are in place to prevent the type of misconduct that led to criminal charges against three former public works employees, including former director Paul Snoey.

Snoey, James Strickler and Ben Hasson were charged in 2002 with violating state pollution laws, and the city was fined $30,000.

Clary, a certified engineer, said he is committed to making sure all rules are followed.

"The city has taken the first step in hiring a professional engineer," Clary said. "I'm accountable in keeping the city in compliance with permits."

Another new face is David Jansen of Gray and Osborne, an Olypmia-based consulting engineeering firm that replaced Wallace Engineering.

Jansen, who said he spends one or more days each week in Ridgefield, was employed by the Department of Ecology for 18 years.

He said that as an Ecology employee, he was involved in prosecuting violators of state pollution laws. He also worked under Ecology cleaning up the Port of Ridgefield.

"The city is doing everything the right way," Jansen said.

Ridgefield's rapidly growing population sparked the creation of the community development department.

Kevin Snyder, former senior planner for Battle Ground, has been hired to head the four-person department.

Snyder was most recently chief planner for the new city of Spokane Valley in eastern Washington.

"[Ridgefield] has been relatively quiet for many years," he said. "Now we're experiencing growth."

Building inspector Jim Perry and planning inspector Mike Christensen, were hired earlier this year.

"Jim inspects everything above the ground and Mike inspects below the ground," Snyder said.

Snyder said he and his wife, Debbie, decided to return to western Washington because "this is home."

"I like working in smaller cities," he said. "There's a variety of opportunity; it's an exciting work place and environment. There's a lot going on."

Clary and his family left the Seattle area for a smaller community, he said.

"This is a great opportunity to increase my management responsibility and become involved with a growing community," he said. "Ridgefield is built around a small community."

POWER PLANT BACK ON LINE

After 63 days of repairs, the River Road Generating Plant operated by Clark Public Utilities is back in operation.

Utility spokesman Mick Shutt said the plant was shut down April 30 for about 30 days of routine maintenance when cracks were discovered in some steam turbine blades.

Rather than risk damage to other parts of the plant by continuing to operate with cracks blades, officials decided to keep the plant out of production and replace the cracked blades.

Shutt described the blades as 42 inches long and attached like a fan to a rotor. In all, each such assembly is about 10.6 feet in diameter.

The blades travel at about 1,350 miles per hour, Shutt said.

Shutt said 94 blades were replaced at a cost of about $1 million.

In addition, the plant closure required the acquisition of replacement electricity from PacifiCorps.

Shutt said Clark Public Utilities maintains a "storage account" with PacifiCorps through which Clark can supply power to PacifiCorps and take power from PacifiCorps, with a closing and balancing of the account each spring.

Under the plan, Clark Public Utilities will either owe money to PacifiCorps next spring or have a credit. Thus he could not be certain of the value of the acquired electricity, said Shutt.

Shutt said that had officials known that the shut down would have lasted as long as 63 days, they would have gone to the open market and purchased power.

As the plant was ready to be restarted, said Shutt, officials discovered a balancing problem. Worked was done on bearings, said Shutt, and the plants resumed operation July 3.

PRIMARY BALLOTING SYSTEM COULD BE CONFUSING

Voters could be confused when they are faced with four ballots for the September primary election.

That's the fear of elections officials in southwest Washington who are working to explain the new system before election day.

Cowlitz County auditor Kristina Swanson said voters at the polls and at home will be given four ballots: one each for three political parties--Republican, Democrat, Libertarian--and a fourth ballot for nonpartisan races.

Voters will selected one ballot and discard the other three. The nonpartisan races appear on all four ballots. Voters not wishing to cast ballots in any of the partisan races can choose the nonpartisan ballot.

In any case, there will be no record of which ballot any voter chose to cast.

Clark County elections supervisor Tim Likness said voters at the polls will be given four ballots and two envelopes. Voters will select and mark one ballot and place it in a grey envelope. Voters will place their other three ballots in a gold envelope.

Voters will then place the grey envelope with the marked ballot in a ballot receptacle, and place the gold envelope with three discarded ballots into another collection device.

If voters at the polls follow instructions, no one will know which ballot they selected and cast.

Poll observers will help assure that voters follow instructions.

Permanent absentee voters, which Likness said are about 61 percent of voters in Clark County, will follow a similar procedure.

Absentee voters will select one of the four ballots mailed to them, mark and return it, and discard the other three ballots.

Likness said various combinations of errors--or fraudulent voting--have been considered.

If a voter returns two partisan ballots, neither will be counted. Swanson said the same rule applies in Cowlitz County.

If a voter returns a partisan ballot and a nonpartisan ballot, said Likness, the ballots will be set aside for the "problem file."

In such a case, the partisan ballot will be counted first. If the voter has voted for both partisan and nonpartisan races on the partisan ballot, that ballot will be counted and the nonpartisan ballot discarded.

If the voter has voted on nonpartisan races and issues on both ballots, the votes will be counted (once) if they are the same.

If the voter has voted for partisan races on the partisan ballot and nonpartisan only on the nonpartisan ballot, all votes will be counted.

Similar solutions have been developed for other erroneous voter actions, said Likness.

Voters will not be able to mail back more than one ballot separately, said Likness, unless they duplicate the yellow return envelope with its signature line. If that were to happen, voting records will show the double voting and neither ballot would be counted, he said.

While Cowlitz County voters will use optical scan ballots, voters in Clark County will continue to use punch card ballots this year, and possible throughout 2005.

Likness said the county has until Jan. 1, 2006 to discontinue use of the potentially-troublesome punch card ballots.

Likness said the state Grange organization has submitted petition signatures to state officials to change the primary election system. If the petition qualifies for the ballot, a simple majority of voters in November could change the primary election system to a "high two" method.

In the "high two" system, primary voters would have only one ballot containing all partisan and nonpartisan races, and voters can vote for candidates of any party.

The top two vote getters in each race would appear on the general election ballot even if those "top two" are of the same political party.

Likness said the Grange plan, vetoed by Gov. Locke earlier this year, may or may not qualify for the November ballot.

Information in Cowlitz County, Kristina Swanson, (360) 577-3005; in Clark County, Tim Likness, 397-2345.

STUMP MISSING FROM WOODLAND HOME

Stump has wandered off from his home at 2621 Lewis River Road, Woodland, and his family members are anxious to get him back.

Stump is a land tortoise and an important part of the Andi Blanchard family.

Blanchard said that sometime on July 13, Stump walked out the front door, or was assisted getting outside by children in the family, and has not been seen since.

Stump, age 7, is about as big around as a coffee can lid and about 6-8 inches high. His breed of tortoise can live to be 130 years old and about 300 pounds, said Blanchard.

Blanchard said Stump has a good personality. "He recognizes me," said Blanchard. "If I call, 'Stumpy, Stumpy,' he comes out of his shell and I pet his head."

Dogs in the family move out of the way and allow Stump to sit in warm locations, said Blanchard.

When first acquired, Stump was about the size of a silver dollar, said Blanchard.

Stump has full run of the Blanchard home. "He's very self-contained," said Blanchard. "If he goes to the bathroom, he eats it. He eats only vegetables. He drinks water about every two months."

Stump has claws, said Blanchard. He stays in his shell around strangers.

Blanchard said Stump wandered off once before, but was found by a neighbor and returned.

Anyone with information about Stump is urged to call Blanchard, 225-8870, 225-5649.

BAIRD SAYS AG PROGRAM FLAWED

U.S. Brian Baird last week described the federal Livestock Compensation Program (LCP) as "poorly constructed," and "fraught with waste."

But Baird's attempt last week to change the program failed.

The program provides farmers and ranchers with payments during periods of drought and other natural disasters.

Spurred by a story last year in The Reflector, Baird asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investigate the program for waste. The Department confirmed how the program had been implemented, leading Baird to attempt a change in the law.

The Reflector reported that owners of livestock in Washington received LCP payments without incurring losses.

A "disaster" was declared in 2002 after an earthquake damaged some buildings in Olympia.

The disaster declaration qualified farmers in several counties for payments whether or not they suffered losses.

Farmers in 12 counties received nearly $2 million in that situation.

Inspectors for the Department of Agriculture said federal law does not require proof of loss as a requisite for payments. Rather, law and program rules only require that farmers were in operation at the time of the "disaster," and operated in counties that were included in the "disaster" declaration.

In another example, the Department inspectors told Baird that the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster resulted in ranchers in nine Texas counties receiving nearly $5 million in payments without showing any actual losses.

In a July 13 statement in the U.S. House of Representatives, Baird offered legislation that would limit program payments to farmers and ranchers who actually incurred financial losses due to natural disasters.

The Baird amendment was ruled out of order and he withdrew it.

"I am prepared to withdraw my amendment," said Baird on the House floor. "My intention today is simply to bring this matter to the attention of my colleagues. I hope, however, the Congress will reform this program and halt this waste of taxpayer funds as soon as possible."

Federal investigators told Baird that they had no legal recourse to recover any unwarranted payments because neither law nor regulations required proof of loss in the first place.

In 2003, non-drought payments under the program totaled about $234 million nationwide. Drought payments boosted the total to over $1 billion.

Federal investigators said that even a statistical sampling of past payments conducted to verify how many producers incurred losses would "require considerable resources."