UTILITY WINS ROUND ONE

A U.S. District Court judge in Tacoma has rejected an attempt by two insurance companies to avoid paying, without a trial, losses incurred by Cowlitz County Public Utility District when Swift No. 2 hydroelectric plant failed in April 2002.

"This ruling means Cowlitz PUD will have its day in court to have the issue of coverage decided," said Ron Worthington, director of customer services for the Utility.

"The court's announcement is clearly a step in the right direction for the PUD and its customers," said Worthington. The two companies--Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange and TIG Insurance Company--denied coverage of losses due to the collapse of Swift No. 2, and filed a lawsuit against the Utility, contending there is no coverage under their combined policy.

Cowlitz PUD filed an answer to the lawsuit and made counterclaims against Federated and TIG seeking coverage.

Officials of the two insurance companies did not return phone calls from this newspaper.

Swift No. 2 was damaged in April 2002 when its canal embankment failed, and water, soil and rock inundated the powerhouse and tailrace as well as SR-503.

Repair work on Swift No. 2 powerhouse is currently underway and construction on the power canal will start in August 2004.

Estimates of the cost to repair and reconstruct Swift No. 2, including replacement power costs during reconstruction, exceed $108 million.

Lloyd's of London, which provides $70 million in coverage for Swift No. 2, previously acknowledged coverage for damages at Swift No. 2 and has made a payment to the Utility.

Utility officials expect Swift No. 2 to resume operation by the end of 2005.

Swift No. 2 is located on the North Fork of the Lewis River upstream from three other hydroelectric plants operated by PacifiCorps.

Information, Worthington, (360) 577-7502, (360) 423-2210.

OTIS CAMPAIGN GOES WORLDWIDE

Maryland pooch wants romance

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Campaigning for top dog in Ridgefield can have definite perks.

Otis, the 11-year-old Boston Terrier who has a pack of business owners stumping for him for Ridgefield city manager, has had opportunities few dogs dream about.

For example, a Boston Terrier from Baltimore, MD named Ivy Rose sent him a photo of herself lounging outside in a swimming pool, smiling, her eyes half-closed.

"Miss Ivy" has fallen in love with Otis, said her owner, Susan Hebert, and requested a campaign poster to put in Miss Ivy's room.

"This is her first crush," Hebert said.

Otis and Ivy will likely begin with e-mail correspondence to "see how it goes," said Otis' owner Scott Hughes. But a visit isn't likely.

"That's a long walk and one long string of fire hydrants," he quipped.

Otis fever spreads

But Otis' pending relationship with Miss Ivy is only one pearl in a string of things that have happened in whirlwind fashion.

News of the grass roots campaign for Otis to become Ridgefield city manager has gone international.

When the news broke last week in The Reflector, KATU-ABC channel 2 news crews from Portland made a beeline for Otis in Ridgefield and aired a segment July 20.

On July 21 the whirlwind began.

Hughes, who also owns Ridgefield Hardware and Lake River Kayak, said his accountant's son from Florida called to say he'd seen Otis on television. A friend from Dallas, TX called to say he'd heard national newscaster Paul Harvey talk about it on his noon show.

Harvey said Otis would likely not be prejudiced or racial because he is black and white, said the listener.

By Wednesday afternoon, people were flocking to Ridgefield to visit Otis as he made his usual daily rounds from the hardware store waiting for doggy treat biscuits from business owners.

One woman has offered to paint a watercolor portrait of the overnight star.

Hughes received an e-mail from "Boston" fans in Ontario, Canada asking for Otis' picture. They'd seen him on Canadian Broadcasting.

Scott's wife, Cathy, was interviewed live by an eastern Washington radio station around noon, and news started trickling in that Otis' campaign was widespread.

Otis fever swept to USA Today, Seattle Times, Boston.com, The Pennsylvania Times-Leader, Muscatine, IA, NW Indiana News, "The Buzz" In Phoenix, AZ, Charlotte, NC and more.

"This has beenunbelievable," Scott said.

On Thursday morning, Scott and Otis were the first guests on the AM Northwest morning show in Portland.

They were greeted with chants of "Otis, Otis" from the audience.

"I was amazed--everybody knew who he was," Hughes said. "The story about Otis that KATU did was on Good Morning America that morning and I didn't even know it. All these people had seen it."

Hughes said he doesn't remember anything about the show or what he said because he was so nervous. But Otis was calm and normal. After the show they were ushered to the newsroom by request to visit with staff.

Thursday ended with an interview by the British Broadcasting Company World Service in England.

"They wanted to know if there were any scandals in his background," Hughes said. "I told them, no, he's been fixed."

Tri-Cities chicken enters the race

Not everyone loves Otis, however. The campaign has turned foul.

A campaign by Tri-Cities KORD 102.7 FM radio station is backing a chicken named Drumstick for the open city manager position.

T-shirts and posters were sent to the Hardware store, which is also Otis headquarters.

"Our candidate has never chased a car, growled at the mailman or watered a fire hydrant," the poster reads. It also says, "I am Drumstick and I approved this message."

Otis answered the committee by e-mail saying that "Dumbstick" is a silly chicken if he thinks he has a chance, Hughes said. Otis looked forward to an on-air debate, which happened Monday.

Hughes conceded that Otis does need to brush up on some skills, however.

"He hates cats, and certain personal hygiene habits on sidewalks needs to be fixed," he said.

By Friday, life had slowed down enough for Hughes to pay attention to work at his stores and play a little fetch-the-ball with his dog.

"It's been wild," he said. "If he only knew what a ruckus he stirred."

KNOTWEED IS OBJECT OF CLARK COUNTY WEED GROUP

A Japanese knotweed control project will take Clark County staff and volunteers to the banks of the East and North forks of the Lewis River, plus Abernathy Creek in Cowlitz County, as they work to check the spread of the aggressive plant.

Phil Burgess, head of the Clark County Weed Management Department, said the work has already begun.

Burgess said crews will use an injection process to kill the weed, forcing herbicide into each cane of each plant clump.

Burgess said knotweed is capable of taking over most other vegetation, even overtaking blackberry vines. If allowed to spread, said Burgess, knotweed will choke out other native plants, kill salmon berry and willows, break the food chain, and disrupt the development of salmanoids in the rivers.

Knotweed cannot be successfully pulled out of the ground, said Burgess, because it establishes a tap root up to six feet deep, and extends lateral roots 18-20 feet.

The use of sprays is also ineffective, said Burgess, only killing the top growth. The plant regenerates in 60-90 days, said Burgess.

Cutting the plant off only stimulates the plant and forces new growth from wide-ranging roots.

Burgess said Clark County staff developed the injection process over the last few years. The methodology is now used worldwide, he said.

The preferred methodology, said Burgess, is to inject herbicide into each cane. One plant can have 3-50 canes, he said.

Burgess said knotweed dies back each fall, then comes to life in the spring. Because the plant is inactive in winter, control work must be undertaken before then.

Knotweed can grow to 15 feet in height, he said.

Burgess said his department received $107,000 in state funding to conduct the pilot project on knotweed control. The work involves the full length of the East and North forks of the Lewis River from their mouths upstream to their headwaters.

Knotweed does not exist in all areas, said Burgess, such as the upper stretches of the rivers. For example, the control work will be focused from Moulton Falls downstream on the East Fork, said Burgess, and from the river bank to as much as 75 feet away from the river.

The work is very labor intensive, said Burgess.

The Weed Management Department mailed about 900 letters to property owners along the upper East Fork, seeking authority to enter private property. Similar letters will be sent to property owners elsewhere along the East Fork, said Burgess, as well as property owners along the North Fork and Abernathy Creek, said Burgess.

What knotweed looks like

Burgess said the young knotweed plant looks like asparagus when it is 6-7 inches tall and delicate.

With the flow of the rivers, the new shoots are broken by water flows and new growth from roots is encouraged. Wherever the broken canes land, new growth may take place.

Knotweed project manager Casey Gozart said knotweed came from Asia as an ornamental plant, and has been noted in the area as early as the 1970s. It has been a developing problem for 5-6 years.

As the plant grows, it looks similar to bamboo but is not a member of the bamboo family. Knotweed canes are softer than bamboo. Beavers have reportedly cut knotweed.

Burgess said the Fish First organization is helping on the project, and volunteers are working as well. More volunteers are needed.

Some residents object

Robert Schalk of Yacolt received the county's letter seeking access to his property for knotweed control.

Schalk said he didn't know why anyone would sign the letter because of the letter's waiver and indemnification provisions.

The letter said the approving property owner will hold county staff and others who they may designate harmless from any injuries or damages that might occur during the control work.

Burgess said the liability waiver language came from the state Attorney General. He was unsure what kind of injuries or damages the control work might entail. He theorized that chemical spills or other property damage might be included in the liability waiver.

Burgess said county staff will "try to work out" property access issues with those who refuse to sign the waiver and access agreement.

Gozart said he has received about 50 phone calls from letter recipients. Several people have asked that they be held harmless from any accidents county staff or volunteers might be involved in such as falling or twisting ankles.

Gozart said he could not offer an example of what might be covered by the county's hold-harmless agreement. "I have no idea what might go wrong," said Gozart.

Burgess credited State Rep. Tom Mielke (R-Battle Ground) and State Sen. Joe Zarelli (R-Ridgefield) with bringing knotweed pilot project funding to Clark County. Without their efforts, said Burgess, the funding would not have been available.

Others involved in the work include AmeriCorps, Cowlitz County Public Works, state Department of Fish and Wildlife, Pacific Power and Light, and Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation.

Information is available from Burgess, 397-6140, Casey Gozart, project coordinator, 397-6140, ext. 7728, and Brad Archbold with the state Department of Agriculture, (360) 902-1800.

JODY RATHBUN: WOODCARVING ARTIST

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Visitors to the 2004 Amboy Territorial Days celebration may have run across Jody Rathbun's woodcarvings.

Rathbun, 19, makes, displays and sells a menagerie of statues, all hand-cut and shaped out of logs.

The Orchards artist is gaining a following for her work. She was recently commissioned to carve a stump still in the ground for a Ridgefield business owner.

"I'm always up for a challenge," Rathbun said. "If someone wants a particular piece, I'll try anything."

Rathbun describes her designs as simple but inviting. A tour of her workshop shows a leaping dolphin, a raccoon with a jaunty outfit, and a skateboarding grizzly bear. Various sizes of frogs and pigs dot the floor.

"My art really makes people smile," she said. "The figures are cartoonish, cute and lovable. That's what I love about it. It makes people happy."

Rathbun works mostly with cedar, Douglas fir and walnut woods. Sizes of finished products are 15-39 inches tall. Most of her art is geared toward outdoor decor, she said, but some customers display her pieces inside as well.

The process of creating her art is straightforward, she said. Once a design is made, each piece takes about 10 hours to complete.

Rathbun shapes each piece using a 340 Husqvarna chainsaw with a 16-inch bar. Each figure is fine-tuned using a different chain saw with a 12 inch nickel tip. A grinder with a sanding circle is then used to hone each piece, while a "dremel" tool spins each piece's final details.

Rathbun applies a coat of water-sealer to each figure, lets it sink in, and then applies two coats of polyeurothane. Indoor pieces are given a smoother base.

Rathbun's art is waterproof and is designed to last outdoors in the northwest for years, she said.

Artistic as a child, Rathbun got her start in woodcarving at age 15 when she lived in Colorado with her mother, Mary Rathbun. The family lived in a rural, mountainous community with little for a teenager to do, Rathbun said.

She struck up a friendship with some neighbors who lived about five miles away. The neighbors mass-produced carved bears for the Colorado tourism industry and offered her a job. Rathbun said they taught her two important lessons--that art can be pursued as a career, but it's got to be marketable.

For three years, Rathbun worked for the neighbors' company, first as a finisher, sanding and sealing each piece, then as a carver.

Homeschooled, Rathbun completed a General Equivalency Diploma at age 17 from Pueblo Community College. She moved to Washington at age 18 to live with her dad and step-mom, Alan and Jude Rathbun.

About one year ago she decided to make art her life pursuit.

"Anybody can do what I do," Rathbun said. "You can't learn it overnight, or support yourself right away. But if you persist until it becomes a reality, you'll eventually make it as an artist."

In the meantime, Rathbun isn't shirking her financial responsibilities. She has a part-time day job with a tree-care company. She's also cleaned apartments and babysat to support her art.

When she's not working or carving, Rathbun enjoys oil painting, swimming, biking, dancing and camping.

Prices for her art range from about $110-$365. Works are negotiable. Rathbun will also barter art for supplies and wood.

Contact Rathbun at 896-7356.

VOLUNTEER POWER HELPS MAINTAIN COMMUNITY PARK

Park district question to come before voters

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

It's the old-fashioned western way: community people gathering to raise a barn, a house, a school--or improve and maintain a park.

The old-fashioned western way has taken on a 21st century look at Felida Park, as citizens put their minds and muscles to work to build and maintain soccer and baseball fields.

Debbie Abraham, who moved to Felida in 1996, was one of the leaders in people power.

"There were a lot of clubs, a lot of partnerships involved," Abraham said. "We planted shrubs, put in bark dust. We had a couple of work days."

Clark County owns enough land to develop 35 parks, but the ongoing cost of maintenance has prevented the county from developing much of its parkland, said county commissioner Betty Sue Morris.

The commissioners have taken the first steps to create a metropolitan parks district inside the Vancouver urban growth area. Voters will be asked to approve the district and additional property tax in February.

The district, which would be governed by the commissioners, would have a tax rate of 27 cents per $1,000 and would raise $1.8 million for park maintenance, said David Judd, parks director.

Morris is optimistic the measure will be approved, but even with additional funding, she sees a continuing need for volunteers.

"Along the line, we'll still need to have people to help us," she said.

Felida Park, owned by the County since 1982, offers the example of volunteer involvement. The park finally opened last year after Abraham and others began clamoring for sports fields.

"The sports groups and the neighborhood groups helped with the planning," Morris said. "A soccer club did huge amounts of work. The pressure to develop the park came from soccer parents and their commitment to help."

The Salmon Creek Soccer Club helps with maintenance, although heavy maintenance is the Vancouver-Clark Parks Department's responsibility, Morris said.

The parks within Vancouver's urban growth area are operated jointly by the city and county under a special agreement.

Battle Ground does not have such an agreement with the County, Morris said, but any city could present a proposal to the commissioners.

"If Battle Ground wanted to partner with the County for its urban growth areas, we could do that," she said.

The growing number of youth sports teams and the need for schools to use former open space for buildings have contributed to the demand for sports parks, Morris said.

Since Felida Park was finished, Abraham has moved to another part of the county, but she still looks on the park as hers.

"It's a fabulous park," she said. "On the Fourth of July, we had a kids parade that started in the park. It was wonderful."

SUBDIVISONS SPROUT THROUGHOUT RIDGEFIELD

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

Large earth-moving equipment clearing and grading land along Pioneer St. in Ridgefield is preparing a new subdivision.

Cedar Ridge, when complete, will have 213 lots for attached townhouses and separate dwellings.

Kevin Snyder, Ridgefield city planner, said Cedar Ridge, planned for two phases, has received a permit for grading the land. The next step will be gaining approval of an engineering plan.

On the other side of town east of N Main Ave., Heron Ridge subdivision is entering its second phase, which will include 75 new houses for a total of 146 single-family homes.

Andrew Gunther, a project engineer, said the second phase needs engineering approval from the city.

"The city is reviewing our drawings," he said. "We hope to get approval within the next month or six weeks."

Construction could begin as early as this winter, he said.

Another new subdivision, Kirschenbaum Estates on the east side of S Hillhurst Rd., is planned for 58 single-family houses on nearly 35 acres.

Included in the subdivision will be nearly 16 acres of open space, according to the application from Hillhurst NW LLC.

LIVING IN THE PAST TAKES ON NEW MEANING FOR RIDGEFIELD WOMAN

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

Tightening her apron, the pioneer woman picked up a knife and began hacking at a side of venison.

Allene Wodaege and 13 other women were truly reliving the past as part of a living history week at Camp Rilea on the Oregon coast near Astoria.

The first night at camp they prepared stew, starting with a side of venison and cutting it up to fit in the pot, using early 19th century hunting knives.

Cooking was a major chore for the women--and men, too-- who spent their days reliving the hardships of pioneers on the Mississippi River in Illinois Territory in 1802.

The camp was a replica of one that would have been in existence on the edge of the frontier. The men were soldiers protecting the area from attack.

The women represented the wives and others who were following the soldiers.

"We think of those women as being of ill repute," Wodaege said. "But that's not really true."

The women may have been wives or family members of the soldiers, and had no other place to live.

"We ate two meals a day," Wodaege said. "It took a long time to cook."

Getting from one place to another also took a long time, as the 35 people in the camp had to walk everywhere they went.

Before they set up camp, the women and men walked 1.5 miles to the campground. Wodaege wore leather shoes, replicas of those worn during the early 19th century, but some participants wore moccasins.

"One guy had to leave," Wodaege said. "His feet were covered with blisters."

Camp adventurers knew there would be hardships. They were required to dress exactly as their ancestors did, and they could take nothing from the 21st century into the camp.

Wodaege decided to join the living history project, sponsored by the National Park Service, after seeing a poster at Fort Clatsop, OR, which is the replica of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery winter camp on the Oregon coast.

"In February I got a small brochure with information and the cost," she said. "Everything had to be from the period 1802. I made up my mind that this would be a huge adventure."

After she received basic information and sent in the $325 registration fee, Wodaege was on her own.

Her research led to a catalogue with clothing and supplies from the period, but she decided to sew her clothing.

She made an empire-style muslin dress and a cap. She asked a seamstress to sew a short wool jacket and full-length cape with hood.

It was chilly on the coast in late June, Wodaege said, and she wore the jacket and cape nearly every day.

Her choice of clothing paid a dividend after she arrived in camp.

At the end of the 18th century, the class society in America was alive and well. Clothing defined where a person belonged in the social strata.

"Because of my clothing, I was defined as a woman of class," she said. "I didn't have to do much work. I made coffee."

Before embarking on the three-day camping adventure, the men and women had three days of "intensive instruction," Wodaege said.

Attending class from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., they learned from several experts about every facet of life along the Mississippi.

"They were so knowledgeable," Wodaege said. "Living history opens a whole new world."

Although men and women studied together, after they arrived in camp they were kept strictly separated with men in one area and women about 200 feet away. The two groups did not interact or socialize.

A "carpenter" and his son entertained the men with fiddle music around the campfire at night. The women could not join the men, but could sit around their campfire and hear the music, Wodaege said.

A "blacksmith" set up a forge nearby, and the women were allowed to work the forge.

At some distance away, black powder rifles were made available for the campers to try their skill at shooting.

"I did not shoot powder," Wodaege said. "My feet were hurting so bad I couldn't go another mile-and-a-half."

When they bedded down for the night, most of the men and women slept on ticking stuffed with straw. Wodaege, however, had the foresight to provide a cot.

"We were allowed to bring a wooden cot with white canvas," she said.

The organizers made one concession to modern sanitary requirements: chemical toilets. But those modern necessities were placed out of sight of the camp outside the designated area, and they were guarded by "soldiers."

"You had to have a password to go to the bathroom during the night," Wodaege said.

Despite the discomforts of camp and going three days without a shower or brushing her teeth, Wodaege would do it again.

"I wanted to try it," she said. "I knew I'd be uncomfortable, I knew I'd lose sleep. I knew the food would be different and strange, and I'd be with people I'd never met. I'm very glad I did it."

Wodaege is mulling the idea of becoming a person from the past and regularly participating in living history programs, but she needs to do more research, she said.

"You learn that you don't just put on a period dress and be someone else," she said. "You have to be well read and know the person you are portraying.

"It would be a real challenge to do it," she added, "but I've always liked to do something different."

STATE EYES DIRECT ROUTE TO I-5

Bad news prompts engineers to look again at route through Duluth

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Bad news in SR-502 (NE 10th Ave.)/I-5 interchange reports might be good news for Duluth business owners.

After looking at impacts projected by engineering reports on a proposed route that skirted Duluth, state Department of Transportation engineers are evaluating an interchange option that would route traffic through the business community.

In March, Transportation officials selected Option E-4 as a "Recommended Build Alternative."

The route veers SR-502 northward at NE 22nd Ave. to an east/west route about 300 feet from the Duluth area.

Although E-4 is still on the table, Transportation project engineer Bart Gernhart said a decision was made to consider another option.

Engineering reports on Option E-4 predicted more environmental and land-buying hurdles than anticipated.

The plan was originally selected in part to avoid cutting trees from a forested area near Gee Creek.

Gernhart said engineering reports doubled early estimates of wetlands impacts.

Reports also revealed a need for 90 acres of right of way, rather than an initial estimate of 60 acres, said Gernhart.

Gernhart said that Option M, a modification of Option C considered several months ago, would track SR-502 along NE 219th St. with yet to be defined realignments that would reduce impacts on area businesses.

Gernhart said engineers will evaluate Option M using the same criteria used for Option E-4, and decide which alternative is better.

A decision will be based on costs, benefits, safety, traffic flow, impacts to the environment, businesses and other properties, he said.

Option M includes an SR-502 extension that gradually angles northward from west of the Duluth intersection to I-5.

Westbound traffic on SR-502 would access northbound I-5 by an on-ramp. An overpass would be used to loop traffic non-stop onto southbound interstate lanes.

Northbound motorists on I-5 would access SR-502 by an off-ramp adjacent to the existing Gee Creek rest area ramp. Southbound I-5 motorists would use an off ramp and loop non-stop onto SR-502.

Representative Tom Mielke suggested realignment

State Representative Tom Mielke (R-Battle Ground) weighed in on SR-502 routing several months ago, said Gernhart.

Gernhart said Mielke suggested keeping SR-502 in Duluth and protecting businesses on the north side of the road by slightly realigning the highway to the south.

Gernhart said he met with Mielke and Duluth area property owners in early June, while impacts of Option E-4 were being evaluated.

Concerns of Mielke and citizens were considered, but did not trigger a reassessment, said Gernhart.

Engineering reports triggered a new look, Gearhart said. As information came in, it made sense to see how a revised Option C, now known as Option M, would stack up against Option E-4, he said.

Political pressure did not force the review of a new alternative, said Transportation assistant area engineer Leon Winger and communications assistant Amy Echols.

Mielke, contacted July 21, said Duluth business owners are very concerned about Option E-4 which would route traffic and business revenue away from them.

The state no longer allows businesses to locate on state routes, and a re-routing of SR-502 would destroy Duluth business owners and devalue their properties, said Mielke.

Mielke said he took these perspectives--with a suggestion to shift the highway slightly to the south in Duluth to save businesses on the north side of the highway--to Gernhart.

Echols said Transportation officials may host a meeting with Duluth business owners in mid-August.

Field studies including surveying on Option M will begin in late July or early August.

Funding for the $34.7 million interchange project comes from the 2003 Legislative Transportation Funding "Nickel" Package. An additional $15 million was targeted for a future SR-502 corridor widening project.

The Transportation website for updates is

www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/SR502/Interchange/

Echols may be reached for information at 905-2058.

County commissioners to consider west connection

County long range planner Evan Dust said a link-up from the west to the proposed SR-502 extension and interchange will be reviewed by County commissioners as a docket item in February 2005.

Dust said officials from Ridgefield and the Port of Ridgefield requested inclusion of a westerly road connection to the interchange in the County atlas.

WOODLAND TO BEGIN SEARCH FOR NEW FIRE CHIEF

by Michelle Kapitanovich

Woodland Fire Department chief Rob Dahl has resigned.

Despite his contract continuing until Sept. 30, Dahl will not return to work as chief. He will use his remaining vacation and other leave to round out his time, he said.

Woodland city council members appointed division chief Tony Brentin as interim at a July 19 meeting, with the stipulation that the appointment last no longer than 90 days.

Mayor Doug Monge said he hopes to begin the search for a new fire chief immediately. Basic qualifications of applicants are previous fire chief experience, ability to improve firefighter morale and help the department move toward greater professionalism.

Dahl said his contract required him to provide 60 days notice. Once he tendered his resignation, it was up to Monge whether he continue as chief or be relieved of duty.

"After meeting with myself and the management team, the mayor decided it would be a good time for me to use my vacation and other acquired leave and go ahead and move Tony into the position," Dahl said. "That frees me up to deal with other things I need to pursue."

Dahl worked for the city five years and said he found it to be a good working environment.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time there," he said. "Anytime you're working in that political environment, there will be challenges and differences of opinion."

Dahl is considering a couple of job offers in the firefighting field outside the state. He would also like to pursue his dream of working as a consultant on firefighter safety and training.

Brentin has worked for Woodland Fire for two years. As a division chief, he is in charge of firefighter training.

A firefighter for 26 years, Brentin has held posts with King County Fire District 2 in Burien and in Pierce County Fire District 16 near Gig Harbor. Brentin plans to apply for the chief's position.

The Woodland Fire Department has three paid positions and more than 40 volunteers.

Sign ordinance approved

In a three-to-one vote, council members approved a new sign ordinance. They pledged to review its effectiveness within six months.

Months of work went into revising the ordinance, which went through six drafts.

The code generally lessens the restrictions on the number and size of signs allowed in the city.

Despite the time and attention it received, the council still had issues with regulations.

Council member Jim Tone continued to voice concerns about sandwich boards, which are not allowed in three new zoning districts. Tone is bothered by the fact that several signs end up in the public right-of-way.

Monge noted that regulations in the new code will be enforced, which could help preserve pedestrian pathways.

"You're trying to convince me of something I just don't believe in," Tone said. "They're in the right-of-way."

Tone and Monge continued to argue until Tone asked for a promise that the city would enforce restrictions placed on sandwich boards.

"I'll pick them up in my own truck," Monge responded.

The lone dissenting vote came from Bruce Summers Jr., who opposes the free-standing signs allowed in one of the commercial districts.

Businesses or business complexes with 1.5 acres or greater located within 50 feet of I-5 could have one freeway-oriented sign as tall as 45 feet. These signs were previously limited to 30 feet.

Council position filled

The council appointed Carol Rounds to fill the position being vacated by council member Michael Kruse.

Kruse will leave his post at the end of this month because he is moving outside the city limits. His term expires Dec. 31, 2005.

Eight people applied for the position.

Rounds has lived in the city for 27 years. She has volunteered for the Rotary, United Way and Chamber of Commerce. She has worked as a manager at Columbia Bank since 1988.

BG INCHES FORWARD ON LIBRARY DEAL

Gardner Center may be option for new facility

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

"We have waited long enough," wrote Alex Mintz, president of Friends of the Battle Ground Community Library.

"Now is the time for the Friends to work toward building a new community library for the citizens," he wrote to Dennis Osborne, deputy city manager for Battle Ground.

Mintz's letter, and the Friends group consideratoin of a new library location, motivated city council members to take a harder look at helping the group build a bigger library.

The group has asked developer Elie Kassab about locating a new library in the Gardner Center under construction near Maple Grove Primary School.

Kassab said he welcomes the library on the northern portion of the Center, north of the cinema.

"I will do whatever I can to help the Friends of the Library dream come true," Kassab said.

By telephone, Mintz said the Gardner Center is just one option the Friends are looking into.

One is remodeling the 1st and Clark building owned by the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District.

The building, purchased in 1999, is 9,000 square feet, has two offices and more than 50 parking spaces.

Voters nixed two library bonds, the last in 2000, that would have remodeled the old Methodist Church on the corner of NE 1st St. and NE Clark Ave.

Another option is working with the Battle Ground School District regarding building on land surrounding the current library. The library district owns the pad and building, but not parking areas or any other property.

Talks with District officials regarding that land are at a standstill, Mintz said, because a school bond needs to pass first.

The current library was built in 1959 to accommodate a population of 888. The population now tops 13,000 within the city limits. But the library serves 130,000 circulation including outlying areas, according to information from the Friends group.

In addition, there are still only three tables and 21 chairs for patrons to use in the 3,869 square-foot building.

Council members balk

Council members made it clear at a July 19 meeting that they want the library to continue in its current location central to the city.

They balked at the idea of the library being anywhere other than the corner of 12 W Main St. and N Parkway Ave.

A Central Main District Plan was begun last year and put on hold while city planners worked on the growth management comprehensive plan which is due to County officials this year.

In the preliminary plan, the library is a central component, said Eric Holmes, city manager. The idea is to possibly co-locate with a community center and other facilities, such as a performing arts center/venue, and senior and social services.

The official plan won't be finished until sometime in 2005. That was why he asked the Friends group to wait another year, he told council members.

In return for the keeping the library at its current location, council members offered to possibly absorb development impact fees, which will be about $106,000 for a 15,000 square foot library. Engineering fees may also be waived.

If council members agree to get involved in making a new library a city priority and help fund the project as the Friend's request, they would be "stakeholders" and have influence over the type, quality and overall design, Holmes said.

If the Friends choose to move the library out of the central district, city council members would have no obligation to help, he said.

For now, Holmes said city officials could act as a "third party facilitator" between school and library groups regarding working out a deal for land.

"I'll be the blunt one," said council member Alex Reinhold. "It seems to me like the library and school's relationship for a few years has been at a log-jam. Maybe the city can help move it along and keep the momentum going."

Mintz isn't impressed with the council's response.

"I didn't hear anything different than what they've said for the last several years," he said. "Isn't it interesting that they're willing for us to be on school district property?"

Mintz said the Friends group will continue exploring other options, and pursue working with Kassab on a Gardner Center location.

The group is also making plans to kick "new library" fundraising efforts into high gear.

David Di Cesare, Ft. Vancouver Regional Library Foundation member, said it's possible the sale of both District owned buildings could go toward building a library at the Center.

"We're in conceptual discussions with Elie," he said. "Other options are being considered as well."

After the council meeting, Friends member Jane Higgins wrote to other members and said efforts to replace the library have been going on for 20 years.

"If we were to allow current efforts to falter, yet another generation might not have an adequate library," Higgins wrote.

WOODLAND FIRE GETS NEW BREATHING EQUIPMENT

Woodland firefighters have received 35 new self-contained breathing apparatus, spare bottles and face-pieces.

The new equipment will improve the firefighters' ability to combat structure fires and greatly increase their safety, said Tony Brentin, interim fire chief.

The apparatus meets all current state and federal standards and requirements, he said. The older equipment did not.

The new units hold 50 percent more air supply than the older ones, but weigh about half as much, he said.

A $276,374 FireAct grant paid for the air supplies as well as some communication equipment and a mobile air trailer. Only $13,000 came out of the fire department budget to help with purchases, Brentin said.

Clark County Fire District 2 area citizens will also benefit from the purchases, as Woodland Fire provides fire and emergency services by contract.

FAIRGROUNDS NEIGHBOR: QUINCUNX NOT PAYING FINES

Bill Myers, staff reporter

A neighborhood association leader told the Clark County commissioners July 20 that the Clark County Amphitheater operator owes $300,000 in past-due rent and more than $80,000 in fines.

Bridget Schwarz, executive board member of the Fairgrounds Neighborhood Association, said a Lease & Management Agreement requires Quincunx to pay $300,000 (half of the 2004 annual rent) by July 15.

Deputy treasurer John Payne confirmed on July 19 that the rent was not paid, said Schwarz.

Schwarz said the County has not collected more than

$80,000 in fines owed by the Amphitheater operator for 37 violations of traffic conditions and 14 noise limit violations.

Schwarz said Quincunx officials failed to follow through on commitments to hold open houses and hear citizen complaints. The Operator has also violated Conditional Use Permit provisions, said Schwarz.

Commissioner Judie Stanton thanked Schwarz for a well-documented analysis and asked Schwarz to call her on the telephone about the problems.

Commissioner Craig Pridemore was silent and Commissioner Betty Sue Morris was absent.

On July 22, Clark County commissioner assistant Mary Keltz said a $300,000 rent payment was received at the County July 21, on the fourth business day following the due date.

An Amphitheater Lease, Easement, and Management Agreement says interest and a late charge of $100 daily will be charged if the Operator fails to pay any rent within three business days after a date due.

Rich Carson, director of Clark County Community Development, said it will take about a week to fully assess allegations from Schwarz.

Carson said the County fined the Amphitheater operator $1,000 in July for failing to cease operations by 11 p.m. at a blink-182 concert.

NEWS

$250 REWARD FOR INFO ON DOG KILLER

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Spot was a 4-year old stray dalmatian when Shirley Schafer took him in.

Schafer spent several weeks trying to find his owner, to no avail. So she adopted him.

Spot was neutered, given his shots and treated to relieve allergies. He became Shirley's sidekick for the next four and one-half years.

Spot never wandered around the neighborhood, Schafer said. He was content to hang out at his house near the end of a road not far from the Mt. Vista area of Ridgefield.

When Schaefer was home, he was inside. When she got home from work, she'd let him outside for about five minutes to exercise. At night, Spot slept in the back yard under her bedroom window.

On July 12, someone shot and killed Spot with two blasts from a shotgun.

Spot died a slow, painful death as Shirley watched her beloved animal struggle to breathe and bleed profusely. Neighborhood children alerted Schafer to her dying dog outside. She wasn't sure what had happened, she said.

At first, she thought he'd run into a sharp object or been kicked by a horse. Then she remembered hearing a shot. Two neighbors said they heard it too.

Schafer had let Spot out of the house only five minutes before he was assaulted.

The quiet, dead-end road in a neighborhood on NE 175th St. near NE 29th Ave. is older, and most of the homes are on an acre or more, surrounded by pastures.

Families know and look out for each other, said friend and neighbor Valerie Dewitz. But this tragedy has made the neighborhood even more tight-knit.

The incident left them with fear such as who is wandering the neighborhood with a shotgun with intention to cold-bloodedly shoot someone's pet, Dewitz said.

As a result of Spot's death, the group has started a Neighborhood Watch program through the Clark County Sheriff's Office.

The neighbors have put together a $250 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who killed Spot.

Even if the shooter is caught, the hole in Schafer's life that used to be filled with Spot will remain empty.

Schaefer doesn't even own a photo of her dog to remember him by.

Schafer had taken some snapshots and sent them to her mother in San Bernardino, CA last year. Her mom's house was one that perished in the wildfires that swept through the area last fall.

Schafer's 17-year-old Norfolk terrier misses Spot, too. Snickers sleeps on the missing companion's blanket on the back porch.

"In the 35 years I've lived in this neighborhood, nothing like this has ever happened," Schafer said. "I'm still crying over it."

Anyone with information is urged to call deputy Brett Anderson at 397-2211.
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 select 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 after the numbered stub has been removed. They will then place the gold envelope with three discarded ballots into another collection device, with all three stubs removed.

Likness said all four stubs look exactly alike and bear the same number. Once the stubs are moved from ballots, the voted ballot will remain unidentifiable.

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.

And in Cowlitz County, Swanson said officials will work to determine "voter intent" as absentee ballots are returned.

Votes will be counted, for example, from voters who return all four ballots but mark only one, said Swanson.

At the polls, said Swanson, not only will the stub be removed from the cast ballot, but the stubs will also be removed from the three discarded ballots.

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.

Swanson said a primary election system similar to the one in Clark County is also used in Montana. But there, said Swanson, all ballots are on one piece of paper.

Swanson described the system of four separate ballots as "unnecessary."

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

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

The state Grange organization has submitted petition signatures to state officials to change the primary election system.

The Grange initiative has qualified for the ballot. In the November general election, a simple majority of voters could change the primary election system to a "high two" method.

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

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

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

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY READY ON PLANKHOUSE

The draft Environmental Assessment for the proposed Cathlapotle plankhouse to be constructed at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is ready for public review and comment.

The document is available at some branches of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library, including the branches in Ridgefield, La Center, Salmon Creek and Woodland, and online at ridgefieldrefuges.fws.gov

Comments are due by Sat., Aug. 14, and may be mailed to Project Leader, Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box. 457, Ridgefield, WA 98642.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to build a Chinookan-style, cedar plankhouse on the Carty Unit of the Refuge, located about a half-mile from the city limits.

The environmental assessment covers various water quality, fish issues, cultural history, archaeology, public use and endangered species. It also includes environmental education and interpretation programs, and potential increase in visitation brought about by the plankhouse.

Work on the plankhouse has been underway for about a year, with a groundbreaking and first post erection ceremony previously conducted. The construction work is headed by Greg Robinson, a member of the Chinook Indian Tribe, with the help of several volunteers.

Information, Yvette Donovan, 887-4106.

OBITS:

LESTER WATSON

Lester Ralph Watson, 74, died July 20, 2004 in Vancouver.

Watson was born Jan. 5, 1930 in Battle Ground, and graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1949. He attended Clark College and Portland State University, and held a degree in Healthcare Administration.

Watson served in the Navy during the Korean conflict and received three service medals. He developed commercial properties in Clark County, including Watson Nursing Home (now Parkway North Care Center), Battle Ground Convalescent Home, Mid-Town Mall, Tiger Bowl, and the Winery Restaurant in Hazel Dell.

Watson was active in the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce for many years, the Battle Ground American Legion, and the Columbia River Yacht Club. He served as a volunteer fireman for several years. He was instrumental in developing the Harvest Days festival. He played Santa Claus for underprivileged children at Christmas.

Watson married Sharon Lutz in 1953 and later divorced. He married Lennette Schram and later divorced. He married Diana Bryan in 1993 and lived in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho for several years. They recently moved back to Vancouver to be near family members.

Watson enjoyed skiing, swimming, boating, hunting and fishing. Many favorite memories include teaching his children to ski, spending time on his boat, elk hunting, and his best friend, Bob Groat.

Watson was preceded in death by an infant son, Rodney Leland, who died at birth, grandson Shane Watson, and sister Mary Johnson. Survivors include widow Diana Watson of Vancouver, daughters Shelly, and Charee Peck Utah, sons Chuck Watson and Paul Watson, both of Vancouver, and Scott Watson of Utah, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild, step-daughters Jodie Rymer of Vancouver and Judie Stone of Battle Ground, and sisters Kate Madison of Ohio and Jean Ball of California.

A memorial service will be held for family and dear friends Sat., Aug. 7, 2 p.m., at Layne's Funeral Home, 16 NE Clark Ave., Battle Ground.

MARIAN ARECHIGA

Marian Effie (Davis) Arechiga, 64, died July 18, 2004 in Portland.

Arechiga was born Sept. 23, 1939 in Ashland, OR, worked as a registered nurse for 35 years, and lived in Clark County for 23 years.

Arechiga was a member of the Meadow Glade Seventh-day Adventist Church. She was active in church activities. She enjoyed sewing, knitting and the outdoors.

Survivors include husband John Arechiga, at home in Vancouver, daughter Susan Arechiga of California, sons John-Mark Arechiga and Adam Arechiga, both of California, and Matthew Arechiga of Portland, sister Dorothy Boyles of Texas, and four grandchildren.

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

RUTH JOHNSON

Ruth Esther (Fischer) Johnson, 92, died July 21, 2004 in Battle Ground.

Johnson was born Dec. 18, 1911 in Butte, North Dakota, and lived in Clark County for six years.

Johnson enjoyed cooking, the outdoors, reading, and going to the beach. She loved babies, humor, and had a positive attitude. She had worked in canneries. She was a licensed caregiver. She had also worked as a custodian at Whitman College.

Johnson was preceded in death by her husband, Abraham Lincoln Johnson, in 1998. Survivors include daughter Julie Johnson of Kent, son Martin Johnson of Battle Ground, brother Roy Fischer of Seattle, one grandchild and two great-grandchildren.

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

CLARA DESPRES

Clara Marie (Fralick) Despres, 90, died July 24, 2004 in Woodland.

Despres was born Dec. 4, 1913 in Arlington, and moved to Woodland 14 years ago. She graduated from Arlington High School in 1932. She was very family-oriented. She enjoyed her yardwork, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed her "Grannie" name, given to her by her grandchildren. Survivors include daughters Cathie Hall of Everett, Eileen Hurn of Woodland and Lois Luke of Bellingham, 10 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Sat., July 31, 2 p.m., at Arlington Cemetery, with the Woodland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

GLENN JOLMA

Glenn Edward Jolma, 77, died July 19, 2004 at home in Battle Ground.

Jolma was born Jan. 17, 1927 in Marengo, WI.

Jolma graduated from Ashland High School in Wisconsin, then from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. He worked in the refrigeration and appliance repair business for several years, then as a real estate agent until his retirement.

During World War II, Jolma sailed the Great Lakes as a Merchant Marine.

Jolma was a member of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church of Brush Prairie. His hobbies included hunting, boating and baseball with his children and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jolma was preceded in death by a brother Raymond Jolma and infant sister Greta Jolma.

Jolma is survived by his wife of 53 years, Teckla (Uskoski) Jolma, at home, sons Gordon Jolma of Vancouver, Jack Jolma of Battle Ground, Curtis Jolma of Yacolt and Kevin Jolma of Vancouver, daughter Heidi Massie of Battle Ground, brother Clarence Jolma of Hot Springs, MT, sisters Mae Uskoski and Jean Uskoski of Brush Prairie, 22 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held July 23, 2004 at the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church in Brush Prairie, with burial in Elim Cemetery, Brush Prairie.

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

JAMES BROWN JR.

James David Brown Jr., 85, died July 19, 2004, in Battle Ground.

Brown was born Dec. 19, 1918 in Zwolle, LA. Brown was a Clark County resident 44 years.

Brown served in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Enterprise from 1939-1960 and retired as Chief Petty Officer. In 1961, he went to work as a Clark County Sheriff's deputy until he retired in 1981.

Brown was a member of the American Legion and Lions Club. He was proud of his service in the military. After retirement, he traveled to Enterprise crew reunions and loved to tell war stories.

Brown also enjoyed telling about his exploits during service as a law enforcement officer. In his later years as a deputy, he was a check fraud investigator for area banks.

Family describes him as a curmudgeon one minute and a sweetheart the next.

After retirement, he enjoyed going to his grandchildren's sports games such as soccer, baseball, football and basketball.

Brown last lived at Mallard Landing Assisted Living in Battle Ground for the past year and one-half. Staff and hospice nurses report him as special to them.

Brown is survived by Mildred Brown, his wife of 60 years, at home in Battle Ground, sons Larry Brown of McMinnville, OR and Jim Brown of Battle Ground, four grandchildren, Kelly Steber and John Brown of McMinnville, Jim Brown of Battle Ground and Larry Brown with the U.S. Army, and two great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were held July 27, 2004 at Memory Memorial Park Cemetery, Vancouver, with Layne's Funeral Home of Battle Ground in charge of arrangements. Donations can be made to Kaiser Hospice.

SYLVIA MACKEY

Sylvia Eliina (Hutonen) Mackey, 85, died July 19, 2004 in Vancouver.

Mackey was born Aug. 27, 1918 in Warwick, ND.

Although she lived for a time in Astoria, OR, Mackey was a Clark County resident for 62 years. She worked as a cook at the state School for the Deaf in Vancouver and as a homemaker. For a time, she was a welder and crane operator in a Vancouver shipyard.

Mackey was a member of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church. She was an informal massage therapist and is described as industrious. She was the author of her own published biography and enjoyed writing, writing letters to friends, reading, talking on the phone and gardening.

Mackey was preceded in death by her husband, George W. Mackey, in 2001 and son Ron Mackey in 1982.

Mackey is survived by daughters Carol Mackey of Spokane and Cynthia Swain of Mulino, OR, son Gregory Mackey of Vancouver, sisters Gladys Welhelmi of Yuma, AZ and Verna Sweet of Seattle, brothers Rayno Hutonen of Vancouver and Roy Kinnunen of Astoria, and 12 grandchildren.

Funeral services were held July 24, at the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church in Brush Prairie with committal at Gravel Point Cemetery, Battle Ground. Layne's Funeral Home of Battle Ground was in charge of arrangements.

RAYMOND JOHNSON

Raymond Gordon Johnson, 68, died July 20, 2004 in Vancouver.

Johnson was born Nov. 15, 1935 in Portland. He was a Battle Ground resident for 29 years and last worked as a carpenter.

Johnson enjoyed fishing, wood carving, telling jokes, watching television, visiting the ocean, eating and cooking. Most notably, he liked baking cherry pies and barbecuing.

Johnson had a host of friends and enjoyed spending time with his mother-in-law.

Johnson is survived by his wife of 23 years, Mary Johnson, at home, daughters Catherine Thompson and Mary Tillman, both of Tacoma, step-daughters Karie Cole and Mary Ann Wagner, both of Vancouver, step-sons Robert Wagner of Battle Ground and Kenneth Wagner of Palmer, AK, four grandchildren, 12 step-grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren.

Private graveside services were held in Northwood Park Cemetery, Ridgefield, with Layne's Funeral Home of Battle Ground in charge of arrangements.

TAMERA KOOKEN

Tamera "Tami" Lynn (Alen) Kooken, 37, died July 20, 2004 in Vancouver.

Kooken was born Sept. 5, 1966 in Portland. She was a Clark County resident 37 years and worked as a dental assistant.

Kooken was a member of Cedar Creek Seventh-day Adventist Church. She was a volleyball coach and enjoyed photography, sailing, traveling, going to the coast and seeing new country. She also enjoyed sewing and quilting things for cancer patients, her family and auctions.

Kooken is survived by her husband, Phillip Kooken, at home, parents Paul Alen of Vancouver and Judy Linn of Vancouver, son Kyle Kooken, at home, sister Debbie Reed of Vancouver and brother Paul Alen of Portland.

Memorial services and a potluck will be held on Mon., Aug. 2, 3 p.m., at Swanberg Park, 11302 NE Cedar Creek Rd., about 10 miles east of Woodland. Please bring your own chairs.

Layne's Funeral Home of Battle Ground is in charge of arrangements. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society and/or the Ray Hickey Hospice House.

HELEN SIMMONS

Helen Tynne (Kangas) Simmons, 86, died July 19, 2004 in Woodland.

Simmons was born Nov. 22, 1917 in Superior, WY, graduated from Astoria High School in 1936, and lived in Woodland since 1977.

Simmons loved to laugh. She also enjoyed flowers, gardening, yardwork, golfing, swimming, and fishing. She volunteered at Mt. St. Helens information center and the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens. She loved nature, her pets and family.

Survivors include husband, Boyd Simmons, at home, son Buck Simmons of Richland, daughter Phyllis Ray of Seattle, sister Trudy Trotter of Oregon, six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

The Woodland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

JEAN WITSBERGER

Jean (Mcnab) Witsberger, 78, died July 20, 2004 in Vancouver.

Witsberger was born Aug. 17, 1925 in The Dallas, OR, taught school for many years in the Hood River School District, and lived in Ridgefield since 1990.

Witsberger loved her family. She was active in the Sacred Heart Church in Battle Ground. She was a member of the Jolly Boys and Jolly Belles Breakfast Club at St. Philips Catholic Church in Woodland. She was a former Holy Names Nun as Sister Rosalie Therese. She was a gifted violinist. She enjoyed swimming and gardening.

Witsberger was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Vincent "Vince" Witsberger in June 2004. Survivors include sister Anne Phillips of Oregon, and nieces and nephews.

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

JOHN KINGSBURY

John Howard Kingsbury, 81, died July 18, 2004 in Woodland.

Kingsbury was born July 2, 1923 in Spokane, worked as an accountant at Chevron Oil for 44 years, and lived in Woodland for 10 days.

Kingsbury had previously lived in Vancouver for four years, Carson for 15 years, California for 15 years and Seattle for eight years.

Kingsbury enjoyed playing golf, working outdoors, traveling and taking car trips. He had many friends. His family was very important to him. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

Kingsbury was preceded in death by his wife, Irene, in April 2003, brother Tommy Kingsbury in 2004 and sister Katheryn Ulowetz in 1988. Survivors include sons Larry Kingsbury of Battle Ground, Robb Kingsbury of Bellevue, Dan Kingsbury of Seattle, Dave Kingsbury of Mt. Lake Terrace and Chris Kingsbury of Des Moines, daughter Tess Kingsbury of California, 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

The Woodland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

MARJORIE BARTHELEMY

Marjorie Ellen (Melton) Barthelemy, 64, died July 19, 2004 in Woodland.

Barthelemy was born April 5, 1940, in Longview, grew up in Kalama, and lived in Seattle 1965-1990. She then moved back to Kalama.

Barthelemy graduated from Kalama High School in 1958. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, cooking and gardening. She was a member of the U.S. Marine Corp League, Woodland Church of Latter-day Saints, and Order of Eastern Star. She was a former Rainbow Girl.

Barthelemy was married to Frederick Garo 1962-1976 and divorced, then married Louis Barthelemy 1979-1996. Survivors include son David Garo of Colorado, step-son Kerry Barthelemy of Gold Bar, daughters Gordene Ahrens of Longview, Edith Ahrens of Kalama and Eleanor Whitman of Maple Valley, half-brother Ray Huls of Castle Rock, and five grandchildren.

The Woodland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

CANDIS PENNINGTON-CARTER

Candis Leigh Pennington-Carter, 18, died in an automobile accident July 18, 2004 in Kalama.

Pennington-Carter was born Feb. 7, 1986 in Montrose, CA, and moved to Woodland in 1991. She graduated from Woodland High School in 2004 and had received a full-ride scholarship to Northwest College in Kirkland.

Pennington-Carter was a member of the Cowlitz Valley Volleyball Club. She enjoyed playing volleyball, horses, doing hair, and singing.

Survivors include parents Mike and Pattie Carter of Woodland, brothers Brian pennington of Woodland and Steve McCoy of Yakima, sister Kimberly Pennington of Woodland, and grandparents Shirley Kemp of Olympia, Richard and Nevada Carter of Castle Rock and Donald and Dorothy Pennington of Colorado.

The Woodland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.