DEPUTY MURDERED ON DUTY IN BRUSH PRAIRIE

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Clark County Sheriff Sgt. Brad Crawford, a 49-year-old father of five and grandfather of three, was killed while on duty July 30 in Brush Prairie.

Robin Taylor Schreiber, 43, appeared before judge John Wulle in Clark County Superior Court Aug. 2 on charges of vehicular homicide and first degree murder. Arraignment was set for Aug. 18, 9 a.m., and he was transported to the Cowlitz County jail where he is being held without bail.

Police reports state that on July 30, about 8 p.m., Schreiber rammed his full-size Ford pickup truck into the driver's side of Crawford's patrol car when the officer blocked his way in the road.

Crawford and other deputies had responded to a call of domestic violence and a suicide threat at 11514 NE 128th Ave. The caller said the suspect had a firearm.

Deputies surrounded the area and waited for a SWAT team and negotiator to arrive. But Schreiber reportedly crawled out of the house, jumped into his truck and tried to flee the scene as the extra help arrived.

Reports say Schreiber fled the residence across a nearby pasture on NE 126th Ave., ripping out several fenceposts as he went, then accelerated his truck into the officer's car.

Rescue crews cut the patrol car to get Crawford out. He was taken by Life Flight to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland where he died about two hours later.

Schreiber was treated for minor injuries to his face at Southwest Washington Medical Center before being booked at the Clark County jail and held without bail.

Crawford is the first Clark County deputy killed in the line of duty in 17 years. Deputy Martin Sowders was shot in 1976.

Crawford began work with the Clark County sheriff's office in 1996 after transferring from the Flagstaff Police Department in Arizona. He began his law enforcement career in 1983 with the Los Angeles Police Department.

Throughout his career, Crawford held positions with specialized units such as DARE, child abuse intervention, hostage negotiations, fraud investigations and the County's major crimes unit.

In 1998, sheriff Garry Lucas gave Crawford an Exemplary Service Award for a detailed investigation leading to the recovery of stolen property from two unrelated burglaries.

In 1999, Crawford was awarded a Police Service Medal for the investigation that lead to the apprehension and arrest of a suspect who had committed more than 30 robberies.

Lucas said he is grateful for the support shown to his deputies and himself.

"The men and women of our agency are going to be grieving," he said. "We covet the thoughts and prayers of those we serve."

Crawford is survived by his wife, Linda, sons Mark, 24, Paul, 22, Jacob, 12, and twin daughters Darcy and Cory, 24, and three grandchildren.

YOUTH LANDS BIG CHINOOK IN ALASKA

Kelsea Burgess has always been the lucky one in the boat, said her proud father Phil Burgess of Battle Ground.

Kelsea, 14, landed a 50-pound chinook salmon July 19 in the Kasilof River in southern Alaska. The catch was the largest in that area during the current season.

Kelsea will have the memory of her summer 2004 fishing trip as she starts her freshman year at Battle Ground High School this fall.

Phil and Linda Burgess, and children Kelsea and Kevin, 18, used the services of drift boat guide Phil "Fabulous Phil" Christensen in the Cooper's Landing area of Alaska south of Anchorage near Soldotna. All four family members caught fish. Linda's catch weighed in at 30 pounds, Kevin's at 25 pounds, and Phil's at 17 pounds.

The Burgess family used salmon eggs on spinners to take their limit of one fish per person.

Kelsea's 50-pound monster measured 44 inches in length.

Kelsea's father Phil said Kelsea has often been the most successful during family fishing outings, including trips to Battle Ground Lake.

Phil Burgess said he planned to make another fishing adventure to Alaska next year as a family vacation.

CANDIDATES LINE UP FOR FALL ELECTIONS

Candidates filed for offices last week in Clark and Cowlitz counties, although most had previously announced their intentions to run.

Candidates for all partisan races will appear on the Sept. 14 primary election ballot even if only one Republican and one Democrat filed for an office. In such a case, both candidates will also appear on the general election ballot. Under the state Constitution, unopposed candidates for Superior Court will not appear on either the primary or general election ballot and will be considered elected.

In Clark and Cowlitz counties, all 12 candidates for Superior Court judgeships are unopposed.

No Libertarian candidates filed for office in either county.

Clark County elections supervisor Tim Likness said Libertarian candidates have one week after the filing deadline to submit petitions with 100 signatures to appear on the primary ballot.

Clark County

Republican Tom Mielke filed to challenge incumbent Clark County commissioner Betty Sue Morris (D-Vancouver). Mielke is a resident of Battle Ground.

Marc Boldt (R-Brush Prairie) filed for the Clark County commissioner seat vacated by Judie Stanton. Democrats Jeanne Harris of Vancouver and John Hagensen of Camas have also filed for the position.

Mielke and Boldt left their seats in the state legislature to seek positions as county commissioners.

Nancy Barnes will return unopposed as a commissioner with Clark Public Utilities.

Incumbent District Court judge Rich Melnick will face two challengers in Janna R. Lovejoy of La Center and Craig Edward Kennedy of Vancouver. The top two vote-getters in the primary election will appear on the general election ballot in November in the non-partisan race.

Cowlitz County

Incumbent Cowlitz County commissioner Bill Lehning (D-Kelso) will be challenged by two other Democrats and one Republican for the District 1 spot which includes Woodland and Kalama.

Democrats Jon Dieter and Kathleen Johnson, both of Kelso, filed against Lehning last week, as did Republican Gary Archer of Kelso.

In the race for District 2 county commissioner, incumbent Democrat George Raiter of Longview will face fellow Democrat Jeff Hart of Kelso.

In a non-partisan race for commissioner of Cowlitz County Public Utility District, Ned Piper will face Kenneth A. Spring. Both are from Longview.

State offices

Candidates for the state legislature from the 17th, 18th, 15th and 49th legislative districts had previously announced their intentions to run.

In the 18th District which includes Battle Ground, Camas, Washougal, Ridgefield and northward through Cowlitz County, incumbent state Sen. Joe Zarelli (R-Vancouver) will face challenger Dave Seabrook (D-Battle Ground). For the state house, incumbent state Rep. Ed Orcutt (R-Kalama) will face challenger Brian Beecher (D-Camas), while Pam Brokaw (D-Vancouver) will vie with Richard Curtis (R-La Center) for the seat vacated by Mielke.

In the 17th legislative district which is an area south of Battle Ground and into Brush Prairie, incumbent state Sen. Don Benton (R-Vancouver) will face Democrats Paul Waadevig and John Davis, both of Vancouver.

For the state house from the 17th district, Democrats Pat Campbell and Ilene Ferrell will run off with Republicans Jim Dunn and Paul Harris for the seat vacated by Boldt.

In the other 17th district house race, incumbent Deb Wallace (D) has been challenged by Republican Roy Rhine. Both are from Vancouver.

In the 49th District located in downtown Vancouver, Clark County commissioner Craig Pridemore (D) has challenged incumbent Republican state Sen. Don Carlson.

In the 15th District, which is based in the Yakima area but includes a portion of southeast Clark County, incumbent Bruce Chandler (R-Zillah) is unopposed, while incumbent Dan Newhouse (R-Sunnyside) will face Michael Kepcha (D-Washougal).

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

A bond election for Battle Ground Schools will not be held this fall.

Instead, another election is tentatively set for February 2005.

School board members have weighed pros and cons about a fall 2004 or winter 2005 election since voters turned down a $55 million bond proposal in a May 18 special election.

Board members chose a no-action stance during a July 27 work session for a fall 2004 try. They would have needed to file an election intent notice with the Clark County Auditor's office by July 30 if they were to run a September election.

Why not this fall?

After the May 18 election failed, Board members reconvened a citizen bond committee to analyze results and firm up a next-step action plan. Committee members met twice in June to consider the content and structure of future ballot measures.

At the first meeting, committee members leaned toward a February election, citing difficulties with mustering enough volunteer efforts during summer as a reason against scheduling a bond vote in September.

At the second meeting, committee members leaned toward a September election, saying momentum was still high from the May 18 election, and prices for lumber and other construction supplies would rise the longer a bond decision is postponed.

Not all the same members came to each meeting.

Since the second committee meeting, further research has tipped the scales in favor of a February election, said Board members.

On July 8, members from Citizens for Better Schools, District employees and Board chair Sam Kim met with Leigh Pate and Rosemary Wolf from "Get Out The Vote," a Washington Education Association voter analysis program.

Pate and Wolf recommended a February election.

In September, the state is facing a new primary system, and voter turnout is expected to be lower based on the new process. Due to anticipated confusion by voters, it is believed a large number of ballots will be invalidated because of improper markings or the use of more than one ballot, said Pate and Wolf.

A November election is expected to have a voter turnout of more than 75 percent because of the presidential race. Yet studies have shown increased voter turnout for a presidential race can actually hurt a school bond election, said Pate and Wolf. In this case voters are typically younger, have lower incomes, and less formal education, which tends to prompt "no" votes to a proposal to increase any sort of tax.

The May 18 bond proposal lost by about 700 votes. Battle Ground has 28,586 eligible voters, according to the Clark County elections office. About one-third cast ballots in the May 18 election.

Steps to be taken in the meantime

The bond is designed to help the District accommodate its growing student population. Until a bond is passed, continuing to place portables on campuses is the only recourse, say district officials.

Fourteen new portables will be placed this summer: four at Maple Grove Primary, four at Glenwood Heights Primary, and six at Lewisville Middle School.

The District has about 12,000 students at its 16 schools.

The May 18 bond proposal called for one of the K-8 school campuses to be open by fall 2006. The bond failure means the opening will be pushed back to at least fall 2007.

Meanwhile, architects will get a jump on planning steps necessary if a February 2005 bond is approved.

Board members have granted permission for architects to orchestrate wetlands studies, topographical surveys, geotechnical investigations and archeological studies on at least two sites earmarked for future schools--the Cresap property on the corner of NE 112th Ave. and NE 239th St., and Mint Fields at NE 72nd Ave. and NE 199th St.

Purchase of the Cresap property is still pending. The deal depends upon inclusion of the property into Battle Ground's Urban Growth Boundary, a decision expected to be approved by County Commissioners in December.

North County high school still under consideration

Whether construction of a north county high school should be placed on this bond initiative continues to receive attention.

Several bond committee members spoke in favor of a new north county high school.

Most high school students in Amboy and Yacolt are bused to Battle Ground High School, a commute that can hamper extra curricular involvement for students as well as lengthen time away from home, say those in favor.

The current proposal calls for the purchase of land for a north county high school only, with the assumption that school construction will come with a future bond.

At the study session, committee member Lou Marina read from a newspaper article where former Board chair Fred Striker had pledged some 22 years ago to have a north county high school built.

One problem delaying a north county high school, say district officials, is that the District does not qualify for full state matching funds yet, because the north county area does not have enough high school students.

Enrollment projections show the District will qualify for full match funds for a north county high school by about 2009.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

It can be a difficult issue for school districts and parents: somewhere a cut-off line is drawn for how old a student needs to be before entering kindergarten.

But what happens when a student's birthday falls just over the line and a parent believes a child is ready?

State law says a child must be 5 years old before Sept. 1 to be admitted to kindergarten. Attending kindergarten is not required.

Battle Ground resident Holly Wild's daughter didn't make the age cut. Her daughter's birthday is Sept. 21, and Wild believes her child is ready for school.

The Battle Ground School District makes allowances for early-entry students.

Each year about 10 students undergo a testing process for early entry into kindergarten, said District spokesperson Kelly Keister. About three to four students are admitted annually.

Wild paid $75 for her daughter to take a series of tests lasting about 1.5 hours in early July. The results aren't known until about one week before school begins, because one factor leading to admittance is space availability, Keister said.

Wild said she would like her daughter to begin school in September. But if she had to do it over, she's not sure she'd have her daughter take the tests again.

"It could have been a shorter process," Wild said. "It was pretty long for a 4-year-old."

Wild met with District officials later and recommended several changes.

Wild wants to see District officials put information about space availability into a parent-notification letter or brochure before tests are administered.

Some of Wild's friends have children in the same situation and didn't know that early-entry options are available. That could be solved with a letter, Wild said.

Wild also recommended that District officials notify parents to bring snacks or drinks for children during breaks times.

District assistant superintendent Diana Gilsinger said the suggestions make sense.

Although the early entry process is designed by educational specialists, District officials welcome input from parents.

The District began its early-entry testing program about three years ago. Prior to that, tests were contracted out to Education Service District 112.

The District uses three tests to measure language, socialization, motor skill and more. The tests are not pass-fail, but provide data which is weighed by a team, Gilsinger said.

"Our goal is to help guarantee every student's success in school," Gilsinger said. "The tests are one component in determining that."

Testing in other districts

Ridgefield School District superintendent Mary Vagner said much of the challenge in determining if a student is ready for kindergarten lies in the diversity of development that school officials see in young children.

"We see some students at this age who know their alphabet, can count to 100 and write their names," Vagner said. "Others are still learning how to talk."

Ridgefield provides an assessment program for early-entry kindergarten students similar to Battle Ground's, but Vagner said no requests for it have been made in the past several years.

Ridgefield also assesses all their kindergarten students during the first few weeks of school to determine whether they should be channeled into an all-day, every-day program, or a all-day, every-other day program.

More educational time is allotted to students in the every-day program. Vagner said the District's goal with the two programs is to bring all kindergarten students to a similar level by the time they reach first grade.

Laurie Kansanback, secretary to the superintendent at La Center School District, said early allowances are seldom made in La Center. Even if a child is 5 years old, there is no guarantee the child will be admitted to kindergarten.

La Center teachers test all incoming kindergarten students the spring before a child begins school.

"We really discourage sending a child to school before they're ready," Kansanback said. "Even if they're a real whiz kid, oftentimes they're not socially or emotionally ready to be in school all day long."

A TALE OF TWO 4-H FAMILIES

Miranda Bean continues tradition of her family

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

When Miranda Bean competes this year at the Clark County Fair, she'll be continuing a tradition begun by her brother several years ago.

Miranda will also follow her sister Veronica's footsteps when the 11-year-old shows her guide puppy on the last day of the Fair. Veronica, 19, has been a 4-H member for almost 10 years and has trained seven guide puppies.

Working with puppies is only one part of the Bean family's 4-H commitment. Veronica, a 4-H scholarship winner, showed dairy goats for several years and competed in cooking and sewing.

This year, she is working on a piece of art to exhibit.

She's not showing goats, however, making 2004 the first year the family has bypassed the dairy goat competition.

Instead, the Ridgefield High School graduate will help junior members. A junior leader and the teen representative to the executive board of the 4-H Leaders' Association, Veronica is completing her work as a 4-H member.

"She decided to help the younger members this year," said the girls' mother Cindy.

Miranda will compete for a

horsemanship ribbon. She began working with her horse Thunder a few months ago.

Miranda said she isn't quite ready to show her horse, but she'll compete in the herdsmanship category, showing her skills at maintaining and

cleaning a barn.

The rising fifth-grader will also show her skills in the kitchen during the Fair. She and her partner will plan, prepare and serve a breakfast to judges. They must discuss their decision with judges and clean up afterward.

"This is the second time I've done this," Miranda said. "Last year I won a red ribbon."

Miranda is also a budding photographer. Last year she took several blue ribbons in the junior photography division.

After the Fair, Veronica will prepare for her first year of college at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN.

The sisters come from a 4-H family. Brother Josh, 23, and older sister, Ashley, 21, were active in 4-H. Cindy said she has been involved with 4-H for 14 years.

TWINS AIM FOR PIG AUCTION

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

Twins Jason and Justin Meengs don't do everything together, but they do share 4-H projects.

The 14-year-old freshmen at Hockinson High School will exhibit pigs and rabbits at the Clark County Fair.

Each brother will exhibit two pigs, and hope the animals make weight for the auction. Last year, low weight kept the swines from qualifying for the auction.

They sold the porkers anyway, but this year they'd like to be on the auction floor.

The rabbits won't go on the auction block, Justin said. His Flemish giant and Jason's English lop and his hotot will be shown.

Last year Jason's English lop won best in show.

The twins will run all over the fairgrounds. When they're not showing or feeding animals, they will be showing off their cooking skills in the team cooking competition.

The two will plan, prepare and serve a meal to judges. Last year, they took a special merit award at the state fair in Puyallup.

"We figure out all the times we have something to do," Justin said about the Fair.

"Then we run back and forth," Jason said.

Justin was the first to join 4-H, showing rabbits when he was 11. Jason followed with rabbits the next year.

Their mother, Annette Meengs, sparked the boys' interest in 4-H.

"She was in it when she was a kid and she said it was fun," Justin said.

Although 4-H takes up a good amount of the twins' time, it's not the only thing they do.

As members of Boy Scout Troop 3359, they just returned from Camp Meriwether on the Oregon Coast.

The twins also enjoy music, with Jason playing drums and Justin performing on the oboe. They played in bands in elementary and middle school.

LEWISVILLE MINE EXPANSION GETS NOD

Bill Myers, staff reporter

A Clark County Hearings Examiner has approved a proposal to expand a sand and gravel mine near the East Fork of the Lewis River north of Battle Ground.

At the hearing, no one opposed a Pacific Rock Products Co. request to add 53.5 acres, about 70 feet deep, to the company's existing 68-acre mining operation west of Lewisville Park.

The company leases about 300 acres at the site at 23606 NE Lewisville Hwy. (SR-503). The land is zoned Forest (FR-40) with a surface mining overlay.

Clark County staff members issued a conditional Determination of Non-Significance July 7 after reviewing the application and mine site. Conditions include a requirement for a reclamation plan, posting of a "performance security" bond, mitigation to meet state noise requirements and dust suppression activities.

The state Department of Transportation requires 3-minute spacing between loaded trucks entering SR-503 from the site.

Mining company spokesman Dave Lampe said mine operations are above the flood plain, about one-quarter mile north of the East Fork of the Lewis River.

County staffer Josh Warner said a hearings examiner review was required because the mining company request required a change to an existing Conditional Use Permit.

The hearing examiner will issue a written decision within 14 calendar days of the hearing. County staff members will then notify all parties of record.

Parties of record (applicant and persons who signed a sign-in sheet or presented testimony at the public hearing and/or submitted written testimony prior to or at the hearing) may appeal the examiner's decision within 14 calendar days from when notice of the final land use decision is mailed by County staff.

Appeals must be directed to Clark County commissioners, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver, WA 98668. Information telephone is 397-2375, ext. 4898.

Friend's suicide causes Battle Ground man to reassess life

Bill Myers, staff reporter

The suicide of a close friend made minutes, even seconds, very important to Battle Ground resident Neil Schilling.

Schilling, 34, said the shock of a suicide up close and personal a year ago changed his outlook on life.

"It made me realize that every second and minute is precious and should be enjoyed to the fullest," he said.

Following a sudden and unexplained death of a close friend of 12 years, Schilling took greater interest in physical conditioning and joined the Gecko Triathalon Club of Portland.

Hours of workouts later, Schilling set his sights on competing in marathons. An urge to get even more of what life has to offer motivated him to compete in Iron Man competitions scheduled for November at Panama City, FL.

Iron Man competitors are challenged in three consecutive, grueling events without rest. They swim 2.4 miles, ride a bicycle 112 miles and run a 26.2 mile marathon.

Schilling said two U.S. Navy Seals stationed in Hawaii started Iron Man competitions in 1978 to settle an argument over which man was in better physical condition.

The sport took root and spread. There are now 16 annual Iron Man events around the world. The top 1,600 finishers meet at an annual world championship competition in Hawaii.

Schilling, a 1988 Battle Ground High School graduate who wrestled at the University of Oregon before graduating in 1992, said he trains 16 hours each week. Regular exercise and good physical health help him to enjoy life to the fullest, he said.

Schilling will run in Portland and Chicago, IL marathons in October before the big Florida test comes in early November. He said he will be among 2,200 athletes who will race from a beach into the Gulf of Mexico for the swim that opens the triathalon. The event will be televised nationally on the Outdoor Life Network channel.

Schilling wants to compete in one Iron Man competition somewhere in the world each year. Another goal is to be among the 1,600 competitors in Hawaii within five years.

"I don't watch television because it's a waste of time," said Schilling. He said he keeps current on news by reading the Wall Street Journal on line at 5:30 a.m. each morning.

Schilling said his friend's suicide still bothers him.

"It changed my perspective," he said. "I'm going to do neat things with my life."

Starting an education fund for his late friend's 12-year-old daughter is one of the neat things, said Schilling.

Schilling is a regional sales manager for the DeWalt Industrial Tool Co. He started his career at DeWalt 12 years ago after completing college.

TREES FALL ON DUNHAM AVE.

Right of way cleared as road work starts

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Chips, limbs and leaves flew July 28 as workers began clearing trees from properties bordering Dunham Ave. in downtown Woodland.

A complete remake of

Dunham Ave. between 2nd and 5th streets will widen the roadway to 32 feet, with curbs and sidewalks accessible to handicapped citizens, and new sewer and storm drains, water pipes, gutters, resurfacing and street lighting.

Cowlitz County Public Utility District will relocate power lines underground along the improved street, said public works spokesperson Jody Stout.

Stout said it is not yet known if Adelphia Communications and Verizon Telephone companies will place lines underground or relocate poles.

Plans to widen the street required right-of-way property agreements with neighbors, including permission to remove several trees.

Stout said the project is targeted for completion by the end of September.

Woodland council members awarded the street work to Creagan Excavating Co. after the Vancouver firm submitted a bid of $449,000.

Funds for the road project came from a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant received in 2003 and from city water, sewer and street funds.

CHILDREN INITIATE PARK CEREMONY FOR BG MATRIARCH

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Children shrieking and laughing while scampering on shiny new playground equipment ushered in a ribbon cutting ceremony July 26 for Battle Ground's newest play park.

The park is the second half of Florence Robison Park, located on NW 9th St. and NW 20th Ave., in part of a New Tradition Homes subdivision.

The first portion, dedicated in September 2002, features walking trails, two ponds, grassy meadows and deciduous and evergreen trees. It is located north, across the street from the play area.

New Tradition spokesperson Christine Cole said the developer believes it is a responsibility to the community to put parks within walking distances of neighborhoods.

In a speech at the ribbon cutting, mayor John Idsinga said the ceremony is a celebration of the life of Florence Robison, now 91, and all that she has done for the community.

"I consider her the matriarch of Battle Ground," he said.

Robison has been involved with 4-H for 60 years, North County Community Food Bank, a Parents Teachers Association in the Battle Ground School District, the Fort Vancouver Regional Library board of Directors, the Battle Ground Women's Study Club, Battle Ground Garden Club, the city's parks board, the March of Dimes, and Kiwanis Club. She volunteered her time for the Chamber of Commerce and Rose Float Committee, according to longtime friend Jane Elder Wulff.

During the ceremony, Wulff said Robison represents the spirit of Battle Ground.

After presenting Robison with a bouquet of brightly colored flowers, Idsinga assisted her to a yellow ribbon stretched across two poles.

When Idsinga cut the ribbon for her as she held onto his arm, the crowd, including children who had stopped playing to watch, erupted into cheers.

"She's a sweetheart," Idsinga said. "She's been good to this community."

LEUTJE TAPPED FOR VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

"He's kind of a quiet guy, but at the Fair, he's always there when you need him," said Tom Musser, executive director of the Clark County Fair about Gerald Lutje, 2004 Volunteer of the Year.

Lutje, who has a farm at Fargher Lake, has exhibited at the Fair since he was 8 years old. First he showed cattle, but for the past 22 years, he's shown draft horses.

Lutje was superintendent of the draft horse division for three years.

"He makes sure we have it all together," Musser said. "It makes it all happen."

This year, Lutje has had to make a lot happen. In the past, draft horses, which are animals weighing 2,000 pounds or more, were stabled in a barn separate from smaller horses.

This year's construction changed all that. The draft horse barn was demolished. All horses will share one barn at the fair.

"Gerald remodeled the doors to the regular stalls so the draft horses could fit," Musser said. "He and a friend have done all the work. It's very well done."

Lutje mourns the loss of the old barn.

"It took me 20 years to get that barn so it would work good, and now it's torn down," he said.

Lutje owns Belgians, and over the years has shown them in parades as well as the Fair. Once or twice he used them to log timber on his farm.

Now, "I use them to decorate my field," he said.

The Fair does not sponsor a draft horse competition. The large animals give demonstrations, pulling logs and heavy wagons. This year 30 horses will demonstrate, Lutje said.

Until he was 20, Lutje showed cattle. In the past, he was outstanding showman at the Portland International Expo and has taught showmanship to 4-H and FFA members.

WOMAN FLEES ABDUCTOR FROM RIDGEFIELD TO KALAMA

Police seek help to identify suspect

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

State Patrol troopers are looking for a man who is a suspect in an attempted abduction at the northbound Gee Creek rest area of I-5 near Ridgefeild that happened July 24 at about 3 p.m.

Patricia K. Gaskey, 36, Lebanon OR, told police she was traveling to visit her sister in Olympia when her 1993 Toyota Tercel began to overheat. She pulled into the rest area to let the engine cool.

When she opened the car door, her dog jumped out, she said. Gaskey chased the dog down, and as she was putting the dog back in the car, a man walked up behind her and grabbed her right arm, dragging her toward his car, police reports state.

The male, described as Hispanic or Middle Eastern, reportedly told Gaskey, "You are coming with me."

She said he appeared to be 5'6" tall with black, short, wavy hair and a thin mustache, wearing a white t-shirt, jeans and a "large" ring on a finger.

As the suspect reportedly tried to force Gaskey into his blue, two-door Ford Mustang or Mitsubishi Eclipse, she kicked and screamed. She escaped, suffering several bruises on her upper thighs, reports state.

Gaskey ran to her car and got in, but the man kept trying to pry open her car doors.

Gaskey was able to leave the rest area and get back onto the freeway. She called her sister, who called 911. Gaskey drove to the Kalama police station to report the incident to officer Michael Wren.

Gaskey was not able to provide the license plate number of the suspect's car, however, the state Patrol was able to get "viable" fingerprints from the door, said state Det. Glen Hobbs.

Police are seeking information from anyone who was in the Gee Creek rest area at the time of the attempted abduction and witnessed or heard anything. Call Hobbs at (360) 449-7942 or e-mail him at glen.hobbs@wsp.wa.gov

PUBLIC WORKS CREW POPS GAS LINE

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

"Had the wind not been blowing, the situation could have been a lot worse," said Tony Brentin, interim Woodland fire chief.

A Woodland public works crew was making water main repairs on the 1800 block of Sherman Way July 28 when a backhoe "popped" a 2-inch natural gas feeder line about 10:45 a.m., said Brentin.

The public works crew shut down the street at both ends and called 911. Fire and police officers arrived about the same time as Cascade Natural Gas crews, said police chief Rob Stephenson.

Although the main gas line and other feeders had locator marks, the one the backhoe hit did not, according to the public works men on site, said Brentin and Stephenson.

The line was capped in about 20 minutes. A "brisk wind" blew the venting gas toward trees in the Port/industrial area, Brentin said.

If there had been no wind to mix and dissipate the gas, it likely would have sunk down over the business area and found an ignition source, Brentin said.

"It was pretty benign today, but it had a lot of potential," he added.

Stephenson agreed, calling the event a "yawn/snore."

The backhoe hit a distributer line that runs down Heritage Rd. off a feeder line, Brentin said.

"It's larger than what would feed a house," he added.

Police opened the street for traffic after about 45 minutes.

ONSDORFF CHANGES WILL CAUSE TRAFFIC IMPACT

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Although work began in July on the installation of a traffic signal at SR-503 and Onsdorff Blvd. in Battle Ground, traffic has not yet been affected.

However, as of Aug. 2, construction began in earnest.

Motorists can expect single lane closures mainly on SR-503 at the intersection and occasionally on Onsdorff Blvd., said state Department of Transportation officials.

Although the road reconfiguration connecting east to west Onsdorff and putting in a traffic signal is a Battle Ground project, the state is in charge of contract administration and construction inspection, officials said.

The state contributed $25,000 to the project. The city is paying $570,000.

To accommodate morning and afternoon commute periods, there will be no lane closures 6-9 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. on weekdays.

After school begins Sept. 7, there will be no afternoon closures 2-7 p.m.

There will also be no lane closures on holidays or after noon on the day before a holiday.

Construction is expected to be completed sometime in October.

For more information about the project, call the Battle Ground Public Works Department, 342-5070.

CALL BEFORE DIGGING--IT'S SAFE AND IT'S THE LAW

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Spring, summer and fall can be prime times to dig in the yard for a variety of landscaping and building projects.

State laws require homeowners and contractors to notify utilities two business days before digging commences. The day a call is made doesn't count, nor do weekends or holidays.

Homeowners can contact each utility individually, or simply make one call to the Northwest Utility Notification Center in Clark County, 696-4848.

The Center is funded by member utilities. In Washington, all utilities are required by law to be members.

The Center can be contacted 24 hours daily, 365 days per year at 696-4848, or log onto: www.callbeforeyoudig.com

Utility locating services are free.

According to Center general manager Frank Planton, any hole more than 12 inches deep fits the criteria for a call. This includes holes for fenceposts, backyard trees and sprinkler systems.

Sometimes homeowners will shirk this responsibility, Planton said, because they don't want to bother officials, or believe the project is not significant enough to warrant a call.

"We hear, `Yeah, but I knew where everything was,'" Planton said. "Another popular excuse is, `I didn't want to wait two days.' There is no excuse for not calling."

Exceptions are made for certain practices such as tilling a garden under 12 inches deep and planting flowers, but that's it.

"If you're ever in doubt, go ahead and make the call," Planton said. "It's in your best interest to do so."

A variety of utility lines can run through the back and front yard of any house. Lines can include gas, electric, water, cable, phone and fiber optic cable.

Lines may run from any point off the street into a home. They may also go through a yard to a neighbor's house.

Calling before digging can prevent damage to underground facilities, service interruptions and bodily injury, Planton said.

After a call is made, notification officials will use a mapping data base to instruct representatives where lines are. Someone from the Center or one of the utility companies will come out to mark the ground.

From the paint mark, two feet on either side is considered a safe zone. It's okay to hand excavate within that area, but not with power equipment.

Lines will be colored as follows: red for electric power lines, cables, conduits and lighting cables; yellow for gas, oil, petroleum and steam; orange for communications, cable television, alarms and signal lines; blue for water irrigation and slurry lines; green for sewers and storm sewer facilities; white for proposed excavations; pink for temporary survey markings; and purple for reclaimed water, irrigation and slurry lines.

What to do if lines are hit

If homeowners do not call, they can be held legally responsible for damage to any lines or pipes, Planton said.

In the event a homeowner digs without calling and a line is hit, the best thing that can be done is call the Center immediately, Planton said.

Any exposed pipe needs to be treated with care. Even if a homeowner thinks a line is abandoned, it may not be. Sometimes one utility may run a line through another's abandoned line.

If a line is chipped, utility officials recommend homeowners leave it alone.

Natural gas is the most dangerous of all underground lines. If a natural gas line is hit, Planton recommends calling 911 first, then the Center. Natural gas can explode.

In its natural state, the gas is odorless and colorless. Utility companies inject an odorant into the gas before it is put into a distribution system.

The odorant is so concentrated that with the smallest amount of leaking natural gas can be detected by smell.

The odorant, called Mercaptan, gives off a smell similar to rotten eggs.

If a homeowner hits a natural gas line, Planton recommends letting it vent upward and calling 911 and the Center immediately from a neighbor's house.

A cell phone used on site may spark, possibly causing an explosion. Natural gas will rise and dissipate because it is lighter than air.

BG WOMAN COMPETES IN STATE TRACK AND FIELD GAMES

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Battle Ground resident Janice Bradley, 66, competed in the 2004 Washington State Senior Games held July 23-25 near Lacey.

Bradley competed in the age 65-69 class and received gold medals in javelin and softball throw competitions, silver medals in shotput and discuss, and ran but did not place within the top three positions in 50 and 100 meter sprints.

About 1,000 contestants entered the games. The competition is open to anyone over age 50. Held annually, the games are a precursor to national level competitions, which are held every other year.

Top two finishers qualify for national level competitions. Bradley said she will likely compete in nationals, held in 2005 in Pennsylvania.

Bradley decided to compete several months ago after mulling the decision a few years, she said. She belongs to a health club where she does aerobics, water exercises and weight lifting.

Bradley was athletic as a young person and has been interested in track and field events her whole life, she said. She played soccer in an over- 30 league when she was in her mid-40s.

Much of Bradley's interest in sports came from her three children, she said. They competed in sports while growing up and at a junior Olympic level.

Bradley's son, Blayne Bradley, was the 1990 state triple jump champ while attending Battle Ground High School. Bradley and her husband, Robert, also have one grandchild.

Bradley said competing in the state games "felt wonderful," and gave her "a new sense of accomplishment."

"I've always believed it's important to take care of yourself," Bradley said. "Competing gives a new motivation to exercise."

ONE BG ARSON SUSPECT ARRESTED

$10,000 reward offered for info on other suspects

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Jason T. Deseranno, 20, 11809 SE 5th St., Vancouver, was arrested July 27 for his suspected role in a burglary and arson June 13 at Battle Ground Mini Storage.

Police acted on tips from "more than one" person who identified Deseranno after still images of two faces were captured while the suspects removed security cameras, said Lt. Roy Butler. The photos were released to the media and published.

Other suspects are still at large. The Battle Ground police detective unit will continue to work with the Clark County Sheriff's Major Crimes Division to locate and arrest them, said Butler.

Deseranno was arrested at his home and booked into the Clark County jail on one count of first degree theft, one count of first degree arson and nine counts of second degree burglary.

In the June event, a fire was set on the bottom floor of the Mini Storage at 1611 SE Grace Ave., trapping live-in manager Ruth Rudolph in her apartment upstairs.

Fire District 11 crews rescued her out a back window and down a ladder.

Rudolph was treated for minor injuries and smoke inhalation.

Six units were burglarized as well, according to police.

CNA Insurance is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to arrests and convictions in the case.

Anyone who can identify the man in the other photo (shown here) is asked to call Det. Mike Molzahn or Butler at 342-5100.

OTIS FAME "GOOD FOR RIDGEFIELD"

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

In the aftermath of overnight fame, Otis the Boston Terrier of Ridgefield has been copyrighted and his likeness is for sale on notecards and postcards.

Maybe he wasn't a flash-in- the-pan celebrity after all.

The Otis for City Manager campaign was dreamed up as a lark by a few business owners and residents, led by Donna Quall of Lilly Wiggans Antique Store.

But the jest caught on like wildfire this summer, even spreading to the British Isles and Germany, at last report from his owners Cathy and Scott Hughes.

The latest news on the campaign trail is notecards and postcards for sale at Ridgefield Hardware and Lilly Wiggans, 104 and 108 N Main Ave., respectively.

Created by Ridgefield resident Kathy Winters, the cards show a photo of Otis looking dignified in front of a planter of purple flowers. On back of each is the famous dog's history. Postcards are 99 cents each, notecards are $2.99.

"He's so famous, I thought he should be immortalized," Winters said.

Winters made a little more than 100 cards, and shortly thereafter they were nearly gone. She's making more.

People are still coming to town to see Otis, three weeks after his worldwide campaign began, Hughes said. People who may not have given the town a second glance are making the 3-mile trek off the Interstate to see Otis.

It's been good for Ridgefield, she said. She and her husband own the hardware store and Lake River Kayak. People are buying things while there, not just gawking at their dog.

Crystal Terry, who works at Starliner Food Mart on Pioneer St., said business has picked up with sales of drinks, snacks and individual doggy biscuits. People stop by to ask directions to Otis.

Hughes told of one boy spending time in the area on vacation who came to see Otis. He wanted to be able to go home and brag that he'd met the dog.

Other visitors come to take the black and white pooch's picture.

Although Otis may never be city manager, it could be said that he has achieved fame and put Ridgefield on an international map by "just being Otis" on his daily rounds around town, seeking doggy treats while "working" at the hardware and kayak store.

"Otis is our local hero," said Winters. "He adds a bit of levity to our world."

BG MAN IS IMPETUS BEHIND MARINE DRIVE

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

"Mom, send some stuff," is what Randy Lake in Iraq tells his mom, Cheri Lake of Battle Ground, when he calls and writes.

Cheri's 19-year-old son is a Marine serving in the Sunni Triangle near Baghdad. He is an infantryman with the 1st Marine Division.

In other words, he is on the front line of battle in the Middle East, his mom said.

"I am relieved every time I hear from him," she said. Sometimes it's two weeks or more before she hears word.

Lake graduated from Battle Ground High School in 2002. He excelled in track and football while there.

Cheri said her son told her about not being able to shower sometimes for a month, about socks that last only three-four days, Meals Ready to Eat that need a bit of spicing up, and more about life in the desert.

As a result, Cheri, a medical assistant in the Vancouver Clinic of Battle Ground, has organized a supply drive to send boxes of needs and wants to her son's platoon of about 400 men and women.

Items sought include small packs of cleansing wipes and towelettes, tall, white, heavy-duty socks, foot powder, ody powder, "Johnny's" seasoning, drink mixes to add to water, boxes of snacks including cookies, magazines and paperback books.

Donation boxes are at the clinic in Battle Ground, 2005 W Main St.; The Vancouver Clinic Human Resources next to the NE 87th Clinic at 8516 NE 8th Way, Vancouver; and Columbia Tech Center at Fisher's Landing, 501 SE 172nd Ave., Vancouver.

A complete list of acceptable items to send to those in the military is at each box site.

Lake will keep boxes out and keep sending items as long as they keep filling up, she said. Financial contributions to help with shipping are welcome, as are others who want to set up drop-box sites.

To participate or for more information, call Lake at 604-1600.

TRIBE AGREES TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY

East coast tribe pledges financial support

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Cowlitz Indian tribal officials will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement before building a casino at the I-5-/NW 319th St. junction near La Center.

Tribal spokesperson Nancy Osborne announced the

Tribe's intention at a July 28 city council meeting.

Cowlitz tribal leaders applied earlier this year for trust status on 152 acres at the freeway junction. They also asked that the land be designated as an "initial reservation."

Osborne said the decision to complete an environmental statement is voluntary and followed reviews of community and Clark County commissioner comments that were associated with an Environmental Assessment completed earlier this year.

Comments on the assessment indicate public confusion and misinformation, said Osborne.

"We believe a more in-depth analysis will clear up a lot of this uncertainty," she said.

The Impact Statement will take up to a year to complete, and will involve new opportunities for public involvement.

La Center city attorney Dan Kearns said an early process in an Impact Statement will involve scoping to identify potential impacts. The scoping process will trigger a public hearing.

Citizens living near the 152-acre Cowlitz property on the northwest side of I-5/NW 319th St. have cited concerns about drainage from a development flowing into the East Fork of the Lewis River, and impacts to wildlife.

La Center city council members and citizens have said development of an Indian gaming casino near La Center will eliminate about two-thirds of city tax revenue gained from four private card rooms.

Some citizens fear a tribal casino will cause card room employees to lose jobs that offer higher wages and more benefits than tribal casinos.

Mohegan tribe offers support

Osborne said Mohegan Tribal Gaming of Connecticut entered into partnership with Washington-based Salishan, LLC to develop a casino proposal for the Cowlitz Tribe.

Cowlitz tribal council member David Barnett is president of Salishan and a partner in a newly formed Salishan-Mohegan, LLC.

"We selected the Mohegans because it was a natural fit," said Barnett.

The Mohegans have an excellent track record of being good neighbors and supporting their community, he said.

The Mohegan (also known as Mohican) Tribe owns and operates a 300,000 square-foot casino with 6,561 slot machines and 270 table games in Uncasville, CT.

Barnett said a La Center casino will be much smaller. State compacts cap new tribal casinos at 425-675 electronic games in the first year of operation. The tribe could acquire rights for up to 2,000 electronic games.

Barnett said a recent report in the Longview Daily News saying the tribes plan a 300,000 square-foot casino near La Center is erroneous.

At the council meeting, Barnett said discussions with Mohegan leaders signal that tribal officials will likely find a way to sit down with card room owners and "work toward everyone's benefit."

La Center plans negotiations

Council member Richard Curtis said the tribal decision to develop an environmental statement is "good news."

Curtis, with council member Dale Smith, city attorney Dan Kearns, hired Seattle lawyer Sara Mack, and citizens Bob Smith and Ken Hickman, were appointed earlier this year as a task force to keep up with casino issues.

All council members except Russ Marshall approved a motion by Curtis to form a new task force including mayor Jim Irish, but excluding city attorney Dan Kearns. The new task force, steered by the city council, will negotiate with tribal members.

Curtis said attorney Sara Mack should be able to represent city needs.

Irish said some people wrongly believe he wants to be a sole negotiator during negotiations.

"I'm elected to speak for the city based on recommendations and guidance from city council members," said Irish.

Irish said past conflicts between Curtis and David Barnett could pose a problem during negotiations.

"Don't put people dressed in red in a room with a Brahma bull," said Irish.

Curtis said negotiations would be businesslike and personal feelings are irrelevant.

Citizen George Miller said negotiations should be with tribal head John Barnett, in a process "transparent to all citizens."

Council members approved a Curtis motion to work with the Bureau of Indian Affairs to appoint an independent mediator to oversee city-tribal negotiations.

Curtis said laws allow the Tribe to pay for services, but not reimbursement of lost revenue.

A Bureau official said she would support ratification by the U.S. Congress to allow such reimbursements in La Center, he said.

Council members approved a motion by Curtis to get a formal, written Bureau pledge

to support ratification in advance of negotiations.

"This [negotiation] is not as simple as having someone write us a check," said Curtis. Curtis said 600 employees could lose jobs, and a river backdrop for the city's downtown welfare could be destroyed.

Streets, revenue and fund-raising [fireworks sales] by Lions Club members are at stake, said Curtis.

Council member Dale Smith said future plans by the city to expand toward I-5 would also be affected by casino development.

Curtis said discussions with tribal leaders, but not negotiations, should begin before completion of an environmental statement.

SURVEY GOOF BLAMED IN LA CENTER LAND DISPUTE

Bill Myers, staff reporter

A La Center couple blames civil engineers for a mistake that will convert much of their backyard into a city street.

Southview Heights resident Tony Curtis told his story July 28 to a sympathetic La Council city council.

About two years ago, Curtis purchased what he believed was a deep, pie-shaped lot at 1878 E Bartlett Ct. He had no idea that the rear portion of what he thought was his property would two years later be in the path of Aspen Ave. road improvements.

An electrician, Curtis built his home, doing much of the work himself and using sub-contractors when needed.

Curtis said he, his wife, and three children finally relaxed with satisfaction on July 18 in their freshly-landscaped backyard.

The next day, a man with an orange vest appeared in the backyard.

"He was pounding a marker into the ground near our dog kennel," said Curtis.

Curtis said Patrick Scott, a representative from Olson Engineering of Vancouver, said surveyors made a mistake when placing boundary stakes. The stakes were about 12 feet beyond where they should have been, Curtis said.

Curtis said Scott apologized and that his company would take care of the mistake.

"We made several calls to Olson Engineering, but they never called us," said Carol Curtis.

Curtis said Bruce Towle, an Olson Engineering vice president, finally came to their home. Tony and Carol Curtis said Towle was unsympathetic.

Carol Curtis said an attorney from Olson Engineering called on July 27 and said the engineering company would only pay to move the backyard fence.

"The offer was insulting," said Carol Curtis.

On land they thought they owned, Curtis erected a stone memorial and planted a tree for his late mother. The family can see the image of a cross in the memorial when the sun is just right.

On the land, Curtis constructed a fence, dog kennel and lawn. Adjacent drainage systems, a rock wall and other landscaping will be affected because of a grading change caused by the roadway. A retaining wall will be needed, he said.

Carol Curtis said Olson Engineering needs to make them whole.

"We no longer have the same lot or the room for our dogs or the distance from street noise that we thought we had," she said.

New Aspen approaches

Work recently started by Colf Construction Co. to extend and improve Aspen Ave. complicates the Curtis dilemma.

If the Curtis fence isn't moved away from the right of way in time for construction, the contractor may ask the city to pay additional costs.

La Center Public works director Jeff Sarvis said he notified Olson Engineering of the problem in writing on July 16, but received no response.

After testimonies by Sarvis and Tony Curtis, the city council authorized city attorney Dan Kearns to craft another, more strongly worded letter to Olson Engineering.

The letter advised Olson Engineering to quickly resolve the Curtis land issue to avoid added legal burdens caused by a road construction delay.

Jerry Olson, president of Olson Engineering, declined to discuss the Curtis incident on July 29.

"They have the land shown in their plat," said Olson. "The situation is in the hands of our attorney."

EDITORIAL:

STUMP IS FOUND

Stump, a 7-year-old land tortoise, has been located and is now back home in Woodland.

Stump wandered off from his home at 2621 Lewis River Road on July 13.

Owner Andi Blanchard said Stump was found days later in a field behind the house, "covered in dirt."

Blanchard said Stump looked like he had gone underground, and had come up to sun himself when Blanchard's boy friend found him.

"We looked and looked and looked," said Blanchard.

Blanchard thanked the public for help and concern. She said people called with sightings of domestic turtles thinking they might have seen Stump, said Blanchard.

Blanchard described Stump as 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, she said, and about 300 pounds.

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

Stump enjoys the full run of the Blanchard home. He only eats vegetables and drinks water about every two months.

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

VOLUNTEERS OFFER SERVICES FOR KNOTWEED WORK

Volunteers have offered their services to help control the aggressive Japanese knotweed plant, according to Phil Burgess of Clark County's Weed Management Department. More volunteers are invited to step forward.

Burgess put out the call for volunteers last week as the program to control the invasive weed got underway.

Burgess said the weed spreads quickly, especially in wet areas such as along the East and North forks of the Lewis River.

While pulling, spraying and cutting the weed are ineffective, said Burgess, injecting knotweed canes with a herbicide does the trick.

The injection is performed with a gun-like tool. The tool has a tip for injecting herbicide into the plant with the squeeze of the trigger.

Because the work is labor-intensive, volunteers are needed to augment county staff, said Burgess.

County officials have mailed letters to property owners along the upper East Fork, seeking authority to enter private property. The approval document includes waiver and indemnification provisions which hold county staff and others harmless for damages that might occur on private property.

Casey Gozart, project manager for the knotweed program, said the waiver form is provided by state officials and is for general purposes.

Gozart said the waiver could include staff or volunteers stepping on, damaging or breaking homeowner plants. The waiver would also come into play, said Gozart, in the "unlikely" event of a herbicide spill.

Volunteers willing to help with the knotweed injection program are urged to call Burgess or Gozart, 397-6140.

UNION COULD STRIKE CLARK UTILITY

Negotiations continue between Clark Public Utilities and members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 125, but a strike could occur as early as Aug. 4.

A 3-year contract between the union and utility expired in February 2003. Union members have continued to work under a verbal continuation agreement. Union members decided to terminate that continuation agreement effective midnight Aug. 3, and announced that termination at a meeting of the utility board on July 27.

A federal mediator has been working with the two sides since February 2004.

The union represents 103 of the utility's 340 employees, including 20 journeymen linemen, nine servicemen, five working foremen, six dispatchers, eight appliance repairmen, 14 members of the water utility, and others.

Utility spokesman Mick Shutt said the two sides have met 17-18 times over the last year and have resolved issues other than wages.

Shutt said utility offers of 3.2 and 3.5 percent pay raises each year for three years were rejected by the union earlier this year.

The union has asked for wage increases of about 4.6 percent per year, said Shutt. Union membership authorized a strike in a vote taken in May, said Shutt.

Shutt said journeymen linemen presently earn $28.28 per hour; servicemen $29.69 per hour, and working foremen $31.11 per hour.

In addition, union workers receive medical, dental and vision insurance for themselves and their families, state retirement, paid vacations, sick leave, life insurance, disability insurance, and about 11 paid holidays. They also are paid double wages for overtime. Paid vacations range from 12 to 24 days per year, said Shutt.

Fitness program

Shutt said the utility conducts a fitness program for employees as a way to reduce medical expenses. The utility self-insures for medical coverage.

Shutt said the union proposed to give up the fitness program in favor of higher wages. He said the utility rejected this plan.

Goal Rush Program

Shutt said the utility operates a voluntary Goal Rush Program which rewards employees, both union and non-union, for achievements toward organizational and personal goals.

Employees who achieve four, five or all six goals during a six-month period receive additional vacation hours and retirement money.

For example, an employee who achieved personal goals in community involvement and training, to go along with three organizational goals in customer service, system reliability and cost/efficiency, would receive 25 additional hours of vacation, plus the value of 25 hours in wages contributed to a 401K account.

Shutt said the union has proposed reductions in the Goal Rush program in exchange for higher wages.

Shutt said the utility opposes this change because officials believe the Goal Rush program keeps employees focused on goal of the organization.

For the second half of 2003, 87 union employees achieved five or all six goals, said Shutt, earning the additional vacation hours and retirement pay.

OBITS

RONALD CHRISTENSEN

Ronald Chester Christensen, 82, died July 22, 2004 in Vancouver.

Christensen was born June 14, 1922 in Arpan, SD, and was a Clark County resident for 34 years.

Christensen worked as a surveyor for Weyerhauser on logging roads in Molalla, OR.

Christensen loved the outdoors and taking walks in the woods, loved to read and was a skilled mathematician. Although he was a very quiet man, his family was very important to him.

Christensen was preceded in death by his brothers, Edwin, Howard and Paul Christensen and a sister, Edel Kysar.

Christensen is survived by two sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held Fri., Aug. 6, 2004, 2 p.m., at Elim Cemetery, Brush Prairie, with Layne's Funeral Home of Battle Ground in charge of arrangements.

Ellen Gale (Lucas) Roth, 59, died July 29, 2004 at home in Ridgefield.

Roth was born April 1, 1959 in San Francisco, CA. She was a Clark County resident four years.

Roth was employed as an assembly worker for a cable manufacturing company in electronics.

Roth was a member of the St. mary of Guadelupe Church in Ridgefield where she was an active member and involved in a women's Bible study class.

Roth loved cats and enjoyed cooking, gardening, sewing, reading and writing poetry and short stories.

Roth also enjoyed listening to music, watching British comedy and had a great sense of humor.

Roth is survived by her husband of 37 years, James Roth, at home daughters Christina Overstreet of Fremont, CA and Amanda Roth of San Jose, CA, and sister Marion Harper of California.

A funeral mass will be held Wed., Aug. 4, 2004, 10 a.m., at St. Mary of Guadelupe Catholic Church, Ridgefield Private committal will ne in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. A prayer vigil will be held Tues., Aug. 3, 7 p.m., also at the church.

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

Marjory Grace (Kelso) Miller, 63, died July 27, 2004, in Vancouver.

Miller was born Oct. 4, 1940 in Hill City, ID. She was a Clark County resident 47 years. She worked as a beautician for 30 years.

In 1989, Miller was president of the American Business Women's Association. She owned Marge's Village Green Beauty Salon and co-owned J & M Barber Supply in Vancouver with her husband, John Miller.

Miller was devoted to her grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She enjoyed fishing, horseback riding, baseball, sports and the news.

Miller was preceded in death by her sister Blanche Harder and a brother, John Kelso.

Miller is survived by her husband of 46 years, John Miller, at home, daughter Carolyn "Carrie" Grosz of Washougal, sisters Pearl Slane of Bliss ID, Mary Bruno of Albany, OR, Peggy Allen of Enterprise, OR and Evelyn Hardwood of Pocatello, ID, brothers Lee Kelso and Joe Kelso, both of Bliss, ID and three grandchildren.

Memorial services were held July 30, 2004, at Gateway Community Church in Washougal. Layne's Funeral Home of Battle Ground was in charge of arrangements.

Carl J. Beebe, 83, died July 25, 2004 in Vancouver.

Beebe was born Dec. 14, 1920 in Woodland and lived there his entire life.

Beebe worked as a heavy equipment operator in the Cowlitz County road department and retired in 1970.

Beebe attended Clover Valley grade school and graduated from Woodland high School in 1940. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1942-1946.

Beebe was a member of the Woodland Grange and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a member of the Woodland Christian Church.

Beebe loved camping and drives up the Lewis River and back roads through the View area and Fargher Lake, where he lived for a time. He also loved spending time at his summer home in Jewell, OR and enjoyed being with his grandchildren.

Beebe was preceded in death by his brother Elmer Beebe.

Beebe is survived by his wife of 37 years, Bessie, Beebe, at home, daughters Connie Raff and Debbie Linquist of Vancouver, sons Lee Wells of Ridgefield and David Wells of Woodland, brother Charles Beebe of Vancouver, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held July 30, 2004, at Woodland Christian Church with committal following in Frank Abel Cemetery, Woodland. Layne's Funeral Home of Battle Ground was in charge of arrangements.

Harold Lawrence King, 85, died July 28, 2004 at home in Battle Ground.

King was born Oct. 20, 1918 in Deer Park, WA. He was a Clark County resident 50 years and worked as a medical aide at a Veteran's Administration hospital.

King was a veteran of World War II where he served in the U.S. Army.

An avid gardener, King enjoyed raising dahlias, tinkering in his shop, doing crossword puzzles and going to Senior Nutrition Activity Program luncheons.

King enjoyed watching the Red Skelton Show and visiting and spending time with nieces and nephews. He enjoyed camping and fishing and life's simple pleasures.

King is survived by a sister, Gwen Pierce of Vancouver, and a brother, Elton King of Spokane.

A memorial service will be held Mon., Aug. 9, 2004, 3 p.m., at Laynes Funeral Home in Battle Ground, with a private internment in Brush Prairie Cemetery following. Layne's is in charge of arrangements.

Carole Ann (Rosencrans) Bills, 66, died July 31, 2004 in Vancouver.

Bills was born Dec. 26, 1937 in Amboy and was a Clark County resident 40 years, the last three months in Vancouver.

Bills worked as an administrative assistant in the real estate industry. She graduated from Vancouver High School in 1955.

Bills was a devoted mother, grandmother, and a good cook, especially with chocolate chip cookies. She enjoyed playing the organ and piano, using her computer and reading.

Bills was preceded in death by a baby sister in 1941.

Bill is survived by her mother, Wilma Rosencrans of Vancouver, sons Dennis Bills of Vancouver, David Bills of Rocklin, CA and Derek Bills of Elk Grove, CA, sisters Janie Bailey and Donna Boner, both of Vancouver, five grand-daughters and several nieces ad nephews.

Graveside services will be held on Thurs., Aug. 5, 2004, at 2 p.m., at Mt. View Cemetery in Amboy. There will be an open casket Wed., Aug. 4, 3-5 p.m. at Layne's Funeral Home Chapel in Battle Ground. Layne's is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be sent to kaiser Permanente, 2701 NW Vaughn, suite 140, Portland, OR 97210.

Hillie (deGroot) Stoker, 85, died July 31, 2004 in Battle Ground.

Stoker was born Feb. 22, 1919 in Appelscha, Friesland, The Netherlands, and lived her first 29 years in The Netherlands, including during the depression and World War II.

Stoker immigrated to the United States in 1948 with her husband, Hans Stoker. She lived in Nisqually and Enumclaw, and moved to Battle Ground in 1965 where she and her husband operated a dairy farm. They became U.S. citizens in 1963.

Stoker prepared meals for everyone who worked on the farm, usually serving some type of food 11 times a day.

Hans Stoker died in a tractor accident in 1972, leaving Hillie Stoker with five children and the farm.

Stoker graduated from Portland State University and earned master's degrees in teaching, theology and German. She taught German at Prairie High School and at Ft. Vancouver High School beginning in 1981. She also taught German in Community Education classes and to homeschooled students. She had a compassion for the underprivileged, especially children.

Stoker led Bible studies and was active in the Cherry Grove Friends Church. She enjoyed gardening, knitting, reading, and serving others. She was a generous person. She lived a life of faith, kindness and peace.

Stoker was preceded in death by her husband, Hans Stoker, 1972, sister Coba Zwart in 2003 and brother Jan deGroot in 1983. Survivors include daughters Fran Kirk of Battle Ground and Bonnie Medema of Everett, sons Henry Stoker of Idaho, Andrew Stoker of Iowa and Rick Stoker of Battle Ground, brother Jacob deGroot of The Netherlands, nine grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Thurs., Aug. 5, 10:30 a.m., at Cherry Grove Friend Church, 92nd Ave. and NE 219th St., Battle Ground, with burial at Memory Memorial Park Cemetery. The casket will be open Wed., Aug. 4, 6-8 p.m., at Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground. Layne Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

KEVIN CHRISTENSEN

Kevin Michael Christensen Sr., 44, died July 13, 2004 in Vancouver.

Christensen was born Oct. 16, 1959 in Plentywood, MT, grew up in Kirkland, and moved to Battle Ground in the early 1990s. He operated a hydro-seeding business, then went into trucking, then demolition, then back into trucking.

Christensen enjoyed his trucking business and the people he encountered on a daily basis.

Christensen is remembered for his sense of humor and warm and humble personality.

Christensen enjoyed the Andy Griffith Show, cooking with his special sauces, watching old movies, fishing and woodworking. He was known as Mr. Fix-It and was always willing to help others in need.

Christensen was preceded in death by his father, Clifford, in 1987. Survivors include mother Margaret Christensen of Bellevue, widow Traci Christensen of Battle Ground, children Emma and Kyle Jr., both of Battle Ground, Alyssa of Abby and Rachel of Spokane, step-children Kristi Goff of Battle Ground and Jeff Goff of Germany, brothers Dennis Christensen of Fall City, Cory Christensen of Elma, Terry Christensen of Aberdeen, Dale Christensen of Marysville, and Hal Christensen of Virginia, and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held Fri., Aug. 6, 2 p.m., at the Cedars Golf Club in Brush Prairie. Wherity Family Cremation handled arrangements.

CECILIA SASS

Cecilia Louise (French) Sass, 89, died July 18, 2004 in Grafton, ND.

Sass was born June 8, 1915 in Grafton, ND, and lived most of her life in that area. She lived in Vancouver 1996-2002, residing with her daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Dan Schluchter. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Battle Ground and attended Columbia River Adult Day Center.

Sass worked as a dental assistant for 18 years. She was a member of the Legion Club for 33 years. She did volunteer work.

Sass was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard, in 1959, daughter Susan Einarson in 2001, and brothers Charles French and Anthon French. Survivors include daughters Pat Graf and Carol Schluchter, both of North Dakota, and Mary Jane Olson of Vancouver, sisters Theresa Murphy of Seattle and Agnes Stewart of Minnesota, nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Burial was at St. John Catholic Church Cemetery in North Dakota, with Barnes Funeral Home, North Dakota, in charge of arrangements.

WALTER SWANSON

Walter "Gene" Swanson, 78, died July 22, 2004, in Portland.

Swanson was born Jan. 20, 1926 in Greeley, CO, and worked as a civil engineer with CH2M Hill for 33 years.

Swanson moved to Battle Ground in 1941 and graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1943. He worked at the Vancouver Shipyards, then served two years in the Army as an aircraft mechanic.

Swanson enrolled in Washington State College in 1948, graduating in 1952.

Swanson lived in Hollywood, CA while working for Douglass Aircraft and Quinton Engineers Ltd. He lived in Japan, Turkey and the Philippine Islands. He also lived in Corvallis, OR. He retired in 1992.

He was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He loved to design and build with wood. He enjoyed camping, traveling, storytelling and spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include widow Lila, at home in Portland, daughters Susan Gilmore and Gail Wright, both of Portland, sons Neil Swanson of Oregon and Chris Swanson of Vancouver, sister Joyce Catt of Vancouver, seven grandchildren, and special companions Digger Dog and Betty Davis the cat.

Burial was at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, with Autumn Funerals Cremation, in charge of arrangements.

HAYDEN BUCK

Hayden Scott Buck, 15 months, died July 25, 2004 in Woodland.

Buck was born April 23, 2003 in Woodland. He was always smiling and loved everyone.

Survivors include parents Travis and Amber Buck of Woodland, brothers Sterling Buck and Christopher Buck, both of Woodland, grandparents Thomas and Julie Buck of Woodland, Tim Mills of Ridgefield and Marcella DePettit of Woodland, great-grandparents Kathleen Buck of Vancouver, Bob and Harriet Morgan of Woodland, Gerald and Roni Mills of Everett and Bill and Janice Pettit of La Center, great-great-grandparents Sterling and Marion West of Woodland, and several nieces and nephews.

The Woodland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.