PARADE OF HOMES OPENS FRIDAY

The 27th annual Clark County Parade of Homes will open Fri., Sept. 3, at Granite Highlands just north of Hwy 14 in Washougal, and continue through Sun., Sept. 19.

The parade, organized by the Building Industry Association of Clark County and sponsored by Riverview Community Bank, will feature 12 homes ranging in size from 3,200 square feet to 6,800 square feet, and in price from $529,000 to $850,000.

"This is certainly one of the best sites we've ever had for the show," said Jerry Clark of Clark and Son Homes, chair of this year's Parade of Homes.

Views from Granite Highlands are spectacular, said Clark. Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson and a 180-degree of the Columbia River are all visible from the deck of Clark's entry in the Parade.

Builders will be available to answer questions during the Meet the Builders Days on Saturdays, Sept. 4, 11 and 18, noon-5 p.m.

Popular features this year include master bedrooms on the main floor, high technology touches, sophisticated computer wiring, home theaters, and the latest in interior design ideas, materials and colors.

"Our Parade of Homes is getting more and more sophisticated in its presentation of exterior and interior design ideas and finishes," said Clark. "Since Granite Highlands is one of the most spectacular building sites in Clark County, we wanted this year's Parade home to be appropriate to the site," said Clark.

In addition to Clark, builders in this year's Parade are Fantasy Homes by Vladimir, Fieldstone Construction, James Kimball Homes, Philip Custom Homes, Quail Homes, Pac Rim Homes, M.J. Olson Enterprise Co., A&M Homes and Elegant Living Concepts, Larry Boitano Builders, and Lynwood Homes.

Each year, Parade homes feature a range of popular design trends.

"Most people who come to the Parade are looking for ideas, not a house, said Clark. "The more extensive interior and exterior design ideas incorporated into this year's homes help fill that demand."

Show hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily throughout the 2 1/2 week parade, Sept. 3-19.

In addition to Riverview Community Bank, sponsors are Lumbermen's, The Vancouver Columbian newspaper, RE/MAX, North Pacific Supply, Parr Lumber, Stewart Title, Suburban Door & Window, Sivad Studios, Northwest Society of Interior Designers, Bill Copps, and Comcast.

The VIP & Chamber of Commerce After Hours Event will be Wed., Sept. 1, 5-9 p.m., sponsored by Parr Lumber.

Seniors ages 55 and up will be admitted at half price on Tuesdays, Sept. 7 and 14. Color and Design Days, featuring special exhibitors and a color and design tour, will take place Thurs., Sept. 9 and 16.

A Remodeling & Garden Show will take place Fri.-Sun., Sept. 17-19, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., with displays by the Specialty Nursery Association of Clark County in the backyards of four Parade homes. In addition, more than 100 remodeling, home decor, landscaping and garden exhibitors will show their supplies and services.

Parade organizers predict the show will set attendance records.

Some 23,000 people attended the Parade last year. Clark said high attendance is likely because the site is "certainly one of the best sites we've ever had for the show."

Led by Fieldstone Construction's Built Green showcase home, "Salute! To Your Health," eight of the 12 houses in this year's Parade will carry the "Built Green" label signifying use of environmentally sound materials and building practices.

Homes can be certified as "Built Green" with excavation erosion control, recycled building materials, sustainable products such as certified lumber and durable siding, energy efficient heating systems, energy efficient windows, extra insulation, and air quality control measures.

Homes can also earn the "Built Green" certification soy-based foam insulation, high efficiency furnaces and air conditioning, lumber from sustainable forest practices, and Energy Star appliances.

"We're working to show builders that it's easy and often no more costly to add Built Green packages to everything they build," said Heidi Girod, chair of the Building Industry Association's Built Green committee.

"Green isn't just eco, it's also durability and ease of maintenance," said Girod. For example, porcelain tile can be chosen over granite for counter tops because it's easy to maintain and very non-porous.

Girod's entry in the parade (Fieldstone Construction) has 7,000 square feet, six bedrooms, and 5 1/2 baths, and was built for $131 per square foot, including land. Asking price is $895,000.

"We started with design," said Girod. "It's a large home with an efficient design that can fit an extended family or just two people."

The Fieldstone home is designed so that the second floor can be completely separate living space with its own garage access. On the main floor, multi-zoned heating allows the recreation and theater rooms to be isolated for two-person living.

Synergy Design Group president Chuck Dougherty said his firm designed Girod's "Built Green" home to use pre-cut framing studs for more efficient use of lumber. Covering a southern exposure deck also assists the cooling system. The home also has a 94 percent efficient heating system.

Indoor air quality is improved with ventilation especially designed for tight construction. To control dust mites, hard flooring is the predominate flooring material. The small amount of carpet is polyester, made from recycled soft drink bottles.

Special paint from Parker Paint and Marmoleum non-vinyl hard surface flooring were also used. Green-certified Wilsonart laminate was used on countertops.

Other features aimed at energy efficiency include spray-on foam insulation on interior walls and floors. The lighting plan, which can be controlled from one room, provides a mix of low and high voltage lighting, along with special energy-efficient light fixtures. Appliances are "Energy Star."

Recycled glass tiles were used through the home.

Exterior and interior stonework is made from recycled concrete. The home has a built-in recycling center and mud room where children can dump wet and muddy clothing.

A putting course outside uses plants and rocks found in the area, consistent with "green" landscaping.

"We're trying to teach builders and the public that you don't have to do all this stuff," said Girod. "I ask customers what they're after in a "Built Green" system. If they say lower energy bills and higher air quality, I know how to do this within most budgets."

Color, design days slated

Special color and design days will take place at the Parade on Thursdays, Sept. 9 and 16, with emphasis on items of interest to women.

On these two days, 75 people who pre-register will get breakfast and designer-led tours of Parade homes. Babysitting will be provided for children ages three-10.

"A lot of people who attend are looking for ideas for their own homes," said Patti Marvitz, a decorating consultant with Walls too! Windows, a Vancouver interior design firm and chair of the Color and Design Day committee.

"Our goal is to create a setting where small groups can hear directly from the designer why a color or surface was chosen and how decisions like that helped shape the overall mood of the interior," Marvitz said.

Groups will be limited to 10-12 people. Tours of five homes will be given Sept. 9, and six on Sept. 16. Cost is $15 for one day or $25 for both days. Reservations can be made by calling 694-0933.

Realtor, builder days set

Realtors and builders will be admitted free to the Parade of Homes Wednesdays, Sept. 8 and 15 , by showing their business cards at the gate.

"We'll be targeting the Vancouver area Realtors and Builders Sept. 8, and Portland area Realtors Sept. 15," said Karen Nelson, senior vice president with Riverview Community Bank.

The Sept. 8 event, sponsored by Stewart Title and RE/MAX, will feature dinner and entertainment 4-7 p.m. People touring all the homes will be entered in a special drawing for a concert package at the Amphitheater at Clark County.

Play house up for auction

Five play houses will be subject to a silent auction during the Sept. 3-19 Parade of Homes.

Bids on the houses will be accepted where the play houses are on display. Bids will be displayed on the Parade website. Bid increases can be called in to the Building Industry Association office, 694-0933.

"We have one more play house this year which I think is a sign of just how well received this event is," said Avaly Mobbs, special events director for the Building Industry Association.

Last year, one of the play houses was donated to a school and another to a daycare center.

The play houses went on display Aug. 1 at Lowe's in Orchards, the Amphitheater at Clark County, and Riverview Bank branches in Camas and Washougal before being moved to the Parade of Homes site.

Proceeds from the play house auction, which last year raised nearly $6,000, will go to the Vancouver, Camas and Washougal school foundations.

Admission to the show is $12 adults, $6 ages 6-12, and under age 6 free. Discount coupons are available in newspaper advertising and on the show's website

www.ClarkCountyParadeofHomes.com

BARN STANDOFF

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

A reported question about an out-of-season burn pile escalated to a point that a Chelatchie Prairie man shut himself up inside his barn with a rifle, and refused to drop his weapon and come out.

Fire District 10 firefighters responded to a neighbor complaint that Marvin Buckbee, 28814 NE Healy Rd., had an illegal burn on his property, officials said.

Once there, Buckbee reportedly "became combative, ordered the firefighters off his property and became argumentative," said County fire marshall David Lynam.

Fire officials called for police backup from Clark County Sheriff's Office. When deputies arrived, Buckbee reportedly came out of the barn holding a rifle, which he did not point at anyone, said fire marshall Jon Dunaway.

More backup was called, and law enforcement agencies from other cities responded, including the County's SWAT team.

Buckbee reportedly refused to put down the rifle after several commands, said Dunaway.

After about one hour, the siege was called off because the original offense is a misdemeanor, Lynam said. Officers left Buckbee in his barn with the door closed.

Officer reports will be filed with the Prosecuting Attorney's Office to see what, if any, charges will be filed, said Lynam.

"The situation was not worth escalating over a misdemeanor," Lynam said. "We're happy no one was hurt."

BG MAN INDICTED BY STATE FOR TRAFFICKING

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Scott Laney, 33, Battle Ground and Tobias Grace, 30, Vancouver, were indicted in U.S. District Court in Tacoma Aug. 26 on charges of conspiracy regarding computer technology.

The two men pleaded not guilty to trafficking in counterfeit computer labels and computer documentation, and conspiracy to engage in money laundering. They were arrested Aug. 25.

A written indictment states the men operated several companies that illegally resold Microsoft software. Company names are Smart Software, Twenty-First Century E Software, FBSS Tech and QCW Technology Enterprises also doing business at Quest Computers.

Prosecutors say the men laundered more than $35 million from illegal software sales.

Some software resold by the companies reportedly had altered labels and licenses, and security features that were counterfeited, altered or removed.

Prosecutors allege that the men also obtained software designated for academic sales, for sale to Microsoft employees or for original equipment manufacturers and sold it "at a substantial mark-up."

The case was investigated by the FBI and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

A trial is set for Oct. 25 in front of U.S. District Court judge Franklin Burgess.

DEVELOPER CAUGHT OFF GUARD, CREEK MUDDY

by Michelle Kapitanovich

Dirt and silt from a construction site muddied Gee Creek last week which prompted a visit from the state Department of Ecology.

The contamination came from building sites at 3301 and 3497 Pioneer St., said Ecology spokesperson Sandy Howard.

Mud apparently flowed into a tributary that enters Gee Creek, turning the waterway into a "muddy, coffee color."

The matter is under investigation, and it is uncertain whether the agency will take action against the individuals responsible, Howard said.

Wubben Bros. Inc. has done site preparation at the 3497 site for a residential development called Cedar Ridge Estates. About 190 homes will eventually be built.

Operations manager Mike Wubben said the company had silt fences in place, but the unseasonably high rainfall caused the fence to fail in one area.

"With the rainfall, the runoff was coming down faster than the silt fence could handle and it went over it," Wubben said.

Wubben noted that Ecology officials walked the site two weeks earlier examining stormwater control measures and found everything to be in compliance.

The company has worked diligently, Wubben said, to remedy the problem. Hay has been spread and temporary holding ponds installed.

"That's all we've done all week is work on erosion control out there," Wubben said.

An anonymous caller alerted the agency to the pollution.

Gary Bock and other volunteers with the Gee Creek Enhancement Group noticed something was wrong when they visited the creek Aug. 22 to do work focusing on water quality.

"It was very, very muddy," Bock said. "Far muddier than a natural creek should be."

Although the incident is discouraging, Bock said he is pleased with the prompt response by the city of Ridgefield and Ecology.

Muddy water is a concern, since it can irritate fish gills and smother fish eggs when particles settle on spawning gravels.

Howard said Ecology has found Wubben's response to the incident encouraging.

"A lot of contractors get caught off guard in August, thinking that the weather will hold a bit longer," she noted. "But it didn't."

RIDGEFIELD BUYS LAND FOR CENTER

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

Ridgefield's wished-for Welcome Center took a leap toward reality Aug. 6 when the city council authorized a bond to pay for needed land.

The council voted to borrow $210,000 to pay for four lots at the corner of Main Ave. and Pioneer St.

The Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge currently has an option to buy the property, but the city will purchase that option.

Interim city manager George Fox said that the property will likely be acquired by the end of this year.

Fox said he has worked with the Bank of Clark County to secure an interest rate of 2.95 percent over five years. The payments will be $42,000 annually.

"This property is ideal for a welcome center," Fox said after the meeting.

A house is located on one lot. Fox said he will have the condition of the house analyzed to determine if it is salvageable. If not, the house will be demolished.

MORE CHARGES BROUGHT AGAINST RIDGEFIELD STORE OWNER

Jail release revoked

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Tong Hyok Yi (Yee), 60, owner of the Ridgefield Food Center, now faces one count of second degree rape and six more counts regarding aggressive sexual touching in addition to two other charges filed against him Aug. 11 in Clark County Superior Court.

On Aug. 20, a total of nine charges were filed against Yi. Two of those charges stem from one 42-year-old woman who alleges that Yi forced her into sexual intercourse and took indecent liberties with her in 2003.

There is one other count of indecent liberties with forcible compulsion and six counts of fourth degree assault with sexual motivation--all from different women and minors. Incidents allegedly occurred from 2002 to August 2004.

The report filed Aug. 12 by Ridgefield Sgt. Randy Ostrander and officer Chip Hainline states Yi sexually assaulted a 45-year-old developmentally disabled woman Aug. 2 who came to buy a candy bar and can of pop.

The report states Yi lifted up his shirt, mimicked a pelvic thrust, called her "sugar," reached across the counter and grabbed both of her breasts.

The woman's case resource manager with the state Division of Developmental Services said the victim has the mental age capacity of a 3-4 year old child and doesn't have the capacity to lie or make up this type of offense.

On Aug. 9, Yi reportedly grabbed the breast of a 60-year-old developmentally disabled woman who was shopping for candy bars.

The report said Yi followed the woman into the candy aisle, reached around her and grabbed and squeezed her breast until it hurt.

The woman reportedly told Yi to remove his hand or she would call the police and he would go to jail.

Similar offenses were lodged against Yi, the report said, with a pattern emerging of offering free beer and cigarettes to minors, sexual gestures with his mouth to minor and adult females, that Yi tried to lure women to the back of the store, kissed and hugged minors and an adult, and that he short-changed an elderly woman.

Prosecuting attorney Mike Kinnie confirmed that Yi was investigated in 1990 by the Portland Police Bureau at another store he owned for inappropriately touching three young girls.

During the course of that investigation, Yi reportedly acquired another store and moved, Kinnie said.

Yi's release revoked

When Yi was first booked in August, he was released on $100,000 bail with conditions to stay away from the store and to remain in Vancouver under 24-hour supervision with a competent adult family member. He was ordered to report to Kirk Pressy, a Department of Corrections officer assigned to him.

But Yi was put back in jail Aug. 20 when talk surfaced that family members were speaking about selling the store and their homes, said Kinnie.

Kinnie said there was some concerns of Yi leaving the area.

In addition, Pressy indicated that Yi and his family didn't seem to understand the seriousness of the allegations and his release conditions, Kinnie said.

On Aug. 26, Judge Diane Woolard re-set bail at $100,000 and ordered electronic home monitoring in addition to the other conditions, Kinnie said.

In a letter to Woolard, Yi's attorney Jon McMullen said the family's talk about selling property was simply to raise enough money to pay legal fees such as bail, lawyers and additional immigration counsel.

"...since this matter hit the paper, business has dropped significantly and it may be quite a long time before Tong would ever be allowed back in the store, if ever, it seemed like the one possible and sensible move on the board," McMullen wrote.

McMullen also said the store and homes are not up for sale at this point.

McMullen also wrote, the "Corrections Department is not going to set up coffee cans with little papers taped to them indicating `For Tong Yi's Release Representation.' They will not involve themselves in bake sales, car washes, or any other attempts to help Tong Yi and his family during what would be an economically difficult time for most any person..."

Ridgefield Food Center on the corner of S Main Ave. and Pioneer St. remains open, but the state Liquor Control Board has issued a 180-day suspension on the store's license to sell alcohol, said a state official.

A notice on the door states the reasons as criminal conduct and indecent liberties on the premises.

A trial date is set for Mon., Nov. 8, with judge Woolard presiding at 9 a.m. Yi, a Korean national who is not a U.S. citizen, will have an interpreter.

BG CHIEF ORDERS PIT BULLS IMPOUNDED

Second offense threatens neighborhood safety

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

A second incident in two weeks with pit bulls owned by Monica D. Hanson, 305 NW 16th Ave., Battle Ground, led police chief Ron Johnson to order the dogs impounded pending the outcome of charges against their owner.

According to police and witnesses, the dogs have terrorized the neighborhood by getting out of their yard for several months.

In an incident Aug. 8, three pit bulls reportedly approached neighbor Mike Cunningham while he stood in his driveway across the street from Hanson's home.

Cunningham reportedly told police he stood still as the dogs approached him non-aggressively.

One of the dogs suddenly bit his hand, he told officer Joe Yeska, then they all started barking and trying to bite him. Cunningham reportedly jumped onto the hood of his car until they left. He suffered a cut about one-fourth inch deep and long on his hand.

As he watched, the dogs ran across the street and began to attack 6-year-old Colton Machado, Cunningham told Yeska. Machado suffered a scratch one and one-half inches long on his calf.

As Cunningham ran into the garage to get the handle off his car jack to defend the boy, Machado ran into the house where his uncle Stewart Harris lives at 309 NW 16th Ave., according to Yeska's report.

When Harris opened the door, four pit bulls were there and tried to attack him, he wrote in a statement to Yeska.

Harris reportedly chased them off by swinging a shoe and then chased them back into their own yard.

Harris said he found boards from the fence laying on the ground. Cunningham arrived with a hammer and nails and was in the process of putting a board back up with the dogs on the other side when Yeska and officer Dave Sexton arrived.

Animal control officer Burrus arrived and when he approached the fence with Yeska, "the dogs went ballistic," Yeska wrote, and added that five pit bulls were in the back yard.

As Burrus tried to round up the dogs, they kept jumping over a 4-foot tall plywood divider, Yeska said. One reportedly leaped a 6-foot fence into a neighbor's yard, then back into its own yard, then over the other side of the fence and took off through the neighborhood.

The dog was found the following day wandering the neighborhood and barking in yards until it reached its home where a witness said Hanson opened the front door and let it in, said the report.

Yeska also noted that he saw "at least 10 puppies" that appeared to be 8-10 weeks old in the yard and already showing signs of being aggressive with barking and attempts to bite Burrus.

Yeska wrote that living conditions for the dogs were "poor." He cited specifics such as the side and back of the house "full of dog feces" that appeared to have not been cleaned up "in several months and it was difficult to walk in the area without stepping on it."

Yeska also wrote that he did not see any food containers, fresh water or shelter in the area except for a small dog crate and three small children's swimming pools, one of which was full of muddy water.

Hanson was cited for dog at large, unlicensed kennel, animal nuisance, cruelty to animals in failing to provide minimum care, and animal license violation (the city allows three dogs over six months old per household). The dogs were declared Potentially Dangerous by the city's prosecuting attorney. Hanson reportedly refused to sign the notice.

The dogs were impounded at the Humane Society for Southwest Washington, then returned to Hanson within two days. Hanson reportedly told police the puppies were not hers and had been returned to their owner.

Because the bites to the victims were superficial, action that could be taken at that time was limited, said chief Johnson.

"We did everything legally that we could do," he said.

In the latest incident Aug. 23, a dog reportedly jumped the fence and attacked a man and his dog that were walking in the neighborhood.

Community Services officer Robert Scott filled out a Declaration of Dangerous Dog to serve on Hanson to have the dogs impounded under the authority of the chief.

Yeska, Scott and officer Sean Hendrickson tried to serve the Declaration, but Hanson reportedly locked herself in the house and would not answer repeated knocks on her door with the officers identifying themselves, the report said.

Scott reported he was at the back fence and saw Hanson let the dogs into the house.

Sgt. Carl Mullen began work to get a search warrant while the officers went around the block and waited.

The officers saw Hanson's boyfriend, Duane Warney of Oregon, and reportedly convinced him to get Hanson to cooperate or they could be arrested for obstructing an officer.

Hanson came outside and reportedly agreed to let the officers look in her home, but went inside for "about 5 minutes" first, Yeska wrote.

The officers did not find any more than three dogs in the home, but have reason to believe there are more, the chief said, and were possibly hidden at the time of the search.

Warney reportedly told Yeska and Hendrickson there were three other adult pit bulls and four puppies inside.

The case is under investigation, Johnson said.

Neighbors report the dogs continually break through their fence with such force that the nails are pulled out of the 2-by-4s they are attached to, wrote officer Chris Olsen in June.

One neighbor who lives behind Hanson told police that in May, three dogs were loose in her backyard and acted aggressively more than once.

The neighbors told Olsen and Scott that the dogs roam her yard and get into whatever they can find, scattering shoes and toys around the yard, growling at her child and pawing at the back sliding glass door.

At that time, Olsen wrote "It is unknown whether the dogs are truly aggressive enough to attack a human being or that they are just aggressive enough to damage property."

The three dogs currently in custody at the Humane Society will remain there until Battle Ground Municipal Court judge Stephen Sowards decides punishment, Johnson said.

COUNCIL DICKERS OVER NEW OFFICER

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

A heated discussion developed during a study session Aug. 23 when Battle Ground police chief Ron Johnson asked city council members to approve hiring a new officer in advance of the 2005 budget.

Council member Sandra Barnes said she is "uncomfortable" adding an officer without seeing next year's budget forecast.

Although there is currently enough money in this year's budget for salary and start-up equipment for an entry level officer for one year, Barnes questioned whether there would be enough in future years.

In addition, Barnes said she wants some extra money put into roads and parks.

"We're not the County," Barnes said. "We've had what, two murders in five years? I don't know that we have that need [for another officer]."

Council members Lisa Walters and Bill Ganley strongly opposed Barnes.

"I disagree 100 percent," Ganley said. "The need is there, the finances are there. We have to make adjustments in other departments for personnel. We make half-year budget adjustments. One of the goals of this council is public safety. The growth is going to be there [to support continued salary.]"

Walters said, "As a city we've been extremely lucky. If you're going to compare parks to police, parks can go. Public safety is very important to citizens. If there's not enough officers to patrol, the parks aren't going to be safe."

"Growth [to pay for an officer] will be there," Walters said. "We're already behind the 8-ball. I don't think it's unreasonable to trust the chief's judgment."

Ganley said the city will also see an influx of people once the new theater complex is built, not to mention another forecasted 300 new homes with about 1,000 more residents next year.

Ganley said the police staff is at about one officer per 1,000 people and it shouldn't be that low.

Mayor John Idsinga agreed with Ganley's growth forecast and said, "We're gonna' grow no matter the fence the [County commissioners] put around Battle Ground."

"We need to plan for the future," he said. "I'm all in favor and do believe in the course of good government to think ahead for the citizens."

"We're better off being prepared for growth and problems," Idsinga said.

Barnes said she would go along with the council's decision to bring the matter back for a final decision during a regular meeting, but that she just wants to "look at the whole picture."

"I want to see the data to support that extra position and make sure there is money there to support it," she said.

Serious crime is rising, chief says understaffed

Later, Johnson said he couldn't remember the last time the police department was fully staffed.

"I can't remember when we haven't been in the hiring mode," he said.

Johnson said he asked city council members for an officer in advance of the 2005 budget allotment because the department remains understaffed.

Last year, the council approved two new positions for this year, which remain unfilled. A third vacancy was created when an officer resigned in May.

An officer was recently hired out of Las Vegas Metro Police to fill the vacancy left by the resignation. Johnson said he has identified three other quality candidates for entry level positions, but only has authorization to hire two. Johnson said he intended to ask permission for two more officers in 2005, so he asked to hire one of those now rather than later because he has a candidate ready to accept a conditional job offer if council approves.

"With the growth we've had, next year we'll be at 15,000 people," Johnson said later. "If we add the one officer, we'll still be where we're at with 1.3 officers per 1,000 residents. With no additional people the percentage drops to 1.2 per 1,000."

Johnson said serious crimes are rising, and his officers are sometimes overloaded.

Department statistics show there have been three murders in three years. This year there were two "shaken baby" or inflicted head injury cases.

Six forcible rapes reported so far this year. There was one last year by the same time. There have been three robberies, including one armed robbery this year where an employee was "pistol-whipped;" last year at this time there was one.

Reported crimes such as assault, motor vehicle theft, burglaries and arson are up, as are DUI arrests.

There have been a total of 418 arrests so far this year. Last year by the end of July there were 360.

Johnson said identity theft crimes are also rising.

Det. Mike Molzahn said it can "literally take days" to solve just one case, and several can't be solved because people "just vanish."

"Identity theft is more prevalent right now, more than anything," Molzahn said. "It's one of the hardest cases to solve. Subpoenas don't mean anything out-of-state and out- of-country."

"MAC" PARK DEDICATED IN BG NEIGHBORHOOD

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Former Battle Ground mayor and notable past citizen C.W. "Mac" McConnell's smile was like sunshine on the rainy day a park was dedicated in his name Aug. 23.

"I don't know what to say, but thanks everybody," he said as he stood by a large rock engraved with a synopsis of his work for Battle Ground.

Before he cut a ceremonial ribbon, McConnell handed a check for $1,000 to mayor John Idsinga to go toward the city's parks fund.

Although Idsinga appeared almost tongue-tied, it was McConnell who said the honor left him speechless when he found out about it.

McConnell came to Battle Ground as a teacher in 1946. He was principal of Amboy Elementary School in the early 1950s for four years. After a reassignment to Central Elementary School in Battle Ground, he joined the Commercial Club and became active in a drive to see the town incorporated.

McConnell was the second mayor of Battle Ground in the 1960s, an unpaid, volunteer job, and served one term.

During his mayorship, fluoride was added to the drinking water, the first fire truck was bought, city hall was built on the corner of E Main St. and NE 3rd Ave., and house numbers were provided because of the paperwork he and his daughter did.

After serving as mayor, McConnell continued working in the growing city with several terms on the Planning Commission.

McConnell was instrumental in buying land that was set aside for Kiwanis Park and also the construction of the building there.

McConnell and his family worked on the Rose Float every year. He was the high school football game announcer for several years until he retired and moved to Vancouver.

In January 1999, McConnell was named Battle Ground Citizen of the Year.

Although he is no longer a Battle Ground resident, McConnell stays active in the community through his membership at the Community United Methodist Church which includes providing food and financial support to the North County Community Food Bank.

McConnell is still a member of the Kiwanis Club. He writes the monthly newsletter, provides for weekly programs, helps with the annual Easter Egg Hunt, helps maintain the Kiwanis building, participates in Walk and Knock, is a crossing guard at Halloween on Main St., is active in the Harvest Days Kids' Parade, assists with the Christmas toy drive, and facilitates people working at Gee Creek rest area "coffee stops" for Kiwanis and his church.

The transcription on McConnell's rock next to a winding pathway reads in part, To honor and celebrate his love for his community and passion for parks, the citizens of Battle Ground respectfully dedicate this beautiful park and open space to "Mac" for all to enjoy.

The park is located in the Parkview Trails Subdivision on NW 25th Ave., north of NW 8th St. on the east side of the street.

COUNTY MAY SEEK DEATH IN OFFICER DEATH

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Nearly three weeks after being arrested for allegedly causing the death of an on-duty Clark County Sheriff's Sergeant, Robin T. Schreiber was officially charged with murder.

County prosecuting attorney Art Curtis charged Schreiber, 44, of Brush Prairie, with one count of first degree aggravated murder for allegedly killing Sgt. Brad Crawford.

Schreiber's arraignment is set for Aug. 31 in front of Superior Court judge Roger Bennett.

On July 30, Crawford used his marked patrol car to block a hairpin curve at NE 114th St. and NE 124th Ave. after an emergency call about an armed, suicidal man in the neighborhood.

Reports and witnesses said Crawford, armed with a rifle, crawled across his front porch, got in his heavy-duty truck, careened across a field taking out a fence, entered the road and accelerated into the driver's side of the patrol car.

Crawford, 49, was cut out of the vehicle, taken by Life Flight to Legacy Emanuel Hospital, and died two hours later. He left behind a wife, five children and two grandchildren.

Schreiber originally faced possible charges of first degree murder and vehicular homicide. He is still being held without bail in the Cowlitz County jail.

The elevated charge to first degree aggravated murder is because Schreiber reportedly acted with premeditated intent to kill the officer while he was on duty, Curtis said.

The charge qualifies for the death penalty punishment, Curtis said. The "aggravating circumstance" is that Schreiber knew or reasonably should have known that Crawford was a law enforcement officer who was performing his official duties at the time of his death.

Another statutory aggravating circumstance is that Schreiber was reportedly armed with deadly weapons--a rifle and his motor vehicle. The hefty charge is the result of three weeks researching "numerous" police and civilian witness reports of the incident, Curtis said.

"I believe filing this charge is warranted," he said.

If convicted, Schreiber would serve a mandatory minimum penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Curtis said the decision has not yet been made if the state will seek the death penalty. After Schreiber enters his plea, Curtis has 30 days to file for the capital punishment.

The death penalty is "very difficult to obtain," Curtis said. Even if a jury hands down that verdict, it may not hold up under the appeals process, added Curtis.

Or a jury could find "mitigating circumstances" such as emotional health at the time of the crime that would nullify that penalty, Curtis said.

The last death penalty conviction out of Clark County was James LeRoy Brett in 1992, Curtis said.

Brett, a Longview man who was determined physically and mentally unstable, charged into a Mt. Vista home in the Ridgefield area with a sawed- off shotgun and killed Hi-School Pharmacy executive Kenneth Milosovich in front of his wife during a bungled robbery attempt.

Brett appealed and although the conviction held up, the death penalty was overturned in 2001. In fact, it was the state's most expensive appeal at $254,000, according to state records.

The state Supreme Court ruled that Brett's attorney Irving Dane knew or should have known of Brett's "significant medical and mental conditions" which disqualified him from the death penalty.

At the time Dane was retained in the Clark County court for Brett, he faced disciplinary charges of unethical conduct. He has since been disbarred.

Brett is currently serving a life sentence.

BG CHIEF ISSUES WARNING OF FRAUD SCAMS

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

An elderly woman in Battle Ground came very close to being robbed of $4,800 from a fraud scam artist, said Ron Johnson, city police chief.

The victim was contacted by telephone that she had won a lottery, but needed to pay taxes before the money could be put into her account, Johnson said.

When the victim told the caller she didn't have the required $4,800, the man on the phone said he would have his friend advance the money to her, Johnson said. All she had to do was deposit the money and write a check to him for the amount.

The promised check arrived and the victim deposited the money, said Johnson.

"Luckily, the bank found out the check was not valid before she wrote one and sent it off," said Johnson. "Someone would have been out $4,800 and the suspects would have her bank account number."

Johnson is asking anyone who suspects they have been contacted by a fraud scam artist including by phone calls and e-mails, such as those sent from Nigeria and other countries, to please contact the police department and bring in any documentation.

"People need to take caution; beware of these types of scams," Johnson said. "A legitimate lottery isn't going to ask you to pay money up front, especially if you haven't entered any lottery."

"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't, (true)" he added.

The police department is located at 505 SW 1st St. Telephone number is 342-5100.

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

Six 17th District Republican and Democrat candidates vying for nominations from their parties support job creation, quality education and effective transportation.

They just don't agree on how to attain those goals.

Four state House of Representatives candidates, Democrats Ilene Ferrell and Pat Campbell, and Republicans Jim Dunn and Paul Harris, presented their positions Aug. 24 during a League of Women Voters forum.

Democrat hopefuls for the state Senate Ilene Ferrell and Pat Campbell also answered questions from League mediator Jane Van Dyke.

Two Democratic candidates for Clark County commissioner, Jeanne Harris and John Hagensen, presented their views to the small crowd of fewer than 25.

Of the four House candidates, only Dunn supports any change in the state's tax structure.

"We have the most regressive tax in the country," Dunn said. "We need to find an equitable fund that has all people sharing according to their means. Now, the middle and lower class have a greater burden."

Dunn stopped short of calling for a state income tax, but his opponent, Paul Harris, emphatically said that he "would not support an income tax."

"Look at other states, they're not doing a lot better," Harris said.

Harris, owner of Cascade Paint and Supply in Vancouver, said that businesses bear too heavy a tax burden.

"We need to take the burden off business," he said. "Business carries 56 percent of the tax burden."

Democrat Campbell said he supports a "tax system that encourages business," and he said that sales tax should be deductible from federal income taxes.

Ferrell proposed changing the business and operations tax so that only profits are taxed. That change would bring more companies to the state, she said.

Small businesses should also be able to form pools that would allow health insurance at a lower cost, Ferrell said.

The new 5-cent-per-gallon gas tax drew mixed reviews from the candidates.

Both Ferrell and Campbell said that the nickel may not be enough to fill the need.

"The nickel projects are working," Ferrell said, "but we have to look at more."

Campbell said funding should be flexibile to meet changing needs.

Paul Harris, who, with the others listed transportation as a major issue, said the state needs to either raise revenues or examine spending decisions.

Democrat Davis said, "We need an incentive for fuel efficiency."

Campbell said he would like to see a "priorities of government" project to make "necessary changes" in government.

"I believe in collaboration," he said. "The parties have become polarized, and we haven't done things the way we should."

All support job creation. The Republican House candidates were asked about sustainable management on state forest lands. Both said any plan must be able to continue to support education.

"Timber will help the schools," Harris said. "We need to take a broad [funding] stroke and not rely on one avenue."

The primary election is Sept. 14.

FIRST LOOK AT BG SCHOOLS BUDGET OFFERED

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Battle Ground School Board members took their first look Aug. 24 at the District's financial outlook for 2004-2005.

District business manager Mary Beth Lynn characterized it as a "hold-tight budget."

"There's really nothing new," Lynn said. "It's no-frills."

A team approach is used each year to develop Battle Ground's budget. The District hosts several meetings with a 30-member group representing various District financial interests.

The idea, said assistant superintendent Lynn Hicks, is when a budget is developed, all parties are included from the ground up.

The budget for 2004-2005 is projected at $87 million, up from $79.7 million for 2003-2004. The amount was readjusted to $83.5 million during a budget extension in January 2004 when more precise enrollment numbers were available.

Most of this year's rise is due to enrollment growth and carry-over funds from last year, Lynn said.

School districts receive an amount per student, about $4,200, from the state. The state contributes about 60 percent of Battle Ground's annual revenues.

The District also receives money from the federal government, area taxpayers in the form of a maintenance and operations levy, other school districts in cooperative agreements and from fees, donations and interest.

The District currently has about $17 million in voter-approved debt from a variety of bonds passed or refinanced since 1993. The District is allowed by law to have $98 million in voter-approved debt, Lynn said, or $81 million more than it has now.

A bond proposal for about $55 million failed last spring. Some type of bond initiative will be offered to voters in spring 2005. Bond money will go toward new school construction and alleviating overcrowding.

To compensate for a failed bond, 14 new portables were placed in the District's schools this summer. The new portables cost about $1.9 million. Impact fee money from residential construction was used for portables.

The District now has 114 portables at its 16 schools, said District communications consultant Kelly Keister.

Basic year planned for finances

Some challenges this year in creating the budget, Lynn said, include eliminating a $143,000 Better Schools staffing fund and the loss of about $300,000 in federal grant funds due to census changes which show the region as more affluent.

There were no salary increases given this year except for a 1 percent classified staff salary increase as passed down by the state. The contract with Laidlaw for busing increased about $126,000, partially due to more kindergarten buses.

Property insurance increased about $38,000 and retirement medical subsidies increased about $54,000.

The District will receive about $544,000 more from I-728 funding.

To keep the budget balanced, the District will use some savings.

The District will exit 2003-2004 with about $1.6 million in the bank. That amount will be about $1.2 million at the end of the upcoming 2004-2005 school year, which is not a drastic dip, said Lynn, especially if more state apportionment money comes in than projected.

Funds designated for specific purposes are also kept and rolled over year-to-year if not spent.

For more information about the District's budget, contact communication consultant Kelly Keister, 904-1233 or 885-5337.

CANDIDATES PAN COMMISSIONERS' PLAN

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Some Clark County commissioner candidates used colorful adjectives in describing the 20-year update of the Comprehensive Plan in recent interviews.

"Dangerous!" said incumbent commissioner Betty Sue Morris, a democrat.

Morris, often a losing minority vote during recent plan discussions, said land restrictions will cause a decline of usable acreage and cause property values and taxes to "zoom."

Morris said the process was long, aborted and expensive without a stable set of policies laying the groundwork.

Commissioners Craig Pridemore and Judie Stanton ignored history and the advice of community leaders who should know what growth to expect, said Morris.

In the end, testimony and workshops didn't make a difference, Morris said.

"It's supposed to be the Growth Management Act, not the Growth Control Act," she said.

It looked like a "blackmailing" process, said 18th district state representative Tom Mielke, a Republican campaigning for Morris' commissioner post.

County officials agreed to move some city boundaries, but only if they could dictate where and how cities will grow, said Mielke.

Commissioners took an anti-growth and anti-jobs position, said Mielke.

"More than 5,000 students graduate from county high schools each year," said Mielke. "Most need housing and jobs, but where will they go?"

There is one good thing, said Mielke.

"Things can be changed with a strong case to the Growth Management hearings board," he said. "I'll make that case if elected."

Republican state representative Marc Boldt, running for the District 2 post being vacated by Stanton, said he doesn't understand "sudden changes" from pro-growth to limiting growth by Pridemore and Stanton.

"I would have at least granted Battle Ground land requests," said Boldt.

The County should be serving cities, working closely with them to meet deadlines instead of turning from them, he said.

Boldt found it strange that county commissioners would build an amphitheater and a convention center to get people to move here, and then want to stop them from coming, he said.

Vancouver city council member Jeanne Harris, a Democrat running for the Stanton post, said the planning process was "flawed."

Harris said commissioners should use a long range planning window and with, public consensus, create a portrait of what the county should be in 50 years.

"Planning without an end game could cause us to wake up and discover we've become what we didn't want to be," said Harris.

Harris said cities want a say, have their "own personalities," and should be allowed to plan for their future. The County should not be in the urban development business, she added.

Harris advocates managed growth. It isn't fair to bash commissioners on the plan, she said. The Growth Management Act is "very confusing," and the process needs to be changed.

John Hagensen, Democrat, is a Camas attorney running against harris and Boldt for the Stanton post. He is disappointed with the commissioners' position to ignore growth realities.

"Growth will come and we need a plan in place to handle it," he said.

Hagensen said Battle Ground is a perfect example of a city with limited industrial zones and in need of more jobs. More industry would help solve funding problems faced by the Battle Ground School District, he said.

"At first blush, it may appear that curbing growth is an easy solution," said Hagensen. "But this approach increases property values, results in less-affordable housing and puts pressure on officials to put people where there should be commercial and industrial sites."

The big challenge for citizens is, and will be, to pay for growth.

"We need to face up to that," said Hagensen.

LA CENTER PROCLAMATION SALUTES THOSE WHO SERVE

Bill Myers, staff reporter

In a proclamation Aug. 25, La Center mayor James Irish pledged city support of U.S. armed forces.

Irish, who with other city volunteers reinstalled yellow ribbons along both sides of La Center bridge Aug. 21, said he is proud that the ribbons show community support for the nation's troops.

In the proclamation, Irish said troops are not only service men and women, but also neighbors, relatives and community members who have willingly volunteered to serve and protect citizens and democratic ideals.

FORMER EXCHANGE STUDENT BACK FOR 50TH REUNION

German woman recalls American surprises

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Traute "Trudy" Koriath Muller didn't mind hours aboard a jumbo jet flying from Frankfurt, Germany to Portland. Each hour brought her closer to dear friends.

An American Field Services exchange student from Germany in 1953-54, "Trudy" Koriath attended Battle Ground High School. She attended the 50th reunion of her graduating class Aug. 28 at Club Green Meadows in Vancouver.

"Trudy was the second exchange student ever to attend Battle Ground High School," said classmate Ruby Kelly.

Muller was born in Bremen, Germany in 1936 where her father worked for the German Ministry of Education. A world war soon swept him and most other adult German men into the Army. He was stationed in East Prussia.

As Bremen became a popular industrial target, day and night, for American and British bombers, Muller's family, with other families of women with small children, were moved by officials to rural villages where they could be safer during bombing raids, said Muller.

Muller's family members were together in East Prussia as the war drew to a close. She said her father bravely moved the family to West Germany, away from what became a Russian occupation and communistic society, before the war ended in Europe.

When an opportunity came to join a group of about 150 foreign transfer students going to America, Muller was excited.

"I couldn't believe how lucky I was to have a chance to come to America," she said.

The students assembled in Genoa, Italy and boarded a luxury liner, the SS Independence, for a transatlantic voyage to New York harbor.

Students were housed in various cities and attended high schools throughout the U.S., said Muller. Her American experience would be in Battle Ground, a place in

Washington. Her hosts were the David and Miriam Turney family.

Muller was very shy when she entered Battle Ground High School, she said. She was surprised at first by strict classroom rules that required a student to have a "pass" or "slip" if they were in a hall during class hours. In Germany, a student was excused to use a bathroom by just raising a hand.

Warm relationships between teachers and students were unlike the formal, distant interfaces between students and faculty members in Germany, Muller said.

It was astounding to see most boys driving cars, Muller said. In a Germany still digging out of the rubble of bombing raids, cars were a luxury for adults.

When Muller returned to Germany, she completed college in Hanover and became an elementary school teacher.

Muller met and married Edmund Muller, a professor at the University of Hanover. The Mullers raised two sons and have five grandchildren, all residents of Germany.

The Turney family is now in Indiana, said Muller. She plans to visit them during her stay in America. In past years, she has hosted the Turneys and other American friends at her home in Germany.

Muller, her eyes sparkling, gushed with joy as she talked of friends from 50 years ago. While visiting recently in Battle Ground, Muller was hosted at the home of Eugene and Marlene Hapala.

BOARD IGNORES BATTLE GROUND PLAN

Commissioners complete plan discussions, approve "no net loss" provision

Bill Myers, staff reporter

After receiving a tardy Battle Ground transportation capital facilities plan Aug. 24, Clark County commissioners ignored it.

Commissioners Craig Pridemore and Judie Stanton also ignored objections from board chairperson Betty Sue Morris.

Pridemore and Stanton agreed to use boundaries drawn Aug. 10 to expand city growth areas with one map adjustment and one land use change.

The decision could enable the commissioners to wrap up a state-required update of the county's 20-year Comprehensive Plan within a week.

Honoring a request from Battle Ground city attorney Brian Wolfe, Morris said the city facilities plan will be part of the written record. County planners say the plan was due months ago.

The Pridemore/Stanton boundaries, openly opposed by Morris, chopped more than 1,000 urban growth acres from a map proposed by Battle Ground officials.

Pridemore and Stanton supported use of an annual county growth rate projection of 1.69 percent from now until 2023.

Actual annual rates slowed from 5.1 percent to 2.4 percent between 1990 and 2000, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. A 1.69 percent rate would increase the county population from 383,300 to 535,924 by the end of 2023.

Even a small increase of the projected growth rate could have officials scrambling in the future to find places to live and work for citizens. For example, an increase in actual growth by 1 percent to a rate of 2.69 percent would populate the county with about 635,251 citizens by the end of 2023--about 100,000 more than currently projected.

Pridemore and Stanton contended that taxpayers won't support tax increases to pay costs of expansions proposed by Battle Ground and Vancouver officials. Morris said developers will help foot the bills and that taxpayers understand reality.

Morris said she could not support a plan that is out of step with forecasts by business leaders and city officials.

Battle Ground planners were unable to testify on the merits of the city's transportation plan or argue for a reassessment of the city's boundaries. Commissioners closed oral testimony last week, capping a public planning process that started about five years ago.

Wolfe delivered a letter from attorney Carra Sahler saying that the Battle Ground School District "has no official position" on the size of the city's urban growth area.

Sahler said she inaccurately said last week that District officials encouraged adoption of a plan with less growth areas.

Late land use adjustment effects Battle Ground area

Pridemore and Stanton changed proposed future zoning of about 100 acres at the southern edge of the Battle Ground growth boundary from light industrial to office campus. Pridemore said office campus is a more appropriate land use than light industrial near residential areas.

Area property owner Joe Lear said he and several neighbors are unhappy with commissioner decisions which also deleted 30 acres of his land from the Battle Ground urban growth area.

A second adjustment by commissioners returned two lots to the Vancouver urban growth area.

Both lots, near a subdivision on NE 119th St. east of NE 72nd Ave., were mistakenly excluded during map preparation by County staff members, said Higbie.

Commissioners approve "no net loss" provision

The commissioners, with Morris objecting, approved a more restrictive county-wide planning policy for conversions of industrial or employment center lands to non-industrial or non-employment center uses.

Under the new policy, conversions of such land, including land within city limits, may occur only during a 10-year Comprehensive Plan update unless equivalent acreage within an existing urban growth area is re-designated industrial or employment center.

For example, if 10 acres of industrial land are changed to residential, city officials would have to replace the lost zone by rezoning other acreage to industrial.

Morris said she would support the policy in county areas, but not in cities where the County has no jurisdiction.

City officials across the county have also opposed the policy, saying it steps beyond county jurisdiction. After the hearing, Wolfe said court decisions indicate counties can't dictate land uses within cities.

Commissioners approved amendments to plan text language applying to city urban holding areas.

New language specifies conditions for annexations, including need for schools, fire and police protection, water, sewer, roads and drainage.

Another condition requires that removal of urban holding areas be by sub-area with consideration of capital facilities and a Type IV approval process, not by individual site-specific properties.

A new condition requires that open space corridors be identified and maintained between urban areas.

Commissioners instructed County staff members to prepare a resolution, incorporating map boundaries and text plan changes, for their approval on Sept. 8.

Unhappy city councils and landowners could appeal the plan update. Appeals must be submitted to the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board within 60 days of commissioner approval.

UTILITY IMPROVES CEDAR CREEK RAMP

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Boat anglers took a day off from launching Aug. 20 as the Cedar Creek boat ramp, after decades of use, got a first-ever face lift.

PacifiCorp workers moved tons of gravel from the ramp and adjacent areas upstream to make boat launching easier.

Workers relocated the gravel to eroded areas downstream from the ramp.

Early in the morning before work started, utility technicians slowed spills at Merwin Dam to recede the river from most of the ramp.

The one-day project made boat launching easier and safer, said PacifiCorp spokesman Dave Kvamme.

Angler Steve Bosch, a frequent ramp user, agreed. "Launching is much easier now," said Bosch.

Kvamme said work at the state-owned ramp was done with little notice to anglers because of a short window of time in state and federal permits. Work was done by the utility when state officials asked for help with the project.

ROOFING OBSTACLE CORRECTED AT SCHOOL

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Roof work is back on track at Maple Grove Primary School after a problem with tar paper caused a temporary delay in construction.

According to Battle Ground School District operations administrator Kevin Jolma, building codes require two layers of paper on a roof with a pitch like the school building has.

Architectural drawings, however, recommended only one layer. The miscalculation was not caught by contractors, Jolma said. About 40 percent of the project was complete before the matter was discovered.

The architectural company, LSW Architects, and the contractor, Arrow Roofing, agreed to split costs to fix the error, which is about $35,000. The entire roofing project cost about $177,000.

"We're working with a good contractor and architect," Jolma said. "From the first day this was addressed, they took responsibility."

The District will pay about $6,600 for an additional layer of tar paper. The project is set to be completed before school begins.

The new roof at Maple Grove is one of several roofing projects done this summer around the District. Three roofs at Prairie High School were fixed, as well as roofs at Yacolt Primary and Amboy Middle schools.

Levy money was used to re-roof the buildings.

Francois Henry Manwell, 43, died from a gun shot wound Aug. 21, 2004, in Coquille, OR.

Manwell was born Dec. 6, 1961 in Portland, and lived in the Chelatchie Prairie area until 1982 when he moved to Coos Bay, OR.

Manwell collected cars and model cars. He enjoyed fishing and camping, and loved the ocean.

Manwell was preceded in death by his father, Francois Manwell, and brothers Feron John Manwell and Charles Manwell. Survivors include mother Betty Manwell of Louisana, daughters Jamie Manwell of Missouri and Jennie Manwell of Portland, sons Christopher Manwell of Oregon and Jerry Manwell of Portland, sisters Rebecca Manwell of Vancouver and Cindy Manwell of Amboy, and brothers Freddy Manwell and Forrest Manwell, both of Lousiana, and Myles Manwell of Fargher Lake.

Burial will be at the family cemetery in Chelatchie Prairie. Amling-Schroeder Funeral Home, Coquille, Oregon, is in charge of arrangements.

LEOLA WOODRUFF

Leola "Jean" (Zimmerman) Woodruff, 78, died Aug. 24, 2004 in Amboy.

Woodruff was born April 29, 1926 in Portland, worked as a bookkeeper, and lived in Clark County for 49 years, in Amboy for 48 years.

Woodruff was a member of the Mt. Valley Grange. She served on the Territorial Days Committee and board of directors for numerous years. She enjoyed playing cards, taking friends to senior luncheons, and knitting baby blankets for relatives and friends. She was a source of joy and support to family and friends. Woodruff was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Woodruff, in 1980, sisters Ruth Leppla and Anna Hardt, and brothers Barney Zimmerman and John Zimmerman. Survivors include daughter JoAnne Williams and her boyfriend Ronnie Parks of Amboy, son John Woodruff and his girlfriend Judie Jordan of Amboy, sisters Maddie Erickson and Edith Campbell, both of Portland, and Ethel Johnson of California, granddaughter Jody Atchley, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Committal was at Chelatchie Prairie Cemetery, Amboy, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

WALTER DOAN

Walter Charles Doan, 79, died Aug. 28, 2004 in Vancouver.

Doan was born Feb. 25, 1925 in Long Beach, CA, worked as a tooling inspector for aerospace casting industry, and lived in Battle Ground for 32 years.

Doan served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a volunteer with the Forest Service in Chelatchie Prairie. He was involved in singing and acting in musicals in California. He enjoyed ski jumping, sporting activities, hiking, photography and flying. He loved his grandchildren.

Doan was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine "Jerry" Doan, in 1989. Survivors include son William "Bill" Doan of Battle Ground, brother Paul Doan of Camas, grandchildren Amy and Nathan Doan of Battle Ground, and step-grandson Nickolas Riddle of Oregon.

Funeral services will be held Fri., Sept. 3, 11 a.m., at Layne's Funeral Home Chapel, Battle Ground, with committal at Northwood Park Cemetery, Ridgefield. Layne's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

OBITS:

ROBERT DEMPSEY

Robert Eugene Dempsey, 81, died Aug. 22, 2004 in Vancouver.

Dempsey was born Feb. 8, 1923 in Manhattan, KS, owned and operated Ropes Unlimited in Hazel Dell, and lived in Vancouver for 55 years.

Dempsey was a member of St. James Catholic Church. He enjoyed collecting old cars and going to car shows. In earlier years, he enjoyed bowling and farming. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Dempsey was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, in 1995. Survivors include daughters Dianne Dempsey of Vancouver and Mary Ellen Wells of La Center, son John Dempsey of Oregon, sister Helen Whitney of California and five grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren.

Burial was at St. James Acre Cemetery, with Hamilton-Mylan Funeral Home, Vancouver, in charge of arrangements.

KENNETH MORRIS JR.

Kenneth L. "Kenny" Morris Jr., 25, died Aug. 17, 2004 in Kodiak, Alaska.

Morris was born July 3, 1979 in Hermiston, OR, grew up in Stanfield, OR, and moved to Umatilla where he worked with his father. He has also lived and worked in Vancouver.

Morris went to Alaska to work in construction and had just completed a job working on a fishing boat. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports and spending time with family and friends.

Morris was preceded in death by his grandfather, Malvon "Pete" Morris in 1978. Survivors include father Kenneth Morris Sr. of Oregon, mother LeeAnn King and her husband Rod of Vancouver, step-mother Becky Morris of Oregon, grandparents Floyd and Halie Gilbert of La Center, and Hazel Morris of Oregon, great-grandmother Juanita Nicolle of Woodland, fiancee Melinda Davis of Alaska, daughter Savannah AnneMarie Morris, sisters Heidi Lancaster, Angela Morris and Holly Keller, all of Oregon, and Amanda Morris of Vancouver, and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Private inurnment will be held at Hermiston Cemetery, with the Burns Mortuary, Hermiston, OR, in charge of arrangements.