KALAMA METH LAB BUSTED

Officials of the Cowlitz Meth Enforcement Team found a working methamphetamine lab, complete with boiling, unmarked chemicals, when they searched a double-wide mobile home at 194 Confer Road, Kalama, according to Cowlitz County chief criminal deputy Charlie Rosenzweig.

Authorities subsequently arrested Doug Bryan Chase, 48, on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine. Chase was booked into Cowlitz County jail with bail set at $50,000.

Rosenzweig said the search warrant was the culmination of an investigation that had been going on for several weeks. Members of the Cowlitz Wahkiakum Narcotics Task Force and the Longview Street Crimes United assisted in the raid.

Rosenzweig said the mobile home contained various unmarked containers as well as laboratory-style glassware. Officers with protective suits assisted in handling the situation.

The raid was conducted about 6:30 p.m. Sept. 1.

Chase arrived at the scene about an hour after deputies had been there.

Officials returned to the scene Sept. 2 to dismantle the lab. The property had been secured all night by deputies with the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Department. Several gallons of various types of chemicals were removed, along with scales and drug paraphernalia.

Various chemicals found in the residence and in Chase's vehicle will be sent to the state crime laboratory for analysis, said Rosenzweig.

Officials also found manuals on manufacturing methamphetamine and how to grow marijuana hydroponically, said Rosenzweig.

Officials of the Cowlitz County Department of Health posted the property as uninhabitable which prohibits anyone from entering the property, including the owner, without approval by the Health Department. Violators can be cited for trespass.

State Department of Ecology officials will determine the extent of hazards at the scene, and determine requirements to clean up the site.

Rosenzweig said it appeared as if the activities had made the home unsafe.

"There does not appear to be any risk to any other residents in the area," said Rosenzweig.

Rosenzweig said Chase has previous felony convictions for manufacturing, delivering and possessing drugs with intent to sell, and illegal possession of a firearm.

One deputy at the scene Sept. 2 said the property was littered with an "obscene" amount of garbage.

The mobile home was located on a dirt road, tucked on a slope which made surveillance of the operation difficult, the deputy said.

The residence is located in an area of Kalama with breathtaking views of the Columbia River and surrounding area.

Rosenzweig asks that anyone with information on this lab or Chase to call Crime Stoppers, (360) 577-1206.

HISTORIC WOODLAND CEMETERY SUFFERES DAMAGE

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

A Woodland historian believes that Clark County has failed in its duty to protect an historic cemetery.

The county has "dropped the ball" in its protection of the Page Mathews Cemetery, also known as the Red Rock Cemetery, located about one mile from Woodland, said Walter Hansen of Woodland.

About one year ago, graves in the cemetery were damaged by heavy equipment and some grave stones were knocked down, said Hansen, who has researched the cemetery's history.

A state statute adopted several years ago protects historic cemeteries from vandalism. Clark County records indicate the cemetery was founded before 1882.

Deliberately damaging an historic cemetery--developed before Nov. 11, 1889--can result in a Class C felony charge, according to the Revised Code of Washington.

During a tour of the old cemetery, Hansen pointed to several broken headstones and to an area that had been excavated.

The cemetery has fallen into disrepair, with ivy growing over grave stones and along a fence that surrounds one burial area.

Margaret Hepola of Woodland said she witnessed vandalism about a year ago.

"The next-door neighbor called, and I went up there," Hepola said. "I saw someone in there with a [Caterpillar tractor]. He said he didn't want any trouble, but two or three days later he was back in there again."

"It's sad," she said. "He was pushing things all around."

Hepola said she spoke to the person driving the heavy equipment.

"I said, `This is a cemetery,'" Hepola said. "That was the first time he was confronted."

Hepola called the Clark County Sheriff. She said two deputies accompanied her to the cemetery.

"We're investigating," said deputy prosecutor Grant Hansen. "We need to send the sheriff's office out to interview witnesses so I can tie everything down. We need to find out what, if any, crime has been committed."

The earliest reports of damage were made in September 2003, Grant Hansen said.

Originally 1 acre, the cemetery was divided in 1909 into a one-fourth acre parcel and a three-fourths acre parcel, according to County records.

The smaller parcel is owned by Clay LLC, an Oregon company. The Oregon Corporations Division lists John Skourtis of Beaverton, OR as the agent of record.

The state Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation became involved in the issue following reports of excavation on the smaller parcel. Assistant state archaeologist Stephenie Kramer wrote a letter to Grant Hansen, asking the prosecutor's office to investigate.

"We...request that you investigate the cemetery damage and its relationship to the Cat trails as a criminal act," Kramer wrote.

Archaeologists do not know how many graves may have been damaged by the excavation.

"So much soil was moved that we can't tell," Kramer said. We heard about [the damage] last fall, but I didn't see it until spring."

The last known owner of the larger parcel is Banholzer, who bought the cemetery in 1923, according to the records.

The current ownership of the larger parcel is clouded. Walter Hansen claims the County owns the larger piece, but County officials say the County does not own any part of the cemetery. A spokesperson from the County Assessor's office said the County does not know who owns the cemetery.

The smaller parcel, which the County foreclosed in 1952 for delinquent taxes, was sold in March 2002 to Clay LLC.

Within the past year, heavy equipment has carved out a portion of the hill on the one-fourth acre parcel. Walter Hansen said he's convinced that there are graves on that piece, too.

The Clark County Community Development Department issued a stop work order in July to Clay LLC to prevent continued excavation of the property.

According to a letter accompanying the order, "more than 50 cubic yards of earthen material" was moved.

"As you have been informed in the past, that parcel is a historic cemetery..., and several headstones were destroyed or knocked over by you or agents acting on your behalf," wrote Donna Goddard, the County's code enforcement officer.

During an interview, Goddard said she has received no reply from the company or its officers.

Hansen said, "The history of Clark County is in that cemetery."

The most recent grave was dug in 1994 for Rosa Beck Gray, Hansen said.

According to the genealogical society, several members of the Page and Backman families are buried in the old cemetery, but Hansen said he does not know where the Backman graves are located.

Some of the damaged headstones belong to the Page family, he said.

The cemetery is located on a bluff above the Lewis River. Access is up a steep, unimproved path overgrown with ivy and other underbrush.

Hepola, who is an officer with a cemetery district near Woodland, said the district might be willing to take over the cemetery after all damages are repaired.

COUGAR "GOOD CHANCE" IN HORSE ATTACK

Area sightings, screams, tracks reported

Bill Myers, staff reporter

No one knows for certain how Susie's flesh was torn or why she was frightened.

The 8-year-old quarter horse, terrified by something just after nightfall Aug. 28, crashed into one fence and somersaulted over another.

Then Susie galloped away from Debbie Newcomb's pasture on McBride Rd. about 5 miles north of Battle Ground off SR-503.

Susie was recovered within two hours after galloping up a driveway and almost into the arms of Robert Johnson, a neighbor about a mile away.

State fish and wildlife officer Rick Webb said lesions on Susie's neck, back, rump and legs could have been caused by impacts with fencing.

Webb, with more than 25 years of fish and wildlife experience, said there is a "good chance the horse was spooked by a cougar."

Whatever slashed Susie's body removed hair, said Webb, and added that cougar claws normally won't leave marks like that.

Clark County Sheriff's deputy Timothy Gosch, who responded to Johnson's call about a loose, very frightened horse at his home, said the wounds looked like claw or teeth marks.

Webb said a report that a neighbor near NE 299th St. shot at but missed a cougar on Aug. 20 was investigated. He said a cougar carcass was later found dead, not far from where it was when shot at.

The dead cougar was clearly not involved in the horse incident which occurred after the shooting, said Webb.

Everyone who saw Susie that night said she was in great distress and trembling.

Debbie Newcomb said Susie was so frightened she somersaulted a wire fence surrounding the pasture. Debbie's daughter, Jessica, said she caught a glimpse of Susie fleeing the area at full-gallop.

Other horses in the pasture were clearly distressed as well, said Jessica Newcomb. They ran about whinnying.

Debbie Newcomb said she consulted with two veterinarians and administered medications to wounds on Susie's back, legs and neck.

Jessica, who cares for the horse at her parents' boarding stable, said that Susie "is still nervous and doesn't stray far from the barn."

Robert and Kathy Johnson said they know cougar visit the area. Robert said he found a huge paw print near Rock Creek in July. Kathy said she heard one scream at night about six months ago.

In May, a woman said a cougar attacked her horse while she was riding near Battle Ground Lake.

Carol Levanen, who lives on NE 299th St. north of Heisson, said she and neighbors frequently see cougar near their homes. Levanen and a neighbor, Lucy Higgins, say cougar have killed pets in the area.

"It's just a matter of time before a cat takes on a human," said Levanen.

One or two sightings weekly

Webb said his Vancouver office gets three to five calls weekly reporting missing pets, noises that sound like cougar, or cougar sightings. He said one or two sightings are reported weekly.

Rural forests in the county are a natural habitat for cougar, said Webb.

Citizens living in rural areas should expect to see the animals, Webb said. Citizens should call 911 if a cougar does damage, "hangs around," or appears to be aggressive or kills pets.

DEFENSE ATTORNEY DROPS MURDER CLIENT

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Steven Thayer, defense attorney for Robin Schreiber, accused killer of on-duty Clark County sheriff's Sgt. Brad Crawford, announced Aug. 31 in court that he has dropped the case from his workload.

Schreiber, 44, made his third try at an arraignment Aug. 31 before Superior Court judge Roger Bennett. He has yet to enter a plea.

The right to a speedy arraignment within 72 hours and a speedy charge was waived by Thayer and Schreiber in early August to give both sides time to review witness reports and other information.

Prosecuting attorney Art Curtis only recently filed charges of aggravated first degree murder, a stiffer indictment than the original booking charges of first degree murder and vehicular homicide.

Curtis said he believes Schreiber acted with "premeditated intent" to kill the officer by ramming his full-size truck into the driver's side of Crawford's marked patrol car.

Another aggravating circumstance is that Schreiber was reportedly armed with a rifle and his truck, both considered deadly weapons.

Crawford was a 49-year-old father of five and grandfather who attended New Heights Church in Vancouver.

The aggravated charge qualifies for the death penalty. The State has 30 days from when Schreiber enters a plea to file for the capital punishment.

Another tentative arraignment date of Thurs., Oct. 7 was set. If Schreiber does not plea, another hearing to possibly postpone the arraignment again will take place.

Bennett ordered Thayer to stay on as "attorney of record" until Schreiber and his family can find an attorney to represent him.

Thayer later said Schreiber's case would take "hundreds and hundreds of hours" to prepare, and that his law firm just doesn't have time to take it on.

Thayer said his firm currently faces three homicides and a pending first degree murder charge, he said.

Thayer's associate, Jon McMullen, is also representing former Ridgefield city manager Randy Bombardier on state and federal charges that he authorized improper removal of lead based paint from the front of the Ridgefield city hall. He also represents Tong Yi, owner of Ridgefield Food Center, on a charge of second degree rape and eight counts of aggressive sexual touching.

"There's no resources," Thayer said later. "I just don't have time for [Schreiber's case] right now. I'm working seven hours a day. I just can't."

"He's devastated"

Robin Schreiber hobbled into the courtroom with shackles around his ankles, wearing an orange felon pant suit. He was not handcuffed.

As a County custody officer directed him where to sit next to Thayer, Schreiber looked at his family members filling up the second row and gave a quick, seemingly grateful grin.

About 20 County deputies sat near the back of the room, some in uniform, some in civilian clothes.

Schreiber sat motionless as the judge and attorneys discussed the waivers Schreiber signed, and plans to get an attorney to represent him.

"Do you or your family intend to hire an attorney on your behalf?" Bennett asked Schreiber.

"Yes," Schreiber said quietly.

"Do you know when that decision will be made?" Bennett asked.

"No," Schreiber said.

Bennett suggested that if an attorney couldn't be retained, he would look into state law regarding appointing counsel for Schreiber.

After the 30-minute hearing, Schreiber's older brother, Brazel Schreiber of Vancouver, spoke to media waiting outside the courtroom.

"Our entire family mourns over the death of Sgt. Crawford," he said, eyes red-rimmed, hands trembling and voice breaking. He added that he'd met him. "He was a good man. We pray for his family for comfort, support and strength from God."

As for his younger brother, Brazel Schreiber said simply, "He's devastated, what else?"

If convicted, Schreiber faces a minimum of life in prison with no parole. He is in custody at the Cowlitz County jail with no bail set.

APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED UNDER NEW HOME BUSINESS RULE

Applications are currently being for home business permits that fall under Clark County's new home business ordinance and fee schedule.

All home businesses need a permit unless they are exempt.

An exempt business may have no more than two non-resident employees, no outside storage and no customers that come to the home business location.

In urban areas, an exempt business may not use detached accessory structures.

In rural areas, an exempt business may not use more than 400 square feet of a detached accessory structure.

Permits are required for all non-exempt businesses, regardless of how long they have been in operation.

Requirements, fees and limitations vary according to where the business is located and how long it was established at its current location.

Details of the ordinance can be found on the County website: www.clark.wa.gov under Long Range Planning/Projects of Interest/Home Business Ordinance/Documents.

For more information, contact the Customer Service Division of the Community Development Department, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver, or call 397-2375, ext. 4489.

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

A 1994 Toyota Camry with six occupants collided head-on Aug. 25 with a 2001 Town and Country minivan with four passengers on the 19100 block of NE 142nd Ave. south of the Battle Ground city limits.

A 14-year-old passenger in the Camry was taken to Southwest Washington Medical Center with critical head injuries, said Clark County Det. Alex Schoening, traffic investigator. The boy was not wearing a seatbelt and his head hit the car frame.

Six others were injured and taken to the hospital. Three were not hurt.

In the 9:40 p.m. accident, the northbound Camry reportedly crossed the center line and slammed into the southbound van at about 50 miles per hour, said Schoening.

The reported "at-fault" driver, Galina Tkachenko, 35, Battle Ground, suffered a broken femur. In addition to the passenger who suffered head injuries, another occupant received chest, back and head injuries.

Timofiy Bobrick, 31, Battle Ground, was the driver of the van and suffered a broken foot and vertebrae in his neck, and head injuries. One passenger suffered neck and chest pain and another sustained a broken arm.

Schoening said the accident is under investigation, but he believes Tkachenko might have had a medical condition, likely dizziness, which caused the accident.

Schoening also said initial indications show both vehicles were traveling at or near the speed limit, which is 50 mph.

Although some severe injuries were received, Schoening said the accident could have been worse.

"The seat belts and air bags in the cars all did what they were supposed to do," he said. "The only person seriously hurt wasn't wearing a seat belt."

BURN BAN LIFTED IN CLARK, COWLITZ COUNTIES

An outdoor burn ban which went into effect in mid-July, was lifted Sept. 2 due to rainfall, said state Department of Natural Resources officials.

The weather forecast does not indicate an extended period of hot or windy weather, officials said.

Although the burn ban is now lifted, good fire prevention practices are still needed, officials said, including building campfires in improved fire pits in approved campgrounds.

Citizens still need to follow all outdoor burning rules and obtain necessary permits. Using a burn barrel is illegal, officials said.

For more information, call the Clark County fire marshall's office at 397-2186 or Cowlitz County building and planning department at (360) 577-3052.

WRESTLING COACH FACES NEW FELONY CHARGES

Two more Battle Ground High School girls come forward

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

In addition to facing charges in Battle Ground Municipal Court for unwanted touching of an 18-year-old girl last May, Aaron Donnell Chiles, 38, 510 Fargo St., Portland, has been summoned to appear in Clark County Superior Court on two counts of third degree child molestation, both felonies.

The two newest complainants are 16 years old.

According to documents filed Aug. 26 and Sept. 1 in Criminal Records, Chiles, a former assistant wrestling coach at Battle Ground High School with a seasonal contract, had sexual contact with the two girls during the Tom Shaw Memorial Wrestling Tournament at the high school March 21-23.

One girl stated Chiles made inappropriate comments toward her and "grabbed her butt" in the main gym near drinking fountains located by doors leading into the gym.

The alleged victim said Chiles made comments to her about her buttocks and told her, "If you were 18 I would be all up on that if you know what I mean," and "you'd better watch that pretty little butt."

The alleged victim also said Chiles commented about the size of her breasts whenever she saw him around the school.

The other alleged victim said Chiles made similar comments to her about how cute she is and how "cute her butt is," that she witnessed Chiles behavior toward the first girl, and that he made sexual contact with her during the tournament.

On May 25, another alleged victim said Chiles touched her inappropriately while she worked out in the school weight room.

The 18-year-old said Chiles asked her how old she was and made a suggestive comment.

The young woman claims Chiles rubbed her inner thighs near her groin area and slipped his hand under her shorts to feel her buttocks.

The gym is open to the public during certain hours.

Chiles is accused of grabbing the student from behind in a hug in such a manner that she could feel he was sexually aroused.

According to court documents, Chiles told Battle Ground Det. Mike Molzahn that he was checking to see if the 18-year-old wore panties, that the hug was a wrestling move and that he carried his keys and cell phone in his front shorts pocket, which is likely what she felt.

Chiles was employed for three school years as an assistant wrestling coach 1999-2000 and 2002-2004.

ALLEGED DALMATIAN KILLER ARRESTED

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Russell D. Keisala, 43, 1804 Lewis River Rd., Woodland, was arrested and charged Aug. 31 in the July 12 death of 8-year-old Spot, a dalmatian belonging to Shirley Schaefer, a resident of the Mt. Vista in Ridgefield.

Keisala was released on conditions from the Clark County jail on $5,000 bail.

On the evening of July 12, Schaefer said neighborhood girls told her Spot was bleeding on her front porch. He was having trouble breathing, the owner later said.

The dog was taken to a veterinarian who said Spot had been mortally wounded. Schaefer decided to put the dying dog to sleep.

In an initial report, Clark County Sheriff's deputy Brett Anderson said Spot was assaulted with a shotgun because of the amount of entry wounds.

An x-ray by the veterinarian showed several projectiles in the dog's body, Anderson's report stated.

A witness told Anderson that she'd seen Keisala, a visitor to a home in the area, crouch behind a car in the driveway of the residence where a trail of blood began that ended at Schaefer's home.

The witness told the deputy she heard a soft "pop" noise and saw Keisala stand up and walk of to a shop at the back of the property where he was visiting. She said she heard the dog "yelp" and saw the dalmatian run off.

The witness said she didn't see a gun, but knew there were BB guns at the residence.

Later, Keisala admitted to her that he'd shot the dog once in the rear and that someone else must have killed the dog later in the day, she reported. She said he was laughing about it.

Another witness told Anderson that Keisala told him he'd shot the dog because it had a habit of getting into the garbage on the property Keisala was visiting, and saw Spot doing it at the moment he shot him.

A records search reportedly showed there was an outstanding warrant for Keisala's arrest for larceny out of Cowlitz County.

When Keisala returned to the Mt. Vista area some time later, a witness turned him in and he was arrested, a deputy report said.

Keisala was also arrested, tried and found guilty of domestic violence in Woodland in 2000.

Spot's owner was later cited for dog at large by Clark County Animal Control on Anderson's recommendation.

EVERGREEN PARENTS DENIED BOUNDARY CHANGE INTO BG

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

A group of 19 parents who live on the border between the Evergreen and Battle Ground school districts were denied a petition to change school districts.

Petitioners' homes, all located in Mountain View Estates near NE 82nd Ave. and NE 99th Circle, are currently in the Evergreen district. Petitioners want to change to Battle Ground.

One challenge with the current set-up, said petitioner Susan Thorton, is that school boundary lines were drawn before the area was developed. As a result, the subdivision is split between school districts. About 20 out of 80 homes in the subdivision are in Evergreen, the rest in Battle Ground.

"It's a matter of keeping us united as a community," Thorton said. "We want to be in Battle Ground."

All but one of the 10 children in the parcel under question currently attend Battle Ground schools on boundary exceptions, Thorton said. But growing enrollment and tighter classrooms in Battle Ground mean boundary exemptions are not guaranteed.

Petitioner Andrew Shown, whose children attended Evergreen schools in previous years, said the Battle Ground busing situation is also better.

In a letter to the Twyla Barnes of Educational Service District 112, Shown described the Evergreen buses as "never punctual."

Representatives from Evergreen and Battle Ground school boards met jointly Aug. 19 and separately Aug. 24 to see if the matter could be resolved at a board level.

Both boards voted to deny the petition, which is not uncommon, school officials say.

Potential "giving" school boards don't want to lose part of their constituents' tax base. Potential "receiving" school boards don't want to appear greedy, officials have said.

Petitioners will now take the matter to a regional committee from the Educational Service District 112.

Regional committee members have shown in prior decisions that changing boundaries is not easy. In the past four years, committee members have denied three out of four boundary transfer petitions.

The committee, chaired by former Vancouver mayor Bruce Hagensen, tends to favor decisions that benefit all taxpayers in an area, say committee members, and seldom what benefits smaller groups of parents who live in territories that border school districts.

RIDGEFIELD SEEKS TO GIVE MANAGER MORE POWER

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

The Ridgefield Parks Advisory Board, with positions appointed by the mayor, is being reorganized. If an ordinance is approved, positions will be selected by the city manager.

The city council received the proposed ordinance at its regular meeting on Aug. 26. They will discuss the proposal during a meeting Thurs., Sept. 9, 6:30 p.m., at city hall.

According to the proposed amended ordinance, the board will report to the city manager instead of to the council.

"The Ridgefield Parks Advisory Board is established to provide advisory assistance to the city manager on parks planning, parks acquisition and parks operations and maintenance...," the proposal states.

Mayor Gladys Doriot later said she "does not know" why the new ordinance calls for board appointment by the city manager rather than by the mayor.

"When I read the ordinance, that's the first I'd heard about it," she said. Before making a decision, council members will discuss what concerns, if any, they have about the change.

Ridgefield does not have a full-time city manager. George Fox, deputy director of the Port of Ridgefield, is the interim manager, working part time.

When presenting the proposed ordinance to the council, city planner Kevin Snyder said that the parks board needs better direction.

Snyder listed three goals:

** Provide increased clarity to the city council, parks board, city staff and the community about the board's functions.

** Enhance the board's efficiency and effectiveness through focused work efforts.

** Provide positive volunteer experience for community members.

Doriot said the purpose of the new ordinance is to give the parks advisory board "more leadership" from the council.

"The council will give them projects," she said. "They're advisory to the council."

The ordinance does not provide for parks advisory board reports to the city council or for joint meetings between the two entities.

There is no provision for council representation on the parks board.

Under the proposed ordinance, the seven-member board will meet monthly beginning sometime this fall. Each member will be appointed to a 3-year term. The board will elect a chairperson and vice chairperson to serve 1-year terms each.

Snyder will meet with the board each month at a staff cost of $6,250 annually.

The ordinance lists several possible tasks including reviewing park lands and recommending land for parks, planning and designing future parks, and recommending changes or improvements to parks operations and maintenance.

Current members are Steve Kennon, Crystal Terry, Jon Forsberg, John Rose and Jean Cummings. There are two vacancies.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Battle Ground School District board of directors approved the budget for 2004-2005 at an Aug. 31 board meeting.

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 $87.1 million, up from $79.7 million for 2003-2004. The 2003-2004 budget was adjusted to $83.5 million during a budget extension in January 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 about $4,200 per student from the state which is 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, and 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.

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

To compensate for a failed bond, 14 new portables were placed at the District's schools this summer. The new portables cost about $1.9 million. Impact fee money 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 the elimination of 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 finished the 2003-2004 school year 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, particularly 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.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Some patrons of the Ridgefield School District have questioned the cost of a 50 acre parcel of land potentially used for a future school site.

Reports show the appraised price as more than the assessed value.

The District is conducting a bond election Sept. 14 to raise about half the costs associated with purchasing the land, located at 23800 NW Hillhurst Rd., west of the high school.

The land is owned by longtime Ridgefield residents Bill and Bernice Bartel. Money from impact fees will fund the rest of purchase costs.

Clark County documents show the property is assessed at $442,980 for 2004. A 1,900-square foot, three bedroom house is on site, as well as a two bedroom rental house, a hay barn and several outbuildings.

If the bond passes, the District will pay $1.5-$1.7 million for the property. The final price has not been determined.

Patrons wondered why the difference between the assessed value and the asking price was different, siad District superintendent Mary Vagner.

Battle Ground realtor Ron Urban, who is not handling the sale of the Bartel property, said an assessed value of a property is always lower than an asking price.

Part of the reason, Urban said, is that assessors' reports always lag behind market value.

Urban said $1 million appeared "a bit high" for a price gap, but a number of factors could legitimately contribute to that. Urban had not viewed the property's appraisal report.

The property's location is in Clark County and zoned agricultural-20. It is set for inclusion in the Ridgefield Urban Growth Boundary pending bond passage, said city planner Eric Eisemann.

An appraisal report conducted by Charles Mulligan of Gaelic Consulting of Vancouver estimated the property's fair market value in March this year at $1.42 million.

Part of the reason for the estimate, wrote Mulligan, is that several agricultural parcels near the Bartel property have been converted from agricultural zoning to single-family residential subdivisions during the past 5-year period. The assumption is that the Bartels could do the same with their property.

Similar property has been selling for $12,000-$45,000 per acre, Mulligan wrote.

Another reason for the estimate, wrote Mulligan, is that the market value of additional land owned by the Bartels and located next to the potential school parcel would be lessened by the transaction. Access to the other parcel would be weakened, thus making it less valuable.

Mulligan's calculations include compensation for the lessened market value of the additional property.

Vagner welcomes comments and questions at 619-1308 or mary.vagner@ridge.k12.wa.us

CITIZENS CHAMPION LA CENTER MUSEUM

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Former La Center city clerk/treasurer Janice Fillman and several area citizens see a museum in the city's future.

Fillman said it occurred to her during a recent city council meeting that the community would benefit from a historical, literary and arts museum. Other citizens, including Ken Hickman, city planning commissioner Barbara Barnhart, Roxanne Larsen and Ken Viles, agreed.

The group formed the nucleus of a fledgling La Center Museum Association with a board chaired by Barnhart. Larsen and Viles are board members.

Margaret Hepola and Marilyn Bateman, who helped develop the La Center library, have also joined the effort, said Fillman.

Association members expect approval in September of an application for non-profit corporation status.

Next steps will include developing bylaws and discussing design and space needs for a museum.

Anyone interested in joining the museum effort can contact Hickman at 263-9060, Barnhart at 263-3308, Virginia Hansen at 263-3183 or Fillman at (360) 225-5799.

HAWKINS NAMED TO 4-H HALL OF FAME

Induction ceremony set Oct. 15 in Tacoma

Bill Myers, staff reporter

The late Pat Dixon Hawkins of Battle Ground will be inducted into the Washington State 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony set for Fri., Oct. 15, in Tacoma.

The selection of Hawkins, who died in 1992 after 27 years of service in 4-H leadership roles, was confirmed in an Aug. 18 letter from Pat

Boyes, state program director for 4-H Youth Development.

Hawkins graduated from the University of Washington and began her career as an extension agent in Sandpoint, ID, serving northeastern Washington and northern Idaho.

After moving to Battle Ground in 1953, Hawkins immediately began participating in 4-H activities. She started the Charter Oaks Community 4-H Club, which guided youth activities in gardening, foods, sewing, domestic animals, puppetry, woodworking, photography and creative arts.

Hawkins' 4-H involvements included serving in offices of the Battle Ground Area IV 4-H Association and the Clark County 4-H Leaders Council. She participated in 4-H leadership roles at the Clark County Fair and Battle Ground Community Fairs.

For 12 years, Hawkins was a 4-H superintendent at the Clark County Fair, organizing and running food and sewing activities for county 4-H youths.

Hawkins was a member of the 1990 Western Regional Forum Planning Committee. She was named outstanding 4-H Leader of the Year for Clark County in 1987.

Other activities included membership on the Advisory Board of North Clark County Social Services, and helping with a food bank and services for needy citizens.

Hawkins was a member of the Battle Ground Planning Commission and nominated as Citizen of the Year for Battle Ground during the early 1980s. She was also treasurer of her church for several years.

Hawkins was married to the late Donald W. Hawkins. The Hawkins children, daughters Donna, Daria and Angela, and sons Ronald and Shane, all participated in 4-H.

In a nominating letter, Sharon Marble, herself a Hall of Fame member, said 4-H programs and youths were high priorities for Hawkins and "there were occasions when she put 4-H before herself..."

Washington 4-H programs began in 1901. Since then, 122 citizens, nine from Clark County, have been inducted into the state 4-H Hall of Fame. Designees, in addition to Hawkins and Marble, include Janet Bellcoff, Marvin and Jackie Bister, Jenneane Dietel, Bill Hansen, Bob and Anna Manary and Florence Robison. The induction ceremony will be held Fri., Oct. 15, 7 p.m., at the Tacoma Sheraton and Convention Center in downtown Tacoma.

MORE INDUSTRY COMING TO RIDGEFIELD JUNCTION

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

A Vancouver development company plans to build a 52,000 square foot industrial building on about 10 acres at the Union Ridge development at the Ridgefield Junction.

Mark Hinton, president of Hinton Development Company, said they expect to break ground Sept. 22 at the site near the Dollar Tree distribution center.

"We hope to have grading permits by Sept. 22," he said.

The company will sell the building in increments of about 6,000 square feet, he said. Costs will range from $80 to $92 per square foot.

"It will be industrial condominiums," Hinton said. "We'll build a shell and sell all or pieces of the shell."

The development is valued at nearly $4.5 million, he said.

"There's an opportunity in the Vancouver market for 6,000 square foot industrial space," Hinton said. "There's lots of opportunity--over 300 acres on Union Ridge."

Ridgefield planner Kevin Snyder said the company has gone through the pre-application process but has not received approval for activity yet.

Hinton said the company is working cooperatively with the Schuck Corporation, owners of the property.

Officials of the Clark County Mosquito Control District have increased their vigilance on the mosquito-borne West Nile Virus even though no signs of the disease have yet turned up anywhere in the state.

Lou Dooley of the Clark County Health Department said increased trapping and testing of mosquitoes is underway to watch for signs of West Nile Virus.

Elsewhere in the nation, mosquitoes have infected horses, birds and humans with West Nile Virus which causes flu-like symptoms in humans.

Dead birds are one indication of the presence of the virus, said Dooley.

"Some bird species such as crows, jays and magpies are especially susceptible to West Nile Virus," said Dooley. "Their sudden death could indicate the presence of the virus."

Dooley said more effort is being spent on controlling the Culex species of mosquitoes which breed in stagnant water around homes such as in cups, pans, birdbaths and water features. The mosquitoes also breed in catch basins under streets.

New equipment has been purchased to improve the efficiency of applying larvicide to catch basins, said Dooley.

The number of catch basins treated has increased from 4,300 last year to more than 10,000 this year.

Dooley said Mosquito District staff now apply larvicides right after crews from Clark County Public Works crews clean storm drains which allows larvicides to remain for a longer period of time.

Larvicides are bacteria that interfere with the larval reproduction cycle of mosquitoes and black flies.

Officials have sent 29 dead birds to the state Health Department for testing, up from five sent last year.

If West Nile Virus is discovered, said Dooley, a fogging procedure with conventional pesticides may become necessary.

Dooley praised area residents for reporting dead birds and areas of stagnant water where mosquitoes breed. "We encourage the public to report dead birds or areas of standing water by calling the mosquito hotline, 397-8430," said Dooley. Officials will respond to calls about dead birds and standing water on public and private property.

Ken McMillan, Mosquito District field supervisor, said a two-man crew can treat 150-300 catch basins a day. On Sept. 1, McMillan and Chuck Skov treated 284 catch basins in the Prune Hill area near Camas.

The granular larvicide lasts 3-4 weeks and then the process is repeated, said McMillan.

The Mosquito District has purchased two pickup bed-mounted machines for placing the larvicide in the catch basin through a hand-held gun.

Dooley can be reached at 397-8122.

Do it yourself

People can call the Mosquito Hotline for treatment of ponds and standing water, or they can treat standing water themselves.

Wilco Farm Store, 209 E Main St., Battle Ground, sells Mosquito Dunks which are suitable for killing mosquito larvae in stock tanks, ponds, old tires, bird baths and elsewhere.

The Dunks operate as slow release and are good for about 30 days.

A package of six Summit brand Mosquito Dunks sells for $10.99.

Wilco can be reached at 687-3113.

BROKAW CALLS FOR END TO B & O TAX

Reduction or elimination of the state Business & Occupation tax would help businesses in southwest Washington grow, said Pam Brokaw, candidate for the state legislature from the 18th District.

Brokaw, a Democrat, told members of the North Clark County Chamber of Commerce Sept. 1 that "it's amazing to me" to have a tax based on gross revenues, not profits.

"Businesses need to make a profit and invest in the future for expansion," said Brokaw.

Brokaw said cutting waste in government could make up for revenues lost by the elimination of the B&O tax.

"Business pays a disproportionate part of the cost of state government," said Brokaw.

Brokaw, an employee of the city of Vancouver, described southwest Washington as a highly desirable place to live. She said people want to come to the area because of its "wonderful sense of rural" living combined with growing urbanization.

The quality of life in southwest Washington is related to the availability of good jobs, clean rivers and streams, clean air, and educational opportunities, said Brokaw. "We need a four year university," added Brokaw.

"We have an incredible opportunity in the 18th District," said Brokaw, "because so many people want to come to live here and so many businesses want to be here. It's an incredible draw."

"We need to do some things to make sure more people can come in the future," said Brokaw, who will face La Center city council member Richard Curtis in the November general election.

"Government should help businesses that are currently here be more viable," said Brokaw. "Government should work in partnerships, not as adversaries."

When government passes a new law, said Brokaw, consideration should be given to the impact that law will have on people and on businesses. "That's often left out (in the process)," she said.

Transportation

Brokaw said southwest Washington needs a transportation system that works regionally. She expressed dismay at afternoon traffic jams in Woodland.

Brokaw praised the state Department of Transportation for its improvements in efficiency and accountability. She called for similar actions by other government departments.

"I've never been a political person," said Brokaw, who previously worked as a reporter for The Reflector, The Oregonian, and The Vancouver Columbian. "As a reporter, I needed to be unbiased. It makes sense to me that all parties come together (to discuss) an issue."

Brokaw said calls for public comments are not always genuine, and sometimes government officials are not really listening to the people. "I've learned how important community involvement is," she said.

Brokaw is presently director of the Water Resources Education Center in Vancouver, and manager of Esther Short Park.

Asked about tort reform, Brokaw ticked off various reasons for the high costs of health care and prescription drugs, indicating that lawsuits were only one element in rising health care costs. "I wish there were a simple fix," she said.

Brokaw said a small percent of physicians are involved in malpractice lawsuits. "We must deal with those physicians," she said.

Brokaw said health care must be affordable for both employers and their employees. She said the federal government must take the lead on health care issues.

"This is not the time for an income tax," said Brokaw, adding that southwest Washington "cannot afford an income tax."

"But," she said, "we need to be flexible as we move forward in the future."

Brokaw said she and her husband, Don Brokaw, have five grown children and a 16-year-old son.

OBITS:

MARGARET HAGEN

Margaret Susan (Edinger) Hagen, 90, died Sept. 3, 2004 in Woodland.

Hagen was born June 17, 1914 in Elbow Lake, MN, and lived in Ridgefield for 52 years before moving to Woodland five years ago.

Hagen was baptized into the Presbyterian Church in 1914 in Minnesota. She worked for the Clark County election board for 50 years. She also worked for Simons Frozen Foods in Ridgefield.

In earlier years, she worked on hoeing crews, picked fruit, did payroll work and also worked as a waitress. She enjoyed embroidery, reading, politics, shopping, watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, and playing bingo.

Hagen also enjoyed going out to eat and being with her granddaughters.

Hagen was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Hagen, in 1998. Survivors include daughters Patricia Sizemore of Woodland, Mary Beth O'Shea of Ridgefield and Helen Emmons of Oregon, son Harold Hagen of Toutle, sister Helen Schaeffer of Minnesota, brother Warren Edinger of Minnesota, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be held Wed., Sept. 8, 11 a.m., at Layne's Funeral Home Chapel, Battle Ground, with committal at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland. Layne's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

CHARLES SHROY

Charles "Chuck" Floyd Shroy, 73, died Aug. 26, 2004 in Stevenson.

Shroy was born Aug. 26, 1931 in Prineville, OR, worked for the National Parks Service in the maintenance department, and lived in Battle Ground before moving to Stevenson two months ago.

Shroy enjoyed hunting, fishing and hiking. He liked woodworking and tinkering with trucks. He and his wife, Trudy, traveled around the United States for several years in their motorhome.

Shroy was preceded in death by his wife, Trudy Shroy, in 2003. Survivors include daughters Sharlene Fox of Stevenson, and Terri Back and Donna Logue, both of Oregon, step-daughter Nancy Taylor of Oregon, son Steve Shroy of Oregon, and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and step-grandchildren.

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

BILL VASSAR

Services for William "Bill" Archie Vassar will be held Sun., Sept. 12, 1 p.m., at Hockinson High School in Brush Prairie.

Vassar, 80, died Aug. 20, 2004 in Portland.

Vassar was born Jan. 8, 1924 in Vancouver, worked as a maintenance supervisor for a recreational membership park, and lived in Yacolt for 30 years having previously lived in Hockinson for 50 years.

Vassar was a member of the Columbia River Old Time Strings, National Rifle Association, Clark Historical Society, and American Legion. He was a life member of the Purple Heart. He loved his pet Senegal Parrot named Jake. He also enjoyed music, working on American cars, usually Ford products, and hunting.

Survivors include widow Carol Vassar, at home, daughters Judy Schubert of Battle Ground, Carolynn Lindeman of Brush Prairie, and Bonnie Heflin, Eydie Fitzgerald and Tandy Miller, all of Vancouver, sons William "Bill" Vassar of Yacolt, David Vassar of Battle Ground and Ron Edgar of Ridgefield, 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

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

CHARLES HARRIS

Charles "Chuck" Edward Harris, 90, died Sept. 1, 2004 in Yacolt.

Harris was born Nov. 18, 1913 in Manor, Washington, worked as a logger in the timber industry, and lived in Clark County for 90 years, 57 in Yacolt.

Harris was a member of the Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and working outdoors.

Harris was preceded in death by daughter, Patricia Harris. Survivors include widow Alfreda Harris, at home, daughters Nancy Dietrich of Vancouver and Cindy Lively and Judy Mason, both of Yacolt, sons Ed Harris and Mike Harris, both of Yacolt, sister Olive Jean Marine of California, 24 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were held at Memory Memorial Park Cemetery, Vancouver, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

STEVEN BLIGHT

Steven K. Blight, 61, died July 19, 2004, in Everett.

Blight was born Dec. 27, 1942 in Seattle. He attended primary school in Yacolt and graduated from Woodland High School in 1961. He retired Dec. 31, 2000 from Lone Star NW where he had worked for 25 years. He enjoyed boating, fishing and duck hunting. He had a positive attitude and a remarkable wit with many funny jokes and one liners. He had a big heart and was liked by everyone.

Survivors include widow Janet Blight, at home in Lynnwood, mother Inge Blight of Morton, brother Joe Blight of Morton, sister Terrie Blight of Port Angeles, one nephew, one niece, aunts and cousins.

MELBURN STINE

Melburn Sidney Stine, 92, died Aug. 30, 2004 in Ridgefield.

Stine was born June 2, 1912 in Eureka, CA, and lived most of his life in Sierra Madre, CA. After retirement in 1970, Stine lived in Bishop, CA, Reno, NV and Ridgefield since 1996.

Stine worked in the aircraft industry, including the engineering departments of Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, Douglas Aircraft, Vultee Aircraft, Aerojet Engineering and Space General.

Stine was preceded in death by his wife, Billie, in 2003. Survivors include sons Peter Stine of New Mexico, Christopher Stine of Portland and Jonathan Stine of Brush Prairie, daughter Judith Sutera of Battle Ground, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Tues., Sept. 14, 11 a.m., at Ridgefield Community United Methodist Church, 1410 S Hillhurst Rd., Ridgefield. Heritage Memorial of Portland handled cremation. Inurnment will be at Mountain View Niche Garden, Reno, NV.