RIDGEFIELD POLICE CRACK UNSOLVED CASES

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Alleged bragging by an elusive suspect led to a break in an arson and several burglary cases in Ridgefield that are about 18 months old.

As a result, several stolen items were recovered.

Nicholas W. Thornton, 18, 654 NW 289th Ave., Ridgefield, was booked at the Clark County jail Sept. 18 on seven counts of second degree burglary and one count of second degree arson.

Bail was set at $20,000. He appeared in court Sept. 24 and pleaded not guilty. A Trail date of Dec. 13 is set before Superior Court judge John Wulle.

A second suspect, Scott Adams, 18, 8415 NE Hazel Dell Ave., Vancouver, faces three counts of second degree burglary, said Sgt. Randy Ostrander.

Police are currently interviewing four other suspects who are all minors, said Ostrander.

Burglaries at St. Mary of Guadelupe Church on 28309 NW 11th Ave., Ridgefield, occurred between March and November 2003. In June that year, a barn just north of the church burned to the ground when hay inside caught fire.

In May and June this year, computers were reported stolen from Ridgefield High School.

Police reports state Thornton bragged to other youths about his involvement in the barn burning and burglaries. One of the youths told their mother, who in turn called police.

Reports state that Thornton and Adams stole two master keys to the high school and were able to get into the computer lab room. Once there, they reportedly took a laptop computer and a Gateway E-3400 computer with accessories in May and June.

Adams reportedly gave one computer to his brother. Thornton allegedly kept some accessories.

When asked by officer Doriot why he took the keys, Thornton reportedly smiled and said he is a kleptomaniac and collects keys.

In the first reported church burglary, access inside was gained when someone threw a concrete block through a basement window. Once inside, the burglar reportedly went through office drawers and cupboards.

In subsequent burglaries, a window was shattered on the north side of the building, the basement was vandalized, papers were coated with "honey milk," batteries stolen, tobacco juice was spit onto a religious item behind the altar, half a bottle of sacred wine was consumed and a candle lit near the altar on the day the barn burned down, an office phone was stolen, a 2-liter pop bottle drunk out of, sheet cake eaten on more than one occasion, and a bronze candleholder taken, reports stated.

Thornton reportedly told Ostrander and officer Cathy Doriot he broke into the church because he wondered what was inside while he was walking to his nearby home.

Four others were with him on some occasions, he reportedly told the officers. They looked for money, ate cake, looked through cabinets and took some things home with them, he reportedly said, adding that he thought about selling the candleholder on E-Bay but changed his mind.

Thornton also allegedly said he stole the high school master key after finding it on a desk in the office. He reportedly said he and Adams entered the teacher's lounge and took several candy bars and pop that day, then the boys returned on a different day to take the computers.

But Adams reportedly said the main office doors to the school were unlocked one day, and Thornton climbed up over the interior door, searched the office and came back with a key and candy bars.

The barn fire started when he and another friend were inside smoking, Thornton reportedly said to police.

Thornton said he lit a piece of hay on fire and it fell to the ground and the other hay quickly caught fire. He reported that he and his friend tried to put the fire out with their shirts, but it caused the fire to get bigger, so they "got scared" and ran through the blackberry bushes to his house, said the report.

The report states that after the youths returned home they heard sirens, so they wandered back to the barn to watch the fire crews try to put it out. While there, an officer reportedly contacted them and asked if they knew anything about it but Thornton allegedly lied and said no.

Adams and Thornton reportedly brought the computers and accessories and the candleholder to the police station when asked to. The police report states Thornton said he threw the school's keys away.

According to police chief Bruce Hall, Ridgefield School District superintendent Mary Vagner has made arrangements to have the school's locks re-keyed.

COWLITZ MAIL BLANKETS AREA

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Clark County and Woodland citizens recently found a colorful historical summary of the Cowlitz Indian tribe in their mail boxes.

Entitled "Greetings" and signed by Cowlitz tribal chairman John Barnett, the mailer went to about 80,000 addresses.

A short history of the tribe traced Cowlitz roots in Southwest Washington back 4,000 years. The historical account said fur traders from Fort Astoria in 1811 encountered Cowlitz tribal members in canoes. Cowlitz chief Umtux was murdered in 1855 in Clark County, giving Battle Ground its name, said the mailer.

The mailer said development by the tribe of a casino and resort on 152 acres of land at the I-5 junction west of La Center will be a "winning amenity for the region." Barnett invited citizen comments.

Contacted Sept. 21, Dave Barnett, Cowlitz tribal spokesman and son of the tribal chairman John Barnett, said tribal leaders will use mailers to keep citizens advised on progress as the junction land is developed.

Barnett said the Mohegan tribe, which owns the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticutt, will partner with the Cowlitz tribe to develop the project.

Peter Schultz, vice chairman of the Mohegan Tribe, said his tribe owns a $1.1 billion casino in Connecticutt.

Schultz said Mohegan tribal leaders want to help other, less fortunate tribes with economic development.

Opposition to a tribal casino mushroomed in La Center and Woodland two years ago when tribal leaders asked the U.S. Department of Interior to grant trust status on the land.

Cowlitz tribal leaders also want federal authorities to designate the land as the Tribe's "initial reservation." The designation could prevent a Washington governor from interfering with future gaming plans.

Earlier this year, county commissioners and Cowlitz tribal leaders signed a memorandum of understanding.

The agreement contains a waiver of tribal immunity that subjects the Cowlitz tribe to area rules and outlines fees for law enforcement and other public services.

Some La Center citizens, including city council members, fear a tribal casino will decimate revenues at four card rooms. Taxes derived, about $3 million yearly, pay the bills at La Center city hall.

Energetic opposition to a tribal casino came from a La Center citizens group, Stand Up for Clark County Citizens. Members argue that the Cowlitz Tribe is indigenous to the Cowlitz River area, not to Clark County.

A Washington, D.C. attorney representing the Cowlitz tribe met with area citizens. Two city council members flew to Washington, D.C. and aired city concerns to legislators.

Several citizens said an Environmental Assessment submitted by the Tribe did not fully address environmental concerns.

Tribal leaders agreed last month to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement on the proposed gaming site, a process expected to take at least one year. Barnett said a public meeting on the statement is likely within a couple of months.

La Center city council members and tribal leaders agreed to meet in the future on economic issues.

Reactions from La Center

La Center mayor James Irish said he was happy that the tribal chairman invited public comments in the mailer.

Irish and council member Linda Tracy said they are disappointed that the mailer did not mention efforts to reach an accord with the city.

Council member Dale Smith said the mailer appears to be a public relations effort by tribal leaders.

Smith said statements in the mailer about the indigenous nature of the Cowlitz tribe in Clark County are opinions, not established facts.

STATE CHOOSES 219TH ROUTE TO FREEWAY

Impacts on Duluth businesses guide decision

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Pending federal approvals, the SR-502 route from Battle Ground to I-5 will go through Duluth.

State transportation officials, seeing no cost advantage to moving the roadway away from the Duluth business community, announced the new Recommended Build Alternative Sept. 24.

The decision followed evaluations of land, environmental and business issues.

Project engineer Chuck Ruhsenberger said the preferred route (Option M-S) through Duluth will require buying fewer acres of land. The route will have less impact on wetlands than a previous build alternative (Option E-4) that branched traffic on a route north of the Duluth business community.

The option to go through Duluth will also keep traffic flowing near existing retail businesses, said Ruhsenberger.

Ruhsenberger said preliminary studies indicate Option M-S will require the purchase of 96 acres, versus a need to buy 114 acres under Option E-4.

The engineer said the option through Duluth will involve 12 acres of mostly low category wetlands. With Option E-4, there were 21 acres of low category wetlands and more high category wetlands to deal with.

Widening at the south end of the route through Duluth will displace two businesses, an interior decorating business and an earth-moving firm on the south side of NE 219th St. east of NE 10th Ave.

SR-502 will be 90 feet wide, with 15 foot to 30 foot clear zones on each side of the roadway in Duluth.

Ruhsenberger said it may be necessary to displace another home-based business northwest of the Duluth intersection. One business would be displaced with the E-4 option.

Up to 13 residences could be displaced by the Duluth route, he said. Some displacements involve septic line conflicts that might be resolved by line relocations. The northern route would displace seven residences.

Preliminary estimates indicate "pretty much the same cost" with either option, said Ruhsenberger. Total project cost is estimated at $34.7 million, funded by a five cent gas tax.

State Department of Transportation spokesperson Amy Echols said preliminary real estate contacts are underway. An Environmental Assessment should be completed by late spring or early summer, followed by a public hearing.

Transportation officials will discuss access issues with landowners in coming months, providing another opportunity for a public hearing, said Echols.

Echols said design plans and the Environmental Assessment will require approval by the Federal Highway Administration.

Sign-offs are also required by the Army Corp of Engineers, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (for assessment of any endangered species), and state Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Echols said her agency expects the project to go according to schedule, with construction starting in 2007 and completion in 2009.

COMMUNITY YOUTH CENTER HONORS HAMEL

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Community leaders honored Battle Ground resident Bob Hamel Sept. 22 by dedicating a decorative rock to him. The rock is located outside the Rocksolid Community Youth Center, 12919 NE 159th St., Brush Prairie.

Hamel, an area auctioneer who has raised more than $2 million for various community events, helped spearhead the Center's creation two years ago, said Lori Lindberg, Center marketing director.

Hamel has raised some $101,000 for the Center at three auctions, as well as pulling together community donors.

Rocksolid staff characterize the Center as a safe, fun place for youths ages 12-18 to go after school. Several brightly colored rooms are filled with a pool table, foosball, airhockey, computers and a theater. There is no admission charge.

Several programs have evolved at the Center including crafts, cooking, games, field trips and a mentorship program done in partnership with area schools.

About 20 youths attend daily with different youths coming different days. A van picks up students with permission slips from area schools. Special functions draw 30-50 people. About 225 youths attended an evening event last year. About 1,600 youths have walked through Center doors since opening, said Center representative Kari Otos.

Although it's located in a church basement, organizers say Center goals revolve around boosting self-esteem and values for students, not converting them to a religion. The Center is considered an autonomous organization from the church.

"This place really aims to show kids that there are good things in life," Hamel said. "We'd love to see as many kids come here as possible."

For more information about the Center, contact Lori Lindberg, 687-0326.

BEAR ROMPS NEAR BATTLE GROUND

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Bill Seufert was working at his computer the night of Sept. 21 when he looked up and saw a bear by his hot tub in the back yard.

Seufert, who lives on the 3100 block of NE 152nd Ave., also known as Rock Creek Rd. north of Battle Ground, suddenly realized it wasn't raccoons that plundered his garbage can outside the night before.

"My two little dogs started barking and going against the glass [door] when they saw the bear," Seufert said. "It was a very large, full-grown black bear. Probably 250 pounds plus."

Apparently the bear didn't like the ruckus and headed into the woods toward neighbor Sue Schwartz's house.

Being neighborly, Seufert called Schwartz on the phone and warned her about the bear heading her way.

"She just laughed and said 'yeah right,'" Seufert said. "While we were on the phone, she saw him come into her back yard. 'There IS a bear!' she said."

Seufert grabbed his camera and headed next door. When he arrived, the bear was trying to get onto the back deck.

"It stood up on its back legs," he said. "That was cool. It was about 5 to 5 and one-half feet tall."

Schwartz's garbage cans had also been ransacked the night before as well, but she too thought raccoons were responsible.

Another neighbor told Seufert he'd seen bear tracks around his place. Seufert figured the bear had been around about three days.

Another big, black bear was seen Sept. 7 at the home of Kara and Pete Marquez on Allworth Rd., about 4 straight land miles from Seufert and Schwartz.

The bear was munching in the morning on a pile of decomposing apples that they dumped at the back of their 5 acres near a tree line.

Murray Schlenker, acting regional director of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, said it is not unusual for people to see bears this time of year. They're hungry and getting ready to hibernate, said Schlenker.

"A bear's life is eating and sleeping," he said.

Although bear sightings in the fall are fairly common, calls are coming earlier this year than usual, he said.

"Maybe the bears know something we don't," Schlenker said. "Maybe we're in for a hard winter."

The best way to keep bears from deciding to camp out in certain places is to remove food sources and scents, he said.

"They love apples, bird feeders and barbecue grill drippings," he said. "Keep food scents down, double and triple-bag garbage and keep the cans locked up until the night before pick up, and clean barbecue grills. If briquets were used, remove them from the barbecue."

Schlenker also said don't keep pet food outside.

"That's good chow for a bear," he said. "It's full of vitamins and minerals--it's good eatin'."

Bears are omnivors, he said, which means they eat a wide variety of food. Remove the food source, and the bear will move back into the forest to eat berries, ants and "things bears are supposed to eat."

If a bear becomes a threat to humans or property, call the Fish and Wildlife regional office at 696-6211.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

When Marilyn Ray saw a dog wandering alone on SE Grace Ave. in Battle Ground, she knew she had to stop.

Sure enough the Brittany Spaniel, a valuable breed known for its hunting game pointing skills, had stopped to munch some road kill--a sure sign the pooch hadn't had a meal for a few days, Ray said.

Ray volunteers for the Justice for Animal Welfare Society, a spay and neuter group, and describes herself as "an animal lover." She'd do just about anything to help a hurting pet, she said.

The dog wore a blue collar but no identification tags. Ray loaded the dog in the back of her car and took him to Man's Best Friend, an animal shelter facility on NE 112th Ave. The dog got shots and a check-up. Ray named him Buddy and phoned The Reflector to put an advertisement in for a found dog.

A colleague of Ray's, Dani Stone, heard about Buddy and offered to board him while the owner was located. Stone brought Buddy home where her 13-year-old son, Coty, looked after him.

The newspaper ad ran for three weeks. On the last day, a man phoned. Could this be his lost dog? Ray asked him to bring pictures and vet papers--anything to prove his ownership.

Virgil DeLong's dog disappeared a few days before Buddy was found. DeLong visited an animal shelter and filled out paperwork, but no phone calls came until his daughter saw the ad.

Sure enough, Buddy was DeLong's dog. DeLong had him since he was a puppy, about 11 years ago. The dog's name is Shorty. Shorty normally wears identification tags. DeLong reimbursed Ray for expenses incurred.

Everything looked like a happy ending.

But there was just one problem. Coty had grown awfully attached to Buddy/Shorty in the few days he cared for him.

"When Virgil came over to get his dog it was sort of sad," Stone said. "Coty didn't want to let him go. But we were so happy, too. Shorty got reunited with his rightful owner."

DeLong promised that Coty could look after Shorty any time he went out of town on vacation. Coty thought that was a good deal, Stone said.

DeLong said he was very appreciative that someone found his dog.

"It's like finding a lost son," DeLong said. "He's one of the family."

PORT PLANS AHEAD FOR INDUSTRIAL PROGRESS

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

A charter bus company will put its operations office on one of the last remaining pieces of land in the Ridgefield Industrial Park at the I-5 junction.

MTR Western has purchased 5.67 acres and plans to begin construction within the year, said Jack Kriz of Mildren Design Group of Tigard, MTR's representative. Eventually 30-150 people will be employed at the center which will include facilities for storage, maintenance and administration.

The application for a permit to grade the property said that charter bus riders may board or disembark at the center for scheduled trips. Pacific Detroit Diesel-Allison, a distributor of engines, transmissions and other vehicle parts, plans more development on Industrial Park property it bought from the Port of Ridgefield. The company moved its corporate offices to Ridgefield from Portland in 2002.

The MTR Western purchase leaves the Port with two small pieces in the park west of I-5 and south of Pioneer St., but the Port isn't finished with business development.

Another 75 acres north of Ridgefield and east of I-5 is earmarked for a campus-type commercial-industrial development known as Discovery Pointe Corporate Park, said port executive director Brent Grening.

The new park will be "different [from the existing park] in the sense of how it will look," Grening said. "It will be more of a campus development, with a greater mix of use."

"We'll have some commercial, light industrial, maybe some retail," he added. "We've got some [zoning] alternatives. The new property is not "shovel ready."

The Port must first complete a range of requirements, including identifying wetlands, looking at transportation and other issues.

In addition, 30 of the 75 acres lie outside the Ridgefield city limits. Grening said the Port, along with several other landowners in the area, have applied to the city with a formal notice of intent for annexation.

If the Ridgefield city council members approve the notice, the Port and adjacent landowners will move to the second step in the process.

"We've been talking about possibilities," Grening said. "We're starting to raise awareness."

After the permitting process, or entitlement, is finished, the Port could face several development alternatives.

"If a company wants to buy the property outright, we'd consider that," said Allison Shultz, public relations director.

If prospective buyers need infrastructure--roads, sewer and water--the Port would be responsible for developing those, Grening said.

"Next year we'll have the basics," he said. "We'll be ready to show and market."

MORE DEVELOPMENT BEGINS AT UNION RIDGE

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

Construction on the first of three 52,000 square-foot buildings began this week on Union Ridge at the Ridgefield Junction east of I-5.

Next door to the Dollar Tree distribution center, the $4.5 million building will be part of a complex developed by Hinton Development Company of Vancouver and Schuck Corporation. Schuck owns Union Ridge.

Mark Hinton, president of Hinton Development, said each building will be divided into "industrial condominiums."

"We'll build a shell and sell all or pieces of the shell," he said.

The first building will be complete by summer 2005.

William Connelly of Eric Fuller & Associates Inc., Realtor for the project, said the first building has no tenants.

"We're building the first one on a spec basis, with no prior commitments," he said. "We'll build the others as market demands."

The three structures will occupy 12 acres of the 330-acre Union Ridge. The buildings will be identical with a height of 24 feet, 50 feet wide and between 120 and 140 feet long.

"We are extremely pleased to bring a top-flight industrial center to Ridgefield," said Union Ridge managing partner John Crist. "We believe this center will meet the needs of this growing area and should increase the number of jobs in Ridgefield."

Hinton said the buildings will be divided into 6,000 square-foot condominiums or larger ranging from $80 to $92 per square foot.

"There's an opportunity in the Vancouver market for 6,000 square-foot industrial space," Hinton said.

Hinton Development "will shepherd the entire project, from groundbreaking to complete office build-out," Hinton said. "`Turn-key' means we hand the owner the keys upon completion and the space is ready for move-in."

According to information from Schuck, Union Ridge is zoned for mixed use, allowing industrial, office, retail and multi-family development.

ALL SAFE AT GLENWOOD/LAURIN AFTER LOCKDOWN

Marcus Brotherton , staff reporter

Glenwood Primary and Laurin middle schools were placed in lockdown for about 20 minutes Sept. 17.

A school bus driver reported seeing someone with a gun near school property.

The incident occurred about 7:35 a.m. Buses en-route to Laurin were diverted to Prairie High School.

Three individuals were questioned by Clark County deputies and found to be using a scoped BB gun for target practice, said Sheriff Sgt. Don Polen. The gun was not aimed at the school. The individuals were not on school property and no arrests were made.

The lockdown was lifted at 7:45 a.m. Buses being held at Prairie were released and proceeded to Laurin.

Some Glenwood students were late in being picked up for school by buses because of the diversion. Classes at Glenwood begin later than at Laurin.

Glenwood Heights principal Kent Martin wrote parents a letter the same day explaining the situation.

"Children were secure at all times," wrote Martin, "and our staff is well trained to implement all emergency and precautionary procedures."

WATER AT YACOLT PRIMARY IN QUESTION

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

A new water filtration system will soon be installed at Yacolt Primary School after elevated levels of copper were found in routine water tests conducted by Battle Ground School District officials.

Copper levels tested normal in samples taken from water that had run for about one minute, said District spokesperson Kelly Keister. However, in a few cases, water contained higher than normal levels of copper.

The cause of elevated copper was determined to be low pH levels in source water flowing through the pipes in the school. pH refers to the level of acidity or alkalinity of a solution.

District officials contacted Clark County Health Department officials to discuss the matter.

Health officials say little risk is associated with the current copper levels, and adverse affects would only be experienced after consuming about 10 liters of water in one sitting.

Health officials said steps taken by the District exceed safety standards. District officials also contacted officials at Clark Public Utilities who indicated pH levels in the water are within normal range.

Bottled water is provided until the new filtration system is installed.

District superintendent Shonny Bria sent a letter Sept. 13 explaining the matter to parents.

C-TRAN SUPPORTERS LAUNCH TAX CAMPAIGN

Proposition would add three-tenths of a penny to sales tax

Bill Myers, staff reporter

C-TRAN boosters rallied Sept. 20 at Esther Short Park in Vancouver to launch a campaign supporting a Nov. 2 ballot measure that would increase the sales taxes in Clark County to help pay for C-TRAN services.

C-TRAN board chairperson Jeanne Harris told an enthusiastic gathering of about 150 people that bus services are vital to the community.

"Vote yes for C-TRAN!" Harris cheered.

C-TRAN officials say a proposed one-third of a penny sales tax increase will keep the carrier from drawing operating funds from its reserve account. A recent C-TRAN publication said that since I-695 passed in 1999, the account, tapped for day-to-day operations, dropped from $70 million to $59 million.

According to C-TRAN projections, the reserve account, after set-asides for capital requirements through 2010, is expected to drop to $17 million.

Following voter-approval in 1980, county taxpayers have paid a three-tenths of one penny sales tax to fund C-TRAN. Proposition 1 would increase the sales tax collected by C-TRAN to six-tenths of one penny.

A recent C-TRAN publication says the added sales tax will enable a retention of existing routes, including service to Battle Ground and weekend service to Southwest Washington Medical Center.

The new funds will add "on-demand" small bus service to Battle Ground, Ridgefield, La Center and Amboy.

C-TRAN officials say failure of the measure will force cuts in the number of bus routes from 27 to 15.

Citizens urging measure support at the kick-off included bank executive Mike Worthy, co-chairman of the campaign to support Proposition 1, former state legislator Val Ogden, attorney Trent Kuntz and Human Services Council director Dennis Cole.

Worthy said 65 percent of about 7 million C-TRAN riders rely on the transit company as their only means of transportation.

Ogden said a good friend who can no longer drive relies on C-TRAN to reach church, a school where she tutors, and stores.

"This is not a tax issue," said Cole. "It's about who is important to our community."

C-TRAN officials will host a series of open houses throughout the county in coming weeks to answer questions about Proposition 1.

Open houses in north Clark County start at 5:30 p.m and are set Tues., Oct. 5, at Clark Public Utilities Orchards Service Center, 8600 NE 117th Ave., Vancouver; Wed., Oct. 13, at Hazel Dell Sewer District, 8000 NE 52nd Court, Vancouver; and Mon., Oct. 18, at Battle Ground High School library, 300 W Main St., Battle Ground.

DISTRICT 11 CHIEF AT HURRICANE DISASTER

Dennis Mason travels to Ivan's wake

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Fire District 11 chief Dennis Mason is helping feed disaster victims on the coast of Alabama.

Mason is a member of a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) incident management team from the Pacific Northwest. He flew with other team members on Sept. 15 to Dobbin Air Force Base, near Marietta, GA.

Ground transport took team members to motels in Mobile, AL. From Mobile, team members ride about 30 miles each morning to coastal areas torn apart by Hurricane Ivan.

Team members established and staffed 12 FEMA "drive-through" food and water distribution points in neighborhoods blasted by wind and water.

Mason said they handed out 125 semi-trailer loads of ice, bottled water and ready-to-eat meals at the stations.

Rations were funded by the federal government and were provided free to recipients, several of whom were made homeless by winds in excess of 130 miles per hour and 25-foot, storm-driven ocean surges.

Rows of homes on beaches were destroyed or severely damaged, said Mason. In one community, 310 power poles were snapped like matchsticks by the wind, he said.

Mason said most coastal residents fled inland before the storm hit. Vacancies at motels were still hard to find a week after the storm because electrical, water or structural problems prevented several families from moving back to their homes.

The most immediate needs after the storm were electricity, water and food, said Mason. Power is being restored daily. Clean-ups are underway at area reservoirs contaminated by saltwater and debris.

Mason said he and other team members will spend two weeks at the disaster scene.

TWO BALK AT GIVING POWER TO CITY MANAGER

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

After a third session of debate and discussion regarding a proposed city parks board ordinance, Ridgefield mayor Gladys Doriot expressed frustration at the process.

"The next time we go to change an ordinance, we should have a workshop so we don't have this confusion," she said.

After 20-minutes of discussion during the Sept. 23 council meeting, city attorney Mike Wynne suggested he research the ordinance to see if it complies with state law and is in line with the way other cities make appointments to boards and commissions.

Council members agreed to have a fourth look at the proposed ordinance at an Oct. 14 meeting.

The contentious point of the proposed ordinance lies in the power of the city manager to control the appointed advisory board.

As originally brought forth from acting city manager George Fox and community development director Kevin Snyder, the council would have had little involvement in appointments and dismissals. Recommendations would go to the city manager without council involvement.

During a Sept. 9 discussion, Doriot and council member Tim Thompson strongly objected to the manager's authority over the parks advisory board.

After hearing objections, city staff made changes to create an "appointment committee" made up of the city manager, the mayor and one council member.

The city manager would chair the committee. Under proposed changes, the committee will recommend new members for city council approval.

However, the city manager retains the right to dismiss board members and the board would make all recommendations to the city manager without council involvement.

Steve Kennon, parks board chairman, believes the council should make appointments, authorize dismissals, and should have communication with the parks board.

Kennon and others said that Ridgefield resident Marie Bouvier applied to the mayor for parks board membership in June and was never appointed, despite two vacancies.

Doriot was surprised.

"I never received a letter of application," she said. "I have never seen it."

Bouvier said she delivered the letter addressed to the mayor to city hall and met with Fox and Snyder.

A background check was done by the Ridgefield Police Department, said chief Bruce Hall. But background checks take several weeks, and Bouvier's application "was held up on my desk," he said.

Council member Gary Holmberg believes background checks are important.

Thompson earlier said that to his knowledge, such checks had never been performed on board or commission appointees.

Holmberg said appointments were made in prior years that were illegal.

Holmberg said former council member Fran Kemper was illegally appointed to the planning commission. She was assigned the seat during her last meeting as council member in 2001 after she lost the election to Holmberg.

Although Holmberg said the council had to reappoint her to the position later, city records show otherwise. A motion was made to rescind her appointment shortly after Holmberg took office, but the motion died for lack of a second, and her appointment stood.

Holmberg also referred to "questionable" appointments made earlier this year. City records show two resignations: Cheryl Seymore resigned to attend school, and Casey Brock resigned in May.

Brock has a criminal history from 1981 to 2003 on convictions of fighting in a public place, assault and battery, obstructing and resisting a public officer, stalking and criminal impersonation.

Why change it?

Thompson, who strongly opposes most of the proposed ordinance, said the council never asked staff for a revision of the previous ordinance.

"I looked at the history and I could not find where the council requested this change," he said.

Thompson read part of a state statute that governs cities and he added, "the mayor nominates and the council confirms."

"Why do we think it's so broken that we want to change it?" Thompson asked. "The ultimate responsibility has to stay with those who are elected."

Council member Dave Standal disagreed that the council's authority would be removed.

"I view this as strengthening the [parks board] role," he said. "I don't see where it's removing council, but I'd be happy to add the words city council where it says city manager."

Council members generally agree that the community development director should be staff liaison to the board.

The next council meeting is set for Thurs., Oct. 14, 6:30 p.m., at city hall, 305 Pioneer St.

BG CLASS OF 1939 GATHERS IN Reunion

Twenty-seven members of the Battle Ground High School class of 1939 held a reunion Sept. 18 at The Cedars in Brush Prairie.

Reunion organizer Erma Kelley said the class held its first reunion 25 years after graduation, then at 40 and 50 years, and now meets annually.

Kelly said the class had 89 members of whom 44 are now deceased. Some 5-6 class members cannot be located.

Most class members live in the Clark County area, said Kelley, with some traveling from Olympia and Madras, OR to attend the event.

Two marriages united class members, added Kelly, when Waunita Newton married Orrell Peru, and OraFaye Wilson married Arnold Thogerson.

ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL OPENS FARMS TO VISITORS

Seven Clark County farms will be open for tours Sat., Oct. 2, during the sixth annual Harvest Celebration Day.

The public is welcome to visit farms that produce wool, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and berries, and other farms that offer horse boarding services.

Clark County is one of 12 counties in the state taking part in this year's Harvest Celebration Day. There is no charge for the tour, although an optional $5 per car donation will be accepted to offset costs.

Organized by the Washington State University Cooperative Extension Service, the program is designed to promote buying direct from area farmers.

In 2003, about 1,000 people took part in the tour.

Information, Douglas Stienbarger, Cooperative Extension, 397-6060, ext. 7716.

UTILITIES SHARE ANTITRUST SETTLEMENT MONEY

Clark Public Utilities and Cowlitz County Public Utility District have both received money from an antitrust settlements and will use the money for conservation purposes.

The money came from settlements reached between the state of Washington and three energy companies--Williams Energy, El Paso Energy and Duke Energy.

The settlements followed investigations into alleged illegal manipulation of electricity prices during the west coast energy crisis in 2000-2001. The Seattle Foundation was selected by the state to distribute the money.

Clark Public Utilities received nearly $2 million, the largest grant for any single utility in the state.

"This money will provide valuable assistance for many of our residential customers," said Nancy Barnes, commissioner of Clark Public Utilities. "While this is a wonderful opportunity for us to help our customers, the settlement represents only a small percentage of the massive overcharges by unscrupulous energy companies during the crisis."

The utility will use the money for energy conservation purposes, specifically:

** Additional funding for Operation Warm Heart which provides assistance to low income customers;

** Rebates for the purchase of energy efficient "Energy Star" appliances.

** Weatherization for multi-family units that don't meet federal income guidelines for existing programs.

** Weatherization for do-it-yourselfers such as caulking, weatherstripping and outlet gaskets.

** Replacement of refrigerators for low-income customers.

** Supplemental funding for the Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program.

The refrigerator replacement and multi-family weatherization programs will be administered by Clark County Department of Community Services which offers other programs for low-income citizens.

Cowlitz programs aimed at low income people

In Cowlitz County, the anti-trust settlement funds will be used by both Cowlitz County Public Utility District and by the Lower Columbia Community Action Council (CAP).

CAP received $195,000 which will be used to help low-income electric customers pay their bills.

The Utility received $367,000 which will be used primarily for the distribution of compact fluorescent lights over the next two years.

Compact fluorescent lights use less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last 10 times longer, according to Utility officials.

"This is good news for electric customers in Cowlitz County," said CAP executive director Judy Sloan. "The Utility and CAP worked cooperatively on this request and have structured the grants to ensure that as many low-income families as possible will receive help paying their electric bills."

Part of the money will also be used to supplement the Warm Neighbors bill-paying assistance program over the next three winters.

Settlements with the three energy companies garnered $13.5 million for residential electric customers statewide, and a total of $37 million for residential and business customers.

Rather than dividing the settlement money into rebate checks for some 2.5 million ratepayers statewide, The Seattle Foundation sought proposals for energy assistance and efficiency projects that would return benefits to residential ratepayers.

"We can never recover the full damages these companies caused," said Phyllis Campbell, president of The Seattle Foundation, "but with these grants, we can provide long-term benefits to ratepayers around the state."

Cowlitz Public Utility District will offer two separate compact florescent light campaigns in 2005 and 2006, possibly offering coupons worth $6 off the purchase of a bulb, which is about the same as offering one bulb free, said Utility spokesman Dave Andrew.

Andrew estimated that the average residential customer paid $450 in excessive electricity bills between April 2000 and summer 2001. The residential portion of the antitrust settlement is about $14 per customer.

Mick Shutt of Clark Public Utilities offered similar estimates. He said excess electricity costs were about $420 per customer in 2000-2001, compared to the Utility's share of the antitrust settlement which is about $13 per customer.

OBITS:

JAMES LOGGAN

James Guy Loggan, 75, died Sept. 19, 2004, at home in Battle Ground.

Loggan was born Nov. 1, 1928 in Independence, KS, and was a Clark County resident 60 years. He was a shipping supervisor for Lucky Laeger.

Loggan was a member of Dates and Mates Square Dance Club. He enjoyed attempting to "fix" things, fishing, golfing, dancing, hiking and eating apples.

Loggan was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Loggan, in 1997.

Loggan is survived by daughters Marla Nichols of Yacolt, Paula Loggan of Spokane and Thelma McCurdy of Yakima, son Todd Loggan of Vancouver, sisters Dorothy Rivoli of Vancouver, Evelyn Caldwell of Texas and Edith Riggs of Oklahoma, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Sept. 26, 2004 at Layne's Funeral Home Chapel of Battle Ground. Graveside services were held Sept. 27, 2004 at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland with Layne's in charge of arrangements.

JACK KULLBERG

Jack Vern Kullberg, 81, died Sept. 20, 2004 in Steilacoom.

Kullberg was born March 7, 1923, in Wallace, ID. He lived in Battle Ground 65 years before moving to Steilacoom last year.

As a child, Kullberg attended the Venersborg Church. He played football, basketball and baseball for Battle Ground High School, the town team and Hockinson Finns.

During WWII, he enlisted in the Marine Corp with a brother. He was on the deck of a ship nursing a broken wrist as the watched the flag on Iwo Jima being raised.

For a time, Kullberg drove a Battle Ground school bus, was a dance instructor for Arthur Murray Studio in Portland, raced cars and finally worked as a heavy machine operator in commercial construction.

Kullberg enjoyed attending auctions and garage sales, was an avid Trailblazer fan and going to dances at the Eagles, Moose, VFW and Norse halls. In fact, he met all three of his wives while dancing.

Kullberg was also on the crew that discovered the Ape Caves near Mt. St. Helens.

Kullberg is survived by his wife and companion of 19 years, Thelma Kullberg, of Battle Ground, daughters Nikolina Kelsey of Nevada and Karen Kullberg of Kent, step-daughter Antoinette Beattie of Oregon, sons Steve Kullberg of Battle Ground and Kevin Kullberg of Arizona, stepsons Gary Hedlund and Neal Hedlund of Oregon, brothers Clifford Kullberg of Arizona, James Kullberg of Renton, Miles Kullberg and Merle Kullberg, both of Vancouver, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren.

Services were held Sept. 25, at Venersborg Cemetery, Battle Ground, with Layne's Funeral Home of Battle Ground in charge of arrangements.

Inez E. (Mattfeld) Nygren, 79, died Sept. 20, 2004 in Brush Prairie.

Nygren was born March 25, 1925 in Portland, worked as a bus driver for Hockinson schools, and lived in the Hockinson area for 79 years.

Nygren was a member of Elim Lutheran Church and TOPS club. She was an avid teddy bear collector.

Nygren was preceded in death by her husband, Sten Nygren, in 1998, son Bob Nygren in 1978, and brother Roy Mattfeld in 1974. Survivors include daughter Marlene Stensdotter of Brush Prairie, sisters Bernetta Hagner and Norma Manary, both of Portland, and Erma Kelley of Battle Ground, grandchildren Heather Nygren of Brush Prairie and Erin Summers of Nevada, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held Sat., Oct. 2, 11 a.m., at Elim Lutheran Church, Hockinson.

CLETA WANTZ

Cleta C. (Carter) Wantz, 82, died Sept. 22, 2004 at home in Lufkin, CO.

Wantz was born Jan. 2, 1922 in Holly, Colorado, and worked as a licensed vocational nurse. She was a member of the Believer's Bible Church. She was an avid quilter and made over 2,000 quilts in her life time. She loved gardening and also played the piano and violin.

Wantz was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Paul Wantz, in 2002. Survivors include son Alan Wood of La Center, daughter Judith Sharples of South Dakota, step-daughters Rita Kesel and Rose Wilcox, both of Ohio, and Beverly Fischer and Sandra Reyes, both of Texas, step-son Gerald Wantz II of Texas, sisters Rita Reish of Colorado and Dorothy Conard of Missouri, brother Leslie Carter Sr. of Colorado, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were handled by Carroway-Claybar Funeral Home, Lufkin, Colorado.

DALE MCWILLIAMS

Dale Alcorn McWilliams, 72, died Sept. 20, 2004 at home in Battle Ground.

McWilliams was born July 30, 1932 in Vancouver, and worked as a mechanic and truck driver. He was a member of the Dollars Corner Moose Lodge, and Battle Ground Eagles Lodge. He enjoyed camping, spending time at the beach, clam digging, fishing, NASCAR and Sprint races, and being with family and friends.

McWilliams was preceded in death by sister Lois Elaine Phillips in 1996. Survivors include daughters Kathryn Waldal of Vancouver and Carol Ashhurst of Ridgefield, step-daughters Janet Unholtz of Brush Prairie and Cheryl Kysar of Yacolt, sons Kevin McWilliams of Ridgefield, Dennis McWilliams of Vancouver, Neal McWilliams of La Center, Robert McWilliams of Illinois, and Thomas McWilliams of Washougal, step-son Richard "Ken" Roberts of Waitsburg, 19 grandchildren, 16 step-grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.

Burial was at Sara Cemetery, Ridgefield, with Evergreen Staples Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, in charge of arrangements.

HELEN YINGER

Helen M. (Parker) Yinger, 88, died Sept. 16, 2004 in Vancouver.

Yinger was born Feb. 27, 1916 in Salem, OR, and had lived in Vancouver since 1925. She was a member of the Memorial Lutheran Church. She enjoyed bingo, going to the beach, camping, fishing, flower gardening and spending time with her family.

Yinger was preceded in death by her husband, Ewald Yinger, in 1981. Survivors include daughters Mary Wenthin of Ridgefield and Arlene Larson of Vancouver, brother Harry Parker of Vancouver, seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Interment was at Memory Memorial Cemetery, with Evergreen Staples Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, in charge of arrangements.