HERE WE BLOW AGAIN!

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

"The best thing is to watch and see what happens," said Willie Scott, a U.S. Geological Survey scientist, after another pre-eruption event Oct. 4 on Mount St. Helens.

The mostly steam geyser occurred about 10 a.m. and drifted east, with only a slight amount of ash, Scott said. The plume rose about 10,000 feet and flattened at the top.

"What [we saw] here is boiling going on where hot material contacted ice," he said, adding that as magma moves up, steaming activity will likely continue.

The recent steam plume is different than other events of the last two weeks because it didn't involve pressurization, Scott said.

"What we're more concerned about is what's following behind it," he added.

Scientists put the mountain at level three status on Oct. 2, which means an eruption is imminent or underway. It had been at level two, a volcano advisory, since Sept. 29.

Pressure building for main event

After nearly 13 years of relative quiet, the cantankerous volcano rumbled awake and has scientists and media at her beck and call again.

The mountain began rumbling Sept. 23 with frequent, shallow earthquakes under the nearly 1,000-foot tall dome in the middle of its crater.

Within days, quakes intensified in magnitude, topping out at 3.5 and occurring every two to four minutes about one-half mile under the dome.

On Sept. 30, scientists predicted a 70 percent chance that an "event" could happen within a few days, weeks or months.

On Oct. 1, just after noon, the volcano spit ash and steam into the air resembling a whale surfacing in the sea. The steam rose about 10,000 feet, and an oval ash cloud drifted west. The event lasted about 20 minutes.

An hour after the "venting" it was hard to tell anything had happened, witnesses said.

The short-lived blast Oct. 1 was more of an explosion, causing chunks of dome rock to litter the inside of the crater and opening a gash inside the glacier, said Cynthia Gardner, chief U.S. Geological Survey scientist.

The burst happened under the southwest rim near the lava flow from the last dome-building eruption in 1986.

Although both Friday's and Monday's events came without warning, scientists were not surprised, Gardner said.

"This is exactly the kind of event that we were anticipating," she said. "We may not get an instantaneous warning."

Lack of warning is one reason the federal Department of Interior elevated the risk to level three Oct. 2 and evacuated the area within a 5-mile radius of the mountain.

While crowds of curious onlookers packed the Johnston Ridge Observatory and aircraft circled the mountain counter-clockwise, the volcano underwent a 50-minute "harmonic tremor," not seen since the 1980 blast. Shallow, low-magnitude earthquakes followed.

Unsettled, loose ash on the west flank caused haze that drifted west for several miles. At 12:15 p.m., another, smaller steam eruption took place.

Although the earthquakes diminished immediately following the venting, they quickly ramped back up again, hence the elevation to level three and evacuation at about 2 p.m.

Interior secretary Gail Norton said the continuous activity has weakened the dome. The greatest concern now is a significant ash plume that could come after a strong explosion.

Since then, harmonic tremors with steam events developed Oct. 3 at 3 a.m. and 10:40 p.m., both lasting about 25 minutes. The evening steam plume barely reached the crater rim and was visible under moonlight, scientists said.

Since Saturday, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide have been detected in greater levels, signifying new magma is rising to the surface.

Before Monday morning's steam venting, scientists discovered a "large upscale lift" of part of the 20-year-old glacier.

An explosion of flying dome rock will likely stay confined to the 5-mile radius, scientists predict. Lava will likely seep inside the crater.

Of most concern is drifting ash which could cause air and ground traffic problems, and create health hazards especially for children, the elderly, and those with asthma and other lung ailments.

Ash remembered

Before Mount St. Helens' self-destruction on May 18, 1980, the volcano started venting ash and steam in March.

The gritty, gray, caustic stuff drifted south and coated Clark County and Portland with troublesome layers several times.

Of the pre-eruption ash, Battle Ground police chief Ron Johnson said, "As I recall we had light dustings and one that was fairly heavy."

At the time, Johnson was Lieutenant for the department. He worked with other citizens to remove ash from streets with water from fire hoses.

"I remember how heavy it was," Johnson said. He used 5-gallon buckets to remove ash from gutters at his home. Information from the U.S. Geological Survey says a 1-inch layer of ash weighs 5-10 lbs per square foot when dry, and 10-15 pounds when wet.

Volcanic ash also irritated everyone's eyes and lungs, Johnson said. Cars driving down the street would set new clouds billowing.

"That stuff stuck around," Johnson said. "It just didn't go away. I hated that period of time. It was awful. The funny thing is I didn't see any snakes around for a long time."

There are several new residents in the Clark County area that didn't live here during that first eruption.

When the volcano burped on Friday and Monday, motorists pulled over at the SR-503/NE 299th St. vantage point north of Battle Ground for several miles to gawk.

Several took pictures with video cameras, regular cameras and cell phone cameras. Several pulled out camp chairs and sat, waiting for more to happen.

"It's a party!" yelled one onlooker as the steam plume rose.

Amboy resident Lynn Shook had a front row seat from her living room during the Friday and Monday events. The room has large windows all across the front, framing a close-up view of the volatile volcano.

When she witnessed the Friday steam and ash eruption, she was on the phone with a friend from Tacoma who was pelting her with questions.

"Did you feel any earthquakes? Have you seen anything happen?" Shook's friend asked.

As they spoke, Shook stood, watchful of the mountain. She suddenly saw steam and ash billow west.

"I said, `Okay! It's showtime!' and got my camera," she said. Although she didn't hear or feel the event, her boric air cleaners snapped and crackled.

In February 1991, Shook and her husband were front and center when the mountain had a few bouts spewing steam and ash that dirtied the upper third of the snow-covered volcano.

"I was so excited then, thinking, `What should I do?'" she said. "I was calmer this time. It's fun."

Help is on standby

Several agencies have taken precautions to help citizens in the event of serious ash-fall.

Battle Ground School District officials are making sure area schools are supplied with water and coffee filters to put over faces. Specific attention was given to Amboy and Yacolt schools, said Kelly Keister, District spokesperson.

If the event happens during school hours, children will be kept inside until instructed by U.S. Geological Survey and Clark County Health Department officials to release them.

The Battle Ground Police Department has extra supplies or air filters, windshield wipers and windshield washer fluid for patrol cars, and breathing masks for officers.

The Clark County Health Department has issued safety steps to minimize the effects of volcanic ash--a list is available online at www.clark.wa.gov under Health Department.

Clark County chapter of the American Red Cross officials are contacting volunteers, checking inventory and replenishing supplies.

Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) officials are working with U.S. Geological Survey to obtain information and determine the appropriate area response.

CRESA officials are also working with various public safety agencies on emergency planning and disaster exercises.

Above photo by Mike Schultz.

BG SCHOOLS, CITY MULL LAND SWAP

by Heidi Wallenborn

An exchange of land was on the agenda Sept. 27 during a joint meeting of the Battle Ground city council and board of directors of the Battle Ground School District.

Also present were representatives of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library because an expanded library is one of the reasons the land swap is being considered.

No decisions were reached as several alternatives were considered.

School board chair Sam Kim stated repeatedly during the meeting that no decision or action was imminent. He said the meeting was held to "throw out ideas. There are many, many options, we're not locked into one idea."

City officials expressed interest in acquiring about 4 acres at the northwest corner of Parkway Ave. and Main Street from the school district. The corner is the current site of the Battle Ground Community Library.

City officials proposed to trade about 20 acres on SW 20th Ave. known as the Remy property for the library corner.

The Remy property could become the site of a new K-8 school.

The city purchased the Remy property in 2000 for $1.5 million. About 27 acres of the 80 acre site is useable.

Voters turned down a bond issue earlier this year that would have developed the Remy property into a park.

The Fort Vancouver Regional Library District owns the current library building, but virtually no other land at the site. Library expansion at that location would require acquisition of property from the school district--or from the city if the land exchange takes place.

School District officials have been reluctant to provide land for library expansion pending passage of a bond to build new schools. That bond failed in May 2004. Voters will likely face another bond issue in February 2005.

Library supporters say they are tired of waiting.

"We're interested in building a new library in the shorter term rather than longer term," said Mary Devlin, the Library District's community director of libraries. "We have other possibilities to pursue. We support being part of the city's core, but if it is not a viable option in a reasonable amount of time, then it's not an option. We have weeks to decide."

Alex Mintz, president of the Friends of the Battle Ground Library, said it is of the "utmost urgency to do something" about getting a library in Battle Ground, a process that has taken 20 years so far.

"We have an option at this point that we've never had before of getting a new, larger library," said Mintz. "The urgency of having it is very high. The location isn't the critical factor; timing is the critical factor."

The option Mintz referred to is as part of a new commercial development called the Gardner Center at NE 199th St. and SR-503 where Elie Kassab is developing a shopping center and movie theater complex.

Kassab has submitted a plan to the city which includes a library. Talks between Kassab and library officials are set to begin in October, according to Regional Library District executive director Bruce Ziegman, who was not present at the Sept. 27 workshop.

"We understand what their urgency is," said Battle Ground city manager Eric Holmes. "But we need to go through the process for our constituents as a whole. At the end, if it's the right thing to do, we'll work it out."

Holmes and city council members expressed interest in keeping the library in the downtown core. Library expansion at its current location could also include development of a community center, performing arts venue and senior and social services.

In July, city council members made it clear they want the library to stay where it is as part of a Central Main District Plan.

Church plan scrapped

In an effort to expand the Battle Ground library, Library District officials purchased a former Methodist Church at NE 1st St. and NE Clark Ave. in 1999.

Voters twice turned down bonds that would have remodeled the church into a library.

Taxpayers will not be approached again to fund remodeling of the church, said Devlin.

If plans move forward for a new library at the Gardner Center, said Ziegman, the church building will likely be sold.

Urgency emphasized

"We have waited long enough," said Mintz. "Now is the time for the Friends to work toward building a new community library for the citizens. "

Various committees have worked for about 20 years to expand the Battle Ground library.

Even fundraising is being held up, said Mintz.

"One piece we've been waiting for is our location," said Mintz. "You can't sell it if you don't have a product."

About 75 members of the Friends group attended the Sept. 27 workshop.

After the meeting, Bill Crego, a former city council member and now a member of the Friends group, said he wasn't happy with the council and school district's pace. He compared it to the council's push to get a parks bond issue in front of voters last spring.

"They move fast when they want something done," Crego said. "They put it on the timeline they want. When they're trying to control an issue, they slow it down."

Officials of both the city and school district said they would need time to evaluate land exchange ideas, present plans to constituents, and hold public hearings.

If a land exchange is agreed upon, appropriate compensation would be made to all agencies, said Holmes. Compensation could be in the form of cash or land values.

In addition, Battle Ground is working on a comprehensive plan update, and the school district is preparing for a February 2005 bond vote. Neither entity will have anything ready until December at the earliest, officials said.

If 20 acres of the Remy property is used for a school, the remaining useable property could be developed into ball fields and/or trails, said Holmes.

"We are very interested in collaborating with the city and school," said Devlin. "We see every day how heavily the library is used and how woeful the facility is," said Devlin. "People fall over each other in there."

AMBOY COUPLE HONORED BY STATE GRANGE

Heidi Wallenborn, new director

Bill and Roxanne Doty have brought a little international culture to their corner of the world in Amboy and Fargher Lake.

In recognition of being adoptive parents to seven children of various nationalities as well as performing volunteer work in the community, the Dotys were received a Citizen Award from the state Grange Association.

The Dotys, both 48, have lived in the Amboy area since 1988, where they own a 480-acre tree farm near Cedar Creek.

That is where they raised their son, Jeremiah, and seven adopted children: Margarita and Cecile from Guatemala, Grace, Dyal and Rachel Len from Vietnam, and Nikolas and Anna from Russia. This summer, they also hosted a Chinese exchange student.

All the children work at the Fargher Lake store, which the Dotys bought in 1989.

Having their children work at the store not only teaches them about the business world and responsibility, Bill Doty said, it also helps people be more accepting of other nationalities.

Besides their children, the couple have employed Danelle, a blind girl, and Massah, who is from Liberia.

In addition to raising his children, Doty worked with the county planning commission to get the Fargher Lake area zoned as a rural center.

In 1995 the store was given a Clark County Community Design Award for improvements the couple made.

This year, Bill received a Sammy award for letting Fish First work toward fish restoration on his portion of Cedar Creek. The group added 61 root wads and three side channels for rearing juveniles, and placed rock veins across the creek to change channels plus gravel for spawning beds, Doty said.

Doty was also noted for his volunteer work "behind the scenes." He has a large tent he hauls for non-profit events such as Territorial Days, Green Mountain school events and the Morning Star Christian Day Camp. He has also been known to replace doors and windows for various community projects.

The Dotys were presented with a plaque at the Fargher Lake Community Appreciation Day Sept. 25.

Later, Doty said he thought it is a nice thing to be honored, but "a lot of people do what I do. I'm not the only one. I'm happy to be represented."

Other recognitions went to Bertha Olsen of La Center who celebrated her 99th birthday, Helen Rodgers of Woodland for her 65-year membership with the Fargher Lake Grange, and Barbara Hagedorn of Yacolt for her 60 years of service.

Rhythm Wranglers of Battle Ground and Jewel Ellila of La Center provided entertainment for line dancing while visitors enjoyed a potluck lunch.

DEVELOPER EXPANDS TO WEST SIDE AT RIDGEFIELD JUNCTION

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

The developer of industrial property on the eastern edge of Ridgefield is looking for a way to put retail businesses on land west of I-5.

Pioneer Estates LLC, part of the Schuck Corporation of Colorado that owns Union Ridge on the east side, has received approval from the Ridgefield planning commission to create a master plan to include 50 acres on the northwest portion of I-5 and Pioneer St.

John Crist, who represents the Colorado corporation, said the company could avoid requesting a zone change for the nearly 50 acres by developing a master plan with an employment mixed-use overlay.

The property, now zoned for industrial development, is owned by SC Graf, an arm of the Schuck company.

City council members already approved a master plan with the mixed-use overlay allowing for 20 percent of the company's property for commercial use and another 20 percent for residential.

Under the employment mixed-use overlay for industrial land, 60 percent must be developed by companies that generate employment.

The catch is that all property within the overlay zone must be contiguous, and uninterrupted by properties with different owners.

But under the new proposal, the Schuck corporation, which does business as Pioneer Estates LLC, is asking to leapfrog over other properties when it creates the mixed-use overlay.

The city council will hear the request at its Oct. 14 meeting.

In 2003, council members denied a request from Schuck that properties within the mixed-use overlay not be contiguous.

Kevin Snyder, Ridgefield's community development director, said the city has not yet approved a master plan with an employment mixed-use overlay and that companies are not required to prepare a mixed-use-overlay plan.

"That's voluntary," he said.

Crist said Pioneer Estates has seen "a lot of interest" in the west side property, "some commercial, some industrial."

"I think it's [a master plan with a mixed use overlay] better for everybody," Crist said, "better for the city, too."

HOCKINSON WELCOMES INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Dick Minarik, 60, is the interim superintendent for the Hockinson School District.

Minarik replaces Barry Gourley who relocated to Nebraska where Gourley's wife, also a school superintendent, was recently hired.

As interim superintendent, Minarik is hired on an 11-month contract through June 30, 2005. Board members are expected to begin the hiring process for a permanent replacement in February or March.

Minarik said he may consider applying for the position.

Minarik's goal this year is not simply to hold the District together between superintendents, he said, but to move forward with the District's educational goals.

One of his tasks will be to lay the foundation for a replacement maintenance and operations levy. The current levy expires October 2005.

Minarik will also build communication with the community by hosting public forums, he said, and will work with staff and site administrators to ensure academic standards are met.

Michigan born and raised, Minarik received a bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University, a master's degree in child and adolescent guidance and a master's level educational specialist degree in psychology from Michigan State University. He pursued doctoral work at the University of Washington and completed his superintendent's credentials at Seattle Pacific University.

Minarik first worked with the Shoreline School District as school psychologist and assistant director for special education, and with the Peninsula School District as director of pupil services and assistant superintendent of instructional support and curriculum.

Following his superintendent internship for the Federal Way School District, Minarik worked as superintendent for the Quilcene School District. His last full-time job was five years as Montesano School District superintendent, from which he retired.

Because of the state structure for retired superintendents, Minarik is hired in Hockinson under a reduced salary and without vacation pay. His salary is a $100,000 package.

Minarik's motto is "quality schools are quality communities," he said, referring to the interdependence between schools and their regions.

Hockinson residents have welcomed him warmly, he said.

Minarik has three grown sons. His wife passed away from cancer about one year ago.

For hobbies, Minarik enjoys fishing, reading, cooking, boating and the outdoors.

He has an apartment in Vancouver and keeps a house in Montesano.

VANCOUVER FIRE DEPARTMENT PLANS NEW STATION

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Plans are underway to build a fire station at the 12500 block of NE 72nd Ave., in the Glenwood area of Vancouver. The exact address is not known until permits are finalized.

As part of the Vancouver Fire Department, the station will serve Salmon Creek, Brush Prairie, Hazel Dell and north Vancouver.

Increased emergency calls have prompted the need for a station closer to that area, said Vancouver Fire Department deputy chief Steve Streissguth, who is project manager for the new station.

The area to be served by the new station is considered suburban, Streissguth said. The Department's goal is to reach suburban areas in six minutes or less 90 percent of the time. The current response time to that area is six minutes or less 41 percent of the time.

Most calls to that area are currently served by the station at NE Andresen Rd. and NE 63rd St., which is located three miles to the south.

The station will be about 9,400 square feet with two truck bays, sleeping quarters, kitchen, office, fitness room and a community meeting room with space for about 40 people.

At one time a dairy farm, the 38.5 acre site is now owned by the City of Vancouver. Plans call for the fire station to occupy about 5 acres with the remaining land turned into a park.

A smaller volunteer station is currently located at NE 70th Ave. and St. Johns Rd. and will be converted to a storage and warehouse facility when the new station is open.

The station will have one full-time fire captain on site with two volunteers, and be staffed 24 hours every day.

Funding for the $2.78 million structure comes from the City of Vancouver and Fire District 5.

Streissguth said the station will be the first new station built as a City of Vancouver project since 1967, although several remodels have occurred over the years.

Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2004 with completion date set for November 2005. LSW Architects of Vancouver is working on the project. Bidding will begin in mid-October.

YACOLT MAYOR RESIGNS

Will operate small business in Idaho

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Yacolt mayor Jim Robertson resigned his post effective Sept. 30 after serving five years.

Robertson, 62, was reelected to the mayoral post last year. Robertson said he recently purchased a small convenience store near St. Mary's in northern Idaho.

"This is outstanding hunting and fishing country," said Robertson, an avid outdoorsman. He discovered the store during a trip and began negotiations to buy it several months ago. He plans to head for Idaho by Oct. 15.

"It's been great to have people wish me well," said Robertson.

Most people appreciate the progress made in Yacolt during recent years, he said.

Robertson served for 12 years on the Yacolt Town Council prior to being elected mayor.

Town council members will select a replacement to fill the mayoral post until the expiration of Robertson's term in 2008 at an Oct. 4 council meeting. The mayor pro-tem is first-year council member Jim Weldon.

VANDAL RIPS SPEED BUMPS FROM YACOLT ROAD

A vandal with heavy equipment in Yacolt on the night of Sept. 24 ripped two speed bumps from Yacolt Rd.

Clark County Sheriff's deputies are investigating the incidents, reported by 911 callers between 9:30 and 10 p.m.

Damage to the two speed bumps is estimated at about $1,000, said mayor Jim Robertson.

City clerk/treasurer Brenda Finnegan said public works director Paul Tester removed two partially-damaged speed bumps from Railroad Ave. after the Yacolt Rd. vandalism.

Tester believes center portions of the Railroad Ave. speed bumps were ripped away by a truck operator who purposely skidded across the bumps. Tester removed remaining portions because motorists were driving in the center of the road and risking head-on collisions to avoid going over them.

At a Sept. 27 workshop, town council members agreed to replace the speed bumps with more "user-friendly" asphault bumps that have gradual inclines.

Council members and the mayor believe bumps are needed.

"The job of the mayor and town council is to protect the health, safety and welfare of people in this town," said Robertson.

Citizens often complain about speeders who don't even stop at stop signs in town, he said. Bumps are needed to slow traffic and protect children.

The council will continue discussions about the bumps at an Oct. 4 council meeting.

Of five speed bumps installed in Yacolt, only one remains. It is on Yacolt Rd. west of the Yacolt Primary School.

RIDGEFIELD DIFFERS FROM CITY RULES

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

In the three Clark County cities under a city manager form of government, volunteers to city boards and commissions report directly to elected officials.

Of the three, only Ridgefield is considering making a change.

An ordinance being considered by the city council removes communication between council and volunteer appointees. Under the proposal, parks board members would report directly to the city manager.

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

In Battle Ground and Vancouver, city councils and/or the mayor appoint volunteer planning commission and parks board members. They receive recommendations directly from those board and commission members.

"The city manager isn't involved at all," said Carol Hansen, community resources manager for Vancouver.

City staff members are assigned as liaisons to volunteer boards, she said, which is part of what Ridgefield proposes.

The same holds true for Battle Ground.

"The parks advisory board is appointed by the mayor and the city council," said Eric Holmes, city manager. "The city manager provides staff and the advisory board gives advice to the council. It's almost identical with the planning commission."

In both cities, application forms are required. In Vancouver the process can be lengthy, Hansen said.

"We have a lot of applications for boards," she said. "The committee may interview half or less at one time."

Appointed boards advise Vancouver and Battle Ground councils. In Vancouver, a committee of three council members interview applicants for board positions. The full council makes the final approval.

About the Ridgefield proposal, Holmes said, "There are so many ways you can create a new process. It doesn't mean it can't be done or shouldn't be done. It's not the way we do it here [Battle Ground]."

Although the ordinance change was not requested by council, Fox and community development director Kevin Snyder crafted it and brought it to council members for approval.

Originally, the proposed ordinance bypassed all city council involvement with the board.

But mayor Gladys Doriot and council member Tim Thompson objected to city employees appointing advisory boards. Afterward, the ordinance wording was changed to involve the mayor and one council member in addition to the manager. The full council will vote on applicants.

As presented to the council on Sept. 23, the modified proposal calls for the parks board to report to the city manager and gives the manager the authority to dismiss board members.

Doriot has said she would support the proposed ordinance "if where it says `city manager,' it says `council.'"

Ridgefield and Battle Ground do background checks

Background checks are not required in Vancouver for potential members of volunteer boards and commissions.

However, Battle Ground and Ridgefield recently crafted applications that ask if the person was ever convicted of a criminal offense, and advises that a background check will be done.

Ridgefield council members generally agree that background checks on volunteer applicants are needed.

Council member Gary Holmberg, who supports the proposed ordinance, said that "questionable" appointments were made in the past by elected officials.

Superior court records show that Casey Brock, who was appointed to the parks board by Doriot in April 2004, was convicted of stalking in 2003. He has a history of criminal charges dating back to 1981, including assault convictions.

Brock submitted a brief letter of resignation in May.

When Brock applied for a position on the parks board, the application did not ask if the applicant had a criminal record or been convicted of a crime, Fox said.

But the application does include that verbiage now, and includes a portion that states the applicant will be subject to a criminal history background check which takes "a couple of days," he said.

Dennis Osborn, deputy city manager and the new human resources and risk management director, said Battle Ground has not had problems with volunteers that he is aware of, but crafted a new application and volunteer manual about two months ago.

"My job is to look for potential exposure and liability to the city and close those loops," Osborn said.

Hansen of Vancouver said that the city has had no significant problems with volunteer boards. She also that the council has not dismissed any members in recent years.

A fourth discussion about the proposed Ridgefield ordinance will take place Thurs., Oct. 14, 6:30 p.m. at city hall, 305 Pioneer St. Telephone number is 887-3557.

NEW TV STATION LAUNCHED AT BGHS

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

The next famous Hollywood director may have a diploma from Battle Ground High School hanging on the wall.

The school's video production department took a leap forward this fall thanks to the launch of a new cable video and television channel.

Viewers within Battle Ground city limits are now able to tune in to Comcast Cable channel 27 to see student-created shows.

The school has had a video production unit since the mid- 1980s, but previously student shows have only been viewable on classroom monitors.

Going public is an exciting prospect for video production teacher Jason Turner. A Pepperdine University graduate, Turner worked for seven years at Malibu Studios and Crosscreek Entertainment in California before family commitments brought him to Battle Ground to teach. He has taught in Battle Ground for three years.

"Before, students simply made videos and I graded them," Turner said. "Now their videos will go on the air. It's a much truer environment to what they'll face after they graduate."

Turner said it takes awhile to get any production to an on-air state. He has 99 students in four beginning video production classes this fall where he teaches them how to use cameras and editing equipment.

One advanced class is also taught with 20 students. On-air shows originate from the advanced class, Turner said. Most shows are still getting formulated. Students hope the channel will be fully functional by late fall.

Senior Sam Parr has taken Turner's advanced class twice and now directs a news show seen around school.

Parr enjoys working with other students on video productions and aims to go into broadcasting in the future.

"What we're able to do here is pretty cool," Parr said, motioning to a production room filled with video equipment.

In addition to school news, sports, band, choir and drama production broadcasts, Turner is encouraging students to develop creative offerings such as cooking shows, children's educational vignettes, documentaries, comedies and dramatic shorts.

"Part of the challenge is to show kids how creative they can be," Turner said. "I try to push them past a video that involves their skateboard or truck and have them integrate what they're learning in English, art and math classes."

Graphic and three-dimensional modeling software requires math skills, Turner explained.

New equipment helps the endeavor, Turner said. Four new studio cameras, wireless mics, boom mics, studio tripods and teleprompters were purchased over the summer. A broadcast video server was purchased with the help of the Associated Student Body and a donation from the 2004 senior class.

"The possibilities are limitless," Turner said. "We're better equipped at Battle Ground High School than some colleges I've seen."

Senior Michael Shipman has also taken the advanced class twice. He is developing a full-length feature movie with the help of classmates about the adventures of a bounty hunter. Shipman's goal is to head into film production as a career.

"This class really compliments what I can learn on my own," Shipman said.

For more information about BGTV studios, log on to

www.bgtvstudios.com

DOG DANCING GAINS GROUND AS SPORT

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

This is no joke.

It may appear wacky at first, but it's considered a legitimate hobby and sport.

Dog dancing practitioners pursue their craft with all the seriousness of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

A demonstration was held Sept. 22 at a meeting of the Greater Clark County Kennel Club in Hockinson.

Club representative Elaine Nibley described it as one of the more unique programs Club members have hosted over the years.

"Dog dancing is really fantastic," Nibley said. "You can appreciate it best when you see it done. It's a lot of fun and takes a great deal of skill."

Angela Moore, a member of the Dogs Gone Dancin' club, gave a demonstration with her pooch Mac Attack, an 8-year-old Australian Shepherd. The breed is best known for its energetic ranching and herding skills.

Moore offered an explanation for the crowd of about 25 club members, picked up a colored parasol and popped in a tape.

Just walkin' in the rain, thinkin' of how we met.... The music started.

Sure enough, Mac Attack began to jive. The pooch circled, bowed, strutted and ran figure-eights through Moore's legs. Forward and back, Mac circled and hooped, loped and jitterbugged. Moore sashayed along with her dog, as dignified as waltzing at a wedding.

Dog dancing is akin to animal obedience and agility training, Moore explained when the session was over. The goal is to have a dog learn precision movements as well as step in time to music. Mac Attack knows about 30 voice commands.

The sport appeared in the United States in the early 1990s when dance demonstrations were held during off-hours at obedience tournaments. Dance competitions emerged from there as the activity grew in popularity, Moore said.

Moore described herself as a "closet dancer" who taught her dog to dance in the family garage until she went to a seminar a few years ago. Moore studied video tapes of performances held in the United Kingdom where the sport is more popular. She entered her first competition in Seattle about two years ago.

Today, Mac Attack is certified as a therapy dog. He and Moore give dance demonstrations in schools, hospitals and nursing homes.

What appeals to Moore about dog dancing is the variety and creativity of the activity, she said. She and Mac Attack practice routines rigorously. Mac sometimes invents moves of his own.

Moore plans to teach several beginning dog dancing classes soon. Contact her at 687-7264 for more information.

BUYERS AVOID RIDGEFIELD BOAT AUCTION

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

What if an auction was held and nobody came?

That's not as far-fetched as it sounds, according to Mark and Mike McCuddy, owners of McCuddy's Ridgefield Marina.

And that's what happend Sept. 29, when the McCuddy brothers tried to auction off two boats.

"Usually, if somebody wants to buy a boat, they call in advance, ask to see it," Mark McCuddy said. "I didn't get any calls so I'm not surprised."

This is not the first time that a boat auction hasn't drawn any buyers, said Mike McCuddy, who has owned marinas for about 30 years.

Last week's auction was the first held at McCuddy's Ridgefield Marina, although Mark McCuddy said there have been several at his family's marinas on the Oregon side of the Columbia River.

"We'll have an auction about once a year," he said.

Two boats, a 1989 18-foot Seaswirl and a 1970 26-foot Carver, were up for auction. The boats are owned by two different people.

The McCuddys claimed the boats after the owners failed to pay moorage fees. Neither owner has paid any moorage fees since November 2002.

The owner of the 18-foot Seaswirl owes a minimum of $2,180, and the Carver's owner has a bill of $3,721.

The boats are in disrepair. Mark McCuddy said neither would be seaworthy without extensive work.

"If the boats are in good shape, the owners usually come forward before now," he said. "These are pretty rough."

Mark McCuddy said he hasn't decided what to do with the boats.

"If somebody comes along and offers to pay the fees, we'll take it," he said.

The McCuddy family's other marinas are along the Columbia River and the Multnomah Channel near Scappoose, OR. The family bought the Ridgefield Marina about eight years ago.

"We have ambitious plans for this marina," he said.

The company had to replace the roof on covered slips after last January's ice storm.

"We want to do more," Mike McCuddy said. "We'd like to make this a first-class marina."

RIDGEFIELD TAKES FIRST GLANCE AT BUDGET

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

Officials of the city of Ridgefield propose to add four new positions during 2005, bringing the city staff to nearly 28 employees.

During the first presentation of next year's budget to the city council Sept. 23, clerk Kay Kammer proposed staff increases for public works, community development, and executive departments.

There is also a proposal for a business and occupations tax which is not now collected in the city.

The budget states: "...given the City's strategy of attracting employment not retail sales, it is highly likely that a B&O (business and occupations) tax will need to be instituted in 2005 or 2006 to allow the City to remain fiscally solvent in its general fund."

Kammer said increased staff is necessary because of the city's forecasted high growth rate. City planner Kevin Snyder has estimated that the city could double its population in less than five years.

The current population is about 2,300.

About $316,800 in property taxes is expected to be collected during 2005, up from

$279,000 this year.

Individual tax rate on property owners this year was set at $1.45 per $1,000, down from $1.63 last year.

Income from licenses and permits, an indicator of city growth, is expected to increase to $401,000, a 37.7 percent rise over 2004. Charges for services are projected to increase by 45.8 percent to $680,300.

Despite these increases, the city expects to operate at a deficit, as it did in 2004.

A combination of end-of-the-year cash carryover and inter-fund lending has kept the city from borrowing from outside sources, said interim city manager George Fox.

Commenting on the rising costs of city government, Fox said, "I don't know how much longer we can keep taking a reduction in the levy rate. It's not possible to pay for what you have to pay for unless revenues are at a reasonable level."

The 2005 budget proposes no increases in sales tax, with revenue expected to remain at $520,000.

"The city has set a goal of attracting new jobs, not new retail," Fox said. "I think we've made the right decision for the long run."

The city has budgeted for a full-time city manager for 2005. The budget also contains funds to hire a city engineer, a city comptroller and an associate planner.

The engineer will work under the public works department, which will have a staff of 12. The department will also hire a utility worker.

Expenditures for public works will increase by more than 26 percent. Total expenses are proposed at nearly $2.6 million, with $746,645 of that going to salaries.

Costs for the executive department, which includes the city manager's office, will rise by 20 percent.

Salaries in the city manager's office have been budgeted at $145,000, up 24 percent from $116,000 this year. Finance department salaries will go to $220,000, an increase of 20 percent.

The executive department's budget contains $5,000 for a public relations consultant and $2,000 for a grant writing consultant. Total expenditures for the executive branch are budgeted at $738,000.

The addition of an associate planner in the community development department will bring total salaries to $285,000, a 40 percent increase over the current year. Total operating expenditures are projected at $525,000.

The total 2005 budget, including all funds, is projected to be $7.9 million.

The council will consider the budget Thurs., Oct. 14. A second reading is scheduled for Thurs., Oct. 28. The budget hearing will be in November.

All meetings begin at 6:30 p.m., city hall, 305 Pioneer St.

LIBRARY BEGINS PLANNING PROCESS

The Fort Vancouver Regional Library is undertaking a district-wide strategic planning process to help define its service priorities over the next three years.

Library executive director Bruce Ziegman said the planning effort will result in a strategic plan proposal for consideration by the library's board of trustees.

"Our libraries exist to serve the taxpayers of this district," said Ziegman. "It's important that we align our services with current and future community needs."

"We're initiating a regular, three-to-five year cycle of community assessment and feedback that will help us establish appropriate service responses," said Ziegman.

The library district last completed a strategic plan in the 1980s.

"Given our revenue limitations, growing populations, and increasing demand for services," said Ziegman, "we're going to face some tough decisions in the coming years about what the library can realistically continue to provide."

Ziegman noted that the strategic planning process will help the district determine when next to go to voters with a ballot measure for additional operational funding.

Community input gathered in September and October will be considered by a 30-member planning committee that will meet twice, in November 2004 and January 2005. The committee will make recommendations to library staff.

A public forum on the planning process will take place Tues., Oct. 12, 7-8:30 p.m., at the Vancouver Community Library, 1007 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver.

Those unable to attend the forum are invited to mail comments to Sue Vanlaanen at the library, above address, 98663, to email comments to comments@fvrl.org or to call comments to 695-1566.

FINAL VOTES TALLIED IN SEPTEMBER PRIMARY

The Clark County Fire District 10 levy lost by five votes in the final, certified results of the Sept. 14 primary election.

The final vote was 475 in favor and 480 opposed. A simple majority of 50 percent plus one vote was needed for passage.

District 10 officials have announced that they will place the levy measure on the Nov. 2 general election ballot for a second try.

All other fire district measures passed, including a Fire District 6 levy which garnered a 66.2 percent approval margin.

The Ridgefield School District bond measure also passed by a strong margin with 68.5 percent of voters approving the plan to buy land for new schools.

District Court Judge Rich Melnick maintained his margin of victory over two opponents, gaining 58.5 percent of the vote. Melnick's name will appear on the general election ballot but he will be unopposed.

Republican Tom Mielke received 10,657 votes for Clark County Commissioner District 1, compared to incumbent Democrat Betty Sue Morris who received 9,074 votes.

Jeanne Harris out-polled John Hagenson in the Democrat primary for Clark County Commissioner District 2. Harris will face Marc Boldt in the Nov. 2 general election. Boldt was unopposed on the Republican side and received 7,627 votes.

More than 35.6 percent of registered voters cast ballots in the Sept. 14 primary election, about the same as turnout statewide.

In Clark County, 33,345 voters chose Democrat ballots, 29,246 chose Republican ballots, and 634 voters selected Libertarian ballots.

In Cowlitz County, 61.7 percent of voters chose Democrat ballots, 32.4 percent chose Republican ballots, and 4.8 percent selected non-partisan ballots. Total turnout in Cowlitz County was 35.2 percent of voters.

In statewide balloting, 53.6 percent of voters cast Democrat ballots, 37.6 percent Republican, and one percent Libertarian.

COWLITZ UTILITY moves toward rATE CUT

Electric customers in Cowlitz County will see a three percent drop in their power costs starting Oct. 18 under a proposal being considered by the Utility's board of commissioners.

The commissioners will also consider an additional rate reduction for qualified, low-income residential customers age 65 and older.

The Utility had previously scheduled a rate increase for October based on predictions of higher prices from the federal Bonneville Power Administration.

But Bonneville recently announced a rate cut of 7.5 percent which allows the Cowlitz Utility to reduce its retail prices.

"Bonneville's announcement of a wholesale rate decrease earlier this month has not only resulted in Cowlitz PUD canceling a previously-authorized 2.5 percent rate increase, it also allows us to decrease rates by three percent to our residential, commercial and industrial customers," said Utility general manager Denny Robinson. "We are glad to be able to provide this good economic news for our community."

Utility officials credited cost-cutting efforts at Bonneville with making the federal agency's rate cut possible.

The Cowlitz Utility expects to purchase about 73 percent of its non-industrial power from Bonneville in 2005. Work is underway to repair the Utility's damaged hydroelectric plant on the North Fork of the Lewis River.

Under the rate reduction proposal for the Cowlitz Utility, residential rates would go from 5.12 cents to 4.96 cents per kilowatt hour, a drop of 3.1 percent.

Last year the average monthly cost for all residential customers in Washington was about 6.6 cents per kilowatt hour.

No rate cut in Clark

Mick Shutt, spokesman for Clark Public Utilities, said that the Bonneville rate decrease will not likely lead to a rate cut in Clark County due to the rising price of natural gas.

The utility generates about half of its power needs from its own River Road Generating Plant which is fired by natural gas.

The current retail price of power for residential customers in Clark County is 7.36 cents per kilowatt hour.

Low income seniors may benefit from program

Commissioners of the Cowlitz Utility will also consider a plan that would discount electric rates for low-income senior citizens beginning this fall.

The plan calls for customers age 65 and older with a gross annual income up to $12,000 to receive a discount of 20 percent off their electric bills. Seniors with gross annual incomes ranging from $12,001 to $18,000 would receive a 10 percent discount.

"The Board recognizes that a growing number of the Utility's customers are experiencing difficulty paying their electric bill in light of rate increases in recent years," said Utility commissioner Ned Piper. "Thus we are pleased with the proposal put together by PUD staff to offer discounted rates to qualified, low-income senior citizens."

To be eligible, low-income senior citizens must have been signed up for residential service for not less than the past year, said Utility spokesman Dave Andrew.

The Lower Columbia Community Action Council would determine if customers meet the age and income requirements.

If approved, the discount program would go into effect Nov. 1.