APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR LIBRARY BOARD

Applications are due by Fri., Nov. 5, from anyone interested in serving on the board of trustees of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District.

The person selected will serve through 2007, completing the term of Shirley Morgan who resigned to become marketing director of the Library Foundation.

The seven-member board establishes policies for the Library District, and manages its annual budget of about $15 million.

The open position can be filled by anyone who lives in Clark County outside of Vancouver and Camas.

The board has two representatives from Vancouver, three from Clark County, and one each from Skamania County and Klickitat County.

Letters of interest and resumes can be mailed to Louise Richards, Clark County board of commissioners, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98665-5000. Application letters should include information on public involvement, facilities, materials, and funding.

Richards can be reached at 397-2322.

ARSENIC CURE MAY BE UNDER RIVER

Clark Public Utilities completes feasibility study

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Clark Public Utilities officials suggested Oct. 21 piping Woodland city water under the Lewis River to get arsenic-free water to Hayes Rd. residents.

Meeting a less-than-expected turnout of six area homeowners, Utility water manager Eric Beck said consulting engineers estimate it will take $1,083,036 to place an eight-inch main under the river with service connections to about 15 affected homeowners in the vicinity of Bridge Rd.

Directional drilling would start near the Rivermist development north of the river. The Rivermist site is almost directly across the river from the Hayes/Bridge road area.

Under the proposal, the Utility would buy water

from the city of Woodland.

A feasibility study completed by Vancouver engineering firm Hopper, Dennis & Jellison ranked the extension of Woodland city water first among nine alternatives. The study was funded by a $36,000 state Department of Health grant.

Utility officials applied for the grant after several residents in the area of NW 411th Circle and NW Bridge Rd. near NW Hayes Rd. discovered high levels of arsenic in private wells.

According to state and federal health officials, arsenic levels above 10 parts per billion can cause serious illnesses. Tests for arsenic near Hayes Rd. have yielded up to 1,200 parts per billion.

A second choice would extend Clark Public Utilities water lines from La Center at an estimated cost of $2 million.

A hybrid solution ranked third. This solution, more risky than getting water from municipal water systems, requires treatment of wells and drilling for new water at an estimated cost of $530,742. The hybrid option assumes extensions Woodland water mains along Hayes Rd., with homeowners bearing costs of private connections to side streets. Engineers say property acquisition and maintenance could cause costs to exceed the Woodland city water option.

Engineers discounted an option to abandon existing wells and drill a new well for the area supply. Existing wells in the area don't provide sufficient flow rates, and no one has offered to allow drilling on their land for a community well, said Hopper Dennis Jellison engineer Shawn Moore.

Engineers also discarded options dealing with well treatments. Such treatments require disposal of waste materials.

State Health Department spokesman Andy Anderson said water filtration systems to eliminate arsenic are improving, but technology still won't cure high levels of arsenic.

Area resident Gary McNichols said he is "all for having a municipal line," but needs hard numbers before making a decision.

Beck said individual costs will depend on how many property owners participate and on funding sources.

Funding possibilities

Beck said Utility officials are looking at various funding options.

One option is to form a Local Utility District (LUD) to pay capital costs over a 20-year period at six percent interest, said Beck.

Beck said the Utility applied for a loan from the state Department of Health Drinking Water State Revolving Fund in May 2004. He said it may be possible to acquire $807,395 for the project at 1.5 percent interest over 20 years.

Repayment of the loan would cost each of 20 participating property owners $2,000 to $2,500 annually, said Beck.

Beck said he would take steps to keep the loan active as he seeks grant funds.

Grants are possible and could be a big help, said Beck. Beck said a State and Tribal Assistance Grant could be available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Dena Horton, representing congressman Brian Baird, said federal grants are on hold pending appropriations that are on hold until after elections.

Horton said Iraq and homeland security are national priorities that are making funds scarce.

More participation sought

Utility spokesman Steve Prather said he hoped for a larger turnout of area residents concerned about arsenic.

"More participation means a lower cost for all," said Prather. He urged homeowners to get a letter seeking assistance signed by all property owners who have more than 10 parts per billion of arsenic in wells. He said the letter should be mailed to Baird's Vancouver office and to him at Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668.

Prather said area residents who wish to participate in the effort to get safe water should contact him at 992-8023.

I-5 PURSUIT ENDS IN SUICIDE

A Cathlamet woman who was reported missing, depressed and armed with a 9 mm handgun about 9:30 a.m. Oct. 14, committed suicide on I-5 near Longview while she sat in her car.

State Patrol officers responded to a one-car accident on SR-503 east of Woodland in Cowlitz County about 2:15 p.m.

Reports state that just before officers arrived, a woman called to say she'd seen the driver displaying a handgun who left the scene in a white Nissan four-door car, which matched the description of the missing woman's vehicle.

Woodland police officers found Stephanie Blair, 34, driving and attempted to get her to pull over. She did not, and officers pursued her northbound on I-5.

At one point, said trooper Garvin March, the officers reported seeing her point a gun at her head.

Blair reportedly traveled at speeds 70-80 miles per hour, and troopers took over the pursuit near Kalama.

North and southbound lanes were closed to traffic, and a spike strip was set up at Longview/Kelso.

Blair ran over the strip, which flattened two tires and caused her to stop about 2 miles later, nearly under an overpass.

As officers kept their distance and tried to speak with Blair using a public address system, Longview police officers used a spotting scope on the overpass to look inside her car, March said.

Officers were able to see movement at first, but shortly thereafter saw Blair was slumped in the vehicle and not moving, March said.

At 3:08 p.m., officers found Blair dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Traffic was backed up for about 6 miles northbound and 3 miles southbound. Southbound lanes opened at 3:15; northbound lanes were cleared at 4 p.m.

The Cowlitz County Sheriff's Department is investigating.

BG AND OTHERS MAY MUFFLE SCOOTER USE

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

"An unmuffled chainsaw."

That was Woodland police chief Rob Stephenson's description of the screaming, gas-powered scooter that lurks in his neighborhood.

Stephenson said he can track the rider's whereabouts in a five-block radius based on it's motorized scream.

Although he is irritated at times by the noise when he wants to relax quietly at home, what concerns him more is how he has seen riders drive.

Children driving the self-propelled devices "seem less apt to pay attention to the rules of the road," he said, and that makes them different than a person on a bicycle.

Battle Ground police chief Ron Johnson said he believes there is a growing problem in the city.

"What we've seen would lead us to believe there is a safety concern in the manner in which they are ridden," Johnson said recently. "They are ridden at night on sidewalks, they dart across roads, they have no lights. I have seen instances where they could easily have been struck by cars."

Although no formal complaints about scooters have been made at the department, citizens have expressed concern to officers, Johnson said.

A motorized scooter is basically a skateboard with a small electric or gasoline motor on the back. There are handlebars, a brake lever and a hand-operated accelerator to take riders to a top speed of about 20 miles per hour. Costs run about $200.

State law offers little, if any, regulation with regard to the operation of gas-powered scooters, said Johnson.

As a result, cities around the state are making their own laws about how they should be ridden.

In September, Battle Ground city council members asked Johnson to research other cities' rules about using the scooters and come back with some models for an ordinance. Johnson hopes to make a presentation in early November.

Stephenson plans to bring a proposed ordinance for Woodland council members to peruse by the end of this year.

On Oct. 18, the Vancouver council unanimously voted to adopt an ordinance with requirements that riders be at least 14 years old and wear helmets, and that scooters have sound mufflers, headlights and red rear reflectors to be seen at night.

In addition, scooters are banned from sidewalks, bike paths and public parks. They may be ridden on most city streets in a bicycle lane or on the edge of the road.

Vancouver prosecuting attorney Josephine Townsend said the city sent a survey to residents earlier in the year and put one in the newspaper asking for input about the devices.

Of the 80 replies received, 78 residents wanted "an overwhelming ban," Townsend said. Only two, both grandparents who had purchased them as gifts for children, wanted some place set aside where scooters could be used because of the dollar investment.

Other cities, such as Stanwood, Mount Vernon and Ocean Shores, require that drivers wear helmets, that scooters have headlights and tail reflectors, are muffled, stay out of city parks and off city owned property, walkways, pathways, sidewalks and any other place where motorized traffic is banned.

In addition, scooters must stay on roads where the speed limit is 25 miles per hour or less, and they may not carry a passenger or tow anything.

Maximum fines across the board are about $250, with confiscation of the scooter possible for repeat offenders.

Some cities set the minimum driving age at 16, others are comfortable with 14 years old.

Safety commission notes injuries

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that there were 5,900 emergency room injuries in 2002 from motorized scooter riders. About 40 percent involved children 15 years and younger.

More serious injuries ranged from broken arms, hands and legs, to deaths.

Denise Haun Taylor, trauma services manager for Southwest Washington Medical Center, said most of the injuries they see are from street and off-road motorcycle-type vehicles.

"We haven't seen an increase in motorized scooter or pocket bike [mini motorcycles] yet," she said. "I'm glad to be able to say that."

ST. HELENS STILL MUTTERS

Uplifted dome nearly at the south crater wall

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Changeable Mount St. Helens still grumbles and sputters, although the pace has slackened.

As of Oct. 22, earthquakes remained at a low magnitude and are consistent with the ongoing, slow rise of magma from the bowels of the mountain.

In the last week, ash plumes and steam emissions continue to accompanying the ooze of lava into the crater. Almost continuous cloud cover has hidden activity from viewers.

Lava is feeding a surface extrusion of lava, which scientists call the "fin" on the western side of the dome uplift.

The fin has grown to such an extent that lava can sometimes be seen glowing at night when the weather is clearer and cloud cover higher. The U.S. Forest Service has set up a web camera at Johnston Ridge Observatory.

The extrusion is about 900 feet long, 250 feet wide and 230 feet high and has a volume of about 2 million cubic yards. The temperature remains at about 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.

The deformed uplift made up of old and new domes has also increased in size noticeably, scientists said. The deformation is moving southward and nearing the crater wall.

Recent cold, stormy weather has left about 1 foot of new snow on the uplift, which is covered with a light dusting of ash. The lava extrusion is steaming heavily, scientists said, so it was difficult to get a good look at it on a rock collecting trip Oct. 21.

Using a bucket slung on a 100-foot rope from a helicopter, scientists gathered rock samples from the lava extrusion.

So far, samples look like typical Mount St. Helens lava, called dacite, scientists said.

Tests will determine how the new magma rising in the volcano relates to lava which erupted in the 1980s.

Low levels of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and hydrogen dioxide are still present in the rising magma.

However, gas emissions from the lava suggest it is gas poor thereby reducing the likelihood of highly explosive eruptions in the near future, scientists said.

The mountain remains under Alert Level Two, which is a volcano advisory. The area within a 5-mile ring of the crater remains closed because of the ongoing eruption of lava.

An increase in activity could occur without warning and include explosive events that produce hazardous conditions within several miles of the volcano, officials said.

Although an explosive event is less likely at this time, current activity could develop into a significant ash plume, scientists said.

In addition, small lahars (muddy volcanic debris flows) could suddenly descend the Toutle River Valley if triggered by heavy rain or hot lava coming into contact with snow or glacier ice.

Some roads re-open

Sections of Forest Roads 81 and 83 on the south side of Mount St. Helens between Kalama Horse Camp and Lava Canyon re-opened Oct. 22.

Road gates north of the horse camp on road 81 and at the junction of 81 and 83 near Cougar Sno-Park are open.

Road 83 will be closed on the east end at Pine Creek because of the possibility of lahars through the open Lahar Viewpoint area.

Forest Roads 8123 (Sheep Canyon Trailhead) and 8100830 to Climber's Bivouac remain closed.

Overnight camping is allowed south of roads 81 and 83.

Closures north of the main road remain in effect, as well as Windy Ridge Viewpoint with Forest Road 99 blocked at the Cascades Peak Viewpoint, and the Mount Margaret backcountry.

The Johnston Ridge Observatory will remain closed. It normally closes at the end of October for the season and re-opens around May 1.

The Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center will take on winter hours beginning Mon., Nov. 1, which are Thurs.-Mon., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. until the beginning of May. The Center closes on major holidays.

RHINE AND WALLACE DUKE IT OUT FOR 17th DISTRICT

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Every vote counts in the race for position two, 17th Legislative District, an area that encompasses sections of Orchards, Brush Prairie, Hockinson, Battle Ground, Ridgefield and Vancouver.

Newcomer Roy Rhine (R) is challenging incumbent Deb Wallace (D) for the position. Both ran unopposed in September's primary with Wallace receiving 7,988 votes and Rhine, 7,964.

Both say November's race boils down to who can best represent the constituency.

Wallace: two years' experience

In addition to legislative duties, Wallace, 47, works as director of business expansion for the Columbia River Economic Development Council.

Wallace has a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Central Washington University and has taken graduate level courses in organizational development from Marylhurst University. She and her husband, John, a Lt. Col. in the United States Air Force Reserves, have two children.

Wallace said two issues are at forefront for her: transportation investment and making state government more accountable.

Wallace voted for the 5-cent gas tax increase that created 12 transportation projects around the state, eight in Clark County, including the NE 219th extension to I-5 and the SR-500 overpass extension across NE Gher Rd and NE 112th Ave.

Wallace describes herself as "a moderate democrat." In 2003, she voted against her party and didn't support a 1-cent state sales tax increase, she said.

Over the past two years, she also pushed to implement performance measures and outside performance audits for the state Department of Transportation. Wallace advocates regular audits of all state agencies, she said.

Wallace worked with fiber optic and cellular companies to resolve right-of-way issues and permitting problems, she said.

Wallace's son is a Clark College student who has muscular dystrophy. She believes her first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by disabled people spurred her to help revise state testing standards for students with disabilities.

Wallace also helped pass a bill that raised wages for home health care workers.

"I've delivered results," Wallace said. "So much of politics is bickering and blaming the other guy. As far as I'm concerned, the buck stops with me. It's my responsibility."

If re-elected, Wallace would like to see the state government increase fiscal accountability. She would also like to see Washington State University-Vancouver expand to a full, 4-year university. She believes provisions need to be made so people can purchase prescription drugs out of this country.

Wallace has been on transportation, telecommunications, state government, technology and energy committes.

Rhine: fiscal accountability

A north Sifton resident, Rhine, 42, grew up in Clark County, graduating from Evergreen High School in 1980 and attending Clark College for two years followed by the State Patrol Academy.

Rhine ran his own contracting business for several years and currently works as a supervising sergeant with the state patrol.

Rhine described Wallace as having "an over-inflated sense of accomplishment," especially in the area of fiscal responsibility.

Rhine notes that voters initially turned down a 9-cent gas tax increase in 2002, only to have it replaced by a 5-cent increase, which Wallace supported.

Rhine doesn't disagree with the improvements the tax increase is going toward, but believes the money could have come from other sources.

For example, Rhine notes state auditor Brian Sontaag's spring 2004 assessment of state budgets that determined some $3.5 billion state dollars was misappropriated or couldn't be accounted for.

Rhine describes himself as a "budget hawk" who wants stronger audits of all state agencies and clearer prioritization of state budgets.

Overall, he believes in a smaller government, less taxes, and more money in individuals' pockets, he said.

Rhine believes one tool to attracting more business to the state is a less-bloated health care system with fewer state mandates, perhaps privatized. Rhine would also like to see federal incentives to boost nursing programs and address shortages in the industry.

Rhine would like to do away with Business and Occupation taxes for construction and some infrastructure projects.

Rhine favors tougher laws against auto theft and better tracking of sex offenders.

"I'll always look after the health, safety and welfare of people in this area," Rhine said.

Rhine and his wife, Lisa, have two boys.

COWLITZ DEPUTY ARRESTS ORCHARDS WOMAN FOR ID THEFT

Officers find "dozens" of victim names, some in Clark County

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Cowlitz County deputy Jennifer Prusa solved an alleged identity theft operation in Vancouver Oct. 18 after an investigation that lasted several days.

Angela D. Ervin, 34, was booked and arrested at the Cowlitz County jail on charges of identity theft and possession of methamphetamine. She is being held on $30,000 bail. She pleaded (?????) on Oct. 21.

Ironically, Ervin pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine days in the Clark County jail on Sept. 23 on charges of forgery, identity theft and second degree possession of stolen property.

Cowlitz captain Mark Nelson said a Castle Rock area citizen contacted Cowlitz deputies to report unauthorized use of a credit card.

Prusa's investigation found the name of the suspect and other information that led to Ervin's address on the 6000 block of NE 135th Ave. in Orchards, Nelson said.

Prusa worked with Clark County Sheriff deputies to get a search warrant, and on Oct. 18, officers from both agencies served it on Ervin at home, Nelson said.

Officers found and seized a computer, checks, receipts, credit cards and "a considerable amount" of financial records of "dozens" of victims, a press release said.

Cowlitz officials said they don't know how many of the different names listed on documents are real victims or just made-up names.

Addresses of victims range all over Clark and Cowlitz counties and into the Portland area, officials said.

Anyone with information related to the continuing investigation is asked to call deputy Prusa at (360) 577-3092. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (360) 577-1206.

CLARK COUNTY EXHIBITION HALL BOOKS FIRST EVENT

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

It's more than one year away, but America's Largest Antiques and Collectible Show is officially the first event to be booked at the new Clark County Exhibition Hall.

Other events will happen on site before the Show takes place Jan. 14-15, 2006, said Clark County Fairgrounds executive director Tom Musser, but the Antiques and Collectibles Show was the first to secure a deposit, making it the first official booking.

The Show will feature some 500 booths for collectors including art glass, quilts, dolls, memorabilia, furniture, kitchenware, estate jewelry, vintage clothing and antique toys.

Events are planned at the new $18.5 million facility as early as spring 2005, Musser said, depending on when the Hall is completed, which may be as soon as March 2005. The 14th annual Clark Public Utilities Home and Garden Idea Fair is set for April 22-24, 2005.

Work on the hall began Dec. 2003. The size of two football fields, the building features nearly 100,000 square feet of column-free exhibit space. Its central room is so large that exhibitors can drive a semi-truck inside and turn it around for large-scale installations.

Two moveable wall systems will enable the building to be divided into smaller rooms. The Hall can accommodate up to three events simultaneously.

The range of possibilities includes one large hall with up to 540 exhibitor booths, an evening banquet space for 1,800 people, or a large-scale event with more than 2,000 people.

Parking is available for 7,500 vehicles.

Musser said the Hall is part of an overall master plan to turn the Fairgrounds into a year-round venue.

For more information, contact the Fairgrounds office, 397-6180 or log on to: www.clarkcofair.com

RIDGEFIELD TO CONSIDER ANNEXATION

Alice Perry Linker, staff reprter

The Port of Ridgefield and two other landowners, including a church, have taken the first step in having property annexed to the city of Ridgefield.

City council members voted on Oct. 14 to approve a notice of petition filed by the Port, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and Nira Lang. The peititioners own 89.63 acres of the total 119.14 sought for annexation.

The assessed value of the Port's property outside the city limits is $398,700. The Lang property is valued at $41,950, and the church's property value is $18,410.

Two other property owners, Blomke Trust and the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle, did not applying for annexation but are included in the annexation plan.

The total value of the property is about $1.1 million.

The next step in the process will require an application from owners of 60 percent of the properties' valuation.

The city council will hold a public hearing on the application, but no date has been set.

The Port's 30 acres proposed for annexation is part of a 75-acre piece north of Ridgefield and east of I-5.

The Port's older industrial park, west of the interstate near the interchange, is nearly full. The most recent acquisition came from MTR Western, a charter bus company that purchased 5.67 acres.

MTR Western plans to begin construction on an operations office within a year, said Jack Kriz of Mildren Design Group of Tigard, MTR representative. The company plans to eventually hire 30-150 people.

The new park will be different from the existing park "in the sense of how it will look," said Brent Grening, Port executive director.

"It will be more of a campus development, with a greater mix of use," he said. "We'll have some commercial, light industrial, maybe some retail. We've got some (zoning) alternatives. The new property is not `shovel ready,'" he said.

In addition to annexation, the Port must complete other requirements, including identifying wetlands and looking at transportation options.

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

RIDGEFIELD MULLS MASTER PLAN FOR 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 establishments on land west of I-5.

Pioneer Estates LLC, part of the Schuck Corporation that owns Union Ridge, has a choice of either applying for a zone change or developing a mixed-use master plan that includes its properties lying east and west of I-5.

The properties, zoned primarily for industrial use, are divided by the Interstate and by land owned by others.

The company has received approval from the Ridgefield planning commission to create an overall master plan including 50 acres on the northwest corner of I-5 and Pioneer St. and 286 acres east of the Interstate.

A warehouse owned by Dollar Tree sits on the easternmost property. An industrial condominium is under construction is next to it.

The city council is expected to act on Schuck's request at an Oct. 28 meeting.

"This will provide for development flexibility," said Ridgefield planner Kevin Snyder about the request in a presentation during an Oct. 14 city council meeting.

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

A change in zoning would require public hearings and an amendment to the city's comprehensive land use plan. City officials could not say what applying for a zone change would cost.

During the council discussion, council member Tim Thompson expressed concern about the Interstate, calling it, "A barrier. A six-lane freeway. That's a barrier."

Thompson, however, indicated support for some retail on the lot.

"I've always envisioned a Safeway or Albertsons there so we don't have to drive to Salmon Creek for groceries," he said.

Some council members asked about the possibility of rezoning.

"Rezoning is an option," Snyder said.

Mayor Gladys Doriot indicated that if the piece is rezoned, even more commercial use could be allowed.

The 50 acres, now zoned for industrial development, is owned by SC Graf, an arm of the Schuck Corporation. The city has already approved a master plan with the mixed use overlay allowing for 20 percent of the company's property for commercial use, and another nearly 20 percent for residential.

Under the employment mixed-use overlay for industrially-zoned land, 60 percent of the land must be developed by companies that generate employment. No more than 20 percent may be used for retail.

Crist said that more acreage can be used for big box stores and other retail if Schuck's entire holdings are considered as one.

Under current city rules, all property within the overlay zone must be contiguous-- uninterrupted by properties with different owners.

Under the new proposal, Pioneer Estates would be allowed to leap-frog over other properties when a mixed-use overlay is created.

If approved, the new rule would apply to any landowner who seeks mixed-use.

In 2003, the city council denied another request that allowed leap-frogging.

The council will consider the Schuck's master plan request at its Oct. 28 meeting.

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

Under the proposal, trails would connect east and west properties.

"I think [a master plan with a mixed use overlay] is better for everybody," Crist said, "better for the city, too. It meets the traffic needs, it meets the retail needs and demand."

CITIZENS PAN LIBRARY APPOINTMENTS

Access by children to Playboy magazines heat issue

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Three citizens seeking to keep pornography away from children in public libraries want a more open process for the appointment of board members to Fort Vancouver Regional Library.

Margaret Tweet, Pauline Warren and Kathy Furin told Clark County commissioners Oct. 19 that trustees on the seven-member Library board are not in step with community values.

Tweet, a Camas resident, said county commissioners appoint and reappoint trustees behind closed doors without inviting applications from the public.

Oversight of the Library district, with a $17.8 million budget and 288 employees in 2004, is handled by the all-volunteer, non-paid board.

Current trustees are chairperson Merle Koplan, Jack Burkman, representing Vancouver, vice chairperson Jerry King, and Karen Peterson representing Clark County, Elena Smith representing Klickitat County and Marilyn Butler representing Skamania County. A vacancy exists for a Clark County trustee.

Board members in the intercounty Library district are appointed by joint action of county commissioners of each of the counties in the district.

The Library district covers Clark, Skamania and Klickitat counties, with coverage in Woodland and Yale Valley in Cowlitz County.

In September, commissioners reappointed Koplan to a second term that begins in January 2005.

"Appointments for the following year have not been made prior to the November election in recent history," complained Tweet.

Commissioner chairperson Betty Sue Morris said Koplan was reappointed based on a recommendation from Vancouver city officials.

Like other appointments, Koplan's reappointment was handled in an open meeting, said Morris.

Morris denied that appointments are made behind closed doors.

Morris said Koplan, when first appointed, held conservative views about what should be available in libraries, but changed her mind as she gained experience in the trustee position.

Tweet chastised commissioners for not publishing in area newspapers requests for applicants to fill a board post vacated by former trustee Shirley Morgan on Aug. 30.

State law requires that vacancies for unexpired terms be filled as soon as possible, said Tweet.

Morris said a few applications for the Morgan vacancy were received and will be reviewed, and an announcement of the vacancy will be published.

Decisions to make appointments, including interviews of applicants, should be open to the public, with opportunities given for public input before appointments, Tweet said. Such open processes work well in Thurston, Lewis and Mason counties, she said.

Morris said citizens may attend candidate interviews which are open to the public and announced on commissioner work calendars.

"I don't know how we can be any more open," said Morris.

Tweet criticized commissioners for approving trustee appointments with resolutions containing only one signature. She believes resolutions should be signed by a majority of approving commissioners.

Morris said it is not unusual for county commissioner chairpersons to sign approved resolutions.

Over the counter Playboys

Furin, a Salmon Creek res-

ident, said 800 area citizens petitioned the library Board earlier this year to remove Playboy magazines from libraries.

Furin said the Board responded by keeping Playboy magazines behind counters, but still available to children of any age who request them.

Furin said she and other citizens had overwhelming public support in getting signatures, with hardly anyone saying that they agreed with a practice of putting Playboy magazines into the hands of young children.

The petition said Playboy depicts sexual violence against children and women as "entertainment."

Such material shouldn't be given to minors without parental consent, said Furin.

A letter from Library executive director Bruce Ziegman to the petitioners said the Board "stands firmly behind" its policy of not restricting, sequestering, altering or labeling material because of controversy about an author or subject matter.

Ziegman said the magazines would be kept behind the counter because they are frequently stolen, not to limit their accessibility.

Furin said children now get the magazine by asking for it at library counters.

"I feel [library Board members] have their agenda, and that's that," Furin said.

Morris said that as a mother, she understands Furin's position.

Commissioner Craig Pridemore said that while he personally agreed that Playboy magazines should not be given to middle school children, he was equally concerned about a government dictating what should--or should not--be available in public libraries.

"The library Board appears to be accountable only to the commissioners who appoint them, and not to the citizens they supposedly represent," said Furin.

Citizens should have more to say about who should be on the board, she said.

"Why don't you apply?" asked Morris.

Furin said she may apply.

Interviewed on Oct. 20, Ziegman said he and other library officials don't have a role in selecting trustees. He said he occasionally encourages people to apply for trustee positions, but never speaks to commissioners about candidates.

Appointment process

Mary Keltz, administrative assistant to the commissioners, said reappointments of trustees and appointments recommended by the city of Vancouver normally do not result in press notifications seeking other candidates.

When incumbents have served well and want second terms, commissioners have honored such requests, said Keltz.

Procedures allow the city of Vancouver to nominate library board representatives to represent the city, said Keltz. Commissioners confirm or deny the appointments, much like the U.S. Senate handles appointments by the president, she said.

Notices seeking applications were published in area newspapers and the county website before the last two County vacancies were filled in 2001, said Keltz.

Keltz said commissioners normally receive three to 10 applications for a trustee position. They review the applications and customarily interview three to five applicants, she said.

Interview questions are not standardized. They bear on current issues, how an applicant thinks, and his/her experience, said Keltz.

Although current trustees have college educations, college degrees are not required of applicants, Kelz said.

JIM WELDON IS NEW YACOLT MAYOR

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Yacolt town council members voted Oct. 18 to appoint first-year council member Jim Weldon as mayor.

Weldon will serve until the fall 2005 election cycle when he could seek election to finish the remaining two years of the term of former mayor Jim Robertson. Robertson resigned from the mayoral post earlier this month.

Weldon, 75, is an Oregon native. He and his wife of 54 years have lived in Yacolt for six years.

A seminary graduate with two bachelor's degrees, and a minister for 51 years, Weldon is associate pastor at the Minnehaha Church of Christ.

Weldon began public service more than 40 years ago when he was a town treasurer in Augus, NE. He later served as a reserve police officer in Dunsmuir, CA.

Town clerk Brenda Finnegan said citizens interested in Weldon's vacated town council position should submit letters of interest by Nov. 30.

The council will select a replacement for Weldon's position on the town council.

LA CENTER BUYS PARADE FLOAT

Bill Myers, staff reporter

A festival float will soon bring greetings at area parades from the city of La Center.

Mayor Jim Irish announced Oct. 20 that the city purchased an 18-foot long, fully-mobile float and a 24-foot trailer for $13,500 from the city of Lynnwood.

Council members approved spending up to $15,000 for the float last month after council member Linda Tracy learned the Lynnwood float was for sale.

Irish said he, Tracy and public works director Jeff Sarvis viewed the float in Lynnwood before the purchase.

City officials plan to tow the float on its trailer to La Center on Nov. 5.

Irish said Chamber of Commerce and other volunteers will refurbish the float to promote La Center in area parades.

City of Lynnwood spokesperson Katie Anderson said Lynnwood officials purchased the float new from Canadian float-builder Gary Turner in 1998. The city bought the trailer, a new custom Wells Fargo model, at the same time, said Anderson.

The float is 6-feet wide with front, rear and side fold-out extensions, and 12-feet high. It is powered by a V6 engine, front-wheel drive and has an automatic transmission. A Honda generator operates lighting, a sound system and animation on the float.

The float has a hidden driver's compartment and stanchions for three riders.

FIRE DISTRICT 10 WILL TRY LEVY AGAIN

Four votes doomed funding measure in September

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Clark County Fire District 10 commissioners want voters to reconsider a ballot measure that would fund two new trucks and fire station upgrades.

By a margin of four votes--508 to 504 in September--voters rejected a levy increase proposal adding 25 cents to an existing District taxing rate of 85 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

Voter approval in the general election Nov. 2 would lift the total property tax rate for fire district funding to $1.10 per $1,000 of assessed valuation starting in April 2005, an increase from the current rate of $50 per year on a $200,000 home.

District 10 captain Gordon Brooks said the measure would bring $125,000 per year in additional funding to the District and buy two new, more reliable and safer pumper trucks. Brooks said two new trucks will cost about $320,000.

The funds would also pay for living quarters for two to four firefighters at the Amboy and View stations, said Brooks.

Approval of the measure would allow District officials to surplus two 1972, 750-gallon trucks, a Ford at the Chelatchie Prairie Station, and an American LaFrance model at the Cedar Creek station, Brooks said.

Parts are getting hard to find for the older, gas-fueled trucks, said Brooks. The older trucks get about two miles per gallon, compared to eight-plus miles per gallon with new diesel units.

New trucks will have improved safety equipment, including air brakes with anti-lock systems, seat belts for everyone, and improved light systems, said Brooks.

"A main concern is that either old truck could break down while going to a fire or emergency," Brooks added.

Brooks said living quarters for two to four firefighters at Amboy and View would enhance response times from both stations.

"We didn't campaign for the last election," said Brooks. "This time we want to make sure citizens know what this funding measure is about."

District officials will hold a public meeting to answer questions about the levy proposal Thurs., Oct. 28, 7 p.m., at the Amboy station, 21705 NE 399th St.

Fire District 10 maintains stations at Amboy, Chelatchie Prairie, Cedar Creek, View, Fargher Lake and at Lake Merwin Camper's Hideaway. The District serves 8,300 citizens in north Clark County east of NE 21st Ave. from NE Gabriel Rd. to the North Fork Lewis River.

AREA BAZAARS OFFER HEAD START ON HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Autumn wouldn't be the same for several people without the thrill of bazaar hopping in Clark and Cowlitz counties.

Following is a list of places to find baked goods, handmade crafts, Christmas ornaments and more to give as gifts to others or oneself:

** Fri., Nov. 5

Ridgefield United Methodist Women annual bazaar and luncheon, Community United Methodist Church, 1410 S Hillhurst Rd. Bazaar 10 a.m.-3 p.m., luncheon 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Handcrafts, wreaths, blankets, dishtowels, Christmas decorations and miscellaneous. Lorraine, 887-3901.

** Fri.-Sat., Nov. 5-6

Crafts Unlimited 29th annual Holiday Boutique, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 426 E Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. juried show. Canned food donation accepted for church food bank. No Visa accepted. Christmas arrangements, Santa snowmen, pottery, jewelry, quilts, dolls, baked goods. Marj, 883-2246 or Shari, 573-5919.

** Sat., Nov. 6

Ladybug Bazaar, the oldest continuously held holiday bazaar in Clark County and sponsored by the General Federation of Women's Clubs-Battle Ground, will be in the Battle Ground High School gymnasium complex, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. No admission fee. Canned or other non-perishable foods, and cash accepted for North County Community Food Bank. Last year raised 684 pounds of food and $180. No strollers permitted, babysitting available for small fee. Rose Float Princesses will be on hand. Money raised through space rental will fund scholarships, a dinner for foreign exchange students at Battle Ground and Prairie high schools, an annual tea for Battle Ground High seniors and their mothers and other community service projects. Sue, 687-3425.

Ladies of the Battle Ground Elks annual holiday bazaar at the Lodge, 907 SE Grace, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Featuring 18 craft tables. Baked goods and second time around table. Sausage dogs and soup served for lunch. No admission fee. Tables available first-come first-served basis--$20 rental fee. Jeanette, 687-5296.

** Fri., Nov. 12

MOMS Club holiday bazaar, charity event for SafeChoice a YWCA shelter for women and children, Salmon Creek United Methodist Church, 12217 NE Highway 99, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Pamela, 892-8988.

Fri.-Sat., Nov. 12-13

Church Mouse Bazaar, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 14208 NE 249th St., Battle Ground. Fri., 1:30-7:30 p.m., and Sat., 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. All hand made creations. Sweet Shop available, filled with homemade goodies. One convenient check-stand. Several raffle prizes. Lunch served on Saturday. 576-5996.

** Sat., Nov. 13

Fireside Bazaar,25716 NE 161st Ave., Battle Ground, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Woodcraft items and signs, children's dresses, bloomers and pajama, baby comforters, caps, bibs and binkies, doll clothes and bedding, sewn items, fat quarter bags, pillows, backpacks, scarves, pot holders, aprons and Christmas stockings. Special items from fun fabric: pin cushions and kit sets, also loomed rugs, homemade soaps, Fran's cookbooks and copper country cookbooks. Quality baked goods such as pulla breads, prune tarts, cookies, jams and jellies. This is an in-house bazaar. Free coffee and a fun time. Stephanie, 687-0696.

** Sat., Nov. 20

Christmas in Cottage Country, 38717 NE 187th Ave., Amboy, near Fargher Lake, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Vintage treasures, French country accents, furniture, infant accessories, retro and music items and holiday pastries. Cari, 263-6945.

The Country Fair bazaar hosted by Yacolt/Amboy PTA, Yacolt Elementary School gym, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fifty tables of james, honey, crocheted and knitted items, doll clothes, Christmas decor, Avon and more. Breakfast and lunch items available. A few tables still available. Melinda, 686-8589.

Mulberry Home Bazaar, 21620 NE 173rd Ave., Battle Ground, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cottage and classic style shelves, benches, twill throw pillows and runners, wool stockings, dried rose-hip wreaths, wood-framed mirrors, wall hangings, great home decor, gifts and more. Have coffee and enjoy a festive home bazaar. Lea, 666-0803.

Mountain View Christian Center 10th annual Holiday Bazaar hosted by church missionettes, 2810 NE 259th St., Ridgefield, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. No admission fee. Bring two cans of canned food to help area food bank to enter a raffle drawing to be held at 5:30 p.m. Twenty-five tables with Christmas decorations, candle, baked goods, handcrafted items and gifts. Full concession and serving throughout the day. Tables available for rent. Roxanna, 666-8050 or 887-4016.

Holiday Boutique, St. Philip Altar Society, 430 Bozarth, Woodland, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Twenty tables of holiday gifts, handcrafted items by area artists, and religious items. No admission fee. Barbara, 263-3308.

Mistletoe Delight Christmas Bazaar, Chinook Elementary, 1900 Bliss Rd., Hazel Dell, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. More than 110 tables featuring blackberry jam, roasted nuts, honey, ornaments, baby quilts, carved leather, aprons, beaded and silver jewelry, wreaths, children's chef sets, scrapbooking items, wood items and candles. Sherri, 910-9139.

Snowflake Bazaar, Woodland Primary School gymnasium, 600 Bozarth St., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Quality handcrafted items and collectibles. Lunch provided by class of 2005. Lions Club Turkey Bingo follows at 6:30 p.m. Annie, (360) 225-9510.

** Sat., Nov. 27

Heritage High School Holiday Bazaar, 7825 NE 130th Ave., Orchards, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. One hundred crafters with handcrafted gifts and items such as wreaths, ceramics, pottery, jewelry, soaps and lotions, home and garden decorations, glass and photographic and painted artwork. Snack bar available all day. Choir caroling 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Proceeds to benefit 2005 drug and alcohol free grad night party. Colleen, 254-1632.

** Sat., Dec. 4

Hometown Holiday Bazaar, Ridgefield Community Center, 210 N Main Ave., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. featuring 30 tables of handcrafted items, baked goods and art. Available tables are $15. This is part of the 10th annual Hometown Celebration with a variety of events occurring throughout the city all day. Lois, 887-3978.

Yale Valley Crafters Bazaar, Yale Elementary School, 11842 Lewis River Rd., Ariel, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. featuring 25-30 tables of handcrafted items by area crafters and artists, baked goods and Mount St. Helens Ash collectibles. Snacks, coffee, hot coca and soft drinks will be served. There will be a raffle drawing at 3 p.m. Proceeds from table rentals, the raffle and concessions benefit Yale Elementary PTO. Tables available at $12 or space for $5. Cindy, (360) 231-4495.

Hockinson Holiday Bazaar, Hockinson High School, 16819 NE 159th St., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., sponsored by People Working Together. More than 100 vendors with handmade items. Food and beverages for sale. No admission fee. Lynne, 883-9031.

La Center Holiday Village Bazaar, La Center Elementary School cafeteria, 700 E 4th St., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Large variety of handcrafted items. Sponsored by the La Center Music Association. Proceeds from table rentals and Santa's Kitchen will benefit the school District's music programs. Tracey, 263-3904.

Sat.-Sun., Dec. 4-5

Through the Woods holiday gift sale, 3401 NE 394th St., La Center, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. Featuring pottery, fused glass, watercolors, scroll-saw art, fabric art, original prints. No admission fee. Highland Paradocs, Julie, 263-8987.

ODD MOLE REMAINS IN BG FREEZER

About four years ago, Al Waser of Battle Ground caught an unusual-looking mole in a scissors trap off NE 172nd Ave. east of Battle Ground.

Instead of the being the customary all-over grey color, the mole Waser caught was mostly white with brown feet, tail and nose.

Waser has kept the unusual animal in his freezer ever since.

Waser brought the mole to The Reflector last week in an effort to identify the creature.

Contacted by phone, Eric Holman of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife in Olympia surmised that the animal was a white rate that had invaded a mole tunnel.

Holman said rats dig in the ground and have been known to occupy a mole's territory. He said rats are also good diggers.

Holman suggested a closer inspection of the animal's feet, tail and nose to help make a positive identification.

Marvin Case, publisher of The Reflector and author of a booklet on mole trapping, positively identified the animal as a mole.

"It has mole-shaped feet that are turned out," said Case. "It has a mole nose and mole tail. It's not a rat."

Waser's catch was somewhat smaller than standard moles.

Waser said the mole has faded in color somewhat over the years. Its tail, feet and nose are tan rather than brown, and its body is not stark white.

Waser remains interested in a positive identification.

Trapping now illegal

The use of scissor traps to catch moles was outlawed with the passage of an initiative in 2000, according to state officials.

The use of all body-gripping traps was banned by the initiative, although they can still be sold and purchased, just not used.

Two attempts by the state legislature to exempt moles from the body trap ban have been unsuccessful.

State officials said the governor has directed Fish and Wildlife agents not to patrol for mole trapping or to aggressively enforce the mole trapping ban.

Officials know of no citations issued in the last four years for violation of the trapping ban.

If enforced, mole trapping is a gross misdemeanor punishable with a $500 fine.

The trapping ban also applies to nutria and mountain beaver.

Anyone able to positively identify the white mole-like creature that Waser caught is invited to call him, 687-5184.

LOGGER REMEMBERS CUTTING BIG TREE

Al Waser of Battle Ground recalls all the details of falling a giant Douglas Fir tree in 1968 like it was yesterday.

Waser, 74, said the tree measured 12-ft. 8-in. in diameter inside the bark. Portions of the tree larger than the motors on chainsaws had to be removed to allow the saws to reach into the center of the tree.

Waser said two saws were used in the project--an 895 McCulloch and a 797 Super McCulloch with a 52-inch bar.

A crew of five men, working for Ben Thomas Logging, took 1 1/2 hours to fall the tree. The first section, said Waser, was 17 1/2 feet long and contained about 9,200 board feet.

Sections of the tree were rolled onto a low boy trailer by a D-8 Cat, driven to the Columbia River near Stevenson, and floated to Fort Vancouver Plywood company.

Waser estimated the tree contained 60,000-80,000 board feet of lumber.

Waser said the tree was about 220 feet tall, and was located in the House Rock sale area in the headwaters of the North Fork of the Lewis River on U.S. Forest Service property in Skamania County.

Waser said crews at Fort Vancouver Plywood had to split the tree sections in order to saw it.

In addition to Waser, those falling the tree were Waser's brother Ray Waser, 75, Amboy, Gene Holmes, 58, Woodland, Dick Gruber (deceased), and Don Koplan, 83, Idaho.

Al Waser was hit by a falling limb in 1979, ending his 38-year logging career. Years later, Waser received two artificial hips. He worked for Clark County for 10 years.

Waser's brother Ray is still working in logging.

Waser served in the U.S. Amry in Korea 1952-53.

Al Waser conducted the logging show at Amboy Territorial Days for 23 years.

Waser said his son-in-law, also a logger, cut a Noble Fir in the same area in 1969 that measured 12-ft. 10-in. in diameter.