LETHAL INJECTIONS KILL KNOTWEED NEAR RIVER

SR-500 INTERCHANGE OPEN AHEAD OF SCHEDULE, UNDER BUDGET

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

A new overpass at an intersection in Orchards that was identified as a "high accident location" opened to traffic Oct. 21, about eight months ahead of schedule and under budget by about $700,000.

The $22.3 million Tapani Underground project on SR-500 at NE 112th Ave. and Gher Rd. replaced the signalized intersection with an overpass so motorists don't have to stop at a light.

The project also relieves traffic congestion in that area and improves bicycle and pedestrian access on NE 112th Ave. and Gher Rd. with bike lanes and sidewalks under the bridge.

State Department of Transportation officials said that section of the state route carries an average of 39,000 vehicles per day, with 6,600 in the afternoon peak period, and 5,150 in the morning peak.

The bridge will likely reduce the number of collisions that had occurred at that intersection, including rear-ending and those caused by lane changes and merging, officials said.

In fact, in 1999 and 2000, there were 104 accidents at the intersection with an estimated cost to society of nearly $2 million.

The project was the first funded by the state Nickel Package using a 5-cent gas tax to raise transportation money.

Transportation officials said the road opened early due to Tapani's strategy to shift state route traffic away from the work zone rather than around it while the interchange was built. That shaved about one year off construction time.

Final lane striping, landscaping and other miscellaneous finish work will continue.

TACO FOLLOWS HIM EVERYWHERE

Everywhere that Hinton went, Taco was sure to go.

Dick Hinton of Battle Ground acquired Taco during a trip to Mexico about five years ago. Now Taco is so attached to his owner that he rides on his shoulder wherever Hinton goes.

Hinton actually returned from Mexico with two parrots. But one of Hinton's two cats made a meal of Taco's mate.

Hinton and Taco are a regular sight at the Battle Ground post office.

Hinton, recovering from a stroke, does not keep Taco in a cage. "He poops on my shoulder," said Hinton.

Taco rides on Hinton's steering wheel and dashboard of his car.

Hinton says Taco is about six years old.

CONSTRUCTION WORK HIGHLIGHTS BG 2005 BUDGET

More than $11.5 million in construction projects are planned for 2005 in Battle Ground, itemized in the city's draft budget for the new year.

A new, $3 million police facility, slated to be open by fall 2005, is the most costly single construction project included in the budget.

The police facility will be a 2-story, 18,000 square foot building located just south of the city's existing fire-police complex.

The budget includes $30,000 to remodel the existing fire-police complex for fire purposes only.

The city will supply $3.6 million for an upgrade of the Salmon Creek wastewater treatment facility where the city's sewage is treated. In future years, Battle Ground will pay an additional $16 million for expansion of the plant.

The budget contains $200,000 for a new traffic signal at 15th Ave. and W Main Street, the intersection at Wells Fargo Bank.

The budget also includes $600,000 for improvements at Kiwanis Park, including construction of play fields, new playground equipment, path, lighting, and improvements to outside-access restrooms in the Kiwanis Building.

The city does not own the Kiwanis Building.

City manager Eric Holmes said work is also contemplated at the Senior Citizens Center with a price tag of $50,000 for a new roof, interior renovation and parking lot paving.

Holmes said the city will build a new building at its S Grace Ave. public works operations center at a cost of $650,000. This building will provide administrative offices for public works, and a reception area.

Budget based on growth, use of savings

The proposed 2005 budget is balanced with the expectation of 260 new home starts, and the use of about $4.1 million in savings.

Holmes said growth accounts for about 18 percent of city revenues, including building permit fees, new property taxes and sales taxes.

The city experienced 450 new home starts in 2003 and budgeted for 300 new homes this year. Holmes said the city "may or may not" reach the 300 new home plateau this year.

"If growth stops or slows considerably," said Holmes, "that's a recipe for disaster."

Holmes pointed to several negative indicators regarding city finances. He said that police officers per capita, park expense per acre, employees per sewer/water mile, and employees per utility account are all down from prior years.

Providing a satisfactory level of city services "is not sustainable" if growth declines substantially, he said.

The budget proposes to use about $4.1 million from prior account balances--money Holmes said has been saved in prior years and will now be used for more costly projects. Planned expenditures for streets, parks, drainage, and water and sewer operations all require the use of savings to meet expenses. The city's general fund, which includes police, court, planning, and management departments, will need about $1.3 million from savings to meet expenses.

In recent years, city officials have not spent all money authorized in the budget.

For 2003, the city spent about 87 percent of money budgeted in the general fund, and spent only about 70 percent of money earmarked for construction projects.

Through September 2004, the city has spent about 56 percent of its general fund budget.

For 2004, a mid-year amendment added $890,000 to the budget, and allocated that money for expenditure in various categories.

Holmes predicted that the city would spend a greater portion of its 2005 budget than has been the case in recent years.

Salaries will go up

The city's proposed budget for 2005 totals about $17 million, plus construction projects.

Of the $17 million, about $5.4 million is for salaries, wages and benefits, up about $1 million from the current year.

City officials plan to hire eight more people in 2005, bringing city employment to 74 people.

If the budget is approved, Holmes will earn a salary of about $108,000, up 5.5 percent from 2004.

Other department heads will also receive salary increases. Police chief Ron Johnson will earn $89,100, deputy city manager Dennis Osborn will earn $86,928, community development director Brian Carrico will earn $77,028, finance director David Reeves will earn $86,928, and public work director Sam Adams will earn $89,100.

Holmes said the city has selected a new health insurance carrier for its employees, arranged through a state insurance pool.

Health care coverage with Regence Blue Shield costs the city $915 per family each month, plus vision and dental insurance for a total of $1,076.11 per month. Employees now pay up to $20 a month of the cost of their health insurance.

Law enforcement for 2005 is budgeted at about $2.5 million, an increase of about 14 percent over the current year.

The budget includes money for the purchase of eight new vehicles.

The police department will gain a Crown Victoria at $32,000, and a Tahoe at $54,000. One police car will be retired.

The budget calls for the purchase of one city pool car, plus five more pickups.

The city presently owns 17 police cars, 17 pickups, and other vehicles.

Also slated for purchase are a $25,000 swale mower, and a snow plow attachment for a truck.

The budget shows the end of the street lighting utility, which was a special taxing authority. Holmes said street lighting utilities were the object of a court challenge.

Rates going up

The budget also provides for increases in water rates, sewer rates, and drainage fees, plus an expansion of utility taxes.

The city raised the drainage fee 22 percent in 2004, and will increase the fee again in 2005 by about 5 percent.

Holmes said the drainage fund has been using savings in recent years to meet expenses. A rate increase is needed to stabilize the drainage budget, he said.

The drainage fund is used to clean the storm sewer system, clean catch basins, clean culverts and video drain lines.

City officials also plan to tax the full amount of sewer bills starting in 2005. In past years, the city taxed its own sewer fees, but did not tax the "county sewer charge." That will change if the budget is adopted as proposed.

Other added revenues

The draft budget anticipates an increase of about $170,000 (11%) in property taxes, and $91,200 (5.7%) in sales taxes. Holmes said most of the property tax increase was due to growth.

Holmes estimated the current city population at 14,800. The assessed value of the city rose by about $72 million (11%) in the past year.

Holmes said the city has about $25 million in the bank.

The proposed budget includes on additional fireworks permit available in 2005, increasing from five to six the number of fireworks stand permits available.

Comments invited on budget

The city council will conduct a public hearing on the proposed 2005 budget on Mon., Nov. 15, 7 p.m., at city hall. Holmes said public comments on the budget will be taken at any meeting.

Adoption of the budget is set for Mon., Dec. 6.

SALARIES, STAFF CLIMB IN 2005 RIDGEFIELD BUDGET

Alice Perry Linker and, Heidi Wallenborn

As Ridgefield grows, so do city staff, salaries and benefits. Two department heads were hired this year and another three professionals are proposed for next year.

City council members will consider increases in employees, salaries and other aspects of the 2005 budget during a second public hearing Thurs., Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m., at city hall. Adoption is expected.

The three new employees include a controller (senior accountant/human resources manager) at $54,000 annually, an associate planner at $50,400 annually, and a city engineer at $60,000 per year. The estimated health benefit package per month for each non-police department city employee from the Oregon Teamsters Union is $850 per month. For comparison, a comparable package from the Association of Washington cities would cost $1,066.58, said chief financial officer Kay Kammer.

The controller will replace retiring deputy clerk Barbara Charbonneau who earns $50,484 annually. Another clerk will be added to the staff soon, bringing clerks working inside city hall to a total of four, including a utility clerk for public works.

The budget proposes a full-time city manager with a base salary of $120,000 annually for 2005. However, the city council has halted the hiring process for now.

Current part-time interim city manager George Fox, also deputy director for the Port of Ridgefield, said he would like to finish the work he started with new departments and staffing, and get the city running smoothly before he hands the reins over.

Fox said the time to look at city manager applicants again may happen as soon as the end of the first quarter next year, or later.

In-house numbers climb

Fox currently earns $6,500 monthly, or about $78,000 annually for about two scheduled days per week in the office. However, he said, he is working about two-thirds time on city business.

In September, he worked 119 hours, he said, which is equal to about six hours per day in a five-day work week.

Fox's pay contract will not change, he said, and added that he does not recive benefits nor charge the city his standard consulting rate of $175 per hour.

Kammer, who is also city clerk, has taken on additional tasks, working outside of her normal duties, she said. Her annual, proposed base salary is $70,800, with a $1,000 per month "responsibility pay." That brings her annual total to $82,800.

This year, Kammer earned $63,660, not including responsibility pay. The proposed difference is $19,140.

If council approves, police chief Bruce Hall could see a nearly $2,304 rise in his current salary from $74,496 to $76,800.

Public works director Justin Clary has a proposed annual base salary of $74,400, up from $72,000 this year, and Community Development director Kevin Snyder will earn $72,000, up from $69,996 this year.

Kammer said the budget contains a standard 3.5 percent increase for existing employees.

The total salary and benefits package for all community development employees is budgeted at about $285,000 for next year, an increase of 39.77 percent.

Total public works salaries and benefits are budgeted at $747,455 for 2005, an increase of 32.7 percent.

The police department staff of five officers and a clerk is not expected to increase in 2005, but salaries and benefits will go from $610,810 to $672,500, a 9.17 percent rise.

Most consulting gone

Increases in personnel are necessary to better manage the growing city with consistency in services and high quality employees, Fox said.

Until earlier this year, much of the planning and engineering was done by paid consultants. Bringing in staff to replace consultants makes sense, Fox said.

In 2003, engineering consulting costs were more than $419,000. This year the fee was $300,000.

In 2005, the city will pay its own in-house staff $233,000, which includes about $60,000 budgeted for a city engineer. Consulting fees are not planned for.

In 2003, Ridgefield used planning consultant Eric Eisemann at a cost of $106,000. But a community development department was created this year and is headed by Snyder. The combined cost for consultant and Snyder this year was $165,000.

However, in 2005, only $30,000 will be allotted to Eisemann, who has an "immense understanding of the community and skills," said Snyder, which is why he will be retained for some projects.

For 2005, $188,000 will be allotted to the department to pay Snyder's combined salary and benefit package and to hire a new associate planner with salary and benefits of $64,000.

Also new to the budget are consulting fees for public relations and grant writing for $7,000 for the year.

Revenue to fund salary and benefit packages comes largely from the general fund which is fed from user fees and property and sales tax, said Fox. Public works department salaries come from the general fund as well as sewer and water rates.

The 2005 budget will become effective Jan. 1.

TEENS PERFORM COMMUNITY SERVICE WORK

When middle and high school students go to the teen center at Brush Prairie, they're usually looking forward to an afternoon or evening of fun.

Occasionally, however, the teenagers from Rocksolid Community Teen Center decide to do some hard work, as they did one recent fall weekend when they donated their time to do yardwork and housework at two homeless shelters.

Twenty-five volunteers showed up one Saturday morning, rolled up their sleeves and spent the day blowing and raking leaves, pulling weeds and pruning in the yards at the Share House shelters in Orchards and Hazel Dell.

Inside the two shelters, the volunteers tackled several cleaning projects, including washing and sanitizing furniture and scrubbing walls, floors and counters. They organized a food storage shed and cleaned and organized a walk-in refrigerator.

Lori Lindberg, the volunteer marketing director for Rocksolid, said the effort was organized to observe Make a Difference Day, a national day for volunteering.

The teenagers have one more big project awaiting them this fall.

Story House, a Vancouver shelter for pregnant women, is being remodeled and enlarged. The teen center has "adopted" one room, Lindberg said.

When construction is finished at Story House, the teens will clean, paint and arrange furniture.

"We've learned that when kids work on community projects, it raises their self-esteem," Lindberg said.

The Rocksolid Community Teen Center located at NE 159th St., and is open Mon.-Fri., 2-5:30 p.m. and has some evening and weekend events.

Operated almost entirely by volunteers, the center employs two people, including director Kari Otos. Pat Benoit is chair of the 12-member board.

Between 25 and 30 students from Battle Ground middle and high schools attend each day. Special events attract as many as 250, Lindberg said.

BANK STABILIZATION PROJECT ON TRACK FOR LEWISVILLE PARK

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

A project is in the works to stabilize some 200 feet of riverbank along the East Fork of the Lewis River in Lewisville Park north of Battle Ground.

The area of the park to be worked on is near the ballfield at the east end of the park.

According to Doug Hagedorn, representative for Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation, the area affected has experienced severe damage during recent high-water events and now shows steep slopes and undercutting.

Hagedorn said a road leading to a shelter used to wrap around the ball field, but erosion has led to the road being turned into a trail. The trail is now paved.

Consultants from Hopper Dennis Jellison in Vancouver have proposed a technique of stabilizing the bank that involves filling burlap-type fabric (called geotextile) with soil and filling the area with Willow and Dogwood plantings. Dirt will be held to the bank with fabric while plantings provide stability.

The upland part of the bank will be planted with native trees and shrubs such as crabapple, western red cedar, red alder, Indian plum and salmonberry.

The project is undergoing environmental review. Bidding is awaiting approval by Clark County commissioners.

Hagedorn said work should begin by spring 2005 and take several months.

Estimated cost is $60,000-$70,000, Hagedorn said.

FIRST CELL TOWER PLANNED UNDER NEW COUNTY REGS

Public hearing set

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

New Clark County regulations governing the installation of cell towers have caused barely a ripple of comment from the public or the applicant.

Voice Stream PCS 1 LLC is the first company to apply to build a cell tower since regulations became effective in 2002. The company's offices are in Portland.

A Voice Stream representative says the regulations aren't a big deal.

"The process varies, it's not unusual," said Pat Evans, development manager for Voice Stream.

A few other companies have prepared pre-applications in the past two years, but Voice Stream is the first to go through the full application process, said Terri Brooks of the county community development department.

"We had no requirements for cell towers before," Brooks said.

Regulations call for greater citizen involvment. County officials have set a public hearing on the application for Thurs., Dec. 2, 7 p.m., in Room 680 of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver.

Evans said Voice Stream is building the tower at 6018 NE 10th Ave. to keep up with a growing population.

The area is zoned commercial, but several residences are nearby. Property owners within 660 feet of the structure must be notified, Brooks said.

"Jurisdictions are very clear on where they let us build," Evans said. "We find out what we need, where we need to go, where they'll let us go, and we go from there."

In addition to presenting a site plan and participating in a public hearing, the cellular company must build no higher than 120 feet and landscape the space around its tower.

PEKIN FERRY AREA MAY SEE DEVELOPMENT

Alice Perry Linker, news director

Ten residential lots near Pekin Ferry are expected to be developed if a new road is approved by Clark County officials.

Mark Jeffries and Mark Voegele plan to extend a private road through 50 acres near the East Fork of the Lewis River north of Ridgefield and west of La Center. The proposed private road will replace a private driveway that now leads to one residence.

Brent Davis with the county community development department said the applicants have completed a State Environmental Protection Act review.

Engineering or grading permits have not yet been issued, said Brad Hazen, also with the community development department.

Jeffries said that after the road is completed, he likely will sell 5-acre lots. Four lots have river access.

The road is expected to be 20-ft. wide and less than one mile long, according to the application.

PHONE BOOK IS POPULAR ITEM FOR PHOTO OF VOLCANO

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

The new Longview-Kelso phone book is so popular that people are chasing delivery trucks down the street.

It's not the contents that have people clamoring for the latest book from the Phone Directory Company, it's the cover.

The photograph on the cover by Austin Post shows Mount St. Helens erupting in 1980. The photo is accompanied by silver-embossed lettering proclaiming the 25th anniversary of the last major eruption of Mount St. Helens.

It was printed before the recent activity in the mountain began.

The latest volcanic activity seems to be driving the exploding interest.

"We decided in May to put that on the cover, recognizing the 25th anniversary," said Monique Bushnell, spokeswoman for the company.

Delivery drivers have reported people grabbing books from vehicles when drivers take a break, she said.

One driver said the plastic covering his window was cut when somebody tried to get a book.

"I'm sure we'll have a short supply," Bushnell said.

The book has been so popular that "people have said they're going to start selling it on eBay," she said.

"The 25th anniversary seal makes it extra special," she said.

The phone books are delivered free to all households in the Longview-Kelso area, including Woodland. Businesses can order as many as they need, Bushnell said.

The company, which is in its first year in southwest Washington, delivers books to Vancouver and to several cities in the Tacoma area. Each book has a different cover.

People who want to get the book legitimately can call the Longview Chamber of Commerce. Bushnell said the company may do some special events or promotions after delivery is complete in about two weeks.

Meanwhile, collectors will just have to watch for delivery trucks--or look on eBay.

LA CENTER TO EXPLORE WASTE TREATMENT OPTIONS, NEW BANKING

Bill Myers, staff reporter

La Center city council members voted Oct. 27 to authorize $50,000 for a feasibility study to see if a new wastewater treatment plant can be built near the I-5 junction.

Council member Dale Smith said the current location of the Clark Public Utilities treatment plant used by the city will be a long-term detriment to downtown development.

The study will be broad in scope to determine potential locations, costs and permitting realities, said public works director Jeff Sarvis.

City looking at banks

La Center city council members will soon decide if city funds should be kept at a hometown 1st Independent Bank or moved elsewhere.

Susan Flagg, 1st Independent Bank vice president, urged council members to stay with her bank.

Flagg said the bank has been a "corporate citizen" in La Center for 28 years.

Bank employees helped set up an electronic payroll for the city, pays interest on city reserve funds which amounts to a free checking service, and offers various investment service options, Flagg said.

The bank's loyalty to the city is often evident, added Flagg. She cited examples of three $200 scholarships to the Chavriole Farm Teaching Foundation, donations to Community Connections, Friends of the La Center Library, La Center Parent Teacher Organization, 4-H and recurring Our Days participation.

Patient efforts were made to meet city officials with cash management proposals during city/clerk treasurer changes, said Flagg.

"We're worth it," said Flagg.

Council member Richard Curtis said it is fundamentally wrong to leave 1st Independent Bank which has provided jobs, paid taxes to build city infrastructure, helped with Our Days celebrations and has been part of the community.

"Cherry picking would be bad for our community--it's an ethics decision," said Curtis.

Mayor Jim Irish said city leaders have a responsibility to citizens to look at tangible benefits when comparing banking services.

City council members will hear a presentation Nov. 12 from Bank of Clark County officials. Irish said services, rates of returns and other benefits will be evaluated.

NEW BLOODMOBILE SERVES MEDICAL CENTER

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

A new, high-tech bloodmobile drove into the parking lot at Southwest Washington Medical Center Oct. 21.

Owned by the Puget Sound Blood Center, the bloodmobile will regularly visit various places around Southwest Washington to collect donated blood for the hospital on Mill Plain Blvd.

"We are the only organization providing blood products to Southwest Washington Medical Center," said Jeff Carrick, Vancouver director of donor and volunteer resources for the Blood Center. "We will serve Legacy Hospital when it opens."

The non-profit, Seattle-based Blood Center opened an office at 3506 Main St. in Vancouver earlier this year.

The new, 40-foot long bloodmobile has two screening rooms, five donor beds and a post-donation canteen area.

The bloodmobile is exclusively dedicated to collecting blood in Southwest Washington, said Steve McLean, public information manager for the center.

MEETING SET TO RESOLVE PARENT/SECURITY DISPUTE

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

A dispute between parents and a security guard at Battle Ground High School Oct. 11 appears on track to being resolved.

According to an e-mail written to school board members by one of the parents involved, a security guard at a varsity football game allegedly became over-zealous in an attempt to remove their son from one end of the field.

The boy was playing catch football with a friend during game time.

The parent wrote that the security guard lacked proper identification and grabbed the boy by the back of the neck to remove him from the field area.

Lt. Roy Butler of the Battle Ground Police Department said the parents filed a complaint against the security guard on behalf of the juvenile, alleging assault.

Butler said city prosecuting attorney Chris Sundstrom investigated the matter and declined to press charges.

District spokesperson Kelly Keister said a meeting has been scheduled in early November with the parents and District officials to mitigate the issue.

The parents did not return a phone call from The Reflector for comment.

BG PIT BULLS RELEASED TO HOME

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Three Staffordshire bull terriers, also known as pit bulls, were released to their Battle Ground owner Oct. 28, after four had been impounded as dangerous dogs since late August.

Battle Ground Municipal Court judge Steven Sowards ruled that Monica Hanson, 305 NW 16th Ave., could bring the dogs home after officers determine that certain guidelines are in place.

Sowards said Hanson could get the dogs from the Humane Society for Southwest Washington shelter immediately to stop the rising boarding fee, but not bring them to the neighborhood until the city is satisfied her home and yard meet state guidelines for housing dangerous dogs.

Hanson said her brother would likely take them in for her until the yard is inspected.

Hanson cooperated with city prosecuting attorney Chris Sundstrom in forming a stipulation agreement for getting her dogs back.

Hanson faced charges for dog at large, unlicensed kennel, animal nuisance, cruelty to animals in failing to provide minimum care, and animal license violation. The city allows three dogs per household over six months old. Hanson reportedly had up to six at one time.

The agreement with the court is that Hanson will license the three dogs released to her, she will give the city an assurity bond of $50,000 from her homeowner's insurance, and provide an adequate, roofed kennel.

In addition, the dogs must be leashed and muzzled when not in the kennel or in the home.

"The dogs have clearly shown they have no problem with a standard fence," Sowards said, referring to police reports that one jumped a 6-foot tall fence, and some broke through boards to exit the yard.

In an incident Aug. 8, Hanson's dogs allegedly menaced her neighborhood by biting a man's hand and chasing him onto the hood of his car. They reportedly scratched a young boy's leg as they pursued him into a house, and threatened the homeowner who came outside.

When police arrived, neighbors were trying to nail boards back up on the fence while the "dogs went ballistic," on the other side, wrote an officer.

On Aug. 23, a dog reportedly jumped a fence and attacked a man out walking his dog.

Neighbors reported the dogs had terrorized the neighborhood for several months, including getting into other people's yards, scattering shoes and toys, pawing at a neighbor's back door and growling at a child.

Under Sowards' ruling, if the dogs get out even once, they will be impounded and destroyed.

"The dogs must be leashed and muzzled anytime they are outside the enclosure," Sowards warned Hanson. "If not, you're civil liability goes through the roof, and the dogs will be impounded and destroyed. In that next step, there is no going backwards."

Hanson quietly said she understood.

HOCKINSON GIRL SAVES STRAY KITTEN

Fundraiser underway for life-saving amputation

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

If a 3-month-old stray kitten hadn't limped its way into Mike and Tracie McClean's back yard pumpkin patch near Hockinson High School, it likely would have starved to death.

"Pumpkin," aptly named by the McClean's 9-year-old daughter Alisha, has a paralyzed forearm from the elbow down and was not able to hunt food in the wild as most cats do.

Skinny and nearly starving, Pumpkin was taken in, fed and checked by a veterinarian, who declared the kitten's forearm needed to be amputated or the animal put down. Otherwise, Pumpkin was in excellent health after being treated for fleas and worms.

Because the McCleans did not plan to keep Pumpkin, they went to work looking for someone who would want to adopt a three-legged cat and began fundraising for the $300 surgery.

Alisha made a poster with a poignant photo of Pumpkin and a banner reading "Please help save me" that told the kitten's plight from his point of view.

The youth sent a flurry of e-mails to several people, including media, took posters to school and enlisted her grandmother who made telephone calls.

So far, about half the money needed has been raised, and an adoptee found who would love to take Pumpkin in but can't afford the surgery.

If more money is raised than is needed, "every penny will be given for pet rescues," said Tracie McClean.

"Through this experience we've been enlightened to the extreme need that rescue organizations have in Clark County," she said.

Donations may be sent to Alisha, Mike or Tracie McClean, 15719 NE 170th Ave., Brush Prairie, WA 98606.

HELENS STEADILY ERUPTS, BREAKS GLACIER

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

The crater in Mount St. Helens is slowly filling with a continuous flow of lava that is coming from a deeper level than scientists first thought.

Carolyn Driedger, scientist outreach coordinator with the U.S. Geological Survey, said tests from hardened dacite lava collected by helicopter Oct. 20 show texture and mineral composition similar to dome-building eruptions in the 1980s. But it's coming faster, from deeper, and is hotter than scientists first thought, she said.

When the mountain began rumbling in mid-September, scientists thought magma was driving upward from a fairly shallow region of about 5 miles, Driedger said. But the dacite shows the draw is deeper, although scientists aren't certain how deep.

In addition, surface lava temperature has kept steady at about 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, but the deeper magma is about 1,652 degrees Fahrenheit.

"We'll just watch and see," Driedger said. "What we see is what we get."

The depth and temperature difference hold "no great relevance," she said. There are no implications at this time of anything happening more than steady, low-magnitude earthquakes, the lava eruption and steady steam emissions.

The southern part of the new dome, made of uplifted glacier ice, rock debris and new lava, continues to move south toward the crater wall at a rate of about 2 feet per hour.

The summit of the old dome continues in its slow northward lift, scientists said.

To hear recorded volcano updates, call 891-5202. To read updates and view photos, visit online at www.usgs.gov

LIBRARY BOARD MEMBER SOUGHT

Applications are invited to fill a position on the board of trustees of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District.

The open position is for the remainder of the term of Shirley Morgan who resigned. The term continues through December 2007.

Applicants must live outside Camas, which has its own library, and outside the Vancouver city limits.

Letters of interest should include a discussion of the challenges facing libraries, along with perspectives on public involvement, facilities, materials and funding for the library district.

No education or age requirements apply.

Letters and resumes are to be sent to Louise Richards, Clark County Board of Commissioners, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98665-5000, by Fri., Nov. 5.

The seven-member library board includes two representatives from Vancouver, three from Clark County, and one each from Skamania and Klickitat counties.

Information, 397-2232.

COUNTY OFFICIALS REVERSE THOUSANDS OF CLEAN WATER LIENS

Citing a mixup in communication, officials of the Clark County treasurer's office have reversed some 6,980 property liens that they had filed in an effort to collect delinquent Clean Water Program fees.

County treasurer Doug Lasher said liens had been placed on properties sooner than they should have been.

Lasher said reversal of the liens followed the receipt of hundreds of phone calls of complaint from citizens, and a meeting with county commissioner Betty Sue Morris, county deputy prosecutor Bronson Potter, county budget chief Glen Olson and himself.

Lasher said the properties were liened about a month after the fees were due. A $25 fee was added to the Clark Water Program Fee to cover the cost of filing a lien.

Brush Prairie resident Harriet Davis was one of those whose property was liened.

Davis said payment of her $26.40 fee slipped her mind for three weeks. Clean Water fees were due July 31.

In early September, Davis received a letter from deputy county treasurer John Payne stating that "one or more annual installments of the Clean Water Program Fee billed to your property are delinquent. As a result of this delinquency, a lien shall be attached to the property under provisions of County Code."

Payne also wrote that "all costs associated with the collection of this assessment will be added to the delinquent amount. Prompt payment will keep these costs from increasing."

Wrote Payne, "If the enclosed statement is not paid in full by Oct. 15, 2004, collection efforts will be accelerated and assigned to an outside collection agency at an additional cost of 35 percent of the total delinquent amount."

"This action may have adverse effects on your credit rating," added Payne.

With Payne's letter, Davis received a bill for $51.94 which included the original $26.40 fee, $25 lien fee, and 54 cents interest/penalty.

Davis paid the full amount.

About 10 days later, Davis received a letter from Lasher, reversing the lien fee.

Wrote Lasher, "The lien was filed prematurely and we apologize."

Lasher wrote that if Davis paid the original bill plus interest by Oct. 31, the $25 lien fee would be waived.

Davis had paid the bill before she received Lasher's letter. She then called to ask about the refund of her $25. She said she was told the refund would come in four weeks.

Four weeks later--about mid-October--she called again and was told it would be another four weeks before the refund were be ready, she said.

Lasher said some 6,980 properties were liened for 2004 taxes, of which 1,187 had paid the program fee, lien fee and interest/penalty.

Refunds are due to the 1,187 taxpayers, said Lasher. He said he hoped those refunds would be ready by Nov. 5 or shortly thereafter.

Lasher said 1,865 properties were liened during the 2003 program period.

How it should work

Although the aggressive collection effort and property liens were legal, said Lasher, "It wasn't (handled) the way I wanted to do it.

"Staff thought they were doing (the right thing)."

Lasher said Clean Water Fee payments are due by July 31. Reminder letters should be mailed in August or September, he said, to those who have not paid.

Only after reminder letters have gone unheeded for 15 days, said Lasher, should liens be placed on property. At that time, letters should be sent to advise property owners of the lien.

"Technically what we did was correct," said Lasher. "That was the impression my staff had."

Lasher said liens would be filed again on fees remaining unpaid by the end of October. Lasher said he would prefer the Clean Water Program Fee be included in spring property tax statements rather than handled as a separate bill.

Lasher said the $25 lien fee includes the charge levied by the county auditor for recording the lien and removing it, plus a fee assessed by his office for handling the lien.

The auditor has waived the fees in this case, said Lasher.

Taxation without services

Besides having her property liened, Davis complained that the ditches near her property have not been cleaned in years.

"The ditches on NE 151st St. need work," said Davis. "All they do is drive by in their big SUVs and look at it."

Davis said because ditches along 151st Street have not been cleaned, debris has built up and water flows the wrong direction.

Lasher said the Clean Water Program raises about $4.1 million annually.