HOV LANE = FASTER AND SLOWER

Study shows five of eight HOV goals met

Bill Myers, staff reporter

A new study of the car pool lane along southbound I-5 in Vancouver confirms earlier findings: some goals are being met and others not.

The study by the engineering firm of Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade and Douglas focused on the five-mile stretch of southbound I-5 with a carpool lane from 99th St. to the I-5 bridge over the Columbia River. The lane is in use weekdays during the 6-8 a.m. peak commuter time.

To evaluate the carpool lane, data was collected January-April 2004 and compared with a baseline data collected early in 2001 before the carpool lane was placed in use.

Longer rides for solo motorists

The recent study shows that carpool lane users make the five-mile trip in 6.6 minutes, whereas motorists in the general purpose lanes travel the same distance in 13.8 minutes.

Before the carpool lane was installed, the average time for all motorists was 9.9 minutes.

Carpool lane goals are shown below with key findings from the recent evaluation.

Goal 1 was missed. The target was to move more people on the carpool lane during the peak morning commute than in adjacent general purpose lanes. Volumes in the carpool lane averaged 76 percent of the adjacent general purpose lane average.

Engineers say more bus service and more park-and-ride spaces along the corridor would increase rider counts on the carpool lane.

Goal 2 was partially missed. The goal was to reduce peak period travel time for carpool lane users and reduce the average per-person travel time for all users. While travel time for carpool lane users was reduced, average travel times for all users, once 9.9 minutes, now exceed 11 minutes.

Engineers claimed success on goal 3, which was to minimize impacts to other traffic in the corridor and on parallel facilities.

The report said that compared to baseline results, traffic on I-205 increased slightly, and traffic on Hwy. 99, Hazel Dell Ave. and Lakeshore Dr. decreased slightly. An increase in traffic on Main St. was attributed to completion of the Main St. interchange after baseline data were collected.

Goal 4, to increase the use of carpools, vanpools and transit, was met, the study concluded. The study showed an increase in carpools and transit ridership since the 2001 baseline.

Goal 5, not to increase accident and traffic incident rates in the corridor, was met. Engineers say findings did not show negative impacts on corridor safety.

Goal 6, to maintain the carpool lane's effectiveness with appropriate enforcement, was met. Results of the study showed a violation rate of 11 percent with a national average ranging between 10 and 15 percent.

Goal 7, to maintain or improve travel time reliability for carpools, vanpools and transit, was met.

Goal 8, to maintain or improve public opinion as to effectiveness of the carpool lane, was not evaluated. No public opinion polling was done for the 2004 evaluation report.

State transportation officials report that less than 15 comments, all negative, and most from general purpose lane users, were received in the past 18 months.

New report pending

Engineers with the state Department of Transportation are currently assembling data gathered from new observations in October.

A report should be ready and published in January or February 2005, said state spokesperson Jilayn Jordan.

Jordan said a decision to continue or discontinue the carpool lane is expected in March.

Results of the study are important, but so will be answers to some questions, said Jordan. Will Oregon transportation officials extend the carpool lane south of the I-5 Bridge? Will C-TRAN service be sufficient to meet carpool lane people volume goals? Will C-TRAN commit to construction of the park-and-ride at 99th St.?

Public sentiment is also a factor. More information about the study is available at the Regional Transportation Council, 397-6067, and at the WSDOT Vancouver office, 905-2000.

TWENTY-FIVE TONS OF "GOO" TAKEN FROM PORT OF RIDGEFIELD

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

A Port of Ridgefield worker, dressed in protective gear, reached down, opened a valve and drew out a jar of dense, murky, brown liquid.

A few minutes later, he walked to another area inside the 20,000 square-foot tent and drew another jar of liquid. This time it was clear.

The clear liquid is the product that results from a series of steps designed to remove the several pollutants in ground water at the edge of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. At the final stage, the water is ready to be pumped into Lake River.

On a chilly December day, plant employee Mike Worth demonstrated for several visitors the success of an innovative remediation process that uses steam to force noxious pollutants from the ground into a treatment system.

The remediation plant sits on the site formerly occupied by Pacific Wood Treating Co. in Ridgefield. The company had treated wood poles with such chemicals as creosote, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, copper, chromium and arsenic.

Dan Alexanian, who is overseeing the cleanup process for the state Department of Ecology, says that about 100,000 gallons of toxic chemicals pollute the land.

"The chemicals are highly effective at preserving wood, but they are deadly to living things," Alexanian said.

Ecology and the Port of Ridgefield are partners in the remediation process, which may take as long as 10 years.

"It all depends on the funding," said Brent Grening, the Port's executive director.

Since May when steam injection began, about 50,000 pounds of toxins have been removed from the ground.

Project planning began in the early 1990s, and since then, the state has granted about $25 million to the Port to run the project.

Next year, Alexanian said, the Department of Ecology will ask state legislators for another $12 million for the next biennium.

"Ecology is committed to funding this," Alexanian said. "We're not able to guarantee the money, but we're committed."

The Port's share, 35 percent of the total, is delivered from the state in the form of a loan that will be repaid later.

"The project has taken all of the Port's reserves," Grening said. "Without Ecology money, there's no way the Port could fund this."

Alexanian said he began pushing for remediation of the ground water when he discovered that the wood treating plant was next door to the wildlife refuge. The contaminated plume of ground water was moving slowly toward Carty Lake and the marsh, and in fact reached some areas around the shoreline.

"The project was driven by pressure on the wildlife refuge," he said.

Monitoring wells dug between the plant and the lake keep track of contamination. Alexanian said the steam injection process is removing nearly all pollutants. Wells closest to the plant show some low contamination in the aquifer, but those at the lake show none, he said.

"We can pull that [contaminated water] back and prevent more stuff from moving forward," he said.

The complex treatment system uses a host of substances and equipment to extract or trap solids, liquids and vapor, Alexanian said.

The noxious residue will be shipped to an incinerator for burning.

Alexanian said it's too early to tell if the equipment will be usable after the clean-up process is finished.

"These chemicals are pretty nasty, corrosive," he said. "I don't know about the equipment."

The Ridgefield plant is the only one in the state and one of only two in the nation using steam to remove wood-treatment pollutants from ground water.

"I am so proud of this whole team," Alexanian said about the Port and the 15 plant employees. "We're pulling out the smallest contaminants. I can't tell you how good that makes me feel."

OUTSIDE AGENCY TO INSPECT BG POLICE DEPARTMENT

Council member concerns spark interest

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

An investigative agency from outside Clark County will likely begin a probe into alleged agressive, excessive discipline and practices at the Battle Ground Police Department in January.

City manager Eric Holmes said concerns from "at least one" council member about alleged retaliation and two overly aggressive managers have surfaced twice in the last six months and were the reason for his decision to hire an outside party.

Holmes said he is looking for an investigative agency to look specifically into council concerns, but the process is slow at this point because of the holiday season.

As to why he chose to hire a third party, Holmes said "to put it [concerns] to rest."

"If a third party discovers things the chief and I are not aware of, great, we need to know that," Holmes said. "If they find the concerns are unfounded, that's good to know, too."

"Low morale," "retaliation," "excessive discipline," "anger problem"

Council member Lisa Walters sent public disclosure request letters to Holmes in August 2004 and again last week, requesting copies of internal affairs investigation reports and letters of reprimand on each officer.

Walters said she is concerned about reports of low officer morale, excessive discipline, retaliation and at least one sergeant who appears to have a problem with anger in the public and with employees.

"Over the last two years, there seems to be a growing overall unhappiness in the Department with management," she said.

During that time, Walters spoke to Holmes and police chief Ron Johnson, she said, over coffee, lunch and in passing conversation.

In June, she "stepped up the pace" in relaying those concerns to Holmes and Johnson when the department lost two officers "in a very short period of time," she said.

Walters declined to say who the people are who spoke with her about their concerns. She said that as a council member, city staff knows they can talk to her in confidence and that she "will not breach that trust."

Walters said she asked Holmes to look into matters in June. When no reply came by mid-August, she sent a public records disclosure request letter to Holmes and Johnson asking for internal affairs records.

"I had nothing substantial, just rumors and innuendoes that morale was low and the officers are concerned," Walters said. "I wanted to see for myself if there was any merit to what I'd heard. One of my concerns is that internal affairs investigations on officers were being used as a form of retaliation. I planned that if there was nothing going on, I would just step back."

"I wasn't getting anywhere on my request to Eric (Holmes) and the chief, so I decided to see for myself," she said.

"After I read the IAs (internal affair records) that came to me, I found that I didn't get what I requested and there was a lot of information missing from those IAs," she said. "Especially pertinent were missing memos, letters of reprimand, officers' responses and the chief's comments."

As a result, Walters submitted another public disclosure request asking for more documents. She rescinded it a few days later.

Conversations with Holmes and Johnson about "promised changes" prompted her to back off, she said, adding "I took them at their word."

Walters renewed her request last week because "nothing had changed," she said. "I'm still hearing the same things, and some things the chief told me he had planned to change did not take place, such as a written open door policy."

On Dec. 16, Johnson said the written policy was nearly finished and was set to be put into place by the end of December.

Walters also said she was told a committee of officers would be formed to field officer and citizen complaints rather than go immediately to an internal investigation.

Johnson said he would like to have a board of inquiry, but limited staffing and having to pay officers overtime to serve hampers the idea.

However, he said, about six months ago he and Officer's Association president Keith Thompson implemented an Expedited IA process modeled after the state Patrol, "to minimize the impact" of IAs.

"[In-depth] IAs are not good for anybody," Johnson said. "They are used to maintain discipline and proper behavior, but they take a toll on the department and the officer involved, like an inquisition."

Rather than have a complete, in-depth internal investigation on an officer for minor complaints, the Expedited IA is a complaint reviewed by the Association president, the chief and the officer in question, Johnson said.

"If they did do it, here's the punishment, and it doesn't go into an investigation," Johnson said. The officer is given 24 hours "to think about it."

"The officers seem happy with it," Thompson said.

Internal investigations begin with a written complaint, Johnson said, then are forwarded to a sergeant or the lieutenant. Sometimes an IA is begun in-house by an administrator for any number of offenses or complaints.

Thompson, who has served as Officers' Association president for the last four years, said he works with Johnson on IAs on behalf of the officer.

"Most are settled without an attorney," said Thompson. "The chief and I have come to the conclusion that if an officer is not happy, we bring an attorney in on it."

Thompson said he knew of one IA that was challenged and settled, but would not comment on it.

Walters said some of the IAs she reviewed alarm her, especially a report about police offer anger toward another officer.

Walters also noted concern about IA on an officer for littering.

"What was this all about?" Walters said. "There is nothing better to do with the taxpayer's money?"

A witness statement in the IA states a business owner observed the officer "pull his hand from his pocket and drop what appeared to be lint or something. I do not think the other officer seen this happen."

The witness said he investigated and "found 3-4 pairs of shiny pairs of gold foil wrapper...I then called the station to report what I witnessed."

"I can see an IA for shooting or gross misconduct," Walters said. "But littering? I think that's a bit overzealous. Don't (they) have anything better to do with their time down there than this? I think that's overly aggressive management."

Another concern is an accident involving an officer on the way to an urgent call. Walters said it appears he was singled out for discipline in his IA because other officers with more severe accidents and more damage to patrol cars, who were not responding to calls, were not threatened with being fired.

Walters has asked for the arrest statistics on that officer to see if activity is down since that IA, her letter states.

What concerns her most, she said, are missing documents in an IA file on the city detective during the course of an investigation involving the public works department, specifically over a taped conversation with the former department head.

The IA states the detective violated department policy in taping a conversation without permission, yet acknowledges he did not violate the state law.

According to the file, the detective was asked to hand over a taped confession for confiscation. He said he feared the lieutenant would use it against him to incriminate him. There is also mention of the city prosecuting attorney telling city officials he would not file charges against the detective on the city's behalf.

According to Walters, several pieces are missing from that IA file, including a transcription of the tape, the detective's response, the attorney's letter to the chief and disciplinary action taken.

"There seems to be a fairly aggressive response to an officer doing his job," Walters said. "The detective clearly received information that was disturbing to him and went to the lieutenant."

"It all seems very odd to me," she said. "It casts doubt and speculation about what's the whole story here. There seems to be excessive discipline and fear of retaliation."

In the Dec. 16 interview, Johnson said he would not comment on any IAs on any officer.

"I am not going to analyze every decision on an IA on every officer," he said. "There's a privacy issue. It could be an embarrassment to them."

Johnson also said he thought he satisfied Walters' concerns in August and hadn't heard differently.

"I haven't talked to her a lot since then," he said. "I thought she understood and was satisfied with educating her about the depth of things and what we take into account in a final IA."

Johnson said he would not respond to "nameless, faceless accusers" that she "generalized" in her concerns to Holmes and him.

As for having an outside party investigate his department, Johnson said, "It angers me, but I welcome it."

Walters said she is also glad to hear about the pending third party investigation.

"If there is harassment, excessive discipline and retaliation going on down there, it's worth a look into for the officers," she said. "It deserves some attention."

SANGALLI NAMED REFLECTOR STAFFER OF YEAR

Karen Sangalli was honored as staff member of the year at The Reflector during the company's holiday party held Dec. 11 in Woodland.

Sangalli handles typesetting duties at The Reflector, preparing legal notices, letters to the editor, classified advertisements and other materials.

Sangalli also serves as Human Resources Representative at the Battle Ground-based newspaper.

Sangalli has been employed at The Reflector for 11 years, starting work shortly after moving to Brush Prairie from California in 1991. She and her husband, Bill, have two children, Brian, a resident of Vancouver, and Gina, who lives with her husband in London, England.

The staff member of the year is selected by vote of the staff.

"Our staff used excellent judgment in selecting Karen for this award," said Reflector publisher Marvin Case. "Karen is a model staff member. She has a superb work ethic, common sense, judgment and personality."

"Other staff members come to Karen with their personal triumphs and problems," added Case. "Every new mother and father in our office brings their babies and children to Karen for a warm reception."

Case said voting for staff member of the year is usually close. This year, 13 people received votes, said Case, but the outcome was not as close as usual. In fact, said Case, Sangalli received twice as many votes as anyone else.

Marvin and Anne Case do not vote and cannot be voted for.

Sangalli's name has been engraved on a permanent plaque which hangs in the newspaper office, and she received $200.

Outside of work, Sangalli enjoys wine tasting and visiting wineries in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. She and her husband have an inventory of about 50 bottles of wine, she said, including one type that she is storing for five years before it will be opened.

Sangalli said visiting wineries is an educational experience. She said she learns something new each trip such as how grapes are cultivated and how wine is stored.

While she has gained knowledge about wines from her regular visits, she doesn't claim to be an expert. "I know what I like and know what I don't," said Sangalli.

Sangalli also enjoys yard work, hiking and canoeing.

The staff member of the year award has been given 22 times to 27 people (there have been five ties). Past winners include Barbara Darrow who received the honor five times.

The annual Reflector holiday party was held at the Lewis River Golf Course in Woodland.

PICKLE LOVERS WIN PRIZES

Two photogenic children from Battle Ground are among the winners of the annual Steinfeld's Pickle Pucker Photo Contest.

Christopher Dunne, 15 months, son of Jacqueline Hurley of Battle Ground, won second place in the contest and will receive a one year supply of Steinfeld's pickles.

Finn Wray-Steigman, 2 1/2, daughter of Kourtney Wray-Steigman and Troy Steigman of Battle Ground, won third place and will receive a six month supply of Steinfeld's pickles.

The two photos were among 151 entries in the annual contest, judged on originality, simplicity, creativity and photo quality. The contest covers Oregon and southwest Washington.

Contest rules call for the submission of a photo of someone under age 12 eating a pickle straight from a Steinfeld jar. Photos were either color or black and white, no larger than 5x7.

"It wasn't easy for the panel of judges," said spokesperson Lisa Heathman. The contest was judged by Henry Ngan of Studio 3, and Dan Carter, photographer with the Daily Journal of Commerce in Portland.

First place went to Kate English of Portland who submitted a photo of her son Jake, 18 months.

Steinfeld's pickles are produced and marketed by Dean Specialty Foods Group, the country's largest producer and supplier of pickles, relish and peppers. The company also produces nutritional beverages, non-dairy creamers, cheese sauces, dips, puddings, instant breakfast drinks, syrups and sauces.

HOME OCCUPATION APPLICATIONS TRICKLE IN

As of Dec. 9, Clark County officials had received 22 applications for home occupation permits under a new ordinance adopted earlier this year.

The county began accepting applications in September.

County planner Gary Pierce said just six of the 22 applications are for existing businesses, while 16 are for new business activities.

Of the 22 applications, 11 are minor urban businesses, seven are minor rural, one is a major urban business and three are major rural businesses.

One major rural application has been approved, said Pierce, that being McCutcheon Metal Fabrication.

Only one application involves a private road. That business is an existing major rural activity operated by Fibernet Inc.

Major businesses require notices sent to all neighbors within 300 (urban) or 500 (rural) feet. The notices give neighbors an opportunity to comment on the impacts of the business. County staff will attempt to work out ways to mitigate those impacts.

The new county ordinance provides for "grandfathering" of existing businesses. Those businesses must still apply for permits and follow certain rules.

Existing businesses have until June 15, 2005 to apply for permits to qualify for the advantages of the "grandfathering" rules, said Pierce.

Businesses falling under the "minor" category can be processed as Type I applications if they gain written consent of their neighbors. Without such written agreement, minor businesses will be processed as major and be subject to the neighbor notice requirement.

Businesses seeking home occupation permits can apply at the Public Service Building, 1300 Franklin, Vancouver, and at the county's satellite office in Battle Ground at E Main St. and Clark Ave., Battle Ground.

Pierce can be reached at 397-2375, ext. 4286.

COWLITZ UTILITY ADOPTS BUDGET

The price of electricity in Cowlitz County will remain unchanged under terms of the 2005 operating budget adopted Dec. 14 by the commissioners of the Cowlitz Public Utility District.

The $180.6 million budget reflects a 3 percent decrease in the price of power implemented in October 2004. That decrease was made possible by a drop in the wholesale price of power from the federal Bonneville Power Administration.

Bonneville's 7.5 percent price cut will save the Cowlitz utility about $2.5 million in 2005. The utility obtains about 94 percent of its power from Bonneville.

Dave Andrew, spokesman for the utility, said no additional electric rate changes are expected in the new year.

The budget includes another $51 million for continued reconstruction of the Swift Plant No. 2, a hydroelectric project on the North Fork of the Lewis River that was damaged when earth gave way in April 2002.

Andrew said the total cost of rebuilding Swift No. 2 is about $113 million, including clean up, investigation, reconstruction and legal fees, and the cost of buying replacement power while Swift is out of service.

Andrew said insurance coverage has provided about $70 million of the loss, and the utility has borrowed the remaining $43 million. Lawsuits with two other insurance companies, slated for trial in May 2005, could result in the recovery of the borrowed amount, said Andrew.

The budget includes another $7.4 million for construction projects such as replacement of aging underground transmission facilities.

The construction budget includes $25,000 for replacement of a line regulator bank near Lake Merwin.

Water fees increase

The utility's $1.3 million water operations budget reflects 15 percent increases in the system development charge and connection fees.

Andrew said monthly water rate fees are not budgeted to increase in 2005, although a water rate study is to be completed by spring, along with a Comprehensive Water Plan.

The utility supplies water to about 3,600 customers in portions of Cowlitz County but not in the Woodland or Kalama areas.

Andrew can be reached at (360) 577-7502.

PASTOR SMEBACK LEAVES BRUSH PRAIRIE CHURCH

Steve Smeback, who has served 10 years as pastor at Bethel Lutheran Church in Brush Prairie, has left the church and resigned from the ministry, according to Bishop Robert Hofstad.

Hofstad heads the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American synod in Tacoma.

In a prepared statement, Hofstad said, "There have been allegations of inappropriate behavior with more than one woman associated with Bethel Lutheran Church. Steven Smeback chose to resign from the clergy roster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America when presented with these allegations."

The resignation occurred Nov. 2, according to Ed Brannfors, then-elected president of the Bethel congregation. Brannfors has since left the church, he said, because of disagreements over how the matter should be handled and a "poisonous atmosphere." He said Smeback is a "fallen man" whose career has been ruined.

Hofstad said he or an assistant met face-to-face with every woman who made an allegation against Smeback. While the claims remain unproven allegations, said Hofstad, "I believe the allegations to be true."

Faced with the possibility of an investigation, Smeback resigned, said Hofstad.

Hofstad declined to answer questions about the number of women who filed complaints against Smeback, or the nature of those complaints. He said none of the complainants was under the age of 18.

Hofstad also declined to answer questions about whether any of the alleged behaviors might be illegal.

Hofstad said the matter had not been reported to the sheriff's office. Brannfors later said he called the sheriff's Central Precinct and was told no action could be taken unless a victim filed a complaint.

Hofstad said responding to questions about the number of complainants, or whether allegations involved illegal actions, would be "inappropriate." He said he had consulted on the matter with church legal counsel in Chicago, IL.

Speaking in general and not about the Smeback case, Hofstad said he would contact authorities "in a heartbeat" if he had any indication of illegal activities.

Brannfors said the entire Bethel congregation met Nov. 7 to discuss the matter. The congregation decided to encourage Smeback to rescind his resignation which would facilitate medical treatment, said Brannfors.

At that meeting, Pastor Ron Hoyum, a representative of Bishop Hofstad's office, told the congregation that there had been "specific, written, multiple allegations of improper sexual contact with women."

"I feel that opening up and disclosure are usually healing," said Hoyum at the meeting. "(But) we're going to err on the side of caution to protect the ones who made the allegations."

Hofstad said he received a letter from Smeback seeking to rescind his resignation. That request was denied, said Hofstad.

Hofstad said church policy makes resignations effective immediately and resignations cannot be undone.

However, said Hofstad, Smeback could request reinstatement. In that case, a Candidacy Committee would consider the matter over a several month period. That process, said Hofstad, would include a review of the allegations.

As of Dec. 1, Smeback had not sought reinstatement, said Hofstad.

If reinstated, said Hofstad, Smeback could then seek a "Call" to serve a congregation. Hofstad said the church takes allegations of inappropriate behavior seriously.

"We take every allegation seriously and attempt to discern the truth," said Hofstad, adding that when accusations of misconduct involve anyone on the clergy roster, "we act immediately."

Hofstad said the church would not simply move a pastor tainted by allegations to another place. "Nothing is forgotten or glossed over," he said.

Brannfors said he attempted to gain support among the congregation for financial assistance for Smeback using voluntary, non-congregational funds. "I ran into a buzz saw," said Brannfors. "I walked away from the congregation."

Teen Center not involved

Gene Foster, a member of the church for 30 years and one of the principals behind the creation of the Rock Solid Teen Center located at the church, said no allegations involve the Teen Center or its staff.

Foster said all employees of the Teen Center are subject to background checks, and all are fingerprinted. "We are very careful of who works there," said Foster, 78.

Kari Otos, director of the Teen Center, said the Teen Center remains a safe haven for children.

"I want to assure the public that our pastor was supportive of the Teen Center, but not involved day-to-day or even with kids themselves, always with other children or adults around," said Otos.

Otos said the Teen Center is a safe place for teenagers. Background checks are conducted on volunteers, she said, and a child is never alone.

Lori Lindberg, marketing director at the Teen Center, said Smeback was not around the Teen Center.

Brannfors said Bethel Lutheran is a "vigorous" congregation, with three Sunday services.

Smeback did not return phone calls from The Reflector for comment.

MORE BALLOTS ADDED IN RECOUNT

Christine Gregoire, Democrat candidate for Washington governor, gained 28 votes, and her Republican opponent Dino Rossi picked up 30 votes as officials of Clark County elections completed a manual recount of the Nov. 2 race.

Clark County auditor Greg Kimsey said Dec. 15 that the increased counts were due to "hanging chads" that electronic counting machines failed to record in two previous tries.

Kimsey said state law provides that chads dislodged by two corners are considered valid votes. The chads were apparently still in place during machine counts and not recorded as votes, he said.

Kimsey said light pressure was applied to each ballot to determine if the chad had been punched. Those examining ballots, said Kimsey, used only their fingers and no tools or instruments to determine if chads were loose.

Kimsey said 15 counting boards examined each ballot and put the ballots into one of three piles--Gregoire, Rossi, Libertarian Ruth Bennett, blank, or over-votes (voted for two candidates for governor). The counting boards included a representative of both major political parties.

Once categorized, the votes were then counted manually.

Kimsey said those examining ballots represented both political parties. Over 100 ballots were subsequently sent to a canvassing board for final determination. All issues were resolved to the satisfaction of all parties involved, said Kimsey.

Kimsey said over 100 additional citizens observed the counting process during the three-plus days it took place. Those observers, said Kimsey, were given an orientation to the counting process and are now better educated about how the elections process works.

"We went far beyond the minimum in the law," said Kimsey, in allowing the public to observe the recounting process.

Cowlitz County

In Cowlitz County, both Gregoire and Rossi lost votes in the manual recount.

Gregoire lost three votes and Rossi lost two. Elections supervisor Libby Nieland said the reduced counts were due to blank ballots and over-vote ballots that machines had previously counted.

Voters in Cowlitz County cast votes on optical scan ballots by darkening ovals next to candidates' names.

One primary ballot made it through the general election process and was counted by machine. That ballot was removed during the manual recounting process, said Nieland.

In the machine recount in Cowlitz County, Gregoire lost 29 votes and Rossi lost 40 votes which Nieland attributed to ballots being counted more than once.

Nieland said older counting machines in use in Cowlitz County accept ballots on the right side and then return them to the right side just above the point of entry. This configuration, she said, allows for error by tired election workers who can re-insert previously counted ballots.

Nieland believes elections staff made this mistake twice during the initial counting process.

BENTON ATTENDS CONFAB WITH PRESIDENT

State Sen. Don Benton (R-Vancouver) was one of 37 state legislators from around the nation to attend a Dec. 13 meeting with Pres. George W. Bush in Washington, D.C.

Benton said he was invited to the day-long event because he had sponsored resolutions in the state legislature endorsing aspects of the president's national agenda.

Some of those resolutions were approved by the senate, he said, but none by both houses of the legislature.

During his trip to the nation's capital, Benton and other legislators heard from the president of the National Rifle Association, then entered a briefing room at the White House where Ruben Borrales, presidential assistant on intergovernmental affairs, spoke about the importance of local support for the president's agenda.

Others speaking to the group included policy advisor Keith Henneysey, national Republican party chair Ken Mehlman, and political advisor Karl Rove who introduced the president.

Benton said Pres. Bush listed his domestic priorities as Social Security reform, tax reform, medical liability reform and education.

Pres. Bush said he will work to "plant the U.S. flag in the ground for freedom" during the upcoming years.

Benton said the president believes peace is only possible through freedom.

Benton shook hands with the president as he has on other occasions, Benton said.

"It was a thrill to see him and shake hands," said Benton. "It is refreshing to see his sincerity. He has absolute sincere convictions on following through with what he said in the campaign. That's the thing that struck me more than anything else."

STUART LIKELY CHOICE FOR COMMISSIONER

Steve Stuart, former director of the Friends of Clark County, was selected Dec. 15 to replace Clark County commissioner Craig Pridemore who was elected last month to the state legislature.

Stuart was offered by the Democrat party, along with Jeanne Harris, a member of the Vancouver city council, and Ben Gassaway, former Clark County assessor.

Commissioners Betty Sue Morris and Judie Stanton selected Stuart, and plan to make his selection final Dec. 21, the day Pridemore's resignation goes into effect.

Stuart recently founded the wetlands conservancy organization Urban Reserve.

According to the state constitution, replacement candidates must be from the same district and same political party as the commissioner vacating the position.

"Commissioner Stanton and I agreed that Steve brings a solid understanding of the complexities of county government and an enthusiasm and intelligence to deal with them effectively," said Morris. "As is often the case, we were fortunate to have three strong candidates to consider for this appointment, and we greatly appreciate their interest in serving the citizens of Clark County."

To retain the position, Stuart must run for office in the next general election which is in November 2005.

BG PAINT COMPANY FINED BY ECOLOGY

Cascade Paint and Supply Inc. of Battle Ground has been fined $21,000 by the state Department of Ecology for discarding paint rinse water in a sewer line and for allowing paint to contaminate a storm water system.

Ecology spokesperson Sandy Howard said paint turned up at the Salmon Creek wastewater treatment plant in January 2004. Workers from Battle Ground Public Works and Hazel Dell Sewer District traced the paint to a sewer line near the Cascade plant at 1109 SE Grace Ave., Battle Ground.

"Sewer plants are designed to treat dirty water from our sinks and our bathrooms," said Kelly Susewind, a manager in Ecology's water quality program. "Paint should not be poured down the drain at all."

Susewind said sewer plants are not designed to separate paint from water.

The Salmon Creek wastewater treatment plant discharges into the Columbia River. Susewind said it is unknown how much, if any, paint got into the river.

Cascade Paint workers have confessed to dumping a 250-gallon container of paint rinse into the sewer line, said Howard.

Susewind said the firm normally recycles its paint waste back into its paint-making operations. Any residue that cannot be recycled is to be allowed to dry and then disposed of in an approved landfill.

Paul Harris, owner of Cascade Paint, said his staff made a mistake in January 2004 when the incident occurred. He said it is the first such error in 10 years of business.

When informed by phone Dec. 13 of the $21,000 fine, Harris said he responded, "You've gotta' be kidding."

"It was a mistake on our part," said Harris, "but $21,000?"

Harris said he planned to appeal the fine.

Ecology also cited the firm for allowing paint residue to wash into storm drains and for operating without a stormwater permit. The firm's stormwater goes into nearby roadside ditches.

Harris disputed the stormwater claim. He said crews had washed the exterior of 175-gallon plastic paint drums using water outside a building. He said Ecology did no testing of the stormwater system or ditches to prove contamination.

Howard said having the drums outside and exposed to rainfall where residue might reach a ditch is sufficient to substantiate the stormwater violation claim.

Along with the monetary penalty, Cascade was ordered to cease discharging paint and to apply for a stormwater permit. Harris said he will apply for a stormwater permit, and the practice of washing paint flakes from the exterior of drums has ended.

Harris said his company is sensitive to environmental protection. He said paint rinse water is not hazardous, but the January 2004 disposal in a sewer line was a mistake.

Cascade Paint and Supply manufactures water-based paints at the Battle Ground plant and operates a store in Vancouver. Harris said a retail store will be opened at the Battle Ground plant.

Cascade has 30 days to appeal the penalty to Ecology or to the Pollution Control Hearings Board.

Howard can be reached at (360) 407-6239.

MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE REPORTED IN BG

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

A child in Battle Ground was diagnosed Dec. 11 with Meningococcal disease, a serious bacterial infection known to cause death in up to 15 percent of its victims.

The child is a female kindergarten student at Chief Umtuch Primary School, according to Battle Ground School District representative Kelly Keister.

District officials contacted Clark County Health Department officials immediately, who sent letters to parents with children in the student's classroom, school and bus.

The girl is reportedly in stable but critical condition at Legacy Emanual Hospital in Portland.

County health officer Justin Denny said 10 children in close contact with the student have been treated with preventative antibiotics.

Five of those contacts were in school and five are family members. Treatment is not used for casual contacts.

A vaccine is also available, Denny said, but doesn't work against type B Meningococcal disease, which accounts for about 70 percent of the outbreaks in Clark County.

This is the third case of the disease in the area this year. Health Department records show five cases last year, 12 in 2002, 14 in 2001 and seven in 2000. The highest outbreak was 25 cases in 1994.

Denny described the disease as "serious," but said schoolmates in most circumstances are not at risk. The disease is spread by secretions of the nose and throat through direct exposure such as kissing or sharing eating utensils.

Reports show the disease has an 85-90 percent survival rate nationwide and a 92 percent survival rate in Clark County. Denny said most people have a full recovery, but 10-25 percent of people show lingering complications such as hearing, thinking and motor skill problems.

It is not known how the disease is contracted. Denny said 10 percent of people are known to carry the bacteria that causes the disease in their noses.

It is more likely to emerge in people who smoke, are exposed to second-hand smoke, and who get overly tired. Young children, college students and sports teams who spend a lot of time together are most at risk, said Denny.

Denny said the County has only seen isolated cases of the disease in years past, and two cases have never been reported at the same school.

Health officials advise parents to not be alarmed, but to watch their children for development signs of the disease over the next 30 days.

Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, chills, lack of energy, headache, stiff neck and vomiting, and frequently a pinpoint red rash that progresses to blotchy purple spots resembling a rug burn.

Anyone developing these symptoms is advised to contact a health care provider or the Health Department at 397-8182.

BOND COMMITTEE GIVES SPLIT RECOMMENDATION

Timeline of north county high school construction separates committee members

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Similar to a hung jury, 26 citizens tasked with creating a bond proposal for the Battle Ground School District could not arrive at a consensus before presenting their findings Dec. 14 to the district school board.

After eight meetings were held over the past several months, a majority of committee members--18--agreed on a list of prioritized projects. But two members, Russ Wadleigh and Lou Maurina, split from the pack and offered minority reports.

Other committee members were not present at the final meeting when the recommendation was crafted.

Wadleigh and Maurina recommend that construction of a high school in the Yacolt/Amboy area should be a higher priority on the upcoming bond proposal.

Area voters turned down a $55 million bond proposal last May. That proposal received 58 percent approval but needed 60 percent to pass.

Unlike the last bond recommendation, committee members offered board members a prioritized list of projects this time and not a package recommendation.

Board members tinkered with the committee's proposal last time, which led to the creation of the new system, said committee members.

Ranked in order of highest to lowest priority, 19 projects were on the list, ranging from new school construction to the addition of a practice stage at Battle Ground High School.

Items made the list after committee members identified and defined community interests and stakeholders, said communications consultant Kelly Keister, who facilitated bond committee meetings.

Of highest priority on the majority report are construction of two new K-8 school campuses.

One campus would be on the Cresap Property located at NW 20th Ave. and 239th St., and one campus would be closer to Salmon Creek on one of three possible sites.

Each K-8 campus would cost about $12.9 million and feature two schools: one for grades K-4 and one for grades 5-8, with separate buildings, play areas and administration.

Also of high priority is replacing the lower building at Amboy Middle School, originally built in 1947. The project would cost about $9.7 million and include a new cafeteria/commons area.

The north county question

Wadleigh and Maurina believe the majority of residents in Amboy and Yacolt want a high school built in the northern area of the District by 2006 and not 2012, which the last proposal contained.

Maurina and Wadleigh say the new north county high school can't wait, and that voters won't pass a bond proposal without the school.

In an on-line survey offered by the District this fall, seven out of 36 responses show support for immediate construction of a north county high school, and several others mention a need for shorter bus rides and general expansion efforts in the north end of the District.

The District has about 29,000 eligible voters.

Wadleigh also created a petition that he placed at three businesses in Amboy. He collected 290 signatures advocating building the high school right away.

The majority of committee members say building a north county high school makes sense--and will happen--but the plan needs to wait until the full amount of money contributed by the state is available, which would be closer to 2012.

"The question of a north county high school is not `if,' it's `where' and `when,'" said committee member Stephen Brown, who supports a later construction date.

Ranked sixth on the prioritized list is the purchase of land and permit work for a new north county high school and future school sites for $3 million.

An option to purchase land only for a new north county high school for $2 million came in 11th, an the option to build the high school by 2006 was ranked 16th with an estimated cost of $28.5 million.

Other options being considered

Also on the committee's list is a recommendation to hold a bond election in March, as opposed to February which was previously considered.

Proponents of the later date say more time is needed to communicate details of the plan to the public.

Fifth on the priority list was construction of an addition at Laurin Middle School for about $1.8 million.

This suggestion was different from the last bond proposal which called for replacing the 40-year-old school for about $12.8 million. The option to replace the school fell to 17th place on the current list.

District-wide heating and cooling system upgrades and replacements for $3.1 million ranked seventh on the list.

Demolishing and replacing Lewisville Middle School with a new building on the same site came in eighth for about $18.5 million, while an option of building another school on the Lewisville site and converting the existing structure for other District uses for about $18.5 million came in 15th.

Various technology upgrades were for about $2.6 million ranked ninth, while modifications to Prairie High School's auditorium, track and roofs came in 10th for $2.9 million.

A new idea suggested by District facilities director Kevin Jolma ranked 11th. Jolma suggested converting the Battle Ground High School cafeteria to a stage for about $896,000. The idea dropped a previously-suggested proposal to 19th place of adding a practice stage to the high school for $1.5 million.

Improvements to District stadium, including replacing the field and adding capacity, was proposed for $2 million.

Associate superintendent Lynn Hicks said costs for the new recommendation reflect a 7 percent increase since the last bond proposal.

Later this month, board members are expected to create a package proposal to present to voters.

CURTIS FORMS TASK FORCE ON TRIBAL PLANS

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Newly-elected state representative Richard Curtis (R-18th District) has announced formation of a task force to address Cowlitz Indian plans for at casino at I-5 and NW 319th St., La Center.

Curtis, also a La Center city council member, said Cowlitz Indian tribal members have applied to the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs for "initial reservation" status on 154 acres west of the junction. The land was purchased by a tribal leader a few years ago.

"Initial reservation" status on the land would pave the way for casino development regardless of detriments to a neighboring community, said Curtis.

The designation "would wreak economic havoc throughout the area," said Curtis.

Initial reservation status and subsequent developments of a casino, hotel, restaurant and other retail outlets would have a ripple effect through the entire region, he said.

Financial impacts to Vancouver taxpayers committed to pay for a hotel and convention center would be severe, said Curtis.

Curtis plans to invite leaders at each level of county and municipal government to join a regional task force to address Cowlitz tribal development plans during formative stages of development.

"I've already found a good deal of interest in the concept," said Curtis.

Curtis hopes a first meeting of the task force can be scheduled in December.

Recently elected to represent the 18th District, Curtis intends to keep his post as a member of the La Center City Council while serving in the state legislature. He can be reached at 263-6952, or e-mail at Rep-Curtis@gmail.com.

YACOLT LOGGER SURVIVES IMPALEMENT

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Yacolt logger Dustin Tomasini, impaled through the midsection by a 14-inch branch in a Dec. 2 logging accident, is mending at Harbor View Medical Center in Seattle.

A tree faller, the 1999 Battle Ground High School graduate was working in Rose Valley east of Kalama when struck by a falling and bounding 8-foot fir snag.

The snag, about 8-inches in diameter, had knots and broken limbs projecting from it.

A limb about 14-inches long and 3-inches in diameter completely penetrated Dustin's body just above his left hip.

"I knew I was hit because my stomach hurt, said Tomasini. "I stayed down and blew my whistle for help."

Tomasini was packed from the woods on a stretcher and taken by ambulance to a helicopter clearing. A life flight chopper took him to the Medical Center.

"The initial diagnosis was not good," said Dustin's dad, Mike Tomasini.

It took surgeons six hours to remove the branch, splinters and debris from the young man's stomach.

Now able to sit up as he mends, Dustin hopes to be home with his wife, Jessica, for Christmas.

"He's our miracle," said Jessica.

Cards may be sent to: patient Dustin Tomasini, Harbor View Medical Center, 325 9th Ave., Seattle 98104.

SHERIFF RESHUFFLES ADMINISTRATION

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Clark County Sheriff Garry Lucas announced changes in Sheriff's Office administration personnel that take effect in January 2005.

The moves anticipate undersheriff Jane Johnson's retirement in 2006, said Lucas.

Joe Dunegan, currently Chief Jail Deputy, will replace Johnson at the undersheriff post. Dunegan is a 27-year Sheriff's Office veteran who worked up through custody positions to become Chief Jail Deputy.

Dunegan, a Vancouver native, said he was inspired to enter law enforcement because an uncle was a Clark County deputy.

In 1976, after passing all his exams to be a deputy, Dunegan, who is nearsighted, failed the eye test. Dunegan said the undersheriff who administered the tests suggested that he try for a jail position, and he did.

Dunegan was hired as a jail deputy in July 1977.

Deputy jail chief Jackie Batties will replace Dunegan in the top jail spot. A Vancouver resident, Batties is a 24-year veteran with the Sheriff's Office.

Johnson, a Brush Prairie resident with more than 30 years of service with the Sheriff's Office, said she and her husband, a retired Vancouver police sergeant, plan to travel when she retires.

Meanwhile, Johnson will help Dunegan as he transitions to the undersheriff position and complete law and justice projects.

Lucas said he was pleased that he had to look no further than among current staff for people who could take on new, high-level responsibilities.

C-TRAN DELAYS CUTS UNTIL SEPT. `05

Service reductions will slash services, 164 jobs

Bill Myers, staff reporter

The C-TRAN board of directors voted unanimously Dec. 14 to stall cuts in area bus services until September 25, 2005.

Some board members and citizens at the meeting expressed hope that voters who scorned a November funding measure might come to the rescue before cuts are made.

The board action put service cuts planned for January 2005 on hold for nine months.

Board members adopted a service reduction plan that will slash 46 percent of bus/van services and eliminate 164 C-TRAN staff positions.

C-TRAN officials say the cuts are required because voters recently spurned an increase in C-TRAN's sales and use tax. Cuts are needed to balance the budget by January 2006, officials said.

At meetings preceding the November election, C-TRAN executive director Lynne Griffith had warned of cuts if voters rejected a ballot measure to add three-tenths of one percent (3 cents on $10) to sales taxes.

The proposed tax hike would have lifted C-TRAN revenues by about $13 million annually.

Implications of non-passage by voters were also spelled out in Ballot Measure Fact Pieces. These became promises of cuts that legally must be kept unless voter sentiments shift.

Voters rejected the November plea with a 54 percent "no" vote.

Phased plan scrapped

After urgings from several citizens at a Nov. 16 public hearing, C-TRAN officials scrapped a version of the service reduction plan that would have phased in reductions starting in January 2005. Instead, all cuts become effective in September 2005.

At the November meeting, state representative Deb Wallace (D-Vancouver) said C-TRAN should use its $60 million in reserves to forestall cuts.

C-TRAN officials say reserves are committed to important capital projects needed to support the reduced service plan, and for working capital, bus replacements and self-insurance costs of about $17 million.

Comments by some board members signaled support for another try with voters before cuts become effective.

"This election cycle was unusual, and we have nine months to give it a second chance," said board member Bill Ganley.

Board member Jim Irish said ballot issues for funding have tougher sledding in presidential elections.

Such elections are long and drawn out, and people don't have time to study local funding issues, said Irish.

"There is a growing awareness by the public of the need for C-TRAN services," said board member Judie Stanton.

No decisions were made about a second ballot effort.

Services will continue until September 25

The board decision will continue current service levels until Sept. 25.

Current services include single-seat commuter service to downtown Portland, local service seven days a week, a Connector Service in Camas, and fixed route and paratransit service.

In coming weeks and months, C-TRAN officials will begin to solicit public input on fare increases, restructure C-TRAN from five departments to three, freeze all management pay increases for 2005, and develop new service and taxing boundaries.

New service and taxing boundaries could eliminate all service and C-TRAN taxes outside of the Vancouver Urban Growth Boundary.

Other service cuts would:

** Terminate commuter service to downtown Portland, with reduced service offered to closest MAX rail stations.

** Eliminate weekend services for fixed route and paratransit services.

** Eliminate service after 8 p.m.

** Eliminate all service east of NE 164th Ave.

** Eliminate all special events service.

** Eliminate vanpool programs.

Routes on chopping block

The service reduction plan puts several "under-utilized" routes on the chopping block, including 7, 39, 72, 76, 78, 92, 105, 114, 157, 164, 173, 177 and 190.

Frequencies would be reduced on certain other routes.

More information is on C-TRAN's web site: www.c-tran.com

The C-TRAN passenger service information telephone number is 695-0123.

GANLEY WILL HEAD C-TRAN BOARD

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Battle Ground city council member Bill Ganley was elected chair of the C-TRAN board of directors at a Dec. 14 C-TRAN board meeting.

Ganley, a Battle Ground High School teacher, has served 10 years as a council member and was was mayor of Battle Ground 1998-2001. Ganley will succeed current C-TRAN chair Jeanne Harris in January.

Clark County commissioner Betty Sue Morris was elected vice chairperson.

AMPHITHEATER ANNOUNCES CHARITABLE FUND

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

A new charitable fund focusing on music education and appreciation is now available through The Amphitheater at Clark County.

Called The Amphitheater Fund for Music Appreciation, the grant will help pay for area music education programs that target youths. Clark County schools and other non-profit organizations in southwest Washington are welcome to apply.

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, an agency established in 1984 to aid philanthropic causes, will collect, administer and distribute the grant.

Advisory grant committee members include area residents and business community members Pat Sheaffer, Roy Garrison, Randy Printz, Chris Crowley, Nancy Hales, Paul Christensen, Ginger Metcalf, Linda Hickey and Jill Callies.

Amphitheater officials will donate 50 cents for every ticket sold to fund the grant. Donations to the fund will also be accepted.

The Foundation has received some $68,000 already. About $500,000 is expected to be raised over the next 10 years, said Dan Braun, representative of Quincunx of Washington, Amphitheater operator.

Braun said no guidelines have been established regarding how many grants and how much money will be given each year. Advisory members will examine each application and make decisions.

BG COUPLE TIES THE KNOT--TWICE

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

They fell in love more than 50 years ago when they were high school students in Sandy, OR.

Carol Skeslien was only 16 when she and Robert Pleiss were married in September 1952. At 20, he was barely more than a teenager himself.

They settled in the Gresham area where he was a milkman. They started a family and she stayed home to care for the children. During the next 12 years they had four children: Linda, Russ, Barbara and Randy.

But something went wrong. "We were too young," they say now. The week after son Russ turned 9, divorce papers were signed. Randy was about 3 years old.

Russ and Barbara said they don't remember much about those days.

Carol married again, becoming Carol Witter, and moved to Clarkston. Daughter Linda joined her mother and stepfather about a year later. Although Carol kept in touch with her other children, she rarely saw them.

Robert, too, remarried, and he and his second wife raised Barbara, Russ and Randy in the Gresham area where the children attended school. Robert eventually moved to Molalla, OR.

Years went by. The children grew up and all but Randy married. The four settled in Clark County and Oregon City, OR.

Carol's husband died in May 2003 in Clarkston after 33 years of marriage. She decided to do what she'd been thinking about for several years. She moved to Battle Ground to be near her children and their families.

Robert's wife died last June after 39 years of marriage.

Carol called Robert several weeks after his wife died to offer her condolences, "but I didn't talk to him," she said.

In August, Robert visited his son Russ and wife Annette at their Battle Ground home.

"He came to our home and asked if we'd take him to Carol's house," Annette said. "He wanted the family to get back together."

Russ and Annette took Robert to Carol's house and the younger couple attended a wedding while the older couple visited.

"They were still talking when we got back," Annette said. "They've been inseparable since."

"I was surprised to see him," Carol said. "We had so much to talk about. It was pretty interesting."

The family gathered at Carol's house the weekend before Thanksgiving for a celebration and a family portrait--the first portrait in more than 40 years.

Carol and Robert became engaged--again--on Dec. 7, and they have set their wedding for Jan. 8 at the Battle Ground home they now share.

"The kids are ecstatic," Carol said. "It's just like old times."

Carol is busy getting to know her four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Daughter Barbara said the Battle Ground home has become "like Grand Central Station. Everybody's always going over there."

The family plans to spend Christmas together on Dec. 26.

Russ said he's happy that his parents have reunited.

"It's really pretty good," he said. "I think it's the best thing."

"They're like teenagers again," daughter Barbara said. "We're all really happy for them. Since our parents have been together, we see a lot more of each other. There's a lot of laughter."

Annette said everybody is happy.

"All four [children] have big smiles on their faces," she said.

As for Robert and Carol's future?

"We're both healthy," Carol said. "We want to travel and enjoy each other."