APPLIANCE REPAIR BILL AWAITS SIGNATURE BY GOVERNOR
A bill that would authorize Clark Public Utilities to continue its appliance repair work passed the state senate last month but has not yet been brought to a vote in the state House of Representatives.
If approved and signed by the governor, the bill would render unnecessary a pending decision by the state Supreme Court on the legality of the appliance repair activity in which the utility has been engaged for about 60 years.
Clark is the only public utility in the state that repairs and replaces appliances.
Auditors from the state Department of Labor and Industries are in the midst of an investigation at Clark Public Utilities, examining the credentials of utility employees who perform appliance repair work.
Utility spokesman Mick Shutt said the utility has continued to repair appliances despite court decisions against it because county residents appreciate the service.
But not everyone is pleased with the utility's appliance program or the legislature's pending action to legalize it.
Owners of some private companies that perform appliance repair work testified before legislative committees last month urging that the bill not pass.
Some people believe the utility should not compete with private industry in appliance repair. Others say utility crews are not properly licensed to perform the work, and that the utility fails to obtain required permits when installing new appliances.
Shutt conceded last week that permits have not always been obtain when appliances were installed.
Nate Kysar of Nate's Plumbing said several of the utility's appliance repair crew members are not properly licensed.
Kysar said some are licensed as trainees, some have a maintenance license, and only one--Dave Spencer--is a licensed plumber. None are licensed electricians, he said.
Bruce Springer, plumbing auditor with the state Department of Labor and Industries in Olympia, said certified plumbers, certified electricians, and supervised trainees can install water heaters.
Shutt said the utility's crew members have the licenses as explained by a local representative of Labor and Industries.
Earl Gooch, owner of Express Water Heater, offered an example of a Camas home in which, he said, an improperly licensed utility crew member installed a water heater last month.
In that case, said Gooch, the utility also failed to obtain a required permit for the new installation.
Ron Langley of Labor and Industries in Olympia, affirmed Gooch's claim.
Langley said the utility worker who did the Camas job has an "07D" electrical license and can work only on the electrical portion of the tank.
Langley said only a journeyman plumber or residential plumber, or a journeyman electrician or a residential electrician can install water heaters.
Langley confirmed that a Labor and Industries investigation is presently underway at Clark Public Utilities. The work could take a month, he said, as about 850 jobs that took place in January and February area examined.
Shutt did not respond to the questions about the specific license and qualifications of the worker on the Camas job. He repeated statements that the utility had followed the advice of a local representative of Labor and Industries as to the licenses needed by appliance repair workers.
Shutt confirmed that the utility had not obtained a permit for the Camas work.
"Guilty as charged," said Shutt.
In fact, said Shutt, the utility failed to obtain 63 permits for 89 water heater jobs last year.
Shutt said the utility's practice is to obtain permits after the work is done--when permits are obtained at all.
Gooch said the law requires permits to be obtained before work is done, not after.
Kysar said private companies must follow the law as regards licenses and permits, but Clark Public Utilities does not.
"We have to adhere to the code," said Kysar. "The only person that they (Clark Public Utilities) have who adheres to the code is Dave Spencer."
Shutt said the utility provided 450 water heaters last year under its Guaranteed Hot Water Program. Of those, the utility installed 89, and left 361 for homeowners to install themselves.
Shutt said some homeowners want to install their own water heaters, while others don't find the utility's weekday work schedule to be convenient. In other cases, said Shutt, modifications are needed before a new water heater can be installed.
Repairing and replacing water heaters is one aspect of the utility's appliance repair program. For other work, such as repairing heating systems, the utility charges by the hour.
Gooch also stated that the utility does not call for inspections of their work as required by building rules and permits.
Shutt said he had a hot water heater installed at his home last year by utility crews and was subsequently contacted for inspection.
Inspections should be automatic, said Shutt, because the utility gets permits after the work is complete.
Unfair competition
Kysar and Gooch contended that the utility program is unfair competition with private enterprise.
Kysar contends that the utility cannot operate a water heater repair program at $2.40 per month without subsidy from other utility customers.
Shutt said the water heater program makes a profit for the agency and the month fee accumulates into a growing fund.Kysar stated that apartment owners wait until their hot water heaters are eight years old, then sign up for the Guaranteed Hot Water program. Hot water heaters, said Kysar, have an expected life of 10 years.
Gooch argued that work done by private contractors results in tax revenue to the state.
Gooch said private contractor charge and remit sales tax for both parts and labor. He alleged that Clark Public Utilities does not follow this practice.
Shutt said the utility collects sales tax as it does appliance work and remits that money to the state. That includes the hot water program fund, he said.
Partisan vote
The bill to allow Clark Public Utilities to continue to repair and replace appliances passed the state senate on March 4 by a 26-22 margin, with only one Republican voting in favor and no Democrats opposed.
MIELKE TO RUN AGAINST STUART
Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter
Tom Mielke, 63, announced April 12 he will run against Clark County commissioner Steve Stuart in the general election this fall.
Mielke, a Republican and former state representative from the 18th District, moved from Battle Ground to Vancouver April 9 to be eligible to run in the third district.
Stuart gained his seat last December after being selected by Betty Sue Morris and Judie Stanton, both Democrats and commissioners at the time of the appointment. The seat was made available after former commissioner Craig Pridemore was elected to the state legislature.
This is not Mielke's first attempt to switch from state to county politics. Last November he was narrowly defeated in a bid to unseat Morris in district 1. Morris received 50.63 percent of the votes versus Mielke's 49.37 percent.
If elected, Mielke said his focus would be on transportation, government accountability, balancing land use issues, and improving public safety.
COMMISSIONERS TO STUDY URBAN BOUNDARIES
The Clark County commissioners will begin a series of meetings Tues., April 19, that could lead to an expansion of urban growth boundaries.
Commissioner Betty Sue Morris said the commissioners will review elements of the comprehensive growth plan adopted last year, the pace and character of recent development, and the amount of land available for homes and businesses.
During the review process, the commissioners could adjust the supply of buildable land, said Morris.
Morris voted against adoption of the plan update last year. Current county commissioners Steve Stuart and Marc Boldt were not in office at that time.
Aspects of the growth plan update adopted in September 2004 have been appealed to the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board to determine whether changes are needed to comply with state law.
"The commissioners have concluded that some aspects of the appeals may have some merit," said county attorney Rich Lowry. "We expect that the upcoming review will serve to strengthen the plan. Meanwhile, the appeal process will continue under the direction of the Hearings Board."
The first study session will take place Tues., April 19, 2 p.m., on the sixth floor, Clark County Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver, with the focus on planning assumptions. Subsequent sessions on April 26 and May 3 will focus on roads and capital facilities, with additional sessions when data is available from plan monitoring studies now underway.
The study sessions will be open to the public. Opportunities for public participation will be announced later. Information, 397-2232.
RIDGEFIELD PREVAILS IN ROAD DISPUTEBill Myers, staff reporter
A hearings examiner ruled April 6 that a Ridgefield developer must re-surface, not patch, city roadways excavated for sewer lines.
The decision by J. Richard Forester followed an April 5 hearing and denied an appeal by Taverner Ridge developer Paul DeBoni to overrule a stop work order issued by the city on Feb. 9.
The stop work order interrupted Taverner Ridge efforts to complete linear trench patching over a new six-inch sewer line.
The line extends from Taverner Ridge along Hillhurst Rd. to the wastewater treatment plant on Division St.
At the hearing, city officials contended their agreement with DeBoni required complete restoration of half-widths of roadways over newly-installed sewer lines.
DeBoni and his attorney LeAnne Bremer contended that patching would suffice.
Patching has been done throughout the city, even on city projects, said DeBoni. He said a decision to force him to resurface roads is unfair, and contrary to the city's own rules, code and standards.
DeBoni said patching from Taverner Ridge was done under supervision of a city inspector.
Bremer argued that two sheets of design plans cited by the city as evidence of an agreement to re-surface streets were only illustrations used during negotiations with city officials.
Bremer said city officials initially offered credits to the developer for half-street paving, but no agreement was reached.
City public works director Justin Clary said safety concerns prompted the stop work order. Trench patches will sag under vehicle traffic, especially where patch joints are under wheel paths and/or exposed to water seepage, he said.
Michael Johnson, engineering consultant for the city, said city code gives the public works director authority to issue stop work orders in the interest of public safety.
Problems with a patch can occur within a week if a sealer wears off, said Johnson.
City officials have contended that taxpayers, not a developer, could be on the hook for future repairs.
Forester repeatedly asked why city officials resorted to a stop work order instead of calling for performance from the developer's bond.
City community development director Kevin Snyder said Clary made a decision that a safety issue required immediate action. Calling in a bond can take 30 to 60 days, said Snyder.
In denying the Taverner Ridge appeal, Forester cited a July 10, 2004 letter from Johnson to Taverner project manager Will Mott. In the letter, Johnson expressed concern that roads would be left in a substandard condition if patched.
Forester also referenced an engineering design approved by Clary on Aug. 18, 2004, that specified replacement of existing asphalt concrete from center line of the road to the edge.
Forester's ruling said the stop work order may be removed if DeBoni agrees in writing to conduct pavement restoration to impacted portions of S Hillhurst Rd. and complete restoration work per drawings approved Aug. 18.
The ruling requires that
remaining Taverner Ridge off-site sewer main projects be constructed in accordance with approved design drawings, and that DeBoni post a two-year maintenance bond to cover potential design or construction deficiencies.
Bremer said she and Taverner Ridge team members were surprised by Forester's decision.
"Based on his questions [about why the stop work order was issued], we thought our appeal would be granted," she said. Bremer's clients may appeal the decision.
"It's sort of bittersweet," said Clary about the decision. City officials want to work with developers and would rather avoid conflicts, he said. "I hope we can put this behind us and work together," he added.
A hearing examiner's ruling may be appealed to Clark County Superior Court within 21 days of a decision.
CITY UNHAPPY WITH REPORTING ON ALLEGATIONS
"Illegal" transcript accidentally released
Heidi Wallenborn, news director
Battle Ground mayor John Idsinga unleashed his temper during an April 4 city council meeting.
During an administrative report, city manager Eric Holmes told council members that a March 30 article in The Reflector "cast a shadow" on city operations that was "unnecessary."
The article regarded allegations of an illegal hazardous waste dump site at the the city's operations center at 1308 SE Grace Ave., and suggestions of drinking water test falsification.
"I think [issues] are more complex than what was shared in the newspaper article," said Holmes, adding that it was not complete and raised more questions than it answered. "On Tuesday mornings after [Monday evening] council meetings, I will call The Reflector and brief them" about items discussed or missed.
"Excuse me, you're going to what?" shouted Idsinga. He said he didn't want Holmes wasting valuable time, and that the reporter should attend all meetings and stay the entire length rather than rely on the city manager for briefings.
Holmes alluded that the plan was his idea, and believes it is important for good communication.
Officials believe the questions raised by this newspaper were resolved last spring when environmental agencies visited the site and ordered compliance in several areas, including improper disposal of hazardous waste.
The article in question
The Reflector has attempted since December 2004 to gain access to a taped conversation that took place in December 2003 between Det. Mike Molzahn and former public works director Paul Haines.
City officials have refused, stating the tape was illegally taped because Haines did not know he was being recorded.
The tape was confiscated by Lt. Roy Butler and transcribed in December 2003. Butler and Johnson then sought to have Molzahn charged with a crime.
City attorney Chris Sundstrom refused to prosecute, saying Molzahn did not break state law.
Confidential memos dated December 2003-March 2004 outline the detective's concern to Johnson, based on what Haines told him--that there may be 55-gallon drums of oil and asbestos buried near a high water table and a natural waterway.
An allegation about an employee falsifying drinking water records is believed to be untrue after an in-house investigation was done, said current public works director Sam Adams.
The Reflector informed Holmes, Adams, and deputy city manager Dennis Osborn in an April 1 meeting that court papers would be filed to obtain copies of the tape.
But on April 6, city officials "inadvertently" released a copy of the transcript of the tape to another newspaper, and subsequently to The Reflector.
The Reflector asked Holmes for an affidavit that the transcript is full and complete, and that the tape still exists. Such affidavit is pending.
Paul Haines, who was director 1997-2002, now public works head for the city of Shoreline, could not be reached for comment.
The transcriptionist declined to comment on whether the transcipt is complete.
"Tons and tons of dirt"
Adams told The Reflector he believed Molzahn's memo reflecting Haines' concern referred to one piece of pipe that was discovered a few years ago and a few oil drums that were crushed and removed.
Notes from Adam's conversation with Haines state some pipe was found in the yard.
The supervisor buried it, Haines said, and was made to dig it up and dispose of it properly. Adams also said Haines told him there was no wholesale burial of items in the yard.
However, the transcript reports Haines telling Molzahn he knew about allegations of "improper disposal of some asbestos pipe and some leaking 55 gallon drums of some kind of petroleum product and that the technique for fixing it was they just buried it."
Haines said he told staff at the time and did an investigation to "see if there was some way to resolve it, fix it, find it...it wasn't seemingly successful to figure out how to... deal with it because we had been land filling tons and tons of dirt back in the op center."
Ecology's Environmental Crimes Unit investigates
Immediately after the article appeared, Holmes directed Adams to arrange for a Level I environmental assessment of the operations center.
GeoDesign will do a walk-through, check old records, dig areas where petroleum or asbestos may be buried, and use a "petroleum sniffer" to cover the whole site, Adams said. The cost may be about $3,500 without digging.
Chief criminal investigator Gerd Hattwig with the Environmental Crimes Unit of the state Department of Ecology contacted Holmes on April 1.
In a letter sent that day to Hattwig, Holmes thanked the investigator for his contact regarding alleged improper disposal of hazardous waste materials at the operations site.
Holmes arranged for full copies of all files and related matters that "may have relevance to your investigation" to be sent to Hattwig.
Holmes said city staff is eager to work with Hattwig to complete the investigation and correct any problems found.
"The City wants to be open-door, open book in working with you," Holmes wrote. "Our primary concern is to operate in a way that is accountable to our citizens and observes best practices, and we seek your assistance to do so."
Idsinga maintains the allegations are unsubstantiated.
During the council meeting, he said, "The Reflector is not my favorite paper right now," and said "When a front page above the fold" retraction of the story is printed, "I don't want it buried somewhere where no one will see it."
POLICE BRAWL, GET KNEED IN FOUR INCIDENTS
Heidi Wallenborn, news director
State Patrol trooper Garvin March said he is at a loss as to why troopers fielded a spate of physical attacks March 31 and April 7 in Clark County.
On March 31, about 7:20 p.m., citizens called in reports that someone was driving erratically on I-205, and that they were following her. Troopers caught up with Tania Mara Vargas Webb, 48, Vancouver, at a gas station at NE 134th St.
Trooper Dave Ortner transported Webb to the state Patrol office in Orchards for a blood alcohol content test.
March said Webb decided not to cooperate, attempted to leave the building and struggled with Ortner to the point that he radioed for help. Three troopers at the office helped subdue and handcuff Webb, a report said.
When trooper Greg Riddell tried to calm Webb down, she reportedly kneed him in the groin. As she fought again, the officers used a rope restraint called a total limb control device.
Webb suffered a cut eyebrow and was taken to Southwest Washington Medical Center for treatment, then booked at the jail on charges of DUI, obstructing a police officer and third degree assault on an officer.
At about 10:45 p.m., officers were called to a non-injury hit and run on SR-503 north of SR-500 in Orchards. A license plate was knocked off the offending vehicle and left in the road. A records check led officers to a nearby apartment complex, where the troopers reportedly found the suspect vehicle in the parking lot.
Several people were outside and directed the troopers to the apartment they were looking for. One resident, Lynne Bartlow, 25, reportedly insisted troopers tell her why they were there. She was asked to return to her apartment, the report said.
The registered owner of the vehicle reportedly said her boyfriend, Jason D. Winans, 22, Vancouver, was the driver. Winans reportedly became angry that his girlfriend was speaking to trooper Jerry Partin and approached the officer aggressively. He did not stop when ordered to by troopers Gabe Olson and Greg Riddle, the report said, so he was handcuffed.
Meanwhile, Bartlow reportedly came up the stairs and became loud and abusive with Riddell and Olson. She was upset they were speaking with the car owner and not letting Winans get near the officer, the report said.
When Bartlow reportedly refused to go back downstairs and stay out of the situation, Olson used an arm restraint to escort her. She remained outside her apartment, allegedly yelling verbal abuse.
Winans reportedly confessed he was responsible for the hit and run, and refused to perform sobriety tests, saying "Just arrest me," the report said. Partin did, charging him with DUI and hit and run of an occupied vehicle.
As Partin escorted Winans to the patrol car, Bartlow reportedly appeared again on the stairway. Another resident, Joseph Partridge, 26, allegedly was upset that Winans was arrested and that Riddell was confronting Bartlow again.
Riddell arrested Bartlow for obstructing, and as he tried to handcuff her, Partridge reportedly made a verbal threat and tried to charge past Olson to get at Riddell.
Partridge allegedly kicked and punched Olson. The two went to the ground on the second floor, landing of the stairway. Olson sprayed the man with pepper spray and got some on himself, said the report.
Partridge reportedly broke free and charged down the stairs toward Riddell, who had cuffed Bartlow to the stair rail when he saw his partner struggling.
Partridge, Riddell and a recovering Olson grappled, the report said, going to the ground where Partridge was finally restrained.
Partridge was also booked for obstructing a police officer after he and Olson were treated for pepper spray exposure and minor lacerations. Troopers said both adults were intoxicated.
Capping off the night shift at about 1:30 a.m., all four troopers were called to a multi-agency request for help at a "huge brawl" at Hot Shots Bar and Grill in Orchards.
And finally, on April 7 about 2:30 a.m., trooper Ortner was called to investigate a one-car collision in the median of I-5 near the Pioneer St. exit in Ridgefield.
The trooper and Clark County Sheriff deputy Ryan Taylor found the owner of the abandoned 2004 Subaru station wagon and her boyfriend at a nearby gas station store where they had walked, the report said.
Renee L. Brinkmeyer, 32, Woodland, reportedly failed sobriety tests and was told she was under arrest for DUI.
Brinkmeyer reportedly spewed foul language at Ortner, said she would not cooperate, and tried to walk away.
When Ornter tried to handcuff Brinkmeyer, she reportedly resisted. When deputy Taylor stepped in to help and took her other arm, Brinkmeyer reportedly kneed him in the groin.
As a result, Brinkmeyer was taken to the ground, handcuffed and finally put into a rope restraint when she continued to kick and fight the officers.
Brinkmeyer was booked into jail on charges of DUI, resisting arrest and third degree assault on a police officer.
Brinkmeyer was not injured, and refused to take a blood alcohol content test at the jail, the report said.
MARCH ENDS WITH HEAVY RAINS
Total rainfall in March exceeded averages at most locations throughout the area, ending months of below average rainfall extending back into 2004.
Rain fell heavily on Easter weekend, March 26-27.
On Kelly Hill in Yacolt, Phil Akely measured 3.11 inches of rain on Easter Sunday, on top of 2.71 inches on March 26.
Ken McGowen reported a dry first half of the month of March, followed by 16 days of measurable rainfall to end the month.
Jean Cardin measured 2.8 inches on March 26 at Dollars Corner, the same day that Greg Cawley measured 2.4 inches in Brush Prairie.
Also in Brush Prairie, Mark Watrin recorded an average high temperature of 50 degrees in March, well above his 44 degree average.
In Ariel, Jerry Olson recorded 57.4 inches of rain from October 2004 to March 2005, which is below his average of 86.08 for the period.
For the first three months of 2005, Olson measured 26.79 inches, which is below his 41.78 inch average but not a record. Olson measured 20.46 inches for the same period in 2001 and 26.05 inches in 1985.
SHERIFF DEALS WITH THOUSANDS OF ALARMS--MOSTLY FALSE
Clark County sheriff's deputies and area police were dispatched to nearly 5,800 robbery, panic, audible and silent alarms in 2004, virtually all of which were false.
And the numbers keep going up.
Darin Rouhier, finance manager with the Clark County sheriff's office, said accurate data is hard to come by on false alarms.
In 1994, said Rouhier, officials concluded that 96 percent of alarms were false. In 2002, deputies responded to 3,484 false alarms, he said.
Similar ratios of false alarms continued in 2003 and 2004, said Douhier, leading to the adoption of a new ordinance last year.
That new ordinance requires alarm systems to be permitted at a cost of $20 per year. Monitoring companies are to attempt to identify false alarms before contacting dispatch authorities.
The ordinance also establishes fines for false alarms, beginning with a $50 fine for the first false alarm in a 12-month period, $100 for the second, and rising to $300 for the sixth.
Thus if a person or business is cited for each of six false alarms in a 12 month period, fines would total $1,050.
After the sixth false alarm, the sheriff may choose not to respond to alarms at a certain home or business, or may order an alarm system to be disconnected.
Rouhier said that Clark County sheriff Garry Lucas has not directed that any alarm responses be discontinued or that any alarm systems be disconnected.
Such actions have been taken in Vancouver, however.
Outside of Vancouver, some 6,389 alarm systems are presently permitted, said Douhier, of which 1,121 are commercial and the rest residential. Failure to obtain a permit for an alarm system is subject to a $100 penalty under the new ordinance.
John Talbot of the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA), the 9-1-1 dispatch center, said law enforcement personnel were dispatched to 5,785 alarms in 2004.
Talbot estimated that about 99 percent of alarm calls are false, although he had no specific data.
Bob Winsor of Clark County District Court provided information on charges filed for false alarms and lack of permits.
According to Winsor, those charged with five or six false alarms in the last 12 months include Brent Barker, Clark County Lawn and Tractor, Katherine Fulton, the Myers residence, Pacific Lifestyle Homes, Naoma Pauker, Sunamita Poeana, John Quinton, Quizno's in Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek Methodist Church, Soloman residence, Southwest Clean Air Agency, and the Turi residence.
At the Southwest Clean Air Agency, Bob Elliott said he was unsure why the security system, monitored by Sonitrol, had produced false alarms.
Elliott theorized that wind may have jostled the door or spiders may have built webs near motion detectors.
Procedures have been changed, said Elliott, so that Sonitrol calls him or another employee before dispatching law enforcement. Until recently, Sonitrol called the 9-1-1 center and then an Agency employee.
Elliott said his agency was not fined for the first five false alarms, but paid a $300 fine for the 6th violation.
Law enforcement officials issued 43 citations over the last year to individuals and businesses for not having a valid alarm permit.
Vancouver police refuse to respond in some cases
Kelly Mott, alarm coordinator for the city of Vancouver, said city police no longer respond to a few residences and businesses that have repeated false alarms, and more some locations will be added to the non-response list in the future.
Mott said about 96 percent of all alarms are false. She said that in 2004, police responded to 2,372 alarms, or which only 95 were valid. The rate of false alarms was similar in 2003, she said.
Mott said that national statistics put the rate of false alarms at 96-98 percent.
The fee schedule for false alarms in Vancouver is the same as in Clark County, said Mott, but monetary penalties are handled administratively, not through the courts.
How to reduce false alarms
John Polos of Polos Electronic, a Battle Ground company that installs alarm systems, said most false alarms are caused by user error, such as walking out too late after setting an alarm.
Polos said most false alarms are related to motion detectors.
Mistakes that trigger alarms, said Polos, include happy birthday balloons, new heating or electrical equipment in view of motion detectors, pets left inside, birds inside, cobwebs in front of motion detectors, bugs inside detectors, and doors not closed tightly.
One solution, said Polos, is to install a second motion detector in the same location so that both must go off at the same time to cause an alarm.
Another option is to have alarm monitoring companies call for law enforcement dispatch on doors and windows but call only the home owner on motion detector zones, suggested Polos.
Polos said he installs equipment that records the location in the home or business where the alarm occurred. He said he can look back 128 events to identify who has entered and left the location, and where an alarm was tripped.
Some older equipment, said Polos, does not record the history of alarm events.
Polos can be reached at 687-3543.
UTILITY ENDS CREDIT CARDS FOR BUSINESSES
Officials of Clark Public Utilities have notified commercial customers that credit cards will no longer be accepted for payment of electricity bills.
Utility spokesman Mick Shutt said the utility commissioners intended credit cards to be for residential customers only when they set up the program 4-5 years ago.
But, said Shutt, commercial customers have inadvertently been signed up for credit cards by unknowledgeable utility staff.
Schutt said the use of credit cards cost the utility about $416,000 in credit cards fees in 2004. He said the utility finance director was not able to estimate how much money the utility would save by removing commercial customers from credit card use.
Shutt said commercial customers would be removed from credit card use automatically as of April 30 based on the present of a "demand" meter. Small commercial customers with standard or residential meters may continue to use credit cards, said Shutt.
Shutt said the utility may allow commercial customers to use credit cards in the future and pay the processing fees.
FORMER BRUSH PRAIRIE MARINE HONORED
Heidi Wallenborn, news director
Marine Lance Corporal Cedric Bruns, a 2000 graduate of Prairie High School, will be inducted into the Rotarians Clark County Hall of Fame with a special memorial during a Fri., April 15 ceremony.
Bruns was 22 years old when he died on May 9, 2003 in Kuwait.
Bruns was a combat engineer assigned to Engineer Company A, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group, Marine Corps Reserve, out of Eugene, OR.
Bruns arrived in Kuwait in January 2003 for his first tour of duty overseas. He was killed when the pickup truck he was driving collided with a logistics support vehicle, similar to a flatbed truck.
The Hall of Fame recognizes the achievements and contributions of individuals in the county. Award recipients' names are engraved in granite markers at the Hall of Fame Rose Garden in Orchards, each with a special rose planted in their honor.
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Vancouver Sunrise, the event will be emceed by Clark Click of Northwest News Channel 8. Cost for dinner, entertainment and program is $40 per person. Festivities begin 6:30 p.m., at the Leupke Center, 1009 E McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver.
Others to be inducted are: ** Evergreen High School graduate and Marine staff Sgt. David Ries, 29, who died Nov. 8, 2004 in Fallujah, Iraq.
** Salvador Brotons of Spain, who lives periodically in Vancouver, and has been conductor and music director of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra since 1991.
** Paul Christensen of Vancouver who serves on several area non-profit boards of directors.
** Sally Schaefer of Vancouver who is involved in community service and community college issues.
Royal Rosarians will conduct a public rose planting ceremony on Sat., April 16, 1 p.m., in remembrance of Bruns and Ries at the Rose Garden, located at 9800 NE 54th St., Vancouver, on the north side of NE Fourth Plain Blvd.
For more information and where to buy tickets, call Phil Jackson, 907-2093.
GARRISON RIDGE WILL CONTAIN 18 LOTSBill Myers, staff reporter
Ridgefield officials issued a Mitigated Determination of Non-significance March 30 on Garrison Ridge, a proposed development of residential lots.
Applicant Ott Gaither, a Battle Ground resident, wants to develop the project as a two-phase subdivision with 18 lots ranging in size from 8,500 to 15,200 square feet.
The property, about one-half mile south of downtown Ridgefield, is owned by the Roy and Gloria Garrison Trust.
Lots 1-13 are proposed as Phase I on the western portion of the development with access from S Hillhurst Rd.
Lots 14-18 are proposed as Phase II and located east of a canyon that divides the property. Access to Phase II properties would be through Kirschenbaum Estates.
An existing home at the site, 1254 S Hillhurst Rd., is slated for demolition.
Traffic mitigation would require the applicant to pay proportionate costs of future traffic control systems at NW 45th Ave./Pioneer St., and Pioneer St./I-5, and proportionate costs of annual monitoring at the S 9th Ave./Pioneer St. intersection to determine timing for an all-way stop. Construction on sensitive lands would require a preliminary Planned Unit Development application prior to a public hearing on the proposed preliminary plat.
A cultural resources mitigation requires the halting of development or construction upon discovery of potential or known archaeological resources.
HOCKINSON NEIGHBORS BALK AT PARK PLANSAlice Perry Linker, staff reporter
Some Hockinson people who live next to a planned community park don't like what the future holds for them.
One neighbor, Margaret Hegewold, said the latest plan for the park is "better" than previous plans but isn't what the neighborhood wants or needs.
Hegewold and her neighbor Claire Sprowl say Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation representatives were not candid about plans for the 240-acre rural area.
The park, designated as one of five community parks in the county, is to be partly developed into 15 Little League baseball diamonds, five adult softball diamonds and eight soccer fields, said Jim Sandlin of Parks and Recreation.
Teams from two Little Leagues, one adult softball organization and various soccer groups will use the fields, he said.
After a recent meeting with residents, Sandlin said Parks and Recreation officials modified the plan to move adult softball fields to the north end of the park, away from the residential development in the southern portion. Only three adult softball fields will be lighted initially, he said.
Some Little League fields will be distributed more evenly into other areas, he said.
About 55 acres will be developed into playing fields, another 80 will have activity areas for skateboarding and BMX bikes, and 105 acres will be wooded wetlands with walking paths.
Another public meeting will be scheduled soon to discuss locations of the other activities, Sandlin said. The Clark County Board of Commissioners will make the final decision.
One point of contention is the future of horse trails. Sandlin said the park is too small for horse trails.
"We feel strongly about having the park open to horses, especially to those who have been using the park," Hegewold said.
Some horse owners have been riding in the undeveloped park for several years, she said.
"It seems a shame to shut them out," she said.
During public meetings last fall, Hockinson-area residents were asked their preferences for park use, Hegewold said.
"We said we wanted it as natural as possible," she said. "We'd like hiking trails, horse trails, picnic areas, and an on and off-leash area for dogs."
Hegewold and Sprowl said the neighbors were not told about the high number of playing fields before the Feb. 8 election, when voters in the Vancouver urban growth area narrowly approved an increase in property taxes to pay for park maintenance.
Sandlin, however, said he did present the plan. He acknowledged that some residents dispute his memory.
"I think we did as much public information as on any [of the proposed parks]," Sandlin said. "Some things didn't get across in the meetings. In 20-20 hindsight we would have nailed home what would be done."
According to a statement on the Parks and Recreation website, "While all parks are open to everyone, community parks typically serve residents who live within three miles of the park."
Hegewold said the community park designation is "garbage."
"People will be coming from everywhere to use this park," she said. "There are too many ballfields concentrated in one park. They should be spread over other parks."
OBITS
JANET FREE
Janet Veryle Free, 77, died April 9, 2005 in Clackamas, OR.
Free was born June 24, 1927 in White Earth, MN. She was a homemaker and lived for 38 years in Clark County including the past 24 years in Battle Ground.
Free was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she was involved in the Altar Society. She enjoyed bingo, bunco, bowling, driving, camping, going to the beach, crocheting, cooking, baking pies, garage sales, bazaars, sporting events, the Seattle Mariners, figure skating and traveling to foreign countries.
Free was preceded in death by son Ronald Free in 1982, granddaughter Holly Lynn Free in 1991, and granddaughter Erin Reiman in 1995. She is survived by her husband of 58 years William "Bill" Free of Battle Ground, daughter Nancie Reiman of Oklahoma, son Randall Free of Vancouver, son Kenneth Free of Ridgefield, sister Delthine Jerome of California, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A funeral Mass will be held Thurs., April 14, 10 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Battle Ground, with burial in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Battle Ground. Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.
VELDA SHELDON
Velda Vivian Sheldon, 76, died April 3, 2005 in La Center.
She was born Sept. 22, 1928 in Copeland, AR, and lived in Clark County 50 years, including two years in Vancouver. For the past several years, she traveled to and stayed in various locations. One of her favorite places was Long Beach, WA.
She worked as a medical secretary for several hospitals, most recently Portland Providence Medical Center. She enjoyed her work and made many lifelong friends throughout her career.
Sheldon was an avid hiker and enjoyed walking, camping, anything outdoors, gambling, shopping, pursuing genealogy history, and antiques. She loved children.
Sheldon was a kind and thoughtful woman who enjoyed helping others. She lived by the Serenity Prayer, always tried to see the bright side of things, and never lost her wonderful sense of humor. She was dedicated to her family and was always helping someone. She spent hours making diapers for her great-grandchildren. Her generosity and love were never ending. She will be dearly missed and never forgotten.
Survivors include brother Mike McCutcheon of Camas, son Jerry Sheldon of Longview, son Jim Sheldon of La Center, daughter Betty Sheldon of Vancouver, seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Wed., April 13, 11 a.m. at La Center Evangelical Free Church, La Center.
CHRISTY LIESER
Christy Susan Lieser, 49, died April 8, 2005, in Ridgefield.
Lieser was born April 16, 1955 in Vancouver, and lived in Clark County for 35 years, the last seven months in Ridgefield.
Lieser graduated with honors from Fort Vancouver High School in 1973. She attended Western Washington University and earned a nursing certificate at Skagit Valley College. She graduated as a paralegal from Seattle University.
Lieser enjoyed hiking, horseback riding, being outdoors, nature and animals. She liked the arts and was an avid reader. She enjoyed watching classic movies. She was a member of the Vancouver Four Square Church and Friends of the Gorge.
Lieser had worked as a chef, baker and paralegal.
Survivors include mother Billee Lieser of Ridgefield, father Herb Lieser of Washougal, brother Brian Lieser of Ridgefield and special companion Denis McGreevy of Ridgefield.
Memorial services will be held Fri., April 15, 2 p.m., at Layne's Funeral Home Chapel, Battle Ground, with Layne's Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
PAT PETTICHORD
M. "Pat" Pettichord, 89, died April 8, 2005 in Battle Ground.
Pettichord was born Sept. 21, 1915 in Cola, Idaho, grew up in Garfield, and lived in Clark County for 64 years, 57 years in Battle Ground.
Pettichord attended Washington State University where he was an All-American in track. He devoted his career as a coach, teacher and administrator at Battle Ground High School. Between 1941 and 1965, Pettichord's athletes reached state in football, basketball and track. He was principal at the school from 1965 until 1972 when he became a counselor. He retired in 1977.
Pettichord served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a charter member of the Battle Ground Kiwanis Club and president of the Washington State University Alumni Association. He enjoyed golf and semi-pro baseball, and played for the Dairygold team out of Portland. He enjoyed people.
Survivors include widow Eva Pettichord, at home, daughter Ann Sonstelie of California, and son Rodger Pettichord of Buckley.
Funeral services will be held Thurs., April 14, 1 p.m., at Landmark Christian Assembly Church, Battle Ground, with a reception following at the Kiwanis Building in Battle Ground.
Burial will be at Brush Prairie Cemetery, Vancouver, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.
EDNA KOUVOEdna Elma Erstad Kouvo, 77, died April 4, 2005 in Portland.
Kouvo was born Nov. 26, 1927 in Woodland, where she lived most of her life. She owned Bob's Body Shop with her husband.
Nicknamed "Ace," Kouvo enjoyed bowling, ceramics, racing motorcycles, traveling, playing cards, picking huckleberries and feeding animals. She loved her family, friends and "Benny," her parrot.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Kouvo, in 1988, daughter Sandra Lee Kouvo, and sisters Flora Erstad Mills and Doreen Gapsch Colter. Survivors include sons Lee Kouvo and Jerry Arvi Kouvo, both of Woodland, brother Edwin Erstad of Longview, and one grandchild.
Graveside services were held in Frank Able Cemetery, Woodland, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.
Donations may be made to the Komen Foundation in memory of Edna Kouvo, 1411 SW Morrison, suite 290, Portland, OR, 97205.
LAWRENCE WAKE
Lawrence "Larry" Leslie Wake, 88, died April 7, 2005 in Vancouver.
Wake was born Sept. 3, 1916 in Genoa, NE, where he grew up. He moved to Portland in 1938 to find work. With his wife, Wake retired to Battle Ground where he was a longtime resident before moving to Vancouver 18 months ago.
After graduating from Genoa High School in 1934, Wake served in the U.S. Army during World War II in Saipan and Okinawa. He was presented the Purple Heart for a wound incurred in Okinawa. Wake worked for the Kenton Burke Co. in Genoa and as plant supervisor with ALCOA before retiring. He enjoyed woodworking, painting, fishing and golfing. He was a member of the Battle Ground Baptist Church.
Wake was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Carol (Widing) Wake, in 2004, parents Edna and Leslie Wake, sister Ruth Korb and brother Bill Wake. Survivors include son Thomas Wake of Billings, MT, brother Philip Wake of Columbus, NE, one grandson, one great-granddaughter and numerous nieces and nephews.
Burial was at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemtery, with Layne's Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
BERNICE EWING
Bernice Conchita "Sunshine" Ewing, 93, died April 8, 2005, in Battle Mountain, NV.
Ewing was born May 30, 1911 in St. John's, OR. She had lived in San Francisco in the late 1950s where she was a partner in a locksmith shop. She had also lived in Ridgefield.
Ewing had worked at Don and Jo's Drive Inn at Duluth, and as a caregiver. She was always helping anyone in need, and cared for pets while their owners were away. She was always smiling and singing and her friends nicknamed her "Sunshine."
Ewing had volunteered at the Rudy Luepke Senior Center in Vancouver. She enjoyed fishing.
Ewing was preceded in death by brothers Clarence Hand in 1966 and Maurice Hand, and sisters Elza Bosanko, Orma Stepp and Verda McIntyre. Survivors include brother-in-law Robert McIntyre of Nevada, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside memorial services will be held Sat., April 16, 2 p.m., at Wilson Bridge Cemetery, 6906 NE 144th St., off NE 72nd Ave., Vancouver.
LUCY MATHESONLucy Jane (Lea) Matheson, 67, died April 4, 2005 in Battle Ground.
Matheson was born March 26, 1938 in Manning, Arkansas, and lived in Fullerton, CA for many years before moving to Clark County four years ago.
Matheson enjoyed fishing and camping.
Matheson was preceded in death by son Donald Keith Matheson in 2001. Survivors include widower Don Matheson, at home in Battle Ground, sons David Matheson, Dennis Matheson and Douglas Matheson, all of Battle Ground, brothers Jim Lea of Auburn and Marvin Lea of Vancouver, sister Dorothy Bledsoe of Arkansas, 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Interment was at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery, with Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, in charge of arrangements.
HAROLD THORSON
Harold "Swede" Thorson, 78, died April 2, 2005, at home in Battle Ground.
Thorson was born May 17, 1926 in Kermit, ND, and moved to Vancouver in the late 1940s. In 1968 he moved to Battle Ground.
Thorson worked as a longshoreman and was a member of the International Longshormen Workers Union Local #4, retiring in the late 1980s. He enjoyed farming, collecting tractors, auctions and traveling. He enjoyed going to the threshing Bee in Crosby, ND.
Thorson was preceded in death by brothers Arne Thorson in 1970, Rodger Thorson in 1980 and Gordon Thorson in 2002, and by former spouse V. Marlene Baxter-Summers. Survivors include widow Nordine Thorson of Battle Ground, daughters Kristi Pawul of Eatonville, and Kolleen Brown, Karen Falk and Kelly Nuss, all of Oregon, sons Kenneth Thorson, Keven Thorson and Kyle Thorson, all of Battle Ground, step-son James Kee of Oregon, step-daughters Robin Bonesteele of Battle Ground and Sherra Duran of Vancouver, brother Carl Thorson of Ridgefield, sister Eva Brandeberry of Vancouver, former spouse Marilyn Fuccini, 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
The Vancouver Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
PEARL LUKE
Pearl (Green) Luke, 84, died April 2, 2005 in Woodland.
Luke was born Nov. 9, 1920 in Inola, OK, lived in Claremore, OK for many years before moving to Houston, TX in 1959. She then moved to Manvel, TX and then to her son's home in Woodland in 2001.
Luke worked for a Howard Johnson restaurant and then for a 7-11 store. She enjoyed quilting, sewing and gardening. She cherished her longtime friendships with past co-workers and neighbors.
Luke was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Luke, in 1948, who died as a prisoner of war during World War II. She was also preceded in death by a brothers Theodore Green and Eugene Green, grandson Gary Luke Jr., and daughter Shirley Oliver in 2002. Survivors include brother Sylvester Green of Oklahoma, son Gary Luke of Woodland, step-daughters Mabel Bellieu of Missouri, and Jeanette Redford and Barbara Thomas, both of Oklahoma, and two grandchildren.
No services are planned, with Autumn Funerals and Cremation, Tigard, OR, in charge of arrangements.