HOCKINSON SOOP UNDER INVESTIGATION
Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter
Richard Minarik, 61, interim superintendent of the Hockinson School District, was placed on paid administrative leave April 11 due to allegations of sexual harassment against another staff member.
District officials took the complaint "very seriously," said assistant superintendent Maggie Bates, and put Minarik on leave the same afternoon charges were brought by the staff member.
An outside investigator is expected to be in place by April 19, Bates said. The investigator will be selected by District legal council Cliff Foster in consultation with the risk management pool at Educational Service District 112.
Bates said every effort would be taken to ensure an investigation is "thorough, impartial and fair." The matter is expected to be resolved within 30 days.
A letter explaining the matter was sent April 13 to parents.
Bates has been named acting superintendent pending the outcome of the matter.
Minarik has served as superintendent on a one-year contract for 2004-2005 while District officials search for a permanent superintendent. Board members expect to hire a new superintendent by July 1.
Finalists are Delcine Mesa-Johnson of Wahluke School District, Mattawa, WA, Teresa Baldwin of Evergreen School District, Debra Howard of East Valley School District, Spokane, and Yoshihiro "Roy" Okomoto of Bremerton School District.
A community forum to meet the candidates is set for Fri., April 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Hockinson High School library. Formal interviews are set for April 23.
NEW POLICE BUILDING UNDER WAY IN BG
Heidi Wallenborn, news director
Spring 2006.
That date is the doors-open target for the new Battle Ground police station. Contractor Steve Jabusch pledged the completion date to about 60 people at a March 9 groundbreaking ceremony.
"I guarantee we will come in on time with this project," Jabusch said. His company, Pacific Northwest Environmental Corp., was awarded the bid to build.
Construction has already begun on the two-story, 18,000 square foot nearly $3.4 million building. It is designed to grow as Battle Ground does and be sufficient for at least 40 years.
The building sits on city-owned land directly south of the current police/fire complex at 505 SW 1st St. The foundation has been poured and framing will begin soon.
The first floor will be used for citizen contact with officers and services, evidence storage, four holding cells, a variety of interview rooms, five detectives, four patrol sergeants and a work area for officers. There will also be an armory, community services room and entrance lobby.
The second floor will house a training/classroom, workout room, break room, separate shower areas for males and females, offices for two lieutenants, a deputy chief and a chief. Storage, case work and archives areas will be created as well.
Initial costs were $3.1 million, which included tax, furnishings, computers and other security technology.
However, a rise in steel and other buildings materials brought the total higher over the last year.
City council members approved a budget amendment to cover the $855,000 difference.
Staff anticipated "sufficient, unanticipated beginning fund balance in 2005 to accommodate the difference" because growth city-wide "exceeded revenue projections and the city continued to operate in a conservative manner with expenditures," wrote associate civil engineer Shane McKenzie in a memo.
Relief is approaching
Chief Ron Johnson said the new building is a welcome relief.
"It will greatly increase our efficiency," Johnson said during the shovel-wielding ceremony. "Nowadays we stuff people into cubbyholes. The officers have done an outstanding job working in those conditions."
Johnson reminisced about the last 30 years of his career in different buildings in Battle Ground. He has never served as an officer outside this city.
"I've seen quite a few things," he told the crowd of city staff, dignitaries and citizens.
Johnson told of working in 40 square feet at the old city hall on NE 3rd St. about 30 years ago. The department moved to a house on SE 1st St., then to its current location with 4,000 square feet to work in.
"This will be my last move," Johnson said. He expects to retire in about five years. He thanked citizens and council members for seeing the need and approving the new building.
Mayor John Idsinga said the building is a "much needed endeavor" for citizens and officers.
"We have a police force of 17 officers for 15,000 people," Idsinga said. "[This building] is planned for 50-60 officers and a population of about 40,000."
"We planned for the future with this new building--looking at 35-50 years of growth," he said. "It will serve the city of Battle Ground for years to come."
Idsinga mentioned that in 2004, officers responded to more than 7,300 calls.
"Imagine," he said. "My hat's off to our men in blue. It's good they can now step up to a new building to serve [them] and the city."
The building was designed by Lombard-Conrad Architects with input from several police departments, said Russ Moorhead, architect.
In fact, the company designed Washougal's new police station.
"We looked to design a facility to enhance public safety and efficiency," Moorhead said. "This building will be a beacon of assistance and enhance the community policing attitude in the city of Battle Ground."
The court system will stay in its current location at city hall, 109 SW 1st St. The new building will be used for police services only.
Fire District 11 will take over the former fire/ppolice complex once the move-out is complete.
ABORTED PARK STIRS RIDGEFIELD CITIZENSFuel pipeline hazard a sticking point
Bill Myers, staff reporter
About 60 citizens from Bellwood Heights, a new 281-home development in Ridgefield, learned April 12 that plans for a 2.7 community park in their development fell through.
The park plan was scuttled last fall by city officials concerned that the proposed location is over a gas pipeline, said community development director Kevin Snyder.
Three people died when gas leaked from a pipeline in 1999 near Bellingham. The line is owned by the Olympic Pipeline Co.
The city's insurance carrier warned of "significant" potential liability to the city if the park were constructed, said Snyder.
Inside the pipeline is a steel pipe, 14 inches in diameter, buried an average of 3-4 feet underground. The pipe carries gasoline, diesel and jet fuel from a refinery near Blaine at the Canadian border to Portland, said Olympic spokesman Mike Abendhoff.
Abendhoff said Olympic has easement agreements with cities and counties along the route. Agreements keep pipeline corridors open for maintenance and promote public safety.
"We like to see 25 feet to 50 feet setbacks from line locations," Abendhoff said.
Olympic has a 40 feet wide right-of-way for the line in Ridgefield, said Snyder. Orange markers identify the line. The line also extends under the east edge of Abrams Park on Division St.
No decisions were yet made to close Abrams Park.
Bellwood Heights land intended for the park was returned to developers. Pete Dewitz of Holt Homes said the easiest thing to do with the land is extend existing lots. Lots are now completely sold out, he said.
A final decision to cancel the park came last autumn at a city council meeting, said Snyder.
"We thought we were making the right moves, but could have done a better job communicating," he said.
Residents say park promised
Bellwood Heights resident Ken Harrison organized the citizen meeting. About 10 Bellwood Heights residents attended the April 14 council meeting.
"We bought our homes believing our children would have a park and soccer field nearby," said Harrison.
Several citizens, including Mark Hensley, agreed.
Hensley asked why the city would allow land over a pipeline to be used for private home uses.
"You need to make it right," said a woman to Snyder.
Harrison said the proposed park, with two fields and parking, was ordered by hearings examiner J. Richard Forester in a 2002 final decision on the development.
Forester's ruling specified a 2.7-acre community park, including two soccer fields and 38 parking spaces, along the western end of the project site.
City Parks Board chairperson Marie Bouvier said citizens have legitimate concerns that the city will try to resolve. Decisions are made more professionally now, she said.
In a summary of issues, Snyder said a league-oriented soccer field, with frequent parking, noise and maintenance issues, would be inappropriate in a single-family residential neighborhood.
Such fields, said Snyder's summary, are intended to serve a larger geographic area and can serve high volumes of users.
City manager George Fox said he and city staff will have recommendations at the next city council meeting. The meeting will be at city hall, 230 Pioneer St., Thurs., April 28, 6:30 p.m.
UPGRADES START AT I-5/SR-501
Bill Myers, staff reporter
Traffic safety upgrades are underway at the I-5/SR-501 (W Pioneer St.) Ridgefield interchange.
Janelle Ward, state Department of Transportation public information officer, said the project, which started April 18, will include the construction of traffic signals, turn lanes and median curbing.
The Department awarded a $1.2 million construction contract for the project to the Ostrander Rock and Construction Company of Longview. Construction is funded by federal gas tax revenue returned to the state, said Transportation spokesman Brian McMullen.
The Port of Ridgefield donated right-of-way for a turn lane to S 56th Place.
Design costs of $250,000 were shared by the state ($140,000) and area developers ($110,000) who paid fees to the Department for traffic impacts at the intersection, said McMullen.
Traffic signals will be placed on SR-501 at the northbound and southbound I-5 on and off ramps.
Right-turn lanes will be added to northbound and southbound I-5 off ramps.
A left turn lane will be added west of I-5 from westbound SR-501 at S 56th Place.
Median curbing will be installed on SR-501 on east and west sides of I-5.
Construction will take place mainly during daylight hours, Mondays through Thursdays, with work stopping at noon on Fridays.
Transportation officials say motorists should expect short duration single lane closures on SR-501 with flaggers, and up to 20 minute delays during construction.
Occasional night work will be necessary at some high traffic locations in order to reduce impacts to motorists.
Motorists are asked to observe posted speed limit signs for their safety and the safety of workers.
Weekly updates on the project may be found at
www.wsdot.wa.gov/regions/-
southwest/Travel. Toll-free information telephone is (866) 279-0730.
BOB HAMEL COMPLETES RADIATIONWell-known Battle Ground auctioneer Bob Hamel has completed seven weeks of radiation treatments for throat cancer, and is now living with his son, Mike Hamel, in Battle Ground.
Hamel is scheduled for a CT scan of his throat area to determine the results of radiation and the possible need for surgery. "Surgery is a last option," said Hamel.
Hamel said last week that he has been on a feeding tube since December. He has decline from 180 to 140 pounds, he said.
Lori Lindberg organized an auction to benefit Hamel. The auction raised $26,000 toward Hamel's medical expenses.
"Thank God for that auction," said Hamel in his now-raspy voice.
Hamel also sold his house to help pay expenses.
Donations are encouraged to any branch of Washington Mutual Bank to an account in the benefit of Bob Hamel.
Hamel has conducted numerous charity auctions in the Battle Ground area, raising thousands of dollars for schools and community projects. He has generally provided his services for free.
Cards of well-wishing are invited to Bob Hamel, in care of Mike Hamel, 13 SE 10th St., Battle Ground, WA 98604.
TREE FARMER WINS COUNTY HONOR
Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter
Rick Dunning can't keep the enthusiasm out of his voice as he walks through his Yacolt-area tree farm.
"We grow timber and grow our family," the Battle Ground resident said. "We teach work ethic and stewardship ethic."
While they grew up, Kale, Keegan and Rachel Dunning were an important part of the tree farm. The couple's three children are now all grown.
The family have worked together for 16 years, clearing, planting, tending and harvesting the forest of mostly Douglas fir dotted with red cedar, hemlock and alder.
Dunning's efforts earned him the Clark County Tree Farmer of the Year award.
"How honored we are to be chosen by our peers," Dunning said as he took the commemorative plaque out of his pickup. "There are so many who do so much. There's nothing more rewarding than to be honored by your peers."
Winding through his 165 acre woodland is Cedar Creek, a Class 1 stream that is home to salmon, trout and steelhead. Dunning talks about the creek with pride.
"This stream is in very good condition," he said. "We used to have a high school science class at the stream. Everyone says it is a wonderful watershed."
Dunning said his entire woodland is now in good condition, a far cry from the "brush patch" he bought in 1989.
"There were way too many stems per acre--we had root rot," he said.
Clearing brush and overstocked stands began almost at once.
"We had to get it out," Dunning said. "We thinned 20 to 30 year old trees. We've thinned stands of 55-year-old trees. You can get some pretty good timber."
Dunning doesn't clear cut, he said. Instead he does "regeneration harvests," replanting where Douglas fir stands have been logged.
"A clear cut is when you put in asphalt," he said.
As he looked toward a logged hillside across the draw where the creek runs, Dunning said hundreds of young trees have taken root, replacing felled trees.
Dunning calls his tree farm his 401K [retirement plan], but the account is occasionally tapped. Last year he selectively cut and sold 10 trees from a mature stand.
"I've spent 16 years trying to be a tree," he said.
Although he hires a logger to take the felled trees from his property, he does much of the on-the-ground work himself.
"I fall timber, I market," he said. "That's the fun part."
Dunning's tree farm is his "passion, rather than an occupation." During the time that he and his wife have owned the property, they also owned businesses including a retail lumber yard and a home building business.
Dunning is now the executive director of the Washington Farm Forestry Association, an organization with 14 chapters statewide and the parent organization of the Clark County group, the largest of the chapters.
"Because of my passion I saw a need to be an activist," he said.
Dunning believes tree farmers are, for the most part, good stewards of the land, and questioned the need for several government regulations.
"You must empower people to be good stewards of our land, and I believe they're coming to understand that," he said. "We should reward the people who want to do better. The incentive of risk lets people do what is best."
CHILDREN STAR IN WRIGHT FAMILY BAND
Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter
If not for the oldest daughters, The Wright Family Band might not have been created.
In a departure from the usual story of parents putting their children on stage, Nikki and Courtney Wright started the whole thing and recruited their parents.
They also recruited their four younger brothers and sisters. The entire family, down to Mandy, 4, performs spiritual bluegrass music at festivals and other events.
For about a year, the eight family members pile into a 15-passenger van, hook up the camp trailer and travel to bluegrass festivals and other events across the state.
They will next perform at the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens in Woodland on Saturdays, April 23 and 30, 10-11 a.m. and noon-1 p.m.
Sitting around the dining table of their home in Amboy, Kim and the children talked about the band's short, but active, history. Ted Wright works for a construction company.
Courtney, 14, started taking banjo lessons about two years ago. Her older sister, Nikki, 15, picked up the guitar.
Soon they played in churches by invitation and the word began to spread.
It wasn't long before parents Ted and Kim joined the group, with Ted playing dobro and Kim on the stand-up bass. Brother Daniel, 12, added a guitar, and sister, Naomi, 10, played the mandolin. Daniel also plays stand-up bass.
"One month Daniel decided he wanted to play guitar," Kim said. "He can play almost anything he picks up."
Six months ago, Nikki started playing fiddle.
"Every time the kids would go to one event, we'd be asked to do another one," Kim said.
Most of their music is spiritual and gospel.
Kim said faith is important in the family life.
"I really believe God has given us the gift to be used for Him," she said. "That's what it's about, praising the Lord."
They have recorded a CD, I'll Fly Away. In addition to the title song, the family plays and sings I Saw the Light, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Daddy Sang Bass and others.
The CD is on sale at Brass, Reed and Guitar in Orchards, Branches Bookstore in Vancouver and the Amboy Market.
There's even a Web site: www.wrightfamilyband.dsr4.com.
Because the children are homeschooled, they have plenty of time to practice, Kim said.
The older children have taken piano lessons for several years. They began lessons on stringed instruments about two years ago."Somebody's always playing something," Kim said.
As Caleb, 8, and Mandy get older, they will join the band. Caleb has begun playing banjo. The younger children do a couple of clog-dances during performances.
The family band can be heard occasionally on Wednesday nights at the Old Liberty Theater in Ridgefield.
WORK ON NEW RIDGEFIELD STATION UNDERWAYAlice Perry Linker, staff reporter
The wind was chilly and clouds piled up overhead as about 50 people gathered at the April 12 ground-breaking ceremony for a Fire District 12 station.
Chief Larry Bartel and fire commissioner Frank Mazna were two of the four to hold golden shovels marking the official beginning of construction.
The station that will replace an older building on NE 10th Ave. will be district headquarters and serve Ridgefield and surrounding areas.
Also holding golden shovels were Ridgefield mayor Gladys Doriot and Bill Bartel, a founder of the fire department and its first chief.
Earthmoving equipment was busy along NE 11th Ave., about a mile north of the city limits. Actual construction is set to begin in a few weeks. Completion is expected by early 2006, Bartel said.
The $3 million project is supported by $1 million from property sales and savings, $1 million revenue generated by commercial development, and $1 million from property taxes.
District 12 voters approved a tax increase in November.
The 17,000-square-foot station will have 11 sleeping rooms--one for each firefighter on duty, five garage bays, five offices, and a meeting room suitable for community events. Firefighter training will also take place at the building.
Located adjacent to Port of Ridgefield property, the station is about one mile from the I-5 interchange.
District 12 also has stations in downtown Ridgefield and La Center, and shares a station near the Clark County Fairground.
SHERIFF SEEKS RE-ACCREDITATION
Assessment Team invites public comment
Bill Myers, staff reporter
Clark County Sheriff's Office operations will be evaluated April 30-May 4 for re-accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
A team of CALEA assessors from other law enforcement agencies around the U.S. will evaluate Sheriff's Office operations.
Assessors will evaluate performance in meeting 442 standards related to responsibilities and relationships with other agencies, organization, management and administration, personnel structure and processes, operations (including traffic), prisoner and court-related activities and auxiliary and technical services.
Copies of standards are available at Sheriff's Office, 707 W 13th St., Vancouver.
The Sheriff's Office has been re-accredited every three years by CALEA since the agency first received accreditation in 1986.
Sheriff's Office employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments at a public information session in the Commissioners Hearing Room, at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver, on Mon., May 2, at 7 p.m.
Persons unable to speak at the session may telephone their comments to (360) 397-2170 on Mon., May 2, 9 a.m.- noon.
Written comments about the ability of the Sheriff's Office to meet national standards for accreditation may be sent to CALEA, 10302 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 22030-2215.
BLACK BEAR IS AUTO VICTIM NEAR VENERSBORG
Bill Myers, staff reporter
A motorist struck and killed a black bear just before midnight on April 2 in Venersborg, about eight miles east of Battle Ground.
Marian Halberg said she was westbound in the 24900 block of NE 209th St., driving 45-50 miles per hour, when the bear suddenly appeared in front of her 2003 GMC suburban utility vehicle.
The bear raced full-tilt from a private driveway right in front of the car, said Halberg. There wasn't time to avoid the animal or hit the brakes, she added.
Halberg said the bear died instantly and was thrown on impact into a ditch alongside the road. Her front bumper, grill, fan and some engine parts sustained about $8,000 in damage.
Halberg's husband, Art, measured the bear before a Clark County Sheriff's deputy saw to its disposal. The well-fed bruin measured 5'7" from its tail to the top of its head. Standing, the animal would be more than 6 feet tall.
YACOLT HAS NEW POSTMASTER
Bill Myers, staff reporter
Eddie Hill, a 29-year postal employee, is now postmaster at the Yacolt post office.
Hill, assigned to the position March 19, replaced former postmaster Rhonda Boyle who retired after 21 years of service.
A native of Mississippi, Hill began his career in 1977 as a postal carrier in Baldwin, MS. He held postmaster positions in Duck Hill and Calhoun City, MS for several years.
Love brought him to the northwest, said Hill.While attending a U.S. Post Office postmaster gathering in 1997, Hill met his future wife, Debbie, who was then postmaster at Gresham, OR.
After they married, Hill accepted the La Center postmaster position in 1998. About 18 months later, he accepted the postmaster position at Corbett, OR.
Hill and his wife have four grown children. They currently reside in Gresham and hope to relocate later this year to rural Clark County.
APPROVED IRRIGATION SYSTEM CRUCIAL FOR HEALTHMarcus Brotherton, staff reporter
Installing a do-it-yourself sprinkler system may save money, but it could make a family severely sick if not done right.
Any irrigation system can be harmful if it doesn't have an approved backflow prevention system, said Russ Glasser of Clark Public Utilities.
The problem, Glasser said, is that water can sometimes flow backward in a system.
Backflow can happen if a break in pressure occurs, for example, anytime a homeowner shuts off a water system to work on a house.
Water, possibly contaminated by fertilizers, weed killer, garden chemicals, bacteria from standing water, or pet feces could flow directly back into a well or city water supply.
"All sorts of things can happen between discharge and end use," Glasser said. "I've seen some crazy systems out there."
Neighbors can also be affected, Glasser said.
"There are lawsuits out there for this exact reason," Glasser said.
The key is to make sure any irrigation system is installed with an approved backflow prevention system.
State law requires that all new or existing irrigation systems are equipped with an approved backflow prevention assembly, regardless if the water source is public or private.
All irrigation systems connected to a public water system also must have a plumbing permit before installation.
Only properly installed, state-approved backflow prevention assemblies meet plumbing codes and provide health protection for homeowners and their neighbors.
Four types of backflow prevention assemblies exist: an atmospheric vacuum breaker, which is the least expensive and often the easiest to install; a pressure vacuum breaker, which is more sophisticated and versatile; a double-check valve assembly, which is highly versatile; and a reduced pressure backflow assembly, which is usually the most expensive and complex, but allows for applications of fertilizer or other chemicals into an irrigation system, Glasser said.
Specific installation criteria for the four types of backflow prevention assemblies can be found at Clark Public Utilities.
Annual inspection required
Backflow prevention assemblies must be inspected annually by a certified inspector.
Contractors who install irrigation systems are required to register them with Clark Public Utilities. The utility will then send annual notices reminding homeowners that an inspection is due.
But plenty of irrigation systems are out there that have never been registered, Glasser said, and these are the problem.
"There's just no way of knowing if they're safe or not," Glasser said.
Blanket inspections of areas do occur, Glasser said, and neighbors occasionally phone in reports or raise questions, but really it is up to each irrigation system user to register and take responsibility for annual inspections.
Tests cost about $35, Glasser said.
For more information, or to register a system, contact Clark Public Utilities, 992-8024, or specific city providers.
PAT PETTICHORD REVERED AS COACH, MENTOR
"Pat" Pettichord began coaching sports at Battle Ground High School in 1941 when he was just a few years older than the athletes he coached.
He concluded his 36-year teaching and coaching career at the school in 1977 having made friendships for life.
Pettichord died of congestive heart failure April 8, 2005, at age 89.
His son, Rodger Pettichord of Buckley, and daughter, Ann Sonstelie of California, remembered the way he lived his life and the principles that he lived by. Their recollections follow.
Melvin H. "Pat" Pettichord was born Sept. 21, 1915, in Cola, Idaho, and grew up just across the border in Garfield, WA. He had eight siblings. His mother, Genevieve, died when he was 6-8 years old.
Pettichord was a gifted athlete and ran in county track meets and other all-comers events. The Depression-era schools he attended had limited organized athletic teams.
Pettichord excelled particularly in the 100 and 200 meter dashes and the quarter mile run. Karl Schlademan, track coach at Washington State University saw him run and offered a college scholarship.
"He didn't know what college was," said son Rodger, and was reluctant to make the move to Pullman.
Schlademan insisted, telling Pettichord to "Either you be here to start the second semester tomorrow or you can sit on that manure pile the rest of your life."
Pettichord borrowed $75 from a bank and enrolled at Washington State.
After playing freshman football at Washington State, Pettichord concentrated on track. He nearly set a national record in a relay team. He was named an All-American in 1939.
Pettichord later recalled traveling with Washington State teams to far-off places such as Los Angeles and the mid-west, a big step for a country boy who had few resources.
Pettichord graduated in 1940, having lost a year of schooling to scarlet fever. He spent 13 weeks in a hospital.
Brutus Hamilton of the University of California picked Pettichord to lead off the 100 meter U.S. relay team in the 1940 Olympics in Tokyo. "Whatever might have occurred had the war not canceled those games, I'll always remember coach telling me that," Pettichord later wrote. "We had come a long way together from Garfield."
Pettichord came to Battle Ground High School in 1941 as a teacher and assistant to football coach Joe Engleman. He served in the Army Air Corps for a year but was discharged due to stomach hemorrhaging and diverticulitis, a health problem that almost killed him in the 1950s and again in 1961. Pettichord underwent several operations, the last in 1961 that remedied the problem.
Over the next two decades, Pettichord coached football, basketball and track at Battle Ground. He took football and basketball teams to state, even though he had never played the sports himself. His basketball teams finished seventh in state in 1946.
"He was a natural athlete, exceptionally gifted," said son Rodger who himself was coached by his father. Rodger played on a state-bound team, but downplayed his skills. "It was dad's coaching that got me there."
Pettichord and his wife, Eva, lived 2-3 years in the Cresap apartments in Battle Ground, then a house in the town's east end, before buying a home in 1946 in a then-rural area near SR 503 and W Main St. where they lived until Eva moved to Colonial House a year ago. Pat stayed in the home until a week before his death.
Pettichord had a strong sense of right and wrong, Rodger said. "He would take a stand.
In 1965, Pettichord was promoted to principal at Battle Ground. "He kept the school with a viable, unified, positive atmosphere" during the tumultuous 1960s, said Rodger. "He gave kids freedom but insisted on standards of behavior."
In 1972, Pettichord moved from principal to counselor. He retired in 1977.
Pettichord was a charter member of the Battle Ground Kiwanis Club. He and his wife were an ardent golfers, and played courses around the world, including the famous St. Andrews course in Scotland and Pebble Beach in California. Pettichord collected score cards from golf courses he played, and other memorabilia.
"He collected stories," said Rodger. "He loved to find out who was who and how they were related. Students from the 1940s and 1950s kept in touch with him." He would meet former student in area stores, recognize them and recall events during their school years. He was proud of former students, including one student who became commander of the first atomic-powered submarine.
Pettichord kept all the school's yearbooks and would look up former students. He watched the school's sports teams play but never interfered with other coaches.
Pettichord enjoyed flying, and had flown frequently with former student Dale Walker, a long-time friend. He had served as president of the Washington State University alumni association.
The Pettichord's traveled the northwest in a 28-foot RV.
At Battle Ground High School, long-time basketball coach Butch Blue established the Pat Pettichord Award which reads, "To a Gentleman Dedicated to the Love of the Game."
Blue, who coached basketball at Battle Ground from 1976 until 2002, said he was in touch with Pettichord over the years, and considered him a true sportsman who loved the game. "The Pettichord award exemplifies that," said Blue.
"I did the best I could with what I had," Pettichord said of himself, recalled Rodger.
"He enjoyed the little things of life," said Rodger. "He had five toasters he wanted to fix."
As a Depression-era child, Pettichord believed that "you do the best you can with what you've got." He crushed cinders from burners into the school's track. He gained donations of lumber for goal posts.
"He was a man of integrity and moral centering," added Roger, who plans to retire soon from a career as a minister. "He believed that it is not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game."
Pettichord received awards from Washington State University and Washington governor Dan Evans. He enjoyed reading Louis L'Amour western novels. He did not want to be a public person. He was not impressed with status in life. He respected people of integrity. Social status meant nothing to him.
Rodger said his father believed in that saying that, "Nothing is ever dead-center perfect," and wanted that thought included in his death memorial.
Burial was at Brush Prairie Cemetery in Vancouver, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.
Donations were suggested to WSU track scholarships, Athletic Department, Pullman, WA 99163.
REFLECTOR CARRIER SUFFERS HEART AILMENT
Don Haynes, who, with his wife Marie, has delivered The Reflector in the Amboy and Yacolt areas for over 20 years, has been released from the hospital after tests and treatment for a heart condition.
Haynes is being treated with medications and faces additional tests. Whether he will return to his delivery position remains uncertain.
Doctors at Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, said Haynes, 79, has inflammation near his heart and in the vicinity of a lower aorta. He has been directed to discontinue his delivery work and other physical activity. He is taking anti-inflammatory medication.
"Over the years, Don and I have frequently joked about his future," said Marvin Case, publisher of The Reflector. "I told him just three weeks ago that I needed another five years of his service. He was agreeable to that."
"We have just one other person who has been with us longer than Don Haynes," said Case, who has published the newspaper for over 25 years. "Don is a model employee. He is a very, very thorough delivery person."
Before joining The Reflector as a carrier, Haynes worked for 23 years for Battle Ground Truck Service, and then 15 years for Bower Transportation. He served in the U.S. Army 1944-1945, arriving in Europe in 1944 and in France in 1945. He is a resident of Camas.
KICK-OFF HELD FOR NEW PATIENT TOWERMarcus Brotherton, staff reporter
Construction is on track for a new medical services tower located southwest of the emergency department at Southwest Washington Medical Center, 400 NE Mother Joseph Pl., Vancouver.
A standing-room only crowd of city officials, community leaders and medical staff attended a kick-off event April 14 to celebrate construction.
Hospital president Joseph Kortum said the event marked "the culmination of years of planning."
"When this building is done, it's really going to knock your socks off," Kortum said.
The eight-story structure will provide space for 154 private patient beds, 15 operating suites and a new heart and vascular center. Five new cardiac catherization labs and two open heart surgery units will be featured in the heart portion of the tower.
Some 612 parking spaces will be added as well as a new central plant to accommodate mechanical and electrical needs. A new access road off NE 87th Ave. is set to improve entry into the hospital campus and reduce traffic volume on Mill Plain Blvd.
Medical Center representative Kenneth Cole said an increasing and aging population is driving the need for more hospital space.
"We're close to capacity every day right now," Cole said. "We need to keep pace with the region as it grows."
The Medical Center is currently licensed for 442 beds, which will allow for extra capacity added by the tower. About 270 beds are used daily now.
Cole said the tower is just one of several expansion projects set for the hospital over the next years.
One goal, Cole said, is to provide only single-patient rooms throughout the hospital. The current structure for patients will be refurbished once the new tower is completed.
Patient rooms in the tower include accommodations for family members as well as waiting areas with connection ports for personal computers. Patients on top floors will view Mt. Hood and the Columbia River.
A lobby on the first floor will feature informational kiosks, a flower shop, cafe, resource center, outpatient pharmacy and lab services.
The entire tower is about 307,000 square feet. Colors representative of the northwest climate will be featured throughout the building.
A combination of 30-year bonds and Medical Center savings will fund the $146 million structure. The hospital is a community-owned non-profit organization.
About 62 beds will be operational by December 2006. Full operation is expected by 2009.
HOSPITAL CHANGES PARKING SETUP
Several parking changes are underway at Southwest Washington Medical Center due to construction of a new $146 million patient tower.
Beginning April 18, all patients and visitors will need to use specific entry routes to the Medical Center depending on the nature of their visit.
The only surface parking remaining on the south side of campus will be for Emergency Room patient traffic only.
Non-emergency patients and visitors will be directed to designated public parking north of the Family Birth Center via NE 87th Ave and NE 5th St. Hundreds of additional public parking spaces have been allocated in this area, said hospital representatives.
Free valet parking services are available out of the NE 92nd Ave. parking lot.
BG COUNCIL WAFFLES OVER CIRCUS
Heidi Wallenborn, news director
The Battle Ground city council narrowly approved use of city property for a circus coming to the city in May.
An April 4 council meeting was fraught with disagreements over insurance coverage and concern over the treatment of animals on city-owned land.
Although the Culpepper and Merriweather Big Top Circus will be held Sat., May 21, on city property north of The Reflector on NW 20th Ave., council members Chris Regan, Mike Ciraulo and Alex Reinhold voted "no."
Mayor John Idsinga argued against approving the circus on city-owned land because of liability concerns, but voted "yes."
The event is sponsored by the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce.
The Circus owners will carry $1 million public liability insurance to protect the Chamber and city from lawsuits in the event of an accident.
"It's my personal opinion that it is not good business to allow only $1 million in liability," Idsinga told Tweedell.
"Other communities do not require more than that," Tweedell argued.
Regan said the amount is not adequate.
"There is [liability] exposure for the city," he said. "If there is an accident, it could be catastrophic."
Regan also feared "someone slipping and cracking their heads open."
"Why do other cities not feel this way?" Tweedell said.
"Because we are Battle Ground," retorted Idsinga.
Tweedell accused the mayor of trying to prohibit an event. City officials require only $1 million in insurance to cover the annual Chamber-sponsored beer garden during Harvest Days in July on city property, she said.
"At the circus, there's no beer," she said. "There's people walking into a tent, sitting down and watching a show. This is not a three-ring circus. There will be no lions attacking people."
A seemingly angry Idsinga replied that "we didn't cause tort reform and the litigious society we live in."
Ciraulo said the liability issue "is a big one," and that he normally supports the Chamber, but couldn't approve a circus on city land.
"Not this venue," he told Tweedell, saying he could not support "exploitation of animals and deplorable conditions."
Although Reinhold voiced support of Chamber events and Tweedell's willingness to work with city officials and her diligence to make venues safe, he also could not support a circus for reasons similar to Ciraulo's.
Deputy mayor Sandra Barnes said she would be comfortable approving the use of land if the Chamber could come up with an extra $500,000 insurance coverage.
Council member Bill Ganley said he didn't have enough information about the circus, but recommended approval and a one-time trial "to see what happens."
"Good discussion," said Idsinga after the 4-3 vote.
The day after the meeting, Tweedell secured $2 million coverage from the circus owners.
"They said they'd never heard of such a thing, but were willing to please the city in order to bring a circus to the citizens," she said.
COUNCIL SETS RULE ON MOTORIZED SCOOTERSHeidi Wallenborn, news director
Motorized foot scooters are loud, fast, popular, and sometimes pose a threat to the rider and other vehicle traffic.
As a result, Battle Ground city council members passed an ordinance April 4 to regulate their use inside city limits.
The first presentation to council by police chief Ron Johnson in October last year included recommendations regarding miniature "pocket" motorcycles. Since then, state officials have banned their use from roadways, Johnson said at the meeting.
During his research of municipal codes, Johnson found cities cannot prohibit using scooters except in bicycle lanes, he said.
"But it feels to me they are safer in bike lanes," Johnson told council members.