COUPLE WILL FOLLOW SON TO TEXAS

As Bruce and Donna Cross of Battle Ground sift through possessions they have accumulated over nearly 35 years, they plan a new adventure in their lives: moving to Texas.

The well-known couple have been about as involved in their community as is possible, serving as athletic coaches, booster club officers, and rose float committee chair, plus church activities and more.

The couple plan to return to Battle Ground to visit family and friends, they say, and may one day own another home in the community.

But later this year, they will be established in their new home in Allen, TX, about 45 minutes north of Dallas.

Bruce Cross moved to Battle Ground with his family in 1965, arriving from Lancaster, CA. Donna Beseda is a life-long area resident. Both graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1968, just weeks before Bruce's father died suddenly of a coronary.

The couple met at a party about a year after high school graduation. "She came with a date and I took her away," said Bruce. They were married on Nov. 28, 1970.

In May 1971, they moved into their new home on NE 142nd Ave., where they have lived ever since.

The Crosses have three children--daughter Amanda Ueltschi, 34, and sons Wade, 31, and Toby, 29. They also have three grandchildren, ages 10, 8, and one month.

They are drawn to Texas because Wade is a new father. Connor Cross, son of Wade and Michelle Cross of Dallas, TX, was born June 10.

Bruce said he enjoys warmer weather. The couple explored Arizona and Nevada as winter retreats before deciding to make the move to Texas where they can be near their youngest grandchild.

Bruce Cross retired after 30 years with Clark County Public Works. He now works for the city of Portland. Donna has worked as a dental hygienist for 35 years, 29 with Dr. Classen's dental office in Battle Ground. Both plan to leave their jobs Dec. 1.

The couple have conducted businesses along the way. In the late 1970s, they built a shop to house a screen printing business, making signs for real estate companies.

In the 1980s, the shop was home to Mid County Gym, an athletic Club open to the public. They have grown Christmas trees on half of their one acre parcel. They now grow arborvitae, a u-dig crop.

Bruce served on a youth soccer board and helped coach basketball. He was also president of the Battle Ground High School sports boosters club for two years. He also served as president of Battle Ground Little League.

Donna coached soccer and was president of the high school band boosters and sports boosters organizations. For several years, the couple donated trees for the band booster club fundraising Christmas tree sale.

Bruce served on the Clark County Fair Board. He was also vice president of the Washington West Point Parents Club and president of the Oregon and Southwest Washington West Point Parents Club when their son, Wade, attended that institution.

Donna was Harvest Days queen in 1967. She served as chairperson of the community rose float committee for four years.

Cribbage has been an important avocation. Bruce and Donna have hosted several cribbage tournaments each year at their home, dubbed "Cribbage Flat." Some tournaments attracted over 30 players.

The couple will leave behind friends and relatives as they move away, but they are not cutting ties. "We expect to be back alot," said Bruce. They might even buy another home in the Battle Ground area.

They also have family members in Battle Ground. Bruce has a sister, brother and nieces. Donna has four brothers, a sister, nieces and one nephews, mostly in the area, and her parents, John and Helen Beseda, live in the community as well.

"We value our friendships," said Bruce.

Bruce jokingly admitted some frustration over continuing phone calls related to his work with Clark County--two years after retirement. County employees call him with questions about public works matters, and members of the public still call about solving problems with the county, he said.

The Crosses said they will dispose of numerous possessions in making the move to Texas, including about half their furnishings, two cars, tools, outdoor furniture, and more.

WAADEVIG FINED FOR CAMPAIGN VIOLATION

The state Public Disclosure Commission has fined Paul Waadevig for failing to timely file campaign finance reports during his 2004 run for the state legislature.

Waadevig was fined $500 with $250 suspended for failing to timely file six Contribution Reports during his campaign, a post-election Contribution and Expenditure Summary Report, and last minute contribution reports for two "large" contributions he received shortly before the general election.

The Commission also fined Kalama city council member Pete Poulsen $150 for failing to timely file an annual Personal Financial Affairs Statement by the April 15, 2005 deadline. Commission chairman Mike Connelly said Poulsen was sent a reminder letter in the first week of May 2005, and a second letter a month later.

Information, Lori Anderson, (877) 601-2828.

BG SCHOOL DISTRICT PLANS SYMPOSIUM ON NEW HIGH SCHOOL

Officials of the Battle Ground School District, along with representatives of LSW Architects, will conduct a two-session symposium July 19-20 on the design of a proposed third district high school in Amboy.

The planning effort take place Tues., July 19, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., at Amboy Middle School, and continue Wed., July 20, 6-9 p.m., also at Amboy School.

Using proceeds from a bond passed by district voters earlier this year, the district has an option to purchase 50-acres across the street from Amboy Middle School.

The two-session symposium is designed to develop design ideas for the proposed new school.

Those interested in attending are invited to confirm with Vivi Witt by July 14, 885-6527. Information, Kelly O'Brien-Keister, 904-1233, Lynn Hicks, 885-5303.

STUDENTS HONORED AT FIRM FOUNDATION

Administrator Ronda Hilman has released the names of honor students for the 2004-2005 academic year at Firm Foundation Christian School in Battle Ground.

The annual President's Education Awards went to Cameron Peterson, Luke Pritchard, Tameson Tervo, Ulayna Gershun, Alyssa Cook Stacia Matson, Elizabeth Kohout, Anzelan Gershun, Natylee Mueller, Lev Shishikin, Lane Karlson, Ashlee Bengee, Erica Arrunategui and Kayla Oliver.

The ending-year honor roll for 2004-2005 listed the following students: eighth grade: Luke Pritchard, Anzhela Gershun, Cameron Peterson; seventh grade: Natylee Mueller, Bethany Helmes, Timothy Cook, Joshua McCleary, Jared Cook; sixth grade: Tameson Tervo; fifth grade: Alyssa Cook, Ulayna Gershun, Lane Karlsen; fourth grade: Ashlee Benge, Stacia Matson; third grade: Holly Helmes, Nissa Matson; second grade: Amanda Benge, Kristina Acheson, Ashley Jagelski, Alanta Keskitalo, Adrie Bickley, Victoria Koval, Kurin Baney, Jacob Boursaw, Zack Dupree; first grade: Savannah Wetzler.

STOREDAHL DECISION IS APPEALED TO COMMISSIONERS

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Two appeals have been filed against a June 8 decision to allow mining to proceed at the Daybreak mine.

Clark County commissioners are set to weigh the appeals July 12, 10 a.m., at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver.

County hearings examiner Daniel Kearns previously ruled that the Kelso-based J.L. Storedahl & Sons gravel mine has a "pre-existing" or "non-conforming" right to do business on its property, located next to the East Fork of the Lewis River.

The right means that even though the mine may not conform to existing regulations, it did comply with regulations at the time it was established, said county planners.

Attorneys for two fish-conservation groups, Friends of the East Fork and Fish First, filed one of the appeals.

The groups agree with some of Kearns' findings, but contest that the mine was not a lawful use of the Daybreak site in 1973--the date that Kearns based the non-conforming findings on--because the site did not have a Shoreline Management Act permit then.

In the decision, Kearns stated that "right or wrong, the County took the position that no shoreline permit was required."

The groups contend, however, that "lack of enforcement does not convert the unlawful mining operation into a law abiding enterprise."

The groups also base their appeal on the amount of material that Kearns has allowed to be mined, saying that Storedahl has no right to increase production.

The groups also contend that the mine was effectually "abandoned" in 1993--a technical term where mining allegedly stops, thereby relinquishing mining rights.

Attorneys for Storedahl filed the other appeal. This appeal does not challenge the result reached by Kearns, but argues that the examiner erred on certain technical points which require clarification.

RIDGEFIELD SCHOOLS MOVES BOND TO NOVEMBER

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

November 8 is the new date that Ridgefield voters will decide the fate of a $56 million bond designed to alleviate crowding in the Ridgefield School District.

Board members called a special meeting June 28 to decide the new date. The bond had originally been set for Sept. 20, but public opinion caused members to rethink their decision.

"We wanted to propose the bond to voters at the best possible time," said Board chair Wendi Morris. "We needed to make sure our voters have as much possible time to become informed about the decision."

November was the next possible date a bond could be run. Morris said scheduling a bond as soon as possible was key for the District's long-term success because construction costs will only increase the longer the District waits. A later date also delays solutions to space issues.

The amount of the bond has not been changed, despite the delay.

The bond package would fund construction of a new high school and modify and improve the District's existing four schools.

If passed, state match funds would contribute another $7.9 million to the package. Another $3.6 million would come from impact fees and interest.

About $66.4 million total would be spent.

The plan would boost Ridgefield property owners' annual tax rate from about 42 cents per $1,000 assessed value to about $2.24--or from least expensive to about mid-level compared with other school districts in the area.

Bond proceeds would be used to build a new 1,200 student high school with 23 classrooms, labs, workshops, a 400-seat performing arts center, five fields and six tennis courts.

Minor modifications would be made to the existing high school to convert it to middle school use.

The next Board meeting has been rescheduled for Tues., July 19, 7 p.m., Ridgefield High School, 2630 S Hillhurst Rd.

SCHOOL BOARD SEATS UP FOR GRABS IN 2005

Ever wonder about running for a school board seat? Several nonpartisan seats are up for election this November.

The filing period is fast approaching. To file for an office, candidates must complete a Declaration of Candidacy and file it at the Clark or Cowlitz county elections department.

Filing in-person period is Mon., July 25, through Fri., July 29. Filings are accepted by mail Mon., July 11, through Fri., July 29.

Filing fee is $10.

The Washington State School Directors' Association will hold several workshops in the area to discuss roles and responsibilities of school board members.

The Association provides leadership, advocacy and services to support school board members' efforts to improve student learning. The meetings are not campaign meetings. Meetings are free.

Meetings will be held after people file and before elections.

Closest workshops to southwest Washington will be held on Wed., Aug. 17, 7-9 p.m., at Camas School District board room, 1919 NE Ione St., Camas, and Thurs., Aug. 18, 7-9 p.m., at Kelso School District board room, 601 Crawford St., Kelso.

Anyone from any school district is welcome at either meeting.

Candidates for school boards must be registered voters residing in the jurisdiction in which he or she wants to be elected.

Terms of office are four years. School board members do not receive salaries. Some districts pay stipends, usually $50 per meeting.

The following school board seats are up for reelection: (Listed are districts and incumbents. Not all incumbents are running again. Territories shown are approximate.)

** Battle Ground.

District 1, Frederick Striker. Territory involves cities of Amboy and Yacolt and essentially everywhere north of the East Fork of the Lewis River.

District 2, David Sonntag. Territory involves everywhere north of the city of Battle Ground, south of East Fork of the Lewis River, as well as east of Battle Ground from about NE 118th St. northward. District 5, Dr. Mark Pelletier. Territory involves Manor area, north of Padden Parkway, south of NE 199th St., east of about NE 29th Ave., and west of about NE 72nd Ave.

** Hockinson.

District 1, Erik Mattson. Territory involves area south of about NE 189th St., north of NE 159th St., east of NE 152nd Ave., and west of about NE 212th Ave.

District 2, Deb Stavig. Territory involves area south of about NE 189th St., with part of the Risto Rd. area, north of NE Powell and NE Rawson roads, east of about NE 212th Ave., and west of Elkhorn Mt.

** La Center.

District 2, Melissa Miller. Territory involves area south of about NE 339th, north of the East Fork Lewis River, west of about NE 11th Ave., and west of about NE 72nd Ave.

District 3, Robert Taylor. Territory involves area south of about NE 379th St., north of about Landerholm Rd., west of about NE Brothers Rd., east of about NE 102nd Ave.

** Ridgefield.

District 1, Joe Leadingham. Territory involves everywhere north of about NE 279th St., west of NW 11th Ave., as well as most of the downtown core of old town Ridgefield.

District 4, Kathy Koller. Territory involves area south of about NE 208th St., north of NE 159th St., east of NW 11th Ave., west of about NE 24th Ave.

** Green Mountain.

District 2, Garren Elmer.

District 3, Sandra Ferneding.

Phone the Green Mountain School District for specifics, (360) 225-7366.

** Woodland.

District 4, Bill Woodard.

District 5, Steve Bosen (Bosen was sworn in May 2005. Seat was occupied by Julie Nicholsen until April 2005).

For specifics on Woodland districts, contact Libby at Cowlitz County elections, (360) 577-3005.

For more information about filing and specific district boundaries in Clark County, contact Clark County Elections Department, 1408 Franklin St., Vancouver, 397-2345, www.clark.wa.gov/elections/

For information on the state Association meetings, phone (360) 493-9231 or:

www.ssda.org

TAPANI TAPPED FOR $18 MILLION FEDERAL JOB

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

The boom and crash reverberating across the north jetty at the mouth of the Columbia River in Ilwaco is not caused by pounding ocean surf these days.

It is the sound of tons of boulders being dumped from sideloaders onto sand and then set into place by a $1 million boulder-picking machine.

Tapani Underground of Battle Ground was awarded an $18 million bid by the Army Corps of Engineers to replace failing rubble-mound jettys in Washington and Oregon that accelerate the river's flow into the ocean.

Several-ton boulders called armour stones have been forced out of place by howling, pounding winter storms over the past 100 years. As a result, the current now funneled through the jettys is not strong enough to keep sand from building up in shipping canals, said Nick Massie of Woodland, project engineer for Tapani.

Corps officials say that so much damage has occurred that the north jetty may not be able to withstand even a moderate winter storm.

If the jettys fail, the navigation channel will fill, said Norm Tolonen, Corps project manager. Even now, the river depth is only 12 feet in some areas because of sand bars in the 6-mile wide mouth.

Tapani spokesperson Richard Rich of Yacolt said a clogged river affects commerce as far away to North Dakota which sends grain by rail to Portland and Vancouver for shipping.

Tapani's job is to fill holes in three sections--two on the river side, one on the ocean side. Like fitting a jigsaw puzzle, each rock has to fit three sides with nearly no gap.

Each stone, ranging from 7 to 12 tons, is lifted by a "monster" EX1200 boulder-picker, operated by Tapani's Gary Maze of Battle Ground.

Work began in earnest in late June. Crews, mostly north Clark County area workers, are expected to finish the north jetty in October. Work will begin on the Oregon side in summer 2006.

Three trips daily are made to quarries in Astoria, OR and Cathlamet to bring the special jetty rock to the work site. Massie guessed that 80,000 tons of rock would be used by the end of October.

"The monster"

Admittedly the envy of any Tapani employee who operates excavation machinery, Maze is enjoying his job operating the EX1200. His grin didn't fade June 26 as he picked up boulders as if they were marbles.

"I have the best job in the world," he said. He told of seeing two dolphins play in the river near Cape Disappointment, otters skimming by, and flocks of pelicans flying in formation to the ocean side.

Most of all, he enjoys following the direction of Tapani employee Anthony Hicks, who serves as Maze's visual aid on where to fit boulders.

"We're just filling in the holes," Maze said as the claw lifted another boulder. The "monster" shuddered as the boom arm swung around to the south. He explained that the slope has to be a perfect 1-1.5 degrees on both sides and 30 feet across the top.

When asked how he could tell if a boulder was too big for the massive beast to pick up, Maze grinned with laugh lines framing his blue eyes and said, "we start to tip."

For more information about the Tapani project and access to the jetty and surrounding park, call Tapani at 687-1148, or the Army Corps of Engineers at (503) 808-4510. Also see information online at www.nwp.usace.army.mil

AREA MEN RESCUED FROM OCEAN

Coast Guard rushes to sinking boat

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Three north Clark County men were among five anglers rescued at sea June 11 by U.S. Coast Guard teams.

According to a Coast Guard report, the men were plucked from the ocean after their fishing boat sank in 48-degree water about 13 miles west of Ilwaco.

Rescued were Brian Ott of Battle Ground, Eric Clark of Amboy, Harold Jones of Hockinson, and Rick Ott and Brad Mayhew of Vancouver.

A Coast Guard helicopter and two 47-foot motor lifeboats participated in rescue operations.

Coast Guard helicopter at scene when boat sank

The sunken boat, a 26-foot wood Owens cabin cruiser, was owned by Brian Ott.

Ott was operating his boat, Lotta Fun, and with four friends, was outbound in the morning on a halibut fishing trip. Suddenly, the boat began to leak.

Water that seemed to be coming in from the bow of the boat began to cover the floor of the cabin, said Clark. Soon, the water almost filled the engine compartment, he said. "We began baling, but couldn't keep pace with the incoming flow," he added.

Ott radioed for help at 8:45 a.m. His signal was received at the Coast Guard Air Station in Astoria.

Clark said Ott shot two flares up, trying to get the attention of someone on another distant boat.

The anglers tied anything that could float together to form a makeshift, visible raft in case they sank, said Clark. He said they used spare life rings, dock bumpers and a cooler. He said all of the men knew how to swim.

The Lotta Fun sank beneath its occupants at 9:26 a.m., according to a Coast Guard record. By then, a Coast Guard helicopter was hovering overhead, said Clark.

Clark said a Coast Guard rescue swimmer dropped into the sea and harnessed Mayhew and Jones who were lifted into the helicopter.

The other three men were taken aboard a Coast Guard motor lifeboat.

The rescued men were bundled in heavy blankets and transported to the Coast Guard station at Cape Disappointment. They were evaluated by medical technicians and released.

Clark said everyone on the sinking boat kept their heads and did exactly the right things. The Coast Guard personnel were kind, courteous and very professional, he said.

"It was a perfect rescue," said Brian Ott.

Clark said by a quirk of fate, representatives of the Discovery Channel visiting area Coast Guard stations were able to film the rescue. He said they plan to air the rescue on television in September.

OFFICIALS WANT SMOKELESS PARKS

Signs will designate tobacco-free areas

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Clark County commissioners agreed June 22 to discourage smoking in parks where children play or congregate.

Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Department spokesperson Toni Wise said signs requesting voluntary compliance with a non-smoking policy will be posted in parks where children play or are spectators at events.

Wise said Department officials are attempting to find funding, about $20,000, from state or federal sources to implement the sign program.

Officials estimate it will take about $4,000 per year to maintain signs.

Parks officials estimate about 150 signs will be needed at sites in Vancouver and another 150 at sites in unincorporated areas of the County.

Proposed signs will be made of metal, 18-inches wide and 24-inches high, said Wise. Proposed designs would use crayon drawings done by area school children for sign images.

Department director David Judd said park commissioners, Department of Health and other officials agree that secondhand smoke poses a serious health risk, especially to infants and children.

Members of the National Parks & Recreation Association urge smoking bans where children play in parks, said Wise.

A Department policy statement said tobacco-free areas will include playground or play areas, public restroom areas, sites of public events and public beaches.