BG CLASS OF 1955 HOLDS REUNION

  Some 65 members of the Battle Ground High School class of 1955 gathered in reunion Sept. 17-18 in Woodland and Battle Ground.

  Class member Mel Conner said the class had 128 members of whom 22 have passed away.

  Reunion organizer Evelyn Nichols said the class held a reunion every five years after graduation, starting in 1960. After the 40-year reunion in 1995, the class waited until this year for another gathering.

  Nichols said class members have kept in touch over the years, leading to large turnouts for reunions.

  In addition to gathering Sept. 17 at the Oak Tree Restaurant, the class met for a picnic Sept. 18 at Lewisville Park near Battle Ground.

  Three sets of class members married, said Nichols. Diana Sandstrom married Jim Wooldridge who passed away in recent years.

  Two other class-member marriages ended in divorce, said Nichols.

  Nichols said reunion organizers have lost track of Robert Allworth and Sandra Sturdevant.

  Rose Farring traveled from Korea to attend the reunion. Class members also traveled from Alaska and North Carolina.

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

  Damage wasn't widespread, but it was enough to rack up a price tag of about $1,000 to fix some very old tombstones in a pioneer-era cemetery near Salmon Creek.

  Tombstones were knocked over near the entrance and exit in what appears to be a quick run in and out by vandals on Sept. 11 or 12, on NE 72nd St. between NE 144 and NE 159th streets.

  Manor area resident Dennis McGee is spitting mad about it, and has offered a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever did it.

  The 74-year old man is a lifelong Clark County resident and knows "about 40 percent of the names" in the 132-year-old (Manor) Wilson Bridge Cemetery.

  "My grandparents and great-grandparents are buried there," McGee said. "It [vandalism] made me mad. I thought, `heck $500 isn't all that much to flush `em out.'"

  McGee is the one that noticed and reported the tipped-over and smashed monuments and headstones. He drifts through there sometimes, just checking on things and how they look.

  The cemetery is overgrown in weeds and other plants, and molehills and ant hills dot the nearly 6-acre parcel.

  McGee's idea is to catch whoever did it, make them pay restitution through the court system and hopefully be assigned to clean up the grounds.

  The Wilson Bridge Cemetery Association contacted the Clark County Sheriff's Office, and Vancouver Granite Works, the company that will fix the stones.

  Granite Works owner Joey Fuerstenberg, who also owns the modern Memory Memorial Cemetery adjacent to the Wilson Bridge cemetery, said damage is about $1,000. Depending on the type of stone used, pins may be used to hold broken pieces together, or a two-part epoxy. Most headstones in the park are made of marble, but some are limestone.

  Memory Memorial was also vandalized with eggs thrown at a mausoleum.

  History of the Wilson Bridge place is a little confusing. One account is that pioneers W.B. and M. F. Wilson deeded the land as a public burying ground to the trustees of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ in 1873.

  Another is that Ohio pioneer John B. Lindsay pioneered in the area then known as Good Hope in 1861 on a Donation Land Claim. Legend states that he donated the land in 1873.

  Another bit of history is that several working families in the shipyards during World War II lost babies and were unable to afford burial costs.

  Area funeral homes pooled together to provide minimal burial costs. About 30 unmarked graves are at Wilson Bridge, in the "aisles" between marked graves.

  Anyone with information about the alleged vandals is asked to call the Clark County Sheriff's Office at 397-2211 or Dennis McGee at 573-2224.

BG TAPS VANCOUVER MAN FOR CHIEF

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

  An assistant chief with the Portland Police Bureau will take command of the Battle Ground police department on Oct. 6.

  Jim McDaniel, a Vancouver resident, was chosen out of nearly 60 applicants who wanted to be Battle Ground's top cop.

  "I'm honored and excited," McDaniel said. "Those other applicants were all very qualified. I'm delighted the city settled on me."

  City manager Eric Holmes said McDaniel is a perfect fit for the community with his demeanor, personality, and experience.

  "I'm thrilled," Holmes said. "Jim will represent us very well. When I started looking [for a new chief] I wanted someone who could bring us to a contemporary, high level of service and make this a polished department."

  McDaniel has 25 years police experience including the last two as assistant chief in Portland and six years in command there. He's worked in all areas of law enforcement, Holmes said, and that made him desirable as chief.

  "He's been on every level of police work including patrol, tactical, gang enforcement, K-9, SWAT team, explosives disposal, homicide, and drug investigations," Holmes said. "He was trained by the FBI and is very well educated."

  McDaniel first began his career in Milwaukee, OR. He has been a motorcycle officer, detective, sergeant, and lieutenant.

  Because of his longevity in one general area, McDaniel has a lot of contacts in various agencies in Oregon and Washington, Holmes said.

  "He's connected to all the area law enforcement agencies," he said. "Jim brings a high level of professionalism and credibility with him. His reputation is impeccable."

  McDaniel also earned a bachelor's degree in human resources management from George Fox University, which is important to Holmes.

  "Law enforcement is a people business," Holmes said. "You have to be a `people-person.'"  

  As an assistant chief with Portland, McDaniel's responsibilities included making policies and planning decisions for the 1,260 Bureau employees and managing a $130 million budget. In the absence of the Portland chief, McDaniel served as acting chief of police.

  He also has extensive background in contract negotiations for police and civilian employees. He was responsible for administration and grievance resolutions, and implemented a Labor Management Agreements program with three major bargaining units to address working conditions, employee relations, and contract disputes before the formal grievance process is begun.

  McDaniel established use of force and performance review boards for when an officer had to use deadly force, and for internal performance investigations. He made recommendations about discipline, training, and Bureau policy.

  For Human Resources, McDaniel was responsible for recruiting, selection, promotion and all discipline for "sworn" and "non-sworn" personnel. He oversaw seven divisions and three direct report units made up of 174 personnel. Of those divisions, some were training, internal affairs, personnel and management services. He managed an annual budget of $22 million.

  His most current project was overseeing the development of a comprehensive Early Intervention System to monitor and track division and individual performances, and policy compliance. Its goal is to help divisions and individual reach the organization's objectives and goals, and to provide early intervention and support.

  McDaniel was the primary incident commander for the City of Portland's Emergency Operations Center, and board chair for the Bureau's Latino Advisory Council, and Asian Law Enforcement Advisory Council of Oregon.

  Awards include a Medal of Valor with the Oregon Peace Officer's Association, Meritorious Service Medal for Valor and the Distinguished Service Medal from the Bureau. 

  Between now and his official start date, McDaniel will go through "orientation," he said. Plans are to meet with interim chief Larry Dickerson, Holmes, and get up to speed and meet everybody.

  Once in, he will meet everyone from department heads and employees to council members and citizens.

  "I want to understand the issues in the city and hear from the officers and employees what they want to see in their police force," he said.

  McDaniel is also "a firm believer in having community involvement."

  "I want people to tell me what kind of city they want," he said. "Everybody in every part of the community should have a voice."

  McDaniel said part of the reason he chose Battle Ground is that it's a young department with the potential for a lot of growth.

  It's also a way for he and his wife to stay in southwest Washington. They own property in Washougal and plan to build on it someday.

  But most of all, "Battle Ground is a vibrant city and someplace I want to work. People here seem to like and appreciate their police department. Not all communities are that way."

UTILITY GETS GRANT FOR ARSENIC FIX

Bill Myers, staff reporter

  A half-million dollar federal grant is aimed at solving the problem of arsenic in private wells near Woodland.

  Clark Public Utilities officials announced Sept. 14 that president Bush approved a land management bill in August containing a $500,000 state and tribal assistance grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.

  The grant is intended to help fund an alternate water source in a neighborhood east of Woodland where high levels of arsenic were found in private wells.

  Utility water services director Doug Quinn said the grant, with a required 45 percent match, could fund an alternative water source for up to 32 lots east of Woodland.

  A few years ago, Clark County Health Department officials found unsafe arsenic levels in about 32 percent of private wells near Hayes Rd., NW 411th Circle and NW Bridge Rd.

  Health Department officials say ingestion of arsenic can cause severe health maladies, including cancer.

  Quinn said Utility officials were surprised and delighted to hear of the funding approval. He lauded efforts by congressman Brian Baird and senators Patti Murray and Maria Cantwell. All helped to find a way to solve what has been a "very sad human condition," he said.

  Quinn also praised Vancouver consultant Rod Orlando who crafted a grant application and proposal.

  Utility officials are getting bids to drill a test well on private property containing good water about 1/4 mile from the affected neighborhood, said Quinn.

  A test well will determine water quality and volume. Knowledge of volume will determine reservoir needs for water storage and help establish a project cost.

  Quinn said Utility officials will hold a meeting in October with affected area residents as project costs become more predictable. He said topics at the meeting will include participation requirements and costs associated with matching funds and formation of a Limited Utility District.

  Utility spokesman Mick Shutt said the Utility currently has nine LUDs. Water bills currently average about $21 per month, he said.

  Shutt can be reached at 992-3238.

PETITION COULD ADD WOODLAND TO MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT

  The gathering of signatures is underway that could bring mosquito control services to the city of Woodland.

  Some 164 valid signatures are needed to put the issue before Woodland voters.

  Pat Brock, attorney for the Cowlitz County Mosquito Control District, said 68 signatures have been gathered so far.

  Relying on advice from the office of the Washington State Attorney General, Brock said there is no deadline on gathering signatures.

  The mosquito control effort in Woodland began in January 2003 when the Woodland city council adopted a resolution authorizing the signature drive.

  If the matter reaches a ballot and is approved, Woodland property owners would be taxed for mosquito control services provided by the Mosquito Control District.

  Catherine Trahin, Mosquito District board member from the Woodland area, said the new tax would be about 4.2 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or about $8.45 per year on a $200,000 home.

  "I often tell folks that its the price of a couple cans of Raid and a lot more effective," said Trahin.

  The Mosquito District was formed in 1991 with both Woodland and Kalama choosing not to join.

  Brock said Kalama went through the same petition and election process, joining the Mosquito Control District in 2004.

  Trahin said petitions may be signed at Woodland city hall. Those signing the petition must be registered voters and must live in the city of Woodland.

  Those interested may also call Trahin and a petition will be mailed to them.

  Brock said the Mosquito Control District operates with an annual budget of about $252,000, of which about $98,000 goes for salaries, $32,000 for chemicals, $20,000 for contracted aerial work, and $25,000 for capital projects.

  Don Mathison represents the Kalama area on the Mosquito Control District board.

  Information, Catherine Trahin, 225-3923, 606-7359.

COMMENTS INVITED ON PLANS FOR NEW BG LIBRARY

  How big should the children's area be in the planned Battle Ground Community Library? How much space is needed for computers? What are the library needs of the greater Battle Ground community?

  These and other questions will be posed to the general public during two forums in November.

  The forums are set for Wed., Nov. 2, 7-9 p.m., at the Battle Ground Senior Citizens Center, 116 NE 3rd Ave., and Thurs., Nov. 17, 7-9 p.m., at the Battle Ground city hall, 109 SW 1st St.

  Library executive director Bruce Ziegman will discuss the new project, followed by a presentation by an architect. Public comments on the conceptual design of the library will comprise most of the two-hour sessions.

  Information, Jane Higgins, 666-5865.

ELECTRICITY RATES COULD GO UP IN CLARK COUNTY--OR NOT

  The commissioners of Clark Public Utilities are considering raising power rates effective Oct. 1.

  The proposal would increase residential rates by 7.4 percent, while increasing industrial power users by 2.1 percent.

  The rate hikes would increase revenues by about $15.7 million per year, offsetting a projected budget deficit of $16 million.

  But the residential increase could be nullified before it happens, or could become a rate cut instead.

  Utility spokesman Mick Shutt said the federal Bonneville Power Administration is expected to decide soon on the utility's application for inclusion in the Residential Exchange Program.

  That program allows utilities to trade more costly power to Bonneville in exchange for Bonneville's less costly hydro power.

  If that happens this month, said Shutt, the utility could gain about $3 million a month in credits. That's about $36 million a year or about $20 million more than the projected budget shortfall.

  Shutt said residential rates could be reduced in that eventuality. Negotiations with Bonneville are in the early stages, said Shutt, so estimates of exchange values are not firm.

  In addition, said Shutt, Bonneville plans to cut its wholesale power rate by 1.6 percent in October.

  The Residential Exchange Program, initiated in 1982, is designed to reduce the cost of power to residential customers.   Instead of actually exchanging power, Bonneville makes fixed cash payments or gives credits to qualifying utilities.

  Bonneville pays for the exchange program by raising rates to all its customers.

  Inclusion in the program would allow Clark Public Utilities to subsidize the high cost of operating its River Road generating plant.

  Shutt said the rising cost of natural gas to fire its generating plant has spurred the need for a rate increase and is the basis for its application to the Residential Exchange Program.

  Whereas the utility paid about $7 per million BTUs of gas this year, the price next year could be $8.

  If not offset by the Exchange Program proceeds, the proposed residential rate increase would add about $9 a month to the bill of an average homeowner, $12 to the average commercial bill, and about $180 to the bill of an average industrial customer.

  Shutt said officials of Bonneville Power and Clark Public Utilities met Sept. 15 to work on an agreement.

  Under the federal program, utilities are required to pass Exchange Program benefits to their residential and small farm customers.

VERBAL AGREEMENT COULD GET VOLUNTEERS BACK ON TRACK

    A verbal agreement reached Sept. 13 could result in the return of the volunteer rail group to the Clark County-owned Chelatchie Prairie Railroad.

    County officials have negotiated two agreements, each described as a "memorandum of understanding," which could lead to lease documents, giving the Battle Ground, Yacolt and Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Association (BYCX) renewed access to the county railroad.

    Steve Schulte, who spearheads railroad matters for Clark County, said that once the two memorandums of understanding are signed, the BYCX can resume track maintenance work. The group cannot begin running tourist trains, said Schulte, until leases are negotiated and signed.

    Schulte said one agreement would allow the county to lease back the north end of the 33-mile railroad from Columbia Basin Railroad, and the other agreement would provide for the lease of the north line to the BYCX.

    The draft agreements define the north line as extending from Heisson to Chelatchie Prairie, a distance of about 15 miles.

    The county leased the entire railroad to Columbia Basin Railroad in December 2004.

    Citing rule violations and trouble negotiating, Eric Temple of Columbia Basin evicted the volunteers effect Aug. 7. That eviction was extended to Sept. 7.

    Bryan Baker of the BYCX said the group worked 200-300 hours removing its equipment from the line, including cars, steam engine, tools, and materials.

    Baker said the group met the Sept. 7 deadline.

    After the two memorandums of understanding are approved by the Clark County commissioners and then signed by the two railroad groups, the eviction order is lifted, said Schulte.

    "We wanted to get the MOUs in place so that the BYCX is no longer under an eviction order," said Clark County commissioner Betty Sue Morris. "I think everyone is pleased that we have been able to work out this solution."

    The county had accused Temple of not negotiating in good faith with the BYCX, one of the requirements of the Columbia Basin lease.

    Terri Tweedell, a member of the county Railroad Advisory Committee and president of the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce, said last week that the BYCX was not negotiating in good faith.

    Tweedell said Temple had signed the Memorandum of Understanding and it was Baker and the BYCX that were holding out.

    Baker said his group voted 21-1 Sept. 13 to approve the Memorandum of Understanding. The vote was taken in secret ballot, he said.

    "We realize it's not a perfect MOU," said Baker. "But it's something we can live with. Some thought we could have done better."

    Baker said the 40-member BYCX group had lost about 15 volunteers over the last several months--people who thought getting back on the railroad was "hopeless," said Baker.

Boldt given credit

    Baker credited commissioner Marc Boldt with brokering the draft agreements. "We owe so much to commissioner Boldt for this," said Baker.

    Baker said Boldt arranged the eviction extension with Temple, and offered ideas "to move this along."

    Under the draft agreements, the BYCX would turn over any track upgrade grant money it receives to Temple and the Columbia Basin Railroad, said Schulte.

    Temple could use that money on any portion of the railroad he chooses, said Schulte.

    The only exception, said Schulte, would be grants available only to non-profit groups which the BYCX could retain.

    Schulte said Temple did not want to compete with the BYCX for grants.

    Temple did not return phone calls for comments.

    The draft agreements provide that the BYCX will maintain the track from Heisson to Chelatchie Prairie in "excepted" condition, capable of supporting freight traffic at 10 miles per hour. The agreements do not specific when the track is to be in that condition.

    A higher level of track condition--Class 1--is required for passenger service.

Cancellation

    If Columbia Basin chooses to run dinner trains on the north line, said Schulte, the BYCX can be evicted with 12 months notice. That deadline is not subject to negotiation, he said.

    Schulte said the two parties could negotiate simultaneous use of the line, avoiding eviction.