BG LEVY WOULD COMPENSATE TEACHERS

More "teacher days" are requested

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

 Battle Ground School District board members will hold a work session Sat., Oct. 29, to discuss a proposed maintenance and operations levy to be brought before voters in February 2006.

 Board members are expected to set a dollar rate during a regular meeting on Tues., Nov. 1.

 Although the current levy is $1.89 per $1,000 of assessed property value, the teachers union and staff are asking for a range of $2.10-$3.46.

 Of the nearly 200 people who attended a series of three levy meetings last week, about 90 percent were staff, according to District information.

 Input given to board members from those meetings were mostly from teachers who will directly benefit by getting additional "teacher days," or days off for training.

 One patron who wished to remain anonymous said the meetings looked like a teacher's union rally, with free t-shirts and dinner provided by members.

 In addition to teacher benefits, the levy would focus on class size reduction, security, curriculum, site repairs, assistant principals, and textbooks.

 The study session will be at CASEE, 11104 NE 149th St., Brush Prairie, 9 a.m. For more information, call 904-1233 or 885-5305.

CANDIDATES DIFFER ON CASINO

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

     Two candidates vying for a seat on the La Center City Council have taken different positions on the proposed Cowlitz Casino.

     Incumbent Bill Birdwell, who was appointed last year to the Council, said he opposes the construction of a full casino at I-5 and La Center Road because of the economic impact on the city.

     "Eighty-five percent of our revenue comes from card rooms," he said.

     Challenger Mike Nolan said he takes no position on the casino.

     "I don't think I'm for or against," he said. "I'm for La Center. If the BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) approves, it doesn't matter. The Council needs to mitigate the effects."

     Birdwell's and Nolan's comments followed a debate on Oct. 20 sponsored by the North Clark County Chamber of Commerce.

     Nolan, a commander with the Central Precinct of the Clark County Sheriff's Office, has lived in La Center for 3 1/2 years. He said his experience in budgeting and administration would be valuable to the Council.

     He said he, his wife and three children moved to La Center because of the low crime rate and "safety factor."

     Birdwell, formerly a member of the La Center Planning Commission, is a machinist for High Tech Manufacturing in Hazel Dell. He has lived in La Center 13 years.

     The candidates agreed on the importance of diversifying La Center's economy. Both said they support industrial and commercial expansion at the I-5 junction.

     "We need diversification of our business base," Birdwell said. "That's the main reason to go to the Junction."

     Nolan said that without more business and industrial growth, the schools will suffer.

     "We have a serious school problem," he said. "If you don't mitigate the growth, you'll outsource the resources."

     The candidates differed on their approach to new facilities for teenagers, although both said they support youth programs.

     "If you build something, you have to finance maintenance over time," Nolan said. "If you build a skate park, who would police it?"

     Birdwell said he'd "like to see a skate park."

RAINES, WARREN VIE FOR YACOLT MAYOR JOB

Bill Myers, staff reporter

   Pila "Kit" Raines and Joe Warren are running for the mayor position in the town of Yacolt.

   The candidates are running to complete two years of an unexpired term left when former mayor James Robertson retired.

    Raines, a 66-year-old retiree who moved to Yacolt from California in 1994, said, "it was love at first sight" when she first saw Yacolt.

   Growth is good for Yacolt, said Raines. New homes help produce revenue for future sewer improvements, she said. She said more needs to be done to encourage businesses to locate in town. Specific needs are for a larger grocery store and a theater, swimming pool, bowling alley or other business that would give young people something to do, she said.

   Raines, in recent years a replacement when town clerk Brenda Nicholson was on vacation, said the town hall is falling apart and need to be replaced. The city needs to secure funding, loans if necessary, to buy more property, she said.

   Raines said that if elected, she would be a "full-time" mayor, always available if an emergency, such as a volcanic eruption, were to occur. She said her opponent works full time and can't devote enough time to the mayor position.

   Raines is a member of the North Country Emergency Medical Services board.

   Warren, a 31-year-old Yacolt native, graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1993.

   He is a U.S. Army veteran and has worked as an alignment specialist since 2000 at Les Schwab Tire Stores.

   Appointed in 2004 to fill a council vacancy, Warren said that with a good team (current town clerk and public works director) in place and good communications, his employment is not an issue.

   Warren said that without a sewer system, growth, after completion of a 47-home Rockford Home development and a planned 23-home project, will be limited.

   Most business owners are reluctant to locate where they won't have a sewer, said Warren.

   Warren said general sewer and facilities plans are needed before the city can charge developers sewer development fees.

   But such plans cost between $250,000 and $500,000, amounts the city can't afford without sizable grants or other funding, said Warren.

   "It's a Catch 22," he said.

   In Yacolt, impact fees are charged only for schools, Warren said. Reasonable impact fees are needed to care for roads and other infrastructure, he said.

   Warren said suspension of tourist train activities hurt Yacolt businesses and forced a restaurant to close. He said he hopes volunteers will be able to restore train operations.

   With the town donating land near the little league fields, a skate park is being planned by a non-profit organization, said Warren. He said a new hiking trail from the town to Moulton Falls could be built if grant funds are found.

   Warren said he wants to change the image of Yacolt. With inexpensive improvements, such as paint and good used furniture, the Town Hall could become an inviting, historical place for people to visit, he said.

   Both candidates said more law enforcement is needed. Growth could help fund more, said Raines.

   Warren said a current contract with the Sheriff's Office for eight hours of deputy time per week costs about $42,000 annually. He said that if elected he will negotiate more coverage as growth comes.

WHITE SOX IN WORLD SERIES: BG GRAD PITCHED

     As the Chicago White Sox compete against Houston in the 2005 baseball World Series, Vancouver resident Gerry Staley is glued to his television set.

     Staley, now 85, was on the mound in the 1959 World Series--the last time the White Sox competed in baseball's crown jewel.

     In 1959, the White Sox lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in six games, with Staley making relief pitching appearances in four games.

     Staley set a major league record in 1958 for the most appearances during a season by a relief pitches--67. That record has since been broken.

     Staley was a National League All Star in 1952 and 1953 when he pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals, and an American League All Star in 1960 with the White Sox.

     As a St. Louis Cardinal pitcher, Staley defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first night game ever played on opening day in major league history. That game was played April 18, 1950.

     His 15-year major league career ended in 1961 after which he pitched and coached for the Portland Beavers for one year.

Attended BG High School

     Staley attended Brush Prairie Grade School and qualified for the baseball team, he said, "because they only had nine boys."

     At Battle Ground High School, Staley and the Tigers won every game, although Staley was not a pitcher then. "They had better pitchers," he said, so Staley played shortstop.

     Staley and his brothers, Joe and Roy, also played for the Rock Creek Grange team during their high school years.

     After graduating in 1938, Staley worked for Alcoa, then played Portland-league sand lot baseball with his brother Roy as manager. Roy put his brother in as pitcher and his career was launched.

     In 1941, Staley played Class C baseball in Boise, ID, earning $100 a month. He won 22 games, "so I got a $25 raise the next year," said Staley.

     In 1942, Staley won 20 games. He then joined the Army Medical Corps and served in the South Pacific. "We played baseball whenever we weren't fighting," said Staley. Staley managed the team because he had professional baseball experience.

     In 1946, Staley played for Sacramento, CA of the Pacific Coast AAA League, then joined the parent St. Louis Cardinals in 1947.

     Over the next eight seasons, Staley was a starting pitcher, earning a 89-76 win-loss record.

     After one season with Cincinnati, Staley was acquired by the New York Yankees, and then mid-season by the Chicago White Sox in 1956.

     Staley was primarily a relief pitcher with the White Sox, earning a 38-25 record in six seasons, including his four appearances in the 1950 world series and playing as an All Star in 1960. His record in 1960 was 13-8.

     Staley played with the Oakland Athletics and the Detroit Tigers in 1961, his last year in the big leagues.

     Staley said he best pitch was a sinkerball, which dropped downward with the right spin. He also threw a knuckleball.

     Staley was ejected from only one game during his career. He was on the bench giving an umpire a hard time, he said. "I've heard enough out of you, Staley," the umpire said, ejecting Staley.

     Staley earned money advertising for the Bee hat company and for a brand of cigarettes, although he never smoked or chewed tobacco.

     Staley said he continues to receive 6-8 pieces of "fan mail" each week, mostly from people seeking his autograph on memorabilia such as baseball cards.

     With the White Sox, Staley wore the number 21. During one winter, he worked for his brother Joe operating a portable sawmill in Oregon.

     After his baseball career, Staley worked for Clark County parks for 17 years. He holds a baseball pension. "I'm eatin' regular," said Staley, whose wife, Shirley, died about four years ago.

     Staley recalls many of his fellow players. The 1959 World Series team was managed by Al Lopez, who is still living, said Staley. Nellie Fox (deceased) was on that team, along with Louis Apparacio, Sherman Lollar, Billy Pierce and Al Smith. On the road, Staley roomed with Turk Lown.

     He does not know today's players. "They weren't born when I retired," he said.

     The White Sox organization invited Staley to the World Series, but dialysis three days a week makes it difficult for him to travel.

     Staley's top salary was $20,000 in 1959.

     Gerry and Shirley Staley, marred in 1947, had three children. One son was killed in a motorcycle accident. He has one grandchild and one great-grandchild.

     Staley's home is a baseball museum, with numerous commemorative baseballs, bats and photographs. He retains the same mitt he used in the World Series.

 COMMISSIONERS TO STUDY HABITAT ORDINANCE

     A hearing has not yet been scheduled, but the Clark County commissioners will take up proposed changes to the county's Habitat Ordinance which gained no favor from the county Planning Commission Oct. 13

     Joel Rupley of the county's endangered species program said the Planning Commission received significant testimony and then voted 6-0 to recommend the ordinance not be adopted.

     Rupley said the document will not be changed before the commissioners provide further guidance.

     Rupley said state law requires the county to "designate and protect" habitat areas, and to complete the ordinance revisions by Dec. 1.

     As the draft ordinance now stands, about xx percent of the county could be affected by riparian or habitat provisions.      Rupley noted that areas affected by riparian designations have been reduced from 86,466 acres to 65,108 acres. Habitat designations affects xxxx areas. The county has about 417,000 acres, including about 17,000 acres under water.

     The draft ordinance no longer exempts agricultural activities, said Rupley, which contributed to public comments Oct. 13.

     That means, said Rupley, that existing farms may fall under the ordinance provisions even if they undertake no development activity.

     Without the agricultural exemption, farms with cattle or horses, for example, could be required to protect habitat areas, possibly by fencing both sides of seasonal water and year-round streams. Fences would be 75 feet away from such water on both sides.

     Brush hog work, said Rupley, would fall under the provisions of the draft ordinance.

     Rupley was uncertain how the ordinance would be enforced, noting that people with agricultural activities could self-report and pursue habitat protection plans, or neighbors could report.

     Rupley said just what protection actions would be taken would vary from site to site.

     Rupley said Planning Commission members questioned whether the county had enough personnel to enforce the provisions of the draft ordinance.

     Commission members also discussed a change in policy to from protecting priority habitat to protecting all species.

     Rupley said he has maps of the county showing both riparian areas and habitat areas. Such maps, he said, could not be made public because, for example, they show where bald eagles nest.

     Rupley said the draft ordinance is aimed at giving county officials flexibility in enforcement.

     "In reality," said Rupley, "the state (Department of Fish and Wildlife) wants avoidance (keeping out of habitat areas)," said Rupley. "There's not much flexibility in (a policy of) avoidance."

     The draft ordinance would also apply to logging activity.

     Rupley said the ordinance is aimed at reversing environmental damage. "It's not going to be very useful if it doesn't protect the streams and allow people to use their land," said Rupley. "We're on a downward trend. If we want a better outcome, it's better to change direction."

     Rupley can be reached at 397-2022, ext. 1.

OLSON BATTLES KOLLER FOR RIDGEFIELD SCHOOL BOARD SEAT

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

   Newcomer Julie Olson is battling incumbent Kathy Koller in the race for position 4 on the Ridgefield School Board.

   Both say addressing growth in Ridgefield schools is their number one concern.

   The following is a look at both candidates and their views.

** Olson

   Olson, 42, works as a regional sales manager at VWR International, a lab supply company.

   She grew up in central Washington and holds a bachelor's of science degree in microbiology from the University of Idaho. Single, she has one fifth grader in Ridgefield schools.

   Olson believes Ridgefield is at an important stage right now when it comes to growth, particularly with a proposal to pass a $56 million bond Nov. 8 that would help alleviate crowding within Ridgefield schools.

   Olson believes her business experience will add value and bring a fresh perspective to the Board.

   "There's a sense in the community that when it comes to decisions the Board makes, the community would like to be more involved," Olson said.    Her aims are to facilitate more community involvement and to help find additional resources for classrooms while keeping within the constraints of the budget.

   Regarding support of the current Board's direction, Olson said she has not yet formed an opinion on the matter, but understands some parents are not happy with the current administration.

   Olson wants to form an opinion based on direct experience, she said.

** Koller

   Koller, 51, owns Four Designs in Vancouver with her husband of 25 years, Bob. The Kollers have three children; their youngest is still in Ridgefield schools.

   If elected, this would be Koller's second term on the Board.

   When asked why she wants to serve on the Board again, Koller said: "I believe in kids. I love working with kids. Kids are our future. I want to continue to make a difference for the children of Ridgefield."

   Koller said her primary concern is to continue to address growth within the District.

   "Our growth is astronomical," she said. "All of our schools are currently over capacity."

   Additionally, Koller wants to continue to prepare students to be lifelong learners. She believes it is crucial that students become competitive in today's global market.

   Koller characterized her support of present administration and its direction as strong.    If elected, Koller hopes to raise the Board's communication effectiveness and continue to provide tools that students need.

   Also running in Ridgefield is newcomer Matthew Swindell for position 2, which was vacated by Joe Leadingham.

   Swindell was running against newcomer Valerie Duplessie, but her named was deleted from the ballot in mid-October by elections officials, who noted that she does not currently live within the school district.

   Duplessie and her husband are building a new home within Ridgefield and had hoped to occupy it by Nov. 1, but construction issues have since delayed the home's completion.

NEWCOMER BATTLES INCUMBENT IN HOCKINSON

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

   Newcomer Tim Podhora is challenging incumbent Erik Mattson in the race for position 1 on the Hockinson School Board.

   The following is at look the candidates and their views.

** Mattson

   Mattson, 47, has held the school board position for the past 12 years. He is seeking his fourth term.

   Mattson works as assistant superintendent in the power and recovery department at Georgia Pacific mill in Camas.

   He holds a bachelor of science degree in chemist