TWO CITIES AGREE TO WORK COOPERATIVELY
Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter
With an evident spirit of cooperation, two cities in north Clark County met to strengthen their bonds as they face county urban growth regulations.
La Center and Ridgefield had competed for the same area west of I-5 where the Cowlitz Indian Tribe hopes to open a casino, but that difference of opinion was not evident Jan. 5 when the two city councils met jointly in La Center.
By the end of the two-hour meeting, the two councils had decided to work together for what they agreed would be good for both.
No formal action was taken during the work session.
La Center Council Member Dale Smith summed up the general attitude.
"If we don't work together, we stand a chance of being dictated to," he said. "We are the experts on where the cities should be going."
Conversations between the two are continuing with meetings between the cities' staffs and two council members from each city.
A special joint meeting of the two councils is set for Thurs., Jan. 19, 6:30 p.m., in the Ridgefield Community Center.
La Center Mayor Jim Irish suggested that each council vote on any mutually agreeable decisions at that time.
The councils briefly discussed sharing such services as public works equipment.
"Sharing allows us to enhance other services," said Ridgefield Mayor Gladys Doriot.
One problem the two cities need to solve to the county's satisfaction is a common boundary. La Center wants its southern boundary at 299th Street where Ridgefield wants its northern boundary.
The county has said that cities must be separated by open space.
La Center planner Eric Eisemann of E2 Planning Solutions suggested that the Tri-Mountain Golf Course become the north end of Ridgefield.
Kevin Snyder, Ridgefield's community development director, said that Ridgefield would like to place its southern border at 244th Street to take advantage of a western access to I-5. An interchange is planned for NE 219th Street.
"We need more than one way out," he said. "It's very important that we hold that western leg."
"We're willing to support Ridgefield to 244th Street," Irish said.
Concerning La Center's plan to extend its urban growth boundary west to I-5, Ridgefield council member Gary Adkins said extending the boundary would be complex.
The area is within "the Ridgefield School District with a Ridgefield address. It will be a major fight. You should do a survey of the people who own land there," Adkins said.
The most recent Clark County urban growth maps assign the area to the east and west of I-5 at La Center Road to La Center's urban growth area for industrial development. The councils did not discuss that issue at length.
Doriot projected that by 2024, Ridgefield will have a population of 25,000 with about 20,000 living and working within the city.
Irish predicted that La Center would add 4,000 jobs by 2025 and have a population of about 10,000.
RIDGEFIELD OFFICER HEARING POSTPONED
Bill Myers, staff reporter
A Ridgefield Civil Service Commission hearing set for Jan. 12 on the employment status of Ridgefield police officer Carl Mealing has been postponed.
Commission chair Jan Healy said attorneys for the city and Mealing requested a continuance that may extend to 90 days.
Mealing was discharged Sept. 28 by chief of police Bruce Hall. Hall claimed he fired Mealing at the direction of city manager George Fox who wanted Mealing terminated before the expiration of his probation period.
Mealing, an African American, claimed he was fired because of his race.
On Nov. 8, Civil Service commissioners reinstated Mealing retroactive to Sept. 28 and placed the officer on paid administrative leave.
Fox was suspended with pay by city officials pending an investigation.
Mealing filed a federal lawsuit Dec. 1, claiming that his termination was racially motivated and violated his civil rights.
On Dec. 7, Fox's attorney, Donald Greig, filed a Demand for Artitration with the U.S. Arbitration and Mediation Court of Oregon.
The Demand seeks monetary damages or an immediate reinstatement.
TEMPLE EXPECTS VOLUNTEERS TO BE BACK ON LINE
Eric Temple of the Columbia Basin Railroad said he is optimistic that the Battle Ground, Yacolt and Chelatchie Prairie (BYCX) volunteer railroad group will again operate on the northern 18 miles of the Clark County-owned railroad.
Temple said county officials are to draft agreements that would allow the volunteer group to resume operations this summer.
Columbia Basin Railroad holds a 90-year contract on the railroad. Temple said he expects to lease the northern 18 miles back to the county and for the county to lease that stretch to the BYCX.
The volunteers did not operate in 2005 due to disputes between the parties. Temple said he is now satisfied with insurance arrangements.
Temple evicted the BYCX group last year for operating on the line without approval. "That's water under the bridge," said Temple.
The volunteer group has approval to conduct maintenance work on the northern end of the line under terms of a prior agreement.
Bryan Baker, who heads the BYCX, said the group plans to do maintenance work in the belief that they will be allowed to carry passengers in 2006.
Baker said hundreds of ties need to be replaced. "I'd like a contract signed by mid-March," said Baker.
Steve Schulte of Clark County Public Works said work on contract agreements is now in the hands of a county attorney. He said the two lease contracts will not involve the payment of money.
Schulte said the BYCX carries a $4 million insurance policy, and the county provides coverage above that amount with no specific limit.
"They (the BYCX) are currently permitted to occupy the north line for maintenance-related activities only," said Temple, "and only after receiving track authority from Will Cahill. This may involve moving track equipment, speeders, locomotives, etc."
Freight business important
Temple stressed the importance of freight business on the line. He said he has hired Peter Quinton of Vancouver to help market use of the rail facility to businesses.
Temple said he has purchased one piece of property to be offered for sale or lease to a rail customer. He plans to buy another parcel, he said.
"We have not turned it around yet," said Temple of the line's freight business.
The longterm goal, said Temple, is to operate a dinner train. Before that, however, track improvements estimated at $9 million are needed.
Temple said he will approach the state legislature for money to help rebuild the rail line.
YEARS ENDS WITH AVERAGE RAINFALL
Heavy rainfall in the last two weeks of December pushed totals for the month and for 2005 to near historic averages.
The first half of December was pretty dry, however.
"I don't remember ever having 14 consecutive days without rain in December before," said Don Gaines, a weather-watcher in Brush Prairie.
Gaines recorded no rain Dec. 4-17.
Ken McGowen who lives near the Clark County Fairgrounds noted the same situation. He recorded two-hundredths of an inch of rain on one day Dec. 5-17, and the rest dry.
But snow fell on Dec. 18, and rain fell from then on.
Rainfall for December was above average at several locations in the area.
In Ariel, Jerry Olson recorded rainfall on 182 days during 2005, which was about two weeks longer than his 169 day average.
Totals for the year were below average, but not by much.
Creeks rise
Rivers were swollen in late December due to heavy year-end rains, including over an inch of rain on Dec. 28.
Rod Swanson, Water Resources Program Monitoring Supervisor with Clark County Public Works, said a Salmon Creek gauge at NE 156th St. and NE 102nd Ave. showed flows at about 325 cubic feet per second, a level generally recorded only 1-3 times a year.
Salmon Creek usually flows at 20-60 cubic feet per second during the winter at that location, said Swanson.
Swanson said a flow of 700 cubic feet per second occurs at the Salmon Creek bridge about once a year. That would be about 8.8 on the posted scale, he said.
During the 1996 floods, Salmon Creek flowed over 156th St. at that bridge, said Swanson.
The Salmon Creek bridge has a rain gauge, said Swanson, and a device to measure water temperature. The monitoring equipment records measurements every 15 minutes, he said.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT ENCOURAGES FLU SHOTS
Even though the flu season has been mild this year, officials of the Clark County Health Department encourage flu shots because the situation could change.
Preventing the flu is easier that treating it, said Dr. Justin Denny, Clark County Health Officer.
"The flu season doesn't normally peak until late February," said Denny. "Because it takes up to two weeks to build up immunity after getting vaccinated, we are encouraging people who haven't been vaccinated to get flu shots now."
In Clark County, flu vaccine is available to people of all ages. Those at high risk of influenza are especially encouraged to receive the vaccine.
High risk individuals are persons 50 years of age and older, residents of long-term care facilities, children ages 6-23 months, anyone with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, health care workers, and caregivers of children ages six months or younger.
Flu vaccinations are available at various pharmacies, clinics, health care providers, and the Health Department where shots are given Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4 p.m., by appointment. The Department can be reached at 397-8089.
Health officials urge good hygiene to avoid spread influenza, including covering the mouth during cough or sneeze with tissue or arm, not hand; washing hands often; and staying home when sick.
DENGERINK: ALL ALTERNATIVES WILL BE CONSIDERED
Hal Dengerink, co-chair of the Columbia River Crossing task force, pledged last week that all alternatives to solving congestion problems in the I-5 corridor will be considered.
The task force met Jan. 4 in Vancouver to continue its evaluation of problems through the I-5 bridge area.
The group focused its attention on the criteria it will use to evaluate proposed solutions.
Dengerink said that each proposed solution will be judged as to how well it solves problems in the I-5 bridge area.
"We are tasked with solving problems in the I-5 corridor," said Dengerink. "If something west of I-5 or east of I-5 would solve problems, we will evaluate it as it solves I-5 problems."
The group adopted a problem statement at its Nov. 30 meeting. Among problems identified were traffic delays in the bridge area during peak travel periods.
Other problems identified included constraints on transit service and trucking due to congestion, accident rates, navigation hazards, and limitation on bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
Some task force members objected to what they saw as the premature elimination of alternative solutions and outdated information.
Clark County commissioner Steve Stuart, who serves on the task force, said some staff-provided information presupposes results. "It's premature to talk about without a variety of options," said Stuart. "We might as well go to the EIS right now. This discounts options with cursory analysis."
Task force consultant Jay Lyman said prior study groups had ruled out some options.
"If someone suggests something exactly the same as looked at before and discarded, will that be sufficient," questioned Lyman. "That will be for this group to decide."
Lyman is with David Evans and Associates in Portland.
Walter Valenta of a neighborhood association in Portland questioned whether the concept of a "bridge influence area" was a narrowing of the group's focus. The bridge influence area is defined as the I-5 corridor between SR-500 in Vancouver and Columbia Blvd. in Portland, and of an undefined width.
Member Scot Walstra of NW Natural said studies done in 1977 with a 20 year planning horizon were no longer reliable.
Actions taken at the I-5 bridge would have impacts on I-205 and other corridors, said Walstra. Evaluations should include a broader scope, he said.
"What is our planning horizon," questioned Walstra, who said I-205 should be within the scope of task force work.
Walstra said he agreed with others that people who travel I-205 and residents of north and east Clark County should be consulted on proposed actions affecting I-5.
Member Rex Burkholder of Metro in Portland, along with Royce Pollard, mayor of Vancouver, urged that the group focus on the single issue of problems with the I-5 corridor. "There are a lot of issues on both sides of the river," said Burkholder. "We're focusing on one issue here today. We won't solve all transportation problems. We've got to focus on one problem at a time."
Member Fred Hansen of TriMet in Portland suggested that an extra lane constructed along I-205 might improve the I-5 situation. "Other types of changes might have more improvement at lesser dollars," said Hansen. "We need to not preclude them in this analysis. With the assurance of that, a lot of the angst around the table would go away."
The task force began the process of evaluating the criteria to be used in evaluating alternate courses of action. That process is slated to be continued at the group's next meeting set for Feb. 1 in Portland.
Some members questioned why some evaluation criteria were worded as "minimizing" and "avoiding" certain situations, rather than couched in positive terms.
Of the 46 specific criteria drafted so far, 16 seek to "minimize" or "avoid" a circumstance, 6 would "reduce" a situation, 11 are worded to "enhance" or "improve" something, one begins with the word "maintain," and others are worded differently.
One member questioned a criteria to "decrease percentage of single occupancy vehicle travel" which was categorized under a "modal choice" group of criteria.
Another member objected to a criteria that "aesthetic values of the community" be incorporated in a project design.
Public comments
Seven members of the public spoke at the meeting, including John Charles of the Cascade Policy Institute in Portland.
Charles said the task force must be able to quantify its evaluation of options.
Charles said most people don't want to sit in traffic. A proposed action must provide the most relief for the greatest number of people at the lowest cost.
Charles suggested the chosen project be paid for by user fees, instead of the customary "pork barrel" method. He said the public should be able to "vote" on the final action with the pocketbooks.
"Don't rely on backdoor funding schemes," said Charles.
State Rep. Deb Wallace urged the task force to study I-5 problems in the context of a transportation system, involving I-5, I-205, and SR-14, among other roadways.
Wallace said that when she and other legislators evaluate the funding needs of a task force proposal in 2008, she wants to know that the public has been involved in the process.
Wallace suggests the need for an oversight panel which would look at the process the task force is using to reach its conclusions.
The public may offer comments to the task force at any of its monthly meetings. Comments may be submitted by telephone to 737-2726, by fax to 737-0294, and by email to feedback@
columbiarivercrossing.org
Task force spokesperson Any Echols said public comments are sent via email to the co-chairs of the task force, including telephone comments which are transcribed and then emailed.
GAY/STRAIGHT CLUB DECISION PUT OFF
Heidi Wallenborn, news director
Confusion about the process to form a new Gay/Straight Alliance club at Battle Ground High School has resulted in a vote being put off until Mon., Jan. 16.
Kelly Keister, school district communications consultant, said students were unsure Dec. 1 if they were being asked for input or a vote to approve or deny the club.
Part of the confusion stems from a new procedure to form any club at the school, Keister said.
Starting this school year, students in groups of about 20 meet in "homerooms" throughout the day. It is during that time students vote on various things, such as whether a proposed club meets Associated Student Body (ASB) criteria--having by-laws and advisors.
Students were included in the process in prior years, said Butch Blue, who works with student activities and clubs. But the manner was "hit and miss" and not every student knew about it or voted.
The Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) is the first proposed club to fall under the new guidelines.
Hence the confusion, said Keister.
Not every homeroom voted on Dec. 1 because some ASB representatives didn't even understand the process enough to explain it to students, she said.
So on Jan. 16 all students will vote on whether the GSA meets guidelines of an ASB-sanctioned club, not on whether they approve of the club itself, Keister said.
The results will be forwarded to ASB officials at a meeting Tues., Jan. 17, for a final vote.
Typically, ASB officers follow student recommendation, said senior officer Katie Culbertson in an earlier interview. There's never been a "no" to a proposed club before, she said.
The "yes" or "no" is then forwarded to principal Tim Lexow who makes the final decision.
According to Blue, if the club is denied formation, ASB officers would likely try to find out why it failed. Club representatives could appeal to administration and Lexow.
Creating diversity
Junior Rebecca Poole and sophomore Mandy Niehaus are the driving forces behind establishing the GSA. As of Dec. 1, 23 students had signed up.
Poole, who is president, was inspired because her brother, who graduated from the high school in 2003, is gay and had to hide it through his school years, she said.
Poole and Niehaus, who is vice president, met earlier this year after the latter transferred from Mountain View High School.
A similar club has operated for several years at Mountain View, Niehaus said. Although she wasn't a member, she participated in pro-homosexual activities.
Niehaus found the atmosphere in Battle Ground "a lot different," and "more conservative and closed-minded," she said. She wants to promote diversity and understanding among all students.
The group's mission is to create a safe place for gay and straight students to discuss emotions and achieve acceptance of diversity within the school, Poole and Niehaus said. Sexual preferences will not be asked, but if a student chooses to speak about it, that's okay too, they said.
If approved, club members would have fundraisers, take trips, raise homosexual awareness, and function "just like any other club."
Over his last five years as principal, Lexow has disciplined several students for harassment and even bodily harm to others.
"Degrading ethnic, racial, homophobic or sexist remarks are not acceptable on campus," Lexow said.
If the vote is denied?
Poole and Niehaus said they would try again--it's just "a matter of persistence."
HIGHER FEES SET FOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Increased tab fees will fund road projects
Heidi Wallenborn, news director
Voters statewide last November narrowly approved keeping a legislator-established 9-cent gas tax increase to fund $5.5 billion in road projects.
What wasn't taken to voters was the new, legislator-mandated vehicle weight fee on passenger cars, a light truck weight fee increase, and an annual motor home fee of $75 that will be charged in addition to regular annual tab renewals.
As of Jan. 1, Washington vehicle owners will see an increase of $10-$30 dollars when renewing license tabs, depending on vehicle weight.
Owners of trucks and commercial vehicles will pay $40-$60 more.
In addition, replacing lost license plates will cost $12 each rather than $3.50, which now includes a $2 reflectorization fee.
Increased fees were created by state legislators last year as part of a plan to fund 274 transportation projects over the next 16 years, say state Department of Licensing officials.
Officials expect to generate about $1.5 billion dollars through the license fee increases, to be used with the gas tax income.
Statewide projects will reportedly improve highway safety and freight mobility and reduce traffic congestion.
Projects planned for north Clark County include new lanes at I-5 and SR-501 (Pioneer St.) in Ridgefield, and new SR-502 (NE 219th St.) lanes from I-5 heading east into Battle Ground.
As of Jan. 1, weight-based fees will be added to the basic $30 license tab fee for passenger cars.
For vehicles that weigh 4,000 lbs. or less, $10 will be added. Those 4,001-6,000 will see an additional $20. Those 6,001-8,000 lbs. will be charged $30 more.
Motor homes regardless of weight will see an added charge of $75.
Gross weight fees for trucks and commercial vehicles in the 4,000-lb. range increased to $40; 6,000-lb. range increased to $50; and 8,000-lb. range increased to $60. The prior fee was a flat $30.
However, the license fee for private-use, single-axle trailers with a scale weight of 2,000 or less was reduced from $30 to $15.
There is also a new rule for registered owners of vehicles to present an unexpired Washington state driver's license when registering a vehicle for the first time or renewing tabs.
The requirement is intended to reduce sales tax evasion from those who are licensed in another state, state officials said.
For a complete breakdown of taxes and fees, visit online at www.dol.wa.gov
For a list of state road projects by county, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/Funding/2005
LA CENTER SCHOOLS PROPOSE SMALL LEVY INCREASE
Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter
La Center School District voters will be asked in a special election to approve a levy 11 cents higher per $1,000 of value than the current tax.
Clark County elections will mail ballots on Jan. 20, and ballots must be postmarked by Feb. 7 to be counted.
The proposed four-year property tax levy of $2.61 per $1,000 is lower than the $2.78 per $1,000 estimated when voters approved the levy in 2003. When the district's assessed valuation rose, the tax rate dropped in 2005 to $2.50.
District Superintendent Mark Mansell said the money raised through the levy fills the gap between state and federal funding and "what the voters of the La Center District expect."
If approved, the levy would generate $1.885 million in 2007, $2 million in 2008, $2.1 million in 2009 and $2.2 million in 2010.
Mansell said the District's total general fund budget is about $9 million.
An increase in the assessed valuation of the district is projected for the next few years. The district valuation for 2005 is $551 million, but the valuation for 2006 is projected to grow to $675 million, much from new development.
"Just within the city we anticipate about 500 new homes in the next three years," Mansell said. "We're bracing for growth in the student population."
School district enrollment has been growing at 5 percent or more annually for the past 10 years, Mansell said. The district added 100 students in September, a 9 percent growth rate.
Although impact fees pay for capital improvements and other financial needs generated by population growth, the fees do not provide maintenance and operations money.
Recently, the City of La Center approved impact fees earmarked for schools of $4,442 per single family home and $4,587 per unit for multi-family residences.
"That's a big boost for the front end, but for long-term operations, it has to be the levy," Mansell said.
During four community meetings, residents requested additional school programs, Mansell said, and a few have been budgeted, including:
** Technology equipment replacement and upgrades to keep up with growth and continued changes in technology.
** An additional counselor for the elementary and middle schools. The district now has a part-time drug/alcohol counselor and a full-time high school counselor. "This is an opportunity for kids with special needs to have access to a counselor," Mansell said.
** Extra academic assistance for students who are struggling and for advanced students. "The kids at both ends don't get the support they need," he said.
** Upgrade band and choir equipment.
*** Additional electives for high school students and specialists for elementary school students. Mansell said those additions would give students exposure to more educational opportunities.
** Parking lot improvements for the elementary and middle school campus.
** Additional sports programs. "As we grow, there's more demand by kids for sports. The only way not to cut kids is to have extra funding," Mansell said.
SEWER DISTRICT TO DISCUSS REDUCED RATES
The Clark County Regional Wastewater District, formerly Hazel Dell Sewer District, will take public comment on reduced rates for low-income households during a special meeting Tues., Jan. 17.
The board will meet at 3 p.m. at the district office, 8000 NE 52nd Court, Vancouver.
The district, which includes Meadow Glade, Hockinson and Orchards, raised rates Jan. 1 by $3.50 to $34 monthly.
Finance Director Fred Kowell said the increase "should be the last one for the foreseeable future."
A Salmon Creek resident Sonya Zalubowski has asked several times for the district to reduce rates for the elderly and people with low incomes.
Kowell said the district staff is studying the impact a reduced rate would have on other ratepayers.
"We don't know" if the district would need to raise other rates to compensate for any loss of revenue, he said.
The board will discuss several alternatives, including reducing rates for low-income elderly over 65 and reducing rates for all people who fall within the federal poverty guidelines.
Unlike Battle Ground and Vancouver which base sewer rates on water consumption, the Clark County regional district charges a flat fee to all residential customers, no matter how much water is used. Businesses and industries are metered.
Kowell said that billing based on water consumption is difficult because the sewer district serves different water systems.
"About 10 percent to 15 percent of our customers are on private wells," he said.
WOODLAND TO EXAMINE PURD RULES
Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter
A Woodland city council member has asked for a review of the city's planned unit residential development (PURD) ordinance.
Council member Jim Tone said during the Jan. 3 meeting that he is concerned about developing "private islands" within the city limits.
Woodland has two developed PURDs and a third has been approved.
"These don't seem to be a part of the community," Tone said. "We're building little islands in our community."
Tone said he has wondered about the idea of swimming pools and parks that are available to PURD residents only.
Public works director Rob Vanderzanden told the council that the public works committee will review other cities' ordinances and recommend any changes to the council.
The PURD ordinance written in 1980 allows urban development in areas that are restricted because of wetlands, floodways or steep slopes, Vanderzanden said.
"Everything that's left on the east side is now wetlands, steep slopes," he said. "All the good land has been developed."
A planned unit residential development usually allows smaller lots than permitted in city residential zones. In exchange for small lots, developers must agree to set aside a certain percentage in open space. Woodland does not require that the open space be developed into parks or recreation areas.
Tone said the PURDs usually have narrow streets and limited parking, although the streets must be approved by the Woodland Fire Department for access by emergency vehicles.
"I don't know if that's the direction we want to go," he said.
Streets within a PURD are often owned by a homeowners' association that is responsible for maintenance and upkeep.
"They get streets the way they want," Vanderzanden said. "We don't have to take care of them."
Vanderzanden said that the city can enforce the covenants of PURD homeowners' association.
Tone said he has some concerns about long-term maintenance through homeowners' associations.
The City Council approved impact fees for schools, fire and parks Jan. 3. Vanderzanden said PURDs would be required to pay fire and school impact fees, but park fees remain a question.
La Center, which has had a PUD ordinance for about five years, is also looking at revisions.
Planner Eric Eisemann said the city council considered revoking the ordinance but decided to have the planning commission study changes.
LA CENTER TO REWRITE PUD RULE
The La Center City Council is looking at major changes in an ordinance that allows planned unit developments.
The council originally considered rescinding the city ordinance that permits developers to create small lots and narrow streets in exchange for open space.
After a discussion Dec. 28, the council decided to send the matter back to the planning commission for a rewrite.
In the five years since the ordinance was written, nobody has applied for a PUD, said city planner Eric Eisemann of E2 planning. Some developers have expressed interest in PUDs for areas within the city's urban growth boundary.
"Some concerns were the right-of-way width and the buffers between areas of low and high density," Eisemann said.
The city does not want to place high-density PUDs adjacent to areas zoned for low density, he said.
Under the ordinance, developers may create a PUD on as many as 20 acres.
"A loophole allows all lots to be 5,000 square feet," Eisemann said. "The city wanted some small and some regular-size lots."
The current ordinance requires that 20 percent of the PUD be in open space, but it does not require that the space be developed as a park or recreation area.
"The city is not interested in unusable open space," Eisemann said. "The council is more interested in parks, trails."
Council members discussed the idea of creating separately- zoned neighborhoods, with low or high density, instead of permitting PUDs.
The city council has not set a deadline for amending or rewriting the PUD ordinance.
The City of Woodland is also considering amending its existing PURD ordinance after questions were raised about street width and private "islands" within the city.
PROSPECTIVE WSU STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY EARLY
Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter
About 100 students have applied to become members of the first freshman class at Washington State University Vancouver.
The first freshman class will begin studies in fall 2006.
"We've admitted about a third of the applicants," said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Nancy Youlden. "We encourage students to apply early."
Qualified students who apply by Jan. 31 have the best chance of admission, she said. A scholarship program for the most qualified is available to early applicants.
"These are special awards if you qualify by merit," Youlden said. "These aren't the only scholarships."
The Vancouver campus expects to enroll 200 full-time-equivalent freshmen. Some freshmen will be part-time students.
Including transfers, next fall's full-time-equivalent enrollment is expected to increase by 325, she said.
This year's total enrollment is nearly 2,000 students.
WSU Vancouver will also admit sophomores in the fall, and the joint programs with Clark and Lower Columbia colleges will continue.
"Clark and LCC provide a very important part of our enrollment," Youlden said.
Many of the incoming freshman appear to be highly qualified with grade point averages ranging from 3.22 to 3.95.
"We are excited about the quality and diversity of the students," she said.
The university offers 15 bachelor's and nine master's degrees in 35 fields of study.
Youlden said most incoming freshmen have expressed interest in the business, education and mechanical engineering programs.
Although faculty numbers will increase as enrollment grows, Bruce Romanish, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, said the final number is not yet known.
"We may have one individual teaching one course, or two courses, in, for example, economics," he said. "We're adding all necessary to accommodate the growth."
The university is doing national searches for faculty, he said.
Most of the freshman applicants live in Southwest Washington, Youlden said. The Vancouver campus does not have student housing.
"We encourage students to visit our campus and take a look at our programs," she said. "We think we have an awful lot to offer."
STATE BUYING LAND FOR INTERCHANGE
Two buys in 2005, 46 more needed
Bill Myers, staff reporter
Property purchases have begun for the construction of a new I-5 interchange at SR-502 (NE 219th St.) west of Battle Ground.
State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) officials has purchased the first two of 48 parcels needed for the project.
Property purchases so far are 13.3 acres of Mulford land at 21402 NE 10th Ave., Ridgefield, for $291,200, and 5.6 acres of Pfeifer land at 21922 NE 4th Ave., Ridgefield, for $182,000, said WSDOT communications manager Sylvia Ross.
WSDOT real estate specialists plan to acquire a total 46 more properties, including 5 sites in commercial zones and 43 sites in residential zones, to make room for the $43.2 million project.
Appraisals are complete on about 70 percent of remaining properties and are planned or underway at other locations, said Ross.
Project engineer Chris Tams said the state will buy and remove the former Duluth tavern building, which was later used by a furniture and home decor retailer. Tams said a few more acquisitions at other commercial sites on the south side of SR-502 are also planned.
The only acquisition of business property on the north side of SR-502 will be at the northeast corner of the highway and NE 10th Ave., said Tams.
A triangular piece of land measuring about 870 square-feet will be acquired near Don and Jo's drive-in restaurant to make room for signal placement.
Ross said land owners are offered fair market value for properties. Disputes go to arbitration, with eminent domain court action used as a last resort.
No change in preferred design
Project engineer Chris Tams said an interchange design developed in 2005 remains the design of choice.
The design will require motorists to make a left turn from westbound SR-502 to enter the northbound interstate.
WSDOT officials said a design with a northbound ramp accessed by a right turn from westbound SR-502 presented costly design and environmental challenges.
Agency engineers estimated last year that the new design will require fewer land acquisitions and save about $1 million.
State officials, with federal oversight, issued a SEPA Determination of Non-Significance on the project last October.
Tams said advertising for bids should start in November, with construction of the interchange scheduled to start in 2007. The project is targeted for completion by July 2009.
IDSINGA WILL REMAIN BG MAYOR
Deputy mayor stays on
Heidi Wallenborn, news director
John Idsinga will serve another two years as mayor of Battle Ground.
In a Jan. 3 roll-call vote, council members unanimously chose to keep Idsinga in the position he has served for the last four years. He has been a council member since 1997.
Deputy mayor Sandra Barnes will keep her post, but with a narrow win. Three voted for council member Mike Ciraulo. At least four "yes" votes are needed on the seven-member council.
Barnes has served the city as deputy mayor for two years. She has been a council member since she was appointed in December 2001 when then member Eric Silvey moved out of the city limits.
Council member Lisa Walters nominated Ciraulo.
"I thought it would be giving leadership a little variety for the next two years," Walters said later. "It's nice to have options. Sandra does a fine job, it's not about that."
After the ballot vote and her win, Barnes said she has enjoyed working with the council and staff over the years.
"I think we work well together as a team," Barnes said. "I look forward to filling in for mayor Idsinga when he's out of town."
Idsinga was surprised at the unanimous vote for him, he said.
"I'll do my best to be a better mayor over the next two years, and I hope to meet your expectations," he said.
"This city has done really well, and the community has come a long way," Idsinga added. "Thank you for your vote of confidence. I hope to keep the forward momentum."
NEW ERA, NEW BUILDING FOR BG POLICE DEPARTMENT
Heidi Wallenborn, news director
There is a lot new at the Battle Ground Police Department with 2006 underway. Changes last year were significant.
Chief Jim McDaniel was hired, replacing Ron Johnson who retired after 31 years at the department, 24 as chief.
Five officers were hired, replacing three who retired, including the former chief and a sergeant. Three more are budgeted for hire this year, including traffic patrol and a detective position.
The fleet also increased by a few cars, and classic black-and-whites are replacing the blue-and-white theme. McDaniel expects a new uniform look in a few months.
And then there's the new building.
It dwarfs the almost-former 4,000 square-foot, single level police/fire complex that squats just to the north. Police occupy 1,600 square feet and go in and out of 23 doors, including closets.
The new, two-story, concrete block and glass, 20,000 square-foot building was built to last 40 years. It has 85 doors in all.
"That gives you an idea of how many rooms there are--how big this building is," said Scott Seall, site superintendent for Pacific Northwest Environmental Corp.
The building is so large that not every room will be occupied. There is a row of executive offices on the second floor that will remain locked and unfurnished.
City manager Eric Holmes advised council members in a Jan. 4 meeting that spaces won't be furnished "until we need to."
Council members okayed purchasing nearly $64,000 in furnishings that will be delivered no later than Feb. 10. After that, moving in can begin in earnest.
McDaniel said some movement will occur before then, such as files and other paperwork. Old furnishings will be left behind.
McDaniel's new office is spacious and has a row of windows facing north on the top floor.
His desk will be at one end of the room; on the other will be a table and chairs for meetings. The office is about three times the size of the cubicle he operates in today.
There are 30 personal lockers in the men's locker room. Today, there are 19 officers and not enough lockers. There is also a separate women's locker area with 10 spaces in the new building.
A weight room lined with mirrors and windows is upstairs, as is a spacious meeting room with a south view, and a tactical defense room with rubber mats on floors so officers can practice by fighting each other.
Today, officers share a work table that seats three. In the new building, 11 work stations are lined up along two walls in a rectangular room with enough space for an oblong table and 12 chairs.
McDaniel said officers are looking forward to "not falling all over each other" in the new area.
Although his former office with the Portland Police Bureau was on the fifteenth floor of a building and the river and mountains met his gaze, the officers' enthusiasm is catching.
"I'm happy to see them excited," McDaniel said. "It makes me excited."
Ten months under construction
Counting from the groundbreaking ceremony in early March last year, the new building has emerged over 10 months.
"It's going great," said public works director Sam Adams. "It's on time and on budget. Pacific Northwest Engineering did a great job."
Adams and the architect will tour the $3.3 million building on Jan. 17 for a final walk-through.
They will note anything that needs to be taken care of, such as wall scrapes and trim work that's off kilter, Adams said. A list for outside aesthetics has already been done.
By the end of January, new backlit signs with the city logo will be placed on the building and on city-owned lots directing citizens to the new station.
Holmes said a public grand opening will take place, likely in late February or early March. Station tours will be conducted.
The building was paid for entirely through funds in the city budget, not through a loan. The sale of city-owned commercial property on NW 20th Ave. will replace what was used for the building. The 7.9-acre parcel is for sale for $2.25 million dollars. Interested parties should contact city hall at 342-5000.
DEPUTY FIRED OVER UNDERAGE DRINKING PARTY
Heidi Wallenborn, news director
Clark County Sheriff's deputy John Visser was fired Dec. 15 for violating several rules, including attending and participating in an under-age drinking party near Hazel Dell.
Visser reportedly admitted he attended the party on Jan. 14, 2005, and sipped beer, but said it was to glean information about drug dealers and help the son of a friend.
According to information issued by chief criminal deputy Mike Evans, Visser was the only adult at the party.
Visser, who was off-duty, drank two or three beers and took no action to stop the juveniles from drinking or to contact their parents, Evans wrote.
In addition, Visser reportedly drove his unmarked County-issued police car to the party and parked it in the driveway.
At one point Visser reportedly showed several partygoers the inside of the vehicle but didn't let anyone in.
Visser misused county property when he activated the emergency red and blue lights on the car when a large number of juveniles started to arrive, Evans wrote. The action made several of them leave and kept the party from becoming larger, according to the report.
A concerned citizen turned Visser in. Visser was placed on paid administrative leave Sept. 20, 2005, when an investigation into the allegation began.
Visser was hired by the Sheriff's Office on May 20, 1991, and served in several different assignments including patrol and investigation.
Visser was fired for misconduct and misuse of county property, officials said.
Visser's actions "are contrary to the safety and well-being of this community," Evans wrote in the statement issued by the Sheriff's Office. "It is essential that the Sheriff's Office set and maintain high standards of conduct among its personnel."
Misconduct weakens the effectiveness of law enforcement, erodes public trust, and can endanger the public, Evans wrote.
"It is completely inexcusable when members of this profession violate that confidence, and such conduct is intolerable in this organization," said Sheriff Garry Lucas.
Lucas has extended an invitation to the parents of those who attended the party to meet with him and work toward restoring their trust in the Sheriff's Office.
BG MAN FACES TRIAL FOR MURDER
Heidi Wallenborn, news director
A 29-year-old Battle Ground man accused of killing his wife with two rifle shots to the head faces a Jan. 30 trial with Superior Court judge Robert Harris.
Brent Allen Heath pleaded not guilty on Nov. 29 to the Nov. 11 shooting death. He is being held on $500,000 bail at the Clark County jail.
Heath was arrested Nov. 16, five days after his wife, Heidi Heath, was found dead about 10:30 p.m. on St. Johns Rd. under the I-205 overpass. Her body was outside her Kia Sephia that had its door open, parking lights on, and engine running, reports said.
Officials believe she was shot twice in the head with a high-powered .22 rifle that was taken from a neighbor's home when Brent Heath took care of the dogs while those neighbors were out of town.
A witness said he saw Heath with a rifle earlier on the day of the murder, and believed Heath acted as if he were trying to hide the weapon next to his leg while the two conversed across the street from each other.
When the couple with the dogs returned home, they reported that live rounds of .22 bullets were scattered around a room that was clean when they left.
Officials said casings found near Heidi Heath's body matched those found in the neighbor's home.
Another witness said they saw a pickup truck matching the description of Heath's vehicle under the overpass about 10:21 p.m., and it appeared as if the truck were blocking the car's path.
A co-worker of Heidi Heath's at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Salmon Creek said the couple had argued earlier in the week, according to a court document.
Heath told her that her husband was unhappy in the marriage, the document states.
After his arrest, Brent Heath reportedly told detectives that his wife had been cheating on him for several months.
OBITS:
GEORGE DAHLENBURG
George J. Dahlenburg, 80, died Jan. 5, 2006, in Vancouver.
Dahlenburg was born July 18, 1925, in White Lake, SD and lived in Vancouver for more than 50 years.
Dahlenburg graduated from White Lake High School, joined the U.S. Marine Corps, and served in the Pacific Theater.
Dahlenburg married Dorothy Mae (Winnie) Winegar in 1946.
Dahlenburg owned and operated Columbia Fence for more than 11 years. In 1973, Dahlenburg and his son Richard started Clark County Fence which operated for 30 years. He was a Hall of Fame member of the American Fence Association, president of the northwest chapter of the Association, and chairman of the board of directors of the International American Fence Association.
Dahlenburg was active in the 4-H and llama communities and had a big hand in getting the llama 4-H program started in Clark County and at the Clark County Fair.
Dahlenburg was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Winnie, and nine brothers and sisters.
Dahlenburg is survived by sons George Dahlenburg Jr. of Idaho and Richard Dahlenburg of Ohio, two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and very special friend of several years Barbara Aas of Vancouver, who never left his side throughout his illness.
Viewing will be held Tues., Jan. 10, 5-9 p.m., and Wed., Jan. 11, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. A funeral service will take place at Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel in Vancouver on Wed. Jan. 11, 3 p.m. A potluck reception will follow at Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel.
Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
BERNICE HEASLEY
Bernice (Heeren) Heasley, 99, died Jan. 7, 2006, in Vancouver.
Heasley was born April 24, 1906, in LeMars, Iowa, attended a rural school in Akron, Iowa, and moved with her family to South Dakota at age seven where she helped her father pick corn and was responsible for driving a wagon and team of horses.
Heasley moved to Dollars Corner in 1944. She lived in Ridgefield since 1946.
Heasley taught Sunday School for 32 years. She was a member of Pleasant View Nazarene Church. She enjoyed baking, canning, sewing on a treadle machine, making quilts and pillows, gardening and babysitting. She was famous for her dill pickles. She crocheted afghans for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Heasley was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Heasley, in 1968, son Robert Heasley in 1998, two grandchildren and four sons-in-law. Survivors include daughters Phyllis Kunz and Peggy Andrew, both of Vancouver, Evelyn Tibbs of Oregon, Bonnie Devers of California, Dorothy Coley of Olympia, Donna Barden of Texas, Barbara Pfeifer of Ridgefield, Maxine Painter of Arizona, and Lavonne Caywood of Kelso, sons Dennis Heasley of Ridgefield and Dale Heasley of Woodland, 33 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Services will be held Thurs., Jan. 12, 1 p.m., at Hillcrest Church of the Nazarene, 14410 NW 21st Ave., Vancouver, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations are invited to His Hands Ministry at Hillcrest Church of the Nazarene.
GLADYS DOWNING
Gladys Louise (Maulding) Downing, 93, died Jan. 2, 2006, in Vancouver.
Downing was born Feb. 7, 1912, in Silverton, OR, and lived in Clark County for 60 years, the past nine years at the Colonial House in Battle Ground.
Downing was a member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Rebekkah Lodge in Toledo, Mt. Valley Grange, and Tum Tum Log Cabin Club. She enjoyed gardening, baking pies and reading.
Downing retired from the U.S. Forest Service after 21 years of service. She worked several summers at the Spirit Lake Information Office.
Downing was preceded in death by son, Francis Lee Thomas, in 1969, and granddaughter Allison Kay Thomas in 1967. Survivors include son Bruce Thomas of Brush Prairie, sisters Eunice Kleeb of Tacoma, Marjorie Coughanour of California of California and Patricia Aeder of Hawaii, four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Burial was at Mt. View Cemetery, Amboy, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.
WILLIAM BOSCH
William Francis Bosch, 57, died Jan. 3, 2006, at home in La Center.
Bosch was born May 12, 1948, in Vancouver, and resided in Woodland until the Memorial Day flood of 1948. After the flood, the Bosch family moved to Fort Shaw, MT where Bosch grew up.
Bosch returned to Woodland in 1967. In 1968, he joined the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam where he earned a Purple Heart medal.
After duty in Vietnam, Bosch made his home in La Center where he lived the last 30 years.
Bosch was instrumental in the growth of softball in Clark County. He began coaching in 1980 and continued until just before his death. He coached the La Center High School girls varsity team and several Little League and American Softball Association teams, taking several league and state titles along the way.
Bosch enjoyed fishing, hunting and football.
Bosch is survived by his wife, Sherry Bosch, at home in La Center, daughters Jennifer McAllister of La Center and Sarah Bosch of Vancouver, mother, Rosemary Bosch of Woodland, brothers Steve Bosch of Amboy, Tom Bosch of Skamokowa, and Joe Bosch of La Center, sisters Mary Bennett of Woodland, Susan Kendall of Bellingham, Kathie Luce of Woodland, Janet Ingel of Clallam Bay, Diane Anderson of Camas, one granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews.
Evergreen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Memorial donation can be made to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation at 9221 Ward Parkway, Suite 400, Kansas City, MO 64114 for research in the name of Molly McAllister, his granddaughter, who lives in La Center.
JOHN VETSCH
John Henry Vetsch, 91, died Jan. 9, 2006, in Woodland.
Vetsch was born Aug. 16, 1914, in Klamath Falls, OR. He attended Fort Vancouver High School and Oregon State University. He served in the Navy during World War II.
Vetsch moved to Woodland 55 years ago. He owned a tavern. He enjoyed fishing. He was a member of the Woodland VFW.
Survivors include step-daughters Suzanne Sayles and Suzette Sayles, both of California, brother Richard "Dick" Vetsch of Oregon, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Fri., Jan. 13, 11 a.m., at the Woodland Funeral Home, with the Woodland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
CYNTHIA HALLMARK
Cynthia Karen (Sutton) Hallmark, 47, died Dec. 24, 2005, in Battle Ground.
Hallmark was born Aug. 18, 1958, in Santa Cruz, CA, and lived the last seven years in Battle Ground.
Hallmark was a volunteer with Battle Ground schools and the ROTC Booster Club. She liked keeping scrapbooks, fishing, jet skiing, cooking and baking.
Survivors include widower Terry Hallmark, at home in Battle Ground, mother Sachiko Sutton of Nevada, sons Zeb Hallmark and Zachary Hallmark, both at home, brother Norm Sutton of Colorado, and sister Michelle Kay of Oregon.
No services will be held, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.
TERRIE WEST
Terrie Lynn Kamp (Schofield) West, 50, died Dec. 29, 2005, at home in Vancouver.
West was born March 31, 1955, in Los Angeles, CA, and moved to Clark County in 1983. She lived in Battle Ground from 1986 until moving to the Orchards area in 1999.
West was active in the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce, and played a key role in placing flower planters along Main St. She was a avid gardener.
West volunteered with the CASA organization, helping young people and their families in troubled times. She formed Coalition Against Hate, an organization dedicated to fighting facial and religious defamation.
West collected painted eggs, and enjoyed her cats.
Survivors include widower Bill West, at home in Vancouver, step-son Robbie Kamp of Vancouver, mother Millie Schofield of Vancouver, brothers Steven Schofield of Kelso and Jeffrey Schofield of Vancouver, and one step-granddaughter.
Evergreen Staples Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, was in charge of cremation and other arrangements.
VONETTE LARSEN
Vonette Lee (Berry) Larsen, 41, died Jan. 1, 2006, in a road rage incident in Athol, ID.
Larsen was born April 24, 1964, in Toppenish, graduated from Battle Ground High School, and attended cosmetology school in Vancouver. She was a member of her high school drill team, a women's equestrian drill team, and the Silver Buckle Rodeo Club.
Larsen moved to Idaho in 1998. She enjoyed hiking, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, motorcycling, and spending time with her family and friends. She was a prankster with a quick wit, and a compassionate and caring person.
Survivors include widower Joel Larsen, daughters Jovon Larsen, Joleen Larsen, and Jamie Larsen, all of Idaho, father Von Berry and step-mother Mary of Vancouver, mother Bobbie DeBower and step-father Dean of Oregon, sister Sandi Cobb of Castle Rock, one grandson, and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, is in charge of cremation and other arrangements.