DOG SURVIVES 18 HOURS IN RIVER

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Nanook, a 10-year-old dog with mostly black Labrador heritage, survived an 18-hour ordeal Jan. 15-16 in frigid river water near Daybreak Park.

Clark County Fire District 11 firefighters responded Jan. 16 at 8:45 a.m. to a call from Nanook's owners. They helped with rescue efforts.

Nanook's ordeal started on Jan. 15.

At about 2 p.m., while visiting the park with his owners, the Jason Martinez family of Battle Ground, Nanook slipped from a muddy ledge and fell into the East Fork of the Lewis River.

Steep terrain covered with blackberry brambles made it impossible for Jason and Trista Martinez to reach or even see Nanook.

During several hours of searching by family members, the dog remained missing. After darkness fell, a Clark County Sheriff's Office deputy helped, but to no avail.

"We guessed that Nanook had been swept away in the fast current," said Jason Martinez.

At daylight on the next day, Jason's wife, Trista, returned to Daybreak Park with one of their sons, 11-year-old Josh.

Trista said that while she struggled through blackberry brambles to reach a view of the river a few yards downstream from where the dog had fallen in, she heard faint whining sounds.

"I finally reached the edge of the bank, looked down, and saw a black mass moving in the water," Trista said.

Nanook was about 15 feet downstream from where he had slipped into the river. A sense of loyalty had apparently kept him where he had last seen his human family.

Nanook, whining softly, clung to brambles at an inaccessible side of a steep bank.

Trista used her cell phone and dialed 911. The 911 dispatcher contacted District 11.

"We didn't know if we could help, but had to try," said District 11 captain Ben Meacham.

Arriving firefighters found Jason with his wife and son at the river. Nanook was still unreachable, trying to cling to the steep bank loaded with berry vines.

Meacham suggested that if Trista called the dog, he might paddle fast enough to break away from the bank and drift down river to a an accessible place where the dog could be rescued.

Firefighters Jason Vasquez and Troy Williams readied themselves about 200 feet downstream near a shallow bank where the dog might be rescued.

Trista called Nanook.

Hearing the familiar voice, the dog paddled and thrashed furiously. The effort moved Nanook from the bank and into the current.

In a minute or so, the exhausted dog hobbled from the water downstream and onto a shallow bank near Vasquez.

"I put my hand out but he didn't respond," said Vasquez. "The only thing that dog wanted was earth under his feet."

After a check up by a veterinarian and several hours of sleep at home, Nanook is doing fine with one exception.

Nanook, who used to jump to his feet and wag his tail when asked if he would like to go to the river, now simply rests his face on a paw and cocks one eye.

The Martinez family presented District 11 firefighters with a special "Thank You" card, and Trista baked a cake for them.

"We can't thank them enough," said Trista.

RIDGEFIELD, LA CENTER AGREE ON BOUNDARY

Bill Myers, staff reporter

"Good fences make good neighbors," said poet Robert Frost.

Ridgefield and La Center officials prefer a Memorandum of Understanding.

Council members from both cities agreed Jan. 19 to use NW 299th St. as a boundary between the cities for future planning purposes.

Council members executed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreeing to mutually seek no approvals from Clark County for expansions of urban growth areas beyond the boundary.

City leaders agreed in the accord to support expansion requests made by each other to Clark County officials.

The two council agreed that such requests be consistent with a map of proposed urban growth areas contained in the MOU.

The MOU calls on city officials to work jointly to identify boundaries and locations of an open-space buffer along or near the proposed boundary.

Council members agreed to form a committee of two council members from each city to develop a buffer.

In the accord, council members agreed that city officials will collaborate on planning, design, financing and provisions of urban services and facilities in areas "generally north and south" of NE 299th St.

Language defines the MOU as a "mutual expression of intent" by city councils of the two cities.

Legislative and administrative action, allocations of public funds and a committment of city staffs and other resources will be required to make the MOU meaningful, said the accord.

Resolutions were approved to bring comprehensive plans of both cities in line with the new boundary.

Ridgefield mayor Gladys Doriot said that by working together, the cities can better control their own destinies.

La Center mayor Jim Irish said the cooperative process and spirit of cooperation brought the cities closer.

Both mayors thanked planners Kevin Snyder of Ridgefield and Eric Eisemann of La Center for working toward a boundary solution.

Council members Gary Adkins and Scott Hanson of Ridgefield and Troy Van Dinter and Linda Tracy of La Center were lauded for committee work.

Battle Ground mayor John Idsinga, a guest at the meeting, thanked officials from both cities. Cooperation between the cities makes Clark County a better place to live for everyone, he said.

STUDENTS NIX GAY/STRAIGHT CLUB

District waits for "second opinion"

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Battle Ground High School students overwhelmingly denied approval of a Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) Club Jan. 17.

A show-of-hands vote by about 120 Associated Student Body (ASB) leaders convincingly opposed the club. Activities director Butch Blue said only 10-15 students voted "yes."

Last year two female students wrote a letter to ASB officers saying the school is "majorly lacking" a GSA Club.

"...while this is a conservative community here it is still needed," they wrote, and added, "...seeing the torment gays get here they need a place to go to feel accepted and loved."

The girls found staff advisors, put together a club constitution and submitted a letter of request to ASB officers. School leadership is made up of the executive council, class officers, club presidents and "home room" representatives--all students.

A vote was to take place on Dec. 13, but students were confused about the issue, and it was put off until Jan. 17.

Blue said each home room representative listened to students in their group before attending a meeting to vote.

Reasons for voting it down varied. Some students believe that problems will arise if a club is forced on an unwelcoming school, that public opinion should be taken into consideration, that students at the high school are closed-minded, and that problems could be avoided if GSA was not school related, meeting minutes stated.

The matter could be appealed to principal Tim Lexow, but as of Jan. 20, no one from the GSA group had contacted Lexow on the matter.

"We're waiting to see what they want to do," Lexow said. "We need to let the process take place. It has to be student-initiated."

There is no time limit for the group to bring the matter forward, he said.

There is also the question on the legality of banning the club from ASB status.

Attorney Bill Coates spoke with school board members to advise them of the law that states that any club has a right to ask for and be recognized as an ASB-approved group if they meet guidelines. To deny a club that meets guidelines is a violation of the First Amendment regarding freedom of speech, he said.

Any club can also meet under the Equal Access Act which allows use of school facilities before and after school. Currently, some five clubs at Battle Ground High School meet in this fashion, such as a Bible study club, and are not ASB-approved. There are 23 ASB-approved clubs.

Having ASB approval gives access to funds, free appearance in the yearbook, use of the public address system and bulletin boards, and a seat on ASB leadership.

"Of course, we are obligated to follow the law," Lexow said. He could over-rule the ASB vote, but is taking no action until he learns more. "We're waiting for a second legal opinion and making sure we're following the law," said Lexow.

Communications consultant Kelly Keister confirmed that superintendent Shonny Bria has asked for another legal opinion, following citizens' requests.

The New Year brought a thaw to the Woodland City Council, and the elected officials voted Jan. 17 to end the salary and hiring freeze authorized in December.

Only council member John J. Burke continued to oppose any new hires or salary increases for non-union employees.

Burke was joined by council member Darwin Rounds in his opposition to hiring an assistant city engineer. The council approved the new position, 3-2, with Mayor Douglas Monge casting the deciding vote. Council member Erica Rainford was absent.

The engineer who will be assigned to the public works department will receive a monthly salary of $4,808. The addition of benefits and some equipment will bring the first year's cost of the position to $79,000.

The council also approved hiring a police officer and a fire department training officer. Another police car at $22,700 including equipment was authorized for 2006.

Council members decided not to set a salary for the fire training officer, but to examine comparable salaries in other departments. The new officer will be third in command at the fire department.

The fire chief had requested that the training officer salary be $60,750 per year. The council will consider the salary in February.

The police officer will earn $4,086 monthly plus benefits.

Burke has questioned whether the city should pay the full cost of health benefits for non-union employees, and he proposed that the non-union employees, mostly department heads, be required to pay a portion of their health benefits.

The council voted 3-1 against Burke's proposal.

City clerk-treasurer Mari Ripp said the council members took into consideration the fact that non-union employees do not receive overtime pay and are not compensated for extra hours or meetings.

Non-union employees will receive a 2.75 percent cost of living increase this year.

The council also agreed to hire full-time clerks for the public works and clerk-treasurer's departments at a cost of about $18,000 annually. The departments now share a clerk.

Ripp said the package will add about $200,000 to the budget and most of the funds will come from sales tax revenues.

WATER SYSTEM MAY CURE ARSENIC ILLS

Clark Public Utilities proposes satellite water system

Bill Myers, staff reporter

White trucks, not white horses, may rescue dozens of people from high levels of arsenic in well water.

A Clark Public Utilities proposal Jan. 11 outlines construction of a satellite water system about two miles east of Woodland.

The water system would bring safe water to residents who form a Local Utility District (LUD) in the vicinity of NW Hayes Rd., NW 411th Circle and NW Bridge Rd.

The LUD could serve as many as 50 people in a 100-acre service area within half a square mile.

Alarm bells about poisoned water in the area first rang in 2003 when Clark County Health Department tests of private wells revealed arsenic levels at over 500 parts per billion. The Environmental Protection Agency safe maximum standard for arsenic in water is 10 parts per billion.

Arsenic is a well-known poison. Health officials say long-term ingestion of the substance can lead to serious health maladies, including cancer.

Grant would cover more than half of $815,000 cost

Utility project manager Eric Beck said design and construction of the water system would cost about $815,000.

Beck said a federal grant secured by the utility would pay 55 percent of costs.

A low-interest state loan would pay the balance, said Beck. Under a financing proposal, each LUD subscriber would repay the loan with a single payment of about $20,000 or annual assessments of about $1,200 over 20 years.

At latest count, 11 area homeowners have agreed to participate, said Beck.

Water for a satellite system would come from a test well drilled last fall by a driller hired by utility officials. The well delivers sufficient quantities of water with manageable arsenic levels.

Beck outlined components of the proposed satellite water system in a Jan. 11 letter to Clark County officials:

** Design the satellite water system.

** Assess impacts of construction and operation on the environment. Secure shoreline, site plan and other required permits.

** Install 50 gallon per minute pumping facility at new water supply well and construct a treatment facility with driveway access.

** Acquire easement for 20,000-gallon reservoir with access driveway.

** Acquire easements for about 7,000 linear feet of water lines.

** Require proper abandonment of private wells on properties connecting to the system or installation of approved reduced pressure back flow devices for connecting properties whose owners choose not to abandon private wells.

Beck said public health concerns warrant an optimistic timetable. With help by County officials to move quickly on permitting processes, the system could be running by fall, he said.

Public meeting set

Beck said the Clark Public Utilities' commissioners will hold a public meeting on formation of the Local Utility District on Tues., March 14, 9 a.m., at 1200 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver.

BG'S ARRESTLING CLASS IS A PERFECT MATCH

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

"This is our paradise," said Battle Ground police officer Sean Hendrickson, gesturing around the Battle Ground High School wrestling room. "Wall-to-wall mats."

Hendrickson, 31, is also a certified instructor for Arrestling, a defensive tactics class he learned at the state Police Academy. Over six months, Hendrickson trained 40 hours to earn his certification.

The Battle Ground "fight class" began about two months ago. The city is one of only five statewide to offer the special class to police officers and firefighters, Hendrickson said.

Once weekly, officers gather inside the high school for two hours. They warm-up, review the prior week's lesson, and grapple on mats, learning latest techniques.

Participants are also under the watchful eye of Carmen Gallino, 56, a martial arts expert who owns a private studio in the Yacolt area.

While officers wrestle, Gallino hovers to fine-tune moves so that the "bad guy" has no way to escape, and to prevent injuries to the officer, the suspect, and bystanders.

Gallino has worked with law enforcement in Arizona, the military, and federal agencies.

"I teach them extra tricks, knowledge, and things they can use in the field that are faster and quicker, and to do them without injury," Gallino said.

Although firefighters typically don't encounter someone who lunges for their weapon or tries to avoid arrest, they are often first on a crime scene, Hendrickson said, and can encounter people who are agitated and combative.

The fledgling class is growing, with an average of about 10. Officers from La Center, Woodland, Vancouver, Washougal, state Patrol, and one firefighter from District 11 all attend.

Because the class is for law enforcement and firefighters only, the atmosphere is low-key, fun, and safe.

"There's nothing to prove," Hendrickson said. "They wrestle against each other and don't have to worry about someone trying to prove a point to a cop or hurt one."

"It's geared toward cops, not citizens," he added. "We practice under the use of force rules officers are under and have to do anyway. We're just getting better at it."

Arrestling was formed at the state Police Academy near Burien about 10 years ago by deputy Don Gulla, who is also a martial arts instructor.

Gulla and another instructor who was an officer stayed after hours and practiced on each other, Hendrickson said.

From there, they began adding police belts with weapons and experimenting with wrestling moves that would expedite arrests when officers and suspects end up in tussles.

Hendrickson transferred to Battle Ground from Las Vegas Metro Police Department in August 2004. Because he came from out of state, he had to attend a two-week "equivalency class" at the state Academy to get him up to speed on Washington law and practices.

While there, he heard about the weekly Arrestling matches and got hooked.

"I love to fight, there's a little kid in me," Hendrickson said, "and this is a way to learn new skills."

"The biggest thing is the confidence," Hendrickson said of how he has benefitted personally. "Every week it's fresh in my mind. I'm way more confident. There's so much training to do in law enforcement, and so much to remember. To have this refreshed every week is really good."

The class will continue indefinitely as long as his students are interested.

"What motivates me the most are the guys that show up every week and are interested in learning," Hendrickson said. "We go until we can't go any more."

Officers and firefighters interested in Arrestling can call Hendrickson at the Battle Ground Police Department, 342-5100.

Raw milk source of E. coli outbreak

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

There are "numerous health issues" at Dee Creek Farm near Woodland that caused the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in December, said Jerry Buendel, a food and safety officer with the state Department of Agriculture.

All 18 people who became ill consumed raw milk from the unlicensed farm, he said.

Fifteen of the 18 infected with the deadly bacteria were children. Of those, three were hospitalized, with two in critical condition and on life support. Victims lived in Clatsop County in Oregon, and Clark and Cowlitz counties.

All have recovered or are recovering at home now, said Justin Denny with the Clark County Health Department.

Samples taken from milk from the farm, milk from consumers, and those infected all point back in a DNA "fingerprint" to Dee Creek Farm as the source of the exact strain of O157:H7 bacteria that caused the outbreak, state officials said.

"There is valid evidence linked to the children, milk, and the farm," Buendel said. Others were linked by symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea, and couldn't be genetically matched because of antibiotics they'd already taken.

The farm is owned by Mike and Anita Puckett. No one at the farm could be reached for comment.

E. coli found in several sources at farm

State officials visited the farm in December to take samples in several areas and observe milking and processing practices.

Seven samples tested positive for the E. coli O157:H7 strain: a partially filled gallon of milk from a consumer; a milk sample from the farm; a sample on the topside of a rubber mat in the milking area beneath where cows are milked and on the top of two other rubber mats in the milking area; a sample in the holding pen mudpack/pasture at the entrance to the milking area; and a sample in mud on the ground just inside the door to the milking area.

"Even healthy cows can pass E. coli," Denny said, adding that it is intermittently shed in feces and milk. It is a bacteria that lives in the intestines of bovines.

Practices at the farm were a long way from what health officials call sanitary enough for licensing.

Dairies must have running water, a hand-washing sink, and a concrete floor in the milking area. There are also regulations governing the handling, bottling, and transportation of milk, and that require animal health testing.

"Dee Creek Farm failed to comply with many of these requirements at the time of the [state] investigation," officials said.

In addition, raw milk sold in this state must have a warning label that includes the statement that it is a "potentially hazardous product."

Milking conditions unsanitary

State Agriculture officials noted "a number of issues that are of concern and demonstrate that the farm would not meet public health requirements if license applications for milk producer and milk processor were submitted."

Those issues include:

** A large herd of wild elk in contact with the Dee Creek Farm cattle, and no animal health testing for diseases or health permits.

** No water or waste water system in milk barn for operations, cleaning, sanitizing or washing hands.

** The entrance to the milk barn parlor had mud and manure about one-foot deep with standing water that cows walked through.

** The dirt floor with rubber mats had mud, manure and debris. The milking bucket was in direct contact with those unclean surfaces during milking.

** Cross-contamination occurred when a cloth towel that had been used to dry an udder was laid on top of a milking unit, then used to dry just washed udders on another cow.

** Cross-contamination of the milk bucket happened when the milking unit came into contact with the muddy leg of a cow, and again when the milker lip was wiped with the cloth that was used to dry the udder of a cow being prepped for milking. In addition, chickens flew over the milking unit when milking began, and the milkers were not backflushed and sanitized before milking the next cow.

** Milk in stainless steel containers was transported from the barn to the house in a vehicle that had hay and dirt under the containers. One container was covered with plastic wrap.

** There was no separate milk processing area. It was all done in the family's kitchen area. Warning labels were not put on gallon-jars.

"This is the fist incident," of a farm in this state causing this much trouble, Buendel said.

Despite that, if the Pucketts are willing to bring their farm up to health standards and follow guidelines such as monthly inspections, they could be licensed to sell raw milk, Buendel said.

"Licensing fees aren't that high ($55) and there are no large pieces of equipment to buy," Buendel said.

A safe processing area is required, as is a concrete floor where the cows are, and no other livestock are allowed in the milking barn.

However, "They have quite a ways to come to be a licensed dairy and meet health standards," Buendel said.

"We're very lucky no child passed away from this very serious infection," Denny said. "Younger people are more susceptible, especially 5 and younger. Licensing a dairy is a way to reduce the risk. Pasteurizing eliminates the risk."

Denny said raw milk proponents claim several nutrients are lost during pasteurization, but disagreed, saying vitamin C and thiamine are eliminated, but levels are not very high anyway.

"There are so many other places to get vitamins," Denny said. "My goodness, let us not make raw milk the savior.

MODEL OF PAPER MILL GOES TO COLLEGE

Chelatchie businessman donates pre-construction replica to University of Maine

Bill Myers, staff reporter

An engineering-design model that guided construction of the Weyerhaeuser Norpac Paper Mill in Longview 15 years ago won't go to waste.

Thanks to Chelatchie Prairie business owner Bill Kravas, the 800-square foot model will be an educational exhibit at the University of Maine.

Kravas, who buys and sells used pulp and paper mill machinery, said he purchased the model in 1998 from Weyerhaeuser along with other used equipment.

After buying it, Kravas stored the model at his business. It took him seven years to find a proper home for it.

The model, a pre-construction replica of all equipment in the Norpac Mill, was built of polymers and other material in the late 1980s by design engineers at Rust Engineering Co. in Portland.

The model took about three years to build and is an exact replica of machinery locations, pipes and other linkup designs done at a scale of 1/16-inch to 1-foot, Kravas said.

The model was completed with 10,000 man-hours of labor and at a cost of $1.6 million, Kravas said.

Various colors were used on model parts to designate purposes of machinery and equipment.

Rust engineers placed numbers on each of thousands of model parts. The numbers were references to files containing part details.

The model was shipped to Longview and assembled on 44 tables in advance of the Norpac Mill construction in 1970.

During construction, the model was stored in a building near the mill site. It served as a guide for electricians, millwrights, engineers and paper workers, Kravas said.

Byron Slack, president of National Appraisal Co. in Vancouver, said the model could have a current value of $500,000.

"It would cost $3 million to build today," he said.

"Lower Columbia College wanted it, but didn't have space for it," Kravas said.

On a business trip to Bangor, ME in 2005, Kravas told an engineer about the model.

The engineer, a graduate of the University of Maine, said the model would be a marvelous training aid for engineering students. He helped Kravas set up a meeting with university officials.

Kravas met with them and offered to donate the model as an instructional aid at their Pulp and Paper Process Development Center.

University officials said they could make good use of the model and agreed to pay freight costs.

Kravas said it will take two 50-foot vans to transport the model.

"I just couldn't stand the thought of the model being in a landfill somewhere," said Kravas. "Those who built this model poured much of their lives into the process."

Such pre-construction models are no longer needed, Kravas said. Computer printouts now guide such construction.

TORNADO BLAMED IN CHELATCHIE

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Chelatchie Prairie resident Don Sagendorf couldn't believe his eyes Jan. 11 when he saw a shed in his garden.

Upon close inspection, Sagendorf discerned that the shed belonged to next-door neighbor Raymond Cosner. It had somehow moved about 80 feet, from Cosner's yard to Sagendorf's garden, overnight.

The heavy-gauge metal shed, open at one end, is about 10 feet wide and 12 feet long and weighs about 1,000 pounds.

Cosner too was astounded. He said he could not explain how the shed was moved. Whatever moved it left no tracks and carried the shed over or around a parked school bus.

The shed sits upright in a tall grassy area of Sagendorf's garden. There are no tracks or signs of equipment around the shed.

Tall reeds growing upright from the ground inside of the floorless structure make it apparent that the shed was not moved sideways or drug to the site. Such movement would have pushed the reeds to the ground.

A lack of tracks or disturbed earth rules out disassembly, movement and reassembly of the structure.

Sagendorf, a retired accountant a two-year area resident from Utah, said only a tornado could have moved the building without damaging adjacent structures or leaving telltale ground marks.

A cyclonic wind must have entered the open end of the shed and lifted it over the school bus to his yard, he said.

National Weather Service spokesperson Tiffani Brown said wind gusts up to 23 miles per hour were reported on the night of Jan. 10 by Scapoose, OR and Vancouver weather stations.

Brown said the agency has no wind-monitoring systems near Chelatchie Prairie. She would not speculate about the mystery.

RIDGEFIELD HAS NEW COUNCIL MEMBER, PLANNERS

Mayor gets nod for two more years

A new city council member was seated and three new planning commission members were confirmed at a Jan. 12 Ridgefield City Council meeting.

New council member Chad Sessions, elected last November without opposition, filled the vacated city council seat of retired council member Gary Holmberg.

Sessions left a city planning commission post to take the council job.

Raised in the Salmon Creek area, Sessions is married and lives with his wife, Hollie, and three children.

A graduate of Columbia River High School, Sessions attended Clark College before taking courses at Rancho Santiago and Cal Poly junior colleges in California.

Sessions has worked 12 years as a residential and vacant land real estate agent with Prudential Northwest Properties in Cascade Park.

Planners bring varied backgrounds

City council members confirmed appointments of new Planning Commission members Celia Elaine Antonini, Jerrold J. Bush and Darren Wertz.

Antonini, a mathematics teacher at Vancouver School District with four years of teaching experience, is single and engaged to Sean Kearns, a Ridgefield firefighter.

Antonini earned bachelor and masters degrees at Notre Dame University.

Pausing from her teaching career from 2002-05, Antonini was a ranger at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Cross-cultural work or volunteer experiences have taken Antonini to Ecuador, Kenya, Chile and Costa Rica.

Bush has an associates degree from Portland State College and took accounting courses in Indiana. He served in the U.S. Army with an intelligence unit.

Married with three grown children, Bush retired after a 30 year career that included district manager positions with Northwest Natural Gas.

Bush served in The Dalles, OR as president of Little League, the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club. He also served several organizations in board or advisory posts.

Darren Wertz has bachelor degrees in business administration and economics from California universities, and a masters degree in economics from University of Oregon.

Divorced with three grown children, Wertz's work experience includes more than 20 years as an economist and/or planner for Clark Public Utilities, H.D. Hovee & Company and other firms.

Wertz is currently Clerk to the Clark County Board of Equalization.

Mayor, mayor pro tem nominations

A nomination of mayor Gladys Doriot by council member Gary Adkins resulted in another two year mayoral term for Doriot.

Prior to the nomination, council member David Standal offered his services as mayor. "With all the challenges Ridgefield will face over the next two years, I believe it is in the best interest of the city to offer my services as mayor," said Standal.

Standal said his experience and "lack of conflicts" places him in a unique position to best serve the city.

Standal then asked Doriot to nominate him. Doriot did not comment.

Under council rules, one nominee becomes mayor. A public announcement by city clerk Kay Kammer made Doriot's appointment official.

Doriot, permitted by rules to conduct an election for mayor pro tem, nominated Standal for the post. Standal became mayor pro tem when no other nominations followed.

In a later interview, Standal said he intended his "lack of conflicts" reference as a distinction between himself, with no relatives on the city payroll, and Doriot, whose daughter is a Ridgefield police officer.

AGREEMENT COULD ALLOW ALCOHOL NEAR SCHOOLS

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

A compromise is in the works that would allow alcohol to be served in restaurants located near two schools in the Battle Ground School District.

Good neighbor agreements between the school board and Lloyd's Grill owner Lloyd Taylor and Red Fir Inn owner Dave Ayres is in the discussion stage.

School board members and administration have said they are willing to work with both parties.

Board members are using an agreement model formed when the owner of a fine dining establishment in Seattle locked horns with the Seattle School District in January 2005.

Paula Carson decided to turn a defunct gas station, Lloyd's Rocket, into a restaurant called The Rocket. The problem was that it sits across the street from Bailey Gatzert Elementary School and within the 500-foot setback limit set by the state Liquor Control Board.

State law grants school districts and cities the right to veto liquor license applications if the business is within 500 feet from its front door to school property.

Before Carson renovated the building, it was boarded up, an eyesore, and a place where crime was rampant at night, she said.

But school board members and city officials balked at allowing a liquor license where children's security could be threatened because of alcohol consumption, she said.

The Agreement took nine months to hammer out. She opened for business about two months ago.

In part, the Good Neighbor Agreement states that The Rocket will not serve alcohol prior to 5:30 p.m. on any day school is in session, and stop at 11:30 p.m. unless there are private banquets or functions that have been scheduled in advance in which case sales would stop at 1 a.m.

In addition, the lounge area would be limited in square feet, the number of tables and chairs allowed, and the main part of the building would be dedicated to food service.

"I don't agree to all of it," Taylor said of the model Agreement, "and I don't think [the school board] should have any say in the liquor license at all."

In October last year, Battle Ground School Board members unanimously told Lloyd they would not allow him to serve alcohol so close to Maple Grove Primary School.

The board's decision followed several weeks of community input via surveys and open forums.

Concerns were that drunk drivers might crash through a brick wall onto the playground, children's exposure to people who drink, and DUI accidents after school when buses are out and children afoot.

Taylor said he is willing to work with the board on an agreement, but thinks waiting until 5:30 p.m. to serve alcohol is excessive.

Once school gets out, he should be able to serve alcohol beginning at 3:30 or 4 p.m., Taylor said.

Alcohol sales at Lloyd's Grill in downtown Vancouver are about $20 at lunchtime, he said, if that.

But he draws the line at not serving on weekends when there's a school function. Children are likely with their parents then and not out on their own, he said.

While Taylor was making his way through the public minefield, Ayres paid attention.

Ayres, who owns the Red Fir Inn in Yacolt, had applied for an upgraded liquor license to sell spirits in addition to wine and beer.

The Red Fir Inn is located directly across the street from Yacolt Primary School.

Ayres' intention was to upgrade his now 21-and-older only tavern into a family-style restaurant in order to survive in the less-populated area of north Clark County.

Ayres withdrew his application from the state liquor control board after learning the board told Taylor "no."

Ayres doesn't like the model agreement, either.

The Inn is already small, and to limit the number of tables and chairs and devote most of it to dining only "is ridiculous," he said.

"It's kind of a joke," Ayres said. "There's no way I can stay in business with those rules."

Ayres also didn't like the time limits.

"I already serve 6 a.m.-2 a.m.," he said. "Why would I shorten that?"

Ayres is willing to work with the board, and will attend any meeting they set up. But he'll take his attorney with him to work on details.

"I already have a license to sell beer and wine," he said. "This is unfair. What's the difference between one alcohol and another? I'm letting my attorney deal with it."

Meanwhile, sales have dropped 35 percent since the smoking ban went into affect, Ayres said. He's hoping his new, handmade, gourmet pizza section of the Inn will lure new customers.

Taylor is also concerned about survival.

"If I don't get a liquor license, [the Grill] won't survive," he said. "I can only feed so many people on Friday and Saturday nights and try to survive on just food sales."

Taylor said that since the Grill opened on Jan. 8, he's been working out some kinks, such as ordering equipment that will allow for faster service.

The "look" isn't finished, either. An artist is set to paint murals and "make this a showcase place in Battle Ground," he said.

"I'm committed to the community and to safety," Taylor said. "I'm doing what I said I would do. I'm trying to be a great neighbor, not just a good one. Lloyd's is a great place to be."

Rep. Ed Orcutt (R-Kalama) has introduced a bill in the state legislature that would repeal the estate tax adopted by the legislature last year.

"I said last year our treasury didn't need the revenue the death tax would provide," said Orcutt, "and the revenue forecasts are proof. Let's bury the death tax before it kills any of our small employers and family-owned businesses."

Orcutt is the Republican leader on the Finance Committee in the state House of Representatives.

Until last year, said Orcutt, Washington received a share of the federal estate tax in a system called a "pick up tax."

Orcutt said federal revenues from the estate tax were shared with states. As the federal tax declined, the state sharing was ended.

Last year, said Orcutt, the legislature adopted its own estate tax which was not tied to the federal tax.

State officials estimate that the state estate tax generates $70 million a year.

Orcutt's bill would end that tax, while leaving open the possibility of a "pick up" tax should the federal government reinstate an estate tax sharing program.

Orcutt explained that an "estate tax" applies to all assets of an estate, while an "inheritance tax" applies to an individual who inherits something.

The current Washington estate tax does not apply to the first $1 million of an estate. The tax on the next $1 million is $250,000. The tax on a $5 million estate is $720,000.

Orcutt, who is the Republican leader on the House Finance Committee and a member of the state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council, said an estate tax poses a hardship on small businesses that have equipment and property but little cash. In such situations, some or all of the business must be sold to pay the tax.

At present, estate tax revenues go to the Student Achievement Account designed to reduce class sizes. Orcutt's bill would replace that funding with property tax revenue, the funding source used in the past for class size reduction.

Orcutt can be reached at (360) 786-7812, or by fax at (360) 786-2317.

"Coy-o-te (ki-o-te). A wolflike carnivorous animal common in western North America and ranging eastward into New England." (Webster's II New College Dictionary).

Responding to calls from the public about coyote sightings, Clark County officials have issued a new brochure entitled Coexisting with coyotes in Clark County, and have entered into a contract with the federal government for coyote trapping and euthanizing.

The brochure notes that coyotes are shy and an attack on humans has never been documented in Oregon or Washington.

But county officials say they have had 85-90 phone calls about coyote sightings since Jan. 1.

Linda Moorhead, who directs the county's Code Enforcement program, said callers have told stories of cats disappearing. One caller who lives north of Camas said he has lost 10 lambs and two ewes since Christmas, and blamed the losses on coyotes. That caller reported observing a pack of three coyotes in his area.

Moorhead said reports about coyotes have been received in urban and rural areas, including Minnehaha and the Clark County Fairgrounds. Starting last week, Moorhead directed that a record be kept of where coyote sightings have been reported.

The new brochure contains several recommendations for people who live in the vicinity of natural habitat areas or green belts, and who are concerned about coyotes.

Those recommendations include keeping pet food inside, securing trash bins, keeping ground free of fruit and birdseed, and keeping pets inside.

The brochure also recommends that children not be left unattended in a yard, and that people not run from nor approach a coyote. If a coyote appears in a yard, the brochure recommends that people make loud noises.

Rich Carson, who heads the county's Department of Community Development, said the new approach to coyote management was inspired by reports from a resident of the Felida area west of Hazel Dell who said she saw a coyote in her yard.

Carson described the county's efforts regarding coyotes as educational.

The new contract with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) became effective Jan. 3 and provides for the trapping of coyotes and their euthanization. So far, three coyote cases have been referred to the USDA.

"In the past, we got very few calls about coyotes," said Carson. "Now that we started the program, we are getting a lot of calls about them."

"The important thing is that this is basically an educational program to keep coyotes away from humans and especially small, domestic animals," added Carson. "We don't really want to trap and euthanize coyotes unless they are attacking animals, displaying aggressive behavior, or show no fear of humans."

The county commissioners provided direction to staff on how to handle increasing coyotes complaints.

Carson said hunting coyotes is legal in Washington. Hunters must have a valid hunting license, and there is no tag nor bag limit.

Coyotes may be hunted year round, unless hounds are used in which case the season runs from early September through mid-March.

According to a 2004 publication by the University of California, 48 coyote attacks on humans have been reported from 1998 through 2003 in southern California.

Attacks were also reported on pets.

Carson said the California attacks are a consequence of urban development that left no natural habitat for coyotes. As a result, he said, the coyotes adapted to human presence and have become more aggressive.

Carson drew a distinction between the coyote situation in California and the presence of coyotes in southwest Washington.

"Those are California coyotes," said Carson of the southern California attacks. "You never know what they are going to do next."

Copies of the county's brochure on coyote problems can be obtained by calling 397-2488, and on the Internet at www.clark.wa.gov and clicking on the picture of a coyote.

FOOD BANK SEEKS DONATIONS TO HELP BUY BUILDING

The organization that helps people in need is looking for a little help itself.

The North County Community Food Bank has sent out letters seeking donations to help pay off a $90,000 note.

Two years ago, the food bank purchased the former Battle Ground city planning and storage building at 17 NE Third Ave. The price was $165,000, and another $40,000 went to remodeling costs.

The building had been a fire station in years past.

The food bank raised the necessary money except for $90,000 that was borrowed.

"Last October we took a $90,000 business loan to pay off the city," said Elaine Hertz, food bank director. "It's a 10-year loan from First Independent Bank. They gave us a really good deal."

A letter sent out Jan. 10 asking for donations to pay off the loan has generated $500, Hertz said. The food bank earned $7,000 from an auction last fall.

"We just sent out the letter, and we'll see what the response is," Hertz said. "Every little bit helps. Once the loan is paid off, we don't have to worry about this monthly bill."

The names of donors will be engraved on a wall plaque in the building, she said.

The food bank has received $13,000 from the state to build a freezer-refrigerator walk-in storage unit. The food bank is responsible for $3,000 to finish the remodel. Other than the refrigerator unit, the building has been remodeled to fit the food bank's needs, Hertz said.

Hertz may be reached at 687-5007. Donations may be mailed to the food bank at P.O. Box 2106, Battle Ground, 98604.

FAMILY REUNITED AFTER 72 YEARS

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year were celebrated as one big, life-changing event for the Dockter family this month.

After 72 years, seven Dockter brothers and sisters found the eighth sibling, a sister, separated from the family at birth. All are still living and only one brother was absent for the family reunion held at Lloyd Dockter's home in Brush Prairie.

During a conversation at Lloyd's home, the five sisters and two brothers frequently hugged each other and often wiped a tear from an eye.

The oldest seven had always known that the eighth, Patricia, had been born in Velva, ND, but they did not know who had adopted her or where she was living.

A few days after Patricia Essen was born on May 27, 1933, her mother, Mary Beck Dockter, died of uremic poisoning.

The oldest seven, led by Frieda Felitz, stayed together in Velva, ND, but Patricia was adopted by Walter and Evelyn Ecklund.

Frieda recalled that she wanted to take her baby sister home, but her mother decided that caring for a baby in addition to helping the others would be too much for the 19-year-old woman.

"I tried to take you, too," Frieda said to Patricia.

"We all worked together," Frieda said, "but I was the oldest."

Patricia grew up, moving to several states with her adoptive parents. She did not know she was adopted until she was 13. The family decided to return to North Dakota from California, and Patricia's parents feared an outsider would tell her.

"Many times I wondered about them," Patricia said about the Dockter family. "I knew about Frieda, but I didn't know about the rest."

Years passed, the Dockter children grew up, found careers and six settled in California, Washington and Oregon. Only Alfred remained in North Dakota.

They talked about their missing sister from time to time, and last year, when Lloyd and his wife Kaye were in North Dakota, they decided to try to find Patricia.

They sent a letter to a judge in Minot, ND, but the county courthouse there had burned years ago, and the records were destroyed.

From there, they went to Bismarck, the state capitol, and brother Wallace took up the search.

"I ran into a stone wall," Wallace said.

The only name the family had was Mary Beck, their mother, who had taken her maiden name before Patricia was born. Wallace found their mother's death certificate and Patricia's birth cerfiticate. After filling out "forms and more forms," he found Patricia's adoption record, but he didn't know where the family had lived.

An adoption specialist was called in and traced the adoptive family through a death index. The Ecklund parents had died in California. Using library records, Wallace found Walter Ecklund's obituary and Wallace's sister's name, Patricia, as a survivor living in Powers Lake, ND.

He called his brother Lloyd and said, "Now what do we do?"

"Some families don't want a reunion," Wallace said. "We wanted to know if she was alive and well and if she'd had a decent life."

The brothers decided to call Patricia. Twice, they got an aswering machine.

"The thought ran through my head, 'Could that be a biological brother?'" Patricia said. "Then I thought, 'Don't be silly.'"

On the third try, Patricia's husband, Ken, answered, and Wallace said he was doing a genealogical search and wanted to reach Patricia. She was away from home.

"I said to Ken, 'I wonder what he's selling,'" Patricia said.

Later the same evening, Wallace called again, and told Patricia that he was looking for a sister who was born May 27, 1933, and adopted.

"I said that I was born on May 27, 1933 and I was adopted out, and my mother's name was Mary Beck," Patricia said.

The search ended four months to the day after the it began. Patricia and Wallace talked for 1 1/2 hours.

"I knew there were some (siblings), but I thought maybe three or four," Patricia said.

Since that November phone call, Patricia has met all of the Dockter brothers and sisters.

"I am very happy," Patricia said. "I had a wonderful home. My parents spoiled me until my husband took over and he has spoiled me. Now my brothers and sisters are spoiling me."

In addition to her seven biological siblings, Patricia has an adopted brother, Dalhart Eklund, who lives in Callahan, CA. She also has three daughters, 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

"They think this is wonderful," she said.

In early January, the family had a reunion at Grace Lutheran Church, and many of Patricia's nieces and nephews attended.

"Everybody laughed and we talked nonstop," Patricia said. "I am such a rich woman with family."

SEWER DISTRICT SETS SENIOR DISCOUNT

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

After more than an hour of sometimes acrimonious discussion between the Clark Regional Wastewater District and about 20 senior citizens, the district board voted to provide a discount to low-income, elderly people.

The three-member board voted unanimously to set a sewer rate at $25 per month beginning in February for homeowners age 65 and older whose income equals or is below the federal poverty level.

The board also set a rate of $30 monthly for those whose income is higher than the poverty level but no greater than $25,000 yearly.

The federal Department of Health and Human Services lists the 2005 federal poverty level for a two-member household at $12,830.

The discount will not be offered to those who live in rental housing.

District staff will research the cost of providing the discount to those age 62 and older and will make a recommendation in May regarding the cost to the district.

If the district does not have to raise other rates to pay for the discount, the board will consider lowering the age to 62.

Several in the audience asked that the discount be available to those 62 and older and many requested a rate based on water consumption.

Salmon Creek resident Sonya Zalubowski said that in La Center, low-income residents 62 and older have a discount, and she asked the district to follow that.

She also asked that rates be based on water consumption.

Clark County resident Lou Greupner suggested that the district offer a 10 percent discount to all senior citizens age 62 and older.

Board members questioned the fairness of such a discount.

Several in the audience questioned the fairness of the current system of a set rate no matter how high the water use.

Zalubowski said that when she lived in Vancouver, she paid half as much for sewer and water as she's now paying for sewer only.

"Why should one or two persons pay for the neighbors who have ponds?" she said. "People want a little more justice."

Others in the audience said that senior citizens are subsidizing other sewer users, and said the district policy is not fair.

Zalubowski accused the district of doubling its public relations budget while raising rates for all users.

District financial director Fed Kowell told the audience that translating water use from Clark Public Utilities into sewer use is complex because the wastewater district charges by tax lot and the PUD charges by user.

"The bills go with the property, not the customer," said director Bob Bandarra. "We lien the property (for nonpayment)."

Bandarra said the district does not plan to raise rates again for at least two years.

The wastewater treatment district, Clark County and Clark Public Utilities are conducting a feasibility study to determine if the wastewater treatment district should merge with the public utility.

Bandarra said the study should be finished by summer.

Board member Denny Kiggins suggested that sewer rates based on consumption might be easier to calculate under one district.

The county owns the Salmon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, used by the sewer district.

Mick Shutt, spokesman for Clark Public Utilities, said the sewer district and Clark County have asked that the public utility consider a merger with the sewer district.

If the study shows that a merger would be economically feasible and all boards agree, the sewer district would become part of Clark Public Utilities, Shutt said.

During the district board meeting, Greupner also accused the district of setting a one-year, $2 monthly surcharge 10 years ago to pay for equipment. He said the district did not honor the one-year agreement and has continued the $2 surcharge.

Bandarra said he was not aware of a surcharge, but he said he'd look into it.

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

A contest to name a couple of brand new firefighter dummies caused quite a sensation at the Battle Ground Fred Meyer store.

Firefighter training "dummies" sat in chairs near the Battle Ground Fred Meyer customer service desk, waiting for names.

Clad in fire gear, one new mannequin sat next to one badly beaten and retiring "Rescue Randy," who is nearly noseless. Randy's elbows and wrists are duct-taped and he stares vacant-eyed into space.

A $2,350 grant from the Fred Meyer Foundation enabled Clark County Fire District 11 to purchase two training mannequins to replace 4-year-old Randy and 8-year-old Big Earl.

One dummy was put to use right away.

Fred Meyer hosted a naming contest for both mannequins Jan. 4-11 and awarded two winners on Jan. 13.

Firefighters use the dummies to train cadets in rescue techniques. Constructed of special plastic materials and filled with bags of lead-shot, the mannequins are designed to represent a "dead-weight" 165 lb. victim.

The mannequins are placed in hazardous circumstances such as houses on fire and simulated vehicle accidents, and dragged or carried to safety.

Randy was only missing body parts. Earl was given an "ashes to ashes, dust to dust" ceremony and left to burn in a building about a year ago, said George Lingle, District 11 spokesperson.

During his eight years of service to cadets, Earl was dragged around so much the "stuffing" began falling out of him, Lingle said.

"He was beyond duct-tape," he added.

The naming contest produced 216 entries, said Bob Brennan, Fred Meyer operations manager.

The duo were popular in the store, he said. Little children talked to them, although a few were frightened a bit by mangled Randy. Big girls sat on the dummies laps, put their arms around shoulders and took photos with camera phones.

Management had to place a "do not sit" sign on the "men," Brennan said.

"There was a pretty good response," Brennan said. "It was fun."

Jane Bononcini won the award for coming up with "Big Butch." Prisca Smith won for naming "Dangerous Dan" after her young son.

In addition to winning $25 gift certificates, the two women and their guests will dine during lunch in the company of a squad of District 11 firefighters.

Cadets wasted no time in putting the dummies to work.

Brought back to the store for the award ceremony, their noses are already showing wear and tear, and Butch's britches had holes.

"Hey, you drag them out anyway you can to get them to safety," Lingle said.

OBITS

DEBRA HAWKINS

Debra "Debbie" Kay (Haney) Hawkins, 52, died Jan. 20, 2006, in Vancouver.

Hawkins was born Feb. 8, 1953, in Vancouver, grew up in the Battle Ground area, and lived in Clark County her entire life, the last 26 years in Vancouver.

Hawkins enjoyed quilting, painting, flowers, craftwork and reading. She liked going to the beach, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was interested in oceanography.

Hawkins worked as an office manager in commercial construction.

Survivors include husband John Hawkins, at home in Vancouver, parents Cecil and Edna Haney of Woodland, daughters Amanda Hawkins and Andra Kinzer, both of Oregon, son Brandon Hawkins of Lyle, brother Roger Haney of Vancouver, sister Suzan Gray of Kalama, and four grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Fri., Jan. 27, 1 p.m., at Layne's Funeral Home Chapel, Battle Ground, with burial following at Brush Prairie Cemetery, Vancouver.

Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, is in charge of arrangements.

DOROTHY MARRIOTT

Dorothy Irene (Collins) Marriott, 84, died Jan. 13, 2006, in Vancouver.

Marriott was born April 16, 1921, in Walla Walla, and lived in Clark County for 49 years, the last 18 months in Vancouver. She had lived in Venersborg.

Marriott enjoyed sewing and was a creative seamstress. She liked crafts and reading. She was a patient person.

Survivors include husband John Marriott, at home in Vancouver, son Mike Marriott of Burley, daughters June Marriott and DuJuann Donaldson, both of Battle Ground, God-daughter Tricia, and two grandchildren.

Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, was in charge of arrangements.

Janet Marie (Kreier) Olds, died Jan. 20, 2006, in Portland.

Olds was born May 8, 1938, in Canby, OR, and grew up on a farm near Yacolt. She attended Battle Ground schools.

Olds had worked as a cake decorator. She was a certified hospice worker and supervisor at Goodwill Industries.

Olds enjoyed sewing, crafts, camping, spending time at the beach and being with her family. She was known for her beautiful cakes. She lived in Yacolt for 30 years and moved to Portland in 1968.

Survivors include husband Willy Olds of Portland, daughters Michele Johnson of Camano Island, Sharlene Roadman of Vancouver and Shari Gray of Oregon, sons Steven Archer of Longview and Rick Olds of California, sisters Betty Lubinski and Doris Penn, both of Vancouver, and five grandchildren.

Viewing is set for Thurs., Jan. 26, 5-9 p.m., and services Fri., Jan. 27, 12:30 p.m., at Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel, 1101 NE 112th Ave., Vancouver.

Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

ELIE PATNODE

Elie Patnode, 88, died Jan. 20, 2006, in Moxee.

Patnode was born Feb. 26, 1917, in Moxee. He lived in Grandview 1962-1977, then moved to Twin Lakes and then back to Moxee. He was a longtime hop grower.

Patnode was preceded in death by son Eugene Richard Patnode and an infant son, brothers Mose Patnode and Amie Patnode, sisters Florine Riel and Alvina Riel, and two infant grandchildren. Survivors include widow Isabelle Patnode of Moxee, sons Francis Patnode of Woodland and Leslie Patnode of Benton City, daughters Peggy Roy, Lou Patnode and Darline Charbonneau, all of Yakima, Shirley Foster of Kennewick, and Nancy Greene of Zillah, foster son Maurice Higuera of Pasco, sisters Leah Cleveland of California and Doris Maloney of Portland, 19 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held Tues., Jan. 24, 10 a.m., at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with burial at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Moxee. Langevin Mussetter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Helen E. (Palmer) MacLean, 90, died Jan. 17, 2006, in Sammamish.

MacLean was born Jan. 14, 1916, in Hockinson. She grew up in the Kumtux Valley and Battle Ground, and graduated from Battle Ground High School. She was an active proponent of excellence in education and had been chair of the Parkrose, OR school board.

MacLean moved to Depoe Bay, OR, in 1975. She was an avid gardener. She loved flowers. She took up painting, focusing on garden landscapes and flowers. She traveled extensively in Europe and throughout the United States and Canada.

MacLean enjoyed being with family and going to the beach. She was a positive person with a ready smile.

MacLean was preceded in death by her sister Eva Palmer King. Survivors include husband Hugh MacLean, brother Woodrow Palmer of Vancouver, son Alan MacLean of Issaquah, daughter Judy Hedreen of Snohomish, son Doug MacLean Monroe of Tennessee, and seven grandchildren.

Burial was at Acacia Memorial Park, Seattle, with Acacia Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

BERNIE WARNER

Bernard "Bernie" Vaughn Warner, 80, died Jan. 11, 2006, in Phoenix, AZ.

Warner was born April 14, 1925, in Cambridge, Nebraska, lived in Kansas, and moved to Tigard, OR, with his family at age 10. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He lived in eastern Oregon where he owned a grocery store and meat market in addition to having a dairy. He moved to Ridgefield in 1957 and bought a dairy. He started hauling cattle in 1976.

Warner and his second wife, Dorothea, retired to Arizona in 1998. He enjoyed playing cards and watching thoroughbreds run. He enjoyed coming back to the northwest in summers. He also enjoyed card games, dominoes, golf, people and a good laugh. He loved to dance and listen to the sounds of big bands.

Warner was preceded in death by son Jerry Warner in 1964. Survivors include widow Dorothea Warner of Sun City West, AZ, first wife Helen Warner of Ridgefield, sons Bernie Warner Jr. and Marty Warner, both of Oregon, Ed Warner of Harrington, Ray Warner of Ridgefield, and Steve Warner and Dennis Warner, both of Snohomish, daughters Peggy Warner of Snohomish, Donna Bronkhorst of Sunnywide, and Rachel Watson of Centralia, sister Marilyn Sclabs of Portland, brothers Paul Warner and John Warner, both of Oregon, 28 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A funeral mass will be held Sat., Jan. 28, 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 28309 NW 11th Ave., Ridgefield. A Rosary will be prayed Fri., Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m., at Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel, Vancouver.

Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

WINIFRED DOBBINS RODGERS

Winifred Jane (Koitzsch) Dobbins Rodgers, 89, died Jan. 19, 2006, in Vancouver.

Rodgers was born April 12, 1916, in Vancouver, and lived in Amboy for 64 years.

Rodgers worked as a cook at Amboy School for 33 years. She enjoyed yard work and flowers. She was a member of the Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington.

Rodgers was preceded in death by her first husband, Vic Dobbins, in 1978, second husband Lyle Rodgers in 1999, son Kenneth Dobbins in 2005, and brothers Norman Koitzsch and Bill Koitzsch. Survivors include son Jim Dobbins of Woodland, daughter Gloria Uskoski of Battle Ground, sisters Marian Gans of Battle Ground and Hazel Larsen of Portland, seven grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

At her request, no services will be held, with Davies Cremation and Burial Services, Vancouver, in charge of arrangements.

CADEN CAHOON

Caden David Cahoon, one day, died from birthing complications Jan. 19, 2006, in Portland.

Cahoon was preceded in death by his grandfather, Larry Don Cahoon in 1980. Survivors include parents Darren and Lucy Cahoon of Battle Ground, brothers Colby, Jasper, Kyle, Joeseph and Caleb Cahoon, all at home in Battle Ground, sisters Shayla, Chantell and Caitlyn Cahoon, all at home in Battle Ground, grandparents David and Linda Kysar of Yacolt and Ellie and Carl Murdock of Alabama, and great-grandmother Ella Cahoon of Battle Ground.

Graveside services were held at Yacolt Cemetery, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

MARGARET HOLMBERG

Margaret Corrinne "Nana" (McIrvin) Holmberg, 87, died Jan. 19, 2006 at home in Forest Grove, OR.

Holmberg was born Aug. 31, 1918 in Vancouver and graduated in 1936 from Fort Vancouver High School. She married Roy G. Holmberg on July 3, 1935.

Holmberg's parents, Peter and Gladys McIrvin, were early settlers in Ridgefield.

Holmberg excelled as a homemaker. In mid-life, she attended Clark College and earned a practical nursing degree. She enjoyed greeting newborns in the maternity ward at Vancouver Memorial Hospital for several years until retiring in 1982.

Margaret and Roy managed the Colony Park Mobile Estates in Hazel Dell for several years.

Devoted to family and helping others, Holmberg was a Ridgefield School District volunteer and PTA member. She also volunteered as a Grey Lady for the American Red Cross.

Holmberg enjoyed gardening and was an active member of the Ridgefield Garden Club for many years.

Since 2001, Holmberg lived in the Forest Grove community with her daughter, Judy, and family.

Holmberg was preceded in death by her husband, Roy, on Nov. 13, 1999, after 64 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by brothers Ronald and Jack McIrvin, and a sister, Marjorie. Survivors include son Gary Holmberg of Ridgefield, son David Holmberg of Lake Forest, CA, daughter Judith L. Buchanan of Forest Grove, OR, sixteen grandchildren, twenty-eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Holmberg's life will be held Sun., Jan. 29, 2 p.m., at the Community of Christ Church, 400 NE 179th St., Ridgefield. Family and friends are invited to a reception immediately following the service.

Tualatin Valley Funeral Alternatives in Hillsboro handled arrangements for private interment.