THREATS HALT HIGH SCHOOL GAMES

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

Two separate threats of physical harm to Battle Ground High School students from Hudson's Bay students shut down Jan. 20 boys basketball games in Vancouver.

Battle Ground students were threatened that if they went to the game against Hudson's Bay, some physical harm would happen involving guns, said Kelly Keister, Battle Ground School District communications consultant.

Battle Ground School District officials contacted Hudson's Bay officials to postpone the game, Keister said. The game has been rescheduled for Feb. 4 at Hudson's Bay.

Safety the primary interest

The first threat came in the morning on Jan. 20, Keister said. Vancouver School District officials were contacted and communication proceeded throughout the morning.

By about 1 p.m., Vancouver officials said an informal investigation had been done by the school administration, Keister said, and a decision was made to play the game with enhanced security.

But a little after 2 p.m. the same day, another threat of physical harm to students came in, Keister said.

During discussions between athletic directors and school and District administration on both sides, Battle Ground chose to postpone the game, Keister said, despite Vancouver's stance that the threat was nothing to be concerned about.

"Vancouver didn't see it as a threat," Keister said. "They thought we were over-reacting."

Keister said school officials were "well aware" Battle Ground would not play that evening, and doesn't know why Hudson's Bay players went to the gym in uniform.

Hudson's Bay officials said Battle Ground players just didn't show up and wanted the lost game to be considered a forfeit.

"We had five conversations going on at the same time," Keister said. "To say they didn't know is absurd."

Greater St. Helens League officials ruled in favor of a postponement.

"If we put basketball and safety on the scale, it is clear that the Battle Ground School District scale will tip to safety," Keister said.

Battle Ground superintendent Shonny Bria said, "To have received more than one report of potential physical threat to our students, and then allow the games to proceed would have been blatantly irresponsible. Safety will always be the primary interest of the Battle Ground School District."

Tiger parents supported of the District's decision, Keister said.

Racial slurs behind threats

Racial taunting between the high school students in incidents at a homecoming football game on Oct. 7 and a boys basketball game on Dec. 12 likely led to the threats, Keister said. Both incidents happened in Battle Ground.

At the football game, some Tiger fans dressed in oversized jerseys and baggy pants, wore heavy gold chains, and put aluminum foil on their teeth Keister said. Some Eagles' fans dressed in cowboy boots and hats and had straw sticking out of their collars.

"There were overtones and comments," Keister said. But it wasn't until after the game during routine de-briefing by coaches that the insults were discovered.

At the Dec. 12 basketball game, a security officer asked a group of Hudson's Bay varsity players watching the junior varsity game to return to the main gym.

Keister said visiting teams are not allowed to wander the grounds, and the officer was doing her job.

But one of the African-American players reportedly became very angry, swore at her, and called her a derogatory name, Keister said.

"It was clear tension was brewing," she added.

In addition, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored people filed a complaint against the school for students' racist behavior during a basketball game against Centennial High in Gresham, OR.

At that game, someone from Battle Ground yelled "Popeye's Chicken" while a black Centennial player stood at the free-throw line, Keister said.

School officials on both sides began working together after the first incident in October, Keister said.

Assemblies have been held to discuss acceptance and diversity, and it is an ongoing topic in Connections classes at Battle Ground, also called homeroom.

Student leaders from both schools are working on educating and communicating with each other and the student body.

In fact, at the rescheduled game, both team's mascots plan to interact, Keister said, such as giving high-fives.

Most students know that it is a handful of students who are causing trouble, and are concerned about the image of the entire student body because of the actions of a few, Keister said.

Battle Ground student leaders are making plans to get the word out about "who we are here, what we're really like," Keister said.

The District will hire an outside security force to be at the Feb. 4 games. The parking lots and entire school will be under watch, Keister said. The freshman game will begin at 10:30 a.m., the Junior Varsity at 12:15 p.m., and the Varsity at 2 p.m.

"Most importantly, both schools are committed to good communication education," Keister said. "Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated."

Sam Kim, president of the Battle Ground school board, urged voters to consider progress the Battle Ground School District has made over the past eight years when deciding how to vote on the Feb. 7 levy measure.

"Are we better off as a school district," questioned Kim, who took over board leadership from Fred Striker at the first of the year.

"We are getting better academically, growing the programs that meets student needs," said Kim. "Voters should consider supporting that process."

Striker also asked voters to evaluate District performance. "Are voters satisfied with the direction the district is going," questioned Striker. "Without the M&O levy, we can not continue in the direction we are going and continue the programs that have been so effective for the kids."

Both Kim, an 11-year board veteran, and Striker, who has served on the board for eight years, recalled under-funded school districts from their pasts.

Kim said he was educated in Rochester where "they never passed a levy." Kim said he had shorter school days because of double-shifting. "I wouldn't want that for my children," said Kim, whose children are 15 years old.

Striker said his four daughters attended Evergreen schools "when they had a couple of levy failures with double shifting. It was a nightmare."

Controversial issues swirl

Kim acknowledged controversial issues "may influence some voters."

Late last year, the board voted 5-0 against allowing Lloyd's Grill to have a liquor license in proximity to Maple Grove school.

Both Kim and Striker said they voted in the best interests of children. Alcohol served near a school poses risks, they said.

Striker said the liquor license applicant could have brought compromise options to the board at the meeting, but did not. He said there could have been middle ground but the board was left with no choice.

"This is not an issue of whether Lloyd's Grill should have a liquor license," said Striker. "It is how are these kids going to be affected by the establishment."

Striker cited the potential for vehicle accidents involving students. "Had I voted yes and something happened, I couldn't have lived with myself," he said.

"Even if the public had been 99-1 in favor of the liquor license," said Kim, "I would still have voted the same way."

"It is unfortunate that state law puts us in such a lose-lose situation," said Striker. "Boards are asked to make a decision on liquor licenses when we are not part of enforcement."

Striker said the use of Scotton Way to access the nearby commercial development poses still more risks, with neighborhood children accessing the school grounds. Consideration is being given, he said, to extending a concrete wall further north and then east to insulate the school from Scotton Way.

Striker said the district's newly-acquired high school property in Amboy is a different situation. He said the site is separate from Nick's Tavern by a creek. "Cars can't circumvent the creek to hurt kids," he said.

"We looked long and hard to find a piece of property that fits the bill," said Striker, indicating that few acceptable sites are available that would enhance the educational opportunities of the middle school students in Amboy.

"Children are not in danger," said Kim of the Amboy site. "However, the site may not be optimum."

Striker and Kim said they were not aware of the 500-foot rule when they purchased the Amboy site.

Both Kim and Striker said they would have voted "no" on an application from the Red Fir Inn in Yacolt for an expanded liquor license had the matter reached the board for consideration. They cited the close proximity of the school to the Red Fir Inn and the number of students who walk to school.

Gay/Straight is another controversy

The proposal for a Gay/Straight Alliance Club at Battle Ground High School has gained community and board attention.

Kim said the board will uphold state laws and the constitutions of the state and nation. "All decisions we make will be legal," he said.

Striker said the board will obtain a second legal opinion about its options regarding such a club. Attorney Bill Coats told the board previously that they have few options.

Striker said many high schools in the state have Gay-Straight Alliance clubs and "have had for years."

Striker and Kim said the club issue may not be resolved before the levy vote because of the appeal process that will follow an established procedure.

While acknowledging the potential impact of controversial issues on voters, Kim said "I don't shy away from controversy. I don't want to squash or avoid controversy just to pass a levy. I'd rather have a healthy district than just pass a levy."

District superintendent Shonny Bria said the district has employed a collaborative process to resolve issues rather than using an adversarial approach.

Collaboration has been used in union negotiations and a variety of other issues, she said. "Collaboration is working with stakeholders to come up with the best solution possible," said Bria.

Kim said collaboration techniques could be used in the Gay\Straight Alliance Club issue, if the matter reaches that point.

"Collaboration is becoming infused in the DNA of the school district," said Kim.

Kim said complicated issues are not always black and white. "There are lots of creative decisions, choices we can make," said Kim.

Striker said he hopes voters will decide the Feb. 7 levy issue on "the good things that have occurred over the past eight years, things that make it a good place for kids."

"I hope voters consider that Battle Ground School District is one of a select few large districts to make Adequate Yearly (academic) Progress, each year," said Kim.

Kim said the election should be about the "whole package" of district management and achievement. Decisions on alcohol, he said, are part of that package.

WOODLAND RESIDENTS COMPLAIN ABOUT IMPACT FEES, CRITICAL AREAS

Alice Perry Linker

staff reporter

After hearing complaints about transportation impact fees and wetlands regulations, the Woodland City Council decided Jan. 23 to delay discussion of the two matters.

Representatives from the real estate and business communities told the council during a public hearing that imposing transportation impact fees on new construction would force small companies out of business.

Woodland resident Tim Doyle testified that he had planned to put a business on property he owns in the city's urban growth area. With a new transportation impact fee, "I'd be better off moving out of the area or staying in the county."

In recent months, the city council has authorized impact fees to benefit schools and the Woodland Fire Department.

The fees are imposed on new development and are designed to help offset the increased costs created by residential growth.

Council members made few comments on the impact fee proposal, but Erica Rainford expressed concern about commercial growth.

"We don't have the commercial growth to sustain residential growth," she said. "These fees could be a disservice."

In October 2005, the council imposed school impact fees of $2,750 per single-family home and $650 per multi-family unit and fire impact fees of $1,530 per single-family home, $1,426 per multi-family unit, and 52 cents per square foot for non-residential development.

The transportation impact fees as presented by the city staff would be $1,210 per single-family unit and $743 per apartment unit. Varying fees would be charged for condominiums, townhouses, elderly housing and other types of housing.

If approved as presented, the fee would vary for every land use, from county parks to retail stores and automobile dealerships.

The fees are based on the projected number of round trips created by new development.

Todd Wade of Windemere Realty said the transportation fee "adds $100,000 to the cost of our development."

"It's a huge impact," he said. "It probably means a lot of small businesses won't come to Woodland. A bank of 3,000 square feet would pay $100,000. The cost pushes us over the edge."

Bill Behrens, a real estate broker with Equity Network Services of Woodland, called the transportation impact fee "one more layer."

"We're putting in money for fire and schools, now transportation," he said. "This additional cost will hurt the small mom and pop businesses. It won't hurt the big players."

Behrens, Wade and Doyle also objected to the proposed critical areas ordinance that will require buffers of various sizes between any development and listed wetlands areas.

The ordinance sets out a complex formula for assessing the level of wetlands and establishing buffers between development and listed wetlands.

Buffers can range from 25 feet to as high as 300 feet for wetlands that create habitat for wildlife.

Doyle said the critical areas restrictions will prevent him from using his property.

Steve Madsen, government affairs director of the Clark County Building Industry Association, accused the state Department of Ecology of "forcing every county or city to go through this process."

"What you do will set precedent for Cowlitz County," he said. "Don't let this get rammed down your throat."

Ecology has proposed the criteria for critical areas, but each county or city considers separate regulations.

Clark County is also considering a critical lands ordinance and is having public information open houses to explain the issues.

The state proposal requires that "best available science" be used to support the listing of critical lands.

The city council will again discuss the transportation impact fees and the critical areas regulations at its meeting Mon., Feb. 27.

21-LOT SUBDIVISION PROPOSED FOR LAKE AREA

A subdivision with 21 lots is being proposed west of South Pekin Road and adjacent to Horseshoe Lake.

Vancouver developer 1 RE LLC has submitted a State Environmental Policy Act application. Comments from the public regarding the development must be submitted to the City of Woodland by Feb. 17.

Rich Haddock of 1 RE LLC said the company expects to begin development of the property next fall, and he said lots will be ready for sale in 2007.

The lots will be sold to individuals who want to build, he said.

The 5.8-acre property, now used as a parking lot for new mobile homes, is zoned for low-density residential housing.

The developer stated that there are no plans to build on the Horseshoe Lake shore. The city owns a public access easement across South Pekin Road from the proposed development.

After the SEPA document is submitted, hearings will be scheduled with the hearings examiner and the Woodland Planning Commission.

Alice Perry Linker

staff reporter

A serious injury suffered by a Yacolt volunteer firefighter has been the impetus for a proposal to change state law to broaden medical coverage for volunteer emergency service providers.

State Rep. Richard Curtis (R-18th District) and 15 other legislators have proposed an amendment to the law that authorizes medical benefits for volunteer firefighters and reserve police officers.

The Washington Legislature is expected to consider the amendment during the current session.

Curtis, a professional firefighter in Vancouver, said he proposed the legislation after learning about volunteer firefighter Keith Jones who was injured Dec. 10.

Jones, a professional tree climber, was hanging lights from the Yacolt community Christmas tree when he fell 40 feet. He suffered back injuries. Because Jones was working on a community project instead of fighting a fire, the medical insurance would not cover his injuries.

"I've been a professional firefighter for 20 years," Curtis said. "I felt that was wrong. To go out and do volunteer firefighting in the community, and keep up with the training and work another job, that's tough. These people are heroes, and we must support them."

The change would allow volunteers to receive benefits for injuries they suffer while performing community events, such as parades, under the direction of a fire or police chief.

Capt. Ben Peeler of Fire District 13 said the district learned that Jones's medical costs could not be covered under the state benefit system because helping with the community tree "was deemed a social activity."

Had the proposed change been in place, Jones's medical expenses could have been covered and he could have received some compensation for work missed, Peeler said.

Jones remains in a back brace and cannot return to work for at least three months, he said.

Fire District 13 set up an account at US Bank to help Jones with medical expenses.

Curtis's legislation adds a phrase to the state law authorizing medical and retirement benefits for volunteer firefighters' and reserve officers who are performing specific community services under the direction of the chief.

"There's a very good chance of this passing," Curtis said. "We're working very hard to make sure our volunteer firefighters are protected."

The volunteer benefits are financed by a 40 percent share of a state premium tax paid on fire insurance policies, as well as contributions from cities, counties and emergency service districts.

About 18,000 emergency service workers statewide are covered by the death, disability and medical benefits.

WOODLAND SKATE PARK GOING IN THIS YEAR

Woodland youngsters will have a place to hone their skateboarding skills when a proposed skate park is finished some time this year.

Most of the money has been raised for the new park, to be located at the north end of Horseshoe Lake Park, said Blayden Wall who has spearheaded the park's development.

Dave Ripp, a member of the sponsoring organization Woodland Rotary, said construction could begin before May.

The city has donated $20,000 to the skate park, and donations or pledges of about $30,000 have come from other sources, Wall said.

Cost of construction is expected to be about $60,000, he said.

Creagan Excavation of Woodland will donate the excavation and rock work, he said.

"This is very community- oriented," Wall said. "Every civic group in town has played some part."

The Rotary has used its status as a non-profit organization to help raise money and apply for the various required permits.

Walls started working on a skate park nearly two years ago after he fielded a number of complaints about skateboarders on city sidewalks.

"There was no place for them to go," Wall said. "We started meeting with kids and talked about what we wanted to see."

The weekly meetings between skateboarders and Wall led to better understanding about some of the concerns from residents.

"We talked about other frustrations," he said. "We lowered the number of complaints."

Eventually, the group met with the city parks board and learned about the available corner of Horseshoe Lake Park.

Dreamland Skate Parks will build most of the park, Wall said, but volunteer workers will also be needed.

The city will maintain and monitor the skate park after it is built, and the park will be free to skaters.

GALA DINNER RAISES MONEY FOR LIBRARY

Billed as Ben Franklin's 300th Birthday Bash, a dinner and auction held Jan. 21 at the Cedar on Salmon Creek raised more than $25,000 for construction of a new Battle Ground library.

Jane Higgins, who co-chairs the fundraising campaign for planned library, said 160 people attended the event, highlighted by a talk by Bruce Ziegman, executive director of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District.

Higgins said organizers had hoped to net $10,000 with the Ben Franklin event. Some donations are still being tabulated, she said.

Higgins said the Friends group must raise $2.1 million by March 2008 to be able to finalize an agreement to purchase the new building. The group is "closing in on the .1," she said.

The current Battle Ground Community Library was built in 1959 when the city population stood at 888 and about 4,000 people lived in the 300 square mile vicinity.

Today the city population is over 15,000 and the library serves an area with 40,000 people.

The current library has a fire code capacity of 55 people.

The planned new library would have 13,000 square feet library compared to the current library at 3,869.

The Ben Franklin theme was chosen because its was Franklin who started the first lending library.

Developer Dennis Pavlina expressed pleasure with the new library planned for construction in his development on SE Grace Ave.

Pavlina said planning is underway for nine buildings in the new development which will help "bring life to our community."

Pavlina said people will be able to live, work and be entertained in the development once the project is complete.

Ziegman described Ben Franklin as the "Father of the Lending Library."

Ziegman said those who think the Internet has replaced libraries are wrong. The Internet has dumbed-down citizens, he said, and has not replaced libraries.

"Energy and persistence will conquer all things," said Ziegman. "Battle Ground could be the best library in the district."

Friends group member Jeannette Nance chaired the Ben Franklin Bash committee

Altrusa Club makes donation

The Altrusa International of Clark County Foundation donated $10,000 to the Friends of the Battle Ground Library to support the new library goal.

The Altrusa Foundation made the pledge following a Jan. 12 meeting. The group was recognized at the Jan. 21 dinner.

Altrusa Foundation president Susan Arney said the gift recognizes the important role that libraries play in literacy.

"Without the excellent library system we are privileged to have," said Arney, "many people would not have access to books, computers or other resources."

The Altrusa Foundation made a similar donation in 2001 to the new Three Creeks branch library at Salmon Creek.

Altrusa International was founded in 1917 as a service organization for women. Today the organization has 17,000 members, both men and women, who work to improve communities through service.

The club's primary goal is worldwide literacy.

Others making substantial gifts to the library campaign so far include Mary Jo Lewis, Steve Oliva, Dennis Pavlina and the Gold Medal Group, Southwest Washington Forward Thrust, Wayne and Dellan Redjou, and Marvin and Anne Case of The Reflector.

In all, about 50 people have contributed $1,000 or more in cash or services to the project so far.

Upcoming fundraising events for the new library include a book sale during the Not Quite Spring Bazaar Sat., Feb. 11, at the Square Dance Center, 10713 NE 117th Ave., Vancouver, and a pancake breakfast Sat., March 25, at Mallard Landing and Assisted Living Community, Battle Ground.

Higgins can be reached at 666-5865.

PHS TEACHER SUSPENDED WITH PAY

Another Battle Ground teacher faces sentencing

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

A special education teacher who is also a girl's volleyball coach at Prairie High School is on paid administrative leave.

Tom Russell was suspended by Battle Ground School District officials on Dec. 12 pending the results of an investigation by the Child Abuse Intervention Center regarding a student.

"We're pretty close to wrapping up our investigation and sitting down with prosecutors to see about filing charges," said Center director Bob Kanekoa. "I will say it looks like we have a pretty solid case."

Kanekoa anticipates a decision soon.

Russell has been employed by the Battle Ground School District since 2003.

Moody to be sentenced

Another teacher, Thomas Henry Moody, will be sentenced on Feb. 2 in Clark County Superior Court. He pleaded guilty in October to six counts of communicating with a minor for immoral purposes, which is a gross misdemeanor.

Moody originally faced a trial on 10 counts of felony first degree child molestation regarding former students. The sentencing range on those felonies is 14-16 years for each count.

Moody plea-bargained to the lesser charges and also agreed to give up his teaching license for life.

Prosecutors are recommending a 60-day jail term, probation for 10 years, and that Moody be registered as a sex offender for 10 years. He also underwent psycho-sexual evaluation prior to sentencing.

Moody was a teacher at Maple Grove Middle and Captain Strong Elementary schools.

Complaints about him surfaced in 1997. He was put on paid administrative leave once and reprimanded another time for similar accusations about improperly touching 10 and 11-year old female students, records state.

Law enforcement officials were not notified of either instance. In-house investigations found the accusations were unfounded, District officials said.

In March 2004, five students complained about Moody's hugging them, touching and rubbing their buttocks, nudging breasts with his hand, and other personal violations.

Moody has been on paid leave since March 2004.

BG COUNCIL, STATE DISAGREE OVER INTERSECTION

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

Battle Ground city council members approved a full, signalized intersection at SR-503 and Scotton Way in the city's Transportation Improvement Plan, but state officials don't like the idea.

Ultimately, council members have to abide by state Department of Transportation wishes, but that doesn't mean they can't plan for the project anyway.

Scotton Way is the newly- built right-in, right-out road north of the Gardner Center on the east side of the state highway.

In the city's six-year plan, Scotton Way punches through to the west side, with a traffic signal at the intersection on SR-503.

Transportation officials don't support the idea and have asked for the signal to be removed from the plan, according to a letter written Nov. 9, 2005. However, they do support right-in, right-out access on the west side.

The Plan also calls for the extension of Rasmussen Blvd. on the east side of the city, crossing SR-503 and continuing to the west, with a signalled intersection on the state highway.

Transportation officials have already approved that. Scotton Way is about one-quarter mile south of Rassmussen.

In the letter to city officials, transportation region engineer Bart Gernhart said a signal at Scotton Way for "such a minor crossing and left-turn movements as indicated...would unduly impact much greater traffic flows on [SR] 503...an unneeded signal would pose an additional and unjustified safety problem."

Dennis Osborn, assistant city manager, said state officials would like limited signals and access points across the highway through Battle Ground.

However, council members see Battle Ground as a growing city and don't want it divided into two parts, Osborn said.

Their vision is for citizens to easily access east and west sides with passage across the state highway, Osborn said.

Although state officials don't support the Scotton Way signal, the door isn't necessarily closed.

If the builder of the proposed fitness complex planned for north of Gardner Center asks for the intersection, state officials may change their minds, said Sam Adams, public works director for the city.

Hence the reason Scotton Way is still on the Plan, Adams said; it has to be there in case state officials approve the design at the developer's request.

There is no specific time-frame for Rassmussen Blvd. and Scotton Way extensions and intersections, Adams said.

DEVELOPER WANTS ZONE CHANGE ON BG LAND

Public comment sought by Thurs., Feb. 2

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

When John Lifflander bought 5.1 acres of multi-family residential property on NW 20th Ave. in Battle Ground, he planned to build an apartment complex on it.

Lifflander spent more than $30,000 on consultant fees, traffic studies, wetland biologist fees, and government fees. Then officials of the Army Corps of Engineers told him the wetlands delineations were incorrect.

More than half of the property, or about 2.8 acres, has been declared wetlands, and Lifflander can't build the 62-unit building.

As a result, Lifflander is asking city officials to change the multi-family residential zoning to regional commercial.

In a request letter to the Community Development Department, Lifflander said the property is not cost-effective for multi-family use because of the wetland issues.

He said the cost for road improvements, water and sewer hookups, and the like is not worth putting in such few apartments or condominiums that the buildable land would allow.

"It makes the dry land very difficult to utilize," Lifflander wrote.

As commercial property, located next to a 7.9-acre city parcel that is zoned general commercial, it would have more value, Lifflander wrote.

However, if approved, Lifflander's commercial property would abut single-family residential property. General zoning practive is to have a multi-family buffer between commercial and residential uses.

Written comments from citizens are sought by Thurs., Feb. 2, to the Community Development Department. Comments may be faxed to 342-5049 or hand delivered or sent to City of Battle Ground, 109 SW 1st St., Battle Ground, WA 98604.

A public meeting with a Hearings Examiner will take place in late March or early April, said city planner Brian Carrico.

If the examiner approves the change, the request will go before city council members for approval or rejection.

TRIBE PLANS PACT WITH LA CENTER

Federal officials to host meetings on casino process

Bill Myers

staff reporter

An accord is brewing between Cowlitz tribal leaders and La Center city council members.

Cowlitz Tribe spokesman David Barnett said tribal leaders will submit a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to the city within two weeks.

If approved, an accord could remove city opposition to efforts by the Tribe to build a casino/hotel complex near La Center west of the I-5/NW 319th St. interchange.

City officials have feared that a tribal casino at the La Center/I-5 junction would intercept gamblers headed to four card rooms in the city.

Taxes from the card rooms, about $3.7 million annually, are the city's chief revenue source.

Barnett said tribal and city leaders have been talking for more than a year. Tribal officials now feel it is time to put a proposal on paper, he said.

The MOU will help narrow issues that need discussion, said Barnett. Tribal leaders want to appropriately mitigate such issues, he added.

City council members have said they would not oppose a casino if the city did not suffer a loss of tax revenue, said Barnett. He said tribal leaders plan to present, "..an equitable and fair proposal" in that regard."

Barnett said many things will be discussed, including benefits to the city "in ways they can't imagine."

Barnett said that tribal leaders have been repairing relations with La Center since a tribal spokesman said the tribe would never mitigate the tax loss.

"Good faith now exists," Barnett said.

Barnett said other topics in the MOU will include a relationship with the city for sewer service, support of city plans for urban growth expansion, and collaborations on other services.

Talks started over coffee

La Center mayor James Irish said he and Cowlitz chief John Barnett began talking informally more than a year ago at "coffee chats."

No one is negotiating yet, and tribal leaders have made no offers, said Irish.

Any accord would require approvals by tribal council members, city council members and attorneys for both entities, said Irish.

Irish said a work session requested by tribal council members with city council members is scheduled at the La Center Community Center, 1000 E 4th St., La Center, on Mon., Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. The public is welcome.

Council members held a work session Jan. 23 with Guy Martin, a Washington, D.C., attorney representing La Center card rooms who oppose construction of a tribal casino. This work session will allow council members to hear from the other side, said Irish.

Feds to explain casino application process at meetings

Federal officials will host two meetings in February to answer questions about the Tribe's gaming application process.

Meetings will be Wed., Feb. 15, 7 p.m. at the Prairie High School auditorium, 11500 NE 117th Ave., and Thurs., Feb. 16, 7 p.m., at the Fort Vancouver High School auditorium, 5700 E 18th St., Vancouver.

U.S. congressman Brian Baird announced Jan. 18 that officials from the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the National Indian Gaming Commission will answer questions at the meetings.

Rules governing the approval of gaming applications and responsibilities of federal agencies with a role in the process should be open, transparent, and understandable, Baird said.

George Skibine, director of the Office of Indian Gaming in the Department of Interior, will serve as ombudsman, said Baird.

Skibine said he will function as a "master of ceremonies." Questions about the tribal application process and where citizens can direct inquiries or comments will be answered by appropriate officials, he said.

Baird said the meetings resulted from a letter he sent to Secretary of Interior Gale Norton.

The letter asked Norton to appoint an ombudsman and convene a public meeting to clear up misunderstandings about the casino application process.

The congressman said his office receives numerous calls, letters and e-mails from confused Southwest Washington residents.

Casino foes will oppose land decision

National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) officials decided last November that land owned by the Tribe near La Center qualifies under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act as the "Tribe's Indian lands."

NIGC officials said the decision was based on historical Cowlitz Tribe connections to the land for hunting, fishing, frequent trading, warfare and "at least" seasonal villages and temporary camps.

Washington, D.C. lawyers representing La Center card rooms plan to counter the Cowlitz claim in presentations to Department of Interior officials.

Edward Lynch, leader of Citizens Against Reservation Shopping (CARS), said citizens will present opposing views when the BIA holds public meetings as part of an Environmental Impact Statement process.

BOWYERS SELL GOLF COURSE TO DEVELOPER

Sun., Feb. 5, will be the last day to golf at the landmark Bowyer's Par 3 golf course in Brush Prairie.

Michael and Terry Bowyer have sold the 17.8 acre site to Killian Pacific which will lead to a commercial development.

The sale will end more than 35 years of golfing at the corner of SR-503 and NE 119th St.

As many as 100 people a day have enjoyed golfing at the course, including neighbor Chuck Thurman who has recorded more than 60 holes in one over the years.

Gale Wellwood constructed the course in 1958 and opened for business in 1960. He planted many of the trees which now dominate the site, once a chicken farm.

Michael and Terry Bowyer, along with Michael's parents Elwin and Phil, purchased the course in 1968. Both families lived on the acreage until Michael and Terry moved to a home nearby, and Elwin and Phil passed away.

The par 3 course occupies about seven acres of the site. Two homes, a club house, and an open field comprise the rest of the property.

Michael Bowyer said the course is now within the Vancouver urban growth boundary and has been rezoned to commercial. His property taxes have tripled in recent years, he said.

In 1968, a round of golf on the course cost 75 cents; today the price is $9. "It has always been family run," he said.

The Bowyers raised their four children at the course, all of whom worked there as well. Now Kim, 35, and Kirk, 33, are working in Antartica, and Wade, 23, and Wyatt, 19, have other interests.

The widening of SR-503 claimed a quarter acre of the course. The pending widening of NE 119th St. will take away their first fairway.

"And it's noisy," said Bowyer. "Some 35,000 cars a day go by on SR-503," he said. "In 1969, there were about 35 cars a day."

Sale of the property has been in the works for more than 2 1/2 years, said Bowyer. Lance Killian made an offer to settle now, and they took it, said Bowyer, 63.

Bowyer said golfing is down nationwide and at the Brush Prairie course as well. The par 3 set up appeals primarily to beginners, children, families and seniors.

Over the years, "dozens" of balls have impacted with car windows on both 119th St. and SR-503. "We turned them all over to our insurance company," said Bowyer.

"It's sad the course has to go," said Bowyer, "but it's time to move on."

The site includes a house built about 1898 in which Elwin and Phil Bowyer had once lived. "The timbers for the house were milled on Salmon Creek," said Bowyer. He tried to have the house moved by giving it away, but found no takers.

The par 3 course has fairways the range from 90 yards to 140 yards in length.

Lance Killian could not be reached to comment on future uses at the site.

Through Feb. 5, golfers can try their hands at the course, teeing off 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. Information, 892-3808.

OBITS:

RONALD ZARELLI

Ronald Angelo Zarelli Sr., 64, died Jan. 25, 2006, in Kirkland.

Zarelli was born Jan. 21, 1942, in Tacoma, and worked as an entrepreneur in the restaurant industry.

Family members remember Zarelli as a man of strong character as exhibited by his values in business when a promise was a promise. He enjoyed a day at the horse track.

Survivors include widow Jeannie Zarelli of Monroe, sons Joseph Zarelli of Ridgefield, Ronald Zarell Jr. of Snohomish, Travis Zarelli of Bothell, daughters Vanessa Zarelli of Everett, and Christine Hoffman and Ronnie, both of Snohomish, sister Marlene of Tacoma, brothers Larry Zarelli and Dickie Zarelli, both of Tacoma, and nine grandchildren.

Services will be held Sat., Feb. 4, 1-3 p.m., at The City Church, 9051 132nd Ave., NE, Kirkland. Private interment was at Floral Hills Cemetery in Lynnwood.

Condolences may be addressed to son and State Sen. Joseph Zarelli, P.O. Box 40418, Olympia, WA 98504.

WILLIAM KAYS

William Douglas Kays, 78, died Jan. 27, 2006, in Vancouver. He was known as "Bill" to friends and co-workers, and "Doug" by family members.

Kays was born Oct. 23, 1927, in Vancouver, and lived his entire life in Oregon and southwest Washington. He spent his early years in sawmill camps near Eugene, OR. He worked on a family farm in La Center. He graduated from Battle Ground High School.

Kays lived in Lake Oswego and West Linn, OR, for 40 years. He worked for Consolidated Freightways for 40 years and then retired to La Center. He was the third generation to live on the Nelson Farm.

Kays is remembered for his enthusiasm for life, sense of humor, and willingness to help others.

Survivors include widow Phyllis, at home in La Center, daughter Susan Clark of Portland, sister Marge Prather of Yacolt, and two granddaughters.

A memorial service will be held Fri., Feb. 3, 1 p.m., at Vancouver Funeral Chapel, 110 E 12th St., Vancouver, with the Vancouver Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

GUY JOHNSON

Guy Loyd Johnson, 80, died Jan. 22, 2006, in Vancouver.

Johnson was born Jan. 11, 1926, in Wolf Bayou, Arkansas, and lived in Clark County for 51 years. He moved from Amboy to Vancouver four years ago.

Johnson served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He had worked in road construction. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Survivors include widow Jean Johnson, at home in Vancouver, sons Charles Johnson of Vancouver and Carl Johnson of Nevada, daughter Merian Williamson of Vancouver, brother Luther Johnson of Tennessee, sisters Marilyn Fogle of Arizona, Nita Gay of Arkansas and Marlene Nichols of North Carolina, five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

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

RICHARD ELDRED SR.

Richard M. Eldred Sr., 73, died Jan. 28, 2006, in Vancouver.

Eldred was born Nov. 16, 1932, in Aberdeen. He joined the Navy in 1950 and was proud to have served in the armed forces.

Eldred worked as a machinist for Tidland in Washougal and International Paper in Chelatchie Prairie. He also worked for Alcoa in Vancouver. He was a dairy farmer in Skamokawa. He moved to Montana where he worked as a machinist at Montana Tech. He moved back to Clark County in 1987 and worked for Portland Public Schools as a machinist and maintenance worker.

Eldred lived in Yacolt the past 12 years, and had lived in Clark County for 19 years.

Eldred enjoyed boating, fishing, traveling, working on models, and gardening. He also enjoyed the outdoors and wildlife, and watching Bill Gaither Music Videos. He loved baking, cooking and canning. He was proud of his sons and grandchildren.

Survivors include sons Richard Eldred Jr. of Yacolt, Jonathan Eldred of Nevada, Randall Eldred of Montana, and Joseph Kodzebu of Alaska, brothers Eugene Eldred of Battle Ground, Paul Eldred of Washougal, and Thomas Eldred of Yacolt, sisters Kathleen Goff of Yacolt and Janet Adams of Battle Ground, five grandchildren, one uncle, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life service will be held Sat., Feb. 4, 10 a.m., at Landmark Christian Assembly, Battle Ground, with interment at Lewisville Cemetery, Battle Ground. Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, is in charge of arrangements.

CHRIS DYKGRAFF

Chris Dykgraff, 43, died Jan. 22, 2006, from injuries sustained in an auto accident in Audubon, PA.

Dykgraaf was born Nov. 3, 1962, in San Jose, CA. He lived 32 years in Vancouver, 10 years in La Center, and the last 16 months in Pennsylvania.

Dykgraaf was employed as a district manager for Safeway/Genuardi's.

Dykgraaf enjoyed fishing and soccer, was a car enthusiast and took pleasure in coaching his three daughters in sports.

Dykgraaf is survived by his wife, Margaret (Penny) Dykgraaf, at home in Pennsylvania, daughters Joselyn Dykgraaf, Alyssa Dykgraaf, and Lacey Dykgraaf, all at home in Pennsylvania, brother Lynn Dykgraaf of Lake Stevens, sister Candise Robinson of Vancouver, mother Dorothy (Deffenbaugh) Dykgraaf of Vancouver, father Bautista Dykgraaf of Portland, one niece and five nephews.

A funeral service is set for Sat., Feb. 4, 1 p.m., at Vancouver Funeral Chapel. A reception will follow. A private family burial service will be held.

Vancouver Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.