RICH, TRISH RUBIN NAMED CITIZENS OF YEAR
Dedicated volunteers Rich and Trish Rubin were honored as Battle Ground Citizens of the Year Feb. 5 by members of the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce.
The award was bestowed during an annual recognition banquet held at the Cedars at Salmon Creek in Brush Prairie.
Battle Ground mayor John Idsinga received the Chamber's Lifetime Achievement Award, Scott Collard was named Business Person of the Year, and Bev Brissler received a special award for service.
Rich and Trish Rubin devote about 60 hours each month as volunteers to the North County Community Food Bank. They also perform planning, construction and music for the community rose float project. Rich frequently attracts customers to the rose float fireworks fundraising booth dressed as "Sparky."
The Rubins have volunteered at the Clark County Fair for 16 years, the last three as assistant superintendents. They also volunteer at Harvest Days and in schools.
Other finalists for Citizen of the Year were Lori Lindberg and Roxanne and Fred Cavazos.
Idsinga has served on the city council and as mayor for 9 years. He chairs the community food basket program, and has worked on various Chamber of Commerce projects including Steam Team and Casino Night. He has been on the Chamber and Food Bank boards.
Idsinga was Battle Ground Citizen of the Year in 1997.
A former dairy farmer, Idsinga has worked in real estate since 1990.
Brissler has been an active Chamber of Commerce volunteer for several years, chairing the auction/casino committee, Harvest Days, and Halloween Fun Fest. She has also been active in food bank projects and the ROCKSOLID Teen Center. She works as an agent with Century 21 Americana Properties in Battle Ground.
Collard operates J.S. Collard Design, and served as chairman of the Battle Ground Chamber in 2005.
Former city council member Bill Crego served as master of ceremonies for the awards banquet, announcing his intention to move to Goldendale after 30 years in Battle Ground.
The Citizen of the Year plaque was presented by 2004 winner Alex Reinhold, and the Business Person of the Year award by 2004 winner Skip Ogden of Dan's Tractor.
WOODLAND PREPARES FOR GALA CELEBRATION
Tickets have gone on sale for the celebration of the century: Woodland's centennial gala dinner.
The dinner, set for Sat., March 4, will begin with a 5:30 p.m. reception and continue with dinner at 7 p.m. at the Woodland Primary School.
Tickets at $25 per person are available at the Woodland Visitors Information Center, 900 Goerig St. Hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call for information about weekend hours. Ticket sales will end Feb. 25.
The Centennial gala will be much more than a dinner, said Mari Ripp, a coordinator of the event.
A ticket will get each person a chance a several door prizes, including a 10-carat zirconium pendant from Carl Greve Jewelers and two gas ranges from Fleetwood Homes.
Although entertainment has not been finalized, Ripp said several musical groups are expected to perform.
During the reception, Woodland pianists Sherry and Sarah Bozorth will play, and accordion music will be provided by Sandy Larson and Bob Wallilia.
A movie of the history of Woodland will be shown after the dinner.
Woodland Mayor Doug Monge will be the master of ceremonies.
A special edition of the "Woodland Echo," once the community newspaper, will be published and given to each person attending the dinner.
Ralph and Shirley Bozorth will display their collection of Northwest Indian artifacts and reproductions.
A number of volunteers and sponsors have been active in making the gala dinner a success, Ripp said. The Woodland Rotary will help with seating.
The sit-down dinner will offer three entree selections of beef, salmon, and vegetarian.
Included in the 10 sponsors are Holland-American Bulb Co.-Royal Dutch Flower Gardens, providing flowers and centerpieces, and Walt's Meat, donating the beef and salmon for the dinner.
An open house featuring the historical displays will take place Sun., March 5, 1-4 p.m. The musical entertainment will include a performance by the Wright Family Band of Amboy.
JUDGE MAKES EXAMPLE OF EX-BG TEACHER
Heidi Wallenborn
news director
"You are an immoral, criminal, convicted sex offender."
Clark County Superior Court judge Roger A. Bennett had those scathing words for Thomas Henry Moody, a former teacher in the Battle Ground School District.
Moody was in court Feb. 2 to be sentenced after he pleaded guilty last October to six counts of communicating with a minor for immoral purposes.
"You should be made an example for those with like minds that have a duty to children," Bennett said. "Therefore I am giving you a triple sentence [from what the state recommended] and sentence you to 180 days jail."
Prosecutors had recommended 60 days jail, 10 years probation, and a 2-year "no contact" order.
Bennett also directed that Moody surrender his teaching certificate, and register as a sex offender for 10 years. He is 54 years old.
Moody originally faced 10 felony counts of first degree child molestation of 10-11 year-old students, but plea-bargained when he realized a jury may convict him based on state's evidence.
Moody was booked into the Clark County jail on Feb. 3. He forfeited his right to an appeal when he pleaded guilty. His release date is Aug. 2 this year.
Moody sat unmoving as Bennett said biting words of disgust before leveling the sentence. Family members, who previously filled the courtroom with whispers and chuckles and talk about grandchildren, sat seemingly stunned and silent.
Bennett said throughout the last two years Moody claimed innocence in touching 10 female students inappropriately over eight years. The girls were all in Moody's fourth or fifth-grade classrooms in two different schools.
"You've said you are innocent, the girls misunderstood your intentions or they made them up, you're a victim of society--that times have changed since you started teaching and you unfortunately didn't change," Bennett said. "Your conduct with them was immoral. You've never accepted responsibility. It's an outrage to children, parents and teachers."
Bennett said the girls, most of whom did not know each other and had never been in contact, had similar stories about Moody's inappropriate touching, and that the behavior spanned a long period of time.
Bennett scoffed at Moody's claim that his touch was never anything but nurturing. He cited the teacher using an Alford plea which is a guilty plea that claims innocence but acknowledges there may be enough evidence for a jury to find him guilty.
"You realized a jury would convict you on much more serious charges," Bennett said.
"That kind of touching of teachers to students has never been acceptable in society," Bennet said. "It's mind boggling that you disregarded two warnings by the school district."
Victims' parents sat quietly throughout the hearing, faces tense as they heard a teacher, a sister, and Moody plea for leniency.
"This whole ordeal has been very traumatic, the most in my life," Moody read his letter to the judge. "My intent was never to hurt any students but to help."
Moody complained about "the social stigma that comes with these accusations," his loss of self-esteem, finances and job, and several stress-induced health problems.
The father of a victim read a statement about how his child suffered in humiliated silence after Moody's apology to her, when unwanted touching continued.
"He disdained morality and trust of the child in his care," the father said, "to gratify his sexual appetite even after he apologized."
"It is aberrant sexual gratification and betrayal in the worst way," the father said.
After the sentence, a mother of one of the victims said
the way Bennett spoke to Moody was gratifying.
MERIWETHER DEVELOPER SETS NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING
Alice Perry Linker
staff reporter
The developer of a proposed subdivision in Woodland wants to persuade nearby residents that changes to the land won't be detrimental.
Pacific Lifestyle Homes Inc. plans to build 112 new homes adjacent to Insel Road and will conduct an open meeting and discussion about the Meriwether subdivision on Thurs., Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m., Woodland High School Commons.
Matt Lewis, director of forward planning for Pacific Lifestyle, said the company will present "more details of the on-site design, the wetlands, flood plain, housing landscape, streetscape."
The Woodland City Council approved a preliminary plat for the 112-lot subdivision on Nov. 21 over the objections of several residents of the Insel Road area.
Indications are that the residents have stopped active opposition to the subdivision. Laurie Almer who lives on Insel Road said no neighborhood meetings have been held recently.
"This is the second time we've met with them," Lewis said. "We want to let them know what we're doing and get some feedback."
A plan to raise the flood plain within the development by at least four feet drew many concerns from residents during previous city council meeting.
Almer said the neighbors have understood that the flood plain would be raised by six to eight feet.
Lewis said the company would move fill from a higher elevation on the property.
"We own the old Boon's Farm up the hill," Lewis said. "We'll take fill from the top of the hill and move it to the bottom. Nothing will be trucked in."
Pacific Lifestyle also will build a planned unit residential development (PURD) of 20 houses that will go up at about the same time the 112 homes are built. The PURD is being used because of a gas line easement that limits construction, he said.
A company presentation shows a clubhouse and swimming pool as part of the development.
The initial construction is the first phase of a planned 300-home subdivision. A portion of the property planned for development lies outside the city limits but within the city's urban growth area.
Lewis said homes in Meriwether will sell for $300,000 and up.
Pacific Lifestyle Homes is buying the land from Pacific Western Homes. Lewis said the purchase should be complete by mid-2006.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSED FOR LA CENTER-TIMMEN ROADS
Alice Perry Linker
staff reporter
A mixed-use development that could contain up to 280 multi- and single-family homes along Timmen and La Center roads is on the drawing board.
The 32 acres involved lie on the south and southeast sides of La Center Road and cross the intersection with Timmen Road. The Altius Corporation of Vancouver is the developer.
La Center public works director Jeff Sarvis said the property includes both sides of Timmen Road.
Only about 17 acres can be developed, Sarvis said, with the remainder either in wetlands or slopes.
A preliminary map submitted to the city by Planning Solutions Inc. shows the developed area with two entrances from Timmen Road. Most of the acreage has been planned for residential, but an area along La Center Road is proposed for commercial uses.
Development of the property hinges on the city's writing a mixed-use zoning ordinance. Nick Thometz of Altius Corp., the developer, said he hopes to have work sessions with the City Council in early February.
"We want to keep the ball moving," Thometz said.
La Center planner Eric Eisemann of E2 Land Use Services said the city staff is working with other property owners inside the area designated for mixed use. Three property owners are involved.
Eisemann said that April will be the earliest the city will consider a mixed use zone.
The La Center Planning Commission has proposed that the area have a minimum of 25 percent commercial and a minimum of 25 percent residential.
Altius, however, is requesting less commercial and more residential, Eisemann said.
A proposal submitted to the city by Planning Solutions of Vancouver shows two assumptions: as few as 140 single- and multi-family homes or as many as 280 homes. The completed commercial area would range from 30,000 square feet to 50,000 square feet in gross floor area.
Thometz said any assumptions about development are a "little premature."
"We want to get through the work sessions," he said. "The first step is to adopt a mixed use code."
When construction can begin is "hard to say," Thometz said.
"We want to move as quickly as possible, but it's hard to say how quickly," he said. "We hope it will at least be a 2007 project."
The type of commercial development remains uncertain.
An analysis done for Altius by E.D. Hovee & Company states: "The La Center area has relatively high incomes (compared to the rest of Clark County), but does not yet have the population base to support significant added retail at this time."
The analysis suggests that restaurants or coffee shops and professional offices would be most likely to develop.
The planning commission has recommended 22 lots per acre in the commercial area and an area immediately adjacent to it.
As conceived, the commercial area would be accessible by foot or bicycle to residents of the subdivision, and the commission has recommended that the city's parking requirements be eased and that a parking garage be considered.
Planning Solutions' preliminary master plan map includes three family parks that would not be owned or maintained by the city. Several pedestrian routes lie throughout the development.
RIDGEFIELD ADOPTS SCHOOL DISTRICT PLAN
Bill Myers
staff reporter
Ridgefield city council members have unanimously adopted an updated Ridgefield School District Capital Facilities Plan.
The adoption incorporates the Plan into the City's Comprehensive Plan.
District superintendent Mary Vagner said facility plans are routinely updated every two years to adjust for growing enrollments.
The city of Ridgefield is experiencing explosive residential growth, with population growth of at least 16 percent projected through 2008.
Vagner said District officials plan to submit an updated 6-year plan next year because demographics are rapidly changing.
In recent years, enrollments have exceeded capacity for grades K-12, said Vagner. She said 10 portable classrooms were added throughout the District for the 2005-06 school year.
The Capital Facilities Plan portrays overflow conditions at district schools even in 2004. The high school, with a capacity of 487, had 622 students enrolled as of Oct. 1, 2004. Middle schools, with a capacity of 297 students, had 301 enrollments, and elementary schools with a capacity of 850 students had 966 students.
The Plan envisions construction of a 1,200-student capacity high school with modifications to the existing high school to serve middle schoolers.
Plans would also renovate Union Ridge and View Ridge middle schools, adding capacity for 700 children, Vagner said.
Planned renovations would increase capacity at South Ridge Elementary by 200 students.
The plan envisions uses of portables to meet overcrowding conditions between now and when plans are implemented, said Vagner.
Last November, about half of school district voters, far less than a required 60-percent super majority, voted for a $56 million bond measure for school construction.
The measure, with state matching funds, was intended to fund a new high school and other improvements.
NEW WETLANDS PROPOSAL MAY AFFECT AG PRACTICES
Alice Perry Linker
staff reporter
Clark County farmers may be confused by the county's proposed wetlands protection ordinance.
The 32-page document will, if approved, direct how wetlands must be managed. It exempts the use of existing crop land from wetlands analysis and limitations.
The proposal also says the ordinance "will not be used to deny all reasonable economic use of private property."
Two sections, in addition to the reasonable use section, address vegetation or croplands.
The ordinance exempts "the harvesting or normal maintenance of vegetation in a manner that is not injurious to the natural reproduction of such vegetation."
Another section exempts "prior converted croplands" from the ordinance. It states, "... The responsible official shall recognize Corps (of Engineers) documentation furnished by the applicant declaring the wetlands to be prior converted croplands...."
Clark County planner Pat Lee said that exemption may be changed at the request of the state Department of Ecology (DOE).
"The DOE has written us a letter of comment that we will have to review," he said.
Whether DOE is referring to continued agriculture use on prior converted croplands "is not clear," Lee said.
"We think their comment refers to changing (the land) to another use," such as residential development.
"The agriculture community is concerned that this will lead to regulations that keep them from using their land for agriculture," Lee said. "That is unresolved."
DOE prepared recommendations for counties to follow as they write the wetlands protection ordinances, and Clark County is following those guidelines, Lee said.
The county commissioners will have a work session on Wed., Feb. 8, 10:30 a.m., to discuss the ordinance. The county planning commission will have a public hearing on the ordinance Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m., sixth-floor hearing room, 1300 Franklin St.
A commissioners work session on a related ordinance protecting wildlife habitat will also be held Wed., Feb. 8 at 9:30 a.m. Both sessions will take place in the commissioners hearing room of the Public Service Building, 1300 Franklin St.
The number of activities that could trigger a wetlands designation increases in the proposal to 15. Acquiring a building permit could cause a wetlands study, according to the ordinance. Earlier restrictions were limited to such activities as subdivisions, grading and other major land use changes.
The reasonable use assurances section exempts "the placement of a single-family residence on an otherwise legally buildable lot of record."
Under the ordinance, the existence of wetlands could dictate where on the property a home could be built.
Landowners are responsible for following the ordinance, Lee said.
Other exemptions include removing noxious weeds, logging and other forest practices governed by the state's Forest Practices Rule, and limited emergency clearing.
Four categories of wetlands, with categories I and II the most sensitive, are covered in the ordinance.
Small, less sensitive wetlands could be exempt from the ordinance, depending upon their condition.
The county has developed a map of "high probability" wetlands, Lee said.
"There is a biologist available to talk to people," he said.
Buffers ranging from 25 to 300 feet would protect wetlands under the new ordinance. The sensitivity of the wetlands is rated on a scoring system that includes wildlife habitat.
Information on the wetlands protection ordinance is available at the county community development offices, 397-2375, ext. 4112. The offices are located on the fifth floor of the Public Services Building, 1300 Franklin St.
CELL PHONE REUNITED WITH OWNER
Heidi Wallenborn
news director
Julia Johnson of Iowa is a professional outdoor photographer on assignment to cover the Pacific Northwest Sportsmen Show in Portland Feb. 8-12.
She also enjoys looking for antique glassware. While in the area, she is spending time visiting family in the Battle Ground and La Center areas, and rummaging.
On Jan. 31, Johnson and her mom, Mary Schram of Battle Ground, and sister-in-law Leann Walling of La Center, were going through bins of items at Goodwill in Vancouver looking for treasures.
As they left, Johnson realized she didn't have her cell phone.
"I knew what bins I'd been looking through," she said. "We went back and searched all through them, but didn't find it anywhere."
Johnson immediately called Verizon to cancel her service and arranged for another phone.
But her loss wasn't "just" a cell phone. The phone contained several numbers of business sources for her and her freelance journalist/author/speaker husband, M.D. Johnson.
The next morning, an acquaintance of Leann Walling was coincidentally at that same Goodwill store looking through bins.
He found a cell phone, he told them, and recognized Walling's children's photos inside the flip camera phone, Schram said. So he took the phone to their house.
Johnson was reunited with her phone late that morning. She got her service restored, and made a phone call to her son.
"It made him feel strange when his phone rang with my number," Johnson said. "He didn't know I got my phone back and thought he was going to catch the guy who stole it. He was happy it was me."
RIDGEFIELD ADDS COMMERCIAL ZONE
Council ok's re-zone of Port property north of I-5 junction
A unanimous vote by Ridgefield city council members Jan. 26 opened 44.3 acres of Port of Ridgefield property to commercial development.
Council members approved ordinances amending the City's Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map to re-zone property known as "Discovery Pointe" located east of I-5, south of NW 10th St., and west of N 65th Ave.
Zoning at the site was changed from Master Planned Business Park to Planned Commercial Development District.
Approval of the re-zone was recommended by the city planning commissioners after public comments following a public hearing last November. In voting for the change, council member Gary Adkins said retail operations generate tax dollars that Ridgefield needs.
Mayor Gladys Doriot said citizens have asked when they will see more retail outlets at the Junction.
Council member Dave Standal said the change fits with his vision of a place where people "live, work and play."
Doriot said her vision is a place where people can live, work and "shop."
City planner Roy Randall said the site is suitable for commercial uses that support area industry. He said such businesses might be a hotel, motel, postal or shipping services, or restaurants.
TRIBE MAKES OFFER TO LA CENTER
Divided city council authorizes objection to federal process
Bill Myers
staff reporter
Cowlitz Tribe chief John Barnett, a tall man, stood up at a Feb. 1 meeting of La Center city council members and Cowlitz Tribe leaders and lawyers.
Stretching his right hand toward La Center mayor Jim Irish, Barnett said, "I extend my hand...we will work with your people."
Moments later, an attorney representing the Tribe unveiled a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) drafted by tribal attorneys.
Less than two hours later, some wondered if any agreement was possible.
About 100 citizens overflowing the La Center Community Center heard Vancouver attorney Stephen Horenstein, representing the Tribe, describe the MOU as a "starting point."
"It's a draft. It's a draft. It's a draft," said Horenstein of the six page document.
The agreement says tribal leaders will support efforts by La Center officials to extend the City urban growth boundary (UGA) to the eastern boundary of tribal land.
Tribal leaders agree in the MOU not to extend Trust Land east of I-5 and to not add additional Trust Land within the La Center urban growth area.
The MOU says city and tribal officials will together study the feasibility of bringing sewer services from the City to tribal land at I-5 and NW 319th St.
An agreement between the parties on sewer service, with the Tribe paying its share of costs, would follow.
Tribe offers up to $3 million
Terms of the MOU say tribal leaders would pay $3 million annually to the City for 10 years, minus gambling tax revenue collected by the City from non-tribal card rooms inside the city.
A reduction by the City of gambling taxes on card rooms would result in a proportionate reduction of tribal payments. The MOU specifies that the City use tribal payments to mitigate costs of sewer and other capital facilities that would serve a casino/hotel development on the tribal land.
The city currently collects about $3.7 million in taxes from the card rooms.
In the agreement, the Tribe would fund improvements at the I-5 interchange to cure adverse traffic impacts caused by the tribal development.
A commitment by tribal officials to mitigate traffic impacts is also contained in the MOU executed in 2004 between the Tribe and Clark County officials.
In the MOU, tribal officials agree to make a good faith effort to mitigate impacts on the La Center School District.
Tribal officials also offer to collaborate with the La Center Historical Society in development of an historical museum within the City.
The accord waives sovereign immunity of the Tribe, allowing the City to compel enforcement or arbitration through courts.
Council member Bob Smith said he was concerned that a 10-year agreement would fall short of mitigating long-term adverse economic impacts to the City.
The casino will threaten La Center far more than other cities with tribal gaming near them, said Smith.
"Why didn't the Tribe announce its application (to the federal National Indian Gaming Commission) for Restored Lands? asked council member Dale Smith.
"We made it clear this (application process) would happen from the very beginning," said Horenstein.
Dale Smith said tribal officials applied for Restored Lands status in March, a step unknown to city officials until September. "Why such a long time without notification for public input?" asked Smith.
Washington, D.C. attorney Susi Schaeffer, representing the Tribe, said federal guidelines require public consultation, but do not require a public announcement.
"We followed the law," said Horenstein.
"It would have been nice if you had let us know," said council member Linda Tracy.
Dale Smith said he heard that objections to tribal efforts by city officials will be taken personally by tribal members. Tribal members object to being told they don't belong here, said Horenstein. "That bothers Indians," he said.
Bob Smith said he was concerned that a 10-year agreement would not mitigate adverse long-term impacts to the City.
A tribal casino will threaten La Center far more than other cities with tribal gaming near them, said Bob Smith.
"I didn't like the NIGC process, and can't keep that to myself," Smith added.
Schaeffer said NGIC officials considered submissions from other parties, including card rooms and state legislator Richard Curtis, before issuing a "Restored Lands" opinion.
Schaeffer said NGIC officials found Cowlitz tribal history "compelling."
Land held by the Tribe was taken by the U.S. government in 1863 because tribal leaders refused to sign a treaty, said Schaeffer. Then, in subsequent years, federal officials refused to recognize the Tribe because it did not have land, she said.
The Tribe, after years of effort, was finally recognized by the U.S. government in 2002, said Schaeffer.
Horenstein said council members should take their questions to officials of the Department of Interior at meetings on Feb. 15-16.
Council will object to federal process
Council members heard public comments on a recommendation from card room consultant John Bockmeier.
Bockmeier had urged the council to send a letter from the City objecting to a "flawed" Restored Lands process to appropriate U.S. Department of Interior officials.
Of 16 public testimonies, 12 favored sending the letter.
City attorney Daniel Kearns and mayor Jim Irish recommended waiting until after meetings this month with Department of Interior officials.
Council members Dale Smith and Bill Birdwell agreed to wait.
However, a majority of council members, Bob Smith, Linda Tracy and Troy Van Dinter, voted to send a letter now.
"Bureau of Indian Affairs answers won't change anything," said Tracy. "It's time for them to hear from us on the process."
Irish said the city attorney would craft the letter.
Meetings hosted by Department of Interior officials, at the urging of U.S. congressman Brian Baird, were scheduled to clarify federal processes.
Meetings are set for 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.
JAMES WILLIAMS
James M. Williams, 59, died of cancer Jan. 26, 2006, in Boise, ID.
Williams was born March 28, 1946, in Emmett, ID, and moved at age 7 with his family to Kailua, HI where he lived until he was 18.
After graduating from Oregon State University, Williams had a career in law enforcement. He lived in Clark County for 30 years, 25 of which were in Battle Ground. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, particularly fishing for bass, and loved the outdoors. He was a very good cook.
After retiring, Williams lived near his favorite fishing spot, Ten Mile Lake, in Oregon, before relocating to Mesquite, NV, and enjoyed four years in the desert heat.
Survivors include parents Mel and Gen Williams of Portland, son Judd Williams of Boise, ID, daughter Shannon Koch of Ridgefield, brother Mike Williams of Portland, "honorary son" Chris Elmer of La Center, three grandchildren, and many friends.
At his request, no services will be held. Memorial contributions are invited to St. Luke's Mountain States Tumor Institute in Boise, ID. Summers Funeral Home, Boise, was in charge of cremation and other arrangements.
ASHFORD KELLEY
Ashford Burnelle Kelley, 81, died Jan. 28, 2006, in Woodland.
Kelley was born Nov. 15, 1923, in Alabam, Arkansas, graduated form Kearney State Teachers College in 1950, and received a master's degree from Northwestern University in 1953.
Kelley lived in Alaska 1961-1978, Arizona 1978-1991, and in Woodland from 1991 to the time of his death.
Kelley taught music in high schools for 21 years, and in college for 5 years. He served in the U.S. Army 1943-1946.
Kelley enjoyed fishing and golfing. He became a bush pilot in Alaska and played the trombone in a jazz group. He was a member of the Lions Club and also directed church choirs.
Survivors include widow Adalyne Kelley, at home in Woodland, son Steven Kelley of California, daughter Patricia Vik of Battle Ground, and three grandchildren.
The Woodland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
NEIGHBORS APPEAL METAL FAB BUSINESS
Seven neighbors have appealed Clark County's approval of the Harris Metal Fabrication home business east of Battle Ground.
County staff approved the metal fabrication application as a home occupation Jan. 17. County planner Travis Goddard said a hearing on the appeal will be held in about three months.
Thomas Harris applied for a "major rural" home occupation permit in November 2005, and constructed a 2,400 square foot building to house the business at 19217 NE 219th St. in a Rural-5 zone.
The county approval limits Harris to operating within the new building and in an outside "activity area" of 2,170 square feet which, according to drawings, is an area 25 feet wide at the front of the building and 16 feet wide on the east side.
The approval also requires Harris to screen the business with shrubs or fencing, and to meet requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act involving handicapped parking. Other conditions would apply if Harris had employees.
The appeal was filed by neighbors Ed and Michelle Hall, Butch and Ann Hill, Jerry and Patty Melton, David and Mallisa Nedich, David and Elsie Peebles, Kerry and Jan Schulz, and Chuck and Sharon Whitten.
The appeal claims that the metal fabrication business is excessively noisy and that the county has not required any mitigation of noise to "protect the integrity of the zoning district" as described in the county's home business rules.
Chuck Whitten said Harris began operating in an existing building on the property last fall, and the noise was unbearable from his home across the street.
Neighbors called the county's Code Enforcement staff and Harris was told to "cease and desist" until he had a permit.
Tom Harris said neighbors have not given him a chance to show how his business will operate once his new building is insulated which he plans to do soon.
Harris said neighbors have exaggerated the noise level. "It's well under a riding lawn mower," he said.
Harris did not deny doing business before he had a permit and before approval conditions are met.
Goddard said state officials, not county, set and enforce noise standards.
The appeal also states that metal fabrication is an industrial activity that should be in an industrial zone. Whitten called the activity "heavy home industry." The appeal says that the county has "ignored the incompatibility issue" to facilitate business interests.
"This is what the county's home occupation rules are all about," countered Harris. "I'm not destroying the neighborhood."
Harris said he plans to operate from 8:30 a.m. until mid-afternoon, even though he is approved to work 7 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days a week. "If I did that," said Harris, "I'd be working on my own vehicle or something," said Harris.
Whitten said he has observed an employee arriving about 7 a.m.
The appeal claims that Harris will not work solely within the allowed "activity area" which includes employee parking, ADA parking, and other uses. The approved activity area is "almost laughable," according to the appeal.
Harris said he plans to work within the approved area. He said he would screen a larger area with slatted chain link fence, but not use the larger area for business purposes.
While neighbors say Harris has one employee, Harris said he has a friend helping him who is not paid.
The appeal says Harris did not have a storm water plan or permit when he built the building, paved a road and activity area, or cleared and graveled a contiguous 7,800 square feet.
"No one told us about that," said Harris, meaning a storm water plan or permit. He said all other required permits were in place.
Neighbors contend that Harris does not have the 2.5 acres required for a rural major home occupation. "According to the county we do (have 2.5 acres)," said Harris.
Harris, 55, and his wife, Lola, are raising two grandchildren. "They (neighbors) are trying to take food out of their mouths," said Harris.
Harris had operated his business in an industrial zone on SE Grace Ave. in Battle Ground until he sold that property for development.
"If they shut us down here, it will destroy us," said Harris, meaning that he has made a considerable investment in his new location.
Gail Kurth, who was a neighbor to Harris at his former location, said she never heard any noise from the metal fabrication business even though she lived closer to Harris than his current neighbors. "As far as I'm concerned, there couldn't be better neighbors," said Kurth.
Kurth's son helps Harris without pay at the fabrication business, said Harris.
"The consensus of the neighbors is that we don't want heavy industry right in the middle of our rural neighborhood," said Whitten. The seven neighbors wrote individual letters to the county objecting to the business before joining in the appeal.
On Jan. 30, county planner Goddard suggested mediation. "There should be some way that Mr. Harris can operate his business in a friendly manner," wrote Goddard to Whitten.
"While I'm not an advocate for Mr. Harris, the ordinance is clearly meant as a tool to give self-employed residents more opportunity for earning a living," wrote Goddard. "It was written so that government wouldn't be in the role of killing the small business spirit in the county."
"If you prove that Mr. Harris doesn't have the minimum size (2.5 acres) required, his current approval would be voided," added Goddard.
Goddard said Feb. 1 that he had not yet researched the lot size issue.
Harris described himself as a good neighbor. "Id rather be your friend than enemy," said Harris. "We're good Christian people."
"I don't want to be portrayed as a rich businessman taking advantage of these people (neighbors)," said Harris. "I try to help my neighbors when I can."
"If I could win the lottery, I'd move away from these people," said Harris.
DIDN'T NOTICE? IT'S BEEN WET
Area weather watchers report a wet and mild January, which comes as no surprise to residents who experienced nature's onslaught.
Officials of the National Weather Service in Portland said January was the fourth wettest on record.
A new January record was set, officials said, for the most number of days with a tenth of an inch of rain or more with 23 days.
National Weather Service officials also said January 2006 was the first January since 1941 during which the low temperature never reached 32 degrees or below.
January was the second warmest on record, officials said, with an average minimum temperature of 40.8 degrees. The temperature reached 57 degrees on Jan. 10 which tied the record set in 1945.
In Brush Prairie, Don Gaines recorded a new January rainfall record with 16.31 inches and a new record for number of wet days at 28.
Gaines noted that, after 14 consecutive dry days in December, only one dry day occurred between Dec. 18 and Jan. 22. He also reported records for the highest low temperature at 34 degrees and the mean low temperature at 39 degrees.
Ron Myers in Venersborg recorded three inches more rain in January 2006 than any other January in his 20 years of weather watching.
Myers recorded 16.6 inches of rain on 27 days, the same number of wet days as 2005 when his rain totaled 3.6 inches.
Ken McGowen near the Clark County Fairgrounds said the 14.09 inches of rain he recorded last month was his wettest January since he began recording rainfall in 1996 when he measured 10.39 inches.
Mark Watrin in Brush Prairie said January 2006 was the wettest month on record at his location.
Roger Ross, who lives north of Dollars Corner, said January 2006 was the wettest January during his 17 years of weather watching, eclipsing 10.62 inches in 1990.
Ross noted four days in January with more than an inch of rain, including 1.38 inches on Jan. 6.
Ross noted 30 degrees for the low temperature on Jan. 5 compared to a low of 19 degrees during January 2005 and a record low of 14 degrees in 1997.
Greg Baird recorded 1.65 inches of rain on Jan. 6 at his Fargher Lake home.
And in Ariel, Jerry Olson recorded 33.54 inches of rain in January, nearly twice his average for the month and a record for January, surpassing the 28.40 inches in measured in 1998.
Olson has measured more rain in a month only once, that being December 1998 when he recorded 34.72 inches.
EDITORIAL:
VERY INSPIRING
Readers may want to look through Valentine's Day letters published in this issue of The Reflector. They are very inspirational and affirm the positive nature of many relationships people enjoy in this area.
The letters are written by husbands to their wives, wives to their husbands, newlyweds to each other, and to spouses of many years.
Letters are also written, as one might expect, from parents to children, and from children to parents and grandparents.
The letters express love, caring, and the pain of absence. Letters express gratitude for deeds done, for activities enjoyed, and for simple existence.
Some letters bless the day people met and married; some look forward to the next 20 or 30 years of marriage.
Marriages have struggled nationwide in recent decades, with up to a 50 percent failure rate. That may be the case in this area as well. In fact the very definition of marriage is under assault in some quarters.
This newspaper enjoys its role in focusing on real people, in giving people an avenue for free speech through letters, and in encouraging people to express their feelings for others at Valentine's Day.
Not all letters received are published today. In fact, 100 or more letters did not fit in the available space. Apologizes are extended for that.
This writer greatly enjoyed reading all the letters as they were prepared for typing. They are uplifting. They are exhilarating. They are compelling. They are heartwarming.
And they are good reading.
Marvin F. Case
OBITS:
HILDRED HILL
Hildred Charlotte Margaret (Sundstrom) Hill, 96, died Jan. 29, 2006, in Puyallup.
Hill was born April 18, 1909, in Bark River, MI, and moved to the Seattle area in 1927. She lived in Battle Ground 1974-1991 where she attended the Meadow Glade Seventh-day Adventist Church. She moved to Spanaway in 1991.
Hill was preceded in death by her husband, Rollo Hill, in 1964, son Arthur Hill in 2005, two sisters and one brother. Survivors include daughters Dottie Hurni and Charlotte Sharp, both of Spanaway, and Velma Hill of Arizona, nine grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held Sat., Feb. 11, 3 p.m., at Southside Seventh-day Adventist Church, 230 S 94th St., Tacoma, with graveside services at Evergreen-Washelli, Seattle, on Sun., Feb. 12, 1 p.m.
Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Home and Cemeteries, Seattle, is in charge of arrangements.
SANDRA HALL
Sandra Joy (Shaw) Hall, 61, died Feb. 1, 2006, at home in Woodland after a long battle with lung cancer.
Hall was born Sept. 5, 1944, in Steele, ND. She lived in Woodland since age 3 when her family lived in a small apartment above the Woodland train depot where her father worked. She lived in Woodland most of her life.
Hall graduated from Woodland High School in 1962 and joined the Army that fall.
Hall was the first woman in Cowlitz County to earn a motorcycle endorsement. She traveled across the county several times on motorcycles.
Hall enjoyed traveling, reading and movies.
Hall was preceded in death by her husband, Chick Hall, in 2005. Survivors include daughter Traci North of Vancouver, sisters Sharon Owen and Linda Hall, both of Woodland, and Bonnie Peter of Vancouver, brother Clifford Shaw Jr. of Woodland, three granddaughters and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends.
Services will be held Sun., Feb. 12, 2 p.m., at Woodland Christian Church, 430 Buckeye St., Woodland, with interment at Frank Abel Cemetery, with Davies Cremation & Burial Services, Vancouver, in charge of arrangements.
JODY MYLLYMAKI
Jody Rose (Lampinen) Myllymaki, 46, died Jan. 29, 2006, in Battle Ground, after a battle with cancer.
Myllymaki was born March 17, 1959, in Hancock, MI, graduated from Walled Lake Western in Michigan, worked for Superior National Bank, and moved to Clark County in 1988. She also worked for Randy Hanson Construction and in her husband's home business.
Myllymaki was a member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church. She enjoyed music, flowers, camping and her home and family.
Survivors include widower David Myllymaki, at home, daughters Rebecca, Brooke and Brianna, all at home, son Luke, at home, father Earl Lampinen of Michigan, mother Barbara Pickard of Michigan, brother Duane Lampinen of Michigan, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Burial was at Lewisville Cemetery, Battle Ground, with Layne's funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.
OBITS:
FREDERICK BOWER
Frederick Ernest "Bud" Bower, 87, died Jan. 25, 2006, at The Dalles, OR.
Bower was born Feb. 21, 1918, in Ridgefield, grew up in the Ridgefield area, and worked as a truck driver 1939-1945.
Bower also worked as a tallyman, straddle carrier operator, loading foreman, planer man and mill foreman for the R.A. Heintz Lumber Company in Raymond and the Bower Lumber Company in Ridgefield.
In 1956, Bower became a life insurance agent. He was also a cattle rancher. He retired in 1983.
Bower was a member of The Dalles Moose and Elks lodges, Fort Dalles Rodeo Association, 4-H/FFA Livestock Sale Committees, National Cattleman's Association, and the Charolais Breeders Association. He was active with fundraising for the Mid-Columbia Jr. Livestock Show. He was a jewelry craftsman, photographer and leather tooler.
Bower was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon, son Frederick Bower Jr., granddaughter Laura Bower, and seven siblings. Survivors include daughter Linda Bower of Vancouver, son Kelly Bower of Vancouver, daughter-in-law Holly Bower of Woodland, sisters Ruth Lindholm of Longview and Doris Niemann of Vancouver, brothers Mitchell Bower of Vancouver and John Bower of Montana, 11 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Interment was at The Dalles Three Mile Road IOOF Cemetery, with Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home, The Dalles, in charge of arrangements.