LARCH ESCAPEE ON LAM
Heidi Wallenborn
news director
Larch Corrections Center prisoner John Lucky Knight, 20, hit the road Feb. 10 during a supervised work crew project at the Clark County Fairgrounds.
Knight was noticed missing about 12:20 p.m. while the crew was doing renovation work, said Corrections spokesperson Sherry Foley.
Knight had been incarcerated since Jan. 6 for a November 2005 conviction on second degree burglary in Clark County Superior Court.
His release date would have been April 27, 2006, Foley said.
Knight is described at 5' 10" tall, 160 lbs., medium build, blue eyes, blonde hair, with a tattooed letter "P" on the right lower leg, and "W" on the left lower leg.
Last seen, Knight wore a red shirt, tan pants and work boots.
Sightings should be reported to 911 or the Corrections Center, 260-6300.
CLASSEN TRIAL PUT OFF UNTIL APRIL
Heidi Wallenborn
news director
It was just over a year ago that EveAnn Classen, 56, was murdered in a violent rampage that stunned the community in which she lived and worked.
Her estranged husband, James Norman Classen, 59, confessed the murder to police on Feb. 8, 2005. He pleaded "not guilty" 10 days later during his arraignment in Clark County Superior Court.
The last year was pitted with requests for continuances from defense and prosecution.
In August 2005, Classen's defense attorney Jon McMullen filed in court that his client will rely on a defense of "diminished capacity."
Classen was sent the last week of January to Western State Hospital to undergo an evaluation to determine if he lacked the capacity to form the intent to commit first degree murder.
Classen was not evaluated for competence or sanity, a court report said, because the defense has only raised the diminished capacity issue, not an insanity defense.
A trial date is set for April 10 with Superior Court judge John P. Wulle. McMullen indicated in a report that he may need more time to study the evaluation.
Community shocked
Classen was well-known in the north Clark County area where he had a dental practice in Battle Ground.
The Classens had been married 31 years, with EveAnn instrumental in running the business while raising their two sons.
The dentist was considered soft-spoken and mild-mannered by severel who knew him.
But in January 2002, a no-contact order was filed against Classen after he was arrested for allegedly striking his wife in the head with his fist. He was given a deffered sentence, and because he did not re-offend, the charges were dismissed.
The couple separated and underwent counseling. Two weeks before her murder, EveAnn announced she wanted a divorce, according to a Classen employee.
A court report also stated that Classen told deputies after his wife's murder that he discovered she'd had a boyfriend and admitted it to him about a month prior.
About 2 a.m. on Feb. 8, Classen reportedly drove to his wife's home near the Salmon Creek area and snuck in through a back door.
Classen allegedly entered a sewing room and took a pair of scissors from the wall before entering the master bedroom.
A court affidavit said Classen admitted stabbing his wife to death with the scissors, and that she didn't die right away. Information in the report indicates an extended struggle across the room.
A medical examiner's office spokesperson said death was by "multiple sharp force wounds mostly in the head, but virtually all over her body, and that the wounds were "too many to count."
Classen was arrested at a home in Skamania County later that day after he reportedly called friends to confess.
EDITORIAL:
SAW IT COMING
People with wetted fingers in the air sensed failure in the wind for the proposed Battle Ground School District levy prior to last week's election.
Analysts rarely try to figure out why levies pass, but scrutiny is intense following failures.
While it is true that there is rarely just one reason to explain a failure, the reasons pretty much boil down to money. Who wouldn't vote in favor of more teachers, supplies, equipment, psychologists, etc., if it didn't cost money?
And this case is no different.
The proposed levy was a "replacement" only in the sense that a 3-year tax measure would expire, and a 4-year, much higher version would take its place. The combination of higher levy rates plus rapidly increasing property assessments was just too much for voters.
But yet, levies in surrounding districts passed easily, most with approval margins of 64 to 69 percent. How can that be explained?
This writer believes that the proposed Battle Ground increase was too great, moving from the lower end of rates among area districts to one of the highest by 2010. In addition, some details about levy money expenditure needed clarification. And the argument that planned new schools equate to higher rates defies logic.
Of course, controversy does not have a positive impact on money measures and the Battle Ground district has had its share of controversy recently. Some voters likely thought the district could have done better in handling liquor license issues. The Gay-Straight Club issue created a furor. And prosecutions of former teachers contained negative images for the district.
District officials will likely make changes in the proposal, reduce the cost, shorten the term, and seek voter approval later in the year, preferably in the fall.
The last thing they should do is offer the exact same proposal again. That would be an insult to the public.
Whatever their course, officials should listen long and hard to public comments--not just comments from employees and friends, but from those who control their fate at the ballot box.
They stubbed their toe a little the first time around by not seeking sufficient public opinion. They should not let that happen again, and they should heed what they hear.
Marvin F. Case
WORK STARTS ON LUCIA FALLS BRIDGE
Bridge will close starting Mon., March 6
Bill Myers
staff reporter
Construction at Lucia Falls Bridge on Hantwick Rd. located east of Lucia Falls Park and south of Lucia Falls Rd. is scheduled to start during the week of Feb. 20.
County officials say the bridge, which spans the East Fork of the Lewis River, will be closed to all traffic for seven weeks starting Mon., March 6.
Area residents are asked to use Hantwick and Basket Flat roads during closure.
"Watch for signs and detour notices," said County project manager, Linda Small.
Clark County and contractor Selby Bridge Company workers will remove concrete deck panels, install a new, wider concrete deck, new bridge railing, and new guard rail, said Small.
Small said repairs will bring the bridge up to current road way standards and enhance safety of motorists.
CITY'S ROLE IN CENTENNIAL QUESTIONED
Alice Perry Linker
staff reporter
An apparent Woodland City Council misunderstanding about the city government's role in the Woodland centennial celebration has caused questions about the city's financial commitment to the event.
During the Feb. 6 council meeting, the council was asked to approve $21,000 in expenditures for several centennial items, and asked to sign an agreement with Lewis River Golf Course to cater the centennial dinner.
"We have bills of $10,000, $3,500, $2,800, $1,000 that we're held liable for," said council member Jim Tone. "Some time in March we'll have to pay the bill."
Mayor Doug Monge said that money from ticket sales would go toward the bills.
"The city will pay no more than $20,000," he said. "That's how much we've budgeted."
Council member John J. Burke also expressed concern about the centennial budget.
"What if we spend $50,000 and get only $20,000 back?" he asked.
The city council eventually decided to authorize the agreements and the purchases of a DVD, commemorative wine glasses and banners.
Mari Ripp, city clerk-treasurer, did not attend the meeting, but afterward she said there had been a misunderstanding about the city's role.
"The city has budgeted $12,000--$8,000 from the general fund and $4,000 from the hotel-motel tax" for the centennial, she said.
The revenues and expenses earmarked for the Woodland centennial celebration are being run through the city, Ripp said.
"We did not have time to create a new organization to handle the funds," she said.
By Feb. 8, the centennial fund had collected $64,500 and had expenses of $57,000. Ripp said that if 400 people buy dinner tickets, the committee will earn $10,000 to pay for the catering.
Sponsors have donated in-kind services and money, she said.
The centennial dinner will take place March 4 at Woodland Primary School, with a reception at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m.
Tickets at $25 each are available at the Tourist Information Center, 900 Goerig St. Ticket sales end Feb. 25.
71 ACRES SET FOR ANNEXATION
Alice Perry Linker
staff reporter
A 71-acre area slated for development as highway commercial will be considered for annexation by the Woodland City Council Mon., Feb. 27.
The annexation may not lead to development, however, said Dave Rutan who owns 53 of the 71 acres.
"The city is looking at amending the critical areas ordinance, and if it passes the way it is, we may not be able to do a thing about it," Rutan said.
The proposed critical areas ordinance sets limitations for development on wetlands, slopes and other environmentally sensitive areas. Buffers as wide as 300 feet could be required between wetlands and other areas.
The setback requirements under the proposed ordinance could be too severe for landowners to develop their property, Rutan said.
During a public hearing in late January, the city council heard complaints from several landowners about land use limitations under the proposed ordinance.
The city council may consider the critical lands ordinance on Feb. 27 as well.
"The biggest issue is the critical areas ordinance," Rutan said. "I'm not a professional developer, I'm a local owner, and I'm concerned about the effects of the critical areas ordinance."
Rutan said he has some tentative plans for developing his property near the I-5 interchange.
"I think the market would be positive for a travel center for local traffic and I-5," he said. "It would be like a Pilot with a sit-down restaurant."
The city council accepted the annexation ordinance on first reading but did not have discussion on the issue.
HACKERS, WEATHER TURN MONDAY BLUE
Alice Perry Linker
staff reporter
Despite the sun, Monday, Feb. 7, was a blue day for employees at the Woodland city hall.
The previous weekend's stormy weather had knocked out the voice messaging system. And that wasn't all.
Hackers had broken into the city's website, and instead of the city's information page, the viewer saw a page from somewhere in the Middle East.
City internet users were also unable to go online.
The hackers caused delays in three City Council action items, one a resolution approving a design for a proposed seven-house subdivision at Goerig Street and Scott Avenue.
The council will discuss the resolution at the Feb. 27 meeting. Council members received their packets at the beginning of the Feb. 6 meeting, and they said there was not enough time to study the proposals before taking action.
The computer problem was not as serious as it first appeared, said Kyle Eakins of Cyclone Computer Systems, Woodland's server.
"There was no physical connection to any of the city's resources," Eakins said. "Without this security, it would have changed the code."
No damage was done to any city files or information sources, he said, and internet users who tried to access the site were not affected.
The Woodland Webmaster creates a barrier by making a copy of the city's information and putting the copy on the website, Eakins said. "It creates a physical barrier," he said.
Under the system Woodland uses, probably the worst damage could be to a city's image, Eakins said.
"It's embarrassing. No city wants slanderous information displayed on its website," he said. "It's an inconvenience; not having access to the web."
They type of hacking done to Woodland is not uncommon, Eakins said.
"It's like a game of cops and robbers," he said, with the legitimate servers chasing the criminals.
"It's ongoing."
NEW MANAGER EAGER TO GET TO VOLCANO
The new Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument manager says he's happy with his new job.
"I'm excited," said Tom Mulder, who will move to his new job in the monument's Chelatchie Prairie office Feb. 21.
The forest administrative officer in the Gifford Pinchot Supervisor's Office said he's especially interested in spending more time outdoors and educating people about the volcano.
Mulder's background is in forestry and education, and "education is a huge part of what we do," he said.
"There's no piece of landscape quite like Mount St. Helens," he said.
The greatest challenge facing him is "looking for ways to fund the program."
He has helped develop the Mount St. Helens Institute, a non-profit organization that raises funds to help support Forest Service work at the monument.
"The costs keep rising faster than the funding," he said. "We're developing a relationship with this non-profit partner."
Mulder's job in the Gifford Pinchot supervisor's office has involved managing personnel, the budget staff, contracts and other logistics.
The 25-year Forest Service veteran has spent the past eight years in Vancouver. He has also worked on the Mount Hood and Umatilla national forests in Oregon, and at the Wind River Ranger District. He began his northwest service at Ketchikan, Alaska.
A graduate of the University of Michigan, Mulder holds a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin.
"I grew up on the sand dunes of southwest Michigan," he said.
Mulder has been an avid soccer player most of his life and played on recreational teams for a number of years.
"I play soccer with a group of friends on Sunday afternoons," he said.
With four children ranging in age from 21 to 8, Mulder said, "I've coached a lot of soccer."
Mulder and his wife Kathy live in Clackamas County, OR, but he said he plans to move to Washington.
BG MAN THIRD DONE BUILDING AIRPLANE
Bob Brown of Battle Ground hopes to fly the airplane he is building by fall 2006.
Brown believes he is about a third finished with the Murphy Moose kit plane he purchased in 2004. After taking a parts inventory and getting organized, Brown began construction in July 2005.
So far, Brown, and his indispensable assistant Wayne Drake, have logged 1,200 man-hours on the project. Company officials in Canada say the plane can be built with 3,500 man-hours of effort.
As he got into the project, Brown, 61, discovered that the kit did not include every needed part.
Many pieces of aluminum were not cut out and many rivet holes were not drilled. While the company provided pieces of aluminum, the process of building the plane requires that numerous parts be created. "I thought everything would be cut out," said Brown.
Each rivet hole must be "de-burred," a process of removing any sharp metal edges left over from drilling the holes.
De-burring thousands of rivet holes, like much of the work, is done by hand.
Brown prefers to build his own plane partly because it is less costly than buying one, and because he can be assured that the plane is in top-notch condition.
Brown took a plane ride at age 9, "and I was hooked," he said.
Service in the Navy gave Brown a background in electronics. That led to the 18 years when he operated a television repair and appliance sale store.
After he closed the store, he took flying lessons. He previously owned a plane.
Brown is a member of the Washington Air Search and Rescue organization and continues to serve as a rescue mission pilot. He is also president of the Southwest Washington chapter of the Washington Pilots Association. He was named Search and Rescue Volunteer of the Year for 1995 by the aviation division of the state Department of Transportation.
Brown and his wife Ruthie served as co-chair of the Battle Ground rose float project for 12 years during which Brown created floats with moving parts and mechanics.
"My feeling is I have to give something back," said Brown, who has volunteered in the community in many capacities. "Now it's my time" he said of the plane project. "I"m really excited."
Brown is concerned about safety. After building portions of the plane's floor, he decided to add angled pieces for added stability. With approval from the manufacturer, Brown removed 500 rivets and rebuilt the floor.
Brown selected the Murphy Moose after attending an air show in Wisconsin. He said he was impressed with the engineering behind the plane's design. He later visited the factory in Canada and flew a demonstration plane.
The single engine, 6-passenger craft has a rated capacity of 3,500 pounds, including passengers and fuel. The plane itself will weigh under 2,000 pounds and fuel about 100 pounds. Passengers are considered to weigh 170 pounds each.
Brown does not intend to install all six seats. The seats themselves come from the factor as metal frames, leaving Brown to create seats, backs, cushions and upholstery.
The plane arrived in one big box and about 7,000 parts. It did not come with an engine. Brown is considered an engine made in the Czech Republic. He intends to install a combination pontoon and wheel system to accommodate both water and land uses. The entire plane requires about 40,000 rivets.
Brown paid about $35,000 for the kit. An engine will cost more than $20,000. All the instruments are extra as well.
When the plane is finished, Brown expects to invest about $80,000. A comparable, company-built plane, such as a Cessna 206, costs $350,000-$400,000 new, or about $80,000-$100,000 when 25-30 years old.
Brown is building the plane in a hangar at the Goheen field north of Battle Ground. Brown built two hangars at the grass strip, again doing the work by himself.
"I enjoy building stuff and seeing what it's like when I'm done," said Brown. "It's a labor of love."
NEW WETLANDS PROPOSAL MAY AFFECT LAND USE
Alice Perry Linker
staff reporter
Clark County landowners who may be confused by the county's proposed wetlands protection ordinance will have a chance to ask questions next week.
The county planning commission will hold a public hearing on the wetlands protection ordinance Thurs., Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m., sixth-floor hearing room, 1300 Franklin St.
The proposal would replace an existing ordinance.
The state Department of Ecology prepared recommendations for counties to follow as they write wetlands protection ordinances, and Clark County is following those guidelines, said county planner Pat Lee.
The number of activities that could trigger a wetlands designation would increase under the proposal. Acquiring a building permit or developing a site plan could cause a wetlands study.
The existing ordinance addresses land use changes such as subdivisions, commercial or industrial centers and grading, Lee said.
The proposed 32-page ordinance would require a county permit for the following activities and could trigger wetlands study: individual building permit, clearing and grading, some forest practices, conditional use, shoreline activities, short subdivision, subdivision, and planned unit development.
The proposal also says the ordinance "will not be used to deny all reasonable economic use of private property."
The reasonable use assurances section exempts "the placement of a single-family residence on an otherwise legally buildable lot of record."
The existence of wetlands could dictate where on the property a home could be built.
Landowners are responsible for following the ordinance, Lee said.
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. Landowners can view the map by contacting Lee.
"There is a biologist available to talk to people," he said.
The width of buffers will also affect land use under the ordinance, as required buffers would range from 25 to 300 feet. The sensitivity of the wetlands and the buffer width will be rated under a new scoring system that includes wildlife habitat.
Lee said that despite the new language, "I don't know that things will be that much different. Categories I and II will be pretty similar to the earlier ordinance."
The state Department of Ecology has advised that "best available science" should be used to identify and protect wetlands.
The state agency has issued guidelines "summarizing what they're findings are," Lee said. Two sections of the ordinance address agricultural use, but Lee said one of those sections may have to be changed.
As proposed, the ordinance exempts "prior converted croplands."
Ecology has asked the county to eliminate the croplands exemption, Lee said.
Whether Ecology 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."
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., Vancouver.
C-TRAN NOW HAS DIAL-A-RIDEHeidi Wallenborn
news director
Some C-TRAN officials are a bit unconventional.
Rather than wait for a photographer to come to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for new bus service, the driver took the entourage to the photographer.
It was an impromptu gesture, said Battle Ground mayor John Idsinga, but also a way to prove how the new door-to-door service works with the compact passenger van.
Idsinga, C-TRAN director Lynne Griffin, Battle Ground city manager Eric Holmes and others cut a red ribbon to celebrate a new approach to public transportation.
Anyone wishing to travel anywhere inside the city limits of Battle Ground can dial-a-ride (preferably at least two hours in advance) and be taken from wherever they are to wherever they want to go.
Riders can also set a schedule to be picked up regularly throughout the week, such as going to school or grocery shopping.
Drivers don't sit around and wait for passengers to return from an errand, said C-TRAN spokesperson Scott Patterson. When the ride to the grocery store is scheduled, the time the driver is to return for a pick-up is set as well.
Since service began Jan. 29, there has been standing room only on some buses, said Griffin and Patterson.
"That's very good," Griffin said. "We want to listen to our voters and give them what they need."
Battle Ground and beyond
Connector vans seat 15 passengers, and are equipped with a bicycle rack and wheelchair device.
Two vans serve Battle Ground Mon.-Fri., 6:50 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sat., 8:20 a.m.-8:05 p.m., and Sun., 10:05 a.m.-6:45 p.m.
Scheduling a day in advance is best, said Patterson, but a two-hour notice may be okay, depending on the volume of calls the driver receives.
Vans also have a fixed schedule for jaunts to Westfield Shoppingtown about every hour. One van will travel south while one stays in the city.
Battle Ground residents receive nearly full-time service because of the city's 15,000-plus population and demand for services.
Other cities served, too
More limited services is offered in Ridgefield and La Center, and the town of Yacolt.
But that could change, Patterson said. As residents show interest and need, service times could be expanded. Service in La Center is offered Mon.-Fri., 5:45 a.m.-7:15 a.m., and 4:45-6:05 p.m. Residents can be transported anywhere in the city or taken to the Salmon Creek Park & Ride.
Ridgefield service is set for Mon.-Fri., 5:40-9:05 a.m., and 3:50-6:15 p.m. Vans connect with the Salmon Creek Park & Ride three times in both the morning and evening.
Yacolt citizens can use the service Mon.-Fri., 9:10-10:20 a.m., and 3-4:30 p.m. The van arrives at Yacolt Town Hall at 9:55 a.m. and 3:45 p.m., and at the Battle Ground Park & Ride at 10:20 a.m. and 4:10 p.m.
Griffin urges residents to respond to an online survey at www.c-tran.com. She expects the new, flexible system to lead to expanded demand for service.
For example, Ridgefield residents may want to travel directly to Battle Ground, she said. C-TRAN would respond to that request.
Usage will be monitored the first few months and changes made as appropriate.
So far Griffin is pleased by interest in the dial-a-ride service system.
Drivers can be contacted directly by riders and worked into a schedule.
The Battle Ground driver can be reached at 601-2918; La Center, 601-5159; Ridgefield, 601-7252; and Yacolt, 624-2351.
The fare is $1.25 for each trip or 60 cents for senior citizens or disabled persons, or $3 for a full-day pass.
Monthly pass fares are $44 for adults, and $21 for senior citizens or disabled persons.
For more information about services, call 695-8918.
TRUCK CRASHES, SPILLS PAINT IN CREEK
Heidi Wallenborn
news director
It could have been worse.
On Feb. 7, First Place Apartments maintenance man Russell Shofield, 61, loaded his pickup truck with 10, 5- gallon buckets of latex paint.
As he steered out of the parking lot on NE 199th St. in Battle Ground about 11:30 a.m., he reportedly lost control and drove across the lawn, took down a few hedges, crashed through a 6-foot chain fence, and nose-dived into the swollen waters of Gardner Ditch.
Only two bucket lids popped off, splashing the truck and the culvert that directs the current under the street with white contractor's paint. And only four gallons made it into sensitive waters.
Because paint is toxic and the stream is a tributary of Woodin Creek that drains into Salmon Creek, state Department of Ecology officials were called.
A Fire District 11 crew with division chief Mike Ciraulo in charge worked to contain the spill, along with Battle Ground Public Works employees under the supervision of Mike Venni.
They diverted and blocked the stream on the other side of the street, and worked to form a containment pond with rocks and dirt.
In addition, a combination of kitty litter and Amerizorb, an organic absorbent material, was thrown where paint has spilled.
Another crew worked to form a dam upstream.
Curt Piesch, a member of Ecology's Spill Response Team, said the way the incident was handled for containment was the best he'd seen in several years.
"This was an excellent government response," Piesch said. "I commend the crew. They did a fantastic job of control and containment, and quick notification [of Ecology.]"
After assessing the situation, Piesch and his partner Jon Kuykendall determined the paint was low in toxicity. Based on the amount spilled, how it was contained, and the good water flow, the threat to the environment was minimized.
And despite smashing the front of the truck and crunching the radiator, there was no oil, gas, or antifreeze leakage, said Ciraulo.
Shofield, a Ridgefield resident, was not ticketed by either the Battle Ground Police Department or Ecology, and Ecology officials will not seek cost recovery.
"We're here to help," Piesch said. "It wasn't a large enough spill to trigger a penalty, it wasn't highly negligent or a purposeful discharge, and it wasn't an oil-based paint with higher toxicity."
Shofield was reportedly shaken, but unhurt.
Piesch and Kuykendall kept their eyes on the downstream area over the next few days and found no significant change.
BG COUNCIL GETS PEEK AT NEW BUILDING
Public invited to March 22 open house
Heidi Wallenborn
news director
A couple of last minute "hiccups" has postponed the move-in date at the new Battle Ground Police building.
Getting fiberoptics for telephones and other communications installed is more complicated than planned, said city manager Eric Holmes.
Holmes expects the police to function in the new building by the end of February.
And on Wed., March 22, beginning at 2 p.m. citizens can see for themselves what their tax dollars have accomplished for public safety.
"It looks really, really good"
All seven city council members strolled through the building in a tour led by police chief Jim McDaniel.
Furniture is still being installed and some mistakes fixed, but for the most part, the building is nearly finished.
Light-colored wood is the theme of most work station tops and trim. Entrances and door trim are red-rust colored. Wainscoting made of woven sea grass rises along the walls about four feet from the floor. The unusual fiber will protect against dings and other marks made by feet and duty belt items.
Safety is stressed, with monitors throughout the building, "plated" areas where employees can hide if there is a gun or other threatening incident, alarms, and codes for passage into areas.
"They are chomping at the bit to get in here," McDaniel told council members. "What they really like is the locker room and the main workstation."
At the current building, some officers don't have a locker to use. A shift of four or five officers share three computers at one dog-leg table.
Detectives and community service officers may move in early because they are working in cramped space in city hall, McDaniel said.
"This is an impressive building," said council member Chris Regan.
"It looks good," council members Lisa Walters said. "Really, really good."
City engineer Shane MacKenzie was lauded for her work to bring the entire project together and get it implemented on time and under budget.
"She did a lot of juggling to get this done," said Public Works director Sam Adams.
"It's a gorgeous building, much nicer than I expected," said mayor John Idsinga. "I expect this to serve our community for the next 35-50 years."
McDaniel said it is a "huge thing" for the officers to come to a place they are proud to work out of and show their family and friends.
The building shows that "we do support our police department and public safety, and safety for the whole community," Idsinga said.
Over the next several weeks, artwork and other designs will be chosen and installed.
BG, GREEN MTN. LEVIES GET AXE
La Center, four other levies approved
Heidi Wallenborn
Bill Myers
Alice Perry Linker
Out of seven school levies up for voter action in Clark County Feb. 7, only Battle Ground and Green Mountain fell short of the required 60 percent approval.
The "yes" votes on levies for La Center, Camas, Washougal, Evergreen and Vancouver school districts ranged 61 to nearly 69 percent.
But in the Battle Ground School District, only about 51 percent of voters approved the levy.
Of the 31,139 registered voters in the district, 13,867 sent in ballots at last count, about a 45 percent turnout.
The levy would have brought in $66.8 million during the four years 2007-2010. In the first year, taxes would have been $2.59 cents per $1,000 assessed value on property. Currently, patrons pay $1.89 per $1,000. The present levy will expire Dec. 31, 2006.
District officials will regroup, gather community input, and likely come back with the same or a modified proposal on April 25.
"It's critical that we reach out to our community and figure out what next steps are," said superintendent Shonny Bria. "Community support is essential in order to provide a quality education for the students in our district."
If a second attempt fails, some teachers, nurses, middle school counselors, secretaries, assistant principals, and custodians could be given notice by May 15, she said.
The current levy represents 13 percent of the school budget for maintenance, curriculum, staff and activities.
Whatever was supported with those funds will likely be cut, officials said.
Voters also approved four new schools in a bond vote last year. Without levy maintenance and operations funds, those schools will be sparsely staffed and furnished, officials said.
District patron Kristine Sarkkinen is concerned about the overcrowding at Chief Umtuch Primary school.
"It's inhumane for kindergarten, first and second graders to be so jammed in," Sarkkinen said. "It's claustrophobic. I'm very disappointed in voters."
In addition to losing budgeted money, taxes already paid to the state will stay with the state, not be refunded to the district.
Had the levy been approved, $13.6 million would have been given back to the district in "levy equalization money" to be used for special education staff, unfunded mandates such as No Child Left Behind and WASL testing, and compensation for teachers who use personal time for school-related activities.
That money only comes back to communities that pass levies.
"The students in our district remain our top priority," Bria said. "I want to thank all those in our community who support education on a daily basis. We count on our community to help provide the resources necessary to give our children the best education possible."
Green Mountain voters nix levy
Green Mountain School District voters declined to replace a Maintenance of Operations Levy.
About 52 percent of District voters cast ballots.
Less than half of voters favored the replacement of an expiring $1.91 levy rate with a new rate of $2.91 per $1,000 assessed value.
The levy would have brought in $260,000 in 2007, $270,000 in 2008, $280,000 in 2009, and $290,000 in 2010, a total of $1.1 million.
The additional funds were sought to pay for a full-time janitor sevices and music/art teacher.
Superintendent Michael Grubbs said the District at least needs to continue the expiring "bare bones" levy at $1.91 per $1,000 assessed valuation. He said these levy funds pay for essential education programs.
"We need to act quickly to get the issue April 25 ballots," Grubbs said.
Grubbs said he hopes concerned citizens will attend discussions of the issue at a school board meeting on Thurs., Feb. 23, 7 p.m. at the Green Mountain School, 13105 NE Grinnel Rd., Woodland. Information telephone number is (360) 225-7366.
La Center schools get green light
La Center School District voters approved the four-year operations levy with a 61 percent "yes" vote.
"We're really thankful to be where we are," said District superintendent Mark Mansell. "We're thankful for the strong level of support."
Preliminary numbers indicate a low voter turnout for the district. The most recent count in October shows 4,405 registered voters. Of those, 1,899 sent in ballots.
The levy will generate $1.8 million in 2007, $2 million in 2008, $2.1 million in 2009, and $2.2 million in 2010.
The tax rate has been projected at $2.61 per $1,000 of assessed value on property.
"We've expanded some programs based on these new dollars," Mansell said. "We asked for additional K-12 counseling, more elective choices at the high school, and extra support for struggling as well as high-achieving kids."
The levy is not expected to support all anticipated growth, Mansell said.
"We're facing another 500 homes in three years," he said. "We'll probably have to put a bond out to handle growth."
STUDENTS OUSTED AT BG HIGH SCHOOL
Heidi Wallenborn
news director
In the 2004/2005 school year at Battle Ground High School, three students were suspended for making racial slurs.
Since Dec. 2, 2005, when students came forward who wanted approval of a Gay/Straight Alliance Club, there have been three in-house suspensions and 12 emergency expulsions.
Of those, six expulsions were for racial comments and nine were homophobic, said school officials.
An in-house suspension is when a student is confined to an office to do schoolwork and kept out of circulation from the rest of the student body, said principal Tim Lexow.
Emergency expulsions are made when there are concerns about safety, such as when comments are directed at people, or if the situation escalates into defiance and willful disobedience, Lexow said.
During the time the student is forbidden to be on school grounds, an investigation is done, Lexow said. That includes interviews with staff, witnesses, and checking the student's records.
Following emergency expulsions, students are allowed back to school after a meeting takes place with the parents and student, and ground rules are set. Students are away from school about three days, he said.
To date, no one is currently out on punishment, and there have been no re-offenders.
Zero tolerance
One incident which concerned administrators involved a white student saying "nigger" to a black student and cocking his hand and finger like a gun at him behind his back, said associate principal Jann Byrd.
The victim didn't hear the comment, but a staff member and some classmates did. They reported the incident and the offending student was temporarily ousted.
Typically, only staff, security and administrators overhear and report, not students, Lexow said.
In another recent incident, two students, a brother and sister, repeatedly and loudly shouted "fag" at each other in the middle of a crowd of students and refused to stop when told to do so by security guards, officials said.
It was reported that they explained the word "fag" means a cigarette.
Even if it was meant in jest, there is "zero tolerance" at the school for such antics, Lexow and Byrd said.
"We are not allowing any stuff," Byrd said, "not even kidding."
"To say a fag is a cigarette or bundle of sticks...well, it's not used that way today," she added.
An example of words and phrases not allowed are gay in a threatening context, fag, faggot, Jewing down, acting like a Jew, bunner, bun-head, any reference to the Ku Klux Klan, and nigger.
"Anything that is used as harassment to race, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation," said Lexow.
"It's not always how you say it, it's how it's perceived or overheard," Byrd said. "In the workplace you can lose your job. If it's at somebody or about somebody, that's a problem."
Why the spike in punishments?
School officials surmise that the increase in infractions, and hence punishment, is due to a number of factors.
The more vocal students are about accepting others and diversity, the louder the naysayers get, said Kelly Keister, District communications consultant.
"It's a handful of students making a lot of noise," she said.
Keister also believes that since the dress code enforcement, staff and administrators are more diligent and consistent with reporting offenders of any kind, and there is more security staff this year who add eyes and ears.
A mentoring group of older students who take younger students under wing has tackled the diversity issue for February's tip of the month.
Students of various backgrounds, ethnicity, experiences, gender, and family diseases participated in an exercise that had them standing inside or outside a circle.
Afterward, they "debriefed" about the experience, and asked students to go out and encourage diversity.
"There are really terrific students that want more awareness," Keister said. "A few problem makers are that much louder."
Although some parents have complained, most are supportive of the crackdown, Keister said.
"This has to be a safe place for all students," Lexow said. "We have to treat each other with respect."
BG MAYOR: "DAWN OF A NEW AGE"
Bill Ganley named Citizen of the Decade
Heidi Wallenborn
news director
"It's astonishing what 10 years can do to a community," said Battle Ground mayor John Idsinga.
In his Feb. 5 State of the City Speech presented to a crowd of more than 150, Idsinga took a walk down memory lane.
In attendance were all three Clark County commissioners, representatives from the governor's office, senator Patty Murray's office and congressman Brian Baird's office, Ridgefield Mayor Gladys Doriot and council member Gary Adkins, and other notables as well as citizens.
Idsinga called the last 10 years an "unusual decade of progress," and 2005 as a milestone.
Spattering his speech with the word "success," Idsinga took his audience back in time:
In 1995, the population in Battle Ground was 5,000. Today there are about 15,600. Then, the city was the fourth largest in the county; this year with planned annexation, it will be the second.
The average house price in 1995 was $115,000; today it is nearly $220,000.
Then, there were two developed parks and 17 acres of park land in the service area. Today there are eight developed parks, 122 acres of park land, and 66 acres of open space.
In 1995, the city was 1,879 acres. In 2005, it is nearly 3,000.
"Then, Battle Ground was a detour," Idsinga said. "Now, it is a destination."
In 1995, Battle Ground operated under a strong mayor form of government. Marvin Brothers was mayor, and angry squabbles between council members and the mayor were fodder for media.
In addition, there was a moratorium on water/sewer hookups, and citizens were asked to ration water until a new well was functional later that year.
"Over the last 10 years, we have invested in millions of dollars in new and improved transportation, sewer, water, and drainage systems, and private development has invested hundreds of millions more.
"I was elected to the city council in 1996 as part of the first council after the voters changed our form of government [to city manager/council]," Idsinga said. "But as an old saying goes, we only stand on the shoulders of the work of those before us."
Idsinga called council mayor and former mayor Bill Ganley to the podium.
Idsinga said Ganley planted the seed that made the successes of the last decade possible.
After he moved here in 1991 to work at Battle Ground High School as a teacher and coach, Ganley was appointed to the planning commission. He was elected to council in 1994, and spearheaded the campaign to change the city's form of government in 1996. He served as the city's first mayor under that form of government.
"He has brought consistent tenacity and energy to the leadership of this community," Idsinga said, and touted Ganley's involvement with the Regional Transportation Council, the state Transportation Improvement Board, the Clark County Railroad Advisory Board, and the C-TRAN board.
"He has grown to become our elder statesman," Idsinga said. "Without his efforts to be a catalyst for change, we would not have realized this last decade of progress."
Idsinga then pointed to a large screen that displayed Ganley's photo and the words, William J. Ganley, Citizen of the Decade.
A stunned and teary-eyed Ganley was told that a brick cornerstone for the new library will be purchased in his name as the crowd rose to its feet in a standing ovation.
"I'm totally shocked, surprised, and honored," Ganley said.
Looking to the future
"So what about tomorrow?" Idsinga said. "We are at the dawn of a new age of prosperity for the City of Battle Ground."
Citizens and city leaders are faced with the challenge of building Battle Ground to the unique greatness its potential holds, he said.
"When I look to the horizon, I see a Battle Ground of vibrancy, opportunity, and prosperity," Idsinga said.
Currently, aggressive capital improvement projects are winding down with the building of a new police station and public works operations center.
In the future, the old police station will be converted into a full, dedicated fire station for District 11.
There will be investments in new and better roads, safe, reliable and sustainable water supplies and sewage disposal systems, and drainage and flood control systems, Idsinga said.
About $1 million will be invested into Kiwanis Park to make it a "marquee element" in the park system. Fairgrounds Park will begin its "renaissance" in late July with the construction of a skate park.
The intent is to make Fairgrounds the city's flagship park, a destination for the region, an anchor for the east end, and a showcase of what the quality of life in Battle Ground has to offer, Idsinga said.
There are plans for a new sports field complex to replace current Little League fields on Remy Property, and hiking, biking and equestrian trails from there to link downtown with Battle Ground Lake and beyond to the East Fork greenway, Idsinga said.
For industry, a manufacturing center is set to break ground this spring, a fitness center will do the same this summer, and an agreement to create a "mixed use village" on the east side of town is in the works, he said.
"We are ripe for more retail and commercial investment," Idsinga said.
"Our real purpose is to partner with our citizen shareholders--both families and business," he said, "to make Battle Ground a community of choice."
"Success is never final," Idsinga said, "and failure is never fatal if you have the courage to continue."
COLLISION BLOCKS INTERSECTION IN BG
Heidi Wallenborn
news director
A collision about 2 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday closed the intersection at W Main and SR-503 in the heart of Battle Ground.
A Clark County Sheriff's deputy and a vehicle driven by Joshua D. Anderson, 25, Battle Ground, collided near the southbound lane as the deputy headed northbound responding to a call, said Sgt. Craig Hogman with the Sheriff's Office.
Deputy Dave Tendeler, 48, was behind clogged lanes of northbound cars on Feb. 5 with his lights and sirens on, Hogman said. The call was regarding a pedestrian struck by a vehicle north of Battle Ground.
Because Tendeler couldn't get through traffic, he moved into the southbound lane and began creeping into the intersection, Hogman said.
As he did so, the traffic signal light changed and Anderson and the deputy collided when the other driver turned west and south on a green light, Hogman said.
Hogman believes Anderson's view may have been blocked by the line of vehicles and didn't see the deputy, even though lights and sirens were on.
"We are required by law to be as safe as we can," Hogman said. "This is one of those unfortunate incidents."
Tendeler took a few days off for back spasms, Hogman said.
Anderson's 1988 Toyota MR2 was totalled. Anderson reportedly suffered neck pain but refused aid.
Tendeler's 2003 Ford Crown Victoria suffered $3,000 in damage. He reportedly refused aid for minor back pain.
SURVEY BLAMES TAXES, COSTS FOR BOND FAILURE
Ridgefield District respondents praise teachers
Bill Myers
staff reporter
Citizens in a recent Ridgefield School District survey blamed taxes and projected costs of new facilities for voter rejection of a bond measure last fall.
Survey results of 250 random telephone contacts with adults were discussed Feb. 1 at a special school board meeting.
District officials hoped the survey would show why voters rejected a $56 million bond issue that would have funded a new high school and other school improvements.
About 50 percent of voters approved the measure. A 60 percent majority is needed for passage.
Tom Eiland of survey company Conklin Fiskum & McCormick, Inc. said results have a plus or minus 6.3 percent margin of error.
Most respondents who said they opposed or were undecided about the bond gave high taxes and proposed costs as reasons. About a third blamed poor communication or said they lacked information.
Strongest support (65 percent) for a new high school came from citizens 35-54 years of age. Strongest opposition (43 percent) came from citizens 18 to 34 years of age.
Teachers get high marks
Overall District performance was graded above the state average, with 55 percent of respondents graded overall performance at A or B, said Eiland.
Only 4 percent of respondents assigned D or F grades to overall performance.
Most parents of students at District schools think highly of overall performance, according to survey results; 68 percent gave the District As or Bs for overall performance.
Parent opinions, said a survey summary, have slipped since 2000 when 82 percent of parents gave honor roll grades for overall performance.
About three of four respondents graded District teachers with As or Bs. Only 2 percent of survey takers gave teachers grades of D or F.
Survey takers were also asked to grade District superintendent Mary Vagner and the School Board.
Vagner received "As" or "Bs" from 29 percent of respondents, while 19 percent of respondents graded Vagner at D or F and almost a third of survey takers said they didn't know enough to assign a grade.
Slightly more than a third of respondents assigned A or B grades to the School Board. The Board got D or F grades from 12 percent of respondents and another 27 percent said they didn't know.
Some 65 percent of respondents said the District rated As or Bs for providing quality education, and 62 percent of survey takers graded the District A or B for informing the community.
About 46 percent gave the District high grades for getting parents and community members involved.
And 39 percent graded the District A or B for preparing students for work or college.
Only 30 percent, under a state average of 34 percent, gave District officials As or Bs for considering input from the community.
Positive face
Vagner said she was encouraged that 50 percent of voters supported the bond measure in an anti-tax election climate last November.
The superintendant said very positive comments came from citizens at four recent "listening post" meetings.
A Listening Posts Summary verified complaints about high taxes and project costs in the bond proposal. The Summary said citizens want bond information that shows what the community will get for its money.
Vagner said the District will improve communications with use of "the written word," and efforts of a Key Communications Group composed of boosters, PTA members and other citizens.
The Listening Posts Summary said citizens want to move forward with another bond election and want to get involved.
A citizens Bond Committee is headed by citizens Bill Baumann, 887-4444, and Jeff Vigue, 1-503-351-9673.
FOX COURT FILING SAYS COP HARASSED WOMEN
Bill Myers
staff reporter
Suspended Ridgefield city manager George Fox, in a U.S. District Court filing last month, denied charges of racism and said his accuser harassed women.
The filing, by Vancouver attorney Donald Greig, answered a lawsuit brought by Ridgefield police officer Carl Mealing, an African American who alleges he was fired by Fox because of race.
Fox ordered Ridgefield chief of police Bruce Hall to fire Mealing last September, allegedly before the expiration of Mealing's new employee probationary period.
Mealing was subsequently reinstated by the Ridgefield Civil Service Commission and placed on paid leave an pending investigation.
Ridgefield citizen Jaclyn Emter testified at a Civil Service Commission hearing that Fox told her that he fired Mealing "because he's black."
Fox was suspended with pay by the City pending an investigation. He denies Emter's allegation in the federal court document.
The filing alleges that Fox had "good reason" to believe Mealing had harassed women, both prior to and during his employment by the City of Ridgefield.
The document alleges that Police Guild members and their General Counsel informed Fox that Mealing had engaged in harassment of women.
Guild members allegedly urged Fox to conduct his own investigation because Hall and Mealing were friends.
Examples of harassment alleged in the filing were non specific. Complaints were "generic," with women complaining that Mealing was "bothering" or "upsetting" them, said Greig.
Greig said he could not be more specific. Incidents are still part of an investigation, he said.
Incidents mentioned in the filing include:
** Complaints to Fox by two elected officials that their daughters were harassed by Mealing. One allegation says Mealing followed a girl from place to place in his patrol car, and got out of the car and stood close to the girl each time she stopped. Mealing then allegedly followed her home and turned around in her driveway before leaving.
** Allegations to Fox by Police Guild members that Mealing harassed women at La Center casinos and a former female employee of a business in Ridgefield.
** Allegations to Fox by employees of a another Ridgefield business that Mealing had harassed an employee in a business parking lot.
Greig said Fox insists that he notified city council members about the complaints in executive sessions.
The court filing alleges two complaints against Mealing before he came to Ridgefield, one during military service and another while he was a police officer in Forks.
The filing asks the court to dismiss Mealing's complaint and to confirm any award from pending arbitration proceedings.
Fox has requested arbitration, seeking a legal defense from the City of Ridgefield and damages for breach of contract.
OBITS:
MABLE KNIGHT
Mable (Monthy) Knight, 82, died Feb. 11, 2006, in Vancouver.
Knight was born July 9, 1923, in Howard County, Iowa, lived in Lime Springs, Iowa, 1946-1953, Lynden 1953-1967, and in Woodland the past 34 years.
Knight was an elder in the Presbyterian Church in Woodland. She was active in the Republican Womens' Club. She loved to travel and play bridge. She had been chair of the board of the Whatcom County Library and a girl scout leader. She chaired the American Heart Fund and was active in the garden club. She served on the board of the fair in Whatcom County and was active in the Methodist Church in Lynden. She taught school in Iowa.
Survivors include widower Harold Knight of Woodland, sons George Knight of Woodland and Fred Knight of Everson, daughter June Jones of Woodland, brothers Charles Monthy and John Monthy, both of Tacoma, sister Ila Hammond of California, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were held at the Woodland I.O.O.F. Cemetery, with the Woodland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
IRENE BROCKWAYIrene Brockway, 80, died Feb. 11, 2006, in Vancouver.
Brockway was born Aug. 12, 1925, in Poland, and moved to American 54 years ago.
Brockway loved fishing, camping and hunting. She lived most of her life in the View area where she raised Holstein cattle. She was known in the community for her ability to tend ill livestock. She was a member of the Mountain View Christian Center.
Brockway was preceded in death by two sisters. Survivors include widower Wilbur Brockway of Vancouver, sons Lee Brockway of Vancouver and Jim Brockway of Nevada, daughter Joan West of Vancouver, seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held Sat., Feb. 18, at Mountain View Christian Center, 2810 NE 259th St., Ridgefield, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, is in charge of arrangements.
MARY GAULE
Mary Jane (Curlee) Gaule, 86, died Feb. 10, 2006, in Battle Ground.
Gaule was born Nov. 5, 1919, in Fort Worth, TX, and lived in Clark County for 60 years, 40 years in Ridgefield and the last 20 is Battle Ground.
Gaule enjoyed gardening and raising animals, especially cats. She had worked as a machine operator for Nabisco.
Gaule was preceded in death by her husband, James Gaule Sr., in 1985, and son Alfred Gaule Childress in 2000. Survivors include sons James Gaule Jr. of Battle Ground and Jerry Gaule of Oregon, daughters Mary Nielsen of Richland, Marcella Langford of Amboy, Linda Lawrence of Portland and Shirley Gaule, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held Thurs., Feb. 16, 2 p.m., at Layne's Funeral Home Chapel, Battle Ground, with committal at Northwood Park Cemetery, Ridgefield.
Layne's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
JOHN LOGUE JR.
John Quincy Logue Jr., 86, died Feb. 9, 2006, in Vancouver.
Logue was born Jan. 18, 1920, in Silverton, Georgia, worked as a meat cutter, and lived in Clark County for 55 years, the last 10 years in Battle Ground.
Logue was a member of the Pioneer Grange. He enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting.
Logue was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Logue, in 1995, and grandchild Rebecca Logue in 2004. Survivors include sons Rodney Logue of Ridgefield and Wayne Logue of Battle Ground, brothers Mason Logue, Frank Logue and Blake Logue, all of Florida, sisters Saralyn Thomas of Florida and Virginia Hays of California, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Fri., Feb. 17, 1 p.m., at Layne's Funeral Home Chapel, Battle Ground, with burial at Memory Memorial Park Cemetery, Vancouver.
Layne's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
CONSUELO WAGONER
Consuelo "Connie" M. (Martinez) Wagoner, 78, died Feb. 6, 2006, in Woodland.
Wagoner was born Dec. 22, 1927, in Los Angeles, CA, and lived in Clark County for 35 years, the last four months in Woodland.
Wagoner was a member of St. Mary of Guadalupe Church and Legions of Mary. She enjoyed craftwork, sewing, travel, flower and vegetable gardening, furniture relocating, jewelry making, crossword puzzles, dominoes, scrapbooks, dancing and singing. She volunteered for church fundraising and taught English to Spanish-speaking children.
Survivors include widower James Wagoner, at home, daughters Virginia Swift of California, Marciana Lugo of Puerto Rico and Celine Wagoner of Vancouver, sons Thomas Wagoner of Ridgefield, James Wagoner of Illinois, Joris Wagoner of Federal Way, Kevin Wagoner of Vancouver and Karl Wagoner of Kent, brothers Frank Sandoval, Joseph Martinez, and Robert Castro, all of California, sisters Caroline Pinon and Magdalene Sandoval, both of California, 25 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Burial was at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Ridgefield, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.
RONALD DOLLAR
Ronald Dollar, 83, died of stomach cancer Feb. 3, 2006, at home in Lincoln City, OR.
Dollar was born April 4, 1922, in Battle Ground, where he graduated from high school. He served in the Navy and Army.
Dollar owned stock in a Battle Ground-area steel fabrication business where he worked as a salesman. He retired in 1973 and moved to Lincoln City. He traveled to Arizona each winter for 22 years.
Dollar enjoyed traveling and rock hounding. His greatest joy was giving onyx eggs to everyone he met. He was a 60-year member of the Elks Lodge. He was also a member of the North Lincoln Grange, Lincoln County Pamona Grange, Union 50 Club, North Lincoln County Historical Museum, and AARP.
Dollars was preceded in death by son Ronald Dollar Jr., brothers Fred, Virgil, Linn and Robert Dollar of Battle Ground and Dick Dollar of Lincoln City, and sisters Dora Campbell and Dorothy Mattox. Survivors include widow Lorraine, at home in Lincoln City, sons Rodney Dollar and Richard Dollar, both of Lincoln City, sister Ruth Darrow of Battle Ground, eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
No services will be held. Dollar was buried at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, with Farnstroms Mortuary, Independence, OR, in charge of arrangements.