COUNTY PLANS NEW ROADS NEAR ORCHARDS

New circulation plan mapped for future growth

Bill Myers

staff reporter

The Clark County commissioners approved an updated SR-503 Circulation Plan near Orchards after a public hearing last month.

The Plan, designed to meet future industrial, commercial and residential growth demands between Orchards and Brush Prairie, adds 16 roadway segments to the County Arterial Plan Map.

Another 11 roads were slated for reclassification and/or upgrades.

County project manager Mike Mabrey said there are current no building plans for the newly-mapped road segments.

Some planned new segments may already exist as private roads, said Mabrey.

Planned new 3-lane arterials with bike lanes include:

** An arterial linking NE 139th and NE 144th streets between NE 92nd Ave. and SR-503.

** NE 137th Ave. between NE 99th St. and NE 114th St.

** An arterial linking NE 132nd and NE 137th avenues south of NE 144th St.

** An arterial linking NE 137th and NE 142nd avenues between NE 154th and NE 159th streets.

Planned new 2-lane collectors are:

** NE 108th Ave. between NE 99th and NE 119th streets.

** NE 107th Ave. between NE 119th and NE 134th streets.

** NE 124th Ave. between NE 114th and NE 119th streets.

** NE 107th St. between NE 104th and NE 112th avenues.

** NE 107th St. between SR-503 and NE 137th Ave.

** NE 112th St. between NE 132nd and NE 152nd avenues.

Newly mapped industrial/commercial streets with two or three lanes are:

** NE 134th St. between Laurin Rd. and NE 132nd Ave.

** NE 124th Ave. between NE 119th and NE 144th streets.

** NE 119th Ave. between NE 99th and NE 110th streets.

** NE 113th St. between SR-503 and NE 119th Ave.

** NE 119th Ave. between NE 113th and NE 119th streets.

A 2-lane collector, NE 142nd Ave., was added between NE 99th and NE 112th streets.

Some roads are slated for improvements.

Roads reclassified to 3-lane minor arterials with bike lanes:

** NE 139th St. between NE 72nd and NE 92nd avenues.

** NE 144th St. between SR-503 and NE 152nd Ave.

** NE 132nd Ave. from NE 114th St. to south of NE 144th St.

** NE 137th Ave. between NE 144th and NE 154th streets.

Commissioners reclassified NE 152nd Ave. between NE 99th and NE 144th streets as a 2-lane collector with bike lanes.

Roadways in industrial or commercial zones will have thicker pavement suitable for truck traffic, said Mabrey.

County officials issued a SEPA Determination of Non-Significance last November on the proposed map amendments.

Mabrey can be reached at 397-2375, ext. 4343 for more details.

BG FUGITIVE ARRESTED IN LA CENTER

Man wanted for abusing and imprisoning an elderly woman

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

Clark County Sheriff's deputies and tactical team swarmed on a house near Battle Ground Feb. 14 looking for a fugitive. They were unsuccessful.

On Feb. 15 about 11 p.m., La Center police received a tip that Loren Michael Low, 39, was enjoying a successful game of poker in a casino.

Officer Craig Wattson responded, identified the man, and arrested him based on a County warrant for second degree assault/domestic violence and unlawful imprisonment/domestic violence.

Low, a Battle Ground area resident, was booked at the County jail on the warrant, and two more charges of unlawful imprisonment and second degree assault, second degree rape, criminal mistreatment, and abandonment of a dependent person.

All charges are regarding a 79-year-old victim that had been in his care for nearly three years, court records state.

The alleged abuse of the elderly woman came to light during an interview with County deputy prosecuting attorney Camara Banfield at the Vancouver Clinic in Battle Ground.

The victim had walked into the clinic about 2 p.m. on Feb. 10 with "obvious sign of physical abuse" and an "obvious dislocated shoulder," the affidavit stated. The office manager called 911.

The victim said Low became angry while traveling eastbound on W Main St. when she wouldn't give him $100. He reportedly slammed on the brakes and grabbed and shook her. Then he reportedly began driving again, reached across the victim to open her door and pushed her out when she began to cry. He reportedly sped off and left her in the road.

The victim walked two blocks to the clinic, the report said.

"Primary caregiver for even the basic necessities"

The victim met Low when she lived in Vancouver a few years ago, the affidavit said. The residence behind her was a "drug house" and had been visited by police several times.

One day while gardening, she heard sobbing on the other side of the fence, the victim said.

Low was there, complaining about his extreme methamphetamine use and how it was ruining his life, the victim said. She offered support, comforting speech and sentiments.

The two struck up a friendship and after awhile, the victim agreed to let Low "take care of her the rest of her life" if she sold her house and gave him $20,000, the affidavit said. She had no one to take care of her and was considered a "lonely, elderly person."

In 2003, she sold her home. Using her money, Low reportedly bought a house in Venersborg and began mistreating her. He was now her "primary caregiver for even the basic necessities," the affidavit said.

Low reportedly put all the victim's belongings in storage, denied her food and ate in front of her, and made her sleep on a floor without a mattress. She was allowed to leave her room only to use the bathroom, and could not go anywhere without him as an escort, the victim said.

The victim survived an attempted rape, beatings, and near starvation over nearly three years, reports indicate. Low also reportedly took her Social Security checks.

At some point, the two moved to 20516 NE 167th Ave., Battle Ground, where the tactical team moved in with rifles and a K-9 unit looking for Low about 1 p.m. on Valentine's Day.

The house reportedly stank of animal urine and was cluttered and messy. The area the victim slept in was found, with her clothes in bags on the floor.

The victim was taken to a shelter out of the area. She didn't call 911 during the time she was imprisoned because she was "scared to death" of Low, the affidavit said.

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

Outside of a few references to Superbowl XL and the Lewis and Clark expedition, Clark County commissioner Marc Boldt focused on county finances and being self-sufficient in his Feb. 17 State of the County speech.

"The state of the county does not rely on our budget, on our economic development plan, on our growth plan, or even on annexation," Boldt said. "It is dependent on you, on me--on all of us."

"We cannot look to the state and federal governments to fix our problems," he said. "We need to be self-sufficient, and we need for county problems to have county solutions."

Boldt believes "the federal government is going to dry up" with its resources and funding because of the war, hurricanes, and earthquakes.

"We are not going to cry at the government in Olympia or the government in Washington, D.C., for making regulations and not giving us money. We will deal with it," he said.

As for unfunded mandates, Boldt aimed a message at the state legislature: "If you are going to give us a mandate and you want us to implement that mandate, then please fund that mandate. If you do not, we will not implement it."

Other highlights were:

** Budget: Boldt said the county is fiscally strong right now, but federal funding may fall flat. "It's more important that we rally our local resources."

** Taxes: Commissioners will seriously consider imposing a two-tenths of one percent sales tax within the unincorporated areas of the county. "Additional revenue from this small bump in the tax would help."

** Transportation: Commissioners will discuss bonding for roads this year and continue their support of a public transit system. They support building a third bridge across the Columbia River rather than rebuilding the I-5 bridge.

** Social services: Commissioners will reach out more to faith-based resources and other organizations that aren't funded by tax dollars to partner with in providing services to people in need.

** Annexation: Commissioners will work to make sure all annexations fit the entire community of Clark County, not just the entity involved. "It is our goal that cities and county all be financially whole."

** Growth Management Plan: The commissioner' growth plan calls for a variety of housing types so that people who want to have different lifestyle choices can find them all in the county.

** Jobs: Boldt said he wants the county and its cities to be a threat nationwide when it comes to attracting and retaining businesses. One key to that is to provide homes that are affordable for workers earning low and mid-level incomes--housing for all incomes and all ages.

** Environment: "We will protect our environment." Wetlands and habitat ordinances will come forward for review and adoption. Environmentally-sensitive lands will be protected while the county maintains its economic strength and strives to make sure the future generation can still buy a house in the area.

"Our goal is to have the best run county, not only in the state, but in the nation," Boldt said.

"What all of us know is that Clark County has many outstanding men and women who can achieve many things, but we must remember that collectively we can achieve greatness," Boldt said. "And next year we're going to win the Superbowl!"

OLD GARDNER CEMETERY TO GET FACELIFT

Nearly three acres added for the future

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

It's possible that people driving east or west on Hayes Rd. near Woodland never really noticed the old cemetery abutting the north side of the road surrounded by a fence.

But the Gardner Cemetery with its first burial in 1900 has enfolded several area residents for 106 years.

Most people buried there are pioneers, those who filed federal donation land claims, and their relatives.

Unless one had reservations, chances were slim of getting a plot in the 2-acre parcel.

But over time, money-conscious Cemetery District 5 commissioners have bought a few adjacent parcels for a total of nearly 5 acres.

"We'll be able to bury people here for the next couple hundred years," quipped Walter Hansen Sr., a cemetery district commissioner.

Grading and clearing work has begun, and renovations are planned for the existing cemetery.

Margaret Colf Hepola is one founding member of the District which formed in 1963. At that time she was joined by Frank Stanley Sr., Edna Syring, Verne Bauman, and Hazel Holms.

Hepola still serves as commissioner. Of the five, she and Syring are still among the living. Stanley, Bauman and Holms are buried near loved ones in the Gardner Cemetery.

"We never took money for meetings," Hepola said. "Our only bill has been the one for the light pole."

Hepola used to take $25 monthly for "keeping the books," but gave that up awhile ago. She takes care of cemeteries because "the dead need tending to." She's also a historian.

Hepola is also careful about who sits on the commission board; she wants those with historic ties to the community because they have something vested already.

"I've got two husbands and lots of in-laws buried here," she said, moving her hand in a sweeping gesture toward the northeast corner.

When renovations are done, the interred would likely thank the commissioners if they could.

New roads will be put in, as will spacious parking, landscaping, a new lawn with sprinkler system, a lean-to with a sitting area, a building to house bathrooms, and new fencing.

The workwill be in keeping with history, Hepola said. The building and fence will be made of stone and wood. The existing bell tower monument with its dedication plaque will likely be renovated with stone as well.

Plans include marking all graves for a new map, and putting information on a computer.

Hepola would also like to write a book about the history of all the families buried there, she said.

"I've read histories on the donation land claim pioneers," she said. "I feel like I know everybody."

History lessons in stone

Daniel White Gardner was the first person buried in the cemetery, on land he donated for that purpose.

Gardner and his wife, Lorena, and four daughters settled on that land in 1853 after crossing the Oregon Trail in 1852 from Iowa.

The trip took most of their resources. When he found land in the Hayes area, he staked his claim and began building a log home with a canvas tent roof.

Over time the family prospered and added three sons and two daughters and better homes. He served the community as the school teacher, hence the bell on top of the monument at the cemetery.

Gardner was also Justice of the Peace and Notary Public, an ordained minister for the United Brethren Church, and the first postmaster for the Hayes area, established at his home.

Walking through the cemetery with Hepola and Hansen doubles as a history lesson.

The duo, lifelong Woodland area residents, peruse tombstones in the historic cemetery and reminisce.

Chief Greywolf who died March 11, 2005 is buried there.

"He lived in the old Hayes school for 50 years," Hansen said.

Hepola points out the gravemarkers for the Roslunds, a couple who bought the Grist Mill in 1905.

Earl Myr, an ice skater, saw the first Ford put on the street in Detroit, MI decades ago, and his wife, Ella Myr, was one of the first Women Army Corps servicewoman in World War II to go to Algiers in north Africa. She was given a Legion of Merit award and knew president Dwight Eisenhower.

Earl died in 1988 at 99 years old. Ella passed away in 2001 at age 96.

There's other history at the burial grounds. Several tombstones pre-date 1900 by several years when Gardner was the first one buried.

Hansen solved the mystery.

In 1957, when I-5 was being constructed and the northbound bridge installed, it was discovered that a historic cemetery was in the way, Hansen said.

Families were notified and remains, including original tombstones, were moved to the Gardner Cemetery. The slight jog in the road before the bridge today is because a few descendants couldn't be found, and their loved ones had to stay put, Hansen said.

Reminiscing and wandering, Hepola stops and says the District is fortunate to be able to buy land to add more people.

Hepola's spot is already purchased.

Standing at the head of an empty space between two headstones, she points at the middle.

"I'll be right there, between my two husbands," she said.

When asked if it gave her the "willies" to stand at her gravesite, the 88-year-old ponders for a few seconds and said, "No."

"I spend so much time here," she said. "It will be like coming home."

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

A "family friendly" library is one reason the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District board voted 4-3 in favor of mandatory Internet filters in every library.

The prior policy required a minimum basic filtering system for users under age 17. Adults 17 and older had the option to turn filters off and access sexually explicit sites.

Library officials expect the unfiltered access option to end in a couple of months when a system reconfiguration is completed.

Basic mandatory filtering for all users will be in place after that.

Jack Burkman, Rose Smith, Karen Peterson and Merle Koplan voted for the change, although Peterson's vote was reluctant.

Peterson stated her vote was not based on family values, morality or "economic blackmail," but rather that porn is not a valuable information source for research.

Since a $44 million bond failure last year that would have paid for improvements in three Vancouver branches, board officials have sought public input about why the request failed.

A Dec. 12, 2005 public hearing was intended to gather ideas about next steps to solve library buildings' problems.

However, testimony at the hearing and other public comments focused on concern about Internet access and its impact on voting results.

About 450 messages from citizens were about two-thirds in favor of more stringent Internet filtering, Library officials said.

Board members who voted for the change said libraries should be known as family friendly places.

Opponents said there have been few problems with the other policy and believe adults should have access to legally protected information.

Librarian Jackie Spurlock for the Battle Ground Community Library said the board's decision will not likely affect day-to-day services there.

"I don't think people will notice much of a change here," Spurlock said. "Pornography is not a problem. We've never had any complaints of people viewing it.

The library has two Internet computers which are out of sight and heavily used, she said.

"People realize the value and don't abuse [computer use]," Spurlock said.

Because of more stringent filtering, there may be some changes in how the Internet is searched, she said.

"We'll see how it plays out," Spurlock added. "We'll be watching to see and taking comments."

In addition to working toward installing the new filtering programs, staff will hash out policies to enforce compliance, said communications director Sue Vanlaanen.

"Some guesses" are that the offender viewing a questionable site will be advised of the policy and asked to stop right away," Vanlaanen said.

If the offender doesn't stop, then it becomes a behavior problem, she said, and falls under a policy already in place for a variety of human behavior.

The patron could be asked to leave for a day or a week, depending on the nature of the violation, she said.

Other ideas to enforce the new policy are looking for "underblocking" where a questionable website got through the filter. That site would be manually blocked.

Staff will likely also look for patron access to sites whose sole purpose is to be a conduit to bypass filters, she said. Those too could be blocked.

"Our staff have a lot of questions," Vanlaanen said. "We have to figure out how proactive the staff is going to be. For example, what to do if someone is caught innocently looking at something they didn't realize was questionable?"

But Vanlaanen doesn't anticipate problems with patrons.

"For the most part, people are pretty cooperative," she said.

Bruce Ziegman, executive director for the District, said he looks forward to moving on to other issues.

"Now that the board has addressed the Internet filtering issue, we hope to refocus our energies on the 2006 strategic plan priorities."

Such priorities include getting a full benefit out of the District's electronic resources and addressing facility needs, he said.

LA CENTER COUPLE ACCUSED OF CONSPIRACY

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

Federal attorneys filed felony counts Feb. 9 in U.S. District Court in Tacoma against William and Gayle Mitten of La Center.

The couple faces one count of felony conspiracy to engage in conflicts of interest between a private and federal company over a period of nearly five years.

In court documents, The Mittens are accused of helping a Tulsa, OK company bilk the federal government of $650,000, in addition to taking kick-backs, and getting "gifts" valued at more than $14,000 during 1998-2001.

William Mitten was the director for the National Center for Utilities Management, part of the General Services Administration, a federal agency, court records state.

Based in Vancouver, Mitten helped provide natural gas in bulk rates for heating and cooling to federal hospitals, prisons, office buildings and other federal facilities. At one time, there were as many as 200 entities served, records state.

Tiger Natural Gas Inc. based in Tulsa, OK buys and sells natural gas to various entities. The Tulsa office has 17 employees.

From 1998 through 2001, Tiger was reportedly the Administration's primary contractor for a supply of natural gas to federal facilities. Mitten was in charge of the contract, officials said.

The alleged conspiracy was for Tiger officials to provide Mitten and other agency employees with the promise of lucrative employment in exchange for favorable treatment, records state.

Tiger officials were reportedly able to avoid government contract requirements and the company was treated differently than others that were similar.

Mitten also allegedly helped Tiger obtain financing and let officials keep and use money that had been collected for the agency.

Mitten was also to take what he'd learned during his employment at the agency and convert those functions into a private business, records state.

A woman would head the business because the government offers special advantages for women-owned businesses, court papers state. Tiger would pay $500,000 to Mitten to start up the subsidiary.

Tiger's web page announces that the company is "Minority Owned/Native American Woman."

Another charge is that Mitten helped Tiger officials secretly bill federal facilities at inflated rates to create a cash reserve of about $650,000.

According to Emilie Langley, spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Seattle, most of that money has been paid back through an out-of-court settlement.

Gayle Mitten was hired by Tiger in 1998 to work on natural gas sales including federal facilities, records state. A 1999 IRS form indicates she was paid nearly $8,000 for work done intermittently over about six months.

In 2000, Tiger officials reportedly met in Mitten's Pennsylvania hotel room to discuss supplementing Mitten's income with a bank account in his name as a reward for the money Tiger made off its contract with the federal agency, records state.

Shortly afterward, Mitten reportedly told Tiger officials he would work for them and open a branch in the Pacific Northwest.

In February 2001, he alerted agency officials that he planned to retire, and reportedly contacted Tiger officials that he was ready.

Langley said the Mittens never did go to work for Tiger as arranged.

Mitten is also accused of accepting free meals, gifts and entertainment from Tiger officials, totaling more than $14,000.

For example, Mitten was reportedly party to a $773 tab at a restaurant in Tulsa, $615 at a Portland Trailblazers game, and spent nearly $1,400 in a U.S. Open pro gift shop, along with having several meals at Beaches restaurant in Vancouver.

JEERS, SHOUTS ATTEND CASINO MEETINGS

Bill Myers

staff reporter3

Jeers, shouts and cheers greeted citizens who spoke at Feb. 15 and 16 meetings as federal officials explained the steps involved in tribal gaming applications.

Some 900 citizens attended the first meeting at Prairie High School.

About 200 hopefuls, unable to squeeze into the auditorium or an overflow room, milled about the Commons Area. They were invited to attend the meeting on the next night in Vancouver.

Supporters of a proposed Cowlitz Indian casino near La Center outnumbered opponents. Many occupied seats nearest the stage.

Casino advocates wore blue hats and tee-shirts bearing Cowlitz Indian logos, tokens from attendance at a pre-event, on-site pizza feed sponsored by the Tribe.

Opponents to the project didn't eat pizza. They were greeted in the Commons Area with handouts and badges saying "No Casino" with a "thumbs down" depiction.

Federal officials attending included Department of Interior officials, James Cason, associate deputy secretary, and George Skibine, acting assistant secretary for policy and economic development.

Other federal participants included Penny Coleman, acting general counsel for the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), and officials from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Official broadens public comment

The meetings were requested by U.S. congressman Brian Baird who said he hoped the meetings would make federal processes more transparent.

Federal officials used overhead projection presentations to plow through complex federal processes.

Steps to casino gaming must include completion of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which is now underway. A draft is expected to be available in March for public comment over a 75-day period. Officials anticipate at least two public hearings on the EIS.

Coleman explained a recent NIGC legal "restored lands" opinion that links Cowlitz tribal history to Clark County. She said the opinion could not be changed.

Under Section 20 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, federal acknowledgement of a tribe's "initial reservation" or "restored lands" can open the door to gaming on tribal land taken into trust by the Department of Interior.

An unexpected comment by Cason broadened the scope of public comment.

Cason said it will be his decision "in the end" whether to take land into trust for the Cowlitz Tribe. Trust status is a must if gaming is to take place.

"We're looking for help," said Cason to the audience. He then solicited "comments you think we ought to consider..." as well as questions about processes.

Parade to microphones

Citizens given two-minute time limits lined up at two microphones.

Proponents said a casino will bring economic development, good jobs and entertainment.

The door was opened to corridor development and gambling long ago, said Woodland area citizen John Clapp.

Other advocates said Cowlitz tribal members deserve a reservation and casino after years of denials by federal officials.

"It is hurtful to be told we are not welcome here," said one tribal member.

Some opponents, including Chuck Cushman, executive director of the American Land Rights Association, challenged Coleman's defense of the NIGC restored lands opinion.

"Why should we trust you?" asked Chuck Cushman, executive director of the American Land Rights Association.

Cushman said NIGC officials failed to read documents furnished to them about Cowlitz history. "They should start the process over again," he said.

Some opponents said a casino won't promote family values and will cause gambling addictions.

One woman said about 200 area residents couldn't attend the meeting because the room was crowded with Portland residents.

A tribal member said anyone with an area ancestry dating back beyond 1492 should be welcome at the meeting, regardless of where they come from.

Some opponents said casino noise, parking and traffic would harm the environment.

Threats?

Two La Center residents, both casino foes, cited what they described as examples of poor conduct.

Sandra Bennett said someone issued veiled threats and used vile language to her on the telephone after she opposed the casino in a letter to The Reflector.

Ron Ostrander told federal officials at the meeting that alleged threats recently reported by a Clark County daily newspaper against casino opponent Kamie Biehle and her family constitute "fascism."

The newspaper erroneously reported that a Clark County District court had issued a restraining order at Biehl's request against Cowlitz tribal member member Dave Barnett.

Biehl contends Barnett threatened to publicly embarass her and her son if she did stop opposing the casino. She said Barnett made the threats after calling her home at about 6 a.m. on the morning on Feb. 7.

Biehl applied for a restraining order. She says a court employee led her to conclude that an order was issued. Instead, a hearing on her application was set for Feb. 24 in District Court.

The Clark County daily newspaper erroneously reported that the restraining order had been issued.

Barnett declined to discuss the Biehl allegation, saying he had hired an attorney and plans to sue her for libel and/or slander.

Pilot Richard Ionata of Battle Ground played a key role earlier this month when Steve Fossett of Chicago set a new distance record for flying a plane without landing.

Fossett took off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida Feb. 8, flew easterly around the world, passed over Florida, and landed in England.

Fossett, 61, flew his "Global Flyer" plane 41,467.5 kilometers (about 26,389 miles), setting a new aviation record.

The flight was completed in about 76 hours.

The previous record of 24,987 miles was set by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager in 1986.

Ionata serves as vice chair of the Contest and Records Board of the National Aeronautic Association. The Board certifies and maintains flight records for various categories of planes and achievements.

Ionata flew to Florida Feb. 4, observed the plane fueling process Feb. 5-6, and certified the flight plan. He also placed sealing tape over the fuel filler caps, and over the cockpit door shortly before takeoff.

Ionata then flew to England to prepare for Fossett's arrival.

After Fossett passed over the last checkpoint and set the new distance record, he experienced generator problems and landed at Bournemouth Airport instead of a military strip at Kent.

Ionata flew from the Kent to Bournemouth to complete the certification work.

Ionata said he will certify the new record once he receives data from a flight recording system carried on the plane.

To reduce weight and therefore save fuel, some 80 percent of the tread on the plane's tires was shaved off. Both main tires went flat on landing.

Fossett's plane weighed about 22,023 pounds on takeoff, of which 18,263 pounds was fuel, said Ionata. Fossett lost about 750 pounds of fuel on takeoff due in part to the steep angle of ascent.

Fossett landed with about 200 pounds of fuel remaining.

The plane's ventilation system failed during the trip, causing the cockpit temperature to rise to about 130 degrees.

Ionata said Fossett set three records in 2005 including first solo flight around the world. In his latest effort, Fossett not only bested the distance record in his land-plane category, and traveled farther than even a previous balloon flight of 40,814 kilometers.

Ionata said Fossett flew about 380 miles per hour and reached altitudes of at least 51,500 feet.

Since retiring 10 years ago as a pilot with United Airlines, Ionata has certified 122 flight records. While most of his expenses are paid for travel, he is not paid for his certification work.

Ionata asked Fossett to autograph a Battle Ground Community Food Bank T-Shirt which will be auctioned during a fundraising dinner-auction to benefit the food bank in September.

BG SCHOOL BOARD TO STUDY LEVY OPTIONS

The Battle Ground school board will consider options for another try at levy approval during a meeting set for Sat., Feb. 25, beginning at 9 a.m., at the CASEE Center, 11104 NE 149th St., Brush Prairie.

The meeting could last all day.

District voters turned down a levy request in a Feb. 7 special election, giving the measure a 52 percent approval margin. Sixty percent is needed for passage.

District officials are conducting both a telephone survey and a newspaper poll to gauge voter reasons for levy failure and ideas for the future.

At a Feb. 14 board meeting, superintendent Shonny Bria explained that the deadline to file for an April 25 election is March 10, and the deadline for a May 16 election is March 31.

The latter option would require notifying some staff members that they could be laid off if the levy fails.

Board president Sam Kim said a second levy failure would result in the elimination of 54 full-time-equivalent (FTE) teaching positions involving 61 people, along with 31 FTE classified positions involving 108 people.

A second failure would also affect 12 assistant principals and two administrative positions, said Kim.

"These are not threats," said Kim. "These are things that will happen."

Marcia Christian, assistant superintendent for human resources for the district, described the demoralizing affects that reduction-in-force notices would have on staff.

Christian said the district might lose some skilled employees if such notices are distributed.

"Not passing a levy is not acceptable," said Kim.

Board members were told that the defeated levy was too much of an increase for voters. Volunteers with Citizens for Better Schools said their phone calling had shown voter unhappiness with the higher levy amount. And a Battle Ground businessman said his informal poll confirmed that the increase led to negative levy votes.

Melissa Small, who headed the Citizens for Better Schools citizens' committee, said volunteers called about 12,000 district patrons to advise of the upcoming election and explain what the levy was for.

Small said those opposed to the levy mentioned three reasons in fairly equal numbers: Gay-Straight Alliance Club, liquor license denial, and increase in tax rate.

The recent levy election attracted at least 1,000 more voters than the March 2005 bond election.

While acknowledging that the bigger turnout was positive, "the large voter turnout hurt us," said Small.

Maria Tormanen, also with the citizens' committee, said the time has come for an on-going public relations effort to better tell the district's story. She called for the hiring of a public relations person to distribute information year-round.

District spokesperson Kelly Keister noted a distinction between "public relations" efforts and "public communications."

Keister said the district should listen to patrons and hear their stories before expecting patrons to understand what the district has to say.

"We must understand people before we can ask them to understand us," said Keister.

Keister offered last year's bond election as an example of successfully involving the public in decisionmaking. Even though members of a citizens' committee did not see eye-to-eye on bond issues, the public concluded that issues were debated and trusted the process, said Keister.

"The more people believe their input is reflected in decisions, the more likely they are to be involved," said Keister.

Lynn Davidson, who heads the Battle Ground Education Association, said teachers worked hard on the Feb. 7 levy which would have sustained the district. "We will work to make the next election successful," pledged Davidson.

"To me, it was a devastating defeat," said Kim. "We have got to have a package that will pass. If we don't get 60 percent of the voters, it's worth nothing. Let's make sure that this one will pass."

EDITORIAL:

KEEP CURRENT POLICY

Pressure is building to change the criteria for voter approval of school levies from the current 60 percent requirement to 50 percent.

Both the legislature and the public should turn back this plan.

Area legislators are split on the issue. State representatives Deb Wallace (D) and Richard Curtis (R) favor a change to 50 percent, while Ed Orcutt (R) and Jim Dunn (D) oppose the idea.

Legislators offer different reasons for their positions.

Orcutt points out that the state Constitution limits property taxes to one percent of value. He supports the 60 percent rule to override any provision of the Constitution.

Curtis says the rapidly-growing population requires more and more "yes" votes for levy passage, and relates that situation to the need for a 50 percent rule.

Wallace says the 60 percent rule dates back to the Great Depression and "stealth elections." Times have changed, she says.

Dunn points out that levy elections are decided by a minority of eligible voters, and that not all voters are aware of elections being held in months other than September and November.

This writer believes that the 60 percent rule is good government policy. While 50 percent plus one is sufficient to elect a school board member, it should not be sufficient to encumber an unwilling 50 percent minus one to paying increased taxes.

The downside of putting up with an objectionable school board member is not as severe as paying money.

In the recent election, 45 percent of eligible voters cast ballots. Under the proposed rule, just half of those, or about 22 percent of eligible voters, could have encumbered all the rest--nearly 80 percent--to pay money.

In the Battle Ground School District, 48 percent of registered voters cast ballots. Some 52 percent of those voted yes. Had the 50 percent rule been in place, less than 7,000 voters (23 percent) could have forced the other 23,000 to pay higher taxes. That's not good public policy anyway one looks at it.

While it's easy to say people ought to vote or they shouldn't complain, the fact is voters cannot or should not be forced to cast ballots.

All other big-district levies passed on Feb. 7, mostly with margins well past the 60 percent mark.

An occasional levy failure is not the time to change the state Constitution. It's the time to listen to the voters and reflect public views in the educational process.

Marvin F. Case

Bill Myers

staff reporter

Two Hockinson residents are appealing a Clark County Hearings Examiner's ruling that opens the door to placement of a cell tower in the Rural Center.

Citizens Rick Curry and Helen Beth Morris want County commissioners to reverse a Jan. 25 decision by Hearings Examiner Richard Forester.

Forester's decision would allow Voice Stream Wireless Co. to apply for a conditional use permit and site plan review to build a 150-foot monopole on Elim Lutheran Church property at 15815 NE 182nd Ave., Brush Prairie.

Curry, representing the Hockinson Homeowners Association, told Forester at a Jan. 17 hearing that area residents didn't have a chance to discuss the specific location or design of the tower.

Citizens at a public meeting in June 2004, said Curry, received only general information about the tower, described then as only 120-feet tall.

Morris, who says the tower would be clearly visible from her home, said cell towers are not located at the centers of other communities--and one should not be a centerpiece in Hockinson.

"This will be an eye sore in the center of a quaint community," said Morris.

Curry and Morris contend the tower could be co-located on a Clark Public Utilities water tower on NE 164th St. or placed elsewhere.

Tom Mendonca, a resident of the Finn Hill Subdivision near the water tower, said he and most of his neighbors would object to having a cell tower connected to the water tower.

Mendonca said he doesn't fault others for appealing the Hearings Examiner decision.

The tower should be located in a remote area where it will effect no one or the fewest number of people, Mendonca said.

Curry said there are plenty of high locations in nearby hills where the tower wouldn't mar view of homeowners.

Clark County Community Development project manager Terri Brooks said commissioners will review written comments and discuss the appeal without public testimony on Wed., April 5 at 1:30 p.m.

The meeting will be in the 6th floor Commissioners Hearing Room at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin Ave., Vancouver. Brooks can be reached for more information at 397-2375, ext. xxxx..

RTC OK'S TRANSIT STUDY

Focus will be on high capacity transit

Bill Myers

staff reporter

Regional transportation officials on Feb. 7 approved a $1.8 million study of high capacity transit in Clark County.

Regional Transportation Council (RTC) director Dean Lookingbill in a Jan. 31 summary, said the study will explore regional transport problems including specific corridor options.

All high capacity transit alternatives, not just light rail, will be examined with particular attention given to transit on the I-5, I-205 and SR-500 loop.

The study will include a review of potential connections to high capacity transit solutions that may result from the Columbia River Crossing project.

Lookingbill said a preliminary analysis will identify feasible corridors for high capacity transit, causes and potential fixes of transportation problems in such corridors and costs/benefits.

Funding for the study will come from $1.488 million of Federal Transit Administration funds appropriated in 2004 and $372,000 in local matching funds.

Lookingbill said there is as yet no framework for local matching funds. The RTC Board will need to identify sources for such funding. Funding is possible from RTC members with interlocal agreements, he said.

Information about the expected scope of work and how to approach the study, expected to be an 18-month to two-year project, will be presented to RTC members in May, said Lookingbill.

The RTC will be the lead agency, managing the study with a consultant contract, Lookingbill said.

Voters rejected light rail in 1995

County voters soundly defeated a ballot measure in 1995 that would have extended light rail services in Portland to NE 99th St. in Vancouver. The proposal called for funding from higher sales and motor vehicle excise taxes.

Transit is an important component of the regional transportation system, said Lookingbill.

Real and projected growth are forcing officials to examine transit options, he said.

Lookingbill said Clark County will have another 200,000 residents and nearly 115,000 new jobs within the next 20 years. "This increase in residents is equal to another 13 cities the size of Battle Ground and almost a doubling of today's employment," he said.

Provisions in a Strategic Plan Element of an RTC Metropolitan Transportation Plan adopted in December 2005 call for the evaluation of all high capacity transit options.

INTERIM CITY MANAGER GETS PAY HIKE

Bill Myers

staff reporter

Ridgefield city council members meeting Feb. 9 approved a temporary pay hike for interim city manager Justin Clary.

The pay adjustment, called "Responsibility Pay," adds $1,000 to Clary's $6,525 monthly public works director salary.

Council members approved the increase retroactive to Clary's appointment as interim city manager on Jan. 1. The increase will remain in effect while Clary performs city manager functions.

Mayor Gladys Doriot praised Clary for working long hours to perform city manager duties following the suspension of city manager George Fox. He should be paid for the job he is doing, said Doriot.

Fox was suspended with pay pending an investigation into allegations of racism by an African-American police officer.

Profile of stability

Clary, 34, was born in St. Joseph, MO, and raised in Kennewick while his father worked at the Hanford Nuclear Power facility.

After graduating from Kennewick High School in 1990, Clary majored in engineering at Washington State University, earning a bachelor's degree in 1994.

For the next nine years, Clary worked in California, Kansas and Seattle as an engineer for International Technology Corp., a company that underwent two name changes and is now the Shaw Group.

Clary was with Shaw Group's Seattle office in June 2004 when he was hired as public works director in Ridgefield.

Married, Clary lives with his wife Kerri and daughters Kate, 3, and Beth, 1, in Ridgefield.

Clary, a WSU Cougar and Seattle Seahawks fan, said family hobbies, hiking and camping, will resume when Beth gets a little older. He said he also enjoys fishing and hunting.

COUNTY VACATES ROADS

Bill Myers

staff reporter

Clark County commissioners meeting Feb. 14 approved requests to vacate NE 224th Circle and NE 7th Court.

The roadways access homes in March Estates, a new development of custom homes north of NE 219th St. and west of NE 10th Ave., Ridgefield.

The vacated streets dead-end at cul-de-sacs.

County spokesperson Louis Benedict said roadways were vacated at the request of property owners who want to have a private, gated community.

OBITS:

CLAIRE KREINBRING

Claire Annette "Tootsie" (Hurd) Kreinbring, 69, died of a heart attack Feb. 18, 2006, in Vancouver.

Kreinbring was born May 12, 1936, in Grand Forks, ND, and lived in Clark County for 28 years, 23 years in Brush Prairie.

Kreinbring was manager of the General Store in Brush Prairie for several years, a position she greatly enjoyed. She also enjoyed fishing, camping, being outdoors, traveling, computer games and country-western music. She had been a ham radio operator for over 15 years.

Kreinbring was preceded in death by son Stephen Pruett in 1994 and daughter Cynthia Pruett in 1999. Survivors include husband Earl Kreinbring, at home in Brush Prairie, sons Ken Pruett and Doug Pruett, both of Vancouver, step-son Jeff Kreinbring of Vancouver, step-daughter Tracy Betcher of Orcas Island, brother Ken Hurd of North Dakota, sisters Cynthia Shereck of Oregon and Denise Poster of North Dakota, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and three step-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held Wed., Feb. 22, 11 a.m., at Layne's Funeral Home Chapel, Battle Ground, with Layne's Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

GARY FOSTER

Gary Lon Foster, 72, died Feb. 20, 2006, at home in Woodland after a long battle with emphysema.

Foster was born Oct. 19, 1933 in Timber Lake, SD to Gerald and Mildred (Collins) Foster. He grew up and attended school in McMinnville and Carlton, OR. He moved to Toledo, OR and worked for Cascadia Lumber Company.

Foster married Helen E. Lovejoy, also from Carlton, on Feb. 28, 1955. In 1963, he moved his family to Woodland where he worked for Joe Zumstein Logging for more than 20 years. He then worked for Land Works Northwest for several years before retiring. His love for his job showed in everything he did.

Foster loved to spend time with his family. He had a special interest during his early years in his horse named Red, taking him to fairs and rodeos. Foster was a member of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Posse with his horse. He also had a love for football, Nascar and old western shows.

Foster is survived by his wife of 50 years, Helen, at home in Woodland, sons Rob Foster of Montana, Ron Foster of Vancouver, and Randy Foster of Oregon, brothers Don Foster of Florida and Dwight Foster of Oregon, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at Mt. View Christian Center, 2810, NE 29th St., Ridgefield, Sat., Feb. 25, 11 a.m. Burial will be at Frank Abel Cemetery in Woodland at 2 p.m. Viewing will be Fri., Feb. 24, 4-8 p.m., at Woodland Funeral Home. Woodland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

John Ellsworth Deputy, 64, died Feb. 16, 2006 in Clackamas, OR, after a long illness with Parkinson's disease.

Deputy was born Nov. 4, 1941 in Vancouver to Addison and Agnes Deputy. He was an only child.

Deputy attended Battle Ground schools most of his life except for two years in Denver, CO. He was a 1959 Battle Ground High School graduate. He attended Clark College to study civil engineering. In 1962, he went to work for the Washington State Department of Transportation as a tech and worked his way up to a civil engineer rating. He worked there 30 years.

Deputy was a deacon and elder in the Lake City Christian Church in Seattle. He was awarded Man of the Year there in 1972. He was also a member of the Lake City Elks.

Deputy and his family moved to Vancouver in 1973. He was on the Lay Advisory Committee for Battle Ground Schools and was involved in Little League and soccer, Youth Basketball Association, Boy Scouts and the Booster Club for Prairie High School. He received a Golden Acorn Award from the Parent-Teachers Association at Pleasant Valley Middle School.

Deputy enjoyed cards, bowling, golfing, and playing pool.

Deputy is survived by daughter Laurie Duff of Vancouver, son Darren Deputy of Ridgefield, and five grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held Sat., Feb. 25, 11 a.m., at Layne's Funeral Home Chapel, Battle Ground, with Layne's in charge of arrangements. Private interment will be held in Brush Prairie Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation.

FLORENCE WALL

Florence "Maxine" (Owens) Wall, 92, died Feb. 13, 2006, in Battle Ground.

Wall was born April 1, 1913, in Cottage Grove, OR. A 75-year Clark County resident, she lived the past 10 months at her home in Battle Ground.

Wall was a member of Meadow Glade Seventh-day Adventist Church where she was a treasurer for several years.

A homemaker, Wall enjoyed cooking, reading and swimming.

Wall was preceded in death by her husband, Emil Wall, in 1966. She is survived by sisters Verdell Cox and Virginia Wilson of Battle Ground.

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

LOWELL BOOTH

Dr. Lowell Sheldon Booth, 55, died Feb. 13, 2006 in Clackamas, OR.

Booth was born March 11, 1950 in Walla Walla. He was a 19-year resident of Clark County and resided the past 16 years in Hockinson.

A dentist, Booth had an office in Vancouver for seven and one-half years, practiced his craft in Vancouver since 1987, and was a member of the American Dental Association, Washington State Dental Association, and the Clark County Dental Society.

Booth was a member of the Meadow Glade Seventh-day Adventist Church. He enjoyed birding, nature studies and riding motorcycles. He also enjoyed traveling and had traveled to Mexico, Central and South America, and all 50 states. He enjoyed music and played the French Horn, guitar and piano.

Booth is survived by his widow, Marsha Booth, at home in Brush Prairie, daughters Sharla Carlson of California, Sarah Booth of Brush Prairie, and Shari Booth, at home in Brush Prairie, and sister Laurie Booth of Oak Harbor.

Burial was at Crawford Cemetery, Battle Ground, with Laynes' Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Donations can be made to the Dr. Lowell S. Booth Rosario Scholarship Fund, Walla Walla College, 204 S College Ave., College Place, WA 99324.

JOHN SHAFER JR.

John Stanley Shafer Jr., 75, died Feb. 15, 2006 in Heisson.

Shafer was born Sept. 20, 1930, in Palo Alto, CA. He was a Clark County resident 16 years, residing the last three years at home in Heisson.

Shafer was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, having served in the Air Force.

Shafer was a sales representative in the automotive parts industry. He enjoyed fishing and was a member of the Model A Club, National Rifle Association, and Wolverton Mountain Gun Club.

Shafer is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joyce Shafer, at home in Heisson, daughters Diane Hanson and Marti Wilson, both of Oregon, son John S. Shafer III of Oregon, sisters Martha Raffaele of Virginia and Helen Gray of Ohio, and nine grandchildren.

Layne's Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

LETCHER HUNTINGTON

Letcher Laverne Huntington, 96, died Feb. 16, 2006, at home in Battle Ground.

Huntington was born Nov. 12, 1909, in Castle Rock, and moved to Portland with his family as a baby. Huntington graduated from Walla Walla College and served as a pastor with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

In 1939, Huntington organized an Seventh-day Adventist Church in John Day, OR, and in 1940, served as a missionary in Southern India. He evacuated to South Africa during World War II and after two years returned to India.

Huntington served as pastor in churches in Kelso, and several cities in Oregon.

Huntington taught archery to youths and made archery target bows.

Letcher's wife Lizzie McLeod died in 1973. In 1976, he married Viola Winn-Vipond and moved to Meawdow Glade. He enjoyed woodworking and made furniture. Survivors include widow Viola Huntington, at home in Battle Ground, daughter Brooke Stafford of Battle Ground, step-sons Terry Vipond of Oregon and Randy Vipond of California, step-daughter Karen Fisher of Oregon, sister Margaret Gilbert of Oregon, three grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, eight step-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Thurs., Feb. 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, with graveside services Fri., Feb. 24, 2 p.m., at Columbia Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 325 Sunset Blvd., Warren, OR, and then memorial services Sat., Feb. 25, 4 p.m., at Meadow Glade Seventh-day Adventist Church, Battle Ground.

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

FAYE ROSENCRANS

Faye Dorothy (Wood) Rosencrans, 92, died Feb. 12, 2006, in Vancouver.

Rosencrans was born July 30, 1913, in Vancouver. She worked as a secretary for 10 years at Amboy School, and later in a library in Vancouver schools. She was active in First Church of God in Vancouver. She enjoyed music and playing the piano.

Rosencrans was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Argyle Rosencrans, in 1983, and three sisters. Survivors include brother David Steinhoff of Tacoma, daughters Sharon Hyke of Portland and Glenda Dontos of Oak Harbor, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Evergreen Staples Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, was in charge of arrangements.