BG TO TAKE ANOTHER SHOT AT LEVY

by Kristin Gabbert

and Heidi Wallenborn

Battle Ground school board chair Sam Kim said Feb. 25 that he's not interested in being in a District that won't pass a levy.

At a special Saturday meeting, school board members, staff and patrons discussed options for again seeking voter approval of a maintenance and operations levy.

The Reflector came under fire from some staff and community members for not printing only positive letters to the editor and articles about the District and its schools.

In February, voters defeated a $67 million, four-year request to renew a levy set to expire at the end of this year. The levy would have taxed property owners at $2.59 per $1,000 assessed value beginning in 2007, with an estimated rate of $2.93 in its fourth year.

On Feb. 25, school board members voted 4-1 to ask voters to approve a lesser amount in a May 16 vote. If approved, the levy would raise $59.9 million at a rate of about $2.39 for four years. Cecil Schlecht voted "no" because he believes the rate is still too high.

The rate is based on eight percent growth in assessed valuation annually over the four years. If growth exceeds eight percent, the levy rate would decline.

Last year, the District's assessed value grew by 22 percent, said Kelly Keister, communications consultant.

Telephone survey results

A random telephone survey of 250 people in the District taken after the levy failure revealed patron sentiments about the levy.

About 33 percent said the proposed levy was too costly. Concerns about spending priorities and the total cost were also identified. About eight percent said they needed more information.

A communications line set up at the school for voters to anonymously give input on why the levy request failed garnered 68 responses. More than half asked the board to lower the amount, or keep the rate the same as the current levy.

"This is like the monkey that puts a hand in the cookie jar and grabs so many cookies that he can't get his hand out," one patron said. "The board needs to make the next levy more in line with the one that is expiring."

Other staff members argued that schools are already running on a "bare bones budget" and are not asking for anything excessive.

Forums scheduled

The District will host two community forums to get feedback on the proposed levy and spending priorities.

Patrons will be asked to comment on how the levy money should be spent.

Levy dollars can only be used for maintenance and operations needs.

The forums will be held Wed., March 15, at Amboy Middle School, and Thurs., March 16, at Laurin Middle School, both at 6:30 p.m.

Board members said they are determined to listen to the community to make sure the levy meeds the needs of children.

"I believe in our community," said Keister, "that the community cares about our children and that we can come together to meet their needs."

March 31 is the deadline for an approved levy resolution to be submitted to the Clark County Elections Office for the May 16 election date.

COURT RESTRAINS TRIBAL LEADER

Casino foe says calls were threatening

Bill Myers

staff reporter

A Clark County District Court commissioner issued an anti-harassment order Feb. 24 to a Cowlitz Indian tribal leader.

The order, issued at the request of La Center resident Kami Biehl, restrains David Barnett, a tribal spokesman and son of tribal chairman John Barnett, from surveilling or contacting Biehl or her children.

District court commissioner Kelli Osler issued the order after hearing testimonies and attorney arguments.

Barnett, 45, did not attend. Vancouver attorney Steven Thayer representated Barnett and presented a signed declaration from him.

Biehl, the founder of Stand Up for Clark County, a group opposing a proposed Cowlitz tribal casino near La Center, was represented by Portland attorney Jeanne Chamberlain.

The La Center woman lives in La Center with her former husband and two sons.

Biehl claimed an escalating course of conduct by Barnett alarmed and harassed her, causing her to resign as leader of the opposition group.

Behaviors cited by Biehl began in 2003 at a Woodland Chamber of Commerce meeting where she said Barnett yelled derogatory remarks to her.

Chuck Cushman, executive director of the American Land Rights Association, who also opposes the proposed casino, testified that Barnett later told him that Biehl was a substance abuser.

Biehl said telephone calls from Barnett in 2005 were troubling.

She said Barnett warned her to stop her opposition or people she did not know would accuse her of things, such as doing drugs.

Biehl said Barnett asked her if she wanted everyone, including her children, to know she was "the town drunk." She said she was frightened when he joked about the appearance of her home.

Biehl said Barnett called her home on Feb. 7, 2006, at 6:12 a.m. and demanded that she remove certain copywrited documents from her group's website.

Biehl said Barnett told her to stop opposing the casino or he would distribute flyers that would humiliate her and her family. She said he claimed to have "provocative" photographs of her buying beer at a store and said, "this is going to get ugly."

In his declaration, Barnett said he called Biehl on Feb. 7 from the east and apologized for overlooking the difference in time zones.

Barnett said he never engaged in a "knowing and willful course of conduct" that would cause Biehl "substantial" emotional distress.

Barnett said the timing of Biehl's petition for a restraining order was suspicious, coming days before area meetings conducted by federal officials.

Barnett said Biehl's allegations should be closely scrutinized because she misrepresented the outcome of her initial request for a protection order to the press.

Barnett's reference was to a court appearance by Biehl Feb. 13 when she informed a Vancouver daily newspaper reporter that a temporary anti-harassment order had been granted. Instead of issuing the restraining order, the court had scheduled the Feb. 23 hearing.

Biehl testified that she and friends with her on Feb. 13 believed the court had granted a temporary protection order.

Court aide Judie Woolridge testified that she thought she made it clear to Biehl that no order was granted.

Osler, on duty as commissioner on Feb. 13, said Biehl and the Vancouver daily were confused. In the future, people will understand clearly when no order is in effect, she said.

Commissioner rules

The commissioner said Barnett's declaration did not contain denials of specific threats he allegedly made to reputations of Biehl and family members.

Osler said early encounters with Barnett did not constitute harassment. But, said Osler, two recent calls "degraded" to personal attacks which are harassment.

Thayer said he disagrees with Osler's ruling, but said an appeal is unlikely.

MEALING QUITS APPEAL, CLAIMS BAD FAITH

Officer alleges hostile work environment

Bill Myers

staff reporter

Ridgefield police officer Carl Mealing, who claims he was fired because of race, ended an effort to get his job back at a Feb. 23 Civil Service Commission hearing.

The former officer charges city officials with bad faith.

Civil Service commissioners held the hearing to determine if Mealing, an African-American, was a probationary or permanent employee when fired Sept. 28, 2005.

Mealing was reinstated by commissioners and placed on paid leave pending an investigation. He appealed his termination to the Commission.

Vancouver attorney Jay Trumble, representing Mealing, said the hearing was supposed to be about why Mealing was fired.

After terse exchanges with city attorney Michael Wynne, Trumble withdrew Mealing's appeal of the termination. The matter will now be litigated in courts, he added.

Mealing filed a lawsuit Dec. 1 in federal district court at Tacoma, charging wrongful termination.

In the suit, Mealing claims that city manager George Fox ordered the chief of police to fire him, then later admitted to an acquaintance that he fired Mealing "because he's black." Fox was placed on suspension with pay pending an investigation.

The Civil Service Commission hearing was contentious from the start.

Trumble debated the purpose of the hearing with commissioners and Wynne.

The purpose, said the commissioners and Wynne, as stated as the "issue at hand" in a Feb. 17 letter to the attorneys from the Commission, was to determine if Mealing was a probationary or permanent employee at the time of termination.

Trumble disagreed. He argued that Wynne had said at a Dec. 13 Commission hearing that a job offered to Mealing considered him a permanent employee. Trumble said the hearing should air reasons for Mealing's termination.

Wynne said he objected to getting into any settlement discussions with lawsuits filed and other attorneys involved who were not present.

Wynne said he sent a letter in November 2005 offering to reinstate Mealing, but did not stipulate that Mealing was a permanent employee.

Commission attorney Chris Sundstrum said the stipulation was made. "It was done," said Sundstrum. The question is if you had the authority."

"No, I did not," said Wynne.

Commissioners Janet Healy and Jean Burrell said the purpose of the hearing was to determine Mealing's employment status.

Heated exchanges again boiled from Trumble and Wynne.

"Gentlemen--quit interrupting each other--please!" said Sundstrom.

Trumble then produced three prepared notices withdrawing Mealing's appeal.

One notice alleged error by the Commission. Another alleged bad faith conduct by the city.

A third notice said the withdrawal was based on "futility." Copies of depositions made following Mealing's termination were included.

Hostile work environment alleged

Trumble used a deposition from police chief Bruce Hall, taken after Mealing's termination, to support his contention that the Ridgefield workplace would not be safe for his client.

The deposition references a complaint by a police officer that senior officer/guild president Kathy Doriot used a racial slur when referring to Mealing. Doriot is the daughter of Ridgefield mayor Kathy Doriot.

Hall said in the deposition that another officer and guild member, John Foster, tried to provoke Mealing into a fight.

In the deposition, Hall said, "there's evidence of a hostile work environment."

Commissioners terminate Mealing's pay

Members of the Civil Service Commission met Feb. 24 and terminated Mealing's pay status effective immediately. Mealing was paid $3,443 monthly.

EDITORIAL:

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.

NEW COUNTY PLANNERS SEATED

Bill Myers

staff reporter

New members Milada Allen and George Vartanian were seated at a Feb. 16 meeting of the Clark County Planning Commission.

The Board of Clark County commissioners named the new appointees to six-year terms on Feb. 9. They will replace retiring commissioners Vaughn Lein and Carey Smith.

Allen, born in China, moved to Portland at age 17 with her parents. She graduated in 1974 from Portland State University.

Advanced degrees include a master's degree in Land Use Planning and Public Administration from the University of Alaska, and a doctorate in Public Administration from the University of LaVerne in San Dimas, CA.

Allen is president of the Felida Neighborhood Assocation and vice president of Friends of Clark County. She also volunteers with several other organizations.

Vartanian, born in New York and raised in Connecticut, earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Connecticut.

Before retiring from a 25-year business career as an accountant and production manager for Alumax, Inc., Vartanian began serving his communities as a volunteer.

Vartanian served on land use advisory committees, including current membership on a committee drafting a new mixed-use zoning ordinance. He serves on the executive board of the Fairgrounds Neighborhood Association.

Allen said proper planning and land use regulation are important for public health and safety. It is proper to preserve a suitable environment for future generations, she said.

"But we can't tell someone they can't develop just because we don't like it," Allen said.

Allen said planning should be guided by compliance with state and federal laws, and site specific analyses.

"It is hard to legislate the market, but balance is important," said Vartanian. People who want to develop will often find a way to do it. The Growth Management Act is a good example, he said.

People should be able to do what they want with their land within reason, said Vartanian. That doesn't mean having an oil derrick next to a dairy farm, he added.

Development itself is less a problem than how development is done, Vartanian said.

Ron Barca, a current planning commissioner, was reappointed by the Clark County commissioners to a new six-year term. Other planning commission members are Dick Deleissegues, Lonnie Moss, Jada Rupley and Jeff Wriston.

CITIZENS FEAR FLOODS FROM MERIWETHER FILL

Woodland Citizens Group retains attorney

Bill Myers

staff reporter

A group of citizens want an attorney to watchdog environmental processes involved in a proposed residential development in east Woodland.

Vancouver attorney John Karpinski said he was hired by the "Woodland Citizens Group" to review environmental issues associated with Meriwether planned unit development (PURD), proposed by Pacific Western Homes.

Karpinski acted swiftly.

In a letter to the city Feb. 15, Karpinski said city officials did not fully comply with certain state requirements for a Notice of Application (NOA) on the PURD.

Karpinski said the NOA did not describe a SEPA review which applies to the proposal and fails to clearly spell out rights of concerned citizens.

"I want to make sure my clients have a right to participate," said Karpinski.

City public works director Rob VanderZanden said he has not yet issued a SEPA determination or set a date for a public hearing on the PURD. He said he and the city attorney are preparing an answer to Karpinski's letter.

Members of the Citizens Group fear that elevating ground levels at the site with fill dirt will aggravate flood conditions in neighborhoods surrounding the project. Some citizens also envision intolerable traffic congestion.

The PURD is a 20-lot, third phase, part of a 300-home development known as the Meriwether subdivision. The subdivision is adjacent to Insel Rd.

Woodland city planners and council members approved Phases I and II containing 112 lots in the subdivision last year.

City planning commissioners, in a split vote after a public hearing on Oct. 11, recommended approval of Phases I and II of the subdivision by the City Council.

Notices inviting public comment were sent to area neighbors on three separate occasions for Phases I and II, said city planning assistant Nancy Malone.

City records of the Hearing indicate that six citizens wrote letters to express concerns about drainage, quantities of fill or stormwater management. Other letters expressed concerns about traffic or requested larger lot sizes.

One neighbor, Hope

Koistinen, testified at the hearing.

Several area residents appeared at a Nov. 7 city council meeting. They were not allowed to speak because public comment had been taken at the planning commission hearing.

At a contentious meeting Nov. 21, divided city council members approved Phase I and II with a split vote.

Meeting FEMA requirements

VanderZanden said the developer must elevate the subdivision site to meet FEMA flood insurance requirements. He said the new elevation will have little effect on water levels in surrounding areas during floods.

This isn't like a bath tub, where a water level goes up when someone enters, VanderZanden said. He said the issue is far more complex, with water levels at flood stages affected by a preserved flood way, river velocity and flow levels.

VanderZanden said about 65 area residents obtained permits to repair damages after the 1996 floods. Repairs were made by most residents, but only two citizens elevated homes to prevent reoccurrences, he said.

Citizens who did not elevate their homes will likely suffer flood damage again if 1996 conditions recur, regardless of what happens at the Meriwether subdivision, said VanderZanden.

BG ADDS TO ADVISORY BOARDS

Battle Ground city council members have tapped area residents to serve on two advisory boards.

The planning commission is a seven-member volunteer board charged with advising council members on all legislative land use matters that are referred by the council.

Commissioners discuss comprehensive planning, capital facilities, transportation, and development codes under the direction of Brian Carrico, the city's community development director.

Members must live within the city limits of Battle Ground or within its urban growth boundary, with the exception of two that may live outside but own and operate a business in the city.

Commissioners are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by council vote.

New this year are Deborah Stiles-Lusk, a seven-year Battle Ground resident. She holds a bachelor's degree and is employed as a membership manager for Girl Scouts. She was appointed on Feb. 6. Her term expires Dec. 31, 2007.

Rick Lewis was tapped on Jan. 17. He is a former business owner in the city, and a two-year resident. His term also expires at the end of 2007.

Phil Haberthur, a six-year resident, will serve until Dec. 31, 2008. He was appointed on Jan. 3. He holds a bachelor's degree and is employed as a law clerk and third year law student.

Incumbents are Steve Wert, Pete Lewis, and Kevin Morse.

Parks advisory board members are guided by assistant city engineer Rob Charles.

The board has eight members including one youth representative.

Members advise council members for the control, improvement, beautification and planning of public parks and recreation facilities. All volunteers live inside the city limits.

New members are Georgia Loveall, a one-year resident. She works at Wilco Farm Stores as the garden center manager. She was appointed Jan. 17, and her term expires at the end of this year.

Jeremy Barr, a four-year resident, worked for Pacific Power and has served four years on the Little League board of directors. He was appointed Feb. 6, and will serve until the end of 2007.

Eric Bonnet holds a bachelor's degree and has lived in Battle Ground a little more than one year. He was tapped to serve on Jan. 17. His term expires at the end of next year.

Other members are Paul Walden, Tom Schultz, Mavis Kent, Jeff Welch, and youth representative Lacey Lingle.

To contact council members, commissioners, and board members, call Adrienne DeDona at city hall, 342-5004.

NEWS

PORT OF RIDGEFIELD SAYS GOODBYE TO GOO

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

Nearly 5,000 tons of black, toxic chemicals were recently removed from the hazardous Port of Ridgefield Lake River Industrial site.

On Feb. 14, employees worked to pump non-aqueous phase liquid into a tanker truck.

Clean Harbors Environmental safely incinerated the chemicals into non-toxic ashes.

The first removal is the kick-off for the second and final phase of the environmental clean-up that has quadrupled in size since May 14, 2004, port officials said.

The phase is expected to continue for the next seven years or so, said Port director Brent Grening.

The work will focus on the 4-acre heart of the former Pacific Wood Treating site where the thickest, deepest plume of underground contaminants are located, said Grening.

A state-of-the-art, below- ground system of steam will safely heat and remove the sticky goo of chemicals with a complex scheme using 60-foot deep steam injection and extraction wells. There are 66 new wells to add to the extraction process.

Steam will liquify, lift, and remove the tarry substance made up of pentachlorophenol, creosote, copper chromium arsenate and other toxins. The pool has spread to the shore of Carty Lake and has been monitored over the last three years by state Department of Ecology officials.

Pacific Wood Treating was a Port tenant from the 1960s to 1990s. Workers contaminated more than 40 acres of the site with chemicals used for creating telephone poles.

The company declared bankruptcy in 1993 and left environmental problems behind.

The $45-$50 million project is funded entirely through the state Department of Ecology. Last year, officials allocated $6 million. Grening said bare-bones running costs per year are $3 million, and that doesn't cover repairs if something goes wrong.

Before 2005, Ecology officials allocated only $4 million annually. It is the largest state-supported remediation project, officials said.

Port officials continue to work toward a long-term plan to redevelop Lake River property and return it to a productive, job producing, waterfront asset for the community.

Students work toward solutions

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

After an overwhelming majority of students nixed approval of a Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) club at Battle Ground High School on Jan. 17, two club backers appealed.

On Feb. 3, the proposed president and vice president of the club wrote a letter to principal Tim Lexow about the Associated Student Body's rejection of their application for recognition as a supported club.

The two students, both females, asked that federal law be applied that allows GSA clubs across America.

Any club can meet under the federal Equal Access Act which allows use of school facilities before and after school.

But the girls want ASB approval which would allow the club to meet during school hours, provide access to ASB funds, allow a free appearance in the yearbook, allow use of the public address system and bulletin boards, and provide a seat in ASB leadership.

An attorney advised Battle Ground School District board members that any club has the right to ask for and be recognized as an ASB-approved group if they meet school guidelines. To deny them such is a violation of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution regarding freedom of speech, he said.

Shortly after the appeal letter was written, ASB student officers asked to meet with the proposed GSA officers to find common ground and solutions.

District communications consultant Kelly Keister said there have been several meetings. What she hears emerging from student discussion is an "umbrella" club that addresses all forms of discrimination, not just homosexuality.

"They are looking at anti-discrimination for all students," Keister said. "It would address it all: racism, sexism, religious bias, and homosexuality."

The proposed club would work to stop discrimination in the school, create a sense of unity, and promote acceptance. It's the solution students seem to lean toward at this point, Keister said.

"They live and learn together," Keister said. "It makes sense to extend the effort."

Communication between students will continue, with a decision likely this week, Keister said.

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

Girl scouts, citizens, victims, and the curious gathered in the Clark County commissioners hearing room in Vancouver on two Wednesdays in February to listen to District Court judges.

District Court judges presided over People's Court Parts I and II, an educational series on special courts and services for special issues.

At the first session, judge John Hagensen discussed small claims court and judge James Swanger explained domestic violence protection orders and anti-harassment orders. Court commissioner Kelli Osler covered traffic infractions.

In Part II, judge Rich Melnick explained Substance Abuse Court, judge Ken Eiesland covered Mental Health Court, judge Vern Schrieber discussed Domestic Violence Court, and judge Darvin Zimmerman spoke about Homeless Court.

After explaining each special function of District Court, citizens were invited to ask questions.

In the first session, questions ranged from "Will parking tickets affect my insurance?" to "What if a no-contact order is in place and the couple reconciles?"

The answer to the first question is "no," according to Osler.

The domestic violence issue is more complicated, Swanger said. While a no-contact order is in place, it must be honored no matter what. If violated, the offender is subject to arrest.

Small Claims Court allows a person or business with a legal dispute to sue for claims up to $4,000 without hiring an attorney. There is a non-refundable $29 filing fee.

However, Hagensen said, the court encourages the parties to go through mediation services to resolve the issue before going to trial. The service is free, fast, confidential, and non-adversarial.

In the second session, more serious infractions were discussed.

Judges conduct "therapy courts" in addition to regular judge duties, Melnick said.

There are special dockets for substance abuse or mental health problems to stop use, and the related criminal activities.

"Drug use has shaped the criminal court system," Melnick said. "We arrest, prosecute, convict, incarcerate, and release in the same pattern."

Therapy courts work to break the pattern with offenders who qualify.

Offenders must be charged with misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor offenses, not felonies.

In Mental Health Court, offenders must have treatable mental health issues, not personality disorders which are untreatable, said Eiesland.

Program requirements for Mental Health, Domestic Violence, and Substance Abuse Court include:

** Attend court regularly to report to the judge on progress;

** Attend individual/group drug treatment;

** Submit to multiple, random, supervised drug tests;

** Agree to a curfew and curfew/home checks;

** Attend support meetings;

** Check in with a case manager;

** Pay court costs, fines, and other financial obligations.

Noncompliance means reprimands, writing essays, court visits, increased support group meetings, community service, work crew, jail, and termination from the program.

If terminated, the offender will be sentenced to jail on charges.

Rewards are given for compliance, such as coupons for food and beverages. Substance Abuse Court even holds graduation ceremonies in public where the person receives sobriety coins, cups and other gifts.

"What we're doing is working to find hidden problems," Melnick said. "It's all about sobriety and living productive lives."

Eiesland described the Mental Health Court as successful in getting ill people off the streets, kept out of jail, and into care.

Attorneys and judges inexperienced in dealing with mentally ill people kept putting them back in jail for crimes, then they would be released and get in trouble, then back in jail, "over and over again," he said.

Offenders visit the court weekly for a time, then not as often. The average treatment takes a little more than a year, Eiesland said.

Domestic Violence Court is different from assault because it deals with family or inter-personal relationships where one partner forces their will on another person. Sometimes drug use is involved, Schreiber said.

"Mix meth or alcohol and stir it into an assaultive personality, and you have domestic violence," he said.

In those cases, the drug problem is taken care of first, then the power and control issue is addressed.

Incarceration does not always solve the problem, Schreiber added. The offender needs to be brought in, and held and made accountable.

"Therapeutic courts make a difference," he said.

The Homeless Court gives indigents a chance to work off misdemeanor offenses and fines, and re-instate driver's licenses.

Participants need to be referred by a shelter, Zimmerman said.

Court meets twice monthly in the late afternoon. A church across the street allows the homeless to leave their belongings there so they can get through metal detectors, Zimmerman said. Often, their worldly belongings are in sacks or bags or backpacks, and the homeless are reluctant to leave them at the front of the courthouse.

Other District Court services offered are conflict resolution, a Co-occurring Methamphetamine Expanded Treatment program, and a Young Offender Re-entry Program.

District Court's annual budget is $3.7 million, and in turn, it collects about $8 million in fines.

The number of criminal filings is about 13,000 annually which includes 1,800 DUIs. The number of civil filings is 8,400 per year. The court processes about 39,000 traffic infractions each year.

Jury trials were up 8 percent last year and search warrants were up 23 percent, for a total of 415 warrants.

The two court explanation events were taped by CVTV. For a list of showings, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/cvtv/cvtvindex.asp

JOE JOHNSON PART OF CLARK HISTORY

Joe Johnson of Woodland took part in a Feb. 18 celebration of the Clark College state baseball championship which the school won in 1956.

Clark College officials and volunteers arranged the reunion of the winning team, held 50 years after the team won the Washington State Community College Baseball Championship. Several team members attended the reunion.

Don Wendt of Woodland also played on the team but did not attend the reunion.

Alumni Board member Jim Raines, a member of the Clark College class of 1955, organized the reunion.

The event was prompted by the discovery of a team baseball, signed by team members following their victory.

The ball was located in a collection of memorabilia held by Chuck Chronis, owner of Chronis' restaurant in Vancouver.

Chronis showed the ball to Raines who approached the school's alumni association and Penguin Athletic Club with the reunion idea.

Officials decided the ball should be donated to the family of team member Harley Hall, a Navy pilot who was shot down in the Vietnam War.

Capt. Hall was shot down on the last day of the war in 1973, and his body was never recovered. He was listed as Missing in Action for many years.

Accepting the ball in memory of the late Harley Hall, along with team photo and plaque, were his brother Dennis Hall, and sisters Kay Crosby and Gwen Hall, plus Kay's husband Bob Crosby, all of Vancouver.

Hall is remembered as a hero. The H.H. Hall building in Vancouver was named in his honor.

Claude "Skeet" O'Connell coached the team, with assistant coach Herman Jones and manager Art Pugsley. The reunion was held in the school's O'Connell Sports Center, named after the longtime coach.

In the same year as the state baseball championship, Clark College won the state basketball championship and the state track and field championship. Joe Johnson played on both the winning baseball and basketball teams and was captain of both teams.

Under coach O'Connell, the team won 62 of 63 conference games in the five years leading up to the championship. Clark College lost four times in the championship games to Yakima, before defeating Yakima in 1956.

Raines said all team members hit over .300, led by Joe Johnson and Terry Burke who both hit over .400 for the season.

Johnson went on to play baseball at Lewis and Clark College in Portland.

Those attending the reunion were Joe Johnson of Woodland, Dale Giles, Ken Warren, Art Pugsley, Herman Jones and Skeet O'Connell, all of Vancouver, Eric Peterson, Tom Garrow, John Aldridge and Sam Smith, all of Oregon, Frank Gallas of Nevada, and Delone Baush of Olympia.

Located but not able to attend were Don Wendt, Ken Davis, Ted Atlee, Ron Rasmor, Dick LaManna and Leroy Frasier. Not located were Jack Berry, Jim Babcock and Joe Quinn. Deceased are Harley Hall and Terry Burke.

Wendt and Frasier attended Battle Ground High School, while Atlee and Hall attended Ridgefield High School.

Johnson remembers the winning games

Johnson, 74, said the small college championship was played as the best two out of three games. Clark College won the two games 3-1 and 2-1, while getting only one hit in each game.

Johnson credited the Clark College victory with good base running and speed.

Johnson described the winning game: It was the bottom of the last inning in the second game, said Johnson. Terry Burke was on first base with no one out. Johnson was up to bat.

Johnson said it was O'Connell's favorite play.

Johnson bunted up the third base line. "It had to be a perfect bunt," said Johnson, with the ball reaching about half way to third.

The plan was for Burke to reach third base on the bunt, not stop at second.

The Yakima third baseman had to field the bunt and throw to first. The shortstop was covering second. Johnson was out at first.

As Burke pushed for third, the first baseman threw to third, but the third baseman had not had time to return to the bag. The ball went into the dugout and the game was over.

Had the Yakima first baseman just held the ball, said Johnson, "we might still be playing."

Left-hander Tom Garrow pitched the first game, said Johnson, and John Aldridge the second. Aldridge had a solo home run in that game.

Johnson said Yakima had seven hits in the final game, compared to Clark's one hit. But Clark won on good defense, he said.

After graduating from Marshfield High School, Johnson served four years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was discharged in December 1954 and took a bus to Vancouver. His mother had moved to Orchards.

Johnson enrolled at Clark College that winter.

Johnson recognized O'Connell one day in a sporting goods store, approached the coach, and said he wanted to play basketball. O'Connell coached both basketball and baseball.

Johnson had played basketball while in the Navy, opposing other Navy teams as well as community teams in The Philippines.

O'Connell gave Johnson a tryout that afternoon and before long, Johnson became a starter. The team was in mid-season.

Johnson said he was 6-feet tall and weighed 150 pounds, but won a starting position over a player who was 6-feet 4-inches tall and 220-pounds.

Johnson played sports at Clark for two years, then transferred to Lewis and Clark College in Portland "because it was the closest."

At Lewis and Clark, Johnson played second base and led the team to the school's first-ever championship of the Northwest Conference.

Professional scouts contacted Johnson, but marriage and children sidetracked a pro sports career, he said.

Johnson met his future wife, Joanne Beedle, in a typing class at Clark College. "I asked the teacher to introduce us," said Johnson. "It was a typing class. I said to the teacher, 'See that girl there? She's my type.'"

The couple married March 15, 1956, and will celebrate 50 years of marriage this month. They have three children and six grandchildren.

Johnson majored in business at Lewis and Clark, worked for Sears, and then retired after 30 years with Pfizer.

Johnson was not the only member of the Clark College championship team to have served in the military. Ken Davis had served in the Marines and Joe Quinn in the Army. And Hall went on to serve in the Navy.

After leaving Clark College, Johnson never contacted the school again until recently.

Clark College has not had a baseball team since 1992.

Republicans and Democrats in Clark County will hold precinct caucuses in early March to discuss issues, pass resolutions and elect delegates to subsequent county conventions.

In contrast to recent years, the two parties will not hold caucuses on the same day.

Offices up for election this year include county department head positions, county commissioner Steve Stuart, all state representative positions, Third District congressional position held by Brian Baird, and the U.S. Senate post held by Maria Cantwell.

Caucuses are held every two years.

Democrats meet March 4

Clark County residents who consider themselves to be Democrats are invited to participate in caucuses Sat., March 4, 2-4 p.m., at 20 locations around the county.

Patrice Jacob, acting chair of the Clark County Democrats, said caucuses (small group meetings) are designed to enhance civic dialogue about public issues.

Attendees will learn how to become involved in the Democrat party and political races. Those interested may apply to be precinct committee officers in any precincts that do not have officers elected.

Delegates will be chosen at the caucuses for the party's April 8th county convention at Fort Vancouver High School and from there to the state convention June 3rd in Yakima.

The Democrat caucuses will be held at the following locations:

17th Legislative District

Precincts 434, 441, 483, 543, 550, 555, 560, 570, 573, 577, 615 and 617 will meet at Prairie High School, 11500 NE 117th Ave., Brush Prairie.

Precincts 624, 626, 627, 628, 629, 630, 633, 634, 692 and 693 will meet at Clark Public Utilities, 8600 NE 117th Ave., Vancouver.

Precincts 563, 571, 635, 636, 638, 640, 643, and 652 will meet at Sunset Elementary School, 9001 NE 95th St., Vancouver.

Precincts 653, 654, 656, 662, 685, 687, 688, 689 and 691 will meet at Image Elementary School, 4400 NE 122nd Ave., Vancouver.

Precincts 645, 646, 648, 649, 658, 659, 664, 682, 683, 695 and 698 will meet at Hearthwood Elementary School, 801 NE Hearthwood Blvd., Vancouver.

Precincts 631, 644, 668, 669, 677, 678, 679, 680, 681, 694, 696 and 697 will meet at Wy'East Middle School, 1142 SE 136th Ave., Vancouver.

18th and 15th legislative districts

Precincts 446, 447, 448, 450 and 451 will meet at Three Creeks Library, Salmon Creek.

Precincts 440, 444, 445, 452, 453 and 455 will meet at Comfort Inn, 13207 NE 20th St., Vancouver.

Precincts 480, 485, 490, 500, 505 and 545 will meet at Ridgefield High School, 2630 Hillhurst Rd., Ridgefield.

Precincts 510, 515, 520, 525, 528 and 530 will meet at La Center High School, 725 Highland Rd., La Center.

Precincts 580, 583, 584, 585, 586, 590, 592, 593, 610, 613, 620 and 625 will meet at Battle Ground High School, 300 W Main St., Battle Ground.

Precincts 535, 537, 540, 595, 600, 605 and 606 will meet at Yacolt Primary School, 406 W Yacolt Rd., Yacolt.

Precincts 915, 925, 950, 960, 963, 964, 965 and 980 will meet at Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas.

Precincts 900, 905, 910, 914, 917, 935 and 985 will meet at Camas Police Department, 2100 NE 3rd Ave., Camas.

Caucuses will also be held in the 49th legislative district in Vancouver.

Information about Democrat Party caucuses is available from Patrice Jacob, 843-4455, 921-4888.

Republicans meet March 7

Clark County residents who consider themselves to be Republicans are invited to take part in caucuses on Tues., March 7, 7:15 p.m., at eleven locations.

Delegates will be chosen at the precinct caucuses to attend the party's county convention set for Sat., April 8, at Prairie High School.

Republican caucus organizer Mike Gaston said Republicans must obtain 25 percent delegate support at the county convention in order to be able to use the "Republican" label when filing for office. The 25 percent criteria applies to incumbents as well as others, he said.

Gaston stressed the importance of a large caucus turnout in order to have Republican wins in 2006.

Republicans will meet at the following locations:

17th Legislative District

Precincts 631, 644, 645,, 646, 648, 658, 659, 664, 668, 669, 677, 678, 679, 680, 681, 682, 683, 694, 695, 696, and 697 will meet at Marion Elementary School, 10119 NE 14th St., Vancouver.

Precincts 649, 652, 653, 654, 656, 662, 685, 687, 688, 689, 691, 692, and 698 will meet at Orchards Elementary School, 11405 NE 69th St., Vancouver.

Precincts 624, 626, 627, 628, 629, 630, 633, 634, 635, 636, 640, 643 and 693 will meet at York Elementary School, 9301 NE 152nd Ave., Vancouver.

Precincts 434, 483, 543, 550, 555, 560, 563, 570, 571, 573, 577, 615, 617 and 638 will meet at Prairie High School, 11500 NE 117th Ave., Vancouver.

18th/17th legislative districts

Precincts 440, 441, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 450, 451, 452, 453 and 455 will meet at Alki Middle School commons, 1800 NW Bliss Rd., Vancouver.

18th and 15th legislative district

Precincts 480, 485, 490, 500, 505, 510, 515, 520, 525, 528, 530 and 535 will meet at Ridgefield High School, 2630 S Hillhurst Rd., Ridgefield.

Precincts 537, 540, 545, 580, 583, 584, 585, 586, 590, 592, 593, 595, 600, 605, 606, 610, 613 and 620 will meet at Battle Ground High School, 300 W Main St., Battle Ground.

Precincts 625, 900, 905, 910, 914, 915, 917, 920, 925, 930, 935, 940, 947, 950, 960, 963, 964, 965 and 985 will meet at James David Zellerbach Middle School, 841 NE 22nd Ave., Camas.

Republicans caucuses will also be held in the 49th legislative district.

Information about Republican Party caucuses is available by calling Mike Gaston, 574-0984, or Brent Bogar, 910-5065.

OBITS:

EVERETT USKOSKI

Everett Peter Uskoski, 84, died Feb. 22, 2006 at home in Brush Prairie.

Uskoski was born Aug. 9, 1921 in Gackle, ND to Peter and Aili Uskoski. The family moved to Brush Prairie in 1941.

Uskoski served in the Navy during World War II in the Aleutian Islands near Alaska.

On Aug. 12, 1950, he married Mae Jolma and settled in Hockinson to raise their family.

Uskoski worked as a mail carrier in Brush Prairie for 30 years. He retired in 1978 and became a full-time tree farmer. He was also a volunteer firefighter and served on the Hockinson School Board for several years.

Family members say Uskoski was a devoted father and husband who led by example, and that Christianity was his first concern, with the thought that all else would be left to God's Will.

Uskoski was preceded in death by an infant daughter. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mae Uskoski, at home in Brush Prairie, sons Neil Uskoski and Peter Uskoski, both of Battle Ground, Edward Uskoski of Brush Prairie, and Daniel Uskoski of Pullman, daughters Eileen Kaski of Battle Ground, and Jeanetta Seal and Kaisa Lobbestael of Brush Prairie, brothers Clarence Uskoski of Brush Prairie, Al Uskoski of Oregon, Carl Uskoski of Everett, John Uskoski of La Center, and Bill Uskoski of Vancouver, sisters Marie Peters of California and Tekla Jolma of Battle Ground, 36 grandchildren, and 46 great-grandchildren.

Burial took place at Elim Cemetery in Brush Prairie, with Layne's Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

LARRY GAYLOR

Larry Ray "Dutch" Gaylor, 69, died Feb. 24, 2006, in Olympia.

Gaylor was born March 19, 1936, in Las Animas, CO, and moved with his family to Oregon and then Vancouver.

At age 9, Gaylor sold newspapers. He attended schools in Vancouver, graduating from Evergreen High School in 1954. He worked on construction of The Dalles Dam. He also worked as the Camas paper mill.

Gaylor owned Battle Ground Towing and Ambulance. He later managed the Ag-Co Feed Store in Battle Ground, working there for 18 years.

Gaylor became an agricultural specialist for Manna-Pro and then Foster Farms, and traveled the northwest selling directly to farmers. He retired in 2001 in Chehalis after managing the American Feed Store there.

Gaylor had been active in the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce and the Clark County fair board. He was a Red Cross instructor and Lewis County master gardener. He was honored as the first Battle Ground Citizen of the Year in 1973.

Gaylor enjoyed fishing and gardening, and working in his yard and greenhouse. He challenged his neighbors to surpass his Christmas lighting display.

Gaylor was preceded in death by brothers Frank Gaylor and Jim Gaylor, and sister Woody. Survivors include widow JoAnn Gaylor of Chehalis, daughters Jonica Utton and Janell Johns, both of Battle Ground, and Kimberly Brown of Seattle, sons Bob Norman of the Tri-Cities, Jim Norman of Yacolt, Richard Gaylor of Battle Ground, and Jim Brown of Okanogan, 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and an extended family.

Private family gathering is planned, with Brown's Mortuary, Chehalis, in charge of arrangements.

WILLIAM COX

William David Cox, 72, died Feb. 13, 2006, in Vancouver.

Cox was born June 28, 1933, in Thorpe, lived in Long Beach, California, for 25 years, and lived in Yacolt since 1980.

Cox owned Artistic Tree Service. He had served in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed the outdoors, skiing, hiking, fishing, and his family.

Cox was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Cox, in 1996, and father, David Cox, in 2005. Survivors include widow Cheryl Cox of Yacolt, sons William Cox and Steven Cox, both of California, and Daniel Cox and Matthew Cox, both of Yacolt, daughters Deborah Farley of California, Jennifer Sosky of Amboy and Sarah Cabral of Yacolt, sister Sharon Clemmo of Moses Lake, step-sister Carol Deda of Moses Lake, mother Myrtle Duma of Ellensburg, and seven grandchildren.

Burial was at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, with Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Vancouver, in charge of arrangements.

ELIZABETH WANNAMAKER

Elizabeth Eulalie "Betty" (Howe) Wannamaker, 92, died Feb. 23, 2006, in Vancouver.

Wannamaker was born Dec. 26, 1913, in Boise, ID, lived in Deer Lodge, Montana, and Walla Walla and Tacoma, and in La Center. Wannamaker moved to Ridgefield in 1946.

Wannamaker worked for Del Monte Cannery and as an inspector for Jantzen Knitting Mills.

Wannamaker enjoyed sewing, gardening, canning, camping and trips to the beach with her family. She also enjoyed traveling, eating and playing cards with her "lunch bunch," and finding good bargains at yard sales. She especially enjoyed her cherished rose bush that grew in her yard.

Wannamaker was a member of the Whipple Creek Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Wannamaker was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Wannamaker, in 1975, sons Bill and Bob, grandson David, and four siblings. Survivors include son Gerry Wannamaker of Oak Harbor, daughter Cyndi Keller of Dallesport, daughters-in-law Jean Wannamaker of Vancouver and Donna Wannamaker of Kelso, 19 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

A memorial service will be held Sat., March 4, 3 p.m., at Whipple Creek Seventh-day Adventist Church, 302 NW 179th St., Ridgefield.

Northwood Park Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

MARGARET ALANKO

Margaret (Cobb) Alanko, 79, died Feb. 17, 2005, in Vancouver.

Alanko was born Sept. 16, 1926, in Naches, graduated from Naches High School in 1944, and moved with her family to Vancouver where she worked at Woolworth's Department Store.

Alanko enjoyed hiking, camping, crossword puzzles, baking and sewing. She worked hard at taking care of her garden, flowers and cats. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and making huckleberry pies for her family.

Alanko was preceded in death by brother, Jim Cobb. Survivors include widower Tauno Alanko of Vancouver, sons Gary Alanko of La Center and Randy Alanko of Oregon, and nine grandchildren.

Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, was in charge of arrangements.