BG LEVY VOTE RECOUNT UP IN AIR

Community interest and financial support are being evaluated before a decision is made to seek a recount of the failed May 16 Battle Ground School District levy.

Melissa Small, chair of Citizens for Better Schools, said the group voted unanimously May 25 to join in a recount effort if other citizens come forward to support the effort and help pay for it.

Small said the group decided not to pursue a recount single-handedly.

Small said 5 citizens are needed to ask for a recount.

Officials certified the election May 26. The official tally was 9,629 (59.25%) in favor and 6,622 (40.75%) against.

A 60% approval margin is required for passage. The recount would need to change 122 votes from "no" to "yes" to alter the outcome.

The election results did not fall within the criteria for a recount mandated by law. Therefore, the recount would be paid for by citizens.

A manual recount costs 25 cents per ballot, or about $4,062 for this election.

Small said considerable effort went into the levy campaign.

"We put more effort than ever into this campaign," said Small. "We're still working."

Small said the group put up about 500 yard signs, and called to encourage people to vote.

The group raised and spent about $20,000 on the campaign.

Small was surprised about the levy loss. "We heard fewer negatives than in the past," said Small. "We didn't hear the sentiment against it."

Small said the total votes cast in the levy election was a record for the Battle Ground School District.

Why did the levy fail? "I think a couple of different reasons," said Small--"economy, money. It was perceived as too expensive."

Small suggested the need for forums to gain public input on the levy.

"We still believe in Battle Ground Schools," said Small.

Small can be reached at 910-0961.

CLASSEN SENTENCING DELAYED

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

Former Battle Ground dentist James Classen was escorted May 24 to Superior Court judge John Wulle's courtroom to be sentenced.

Instead of hearing a sentence handed down, he listened to his defense attorneys Jon McMullen and Seattle-based Todd Maybrown, prosecutor Tony Golik, and Wulle discuss how to best reconstruck the last three days of his trial for murder.

Classen, 60, was convicted of first degree murder by a 12-member jury last month in the stabbing death of his estranged wife, EveAnn Classen, 56, in February 2005.

But not long after, it was discovered that the trial recording device had malfunctioned, leaving video as a record without sound.

Those last three days contained the testimony of a key state witness and the defense cross-examination, and closing arguments from defense and prosecution.

Golik, McMullen, Maybrown and Wulle will try to reconstruct the missing portion with notes, memory, and parts that were captured by a television news crew.

Wulle set a return date to review their findings for Fri., June 9, at 3 p.m. At that time he will also consider if granting a new trial as requested by Classen is warranted. If not, McMullen is expected to take the issue to the state court of appeals.

Classen faces 22-30 years in prison.

Darlene Downey, media staff member at Harmony Elementary School in Vancouver, received the 2006 Altrusa Library Service Award during a recognition banquet held May 25 at the Royal Oaks Country Club in Vancouver.

Downey has served for 30 years as a teacher, librarian and technology facilitator in the Evergreen School District. Her goal is to do all she can in the best interests of students.

At the awards ceremony, Downey was lauded for "her passion for books and her ability to match children with the right books."

Downey opens the library one night a week to students and parents. She supports family literacy events. She teaches chess.

One of Downey's creative activities is "Book and Cook" in which she integrates literature with cooking. Students meet after school to make a food item and enjoy a related story.

Downey helps implement technology through the Evergreen district.

One nominator noted that, "There are people who say they can, and then there are those who actually do. Darlene is a doer."

Downey was one of ten finalists for the honor. Battle Ground librarian Jackie Spurlock was also a finalist. Downey received a $750 prize.

Keynote speaker for the event was author Jack Gantos who discussed "Living in the Library," which is the title of a book he is currently writing.

Gantos conducted a workshop on "The Author in Each of Us" prior to a book-signing reception.

WOMAN MISSING NEAR MOULTON FALLS

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

On May 23, a 52-year-old Vancouver woman was reported missing by her sister.

Robin Richards hasn't been seen or heard from since May 1, the sister allegedly reported.

Richards is described as 5'9", 145 lbs., with gray hair and brown eyes. She wears glasses, according to a Clark County Sheriff's Office bulletin.

Richards' vehicle was found at Moulton Falls Park near Yacolt on May 5. It had been impounded and towed.

Deputies were told that Richards had moved out of her home on April 30 and gave away all her belongings. She had no where else to go, the report said.

The family reportedly grew concerned and contacted various law enforcement agencies. Through a records check, a Vancouver police officer found that the vehicle had been impounded.

Deputies conducted an organized search on May 24 in the Moulton Falls area but were not successful, the bulletin said.

An investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call Det. John O'Mara at 397-2028.

MAN DIES AFTER HEAD-ON CRASH NEAR BG

Bystander pulls man out of cab

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

A fiery, head-on collision took the life of 48-year-old Mark Milgrove of Vancouver on May 23, about three miles west of Battle Ground on NE 219th St. at NE 22nd Ave.

The 8:15 a.m. accident occurred when a 1992 Ford F-700 Box Van truck driven by Daniel Tindall, 41, Kelso, reportedly crossed about four feet over the westbound centerline and colided with an eastbound sweeper truck driven by Milgrove, a police report said. Both vehicles were traveling about 50 miles per hour, said state trooper Mike Kesler.

When troopers arrived, they found NE 219th St. littered with debris from both vehicles. Both trucks suffered massive front-end damage, the police report said.

The 1989 GMC Sweeper owned by Patriot Pavement Development was smoldering from a fire inside the cab and sitting sideways, blocking the eastbound lane. The Box Van was lying on its left side in the westbound ditch.

But just moments after the crash, Walt Tyler of Battle Ground happened on the scene. He was on his way to a doctor's appointment for a bad back, he said.

The cab of the sweeper was fully engulfed in flames, Taylor said.

"I looked and thought, `oh my gosh', and got an extinguisher," Taylor said, who added that others were there helping as well. "It reignited a few times and there was a lady yelling, `Get him out! get him out!'"

Taylor, a registered nurse in the emergency room trauma center at Legacy Hospital in Salmon Creek, is also a certified flight nurse with Life Flight.

"I couldn't just stand there," Taylor said. "I thought I'd either blow up with the truck or I could watch him burn to death."

Taylor looked and saw Milgrove's arm move, even though he was unconscious. Milgrove was on fire, he said.

Taylor, at 6'5" and 250 pounds, reached in and grabbed Milgrove's vest and pulled with all his might. The crushed cab held Milgrove in place. Two other bystanders helped by pulling on Milgrove's body, Taylor said.

"I just kept yelling, `Pull! Pull!'," Taylor said. "He finally gave to, and I took the brunt of his weight on my chest to get him out."

By then, an ambulance had arrived and other emergency personnel took over.

Taylor noticed one of his shoes was burned and his hands were covered in cuts and blood, mostly not his own. And he had exacerbated his back problem.

Milgrove was treated by Fire District 11 personnel for burns to his face and head and a broken right leg. He was transported to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland and was pronounced dead at 11:15 a.m.

Tindall was treated for a head injury and cuts to his face at the scene before being transported to Southwest Washington Medical Center.

Witnesses reported seeing Tindall having trouble staying in his westbound lane, the report from state patrol said.

An investigation is underway, said Kesler. It is undetermined if Tindall will be charged with anything. Drugs and/or alcohol did not appear to have been involved, Kesler said.

Milgrove leaves behind two grown children, a fiance, and a 6-week old son. He was employed with Patriot Pavement Development in Battle Ground and had just finished a job and was headed back to the office on W Main St. He did not have life insurance.

On Sat., June 3, a car wash and barbecue with children's activities will be held 9 a.m.-4 p.m. as a fundraiser at company headquarters, 2903 W Main St., Battle Ground.

Donations can also be made at any Riverview Bank branch for the Mark Milgrove memorial fund.

For more information, call the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce at 687-1510.

SECOND K-8 SCHOOL PLANNED WITH BOND DOLLARS

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

Battle Ground School District officials have purchased nearly 60 acres east of Battle Ground to build a K-8 school campus sometime in 2008.

The purchase, on three parcels dubbed the "Arcuri Property," sold for about $760,000, said Kelly O'Brien, District spokesperson.

Two outbuildings on the property, located at NE 167th Ave. and NE 209th St., will likely be removed.

The land is currently a pasture with some trees along the west end.

The property purchase and future building are funded through a voter-approved $99.6 million bond passed in March 2005.

The bond also provides for a new K-8 campus on the Cresap property, located at the southwest corner of NE 112th Ave. and NE 239th St., Battle Ground. Schools at the Cresap site are slated for construction in 2007.

Both new K-8 campuses will relieve pressure on Maple Grove Primary school, O'Brien said.

With 950 students, Maple Grove is the largest of its kind in the state. The building was constructed to house 450 students. Several students attend classrooms in portables.

The campus, with a middle school onsite, houses 1,700 students.

How to pay for services?

Although the District was given patron approval to build two K-8 schools, two middle schools and renovate other schools, officials are still considering how the district will pay to run them.

A proposed four-year, $16.8 million replacement levy that would have provided for teachers, curriculum and services was defeated May 17.

Kelly O'Brien, District spokesperson said, "Some will come from state dollars for teachers."

But with the expiring levy income drying up at the end of this year, the future is uncertain as to paying for needs, including administrative staff, nurses, and technology, she said.

"We need to address those issues right now," O'Brien said. "How to honor the public's approval of schools with the bond--without levy money."

District officials plan to regroup, O'Brien said, and likely bring another levy package to voters in February 2007. Even if it should pass, money can't be drawn off it until spring 2008. If it doesn't pass, officials can ask once more in 2007.

District enrollment has increased by some 2,500 students since 1994 and is projected to grow by another 2,000 students in the next few years.

Nearly one-quarter of the District's nearly 13,000 students are in portable classrooms, according to District information.

EDITORIAL:

SHERIFF'S OFFICIAL POSTED AT RIDGEFIELD

Bill Myers

staff reporter

Clark County Sheriff's Office assistant chief criminal deputy Erin Nolan will fill in as chief of police at Ridgefield.

The Clark County commissioners approved the temporary assignment May 22.

The 19-year Sheriff's Office veteran will remain on the Sheriff's Office payroll, on loan to the city of Ridgefield, through August 31.

Under terms of a Mutual Aid Law Enforcement agreement approved by the city council on May 25, the city will pay Nolan's salary and benefits if Nolan's term at Ridgefield is extended.

Nolan will handle city police chief duties during the absence of police chief Bruce Hall.

Hall, chief for about six years, was placed on paid leave May 18 after what interim city manager Justin Clary described as "allegations from multiple sources" related to Hall's management of the Department.

Clary declined to provide further details. He said allegations will be investigated by an independent agency.

Two other Ridgefield officers have also been placed on leave, said Clary.

Nolan, raised in Vancouver, completed bachelor of science studies in social services at Portland State University. She earned a master's degree in business administration at George Fox University in Newberg, OR.

During her Sheriff's Office career, she served as a deputy, sergeant, precinct commander, acting human resources manager and assistant chief criminal deputy.

CASINO FOES WANT CITY POSITION CLEAR

La Center, Ridgefield mayors swap dark quips

Bill Myers

staff reporter

Several members of a casino opposition group asked Ridgefield city council members May 25 to make public any negotiations regarding a tribal casino.

Group member Newt Rumble said the group, called "No Ridgefield Casino," is a grass roots organization of citizens.

Rumble said most area citizens are concerned that Ridgefield is named as an alternative site for a tribal casino in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) released last month.

The DEIS was prepared to describe potential impacts of a proposed Cowlitz Indian tribal casino at I-5 and NW 319th St., west of La Center.

The rumor is that discussions have already taken place between city of Ridgefield and tribal officials, said group member Jean Burrell.

Member Lauren Baker said she is getting no response from e-mails expressing concern to city officials.

The city needs to take a position on the casino issue, said Joe Vance.

Phillip Volz, who with his brother operates ATTBAR, Inc., a business hiring 116 employees at the Ridgefield junction, asked city officials to do an analysis of the DEIS. The document understates impacts of traffic and gambling addiction, he said.

"Please make the process transparent," said Joe Volz.

La Center mayor James Irish said he verified with federal officials that a relocation to Ridgefield would require a new, complete scoping process and impact statement.

Irish then turned tongue in cheek. "Are there any attorneys left after activities in La Center or Ridgefield?" he asked.

Ridgefield mayor Gladys Doriot said the La Center mayor need not worry. "More will graduate in June," she said.

OBITS:

MARK MILGROVE

Mark Alan Milgrove, 48, died in a truck collision May 23, 2006, near Battle Ground.

Milgrove was born Sept. 29, 1957, in Lexington, NE, and had lived in Vancouver since 1967.

Milgrove had worked as a papermill machinist, and then in pavement marking and sealcoating.

Milgrove attended Evergreen and Battle Ground high schools, graduating in 1976. He had a love for family and an enthusiasm for Ford Mustangs, the Seattle Mariners, and the rock band KISS.

Milgrove was preceded in death by his father, N. Lawrence "Larry" Milgrove in 1987. Survivors include mother Orvetta "Sandy" Milgrove of Vancouver, son Mark Milgrove of Vancouver, daughter Kristy Hassa of Longview, fiance Kristina Taylor, brother Kent Milgrove of Vancouver, sisters Cindy Hammond of Camas and Susan Allen of Vancouver, two grandchildren, three nephews and two nieces.

A service will be held Tues., May 30, 3 p.m., at Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, with Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

ROBERTA JOHNSON

Roberta Janet (Johnson) Johnson, 68, died May 26, 2006, at home in Amboy.

Johnson was born a twin on July 27, 1937, in Providence, RI. She lived in Arizona before moving to the Ariel area in 1968. She worked as a guard for International Paper Co. in Chelatchie Prairie. She also worked security for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife at Speelyai and Lewis River fish hatcheries.

Johnson spent time in Arizona where she married her second husband, Kyle Fouts, who passed away in 1988. She married David Johnson in 1995 and moved to Amboy.

Johnson was a member of TOPS, VFW Auxiliary, North Clark Historical Museum, Mt. Valley Grange, and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Yacolt.

Johnson was preceded in death by two brothers, including twin Robert, and her second husband, Kyle Fouts. Survivors include widower David Johnson, at home in Amboy, son Kyle Fouts of Arizona, sons Charles Vissman and Jamison Vissman, both of Virginia, daughter Rebecca Nicter of Virginia, step-son Monty Johnson of Ridgefield, step-daughters Claudette Loux of Amboy and Jennifer Slayton of Ariel, and numerous grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Fri., June 2, 11 a.m., at Mt. Valley Grange in Amboy, with a potluck to follow. The Neptune Society of Portland is in charge of arrangements.

DARLENE SACK

Darlene Sack, 74, died May 6, 2006, at home in Covina, CA.

Sack was born Nov. 22, 1931, in Los Angeles, and moved to Vancouver in 1976, and then to Battle Ground. She operated a dress shop in Battle Ground for several years.

Sack was active in the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce, Harvest Days celebration, and Ladies of Elks. She was known as a volunteer. She moved back to California in 2003.

Sack was preceded in death by her husband, John L. Sack, in 2001. She is survived by son Doug Burton of California.

Orange County Cremation Society was in charge of arrangements.

JOHN DUNN

John Clifford Dunn, 76, died May 21, 2006, in Battle Ground.

Dunn was born April 6, 1930, in Smackover, Arkansas, and lived in Clark County for 62 years, the last two in Battle Ground.

Dunn enjoyed making wine, working with electronics, hunting, playing the piano, watching television, especially comedy shows and wrestling, and playing dominoes.

Dunn worked as a shear operator in the scrap metal business.

Survivors include brother Cecil Dunn and sister Mary Pifer, both of Battle Ground, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial graveside service will be held Fri., June 2, 11 a.m., at Brush Prairie Cemetery, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

FRANK MORALES SR

Frank Louis Morales Sr., 61, died May 18, 2006 in Clackamas, OR of acute leukemia.

Morales was born Nov. 22, 1944, in French Camp, CA. He lived in the Bay Area of California and in San Jose most of his life, with the last four in Ridgefield.

Morales was employed as a marlin operator, making chips for Frito-Lay in Vancouver. He was an avid bowler with a weekender league, and a Third Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus.

Morales enjoyed hiking, antiquing, hitting the summer festival circuit, gardening, and going for long drives and walks with his son and wife.

Morales was preceded in death by his daughter, Tillie Morales, in 1992, and sisters Beatrice and Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Yolanda Morales of Ridgefield, son Frank Morales II of Ridgefield, father-in-law and mother-in law Chris and Tillie Valencia of California, brothers Paul and Ray of California, sisters Elois, Anne, Hope, and Sandy of California, several brothers and sisters-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.

Internment was at St. James Cemetery in Vancouver, with Hamilton-Mylan Funeral Home of Vancouver in charge of arrangements.

ROBERT BOSEL

Robert H. Bosel, 88, died April 17, 2006, in Woodland.

Bosel was born Feb. 24, 1918, in Crown Point, Indiana. He had lived in Las Angeles since 1964, and Woodland since 1973.

Bosel had worked as a chef and in general maintenance. He enjoyed beadwork, and working around his property.

Bosel was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters. Survivors include widow Paula Bosel of Woodland, sons Chris Bosel of La Center and Alan Bosel of Florida, and seven grandchildren.

The Neptune Cremation Society, Portland, was in charge of arrangements.

IRLENE JONES

Jenny Irlene (Hice) Jones, 90, died May 21, 2006, in Woodland.

Jones was born April 14, 1916, in Pannia, CO, graduated from Midway School in Colorado in 1933, moved to Puyallup in 1941, then Yakima and Coulee City. She lived in Forks for 10 years, and moved to Woodland almost six years ago.

Jones enjoyed gardening, cooking and fishing.

Jones was preceded in death by her husband, George Jones, and son John Jones. Survivors include sons Earl Stanley Jones of Everett and Ronald Jones of Chehalis, daughters Jerry Gaydeski of Forks, Phyllis Minard of Woodland and Susan Malm of California, brother Charles Hice of California, 19 grandchildren, one step-grandchild, 37 great-grandchildren, two step-great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at a later time, with the Woodland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

ALLEN HOLDEN

Allen Lee Holden, 70, died May 22, 2006, in Vancouver.

Holden was born Oct. 2, 1935, in Vancouver, and lived his entire life in Vancouver except for serving in the U.S. Army.

Holden retired from employment with Boise Cascade. He served as a volunteer with the Battle Ground, Yacolt, Chelatchie Prairie railroad group. He enjoyed rockhounding and woodworking.

Holden was preceded in death by a brother, Herby Holden, who died as an infant. Survivors include widow Denyce Holden of Vancouver, daughters Lori Fortenberry of La Center, Kathy Beebe of Battle Ground, and Jennifer Trachsel and Tina Miller, both of Vancouver, sons Scott Holden of La Center and Keith Holden of Battle Ground, brothers Charles Holden and Richard Holden, both of Vancouver, sister Eileen DeShaver of Vancouver, 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Davies Cremation & Burial Services was in charge of cremation and other arrangements.

JESSIE COX

Jessie Olize (Durgan) Cox, 87, died May 7, 2006,. in South Lake Tahoe, CA.

Cox was born Oct. 15, 1918, in Vancouver. She lived in Port Hueneme, CA, then Camarillo, CA, and Carson City, NV, before moving to South Lake Tahoe.

Cox was preceded in death by her husband, Marlin Cox, in 1994. Marlin Cox was a graduate of Battle Ground High School. Survivors include son Richard Cox of Rhode Island, daughter Judy Crawford of California, brothers Ray Cox of Ellensburg and Dean Cox of Illinois, sisters Joann Thomas of Woodland, Betty Adolfson of Tumwater and Jean Rasmussen of La Center, three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

McFarlane Mortuary of South Lake Tahoe was in charge of arrangements.

CECILIA JOHNSTON

Cecilia Kathleen Johnston, 93, died May 24, 2006, in Vancouver.

Johnston was born Dec. 23, 1912, in Waxahachie, TX, moved to Yakima in 1940, Renton in 1944, and Bothell in 1948. She lived in Richland for seven years before moving to Woodland four years ago.

Johnston attended school in San Angelo, TX. She worked as a beautician in Lake City. She loved to Dance. She was a member of the Eagles, Elks, Moose, Rebeccas, Degree of Honor, and Normana Lodge.

Johnston was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold Johnston, in 1969. Survivors include son Jarrett Johnston of Vancouver, daughter Janet Baker of California, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Fri., May 26, 9 a.m., at Woodland Funeral Home, with the Woodland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

HELENE FERNEDING

Helene Marie (Gustafson) Ferneding, 95, died May 13, 2006, in Mt. Vernon.

Ferneding was born Nov. 14, 1910, in Hockinson, and lived her entire life in Clark County.

Ferneding grew up on Finn Hill in Hockinson, attended Gravel Point School, and graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1928. She studied business in a night course in Vancouver. She worked 1929-1941 in accounts receivable for the Ford Motor Company.

Ferneding enjoyed camping, gardening, reading, crossword puzzles and embroidery. She was a member of the Minnehaha-Glenwood Community Church. She worked on a shelter quilting group and made quilts for homeless people and others in need.

Ferneding was preceded in death by her husband, Leo A. Ferneding, in 1995, and son Robert Ferneding in 2005. Survivors include daughter Karen Bowman of Mt. Vernon, daughter-in-law Sandra Ferneding of Woodland, sister Margaret McDaniel of Vancouver, and two grandchildren.

Burial was at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Vancouver, with Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.