CRESAP HOUSE, BARNS GO TO BIDDERS

Fire District 11 commissioner Penny Dollar had hoped to purchase the former Cresap residence at auction last week, but county rules won't allow him to move the 1,450 square foot home to his Dollar's corner property.

Dollar, who is blind and undergoes dialysis three times a week, had wanted to live in the home and have his daughter move into his existing residence on the same property.

Dollar says his wife is sometimes ill and not able to take him for dialysis treatments. Two homes on one parcel are permitted under county "hardship" rules.

But county officials told Dollar that under "hardship" rules, one of the two residences must be mobile, and must be moved away when the hardship ends.

The Cresap home was auctioned off by the Battle Ground School District May 31 to make way for the construction of new schools.

George Zumwalt of Emmert International, a house and building moving company, put in the winning bid of $7,400 on behalf of the Penny Dollar family.

Zumwalt said he had other buyers interested in the home if Dollar could not complete the transaction.

The sale was conducted by auctioneer Tim Hicks. The site at NE 112th Ave. and NE 239th St., Battle Ground, is the future home of Daybreak Primary and Daybreak Middle schools.

Zumwalt said the cost to move the home will be $25,000-$30,000.

Keith Settle, president of Northwest Structural Moving, ended his bidding at $7,300. Settle said he was also bidding on behalf of clients who were interested in having the home.

The home is to be removed, and the site cleared, by midnight June 26.

The home has three bedrooms.

Dollar said the home would cost about $60,000 when the cost of a foundation, septic system, well and permits are added in.

Dollar's present home on NE 239th St. north of Dollars Corner was also moved to the site.

Dollar said he purchased his current home for $1,000 about 15 years. The home was in the path of road construction at NE 99th St. in Hazel Dell.

With moving, septic and well expenses, his current home cost about $25,000, said Dollar.

Dollar said he owns about 18 acres at his home property.

Jim Stevens of Battle Ground was the high bidder at $600 on a metal barn, also located at the former Cresap property.

Stevens said he will dismantle the barn and move it to his property on 98th Avenue north of the Lewis River.

Stevens said the barn was constructed with ring nails which are hard to pull out. He said he will cut off the nail heads to take the barn apart.

Stevens plans to number all the pieces and reassemble the barn exactly as it was when purchased.

Murray Hersey of Yacolt paid $10 for a wooden barn at the Cresap site. He said he plans to use some of the lumber to add onto a shop building at his home.

The auction sale also included various flowering shrubs, and fencing.

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

State prosecutors have amended charges against a Battle Ground man accused of shooting his wife to death on Nov. 11, 2005.

Brent Allen Heath, 30, is now charged with aggravated first degree murder rather than first degree murder only.

Prosecutors say the aggravating factor is that the murder was premeditated and that a firearm was used in conjunction with a vehicle that transported the shooter to commit the crime.

The difference is that an aggravated first degree murder sentence is life without parole. First degree murder carries up to 30 years in prison.

Heath, a former truck driver, was arrested five days after his wife's body was found near her car under the I-205 overpass on St. Johns Rd. near Hazel Dell.

Heidi Renee Heath, 28, was shot twice in the head with a high-powered .22 rifle that Brent Heath had allegedly taken from his neighbor's home, officials said.

Heath's neighbors said they saw Heath leaving another neighbor's house earlier that day with the rifle, according to the report.

Heath had been taking care of that neighbor's dogs while they were gone for the weekend. When they returned, they found .22-caliber shells scattered on a computer chair and on the bedroom floor, reports said. The couple told officers the rounds were not there when they left the day before.

The couple owned two rifles. Both were tested by Washington State Patrol Crime Lab and one was found to be the murder weapon, according to court documents.

According to one of Heidi Heath's co-workers at Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital, the victim had been in tears just days before the shooting because of an argumentative phone call from her husband.

Heidi Heath reportedly told her friend that she wanted to make her marriage work and that divorce was not an option.

The trial is set to begin June 16, 9 a.m. in Clark County Superior Court.

TRIAL BEGINS FOR ACCUSED COP KILLER

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

After nearly two years, the murder trial has begun for Robin Taylor Schreiber, 45, a Brush Prairie man accused of purposely running down a Clark County Sheriff's deputy who was on duty protecting a neighborhood in July 2004.

Opening arguments began June 5 in Superior Court judge Robert Harris' courtroom.

A 12-member jury will be asked to decide if Schreiber is guilty of aggravated first degree murder or second degree murder in the killing of 49-year-old Sgt. Brad Crawford.

Aggravating circumstances for first degree murder are that the victim was a law enforcement officer, that Schreiber's conduct was deliberately cruel, that the victim, who sat in his patrol car, was vulnerable and incapable of resistance, and that the murder was in retaliation for the victim doing his job.

Or, if convicted of second degree murder, the jury would have to agree that Schreiber intentionally killed Crawford with a motor vehicle while eluding police, and driving in a willful and reckless manner to cause the victim's death.

Although the crime is eligible for the death penalty, County prosecutor Art Curtis chose not to seek it. Crawford's family reportedly supports that decision.

The jury could also find Schreiber guilty of first degree malicious mischief for causing more than $1,500 to Crawford's patrol car.

On July 30, 2004, County deputies responded to a report of a potential suicide threat at Schreiber's home, at 11514 NE 128th Ave.

Crawford's live-in girl friend, Kim Mortensen, found Schreiber sitting on their bed loading his shotgun, according to court records.

Mortensen reportedly took the shotgun away from him, then handed the weapon to her son and told him to call 911. At the same time, Schreiber tried to get a rifle out of his closet, a report said.

The dispatcher reportedly told Mortensen to get everyone out of the house and away from Schreiber.

A SWAT team arrived with a negotiator while deputies descended on the scene. Crawford was stationed at the bend in the road on NE 114 St. and NE 124th Ave. to keep people out of the area.

Schreiber, whose blood alcohol content at the time was .14-.18, court records state, reportedly crawled on his hands and knees across his front porch toward his Ford F-250 heavy-duty truck with his rifle.

As deputies ordered him to stop, Schreiber reportedly jumped in his truck and drove through a field and fences then onto NE 114th St. westbound.

Witnesses said Schreiber drove across the opposite lane of travel and accelerated toward the driver's side of Crawford's patrol car.

The impact shoved the patrol car about 25 feet into blackberry bushes. Crawford was extricated and taken to Legacy Emanuel hospital in Portland where he died a few hours later from his injuries.

Defense attorney Thomas Phelan argues that, unknown to Schreiber, his truck had picked up barbed wire from a fence as he drove through the field, which severed his right front brake line and caused brake failure, according to court records.

A path of brake fluid was found which indicates Schreiber tried to apply his brakes, a report said.

In addition, Phelan wrote that Schreiber "was severely intoxicated," and was operating his truck with a prosthetic leg in addition to the brake failure.

A report states that Schrieber, a former electrician, had been suicidal in the past and was a recovering alcoholic who had recently returned to drinking.

Because of the amount of witnesses and evidence, the trial is expected to last about one month.

If convicted of first degree murder, Schreiber faces a life sentence without the possibility of parole. If convicted of second degree murder, the maximum sentence would be 18 years.

BYCX GETS ACCESS TO COUNTY RAILROAD

Train rides will resume Sat., July 8, on the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad.

Bryan Baker, president of the volunteer Battle Ground, Yacolt and Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Association, said lease agreements have been finalized that allow the group access to the Clark County-owned track.

The group was evicted from the track last year by Eric Temple of Columbia Basin Railroad, the company that holds a 90-year lease on use of the line.

With the exception of rides at Christmas 2005, the volunteer group has not had access to the railroad since 2004.

Baker said rides will be offered from Yacolt to the Basket Flats area, although the exact schedule has yet to be determined.

Baker said volunteers are needed to help with office work, fundraisers, greeting passengers, and track repair.

Information, Baker, 686-3879.

COUNTY OKAYS WETLANDS RULE, DELAYS ACTION ON HABITAT ORDINANCE

Alice Perry Linker

staff reporter

The Clark County commissioners passed a wetlands protection ordinance May 30, but continued a hearing on a habitat conservation ordinance until mid-June.

The commissioners will conduct a work session on the habitat ordinance on Thurs., June 15, 10 a.m., and have a public hearing Tues., June 20, 10 a.m. Both will take place in the sixth-floor hearing room of the Public Service Building, 1300 Franklin St.

During the May 30 habitat map hearing, the commissioners were encouraged to take a holistic approach to wetlands and habitat regulations, and not to make conservation a penalty for landowners.

The habitat map accompanies the ordinance and defines affected lands.

Landowner Alex Balla asked during the habitat map hearing that the map not be "used against" landowners.

"When people and wildlife coexist, it's a beautiful picture," Balla said, adding that as a landowner he enjoys watching wildlife.

Mary Ann Simons asked the commissioners to work with the community in "creative ways to develop a whole system."

She said that most of Clark County was once a wetlands, and she asked the commissioners, "Don't think everything should be concrete."

The new wetlands ordinance includes changes that give landowners greater flexibility in building a home in wetlands areas.

Commissioner Steve Stuart suggested and the board approved removing a 2,200 square-foot-limitation on single-family homes and outbuildings in wetlands areas.

The commissioners decided not to limit the size of one home. The change will not affect the rules governing large-scale residential development.

"We're trying to encourage people to build outside the wetlands, but we're saying that it's okay to build if there's nowhere else," Stuart said.

They also reinforced the stipulation that farmers may change agricultural practices without triggering a wetlands permit.

Existing agricultural practices are exempt from the wetlands ordinance, but new farms must go through the permit process.

Wetlands permits can cost as much as $700 depending upon the activity and the possible impact.

Modifications to wetland buffers also require a permit.The county's wetland biologist is available to help landowners learn if they need permits.

The proposed habitat conservation ordinance does not exempt existing agriculture from permits. The habitat ordinance protects upland and riparian areas.

Stuart said the proposed ordinance should "include no net loss of habitat function. We should substantially maintain the existing habitat."

Commissioner Betty Sue Morris said the proposed ordinance should be implemented at a watershed level.

She also said the role of zoning in the ordinance should be discussed, and existing agriculture as well as new farms.

"How can we exempt existing agriculture from wetlands and not from habitat?" she said.

The ordinance should "not only protect habitat but protect agriculture." she said.

The proposed habitat conservation map may be seen on the county's Web site,

www.clark.wa.gov. Click on "departments," and select "Endangered species." Look for the HCO map.

Maps may be purchased for $25 from the county's GIS department on the second floor of the Public Service Building in Vancouver.

Information, Joel Rupley, 397-2022, ext. 1.

NEW USFS BUILDING TO REPLACE PORTABLES

Alice Perry Linker

staff reporter

It's so new that the building design is not finished, but the U.S. Forest Service broke ground June 1 on the Mount St. Helens National Monument headquarters between Amboy and Cougar.

The new 7,800-square-foot building will sit on the existing Chelatchie Prairie property that now holds five portable buildings and a warehouse. Construction is expected to begin in July and take about a year.

Deputy Monument Manager Maggie Dowd said that four of the portable buildings will be removed and the fifth will remain as housing for seasonal employees.

The new building does not mean an increase in the staff of 30 at the monument office.

During construction the office will remain open to the public, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. The office may be reached at 449-7800.

As the new building goes up, the volcano for which it is named continues to change each day.

A 3.2 earthquake struck near the volcano on the morning of Memorial Day, May 29, and at the same time a rock slide in the crater broke parts of the fin or spine.

Visitors to Johnston Ridge could see the slide as an area of black surrounded by the glacer and the cone.

"Nobody was there with a camera" when the rock slide started, said Carolyn Driedger of the Cascade Volcano Observatory.

Airline pilots reported seeing a 16,000 to 20,000 foot plume of steam and smoke from the volcano, she said.

Geologists have not yet determined if the earthquake and the rock slide were related, she said.

"We expect more of the same," she said. "We expect more rock falls, ash plumes."

Mount St. Helens remains closed to climbers, although many of the trails around the mountain are open.

For information about Mount St. Helens go to the web site www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm.

L.C. SCHOOLS SEEK BOARD MEMBER; GOOLSBY RESIGNS

Randy Goolsby, a member of the La Center School Board since 2002, has resigned.

Goolsby, 49, said physical circulatory problems that caused him to "change the way I do things" were the primary reason for his resignation.

The school district will accept applications for the position until noon Fri., June 9. Applications may be submitted to the district office on the high school grounds, 725 Highland Road.

Goolsby served District 1 inside the La Center city limits, said Superintendent Mark Mansell. Applicants must live within the district and be qualified voters.

The school board will interview candidates during a workshop at 7 p.m., Tues., June 20, and will swear in the successful candidate June 27.

"We are going to miss Randy," Mansell said. "He's been really involved with the bond and levy committees."

Goolsby, who moved to La Center in 1998, was appointed to the board in 2002 and was elected to a full term in 2003.

Before serving on the board, he was a member of a citizens committee for a bond campaign.

"It was a hard decision," he said, "but I think it was the right thing to do. It's probably time for somebody new to step forward."

The youngest of Goolsby's four children graduated from La Center High School in 2002.

"I have nothing but respect for this school board," he said.

He also praised Mansell, who became superintendent a year ago.

"Everybody can be proud of him," Goolsby said.

A heating and air-conditioning technician, Goolsby said, "I'm not going to remove myself, but I'll be involved at a much less formal level.

"I believe in the schools; we have a reason to be proud."

INMATES WORK TOWARD FREEDOM

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

Fifty years ago, the state Department of Corrections and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) joined forces to restore nearly 239,000 acres burned in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest from 1902 until 1952.

The idea was to form an honor camp for lower-risk inmates in working to plant trees, clear brush, and fight wildfires.

A compound, originally named Larch Mountain Honor Camp, opened in 1956 with about 90 offenders who were assigned to DNR.

At that time, opportunities were limited to working in the forest or institution work assignments. Counseling and basic education were not offered, and recreational opportunities were limited.

But in a tour of the modern-day compound, an almost resort atmosphere seems to pervade.

Inmates play baseball, basketball, softball, horseshoes, racquetball, card games, lift weights, and compete against other teams from outside.

Hobbies, such as woodworking and auto welding, can be pursued.

Religious preferences are catered to, such as a Wiccan Circle, North American seat house, a place for Muslims to worship, and a non-denominational spiritual area for services of various kinds. If inmates are Orthodox Jew they get a kosher diet.

An extensive library is available and basic education is offered for those who want it. Drug rehabilitation and counseling programs are in place.

But despite one's first impression, there is the constant reminder of the chain fences topped with rolling coils of razor wire around the compound.

This is not a place of freedom.

To rejoin society

Of the more than 400 people housed at Larch, about half of the inmates are eligible to work on crews with DNR supervisors.

Much like 50 years ago, inmates work in the forest, plant trees, and learn to fight forest fires.

On average, seven to nine acres of trees are planted daily, said a tour guide.

But one of the favorite "jobs" is going on fires.

"They work hard, and they like getting out of the camp," the guide said. "They do a better job than most fire contractors."

Offender crews are the "backbone" of DNR's year-round wildland firefighting force, according to information from the Center.

Offenders attend wildland firefighting training classes taught by DNR supervisors. Then they must pass the work capacity test at the arduous level which includes walking 3 miles with a 45 lb. weight pack in under 45 minutes.

Last year, crews logged 12,676 fire hours. The Larch mobile fire kitchen served 4,663 firefighter meals.

In addition, inmates can use the training they received from Larch after they are released. It's not uncommon for former prisoners to be hired as "hot-shots" and buy their own brush rigs, the guide said.

And when crews are not fighting fires, they build teamwork by improving forests, thinning overgrown stands, planting tree seedlings, building and maintaining recreation sites, cleaning up illegal dump sites, and working for other public and non-profit agencies on a cost reimbursement basis. Offenders earn 34 cents-62 cents per hour depending on performance, behavior and work assignment. Money is often used to pay court fines, fees, and victim restitution, but inmates are allowed to keep about 20 percent for personal use.

"We try to give them work ethic," another guide said. "Some are coming in off the streets of Seattle, Vancouver, and Portland and haven't had to work a day in their lives. We try to give them skills so when they leave here they can rejoin society and not end up back in here."

Examples of visible work done by inmates include tie replacement on the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, trail renovation on Jones Creek, reconstruction of Cold Creek campground, streamside restoration projects for Clark Public Utilities, and parks and trail maintenance for Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation.

"It makes us feel good when they leave here and are doing good in society," the guide said.

Statistics

Statewide, 34 out of 100 inmates in the prison system re-offend and find themselves back behind bars.

For Larch, 24 out of 100 inmates come back. Sentences range from 6 months to four years.

An ethnic breakdown of current offenders shows that 74 percent are white, 17 percent are black, and about 4 percent each are Asian and Native American.

The highest offender age bracket is 30-34, with 91 in custody, followed by 35-39 with 80 incarcerated. Eight offenders are ages 18-20.

The most common offense is violence against people with 165 convictions, drug convictions are 110. Property offenses are 93, and sex convictions are at 35.

LITTLE LEAGUE GETS HOME RUN WITH CHURCH LAND

Outdoor fundraiser set

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

A 2.5 acre former hay field east of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church parking lot near Battle Ground will be turned into a "field of dreams" by November this year.

Since this spring, beginner Little League teams have used the two temporary diamonds to play ball on the corner of NE 142nd Ave. and NE 249th St.

However, the "fields" are in poor shape as they are not "official" for Little League play. Church spokesperson Louise Tucker said using the field is much like playing in a cow pasture.

As a result, the church congregation chose to develop the land into a community ball field after neighbor and coach Gary Livingston asked if he could bring over equipment to make the field usable.

The cost is expected to be about $20,000 for the conversion, set to begin in earnest sometime in September.

So far, improvements made are a smoother surface and backstop installation.

A grant from Trivent Financial for Lutherans in Appleton, WI, will provide $5,000 if $15,000 can be raised.

A fundraiser to kick off the project is set for Sat., June 10, noon, at the church.

Barbecued hamburgers, hot dogs, and more will be served at no cost, with donations welcome.

The last Little League game of the season on the property will begin at 11 a.m., before the barbecue.

According to project chairman and church member Jon Rasmussen, Battle Ground Youth Soccer and Clark County Youth Football have also expressed interest in using the fields. One game at a time could be played when Little League season is over, he said.

Because other sports organizations will use the facility, the project has been named Play Ball for All.

Preliminary plans are that the church will be responsible for the field's upkeep, and user fees are not anticipated.

End of construction will likely be November, Rasmussen said, because the grant offer expires by then.

"We're absolutely excited about this project," Rasmussen said.

To donate, or for more information, call the church at 687-7455.

BABY COULDN'T WAIT, DELIVERED IN VAN

Bill Myers

staff reporter

When Kylie Jade Walton is a little older, she will understand why she wasn't named "Patience."

Kylie, the daughter of Jason and Shawna Walton of Battle Ground, was born May 13 in the front seat of a van.

The van was parked less than a stone's throw from the door to the Emergency Department at Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital.

It was a first parking area birth at the new hospital.

Before the birthing adventure, Shawna was 10 days overdue and scheduled for induced labor at the Family Birth Center in Legacy on May 13.

Kylie had other plans.

In the morning of that day, at about 2:45 a.m., Shawna started having labor pains.

The Waltons loaded their two children, Pete, 5, and Zoe, 2, into their van and headed for Legacy.

Jason brought the van to a screeching halt in front of the Emergency Department and ran in. "My wife's having a baby--and she's having it now!" Jason said.

Three trained staff members rushed to the van with a special kit to handle a precipitous delivery.

As they reached the van, Jason, now back in the van with his wife, called to them. "The head's out," he said.

Delivery nurse Jodi Ballard and Jason welcomed Kylie to her new world. Jason cut the umbilical cord.

Jodi, aided by registered nurse Nickie Broeckel and perioperative technician Annmarie Wagner, carefully placed Shawna and her new baby on a stretcher.

The new patients were checked in at the Emergency Department and admitted.

Happy grandparents were soon arriving.

Jason's mother, Debbie Walton, employed as a birth records clerk at the hospital, filled out her own granddaughter's birth certificate.

CHUCK YEAGER JOINS FISH FIRST BOARD

Aviation hero shares fish conservation goals

Bill Myers

staff reporter

The first person in the world to break the sound barrier recently became a member of the Fish First Board of Directors.

Fish First founder and president Gary Loomis welcomed Yeager to the Board of the non-profit fish conservation organization on May 6 at an organization dinner and fund raiser.

Yeager, 83, was a highly decorated ace fighter pilot who, to the chagrin of at least 13 German pilots who he shot down, flew P-51 Mustangs over Europe during World War II.

As a test pilot in 1947, at a time when some scientists feared that an aircraft flying faster than sound would disintegrate, Yeager became the first person to break the sound barrier.

About a year later, Yeager was the first American to take off from the ground in a rocket-powered aircraft.

President Gerald Ford, in presenting a Congressional Silver Medal to Yeager in 1976, described Yeager's heroic flight in 1947 as an action which set the stage for unprecedented aviation advancement.

Yeager received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1985 from president Ronald Reagan.

A younger generation came to know about Yeager and his exploits because of the book, The Right Stuff.

In a recent telephone interview, Yeager said he plans to be an active board member and admires work done by Fish First volunteers to enhance fish habitat, especially on the East Fork of the Lewis River. He said he shares the conservation values of the organization.

Yeager has served for several years on the board of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

The retired general also heads the General Chuck Yeager Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports conservation, hunter education, amd the Make-a-Wish Foundation, promoting education and other causes.

More information is on the web at chuckyeager.com

Yeager, who lives with his wife, Victoria, in Grass Valley, CA, said he still flies as much as possible. He owns his own P-51 Mustang.

Yeager said he also loves to fish. The best fishing rods in the world, said Yeager, are made by G. Loomis in Woodland.

PRIVATE BUILDERS, PUBLIC LANDS FACE MIXING ISSUES

Alice Perry Linker

staff reporter

Residential development adjacent to U.S. Forest Service land is causing some road and bridge issues between the Forest Service and private developers.

Clark County developer Marble Creek LLC, a company that is developing residential lots near Swift Reservoir and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, has experienced some of the issues surrounding developing near public forest lands.

Jeff Creagan of Creagan Excavating Co. of Woodland said his company is working for Marble Creek and worked in Forest Service road 9015, while building an intersection with a road on Marble Creek land. Private developers are not to work on Forest Service roads.

Creagan said his company saw that the 9015 road was "washed out."

"We thought that road had been decommissioned," Creagan said. "We improved the road."

The Marble Creek property lies on each side of another Forest Service road, the 90 Road, and no illegal work has been done on that road, said Creagan and Forest Service spokeswoman Maggie Dowd.

"We knew we had to stay out of the (90) road," Creagan said.

Both Creagan and Dowd said they're trying to work together to solve the problems.

"We have not entered a legal suit," Dowd said. "We're trying to keep the lines of communication open about what they did do."

Work on any Forest Service land requires permits and may trigger a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review.

Forest Service Region 6 in Portland is examining the legal issues, Dowd said.

"Right now we're considering the effects of what happened and discussing how to mitigate," she said.

Dowd said there are other issues that affect developers in the north Skamamia County area near the forest. Forest Service bridges, including the Swift Creek Bridge, may not be strong enough to bear the weight of heavy equipment or log trucks.

The Forest Service has hired a consultant to analyze the bridges to determine their strength.

Sometimes owners of heavy equipment fail to get operating permits to carry loads in excess of 80,000 pounds, Dowd said. Creagan Excavating has not received all necessary hauling permits, she said.

"Everybody must have a permit to haul more than 80,000 pounds," she said.

"We put in for permits on Feb. 2," Creagan said. "The Forest Service was slow, and we couldn't get a site visit."

The company acquired Skamamia County permits to do the work on their property.

"What's crazy is it's your own property, and they (Forest Service) just have an easement," Creagan said. "Marble Creek owns land on both sides of the (90) road."

The news in the Swift Reservoir area has not been all bad, however, Dowd said.

Residents and the developers "did an incredible clean-up on the 90 Road--14 miles of clean-up," she said. "I was there and a sense of community was there."

Although work on the disputed road has stopped, the Marble Creek developers have access to their residential property, and development is continuing, Creagan said.

As for the 9015 road, "we'd like to give that road to Skamamia County, but they are not interested," Dowd said.

EDITORIAL:

HARRIS APPEALS METAL FAB DECISION

Tom Harris has filed an appeal with Clark County seeking to reverse a decision by a Hearings Examiner that his lot is too small for a rural home business operation.

Harris' appeal claims that his property, located at 19217 NE 219th St., Battle Ground, is 2.49 acres, meeting the size criteria.

Hearings Examiner Richard Forester had concluded the lot to be 1.99 acres. Clark County officials, who had defended their decision to issue a home occupation permit, did not appeal Forester's decision.

Harris purchased the property in September 2005 and began to operate a metal fabrication home occupation. In response to complaints by neighbors about noise, Harris applied for a home occupation permit.

County officials imposed various restrictions, concluded that the lot was the required 2.5 acres, and issued a permit on Jan. 17, 2006.

Seven neighbors appealed the permit, leading to a March 30 hearing on the matter.

Forester concluded that the lot was not 2.5 acres, nor was it 2.25 acres, which reflected the 10 percent variance allowed in county rules.

County officials had argued that two abutting roads could be included in the lot size calculation. Adding portions of 219th St. and 192nd Ave. would increase the lot size.

Forester concluded that road rights-of-way could not be counted in the usable portion of the site.

At issue is the interpretation of county code 40.200.040 which reads, in part: Lot area is the computed area contained within the lot lines excluding street or alley rights-of-way; except for areas designated....rural 5,...land dedicated or acquired hereinafter for public right-of-way shall not be excluded from the calculation of the lot size."

The county commissioners are scheduled to hear the appeal on Wed., Aug. 2, 1:30 p.m., at their hearing room, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver.

Information, Travis Goddard, county planner, 397-2375, ext. 4180.

NO LEVY RECOUNT IS PLANNED

There will be no recount of the failed May 16 Battle Ground School District levy vote.

Melissa Small, chair of Citizens for Better Schools, said last week that public interest and financial support was insufficient to justify a recount.

The vote on levy proposition 1 was 9,629 (59.25%) in favor and 6,622 (40.75&) against.

A 60% approval margin is required for passage.

A recount would have needed to change 122 votes from "no" to "yes" to alter the outcome.

The results did not fall within the margin to require a recount mandated by law. A manual recount would have cost about $4,062.

Small said the levy support group decided not to pursue a recount single-handedly, but to do so only if sufficient support came from the public.

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

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

BG PREPS FOR SKATE PARK PROJECT

Officials of the city of Battle Ground expect to award a contract for the construction of a skate park by late July, and to have the facility finished by November.

The 25,000 square foot skate park is to be constructed in Fairgrounds Park, and is considered Phase I of a plan to redevelop the entire park.

City spokesperson Adrienne DeDona said the skate park will be the first of its kind in the northwest, with 60% of the space devoted to street-type features, and the other 40% to bowls and vertical features.

"These aspects were built into the plan due to direct feedback received from the public during the open house," said DeDona.

Public open houses were held Nov. 10 and Dec. 14, 2005

The skate park will be available for users with skateboards, bicycles and inline skates.

The $1.7 million Phase I project includes the skate park at about $890,000, electrical improvements at $250,000, restrooms at $150,000, street frontage work at $250,000, and landscaping, walking path, water and sewer work, demolition and signage at $160,000.

The skate park will not be lighted for evening or night skating.

DeDona said lighting at Fairgrounds Park will be regulated by photo cells from dusk to dawn, adding safety and security to walking paths and the skate park. Lighting will not be bright enough for night-time skating, she said.

DeDona said construction is scheduled to begin in early August.

Fairgrounds Park is located at 907 E Main St., and borders the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad.

Future park improvements

Future improvements at Fairgrounds Park will include the construction of a multi-use, exhibit hall building, meeting rooms, water feature, walking trails, a great lawn, picnic areas and parking.

That work will take place in conjunction with relocating ball fields to city property on southwest 20th Ave., said DeDona.

OBITS:

CLIFFORD SATTERTHWAIT SR.

Clifford Lee Satterthwait, 73, died May 25, 2006 in Vancouver.

Satterthwait was born Nov. 5, 1932 in Sheridan, WY on the Rosebud Indian Reservation on the border of North Dakota and Nebraska. Satterthwait was raised in the Badlands on reservations. He enjoyed his childhood riding horses bareback and motorcycles. He lived the last several years in Brush Prairie and Battle Ground areas.

Satterthwait worked in a woodmill, enjoyed farming, was a janitor known as "the Hindu," and volunteered time at Goodwill stores.

Satterthwait enjoyed making people smile, talking about sunshine, spending time outdoors on sunny days, reading, fishing, walking, working in the garden, and western books and movies.

Sattherthwait was preceded in death by a wife, Ellen. He is survived by his wife, Jessy Satterthwait of Vancouver, sons Clifford Satterthwait Jr. of Vancouver, Ron Satterthwait of Seattle, and Pat Teel of Vancouver, a sister Kathy, half-brother Marty, four granddaughters, five great-granddaughters, and several stepchildren.

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

GEORGE BRISBY

George Washington Brisby, 73, died May 27, 2006, in Vancouver.

Brisby was born July 10, 1932 in Los Angeles, CA. He moved to Clark County in 1960, residing the last 18 years in Vancouver.

A veteran, Brisby served in the Navy, the Army, and the Army Reserve. He worked for Alcoa, Admiral Distributing, and Corwin Beverage. He was a Teamster and Teamster Union representative for Local #58. He retired in 1980.

Brisby enjoyed traveling, four-wheeling, fishing, and visiting others.

Brisby is survived by his wife, Clara "Billie" Brisby, at home in Vancouver, sons Brock Brisby of La Center, and Kevin Brisby of Hoquiam, daughters Daryl Payne of La Center and Pam Laughlin of Vancouver, sister Vida Mitchell of California, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Committal was in Memory Memorial Park Cemetery with Layne's Funeral Home of Battle Ground in charge of arrangements.

MARTIN HERMENS

Martin George Hermens, 52, died May 27, 2006 in Vancouver after a nearly nine-year fight with Lou Gehrig's disease.

Hermens was born March 5, 1954 in McMinnville, OR. He lived more than 40 years in Vancouver.

Hermens was a 1972 Battle Ground High School graduate and a U.S. Army veteran. He was employed as an air traffic controller at Portland International Airport and in Colorado.

Hermens enjoyed his Corvette, NASCAR, camping, boating, his pets, and especially his family and friends.

Hermens is survived by his wife, Shawn Hermens, at home in Vancouver, daughters Virginia Ray of Shelton and Amanda Hermens of Vancouver, son Martin Hermens of Vancouver, father Louis Hermens of Arizona, brothers Louis Hermens Jr. of Long Beach, Rick Hermens of Kentucky, and Don Hermens of Arizona, sister Frankie Hanson of Centralia, and four grandchildren.

Private entombment was at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Vancouver with Layne's Funeral Home of Battle Ground in charge of arrangements.

C.L. TALLMON

C.L. Lee Roy Tallmon Jr., 51, died May 27, 2006 in Vancouver.

Tallmon was born Dec. 4, 1954 in Vancouver. He was a lifetime Clark County resident, living the last three years in Vancouver.

A 1974 Ridgefield High School graduate, Tallmon enjoyed fishing, hunting (especially at Elk Camp), and clam digging. He liked to party with his friends.

Tallmon was the owner of CLT Construction out of Vancouver for several years.

Tallmon is survived by his mother, Delca Tallmon of Ridgefield, sisters Terri McDowell of Vancouver and Toni Mortensen of Ridgefield, special friend Connie Correia, one niece, one nephew, and two great-nieces.

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

DAVID JELLUM

Noble David Jellum Jr.., 66, died May 30, 2006, in Vancouver, after a long illness with emphysema.

Jellum was born Jan. 20, 1940, in Kelso, graduated from La Center High School, and lived in Battle Ground most of his life.

Jellum worked as an auto mechanic and loved to work with cars. He also enjoyed traveling and had traveled over the United States.

Jellum was preceded in death by his parents, Noble and Rita Jellum, and special companion Delores Haberman. Survivors include son David Jellum of Washougal, sisters Rose Marie Bennke of Vancouver and Noleen Snider of Oregon, and brother Bob Jellum of Oregon.

A graveside service will be held Thurs., June 8, 2 p.m., at the Highland Cemetery, La Center, with the Vancouver Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

RAMONA WIERIMA

Ramona B. (Crupper) Wierima, 75, died June 3, 2006, in Yacolt.

Wierima was born June 17, 1930, in Coffeeville, KS, and lived in Clark County for 39 years, 17 years in Yacolt.

Wierima was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church. She enjoyed gardening and participating in her church quilting group.

Wierima was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Wierima, in 1995, and by eight siblings. Survivors include daughters Deborah Wetzel of Oregon and Kathy Stephenson of Yacolt, sons Wayne Wierima of Wenatchee and Keith Wierima of Yacolt, 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held Tues., June 6, 4 p.m., at Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

FRANKLIN MILLER

Franklin Dean Miller, 68, died May 27, 2006, in Amboy.

Miller was born May 4, 1938, in Cottage Grove, OR, and lived in Clark County for 30 years, the last 15 in Amboy.

Miller was a civil engineer and worked for the U.S. Forest Service.

Survivors include daughters Becca Miller and Mona Solis, both of Oregon, son Scott Miller of Vancouver, sisters Ro Caughell and Alyce Huff, both of Oregon, and two grandchildren.

No services will be held, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

PATRICIA FLECK

Patricia Ann (West) Fleck, 90, died May 13, 2006, at home in Brush Prairie.

Fleck was born March 16, 1916, in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England, and emigrated to Canada in 1929 where she studied pre-nursing.

Fleck moved to Portland in 1939 and completed the registered nurse's course at Portland Sanitarium and Hospital Nursing School, now called Portland Adventist Medical Center. She also earned a bachelor of science degree from Walla Walla College in 1945.

Fleck worked at Vancouver-area hospitals and for the home health nursing program with the county health department. She worked at the Watson Nursing Home in Battle Ground for 25 years. She was the first director of nurses for Highland Convalescent Center in Camas which opened in 1970.

Fleck enjoyed reading, gardening, sewing, knitting, crocheting, swimming, long drives, walks on the beach and collecting teapots and teacups. She was an active member of the Meadow Glade Seventh-day Adventist Church where she served as secretary, children's Bible class teacher and literature evangelist.

Fleck was preceded in death by her husband, Wendell Fleck, in 1983, sister Joyce Hunter in 2006, and brother Brian West. Survivors include daughter Carole Fleck of Battle Ground, son Dean Fleck of Battle Ground, brother Derek West of Canada, nine nieces, five nephews and several great-nieces and nephews.

Fleck donated her organs to Biogift Research.

A memorial service will be held Sat., June 17, 4 p.m., at the Meadow Glade Seventh-day Adventist Church, with Springer and Son Funeral Home, Aloha, OR, handling arrangements.

WARREN HAMLIN

Warren Clark Hamlin, 83, died June 3, 2006, in Ridgefield.

Hamlin was born Jan. 20, 1923, in Colorado, and lived in Page, WA, for 16 years, Burbank, WA, area for 15 years, and Ridgefield for 25 years.

Hamlin worked as a signal maintainer for Union Pacific Railroad. He loved the Lord and working in church. He enjoyed woodworking, painting and gardening.

Hamlin was preceded in death by a sister, Erma Powell. Survivors include widow Dorothy Hamlin of Ridgefield, daughters Marcia Kilby of Vancouver, Shirlee Sheline of Ridgefield and Sherri Mugford of Oregon, brothers Robert Hamlin of California and Duane Hamlin of Vancouver, sister Helen Evans of Oregon, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held Sun., June 11, 2006, 6:30 p.m., at Glenwood Community Church, Vancouver, with Northwood Park Cemetery, Ridgefield, in charge of arrangements.

IRVING WEISENBORN

Irving F. Weisenborn, 93, died May 30, 2006, in Long Beach.

Weisenborn was born Nov. 8, 1912, in Portland, and grew up in Portland. He moved to Hockinson in 1945 where he owned and operated Baker Creek Lumber Company with his brother. He was a heavy equipment mechanic.

In 1965, Weisenborn went to work for Morrison-Knutsen Corporation in Vietnam. He went to Africa in 1972. He returned to Hockinson and in 1989, retired to the beach.

Weisenborn enjoyed model trains, all things mechanical, tinkering, and crossword puzzles.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years Virginia, at home in Ocean Park, sons George A. Weisenborn of Amboy and Ray Weisenborn of California, daughters Carol Weisenborn of Ocean Park and Julia Scott of Ridgefield, brothers Bill Weisenborn of La Center and Frank Weisenborn of Oregon, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Penttila's Chapel by the Sea, Long Beach, was in charge of cremation and other arrangements.

A guest book may be signed online at www.penttilaschapel.com

ORVA COWAN

Orva Jane (Kelly) Cowan, 78, died June 1, 2006, in Vancouver.

Cowan was born March 22, 1928, in Garden City, MO, moved to Seattle in 1968, and to Vancouver in 1971. She graduated from Garden City High School and attended Warrensberg Teachers College in Missouri.

Cowan worked as a loan specialist for Seattle First National Bank and for Vancouver Federal. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, watching CNN, and watching earlier Seahawks players such as Steve Largent. She was a member of the Methodist Church in Salmon Creek and the Mortgage Women's Association.

Cowan was preceded in death by her husband Donald Cowan. Survivors include son Robert Cowan of Vancouver, daughter Donna Davis-Blevins of Vancouver, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Burial was at Northwood Park Cemetery, with Northwood Park Funeral Home, Ridgefield, in charge of arrangements.

PATRICIA FLECK

Patricia Ann (West) Fleck, 90, died May 13, 2006, at home in Brush Prairie.

Fleck was born March 16, 1916, in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England, and emigrated to Canada in 1929 where she studied pre-nursing.

Fleck moved to Portland in 1939 and completed the registered nurse's course at Portland Adventist Medical Center. She also earned a bachelor of science degree from Walla Walla College in 1945.

Fleck worked at Vancouver-area hospitals and for the home health nursing program with the county health department. She worked at the Watson Nursing Home in Battle Ground for 25 years. She was the first director of nurses for Highland Convalescent Center in Camas which opened in 1970.

Fleck enjoyed reading, gardening, sewing, knitting, crocheting, swimming, long drives, walks on the beach and collecting teapots and teacups. She was an active member of the Meadow Glade Seventh-day Adventist Church where she served as secretary, children's Bible class teacher and literature evangelist.

Fleck was preceded in death by her husband, Wendell Fleck, in 1983, sister Joyce Hunter in 2006, and brother Brian West. Survivors include daughter Carole Fleck of Battle Ground, son Dean Fleck of Battle Ground, brother Derek West of Canada, nine nieces, five nephews and several great-nieces and nephews.

Fleck donated her organs to Biogift Research.

A memorial service will be held Sat., June 17, 4 p.m., at the Meadow Glade Seventh-day Adventist Church, with Springer and Son Funeral Home, Aloha, OR, handling arrangements.

ROY HENRICKSON

Roy Henrickson, 84, died May 26, 2006, in his Battle Ground home.

Henrickson was born on April 6, 1922 in Vancouver. He was the youngest of nine children.

Henrickson joined the Navy in 1942 and was a veteran of World War II.

Henrickson was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He and his wife served as missionaries at the Stockholm, Sweden Temple.

Self-employed as a carpenter and logger, Henrickson's great loves were his family, the church, carpentry, logging, and the outdoors.

Henrickson was preceded in death by son David Henrickson. Survivors include are his wife of nearly 55 years, Barbara Henrickson, at home in Battle Ground, sons Jim Henrickson of Idaho, Dale Henrickson of Ferndale, Jeff Henrickson and Rob Henrickson, both of Battle Ground, sister Frances Soder of Oregon, 22 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Evergreen Staples Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

LESTER WARREN

Lester Paul Warren, 85, died May 30, 2006, in Vancouver.

Warren was born Sept. 19, 1920, in Hendley, NE, moved to Kansas and then Ridgefield, and lived in Battle Ground for over 40 years.

Warren owned and operated Les's Tractor Repair, a farm machinery repair business. He enjoyed fishing and woodworking. He served in the U.S. Army as World War II was ending.

Warren was preceded in death by son Gary Warren in 1999, grandson Paul Warren, brother Forrest Warren, and sisters Pauline Mitzner and Elaine Motes. Survivors include widow Alberta Warren of Vancouver, son Dennis Warren of Washougal, daughters Kay Warren of Vancouver and Vicki Warren of California, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

No services are planned, with Davies Cremation & Burial Services in charge of arrangements.

NINA HUDSON

Nina Grace Hudson, 91, died May 6, 2006, in Three Hills, Alberta, Canada.

Hudson was born Dec. 20, 1914, near Battle Ground. She attended Rock Creek grade school and graduated from Battle Ground High School.

Hudson had been a member of the Charter Oak Evangelical Free Church in Battle Ground.

Hudson attended Evangelical Free Church Bible Institute in Chicago for two years and then spent 17 years as a home missionary in Minnesota.

Hudson moved to Canada in 1960 and worked as a secretary for 20 years in the high school office at Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills. She retired in 1980.

Hudson was preceded in death by a sister who died in infancy, and by her brother, Paul Hudson. Survivors include two grand nieces and one great-grand niece.

Services were held at Mount Olive Evangelical Free Church at Three Hills, with interment at Three Hills Cemetery. Mountain View Funeral Chapel, Three Hills, was in charge of arrangements.