GEORGE FOX BREAKS HIS SILENCE

Suspended Ridgefield manager denies racist comments

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

In a meeting June 16 held for media only in his Vancouver attorney's office, suspended Ridgefield city manager George Fox denied making racist comments about a black police officer.

Fox also said he was surprised that city council members authorized his suspension last December. They were aware of his quest to fire officer Carl Mealing for allegations of his harassing women and problems in the police department, he said.

"They knew why I did what I did," Fox said, "and then refused to defend me."

Fox was suspended Dec. 1, 2005, pending the result of an investigation lead by Seattle-area attorney Eileen Lawrence.

Mealing was fired by chief Bruce Hall under direction from Fox Sept. 28, 2005, just one day before his 12-month probationary period was up.

In sworn depositions to Mealing's attorney Jay Trumble, Jaclyn Emter, who Fox had dated, said Fox told her he'd had Mealing fired "because he's black," and Hall reported that Fox told him Mealing is "creepy," and that people are afraid of him, and ordered Hall to fire him.

In his attorney's office, Fox denied saying such things and added that he had no idea why Hall and Emter would say under oath that he did.

"It's beyond me why the city council would believe those statements," Fox said. "They know that's not how I think or speak."

Fox described his relationship with city staff and the community as amiable and professional.

However, in a report issued by Kirkland police lieutenants Bill Hamilton and Rick Krebs after an investigation into Mealing's discharge, a city employee testified that Fox was an "intelligent yet arrogant man who looked down on small town life."

According to the report, the employee said Fox was "a big city guy who looked down on the people he served," and that although she never heard Fox use a derogatory term regarding any race, "he was a jerk to everybody, regardless of race."

In response, Fox said he considered that employee to be his friend, and was just not "a warm and fuzzy guy" while at work.

"It's time to speak"

Fox also addressed other issues that were named as part of his suspension.

Allegations from the City included over-budget expenditures in 2005, the acceptance of "private donations for some unspecified cause," potential conflicts of interest in financial and business interests and relationships, misrepresentations in his employment contract, and the legal validity of that contract.

Fox said those accusations are "without merit."

The new financial reporting and budgeting systems he set in motion were working properly and the city was not overspent on a net basis, he said.

His professional credentials are all legitimate, Fox said, and accurately stated on his resume. They include being a member of the bar association as an attorney in three mid-western states.

Regarding private donations, cities accept them from private parties for several purposes, he said. Donations accepted in 2005 were used to defray compliance expenses caused by the Growth Management Act.

In addition, his employment contract allowed him to pursue business dealings with others as a consultant, and to be paid by the hour.

"In short, the City had no reason to suspend me from my position as city manager," Fox said.

"Now that [the investigative report] is public, it's time to speak," he said.

"Pretty stunned"

Fox said the reason he had Mealing fired was because of allegations the officer was actively pursuing and harassing women while in uniform.

Several women in the community complained to him, Fox said, and he passed the information on to Hall.

In July last year, he ordered Hall to investigate, Fox said, and the chief asked if he wanted to see Mealing's personnel file.

"I saw stuff about his prior engagements and was pretty stunned that this guy had been hired in the first place," Fox said. "I thought "What's going on here? Why was he hired?'"

Mealing is accused of harassing women while serving in the military, and while an officer at the Nisqually and Forks police departments, where he also served under Hall who was chief in both places before coming to Ridgefield in 2001.

Hall forced Mealing to resign from his position in Forks as a result of those allegations, the investigative report said.

Mealing's attorney said the position was merely eliminated.

Fox said he told Hall last July that he didn't want Mealing to become a permanent officer after his probation was up, and that he could do an investigation to document the firing if he wanted, but Mealing had to be gone before Sept. 30.

In mid-September, Hall reportedly told Fox he didn't have time to investigate, so Fox began pressuring Hall to fire Mealing.

Fox said he kept council members abreast of the situation and his concerns about Hall's management of the department based on concerns from the police union.

"I told them about Carl and the issues about management in the police department," Fox said. "The actions they took [to suspend] seemed rather surprising to me."

When asked if he'd return to his position if the suspension is lifted, Fox said, "If you had asked me that six months ago, I would have said they can pound sand. But a lot has happened since then, and I don't think the divorce between the city and me is final."

FORMER DENTIST DENIED MISTRIAL

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

Superior Court judge John Wulle on June 16 denied a new trial for former Battle Ground dentist James Classen.

Classen, 61, will be sentenced for first degree murder on July 9 for the stabbing death of his estranged wife, EveAnn Classen, 59, in February 2005.

Classen was found guilty of the murder on April 24.

However the last three days of the trial, including testimony by the state's key witness Dr. Barry Ward with Western State Hospital, was not recorded.

A glitch in the system only recorded visual images, not sound. As a result, judge Wulle, prosecuting attorney Tony Golik, and defense attorneys Jon McMullen and Todd Maybrown have been piecing together those missing three days from memory and notes taken.

A television news crew provided some footage, but much remained missing.

On June 16, Wulle declared the reconstructed record adequate and denied a request for a mistrial to Classen.

"We did a fairly good job of capturing it," Wulle said. "I can't find fault with what I read."

McMullen said he will appeal the judge's decision and include the recording foul-up in his request.

"It's difficult to know what I can't remember," McMullen said. "I'm not even sure I remember 50 percent of what the people questioned said. It's not a complete record."

Classen faces up to 28 years in prison when sentenced.

FEW PEOPLE TESTIFY DURING CASINO HEARING

Alice Perry Linker

staff reporter

About 100 people showed up for the June 14 hearing in the cavernous Skyview High School auditorium to discuss a draft environmental impact statement on the proposed Cowlitz casino near La Center and Ridgefield.

Gerald Hendrickson of the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs said that he had expected many more people to attend the hearings, given the opposition to the proposed casino.

Attendance rose to about 150 June 15, and there were more comments, Hendrickson said.

The Cowlitz tribe has proposed to build a casino on nearly 152 acres near the interchange of La Center Road and I-5.

As to why attendance was lower than expected, Hendrickson said, "My only thought is the opponents have been getting a lot of press, but the opposition didn't end up showing."

Last week's hearings were not the only opportunity for public comment. The BIA is accepting written statements until 5 p.m. Fri., July 14. Statements may be mailed to the BIA, 911 NE 11th Ave., Portland, OR 97232.

Copies of the several-hundred-page draft Environmental Impact Statement are available at the Ridgefield and La Center public libraries and on the Web at www.Cowlitz.org and http://analyticalcorp.com.

Hendrickson said the purpose of the hearings was to give people an opportunity to provide information on "substantive issues we may have missed."

"There was not a lot of substantive comment," he said. "Most said they were opposed because they were against gambling or (they said they were in favor) because it was a good deal for the community."

Hendrickson said information such as the amount of additional traffic that would be generated by a casino and resort would be considered substantive.

"We were looking for hard data," he said. "The hearing served a purpose; people said what they wanted to say."

Members of the audience were allotted three minutes to present evidence and because of the sparse crowd, they were allowed to speak a second time.

A few Woodland residents said they felt their community was ignored when the draft EIS was being prepared.

"I can't find the impact to Woodland (in the draft)," said Darlene Johnson. "The EIS did not address the issues that Woodland put in."

But another Woodland resident expressed support for the casino.

Jay Jacobson asked if the Cowlitz were "encountering intolerance."

"This is a legal issue," he said. "They should be able to provide jobs for the tribe."

Several who opposed spoke of the dangers of gambling addiction.

"How many more addicts would this generate?" said Sandra Bennett of La Center.

La Center resident Greg Gilbert said he lives on property near the proposed casino, and he said the intermittent stream running through his property would be an outfall for treated wastewater and would be "inadequate."

"Alternative B calls for paving over the wetlands," Gilbert said. "What happens is not discussed. The holes are huge. I think the tribe has been served poorly."

La Center's Jerry Johnson said, "I'd like to see the effluent go to the North Fork mixing zone."

Johnson added, "People had the same scare tactics for the cardrooms in La Center, and it turned out to be a pretty good community."

FIRST CLASS GRADUATES FROM HOCKINSON

Seventy-five seniors earned diplomas in the first-ever graduation ceremonies held at Hockinson High School.

Retired Hockinson teacher Patricia Jones gave the keynote address at the graduation ceremonies, held June 16 at the school.

Also speaking were seniors Erik Podhora and Hannah Dittmer.

Principal Sandra Yager presented the graduates for the award of diplomas.

Others speaking at the ceremonies were district superintendent Delcine Mesa-Johnson and school board chair Janina Rosencranz.

Six members of the graduating class earned honors for academic excellence. They were Garrett Strain, Amy Freeman, Britny Grosz, Amy Schroeder, Josh Haldeman and David Kleinschmidt.

Citizenship awards went to Alizabeth Roth and Brock Carrier.

The graduation was billed as the "Premier Class of 2006."

Nineteen graduates were members of the National Honor Society. They were Derek Barber, Hannah Dittmer, Amy Freeman, Grant Godfrey, Travis Gomez, Britny Grosz, Erika Gunderson, Gregory Jones, Sarah Kavanagh, David Kleinschmidt, Emma Koenig, Ryan Linton, Hannah Maier, Chelsea Peterson, Erik Podhora, Alizabeth Roth, Amy Schroeder, Matthew Warman, and Stacey Wright.

NEW RIG PROVIDES WATER TO FIGHT RURAL FIRES

A water tender designed to help fight fires in rural areas has been purchased by Clark Fire District 2 located outside Woodland.

Fire District 2 serves a 35-mile rural area south of the Lewis River. Woodland Fire Chief Tony Brentin said the district is operated by the Woodland Fire Department, but the equipment is owned by the District.

The tender, designed to provide water in areas where there are no hydrants, will be housed at rural station 93 at 314 NW 389th St.

"There is not one single fire hydrant in all of District 2," Brentin said.

The new equipment was used to supply water to fire districts fighting a fire caused by a multi-vehicle fatal traffic accident June 8 on I-5 between Ridgefield and La Center.

The $225,242 tender carries 3,000 gallons of water and is equipped with a 1,000-gallons-per-minute pump. The rig can draw water from ponds or streams.

Usually, the tender will work in conjunction with fire engines, Brentin said.

The new rig that replaces a 28-year-old vehicle was purchased with a FireAct grant from the federal government and $13,000 from the fire district's operating budget.

submitted photo in alice 6-21

A new water tender will fight fires in the rural areas of the Woodland Fire Department. It carries 3,000 gallons of water.

DEVELOPERS UNHAPPY WITH URBAN DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Alice Perry Linker

staff reporter

About 1,100 acres in the Battle Ground School District have been opened for development, but representatives of the building community aren't happy.

Steve Madsen, who represents the Building Industry Association of Clark County, summed up the unhappiness.

"I'm going into a meeting with my builders and I'm going to tell them the urban holding has been lifted," he said. "They're going to want to know when they can start building, and I'm going to say I have no idea and no idea of what it will cost."

Vancouver lawyer Steve Horenstein who represents builders and landowners said he will recommend that his clients appeal the urban holding ordinance to the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board.

The commissioners voted June 13 to lift the urban holding on land between NE 99th and 119th streets, but the ordinance remains in place.

Under the growth management plan, the commissioners have set aside acreage in Clark County to be reserved in urban holding for future development.

The resolution sets several conditions covering urban development in the 119th-99th street section, including development agreements between the county and developers. Public hearings will take place before the agreements are approved.

The resolution requires Battle Ground schools to acquire a "suitable school site (20 acres or more)" before residential development can begin. The condition does not state whether the district must purchase the land.

"Acquisition can have many meanings," said Commissioner Betty Sue Morris.

Horenstein said the commissioners improperly delegated their authority to the school district when they included the acquisition condition.

Morris disagreed.

"We are using our authority to set a threshold," she said.

Horenstein said that if his clients agree, he will appeal "whether the language of the urban holding ordinance is so broad that it impermissively delegates authority."

"We have been working like crazy to provide a school site," Horenstein said after the meeting. "We are trying hard to be helpful."

He said that an appeal to the hearings board should have no effect on the process of writing development agreements.

"This is more to keep it from happening in the future," he said.

Madsen said after the meeting that he fears the high cost of transportation and school impact fees will drive the cost of residential development so high that only "MacMansions" can be built.

The Building Industry Association has proposed a Battle Ground school impact fee of $6,000 per single-family residence for the first year and $7,500 per residence the second year.

Although only residential developers pay school impact fees, commercial and residential developers pay transportation impact fees.

A transportation study will determine what new construction will be required along SR-503 and the amount of fees and surcharges that developers must pay to support the construction. The study is expected to be finished soon.

County planner Rich Carson said extensive development in the NE 119th-99th streets area may require overpasses on SR-503 at Fourth Plain Road and Padden Parkway and at Andressen Road and Padden Parkway. Most of the cost would be borne by the county and the developers.

If development leads to road failures, the county has the authority to put a moratorium on new construction as has happened in the Salmon Creek area.

The resolution states that the developers should pay "enhanced fees" for the Orchards area and should make short-term local street improvements.

During the hearing, commissioner Marc Boldt said the "paramount duty is to fund education."

"My concern is that we educate kids and have a house for the educated kids to move forward to," he said.

Commissioner Steve Stuart was absent from the hearing.

PROBE SAYS OFFICER HARASSED WOMEN

Investigation critical of Ridgefield police chief

An investigation by Kirkland police officers says former Ridgefield police officer Carl Mealing, an African-American suing the City for violating his civil rights, had a pattern of harassing women.

The investigation was requested by Eileen Lawrence, a Seattle attorney representing Ridgefield.

Written results of the investigation, almost 400 pages with attachments, were pried from the City by a Clark County Superior Court ruling June 12 after a public disclosure lawsuit by the Vancouver Columbian newspaper.

In ordering public disclosure, judge Roger Bennett said Kirkland officers were asked in January 2006 by Lawrence to extend their investigation to "additional personnel issues" in the Ridgefield police department.

Bennett said administrative records relating to the function of government are not exempt from disclosure. "The overlap" removes the records from exemption, said the judge.

"Government is comprised of, created by, and responsible to the people," said Bennett.

The judge ruled on the issue of releasing the report, but not on the accuracy of information contained in it.

"Depending on which side of the controversy one occupies, the investigative report is either thorough, complete, and well done, or alternatively, a hatchet job, but in either event, it appears to be completed in so far as intended by the original scope," said Bennett.

Conclusions by investigators

Conclusions in the investigative report said there was no evidence that the City undermined Mealing's employment due to race. The report also said an allegation by one officer that Sgt. Cathy Doriot used racist language outside of Mealing's presence was never investigated. Doriot has denied that allegation.

Investigators concluded that police chief Bruce Hall, currently on paid leave pending a separate investigation of management performance issues, did not properly manage the department.

The report said that Hall was aware that Mealing, who had worked for him in the Nisqually Tribal and Forks police departments, had a history of alleged inappropriate behavior toward women. Yet, said the report, Hall still employed Mealing as an officer in Ridgefield.

The report said women in Ridgefield and La Center told investigators that Mealing, while on duty, approached them and asked for their telephone numbers, if they were happily married, and other questions.

Some women reportedly said they became frightened when Mealing followed them in his police car.

Hall, according to the report, failed to fully investigate such complaints, even from Mealing's fellow officers.

"The investigation indicates that although Hall failed to fully investigate the complaints, there was sufficient information to terminate Carl Mealing for cause..," said the report.

The report said La Center police officers received complaints from women who alleged harassment by Mealing.

The investigation said Ridgefield citizen Jackie Emter, who testified in a Civil Service Commission hearing that city manager George Fox had told her that he fired Mealing "because he's black," was seen having lunch with Mealing "sometime in the summer of 2005." Fox ordered Hall to terminate Mealing on September 29, 2005.

Investigators said this information was not offered by Emter in previous testimony.

The report describes a divided Ridgefield police agency with poor morale.

Officers were reportedly divided into two groups, those brought in by Hall and those in place before he arrived.

The report said Hall perceived that his ability to manage the department was impaired because officer Cathy Doriot, the president of the Ridgefield Police Officers Guild, is the daughter of mayor Gladys Doriot.

There was no evidence that Cathy Doriot used her mother's influence, said the report. But in their recommendations, investigators said such relationships can cause conflicts.

Hall, who also works as a consultant for the Kalama Police Department, was criticized in the report for hiring police officers at Kalama who had been terminated in Ridgefield for performance issues.

Recommendations

Recommendations in the report include installation of new leadership at Ridgefield Police Department and a complete study of the organization.

The Kirkland officers recommended a formal policy regarding nepotism. A mayor having her daughter on the police force is a conflict and "mutually detrimental," said the report.

Numerous other recommendations included the setting of performance standards, and a scrutiny of qualifications of existing officers to remedy deficiencies, which might include possible terminations.

No trial by media

Vancouver attorney Jay Trumble, representing Mealing in the federal action against Ridgefield, said the Kirkland investigation, ordered for the purpose of defending Ridgefield, contains erroneous information.

Mealing's position at the Forks Police Department was eliminated, and he was not "terminated" from that Department, said Trumble. In a deposition on Oct. 26, 2005, Hall said Mealing's termination in Forks was not based on performance.

Trumble said information in the investigation won't effect the lawsuit. "This case won't be decided in the media," he said.

Hall could not be reached.

CITIZENS TAKE SIDES ON CASINO ISSUE

Bill Myers

staff reporter

Public opinion about a proposed Cowlitz Indian Tribe casino continues to vary.

On the eve of public hearings hosted by federal officials concerning a draft environmental impact statement on the proposed project, citizens on both sides of the issue were mobilizing.

More than 100 Clark County citizens opposed to construction of a Las Vegas-style casino near La Center joined forces at a June 6 meeting in Ridgefield.

Leaders of area citizen groups opposing development of a tribal gaming facility attended the meeting.

Chuck Cushman, lobbyist with the American Land Rights Organization, passed out guidelines for effectively voicing concerns to elected officials.

Support group forms

Kathy Frazier, an insurance broker, said she and about 250 other citizens recently formed Friends of the Cowlitz Tribe to spread the word about the economic benefits of the casino.

The Cowlitz are a landless tribe and deserve to have their land and tribal economic development, said Frazier, a member of the Shoalwater Indian Tribe.

Frazier said more than 3,000 citizens responded favorably to recent Cowlitz mailings about the proposed casino to Clark County residents.

Salvador Madrigal, another spokesman for the group, owns land near the proposed casino site west of I-5 at NW319th St.

Frazier said group members recently launched a website, friendsofthecowlitztribe.com, where citizens can sign up to support the casino effort.

Comments on the proposed casino may be sent to George Skibine, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Interior for Indian Affairs, Dept. of Interior, Indian Affairs, 1849 C St. NW, Washington DC, 20240 or via e-mail to george_skibine@ios.doi.gov. Comments must be received by July 14.

EDITORIAL:

CLARK COUNTY MAKES CHANGES IN PLANNING ORGANIZATION

Clark County's long range planning function will be elevated to a department level effective Aug. 1.

The new planning department will continue to deal with planning, zoning and related matters, with department head Marty Snell reporting directly to county administrator Bill Barron.

In the past, planning had been a part of the county's Community Development Department, headed by Rich Carson.

Carson will continue to manage the implementation of county policy pertaining to development and construction of residential, commercial and industrial uses.

Carson also oversees the county's code enforcement work, animal control, and engineering and building permits functions.

"It's not unusual," said Carson of the new organizational pattern.

Carson said he has 166 employees. The 7 percent involved in long range planning required half his time, said Carson in supporting the change.

NEIGHBORS OPPOSE HIGHLAND CELL TOWER

At least two neighbors have voiced opposition to a telephone cell tower proposed for construction in the Highland area of La Center.

Clark County officials hosted a pre-application conference on the cell tower June 8. A neighborhood meeting was held June 9, as required under county cell tower application rules.

The tower is proposed by T Mobile West, and would be located on the property of Steve and Dede Wisniewski, 38209 NE 41st Ave., La Center.

"Our neighborhood isn't jumping for joy," said neighbor Rose Smith. "We are very concerned as we live in a very historic area."

Smith said her home, located directly across from the cell tower site, was built in 1883 and is on the Clark County Historical Index.

Smith said the Highland Lutheran Church is less than a quarter mile away and within sight distance of the cell tower site.

"We feel that this tower will take away significantly from our area's (historic) designation," said Smith.

"Clark County doesn't have that much history left and we would hate to see this go in and take away from it," said Smith.

Clark County planner Terry Brooks said the proposed site is in the Ag-20 zoning district, one of the more preferred locations for cell towers behind industrial and forest zones.

Brooks said the tower would need to be constructed to hold at least three sets of antennas.

The tower is proposed as 150 feet tall and would be located behind some barns, said Brooks.

Once an application is received, said Brooks, every property owner within 1320 feet would be notified and a public hearing conducted.

The Wisniewski grow Christmas trees on their 50 acre farm. Dede Wisniewski said her home was built in the early 1900s.

Wisniewski said the tower would be located about 300 feet off NE 41st Ave.

Wisniewski declined to say what the monthly rental income would be from the cell tower site, noting that it is more than $500.

Brooks said a cell tower was recently approved in the Hockinson area, and a proposal is pending for a tower in the St. Johns area of Vancouver.

Other applications, said Brooks, are for additional antennas on existing towers.

CHAMBERS ENDORSE BUSINESS PARK INSTEAD OF CASINO

Both the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce have announced support for use of land near La Center as a business park rather than an Indian gaming casino.

The business park idea, included as Alternative D in a draft environmental study of the casino proposal, would create the same number of jobs as a casino, with less impacts on the environment, property values, traffic and existing businesses, the Chambers contend.

The draft Environmental Impact Statement included five alternatives courses of action plus a "no action" alternative.

Two alternatives involved a casino, one without rerouting NW 319th St.

Other alternatives involved a casino at the Ridgefield interchange at I-5 instead of the La Center location, and the business park plan.

The Vancouver Chamber of Commerce concluded that a business park would provide jobs with higher wages than a casino, with little or no crime and fewer negative impacts on traffic, property values and the environment.

A business park would produce 2,991 jobs with an average wage of $49,000, said the Chamber study, while a casino would create 3,151 jobs with an average wage of $28,000.

The Chamber noted that a business park would require about 6% of the water needed daily by a casino.

While a business park would produce more weekday traffic than a casino, said the Chamber, it would create less than 3,000 trips on Saturday compared to about 17,800 trips for a casino.

The Chamber study also compared a business park favorably to a casino in social effects and community character.

"This is a no-brainer where business is concerned," said John McKibbin, president of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce.

"The findings in the (Impact Statement) show that, compared to a casino, the business park alternative would have significantly less negative impact on the environment, local businesses, property values and traffic flows.

"Additionally," said McKibbin, "the business park alternative would create thousands of high-wage jobs which are vital to our county's growth."

Following the June 13 endorsement of the business park alternative by the Vancouver Chamber, the Battle Ground Chamber board of directors voted June 14 to support the plan as well.

VAGNER LEAVES RIDGEFIELD FOR IDAHO JOB

Mary Vagner, who has served as superintendent of the Ridgefield School District for five years, will become superintendent of the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District in Idaho on July 1.

Former Ridgefield superintendent John Simpson has been hired to run the district for one year while officials conduct a search for a new superintendent.

Vagner said she is making the move for personal and professional growth.

"It's a new opportunity," said Vagner. "It's a very progressive district."

The Pocatello district, said Vagner, has 13,000 students, compared to about 1,970 in the Ridgefield School District.

Vagner said she came to Ridgefield in part because her son lives in the area. Vagner and her husband also have a son attending college in Montana.

Vagner said that, during her years in Ridgefield, curriculum has been completely aligned with state standards and the staff "is very well trained to teach to the standards."

Vagner said the district has shown substantial growth in student scores on state tests. She said she is eager to see further test results which are due out in August. She said she expects to see continued growth.

Vagner said Idaho has a similar state-mandated testing system, with grade level examinations and graduation testing.

Chris Swindell, president of the Ridgefield school board, said the district has made strong academic progress during Vagner's tenure.

Swindell said curriculum is now the same in grades k-12 and test scores are up 20 points.

Swindell praised Vagner for staff and principal training programs.

Swindell said Vagner is going to a larger district with more pay. "It's a positive step for her," said Swindell.

Vagner said her last day will be June 21, allowing no time for a farewell gathering.

Vagner said she was offered the Idaho job on June 5 and informed the board of her intention to leave on June 6.

Swindell said former district superintendent John Simpson, who retired in 1997 after five years as superintendent, will serve as interim superintendent while a replacement for Vagner is found.

Swindell said Simpson will be good for the district, and will help get a levy passed in February.

The Battle Ground School Board decided June 14 to more than double school impact fees in 2007 and increase them again in 2008.

The fees are charged on newly-constructed homes and apartments, and are used to defray the costs of building new schools.

The board's action increases impact fees on a single family home from the current $3,000 to $7,636 in 2007, and to $8,290 in 2008.

The board also increased multi-family home impact fees from $1,000 to $2,264 in 2007, and to $2,471 in 2008.

School board member Cecil Schlecht voted against the hike in fees.

The new fees have yet to be approved by the Battle Ground city council, the Yacolt town council, and Clark County.

The board acted on the fees just one day after the Clark County commissioners decided to allow development in a portion of the school district's southern territory which is bordered by 72nd and 152nd avenues, and 99th and 119th streets.

The commissioners' decision to allow development on the 1,100 acre area could result in 1,000 new homes and another 1,500 students in the school district.

The town of Yacolt did not approve the current school district fees. Owners of new homes in Yacolt now pay $1,000. The fee on multi-family units in Yacolt is now $xxx.

The revised impact fees could raise over $8 million for the school district from the north Vancouver area described above.

In comparison, said district spokesperson Kelly O'Brien, the new Daybreak primary and middle schools, designed for 900 students, will cost about $20 million.

Schlecht said increased impact fees could hamper passage of future bonds and levies.

"High impact fees will hurt future levies," said Schlecht.

"I hope it (higher fees) doesn't look like we are taking money where voters have no say," explained Schlecht. "It's a dollars and sense issue."

Schlecht said people who pay the new, higher fee could be less inclined to raise their own taxes as well. In addition, he said, people who see the district raising impact fees may believe the district has enough money and doesn't need a higher tax rate or new maintenance and operations levy.

Schlecht stressed the importance of levy approval. "It does us no good to have money to build schools and buy land if we can't afford to operate them," he said.

HISTORIC MUSEUM WILL BE DISABILITY FRIENDLY

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

The Clark County Historical Museum in Vancouver is undergoing a five-month, $427,000 remodeling project to better accommodate those with disabilities.

Changes include an exterior brick elevator shaft and elevator, new walkway, and remodeling existing restrooms.

JWC Construction of Vancouver is in charge of the project, funded by the City of Vancouver, Community Development Block Grants, Clark County general funds, and Washington State Capital Projects fund.

The building is an original Carnegie Library built in 1909. Named for philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, more than 1,600 libraries were built across the United States between 1886 and 1919 with more than $40 million donated by Carnegie.

Carnegie's fascination with books began as a youngster growing up in Scotland when he listened to men read aloud and discuss books that were borrowed from the Tradesmen's Subscription Library that his father, a weaver, had helped create.

After immigrating to Pennsylvania, Carnegie became a messenger boy for a telegraph company and was introduced to Col. James Anderson who opened his personal library one day a week to any young worker who wished to borrow a book.

When some people tried to restrict the library's use, Carnegie wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper defending the right of all working boys to enjoy the pleasures a library has to offer.

He resolved at that time to make similar opportunities for others if he ever became wealthy, according to information on a website about Carnegie.

Carnegie became a magnate in railroad locomotives, oil, iron and steel. Over his lifetime, he gave away nearly $350 million, nearly 90 percent of his fortune.

The Vancouver library/museum, 1511 Main St., is listed on the National Historic Register and is one of 43 built in Washington.

The original building was constructed by Ole Larson using a $10,000 grant from the Carnegie Foundation. Lowell M. Hidden, a Vancouver brick maker, donated the land and created the bricks the building is made of.

The Museum is a Beaux-Arts style characterized by solid masonry decorated with garlands, shields and other details, according to executive director Susan Tissot.

The building features stone books with the word "treasures" on the front side which faces Main St.

The back side of the old library has seen two additions which currently house the Museum's research library and main exhibit gallery.

When the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District moved to a new site in 1964, the Clark County Historical Society began operating in the building. At the time, it was known as the Fort Vancouver Historical Society.

The Society operates the Museum in partnership with the City of Vancouver and Clark County.

Tissot plans to keep the building open during construction other than minor, temporary closures.

For more information, call 993-5679 or visit www.cchmuseum.org

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 group's dinner and fundraiser held May 6 at the Oak Tree Restaurant in Woodland.

First First is a non-profit organization based in Woodland.

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

As a test pilot in 1947, at a time when 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. 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.

A long-time friend of Loomis', Yeager has attended the annual Fish First banquet in May for several years.

Fish First's mission is to restore fish runs to historic levels in the Lewis River system, restore the quality of recreational experience for this and future generations, promote economic viability of area communities and businesses that are affected by activity around waters, and foster a balance of economic uses and environmental health and viability.

Projects include spawning and rearing habitat restoration, in-stream rearing with egg boxes and net pens, removal of spawning and rearing habitat blockages such as culverts, and promoting good land stewardship by protecting land along wetlands.

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

More information is online at www.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 GLoomis, made by Gary Loomis in Woodland.

PAVING BEGINS IN TWO NORTH COUNTY PROJECTS

Battle Ground, Ridgefield commuters affected

Erosion control and sign work has begun on two north Clark County projects funded by the state Department of Transportation.

On June 19 paving work began on portions of SR-503 from Main St. in Battle Ground north to NE Rock Creek Rd.

Portions of Pioneer St. (SR-501) will be repaved or repaired between Main Ave. and S 56th Place, Ridgefield. In addition, sidewalk upgrades will be included along the route.

Construction is scheduled for 40 working days on both projects, with an end date of mid-August.

Drivers can expect daytime single lane closures with flaggers Mon.-Fri., with waiting times averaging 20 minutes.

Morse Brothers Inc. of Tangent, OR is contracted for the two projects, at a total cost of $1.3 million.

Work will cease on weekends and holidays, and for Harvest Days in Battle Ground, Fri.-Sun., July 14-16.

For more information, call (866) 279-0730 or e-mail swgorge@wsdot.wa.gov

OBITS:

GRACE ABRAHAMSON

Grace Myrtle (Berdan) Abrahamson, 84, died June 18, 2006, in Shelton.

Abrahamson was born May 26, 1922, in Malta, MT, and lived in Battle Ground for 50 years before moving to Shelton six years ago.

Abrahamson was a member of the Battle Ground Baptist Church and the Venersborg Church. She was also a member of the Venersborg Homemakers. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, traveling and her grandchildren.

Abrahamson had worked as a registered nurse at Vancouver Memorial Hospital for 30 years.

Abrahamson was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Abrahamson, in 1987. Survivors include son Dave Abrahamson of Colorado, daughter Alice Burnett of Shelton, brother Lee Berdan of Seattle, sisters Marian Berdan of Orcas Island and Elaine Carpenter of Canada, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Fri., June 23, 1 p.m., at Layne's Funeral Home Chapel, Battle Ground, with interment at Venersborg Cemetery, Battle Ground. Layne's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

ANTHONY ASTOR

Michael Anthony Astor, 19, died June 13, 2005, at home in Ridgefield.

Astor was born Feb. 1, 1987 in Vancouver. He lived in Vancouver 18 years, and Ridgefield for the last year.

Astor attended Evergreen High School and received a general education diploma in 2005.

An assembly line worker for Freightliner, Astor enjoyed fishing, golfing, cars, monster trucks, video games, drawing, camping, and mixed martial arts fighting. He was also a member of the Northwest Snaggers Association.

Astor was preceded in death by his grandfather Vance Astor in 1993, and great-uncle Don Cline in 2004. He is survived by his parents Teresa and Robert Denham of Ridgefield, fiance Ashley Smith of Ridgefield, sisters Stephanie Astor of Ridgefield, and Crystal, Denham, Naomi Denham, Desiree Denham, and Sandy Denham, all of Vancouver, grandmother Cheryl Reed of Vancouver, grandfather Thomas Reed of Tacoma, great-aunt Patty Cline of Vancouver, uncle Jay Reed of Vancouver, six nieces, and one nephew.

A memorial service will be held Thurs., June 22, 1 p.m., at Northwood Park Funeral Home, 16407, NE Union Rd., Ridgefield, with Northwood Park in charge of arrangements.

E. LAVERN CANFIELD

E. LaVern (Jones) Canfield, 90, died June 11, 2006, in Battle Ground.

Canfield was born Oct. 6, 1915, in Grove, OK, and lived in Clark County for 50 years, the last 11 in Battle Ground.

Canfield enjoyed camping, fishing, sewing, knitting, working in the garden and trips to Reno. She also enjoyed her day care children.

Canfield was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Canfield, in 1986. Survivors include daughter Mary Johnson of Battle Ground, son William Canfield of Amboy, step-children Robert Canfield of the Marshall Islands and Barbara Owens of California, 14 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Interment was at Memory Memorial Park Cemetery, Vancouver, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

PETER KAUFMAN

Peter Arthur Kaufman Jr., 93, died June 12, 2006, in Vancouver.

Kaufman was born Nov. 19, 1912, in Portland, and lived in Ridgefield for 92 years before moving to Vancouver three months ago.

Kaufman worked as a truck driver. He attended Ridgefield Methodist Church. He was a member of Teamsters Union Local 501. He enjoyed duck hunting, fishing, boating, clam digging and the beach.

Kaufman was preceded in death by his wife, M. Frances Kaufman, in 1991, sister Rose Atterbery, and grandchild Troy Kaufman in 1992. Survivors include daughter Carolyn Kampsula of Vancouver, son Dale Kaufman of Friday Harbor, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Interment was at Ridgefield Cemetery, Ridgefield, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

GREGORY GRANT

Gregory James Grant, 43, died June 12, 2006, in San Diego, CA.

Grant was born July 21, 1962, in Harbor City, CA, and lived in Clark County for eight years, the past seven years at his home in Battle Ground.

Grant worked as a long-haul truck driver. He enjoyed boating, computers, fishing, golfing and his pet, Buddy.

Grant was preceded in death by his sister, Janet Patchett, on June 6, 2006. Survivors include mother Renee Grant of Battle Ground, brother Barry Grant of California, and sisters Mickey Duggan of Battle Ground and Gaylynn Grant of Vancouver.

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

MARY SEARS

Mary B. (Staley) Sears, 93, died June 16, 2006, in xxxx.

Sears was born Dec. 1, 1912, in Carmi, Illinois, grew up in Illinois, and moved to Stevenson when she was 28 years old.

Sears married Lonnie Brannon in 1934 and Rex Sears in 1956.

Sears worked for the Woodland Post Office, retiring in 1976. She enjoyed traveling, especially to Hawaii and Europe. She also enjoyed golfing.

Sears was past worthy matron of Order of Eastern Star, and a past member of the Woodland Garden Club and Jr. Women's Club.

Sears was preceded in death by step-son Lonnie Claire Brannon, brothers Gorden Staley and Chelsea Staley, and sister Verla Hanley. Survivors include son LW Brannon of Texas, sister Vonda Christie of Oklahoma, three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Vancouver, with the Woodland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.