DEPUTY MURDER TRIAL MAY END THIS WEEK

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

After three weeks of testimony and evidence, the murder trial of Clark County Sheriff's Sgt. Brad Crawford may crawl to a finish this week.

Attorneys expect closing arguments to begin June 27 in Superior Court judge Robert Harris' chambers.

Robin T. Schreiber, 45, is accused of intentionally ramming his 50,000 lb., heavy-duty Ford F-250 truck into the driver's side of Crawford's patrol car as Schreiber fled pursuing police on July 30, 2004 in Brush Prairie.

Testimony from witnesses estimated the truck's speed at the time of the crash at about 40 mph and accelerating while Schreiber appeared to steer directly into the patrol car.

Deputies, officers, a SWAT team and two K-9 units had responded to Schreiber's residence on NE 128th Ave. when his live-in girlfriend called 911 and said he was suicidal and armed.

Witnesses say Crawford parked on the shoulder of the L-shaped corner at NE 124th Ave. and NE 114th St. to keep traffic out of the area just seconds before Schrieber reportedly rammed his truck into Crawford's vehicle.

However, witnesses for the defense over the last week testified that Crawford's car was partially in the roadway.

Defense attorney Tom Phelan contends that the accident was unavoidable, especially considering the truck's brake line had been severed when Schreiber drove across a field and over a barbed wire fence.

Phelan said his client never intended to hurt anyone, and that because Schreiber had been drinking, he could not form an intent to kill the sergeant.

Expert witnesses for both sides said Schreiber's blood alcohol level at the time of the incident was likely as high as .18. The threshold for driving under the influence in Washington is .08.

A State Patrol brake specialist testified that only the front brake lines on the truck were severed, not the rear line. He also said lights, steering, the suspension and electrical systems were functioning as well.

A professor from Oregon Health and Science University testified for the defense that Schreiber was too drunk to intend to kill Crawford.

Schreiber reportedly told him he'd had beer and bourbon that evening because he was depressed over his ex-wife's demand for more child support and the death of one of his brothers.

Prosecutors are asking the jury to find Schreiber guilty of first degree aggravated murder because they believe the murder was premeditated. If convicted, he faces a mandatory life sentence in prison without parole.

The defense is asking to convict on second degree murder or first or second degree manslaughter.

Second degree murder means the act was not premeditated. First degree manslaughter means a death was caused by recklessness, and second degree manslaughter is an act of criminal negligence. The latter carries a two-year sentence.

CHARLES FERGUSON TO NOTE 90TH BIRTHDAY

Family and friends of Charles Ferguson are invited to his 90th birthday party on Sat., July 1, 2:15-4 p.m., at the Oak Tree Restaurant in Woodland.

Ferguson was born June 29, 1916, in Woodland. His mother taught school in Ariel. The family moved to the Woodland Bottoms in 1929.

Ferguson attended Clover Valley School and graduated from Woodland High School in 1934. He attended Lower Columbia College and Washington State University, graduating in 1940. He moved to King County and worked as a milk tester.

Ferguson has been active in various dairy and community organizations. He served on the Mayflower Company board of directors. He was a member of the Guernsey Cattle Club of Cowlitz County. He was active in the Dairy Federation of Washington. He was instrumental in the development of Horseshoe Lake Park.

Ferguson served on the Woodland School board. He was president of the Chamber of Commerce and was a port commissioner. He also served as a director of the Soil and Water Conservation District, the Cowlitz County Historical Society board, and as an elder

of the Woodland Presbyterian Church.

Ferguson's wife, Ellen, died in 1998. He has also lost two younger brothers, Albert and Donald, and a granddaughter, Rosemary.

Ferguson has five children, daughters Margaret Beck of Centralia, and sons Howard Ferguson of Olympia, Jim Ferguson and Douglas Ferguson, both of Woodland, and Robert Ferguson of Seattle, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Information, 225-9685.

RIDGEFIELD COUNCIL TERMINATES GEORGE FOX

Bill Myers

staff reporter

Ridgefield city council members voted June 22 to terminate suspended city manager George Fox.

Fox, contracted for four years by the city in February 2005, was suspended with pay on Dec. 1, 2005, pending an investigation of the firing of African-American police officer Carl Mealing.

Clark County Superior Court judge Roger Bennett at a recent hearing said a four-year city manager contract is contrary to state law.

RCW 35A.13.130 says a city manager shall be appointed for an indefinite period and may be removed by majority vote of a city council.

Resolution No. 320 terminating Fox was approved and signed by mayor Gladys Doriot and all council members except Chad Sessions who was absent.

The termination will be effective July 24 unless challenged. His salary is $11,892.22 per month.

Various actions or inactions by Fox are alleged in the council's resolution, including:

** Creating provisions for private contributions to the City for the purpose of obtaining favorable treatment in connection with the extension of the City's urban growth boundary that may have created an appearance of favoritism in violation of state law.

** Violating the City Manager's fiduciary duty and statutory obligations to the public by failing to properly document actions related to Mealing's dismissal.

** Representing himself as an attorney at law while not a member of the Bar of the State of Washington which caused the City to "mislead the public..."

** Presiding over accounting practices and over-budget expenditures in 2005 that may have placed the City at risk in violation of state law.

** Failing to provide effective oversight of the Ridgefield Police Department. Fox, said the resolution, should have commissioned an outside, independent investigation given the employment atmosphere at the Department.

** Using City resources for the conduct of personal business, directing personal e-mail to the City's server and directing City related e-mail to his outside e-mail account.

** Failing to obtain a City Manager bond as required by state law.

The resolution said Fox may have told police chief Bruce Hall not to process a police report involving city council member Scott Hanson, causing a delay of formal charges related to a July 19, 2005 traffic violation until Election Day, Nov. 8, 2005.

The violation was recently reported in the Vancouver Columbian newspaper as a possible drunk driving incident. Hanson reportedly was convicted after his election of a reduced charge--second-degree negligent operation of a vehicle.

Mealing claims in a federal lawsuit that city officials, including Fox, violated his civil rights. In the wake of the Mealing termination, a woman testified to Ridgefield Civil Service commissioners that Fox told her that he fired Mealing "because he's black."

Fox has denied making the comment.

A recent investigation by Kirkland police officers concluded that Mealing had a pattern of harassing women while on duty.

At a press conference June 16, Fox said city council members were aware of why he wanted Mealing terminated. "They knew why I did what I did...and refused to defend me," he said.

At the conference, Fox said allegations by the City about over-budget expenditures, mis-representations in his employment contract, accepting private donations for unspecified causes, and potential conflicts of interest are "without merit."

Fox said at the conference that he is a member of bar associations in three mid-western states.

The resolution said that state law provides for a public hearing, if requested by a removed city manager, within 30 days of being served with a notice of removal. A fair and objective public hearing would be in the best interests of Ridgefield citizens, said the resolution.

Fox requested a federal arbitration hearing on his contract on Dec. 7, 2005. A pre-hearing telephone conference on that hearing is set for July 27.

It isn't known if Fox will continue to seek arbitration in light of the contract termination. His contract says the City may terminate him if he is convicted of a felony or gross misdemeanor, or if he commits "material acts of fraud" in conducting his duties. The contract also provides that disputes will be settled by arbitration.

Neither Fox nor his attorney, Don Gregg, could be reached for comment following the council action.

Hall is on paid leave pending a separate investigation of management performance issues.

FLAP CONTINUES OVER ASPHALT PLANT

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

A five-hour long "last chance" public hearing to take more testimony about a hotly debated asphalt plant in Brush Prairie will be continued Tues., Aug. 1, at the Public Services Center in Vancouver. About 100 people attended the June 20 meeting where Lakeside Industry's attorney Alan Wallace and the neighborhood association's attorney John Karpinski went toe-to-toe over seven expert witnesses in front of hearings examiner Joe Turner.

More than 400 exhibits have been submitted or collected in the Clark County file, with more reportedly on the way.

The Greater Brush Prairie Neighborhood Association and its Asphalt Watch Dog Group have filed an appeal of the county commissioner's approval of a 477-page environmental study.

The opponents believe the report is "inadequate" and full of incorrect comparisons such as comparing train unloading noises in Oregon with the noise of trucks unloading materials.

Neighbors to the 16.24-acre parcel between NE Caples Rd. and NE 151st St. about 2,000 feet east of SR-503 say the asphalt plant would be incompatible with their rural neighborhood.

The property is zoned for heavy industrial use, and is bisected by a railroad line, which Lakeside plans to use as a primary source of transporting material.

A 160-family mobile home court is next to the proposed plant area, and homes line NE 151st St.

Neighbors believe the plant will create noise, harm water, and reduce home values by $30,000 or more.

Six-year battle continues

Issaqua-based Lakeside Industries plans to build an asphalt hot mix manufacturing plant in two phases over four to seven years.

In phase one, 10.6 acres would be developed with the installation and operation on the north 7.24 acres. A train off-loading area would also be created.

In addition, a 16-foot tall landscaped, earthen berm 40-feet wide at the base would surround the property.

Phase two includes a 5,400 square-foot shop, relocating a modular office which is currently at the company's former Orchard's site, creating a truck parking/staging area, and a building a refueling area.

At full build-out, Lakeside officials expect a rail car load capacity of about 100 tons of aggregate and 16 cars per train, with up to four trains per week to the site.

They expect to manufacture 250,000 tons of asphalt per year with a maximum target capacity of 450,000 tons.

Depending on the outcome of the hearing, further appeals will go to county commissioners and ultimately Superior Court.

The hearing will continue Tues., Aug. 1, 6 p.m., at the Public Services Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver.

FIRE DISTRICT 1 TO ASK FOR LEVY INCREASE

The costs of operating a three-station rural fire district are rising faster than the income of Cowlitz Fire District 1, and the district will ask property owners to pay more beginning next year.

The district now levies about 92 cents per $1,000 of property value. District voters will be asked to approve an increase in the levy to $1.50 per $1,000. The election will take place during the Sept. 19 primary.

Voters last approved a levy increase in 1981 when the rate went to $1 per $1,000. The increasing value of the district has lowered the rate to 92 cents.

The new levy will be based on the 2006 valuation, although it will become effective in 2007, said Jana Warner, district secretary.

A new water tender is needed to replace a 1978 tender at Station 3 on Little Kalama River Road, Warner said.

The district has a tender and an engine at each of the three stations, she said, and one engine was built in 1971.

"Eventually, it will need replacing," she said.

Serious drainage problems affect the parking lot at Station 2 near the Lewis River Golf Course, and an engineer is looking at ways to solve the problem, Warner said. New paving and additional maintenance may be needed, she said.

The district that serves 3,800 people has two full-time paid employees in Chief Bill Grimm and Warner, and about 30 volunteers. Three volunteer assistant chiefs earn about $250 monthly each, and volunteers who meet longevity standards and other criteria can earn an incentive stipend of about $33 per month, Warner said.

"It's important that we properly equip our volunteers," she said. "We got a grant to buy turnouts (protective clothing), but grants are getting harder to get."

Under the new levy, property worth $200,000 would pay $300 a year or $25 monthly, up from the current $184 annually.

The district's current budget is $262,588, but Warner said the 2007 budget won't be written until after the levy election.

The Woodland School District is looking for nominations for the Wall of Tribute monument.

Nominations should be submitted to the district by Fri., June 30, for review.

To qualify for listing on the Wall of Tribute, nominees must have invested time and energy into serving Woodland schools and students. They must have made a "significant difference" to students and schools, and must have given "above and beyond" the ordinary, according to a school district statement.

The Wall of Tribute stands at the northeast end of the high school athletic field.

Nomination forms are available at the district office, 800 Third St. For information, call Kathleen Griffin, 225-9451.

Kylie Bruscoe has been crowned queen of the Planters Days court.

Bruscoe, the daughter of Michele Leonardson and David Bruscoe, is a senior at Woodland High School.

A member of the varsity soccer team, Bruscoe enjoys dancing and singing in the school jazz choir.

The June 15 coronation in the gazebo at Horseshoe Lake Park kicked off the Planters Days weekend.

"Planters Days had great weather, two hours of parade, and many people there," said John J. Burke, Planters Days coordinator.

The queen's float from La Center captured the sweepstakes trophy, and the mayor's trophy went to Cinderella Pagentry. Classy Hair Company took the queen's trophy.

Other float winners were Woodland Blues Festival, McCleary Bear Festival and Pacific Rim Furnishings.

Band awards went to the Fort Vancouver Pipe Band, the Woodland Trojan Marching Band and the Woodland HIgh School Band.

Woodland High School cheerleaders took the top marching unit trophy. Cub Scout Pack 394 and Lower Columbia College took second and third.

Classic car trophies went to Boob Moore's 1951 Mack Fire Engine, Behrman Transport's 1956 GMC pickup, and Kitchen Classic's 1932 Ford pickup.

The car club tropies were awarded to Clyde Shurman, the Military Vehicle Collectors of Oregon, and the Rose City Classics.

TLC towing earned first for heavy equipment, with Joe Zumstein Logging and Creagan Excavating earning second and third.

Charlie Davis, the Bob Zumstein family and Amboy Territorial Days court earned top awards in the miscellaneous vehicle category.

Queen Jill Kristensen of the Vancouver Rodeo took first place in the mounted category. Skylar Heermann took second and the Thunder Mountain Pro Rodeo queen Jessico Crouch earned third.

The children's trophies went to Lumpy the Rodeo Clown, Cowlitz County Lucky Riders and Girl Scout Service Unit 45.

Military trophies went to a 1953 Willys jeep, a 1967 Kaiser ambulance, and a 1942 Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Frog jumping contest

Seventy-six youngsters lined up for the frog-jumping contests. When the excitement was over, three-year-old Ethan Smith's frog had jumped the farthest--151 inches. The best jumper was also the ugliest frog of the bunch.

Taking second place was Broddie Driver, 10. Zeke Estes, 9, who took third place, also had the largest frog.

Jamie Jeschke, 3, submitted the smallest frog, and 7-year-old Chris Buck's frog was judged the prettiest.

Mayor Doug Monge, who leads the city, put together the leading bed-race team, earning first place.

Planters Days raffle

Ione Sadle of Vancouver was the lucky winner of the $5,000 Planters Days raffle. Brenda Lee of Woodland Kountry Kurls took home $1,000, and Heather Kapezynski won $500.

Alice Perry Linker

staff reporter

A Woodland Realtor raffled off a small building to raise money to help pay for a large building for the Woodland Community Library.

Windemere Realty of Woodland raised $2,893 in a Planters Days raffle of a playhouse, built by Bill Vossen of All-Square Construction. Parr Lumber donated materials. John Randall of Woodland won the playhouse.

Barb Karnis, president of the Friends of the Woodland Community Library, praised the contributions from Realtor Marisa Vossen who is a member of the Friends group.

"Marisa is a great supporter of the library system and the Friends," Karnis said.

The Friends have raised about $350,000 of $1 million needed to apply for a Gates Library Grant, she said, relying primarily on book and calendar sales that earn about $1,200 each year.

A bequest from the estate of Margaret McQuarrie brought in more than $100,000.

The library, a branch of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District, serves between 300 and 400 patrons a day in an Edwardian-era house on the corner of Park and Buckeye streets, said library circulation director Jewell Foederer.

The house, built in 1909, is owned by the City of Woodland, and the fixtures and library collections are owned by the Fort Vancouver district.

The district does not have the funds to build a library in Woodland, said Sue Vanlaanen, district communications director for the library district.

"The district is very supportive," she said. "But we consider this a local effort."

Karnis said a new library would go in Hoffman Park, also on Park Street, but she said she does not know when there will be enough money to start construction.

"I hope in my lifetime," she said.

Donations to the Friends' building fund may be made at the library or sent to Friends of the Woodland Community Library, P.O. Box 894, Woodland 98674.

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

Seven Battle Ground city council members heard a request for a zone change June 19 from developer John Lifflander.

Five agreed to have staff prepare an ordinance that will formally grant his request.

Council members Chris Regan and Lisa Walters balked.

Their biggest concern, they said, is the impact on the residential area north and west of the parcel, located on NW 20th Ave., north of The Reflector building.

A hearings examiner ruled that Lifflander's 5.1 acres could be rezoned from multi-family to regional commercial if he re-routed a north-south creek/ditch along NW 20th Ave. If Lifflander couldn't do that, then approval was for community commercial only.

Regional commercial would allow for buildings over 100,000 square feet for uses such as "big box" retail building, gas station or car sales lot, whereas community commercial could allow a coffee shop, community services, bookstore, and the like.

"I'm not overly excited about bringing in the big boxes next to residential," Walters said.

Walters added that nearby Albertsons was already in before most of the residential area there was formed. In this case, she said, people are already in and unaware of a potential zone change.

"All I'm saying is that I'm nervous about the homeowners out there," Walters said. "It does worry me a bit."

"I'd like to see less impact on the neighborhood," Regan said.

"Does not make sense"

Earlier this year, Lifflander found himself in a quandary with the Army Corps of Engineers.

When he bought the property that was zoned multi-family, Lifflander planned to build a 62-unit apartment complex on it.

Because the land is situated between a medium density residential area and the city's nearly 8-acre regional commercial lot, it would serve as a buffer.

Lifflander spent more than $30,000 on consultant fees, traffic studies, wetland biologist fees, and government fees.

Then officials of the Corps of Engineers told him those delineations were incorrect, he said, and that more than half of his property, or about 2.8 acres, is unbuildable wetland.

In order for him to make the best use of his land, Lifflander wanted the zone change to regional commercial in hopes that whoever buys the city's property will want his as well.

To move the creek/ditch as the hearings examiner recommends "does not make sense," Lifflander said, and is not cost-effective.

"I'm not sure if anyone would be able to use [the land] otherwise," Lifflander told council members. "It's very expensive to do without a buyer. The Army Corps of Engineers ruined my plans."

Lifflander also asked if a northwest corner of the lot be zoned R-16 to allow for five homes to be built as a transition into the neighborhood.

Deputy mayor Sandra Barnes said she would approve Lifflander's request in part because she doesn't "want a situation where a property owner can't develop his land."

Council member Bill Ganley said the waterway under consideration has been a ditch through history--"it's not really a creek, it's a ditch pretending to be a creek."

City planner Brian Carrico said the parcel likely would not be able to fit a "big box" store on it anyway because of a stormwater facility and 20-foot buffer is in place.

"Even if it is zoned regional commercial, I see a community commercial type business," Carrico said.

"If it doesn't make any difference then why zone for that?" Walters asked. "What's the difference gonna be? Why do it? I don't get it."

Council member Mike Ciraulo asked if property values would be affected.

City manager Eric Holmes said he didn't think there would be a direct impact on the surrounding properties.

At a future council meeting, council members will vote on a permanent ordinance to the change the lot to regional commercial with no condition to move the creek/ditch, and the northwest corner zoned R-16 for homes.

For more information, call 342-5000.

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

It wasn't just a threat.

When officials of the Battle Ground School District said heads would roll if the levy ending this year wasn't renewed, several positions would be eliminated.

On June 19, school board members heard the numbers.

Twenty-six classified position will be affected--either eliminated or a reduction in hours.

For example, assistant secretaries will lose two hours per day, and health assistants will go from 5.25 hours to 3.5 hours a day. Prevention specialists will lose hours, but those positions are being restructured, said District communications consultant Kelly O'Brien. The final tally isn't in yet.

Other positions, such as custodians, will be affected based on seniority and contract language.

Fifty certificated positions have been eliminated.

As teachers retire or move on, District officials are removing positions in grades 4- 12 to better take advantage of state funding which provides more money for those who teach K-3, O'Brien said.

"K-3 is staffed richer than 4-12," O'Brien said. "The state provides 53.2 staff per 1,000 students. For 4-12, it only provides 46 staff per 1,000 students."

"Some teachers are leaving in grades 4-12," she said. "Their positions are not being replaced so that we can better match state funding."

Those with certification in areas such as music and other specialty classes will be let go based on seniority and contract language.

For example, if a certified music teacher retires, the slot would go unfilled, O'Brien said.

All primary and middle school assistant principal positions are gone, O'Brien said.

Two assistant principals and one athletic director will stay on at Battle Ground High School where one position was eliminated.

One assistant principal and one athletic director will remain at Prairie High School. One position was eliminated.

Administration takes cuts

Although levy dollars didn't pay for administrative staff salaries, several positions have been eliminated.

"The District already has significantly less than comparably sized districts," said superintendent Shonny Bria. "But we felt it was important to become even more lean by restructuring administration."

"We are cutting more than what the levy provided for in administration," she added.

Gone are the director of human resources, director of curriculum, assistant director of special education, assistant to superintendent, director of grants, assistant superintendent of educational services, and director of communications.

Assistant superintendent Lynn Hicks will retire, and her position will be eliminated.

The "pyramid" will be restructured from the superintendent as the head and four assistant superintendents directly under and in charge of a variety of issues, to the superintendent, a deputy superintendent, and then an assistant superintendent in charge of human resources who answers to the deputy.

"That's pretty much it," O'Brien said. "The unknowns are how extra-curricular activities will be affected."

Although Bria is making cuts where needed, she is aware of the extra load put on staff, she said.

"At the same time, District office administrators will have to provide even more support for principals, having lost assistant principals," she said. "So the workload increases while manpower decreases."

O'Brien said an informational letter will be sent to patrons in July that details when meetings to discuss the future will be held.

"The meetings will be to share the local impact and get community input in July after the budget is more clearly defined," O'Brien said.

For more information, call 904-1233.

A donation from the Southwest Washington Independent Forward Thrust (SWIFT) and fundraisers have made a wheelchair playground possible at Pleasant Valley Primary School.

SWIFT donated just over $8,000 to the project.

A ramp to a platform leads to a tic-tac-toe game and a wheelchair-accessible slide. A clear tunnel leads to another platform and a climbing wall.

Ramps will also lead to existing playground equipment.

The new features are a part of phase two of construction on the playground.

Phase one included see-saws, balance beams, spring riders and a new slide. Money was raised by students, a Parent Teacher Association auction, and a private donation.

Primary school principal Barbara Baird credited several businesses, an involved community, Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation, Tiger Scout Den 1, and several volunteers for the work, but was especially grateful for the SWIFT donation.

"We had a lot of help from the community," Baird said, "but we couldn't have done this without SWIFT."

UTILITY TO BUILD RESERVOIR IN VENERSBORG

A new 800,000-gallon water reservoir is slated to be built in the Venersborg area east of Battle Ground in 2007-2008, according to information on a notice of Determination of Nonsignificance.

The reservoir will be located on 1.8-acres at 21603 NE 249th Ave., owned by Joseph C. Stella.

Clark Public Utilities is in the process of purchasing the site, stormwater facilities, and an access driveway.

The reservoir will be 50 feet in diameter and 60 feet high, the report said. It will connect to a water line that will be constructed on NE 249th Ave.

A 475-foot access driveway will extend from NE 249th Ave. east to the reservoir and encircle the facility, the report said.

The reservoir will help meet existing and projected area water storage needs.

A final design is expected to be completed by winter this year. Construction of the $350,000 project is set for 2007 and 2008 unless funding is available earlier. The reservoir will be paid for by a Public Works Trust Fund loan and utility rates, said project manager Eric Beck.

COUNTY OFFICIALS TO CONTINUE TALKS ON HABITAT PLAN

Clark County residents with interests in agriculture will have one more chance to speak out about a proposed countywide habitat conservation ordinance.

The commissioners have delayed action on the agricultural portion of the ordinance until after Tues., July 11, when they will hold a public hearing.

Commissioner Marc Boldt said changes in the wording of the ordinance brought about the decision to delay action.

The original ordinance contains a default plan, requiring certain buffers and other protection in sensitive areas, for farmers who do not submit a protection plan.

"We changed that to say that if you don't have a management plan, you're subject to the regular ordinance," he said. "The Farm Bureau then said they prefer the default because it's between the management plan and the regular ordinance."

The proposed plan will contain the default provision.

The commissioners approved the development portion of the ordinance June 20, making only a minor change.

The draft ordinance allowed the construction of one residence on a lot without a habitat protection plan. The final version allows a house and an outbuilding, such as a detached garage, said Joel Rupley of the county's Environmental Species Acti department.

The ordinance is designed to protect riparian and uplands habitat, including rare trees and plants as well as aquatic life.

A number of people with agricultural interests have opposed the ordinance saying that it is too restrictive for farming.

The ordinance required under the state's Growth Management Act establishes setbacks from streams and protects certain upland areas from development.

Under the ordinance, land that may lie within sensitive habitat must be analyzed through a protection plan.

Copies of the ordinance are available on the county's Web site, www.clark.wa.gov.

WOODLAND PEOPLE SAY 'NO' TO WAL-MART

Alice Perry Linker

staff reporter

Woodland area residents continue to voice their disapproval of a proposed Wal-Mart store, but the Woodland mayor said there is little the city can do.

About a half dozen people spoke June 19 to the city council. No one spoke in favor of the large retailer.

Wal-Mart has announced that it will build a superstore on Dike Access Road adjacent to I-5. The corporation has said it will improve streets and provide three access points.

"Wal-Mart will destroy our small town," said Al Swindell. "We need family wages."

Others expressed concern about nearby wetlands, traffic and downtown development.

"Ninety-nine percent of our businesses don't want Wal-Mart," said Becky Bjur.

Mayor Doug Monge said that the property proposed for the supercenter is zoned for large commercial.

"We can't necessarily deny a business because we don't like the way they do business," he said. "I talk to people in grocery stores, other places who say they'd like the variety of Wal-Mart."

Before any building permits can be issued, the property must go through an Environmental Impact Statement under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).

"We're waiting for the EIS," Monge said.

The EIS will give people an opportunity to submit written comments regarding the impacts of a store on the environment. The results of the EIS could be appealed to the city's hearings examiner.

As a result of the EIS, the city could set certain conditions for the building and property, Monge said.

"We'd love to hear what people feel about Wal-Mart," Monge said. "They should write letters. We need to hear from more people."

The Woodland Chamber of Commerce will not take a position on Wal-Mart, said Debbie Kennell, Chamber president.

"We're a business organization," Kennell said. "We can't pick and choose what business we support."

BG BREAKS GROUND ON NEW SCHOOLS

A June 19 ground-breaking ceremony marked the start of work on new primary and middle schools in the Battle Ground School District.

The new Daybreak Primary and Daybreak Middle schools will be constructed at the corner of NE 112th Ave. and NE 239th St., Battle Ground. Opening is set for fall 2007.

Clark County commissioner Betty Sue Morris attended the ground-breaking. She said she hoped the school would be one of several new facilities constructed in the Battle Ground District.

Morris stressed the importance of schools in shaping the character of young people.

County commissioner Steve Stuart also took part in turning shovels of dirt. Various city and school district officials attended the event.

Todd Construction of Tigard, OR, holds the $21.3 million contract for construction of the new schools. The school board accepted the Todd Construction bid on June 12.

The contract includes Todd's base bid of $20.4 million, plus several alternatives, including covered walkways, seven additional classrooms, translucent walls and skylights in certain areas, membrane roofing, and vinyl-back carpeting.

The additional classrooms, priced at $225,000, were considered more desirable and less expensive than portable classrooms.

The total cost of the two new schools is about $28.4 million when architectural fees ($1.7 million), furniture and equipment ($1.7 million), sales tax ($1.8 million), contingencies ($1 million), and miscellaneous expenses are added in.

Officials estimated enrollment at the two new schools will be 1,065 when the facilities open in fall 2007. The new primary school will have about 614 students in 27 classrooms, and the middle school will have about 451 students in 21 classrooms.

Triplett-Wellman Inc. of Woodburn, OR, was the second bidder on the two new schools. Triplett-Wellman bid about $667,000 (3%) higher on the work.

School District spokesperson Kelly O'Brien said the District plans to construct a school of the same design, with minor modifications, at another site east of Battle Ground. Using the same design, she said, would avoid repeated architectural fees.

The district also held a groundbreaking ceremony for additions to Captain Strong Primary School.

Captain Strong is slated to be converted from a grades 3-5 schools to grades K-4. When finished in fall 2007, the school will have an enrollment of about 850 students, up from the current 600.

Chief Umtuch Primary School is to be torn down in summer 2007 after one more year of use.

The nearby Lewisville Middle School is to be rebuilt to become a school for grades 5-8. O'Brien said Lewisville will be reconstructed near the present location before the existing school is demolished.

O'Brien said the combined Captain Strong/Umtuch school will be given a new name following public consultation.

BRIA PURSUES EMPLOYMENT IN ARIZONA

Shonny Bria, superintendent of the Battle Ground School District, traveled to Arizona last week to interview for the position of superintendent of the Glendale Union High School District near Phoenix.

Bria said she is one of three candidates for the position, the other two being current employees of that district.

The Glendale Union High School District has 14,500 students in 10 schools, all grades 9-12.

Bria, 58, who has served as Battle Ground superintendent for eight years, began her career in Arizona. She was a superintendent there for five years.

Brian said her husband, Gary, has accepted a job in Arizona. "If I want to live with my husband, I'm going to find a job down there," said Bria.

Bria commuted to Battle Ground from Arizona during her first two years as Battle Ground superintendent. She and her husband continue to own a home in Litchfield Park, an area on the west side of Phoenix.

Bria said if she is not selected for the Glendale position, she will continue to pursue a superintendency in the Phoenix area.

In addition to being with her husband, Bria said she would choose to return to Arizona because of more lucrative retirement benefits for educators.

Bria said that if she retired in Washington, she would need to be 66 years of age and would need to purchase medical benefits.

In Arizona, she could retire after three years of additional service, and would have full medical benefits at a cost of $50 per month.

In 2004, Bria was considered for superintendent positions in Scottsdale and Poudre districts in Arizona, but was not selected for either.

Bria expressed misgivings about leaving Battle Ground following a levy failure. "It would be really hard to leave people after the levy failure," said Bria.

Bria said district officials are working hard to develop a no-levy budget. Budget hearings will be held in July. The district will start the new school year with seven fewer administrators, she said.

Bria was recently evaluated by the Battle Ground school board and offered a contract extension. She was also offered a $5,000 bonus as provided in her contract. Bria has not always accepted bonuses offered by the board.

Bria earns a base salary of $135,000, plus benefits.

Bruce Hagensen, who served as mayor of Vancouver 1987-1995, has announced his intention to seek the post of Clark County commissioner now held by Steve Stuart.

"I believe in public service," said Hagensen in explaining his decision to run. "I enjoy the public process. I like to see it function well. I have a set of skills that will be helpful."

Hagensen, running as a Republican, stressed the importance of communications between city and county governments. Hagensen said he would bring his perspective as a former city mayor to the commissioner's post.

Hagensen, 62, also served on the Vancouver city council, starting in 1981.

"I'm excited about getting into public service," said Hagensen.

Hagensen said he would help local governments work in concert. "It's important that cities and the county work together."

Hagensen said he would work to spur economic development to assure a tax base for services and educational system. He cited the need for the "full spectrum of jobs for citizens in the community."

Hagensen was born in and raised in Clark County. He earned a degree in political science from Stanford University. He served three years in the U.S. Marines, then worked for Memorex 1970-74, ending as branch manager in Los Angeles.

Hagensen then took over the Vancouver Sign Company from his father and operated that business for 30 years, selling in 2004.

Hagensen served 23 years as chair of the Citizen's Committee for Good Schools in Vancouver, and a similar period of time on a school boundary committee for Educational Service District 112, a post he still holds.

Hagensen's wife, Mitzy, died in 2003. He has two grown daughters.

Hagensen takes pride in his work in refurbishing Officer's Row in the Vancouver, construction of the Pearson Air Museum, and establishment of the Historic Reserve, Historic Reserve Trust, and improvements along the Vancouver water front.

"I do my homework," said Hagensen. "And I listen to people."

As regards the proposed Cowlitz tribal casino near La Center, Hagensen said he would not second guess the Clark County commissioners who inked an agreement with the tribe. "If I could waive a magic wand, I'd probably make it (the casino) go away," said Hagensen. "But I respect the Indians and the process."

Hagensen said he opposes the county commissioners' decision to disband the Boundary Review Board. "I don't know that the rationale was to disband the board," said Hagensen. "You don't disband a public body in that manner. Vancouver and Clark County should be talking to each other."

Hagensen said he supported light rail in a failed election several years ago.

Hagensen said he has not attended meetings of the Columbia River Crossing task force and is not familiar with the details of that work.

Hagensen can be reached at 772-6300.

CITIZENS CONFRONT HIGH-RISK SCENES WITH POLICE

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

"The driver is not obeying my commands or my partner's."

"As police officers, we are in a high-risk traffic stop in Battle Ground, and the convicted felon my partner pulled over for speeding is arguing with us. I have arrived as back-up."

"We semi-crouch behind our open driver doors with guns drawn and pointing at the driver. I have a clear view of him sitting sideways in his vehicle with his feet on the ground."

The sound of blood rushing in my ears is loud. My heart is pounding. I fight to keep my hands steady at the agitated driver and command him to come out with his hands in plain sight."

"Suddenly I see his right hand reach behind him, and in an instant we are being shot at. Tunnel vision sets in as we fire back. I land on one knee and edge backward toward the trunk of my patrol car for better cover."

"The shooter stands and runs to the hood of his car to hide. He occasionally pops up to fire rounds at us. Then he yells, "I surrender!" but I barely hear him through the rushing noise in my head. And I wonder, "If I stand up, will he fire at me again?"

Police paintball

Twenty-one former Battle Ground Citizens Academy students were invited for a special four-week alumni class in June.

But rather than sit in classes to be taught by officers as before, students were armed with modified handguns and faced three high-risk situations where split-second choices had to be made. More often than not, bullets flew.

Officer Sean Hendrickson is a certified Simunitions instructor and walked students through safety precautions and what to expect.

Simunitions is a police training venue where modified handguns shoot paint bullets. Head, throat and groin gear protect against welts and bruises. Some hapless students were shot by officers on unprotected arms and legs. Officers weren't spared either. They were fired at, sometimes mistakenly too, after they'd surrendered--or were unarmed.

Some students jokingly referred to the class as "police paintball." But when facing those lifelike situations, it was all business.

"90 percent boredom, 10 percent sheer terror"

Mayor John Idsinga was the "officer" who called for backup in the aforementioned scenario with officer Joe Yeska as the "bad guy."

Idsinga said it was nerve-wracking to be in a situation he knew was "going to go south." Unfortunately, he said, officers don't have that luxury. Police chief Jim McDaniel said law enforcement is "90 percent boredom and 10 percent sheer terror."

Other scenes were a high-risk building search for an armed man who had broken into a house while the owner was away, and an encounter with a "mental subject" armed with a knife. In all cases, officers played the "bad guy."

They had as much fun as the students did, said coordinator Sgt. Steve Urban.

"The officers had fun," Urban said. "They didn't have to teach and could be actors. They enjoyed bringing the public in to share what we do on a near daily basis."

"This was more interactive and hands-on than prior classes," Urban said. "We can talk about split-second decision-making, but you don't realize the dynamics that affect everyone once those decisions have been made."

"Rapid thinking and making the right decision are not an easy things to do on the spot," he added.

Idsinga said, "For me it was to watch officers at work. They were truly professional and attentive to our safety. It was a fun event."

Council member Alex Reinhold also participated.

"I was one of the fortunate few who were invited," he said. "Anytime the police host something the public should attend. It was very fun and informative."

"The bottom line is that it was an awesome experience," Idsinga said. "For us it was fun and games, but for police, it's real life."

Graduates are Doug Carr, Brandi Dick, Joseph Giesler, Timothy Gensler, Elaine Hertz, John Idsinga, Gary Johnson, Danielle Johnson, Pete Lewis, Rod McClellan, Jeffrey Merit, Michael Millman, Kevin Morse, Art Morse, Kerri and Michael Nichols, Harriet Omstead, Joan Putnam, Alex Reinhold, Rich and Trish Rubin, Bill Tucker, Theresa White, and Heidi Wallenborn.

BG MAN GUILTY OF KILLING WIFE

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

When Brent Allen Heath left his friend's unoccupied house with a borrowed rifle, it was to kill his 28-year-old wife, said James Senescu, Clark County deputy prosecutor.

On June 22, a jury of seven men and five women agreed after nearly four hours of deliberation.

Heath did not testify and no witnesses were called on his behalf. His attorney Suzan Clark only addressed the jurors at the end of the three-day trial to say that the state had not proved its case.

Heidi Heath's body was found late Nov. 11, 2005 on St. Johns Rd. underneath the I-205 overpass near Hazel Dell. A passerby found the car with its headlights on, engine running and driver's side door open.

Heidi Heath was dead, sitting on the ground, propped up against the driver's door. She had been shot twice with a .22 caliber, single shot Rossi rifle. Heath had to reload to kill his wife, Senescu said.

But Heath returned home to report to police that his wife had gone grocery shopping about 9:45 p.m. and had not come back to their Battle Ground residence.

Heath was arrested six days later after an investigation by Clark County Sheriff's deputies found that he had lured his wife to the remote area via cell phone and that someone had seen him with a small caliber rifle the evening she was killed.

After his arrest, Heath changed his story, detectives said.

Heath said his wife had left their home wearing fancy underwear and was going to meet one of several lovers. They hadn't had sex in months, he told detectives, and she was a bad housekeeper.

Friends suspected involvement

The Heaths were close friends of Kyle and Christina Hughes of Battle Ground, the couple testified on June 21. They spent nearly every weekend together and several days during the week after work. They had keys to each others' homes and looked after things when either couple went out of town, Christina Hughes testified.

On the weekend of Nov. 11, Christina made arrangements with Heidi to have someone feed and water their dogs on Sat., Nov. 12 while they were at the beach. No need for anyone to come on Friday night, she said, because the dogs would have been taken care of.

But on that Friday evening, the Hugheses' neighbor and his wife returned home from dinner and said they saw Heath's truck in front of the Hughes' place.

It struck him as odd, the neighbor testified, because he thought the Heaths would have gone camping with the Hugheses.

As the neighbor went to the curb to remove emptied trash cans, he saw Heath come out the front door with a small caliber rifle pointed down and next to his leg.

He didn't think too much about it, the neighbor testified, because Heath and Kyle Hughes hunted and shot targets together. He thought Heath was borrowing a rifle.

The two chatted under street lights about 30-50 feet away from each other. The neighbor testified that Heath's demeanor seemed stiff and un-natural, and that it seemed that Heath was trying to hide the firearm. They spoke about five minutes, the neighbor said.

When the news came the next day that Heidi Heath was murdered, the neighbor thought about what he'd seen, he testified. As he reached a decision to call detectives, they knocked on his front door, he said.

When the Hugheses found out about their friend's murder the following day, they immediately headed back to Battle Ground and visited with Heath.

But Christina Hughes testified that although Heath was upset, something didn't seem right.

"His demeanor was upset, but not excessively," she said. "He was numb-looking. We went home and looked through the house to see if the handguns were where we left them. Something didn't seem right about the whole situation."

At home, she noticed the door to the closet where the rifles and shotguns are kept was open. She specifically remembered shutting it, she said. Then she noticed bullets lying around and knew they had not been there either.

The bullets matched fragments and casings found at the murder scene and in Heidi Heath's head. The Rossi rifle tested by the State Patrol laboratory positive as the murder weapon.

Kyle Hughes testified that he was concerned and returned to the Heath home to ask a few questions.

"The information I had made me feel uncomfortable," Hughes testified. "I told [Heath] what I knew, what (the neighbor) had said, and I asked him if all the guns were clear, and why he'd been to the house on Friday. He said he wanted to take care of the dogs, and that he was carrying a coat, not a gun. He said the guns were clear."

After he was arrested, Heath called Hughes.

"He was really upset," Hughes testified, "the most hysterical since that happened. He was very apologetic to me and kept saying he's sorry and that he doesn't know what to do. He mentioned that she was cheating on him. He never mentioned that before. I told him he'd better get an attorney."

OBITS:

LYNN BURDICK

Family and friends of Lynn W. Burdick are invited to a celebration of life ceremony Sat., July 1, 1 p.m., at 14813 NE 57th Court, at Salmon Creek St., Vancouver.

Burdick was born May 11, 1930, and died June 13, 2006.

Comfortable dress is encouraged.

CLIFFORD MABRY

Clifford Mabry, 86, died June 17, 2006, in Vancouver.

Mabry was born March 7, 1920, in Cotton Plant, AR, worked in maintenance for Bonneville Power, and lived in Clark County for 61 years, the last 4 1/2 years in Vancouver.

Mabry served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He enjoyed gaming, traveling and trips to the southern United States.

Survivors include widow Willie Mabry, at home, daughters Dorothy Johnson of Amboy, and Jean Zimmerly and Brenda Sleeper, both of Vancouver, step-children Dorothy Oehlerich of Seattle, Lyle Rich of Amboy and Don Rich of La Center, 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

No services are planned, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

WILLIAM CHARLSON

William Axel Charlson, 85, died June 22, 2006, in Vancouver.

Charlson was born Sept. 3, 1920, in Belle Fourche, SD, worked as a truck driver and in maintenance for Hillhaven Care Center, and lived in Brush Prairie for 51 years.

Charlson was a member of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church.

Charlson was preceded in death by his wife, Flora Charlson, in 2005, son Wayne Charlson in 1959, brother Anchor Charlson and sister Ella Redinger. Survivors include daughters Carol Charlson of Battle Ground, Sharon Lampinen of Michigan and Vickie Goulet of Brush Prairie, sons Ronald Charlson of Wyoming, Larry Charlson of Michigan and Alfred Charlson of Battle Ground, 21 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Tues., June 27, 1 p.m., at Old Apostolic Lutheran Church, 16603 NE 142nd Ave., Brush Prairie, with interment at Elim Cemetery, Brush Prairie. Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, is in charge of arrangements.

FRANCES PARANTO

Frances Elizabeth (Sutter) Paranto, 91, died June 18, 2006, in Tooele, UT.

Paranto was born Jan. 12, 1915, near Mott, ND. She lived near Battle Ground 1972-2003, then moved to live with her daughter, Kay Singletary, in Utah.

Paranto taught school for many years while living in Monticello, AR. She worked for United Medical Lab in Portland until she retired.

Paranto enjoyed traveling and made several trips to Germany. She spent her 50th wedding anniversary in Switzerland. She visited her ancestral home in Switzerland in the 1990s.

Paranto loved her family and was happiest surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Paranto was preceded in death by her husband, Laurence L. Paranto, in 1987, and by three brothers and four sisters. Survivors include adopted daughters Marlene Kennedy of Bremerton, Penny Lewis of Arkansas, and Kay Singletary of Utah, sister-in-law Mildred Wolfe of Kennewick, 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

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

TUDOR REIJONEN

Theodore E. "Tudor" Reijonen, 86, died June 18, 2006, in Newport.

Reijonen was born Nov. 1, 1919, in Woodland, where he lived off and on for over 40 years.

Reijonen served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war, he was a career logger. He was considered a "Jack of all trades" in the woods. He retired in 1974, having work as a hook tender.

Reijonen was a member of the American Legion Post 217 in Cusick. He loved hunting, fishing and trapping. He looked forward every year to going elk hunting in Idaho. He was given the name "Camp Boss." His grandchildren were important to him.

Reijonen married Marjorie Hansen in 1946; they divorced in 1969.

Reijonen was preceded in death by daughter Carolyn Spafford, two brothers and two sisters. Survivors include sons Dan Reijonen of Usk, Steven Reijonen of Idaho, and John Reijonen of Vancouver, daughters Sue Cox of Newport and Nancy Rye of Raymond, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held Sat., July 1, 3 p.m., at the American Legion in Cusick, with Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home and Crematory, Newport, in charge of arrangements.

ARTHUR BIERLY

Arthur Ray Bierly, 58, died June 16, 2006, in St. Louis, MO.

Bierly was born Feb. 18, 1948, in Klamath Falls, OR, grew up in the Madras, OR area, and moved to Woodland in 1976 where he lived for 25 years when he moved to Sparks, Nevada. He recently moved to Vancouver.

Bierly received a marketing degree from Oregon State University. He worked as a heavy equipment parts salesman at Evergreen Parts and Equipment.

Bierly was a scout master with his church. He was active in collegiate wrestling and running sports. He worked with youths in the DARE program. He served as high priest of Woodland Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served various capacities within the church.

Survivors include widow Rae Bierly, at home in Vancouver, sons Chris Bierly, Aaron Bierly and Mathew Bierly, all of Vancouver, daughters Janet Eyres of Maryland, and Debra Bierly-Williams and Angela Bierly, both of California, brothers Kenneth Bierly and Rufus Bierly, both of Oregon, sisters Carol Bond of Long Beach and Anita Lee of Oregon, mother and step-father Loree and Clayton Fox, and 10 grandchildren.

The Woodland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.