RELAY FOR LIFE TOPS GOAL

The first-ever Relay for Life event to be held in Battle Ground raised over $50,000 for the American Cancer Society.

The event organizing committee, headed by Tracie Gorbet, had set a goal of $30,000 for the Aug. 19-20 walk, held at District Stadium at Battle Ground High School.

As contributions were tallied Sunday, the total surpassed $50,000, according to committee member Cheryl Jones.

Eighteen teams of walkers started the 24-hour trek at 10 a.m. Saturday. The initial lap was headed by a group of cancer survivors.

Over 80 survivors registered for the event. Margaret Hill, 93, of Brush Prairie, a two-time cancer survivor, led the survivors' lap.

Teams erected tents near and on the stadium infield where they rested between their turns to walk. Team members generally walked at one-hour intervals. Some ran.

A lively schedule of events kept walkers entertained around the clock, including karaoke, a hula hoop contest, rodeo clown, the Dixieland Kazoo Band, cake walk, Lewis River Dixie band, musical chairs, and silent and oral auctions.

Battle Ground Cinema auctioned off an array of movie memorabilia. Bunko, a poker lap, trivia contest and a raffle added to the festivities. Disc jockey music was played through the night, with live bands also entertaining the hundreds of participants.

Bagpipe player Shane Smith played Amazing Grace at the beginning of the "luminaria ceremony" during which candles illuminated decorated paper bags circling the infield, each with the name of someone who has been diagnosed with cancer or has died from cancer. The luminaria portion of the event raised over $5,000, said Gorbet, with over 800 bags sponsored.

Battle Ground mayor John Idsinga pledged to have his head shaved if The Kids' Impact Team reached its fundraising goal. Team and community members took turns with the clippers as Idsinga's hair fell away.

The Cancervive Team raised over $7,000, besting all teams in the event.

Carly Irby opened the event with the National Anthem as the Battle Ground High School ROTC group presented the flags.

Gorbet said she will head the event two more years before turning it over to someone else.

Two other Relay for Life events are held annually in Clark County, headed by a Relay at Columbia River High School which raised over $300,000 earlier this year, its 18th year of existence. Both Gorbet and Jones have been involved in the other Relay for Life events in Clark County.

Nationally, said Jones, some 4,300 Relays raise over $350 million annually for the American Cancer Society.

The Battle Ground School District donated the use of District Stadium for the event.

CRESAP HOUSE STILL STUCK

Permit problems for a place to move the "Cresap House" has kept it onsite more than a month after it was to be moved.

The house was lifted and moved out of the way as construction began on building Daybreak School, a new K-8 facility in the Battle Ground School District at the corner of NW 20th Ave. and NE 239th St. in Battle Ground.

On May 31 after a live auction, George Zumwalt with Emmert International, a house moving company, paid $7,400 for the 1,450 square-foot, three bedroom home. It was to be taken off the property by midnight on June 26.

The home was originally purchased for Penny Dollar, a Dollars Corner resident, but Clark County regulations prohibited another house on his property.

At the time of purchase, Zumwalt said he had other buyers interested if the Dollar deal fell through. He expected the moving cost to be $25,000-$30,000.

Zumwalt could not be reached for comment.

Kelly O'Brien, communications consultant for the school district, said that at this time, the house is not in the way of construction and does not pose a problem.

PERRIN IS PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR, MOVES ON

Ann Perrin was named the 2005-2006 Principal of the Year for the St. Helens Region of Washington.

The Association of Washington Middle Level Principals selected her for the honor for the contributions she made to education during her tenure at Maple Grove Middle School in Battle Ground, which has the largest middle school population in the state.

"The contributions you have made to your school, your students, and to your community are noteworthy and deserving of recognition," Association president Charlene Milota wrote in a letter to Perrin.

"The responsibilities of principals are many and significant," she wrote, "but too often go unrecognized.

In October at the Association's principals' conference, Perrin will be officially recognized and awarded a framed certificate, along with the other regional principals of the year.

Perrin will start the 2006-2007 school year as principal for Skyridge Mid School in the Camas School District. She was principal at Maple Grove for six years. Bill Penrose from Laurin Middle School will take over at Maple Grove.

FOUND: RED BULL IN BATTLE GROUND

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

Stacie Cole thought she was seeing things when she looked out her kitchen window and saw a reddish bull with horns and a green tag dangling from one ear standing in her pasture.

"We've had deer and other wildlife come through here," she said, "but I've never seen a cow."

Cole lives on 15 fenced acres at 1406 SW 10th Ave. inside the Battle Ground city limits. Outside of her fenced parcel is 32 acres of open field. City-owned Remy Park is beyond to the west and abuts SW 20th Ave.

On her property is a barn where two horses are kept, along with water, grain and hay.

The sleek, healthy-looking bull jumps the barbed wire fence covered in blackberry vines and helps himself to the pickins' in the barn, Cole said.

The bull appears to be comfortable around the horses, even after being kicked, bitten and chased off by one during the first week of his visit.

Now he just contentedly hangs out in the field with his new herd, apparently having won over the enemy.

"I have no idea where he came from," Cole said of her visitor. "I can't think of anyone nearby that has cattle."

At first, the bovine had his own schedule.

After she first saw him arrive and hang out awhile, he wandered off. She figured the owners found him. But he showed up again a few days later. He would arrive and then hide out in the bushes.

He was even wanted by the police at one point.

At about 9:45 p.m. on Aug. 12, Battle Ground police officers knocked on her door and asked if she knew anyone who owns a bull. Someone had reported a "loose bull."

Officers had the emergency lights flashing on their patrol cars with spotlights trained in her field, she said.

They were unable to locate the elusive bull, said Det. Sgt. Steve Urban.

The officers' concern, Cole said, is that the bull will be hit by a car if he wanders onto SR-503, or be shot by someone.

Since then, the animal has been hanging around frequently. Cole got close enough to snap some photos and see a cattle brand on its side.

Anyone with information about the owner of the bull is asked to call the Battle Ground police department at 342-5200 or Cole at 687-4088.

The owner will be asked to describe the cattle brand and identify the number on the tag.

RAILROAD BUSINESS IMPROVING, OPERATOR SAYS

Eric Temple estimates that 340 rail cars will carry freight over the southern portion of the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad during the next 12 months, a marked increase from past months and years.

Temple, president of Columbia Basin Railroad in Renton, holds a 90-year contract with Clark County to operate on the county-owned rail line that extends from Vancouver to Chelatchie Prairie.

Temple said Andersen Dairy continues to use rail for shipping materials to their plastics plant in Battle Ground.

A new sand shipper now uses rail, said Temple, plus other customers.

Temple's estimate of 340 cars in the next 12 months is based on existing customers, he said.

Temple said 2-3 other possible customers are discussing use of rail.

Others use rail periodically, said Temple, shipping items such as steel pipe and electrical components.

"Trans-load" is becoming more common in rail shipping, said Temple. Trans-load means shipping by rail and then the last few miles by truck.

"We're slowly getting back on track," said Temple of the shipping gains. "I hope to have answers in the next couple of weeks about new customers."

Temple's contract with Clark County provides for rent to be paid after the company moves 1,000 or more cars per year on the rail line.

Steve Schulte of Clark County Public Works said Temple reported moving 17 freight cars during the last three months of 2005. He then reported 61 cars moved Jan.-March 2006.

Temple said none of the freight cars moved is north of Battle Ground.

Schulte said Temple pays no rent for moving up to 1,000 cars per year, then would pay $10 per car for the next 1,000, except the rent for cars carrying aggregate is $5.

At present, Temple is responsible for maintaining the track while the county takes care of bridges and crossings.

Temple would assume responsibility for crossings and bridges when car movements reach certain levels.

Steam issue in focus

Temple said he has not yet talked to the new owner of a steam engine previously owned by the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce and on display in Fairgrounds Park in Battle Ground.

Brian Fleming of Longview purchased the steam engine and plans to move it to Montana via rail, starting with the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad.

Temple said a steam engine is "a large bomb" with water under pressure.

Temple said moving the engine over the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad would depend on the condition of a Salmon Creek bridge, insurance, and the willingness of Burlington Northern to accept the engine at the Vancouver end of the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad.

Schulte said crews have worked on the bridge, and will finish that work in the near future.

Temple would set the fee for moving the steam locomotive, said Schulte.

TWEEDELL TRIAL SLATED FOR OCTOBER

Terri Tweedell, former president of the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for a readiness hearing Sept. 28 and a trial on Oct. 2, both in the courtroom of Clark County Superior Court Judge Robert Harris.

Tweedell is accused of theft in connection with the assets of Jaroslav Sedivy, a man she had befriended.

Tweedell is also accused of the unlawful practice of law involving the creation of powers of attorney she held to assist Sedivy with his affairs.

Tweedell entered a not guilty plea to the charges.

Tweedell said she was not able to afford an attorney. Todd Pascoe of Vancouver was appointed to represent her.

The Chamber of Commerce terminated Tweedell on July 12.

Tweedell was arrested June 29 by Battle Ground police following a joint investigation with Adult Protective Services. According to court records, Tweedell took advantage of Sedivy, 74, before and after his death on March 7, 2006.

A case worker with Adult Protective Services investigated allegations that Tweedell isolated Sedivy from his family and friends, took advantage of him when he was ill and unable to make sound decisions, and stole more than $10,000 in money and property from him.

Tweedell said both she and her husband, Tim Tweedell, had power of attorney for Sedivy. They had been friends since 1999, she said.

Court documents state that Tweedell obtained Power of Attorney for Sedivy while he was hospitalized on Feb. 1, 2006.

Within one week of obtaining the Power of Attorney, Tweedell wrote herself a check from Sedivy's checking account for $2,000 which she described as a gift to herself from Sedivy, court documents state.

Court documents state that Tweedell wrote other checks on Sedivy's account.

Tweedell also used Sedivy's credit cards for personal uses, documents state, such as going to the movies, airline tickets, and a payment involving her employer.

Documents state that Tweedell made funeral arrangements for Sedivy at Layne's Funeral Home in Battle Ground, paying with Sedivy's credit card. She also allegedly used Sedivy's credit cards to pay a $4,000 prior debt at Layne's incurred when her mother-in-law passed away last year.

Authorities investigated reports of missing jewelry and personal property alleged by Sedivy's daughter, Patsy Sedivy of Kentucky.

Search warrants were executed at both Tweedell's home in Battle Ground, and at the offices of the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce. Some items belonging to Sedivy were reportedly found at Tweedell's home including a ring, older Bible written in a language other than English, wood chest, wood armoire, and recliner.

Patsy Sedivy said she had asked Tweedell "numerous times" about the missing Bible but, Tweedell "claimed she never saw it and didn't know what I was talking about."

Officials at Parkway North Care Center in Battle Ground reportedly told investigators that Tweedell dominated the interview with Sedivy when he was admitted to the facility.

The Parkway North representative said Tweedell talked about the Bible.

"Terri made numerous statements to the effect that Jaroslav traveled the world and obtained many valuable treasures," the Parkway North officials reportedly told investigators. "Terri stated Jaroslav's daughters and ex-wife had no idea how valuable the treasures were."

Tweedell reportedly gave an example of a leather Bible from the 1700s that Tweedell stated was worth $1 million and should be in a museum.

Clark County prosecutor Art Curtis accused Tweedell with the unlawful practice of law involving the preparation of power of attorney documents.

Curtis said the people who signed the documents as witnesses and notary did not actually witness Sedivy sign the documents.

Neither the witnesses nor notary were charged in the matter, officials said.

PAVING OF SR-503 NEARS COMPLETION

The overlay paving of SR-503 from Battle Ground north to Gabriel Road is nearly finished, according to Joanna Lowrey, engineer with the state Department of Transportation.

Lowrey said about five miles of the state highway were paved and striped in the $xx project.

Decisions about paving are based on age and condition of the road, said Lowrey. The road was rutted near Battle Ground, she said.

A 2-mile stretch was not overlayed, said Lowrey, because of a pending construction project that will add an additional lane.

Rick Keniston, also with the Department of Transportation, said a truck climbing lane will be added to the roadway both north and south of the East Fork of the Lewis River.

The remainder of the road will be resurfaced when that lane is constructed, said Keniston, which will likely be in 2009.

Keniston was not certain whether the additional lane will be added to the east or west side of the existing alignment, but suggested it would be on the east except for conflicts with Lewisville Park.

The climbing lane to the south of the river will extend past NE 244th St., said Keniston, because trucks will stop at that signal, and the road further south is still uphill.

The climbing lane to the north of the river will extend past NE 269th St., said Keniston, to a point where it is no longer uphill.

The climbing lane project is estimated at $6 million, said Keniston.

YACOLT MAN SETS NEW SPEED RECORD

Pete Richardson of Yacolt drove his 1931 Model A Ford coupe 111.7 miles per hour last week at the Bonneville Salt Flats race course in California.

His average speed of 107.778 miles per hour set a new record for his racing class.

Richardson held the previous record at 97.601 miles per hour which he set last year.

Richardson traveled to California with his team members on Aug. 10 to take part in the Bonneville 58th Annual Speed Week races. His car was inspected Aug. 11. He met with other teams and drivers Aug. 12, and raced Aug. 13.

His car was then impounded, during which time crews are allowed to make limited adjustments during a four hour period.

Richardson then raced Aug. 14 to complete the record-setting performance.

Crew members assisting Richardson were his daughter Tamra Tulp, plus Shane Slagle and Gary and Cass Martes.

Richardson, 71, said he raced at the Portland Speedway when he was 18 years old in 1952. Among other vehicles, he raced with a 1931 Model A chopped coupe. His two daughters arrived in 1957 and 1962, and he stopped racing in 1964.

When his wife, Mary, died in 2002, Richardson decided to return to racing, only this time against the clock.

Richardson acquired a 1930 Model A which he takes to car shows. That vehicle won two awards at last year's Harvest Days car show in Battle Ground.

Friends invited him to watch the annual races at the Bonneville Salt Flats in California, sponsored by the Southern California Timing Association and the Bonneville National Association. He selected the category he wanted to enter--the Vintage gas 1948 and older group with 4 cylinder engines.

Richardson purchased a 1931 Model A and turned it into a racing vehicle that met all the requirements of the national championship event.

To qualify, the vehicle body must be from 1948 or older, the engine block must be from 1935 or older, and the vehicle must have several features from its original condition including bumpers, headlights, and a tail light.

Racing vehicles must also have a roll cage and fire suppression equipment. The driver must demonstrate that he or she can get out of the car in 30 seconds. Richardson made it in 12.

Richardson said Model A Fords were made from 1927 to 1931. His 1931 model was assembled in Canada; his 1930 in Seattle.

Richardson changed the wheels of his 1931 Model from 19-inch to 15-inch. He change the motor, rear end and front axle. In fact, he changed the motor more than once.

The car is now rated at 231 horsepower, said Richardson, whereas it had about 50 horse-power when built.

Richardson said the Bonneville Salt Flats has race courses that are seven miles long. He raced on the first three miles of a five mile course, with two miles allowed for stopping.

Richardson said he ran slower on the second day because of a fuel leak.

Richardson said he is not certain how much he has invested in his race car, but it includes the $8,000 purchase price and a $6,000 engine. He said he prefers not to add up the costs.

Entry fee for the California race is $315.

The races at Bonneville, held annually during the second week in August, include several categories of vehicles, with some traveling over 700 miles per hour. Big-name drivers have competed at Bonneville over the years, including A.J. Foyt and Al Unser. This year, veteran Andy Green attempted to set a new record for diesel vehicles at over 221 miles per hour, said Richardson.

Richardson plans to display his race car in the annual Rod Run in Ocean Park Sept. 9-10.

AGENCIES, NEIGHBORS SHARE COSTS OF RESTORING RIVER BANK

Alice Perry Linker

staff reporter

Five homeowners along the East Fork of the Lewis River are watching the ground beneath their feet gradually erode away.

Erosion has been a slow process, but it has reached a level that work is needed to protect the bank and redirect the river along NE 265th Street about a mile downstream from Daybreak Park.

Plans are in place for a multi-agency effort to stop erosion, protect the homes and improve fish habitat.

"We're waiting on shoreline permits," said John DiVittorio, spokesman for Fish First, the volunteer organization that is coordinating the project.

The cost of changing the flow of the river and stabilizing about 1,000 linear feet of bank has been estimated at $220,000.

Costs will be shared by the homeowners who have provided $20,000, and other public and private agencies, including the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, $125,000-$150,000; Clark County, $50,000; and Clark Conservation District, $8,000. Fish First is providing in-kind donations. DiVittorio said the in-stream work must be done during the summer and completed by Sept. 30. After early fall, anadromous fish such as salmon or steelhead begin moving upstream.

A Dike constructed by Clark County in 1966 was partly to blame for the erosion, but the dike was removed last summer, DiVittorio said.

"It seemed to work pretty well through last winter," he said.

A greater than 200-year flood in 1996 apparently also contributed to the erosion, according to a Fish First statement that says when the homes were built, the river was more than 800 feet north of its present location.

A growing gravel bar on the north side of the river has pushed the flow toward the cliff. The project will move the gravel from the north side to build a bench in the river along the south side.

Root wads from large trees and in-stream rock construction will direct the flow away from the bank, Fish First says.

DiVittorio said that the project will improve fish habitat along the East Fork by adding shade to the stream and creating pools.

WOODLAND STUDIES UPGRADING WATER SYSTEM

Alice Perry Linker

staff reporter

Improving a water treatment system is like repairing a truck while you're driving down the road, says Woodland's acting public works director.

While the city pumps and treats drinking water, engineers are developing six-year and 20-year plans.

Jim Hough said the plan is moving through regulatory review and will go to the city council for discussion within six months.

The plan, being developed by Gibbs and Olson Inc. of Longview, recommends that the city add another pump to the Ranney well "as soon as possible," and add a filter unit at the treatment plant, said Tom Gower, an engineer with the firm.

The water treatment plant uses a mixed-media filtering system and has two filter tanks, Gower said. When the plant was built seven years ago, space for a third filter tank was included, he said.

The cost of adding a filter tank is between $1 million and $1.3 million, Gower said. A new pump will cost about $400,000, he said.

If the city adds a pump to the Ranney Well and adds a filter tank, the existing water system should "serve the city through 2019" if the growth rate stays at 3.5 percent per year, Gower said.

Gibbs and Olson also are preparing a 20-year plan that calls for a new water treatment system.

"If we're going to do something in 20 years, now is the time to start planning, even if it's only to begin a savings program," Hough said.

In the meantime, as summer progresses and water use increases, the city has rented a submersible pump at $2,400 per month for the city's only well, the Ranney Well on the Lewis River.

The pump was installed in early July, and the city council approved the rental cost for three months.

Two pumps work year around to provide the city with water, and Hough said a third is needed during the summer "to be certain of enough water when we have hot weather."

City residents have not experienced any reduction in water availability, he said.

"We need a third, bigger pump and more efficient power," Hough said. "Now is the time to increase capacity, make the operation more efficient."

Less than a year ago, the city scrubbed accumulated copper debris from the main water pipes leading to the treatment plant from the river.

The city will upgrade the electric service and install newer, high-tech pumps in another couple of years, he said.

The city is continuously searching for water rights to be ready when another well is needed, Hough said.

Alice Perry Linker

staff reporter

Every time he drives toward Woodland from the north, Woodland School District Superintendent Bill Hundley notices the farmland just west of I-5.

"I can visualize a high school there," he said.

Hundley's vision is more than a pipe dream. The district purchased 40 acres from the Chumbley Brothers for $3.5 million in 2005.

Plans are to ask Woodland voters in February 2008 to approve a bond to build the high school.

The land at the intersection of Dike and Robinson roads is flat but contains two wetlands. Hundley's idea is to combine the wetlands into one area and use it as an outdoor classroom.

How large the building will be and what amenities it will contain will be up to Woodland taxpayers, Hundley said. The board will have a series of public meetings before deciding how much is needed.

In 2005, Woodland voters turned down a $30 million bond to buy land and build a high school. Since then, the voters have approved two money measures, the $3.75 million bond issue and a four-year levy of about $2.13 per $1,000 of real property value.

"The voters have said yes to money measures twice in a row," Hundley said. "The board thought the voters needed a break."

Board chairman Jim Bays said the board will begin having information sessions this fall.

"We want to be very deliberate in our process," he said. "We want to try to get as much information as we can, hear from as many people as we can."

Bays said the board has agreed that the Woodland community needs a new high school. Beyond that, many options will be considered.

Two major expenses would be an outdoor stadium and an auditorium. The district has a stadium and auditorium at its complex.

"They're quite good and very usable," Bays said. "But they're quickly becoming not large enough."

The district can build for considerably less if an auditorium is not included in the building, Hundley said.

"That's a high-ticket item," Hundley said about an auditorium. "You have to have the proper acoustics and the building must be designed properly."

Community members have expressed differing opinions about the need for an auditorium and a stadium, Hundley said.

One school supporter has said, "Build it right" and include a stadium and auditorium, Hundley said.

"I'm sure there's some sentiment that we need a more streamlined building," he said.

The board is considering building a school for 800, 900 or 1,200 students. Last year's high school enrollment was 670, a figure that reflected a 6 percent growth, Hundley said.

"I think we'll settle to a 2 (percent) or 3 percent growth this year," he said.

Neither Hundley nor Bays was willing to predict long-term growth, but Bays said the board will be looking at trends and patterns over the next year.

"We'll look at historical patterns, housing starts, developments planned, developments approved," Bays said.

The cost of building materials is another issue the board must face. Hundley said the costs of steel and plastics are rapidly increasing.

The board is expected to decide on the amount of the bond in the fall of 2007.

WORK STARTS ON VANCOUVER LAND BRIDGE

Bill Myers

staff reporter

Work started recently on a pedestrian bridge and trail that will connect Fort Vancouver over SR-14 to the Columbia River.

The bridge will be 40-feet wide, earth-covered, and designed for foot and bicycle traffic, but not motorized vehicles.

The $12.25 million project is one of seven Confluence Projects along 450 miles of the Columbia River Basin. Each site was selected at areas considered important to early Native American or Euro-American settlements.

The Vancouver project is funded by a combination of federal, state and city agencies, and private donors.

More information about the project may be obtained at 693-0123 or on the Internet at www.confluenceproject.org.

ATTORNEY GETS PLANNING CALL

Bill Myers

staff reporter

Vancouver attorney Steve Morasch will join the Clark County Planning Commission. The Board of County Commissioners appointed Morasch to fill a vacancy on the seven-person Planning Commission created by the resignation of Lonnie Moss.

Morasch, 39, was born in Seattle and raised in the Camas area. He graduated from Camas High School, Clark College and Willamette University. He then completed law school at Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland.

Morasch began practicing law at the Portland office of his current employer, Schwabe, Williamson and Wyatt. He now works at the firm's Vancouver office.

Morasch is single and lives in Vancouver.

Morasch serves on the industrial lands committee of the Columbia River Economic Development Council, as well as the Board of the Clark College Alumni Association.

"Clark County seems to be headed in the right direction," said Morasch when asked about County planning.

Morasch said he considers his approaches to land use planning "balanced," and said he will keep an open mind when it comes to zoning issues.

"We were impressed with his knowledge and balanced approach," said board chair Marc Boldt.

Other planning commissioners are Jeff Wriston, Dick Deleissegues, Jada Rupley, Ron Barca, Milada Allen and George Vartanian.

AREA VET HAS CLINIC ON WHEELS

Bill Myers

staff reporter

"Doc" Wayne Martin, the former owner of Battle Ground Veterinary Hospital, is treating pets again, this time with a mobile clinic.

Martin owned and managed the hospital from 1978 until 2000 when he opted for retirement and sold the business. Now, said Martin, he has had enough retirement.

"I missed my clients and patients too much," said the veterinarian.

Martin and his wife, Pat, retired to the San Diego, CA area. "I tried gardening, but those plants couldn't talk back to me," said the doctor.

The Martins returned to Battle Ground, and even moved back into the home that they had left.

The doctor said he now wants to practice veterinary medicine "up close and personal," and at a pace that allows him to spend more time visiting with his clients and canine or feline patients.

The Martins purchased a customized Ford truck, fully equipped for veterinary medicine. The truck, modified by a company that specializes in converting trucks to mobile clinics, perfectly fits their goals, say the Martins.

When a dog or cat enters the truck, it walks onto a scale and is weighed.

"Weight is critical when deciding on amounts of medication to give an animal," said the doctor.

The clinic on wheels contains a fully-equipped examination table, operating table with state-of-the-art anesthetic machine, a modern laboratory with centrifuge and other equipment, a pharmacy including a refrigerator with supplies of medicines and vaccines, and even a "recovery room" for post-surgery patients.

The rolling clinic also contains a computer where patient records are kept up-to-date.

"There is nothing done at a walk-in clinic that can't be done here," said Dr. Martin.

The Martins park their mobile clinic at the Wilco Farm Store, 815 W Main St., Battle Ground, each week on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

"We plan to have scheduled stops at other convenient locations in north county," said Pat Martin.

The Martins, for a nominal trip fee, also make house calls with their mobile clinic. Such calls can be arranged by calling 666-2600.

Doc Martin said house calls can be especially helpful to clients who have big dogs that present transportation problems. It can also be more humane when euthanasia is necessary to have it done where a pet is most comfortable such as at its own home, he said.

Wayne Martin is a 1968 graduate of Washington State University. He completed a surgical residency at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, NY.

OBITS:

MATHILDA RAST

Mathilda Christina (Graf) Rast, 90, died Aug. 16, 2006, in Brush Prairie.

Rast was born Dec. 6, 1915 in Waldrun, Germany. She lived in Clark County 53 years, the last seven in Brush Prairie.

A homemaker, Rast was a member of the Open Bible Community Church, enjoyed gardening, farming, reading, especially German storybooks and romances, and watching The Price Is Right and Lawrence Welk on television. She was also a 40-year General Hospital soap opera fan.

Rast was preceded in death by her first husband, Theodore Hafner, in 1943, her second husband, Henry Rast, in 1964, and son Stefan Hafner in 1974. Survivors include son Hans Rast of Vancouver, daughters Martha Hoffman of Spokane and Rita Chan of Vancouver, six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thurs., Aug. 24, 2 p.m., at Layne's Funeral Home Chapel in Battle Ground with Layne's in charge of arrangements. A private interment will be held in Yacolt Cemetery.

ALFREDA HARRIS

Alfreda Minnie (Williams) Harris, 88, died Aug. 15, 2006 in Vancouver.

Harris was born Sept. 10, 1917, in Manor, WA. She was an 85-year resident of Clark County, living the past 61 years in Yacolt.

A homemaker, Harris enjoyed watching Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and The Price Is Right. She was an avid reader and enjoyed canning, baking, stamp collecting, gardening and cribbage. A strong Christian woman, her favorite book was the Bible.

She was a member of the Washington State Association of the Daughters of Pioneers. As a child she attended the old Good Hope School in rural Clark County before attending Battle Ground schools.

Harris was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Charles, in 2004, and daughter Patricia Jean in 1998. Survivors include daughters Cindy Lively of Yacolt, Nancy Dietrich of Cougar, and Judy Mason of Yacolt, sons Mike Harris of Yacolt and Ed Harris of Oregon, 24 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were held at Memory Memorial Park Cemetery in Vancouver, with Layne's Funeral Home of Battle Ground in charge of arrangements.

DEANE RELYEA

Deane Howard Relyea, 73, died Aug. 17, 2006, in Battle Ground.

Relyea was born Feb. 2, 1933 on his grandfather Relyea's dairy farm near La Center. He lived his entire life in Clark County except for two years he spent in the Army.

Relyea graduated in 1952 from La Center High School, and in 1959 married his wife, Betty.

Relyea was employed with Bemis Bag for a time. Together, he and Betty built, owned and operated the Leisure Time Roller Rink near La Center from 1962-1970. In 1969, the couple purchased a ranch in the View area and raised Holstein bull calves. During that time, Relyea also worked as a guard at International Paper. In 2002, Relyea moved to Battle Ground.

Relyea is survived by his wife of 47 years, Betty, at home in Battle Ground, daughter Carol Ferguson of Battle Ground, sister Barbara Relyea of Missouri, and one granddaughter.

Burial was at Park Hill Cemetery in Vancouver, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

SYLVIA PRICE

Sylvia June (Breeding) Price, 83, died Aug. 16, 2006 in Bedford, TX.

Price was born July 11, 1923 in Cleveland, VA. She lived in Clark County for several years before moving to Ryderwood and was a Cowlitz County resident for 11 years.

A homemaker, Price was active in her Christian faith and left behind a legacy for her loved ones to follow, family members said.

Price was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, James Price, in 2004. Survivors include daughters Ida Horne of Ridgefield, Mary Talbott of Oregon, Ann Magnusson of Vancouver, Jean Cornell of Nevada, Linda Duncan of Battle Ground, Pamela Jasmer of Hockinson, and Catherine Price-Frazier of Texas, sons James Price Jr. of Ridgefield, Richard Price of Olympia, and Norman Price of Ryderwood, 41 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren.

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

DUANE HOISINGTON

Lawrence Duane Hoisington, 59, died Aug. 19, 2006, from Multiple Systems Atrophy, a form of advanced Parkinson's Disease.

Hoisington was born Aug. 9, 1947, in Sweet Home, OR, graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1965, and served in the U.S. Army as a Sgt. E-5 both in active duty and reserves.

Hoisington was self-employed his entire life, both as a logger and home builder. He was a skilled carpenter. He was passionate about street rods and restored the first of many, a 1923 T-Roadster pickup, at age 17.

Also at age 17, he fell his first tree and logged consistently for the next 30 years.

Hoisington built hundreds of homes in Clark County. He and his wife enjoyed working side-by-side in their yard and spending time with grandchildren.

Hoisington was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence James Hoisington. Survivors include widow Dolly Kraus of Battle Ground, son Scott Hoisington of California, mother Mary Palmer of Ridgefield, sister Linda Selfridge of Ridgefield, step-daughter Angel Sederburg of Battle Ground, and two granddaughters.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Fri., Aug. 25, 11 a.m., at Mountain View Christian Center, 2810 NE 259th St., Ridgefield. Viewing is scheduled for Wed., Aug. 23, 5-9 p.m., and Thurs., Aug. 24, noon-9 p.m., at Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel, 1101 NE 112 Ave., Vancouver. Graveside services will take place Sat., Aug. 26, 11 a.m., at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery, with Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

DALE GRUBBS

Dale Allison Grubbs, 78, died Aug. 19, 2006, in Battle Ground.

Grubbs was born Aug. 9, 1928, in Sheridan, WY, and lived in Clark County for 69 years, the past 32 years at his home in Battle Ground.

Grubbs served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He worked for ALCOA for 30 years as an ingot foreman.

Grubbs enjoyed his computer group of former ALCOA workers. He was a member of the Dollars Corner Moose Lodge. He was an airplane pilot and enjoyed traveling. He played the guitar and enjoyed playing music, family gatherings and his remote.

Grubbs was preceded in death by his son, Gordon Howard, in 1987. Survivors include widow Alvira Grubbs, at home, step-mother Curly Grubbs of Montana, daughters Donna Keeler of Vancouver and Rita Sizemore of North Carolina, sons Norman Howard of Vancouver and Ben Howard of Texas, brother Jim Grubbs of Montana, 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held Thurs., Aug. 24, 11 a.m., at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Vancouver. Viewing is scheduled for Wed., Aug. 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Layne's Funeral Home Chapel, Battle Ground, with Layne's Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

ROBERT PADEN

Robert Joseph "Bob" Paden, 79, died Aug. 19, 2006, at home in Kelso.

Paden was born April 13, 1927, in Canton, OK, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and moved to the west coast after the war. He moved to Alaska during the oil field boom, then helped build the Dalton Highway along the trans-Alaska pipeline. He was on the first truck convoy that crossed the tundra taking materials to Prudhoe Bay. He was a proud Teamster, long-haul truck driver, and owner and CEO of Prudhoe Bay Freight Lines. He lived in southwest Washington since 1979 with winters in Arizona.

Paden will be remembered for his sense of humor. His priorities were his wife and children.

Survivors include widow Marlene Jane "Janie" Paden, at home in Kelso, brother Dr. Glen Paden of California, sisters-in-law Della Paden of Arizona and Willa Paden of California, sons Robert Paden Jr. of Canada, Dr. Tony Paden of Alaska, Larry Paden of Silver Lake, and Alan Paden of Seattle, daughters Micheal Barsi of Texas, Mary Gasnik of Oklahoma and Nancy Bemis of Colorado, 17 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and special friend and caregiver Mary Zissler.

Services will be held Sat., Aug. 26, 2 p.m., at East Kelso Baptist Church in Kelso, with Columbia Funeral Service, Longview, in charge of arrangements.

JEFFERY NELSON

Jeffery "Jeff" Neal Nelson, 50, died of respiratory failure Aug. 12, 2006, in Vancouver.

Nelson was born Feb. 26, 1956, in Carson, and lived in Montana before moving to Battle Ground 21 years ago.

Nelson had worked in rebuilding axles. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and long road trips. He also enjoyed making friends laugh, playing the guitar and dogs.

Nelson did volunteer work for the food bank in Battle Ground.

Nelson was preceded in death by his father, Charles "Jim" Nelson, in 1991. Survivors include mother Margaret Nelson of Battle Ground, brothers Dennis Nelson of Burbank, Rick Nelson of Kennewick and Chuck Nelson of Battle Ground, nieces and nephews, and his dachshund Sampson.

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

LILLIAN HOAG

Lillian Mable (Atkinson) Foster Radke Cornelison Hoag, 96, died Aug. 9, 2006, in Walla Walla.

Hoag was born April 6, 1910, in Jacksonville, Nassau County, Florida. When she was a baby, Hoag's mother, Rose, became ill with yellow fever and her father gave Lillian to Anna and Frank Foster of Portland to raise.

Hoag married Jacob Radke in 1932. The couple operated a service station in Portland. They divorced in 1943.

In January 1944, Hoag married Louis Cornelison. They lived in Idaho Falls and Chesterfield, Idaho, then Las Vegas and Fallon, NV. They operated a grocery store in Caldwell, Idaho. Louis died in 1961.

Hoag worked as a caregiver in a nursing home in College Place, WA.

In 1968, she married Alfred Hoag. The couple moved to Anaheim, CA, and then Hemet, CA. They moved to Battle Ground in 1992. Alfred Hoag died in 1993.

Hoag worked at the Battle Ground Community Service Center, tying quilts and helping people.

After suffering a stroke in 2004, Hoag moved to Eagle Meadows in College Place. She was a member of the Walla Walla College Seventh-day Adventist Church.

In addition to her three husbands, Hoag was preceded in death by sisters Hildred Rice and Pearl Atkinson, and grandson Dr. David L. Waters. Survivors include daughter Anna Waters of College Place, son Jim Cornelison of College Place, step-daughter Dorothy Cloud of Portland, sister Ruby Leonard of Oregon, six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Burial was at Mount Hope Cemetery in College Place. A memorial service will be held Sat., Sept. 2, 3:30 p.m., at Meadow Glade Seventh-day Adventist Church in Battle Ground, with Mountain View Funeral Home, Walla Walla, in charge of arrangements.

CHARLES PARSONS

Charles Frederick Parsons, 80, died Aug. 18, 2006, in Vancouver.

Parsons was born Dec. 6, 1925, in Omaha, NE, and lived in Vancouver for more than 60 years.

Parsons was a founding member of St. John's Catholic Church. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and received the World War II Victory Medal, the American Area Medal, Asiatic Pacific Star and Good Conduct Medal.

Parsons was a berry farmer. He enjoyed carpentry and raising and auctioning livestock. He was operations manager for Union Pacific Railroad, retiring in 1985.

Parsons was preceded in death by his first wife, Mildred Parsons, in 1962, and grandson Paul Christopher in 1990. Survivors include widow Mary R. Parsons of Vancouver, daughters Kathryn Thompson and Carolyn Palmer, both of Vancouver, and Mary Parsons, Teresa Willmschen and Patricia Hansen, all of Battle Ground, sons Edward Binau of Goldendale, John Parsons of La Center, and James Parsons, Charles Parsons and Paul Parsons, all of Vancouver, sister Georgianna Gallagher of California, 31 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Recitation of the Rosary is set for Fri., Aug. 25, 10:30 a.m., at St. John's Catholic Church, followed by funeral mass at 11 a.m. and burial at St. John's Catholic Cemetery. Viewing is scheduled for Thurs., Aug. 24, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at Hamilton-Mylan Funeral Home, and Fri., Aug. 25, 10 a.m., at the church.

Hamilton-Mylan Funeral Home, Vancouver, is in charge of arrangements.

MICHAEL LONE

Michael Shane Lone, 40, died in his sleep July 23, 2006, in Edmonds.

Lone was born Jan. 21, 1966, in Billings, MT, and moved to Portland at age 20. He worked as a cement finisher. He lived with his parents in La Center the last five years.

Lone enjoyed hunting and fishing, and his family.

Survivors include parents Ken and Leslie Lone of La Center, son William and daughter Amanda, both of Battle Ground, sister Heidi Rhoades of Battle Ground, and one niece.

Beck's Funeral Home, Edmonds, was in charge of arrangements.