LEGACY SALMON CREEK CUTS CAKE FOR FIRST BIRTHDAY

Both the first baby born at the new Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital and the hospital itself celebrated their one-year birthdays last week.

After more than two years of planning and two years of construction, the hospital opened on Aug. 22, 2005.

In 12 months, the hospital staff has treated 7,000 inpatients and more than 27,000 emergency patients, and delivered more than 1,125 babies.

Jaidyn Ali was the first baby born at the hospital just two days after it opened. Jaidyn is the son of Carri Brown of Vancouver.

The hospital's first patient was Breanna Leigh Bullion, a baby born eight weeks premature and transferred from a Legacy neonatal intensive care unit in Portland to Legacy Salmon Creek to be closer to family.

Hospital staff and guests held a celebration Aug. 22 to mark their one year birthday, complete with baked salmon with mango melon salsa, and cake and ice cream in an outdoor setting.

More than 500 physicians in a range of specialties comprise the medical staff at Legacy Salmon Creek, including 150 who have opened offices near the hospital campus at 2211 NE 139th St., Vancouver.

Hospital employees number about 600 full-time equivalent with an annual payroll of about $50 million. More than 300 volunteers donated a total of 27,538 hours of service during the hospital's first year.

Legacy Salmon Creek offers some services never before available in Clark County including a pediatric emergency department, neonatal intensive care unit, radiation oncology, and maternal-fetal medicine.

The hospital also offers surgery, cardiology, maternity, intensive care, Breast Health Center, diabetes care, lab and diagnostic imaging and rehabilitation services for both children and adults.

The hospital has specially-sized medical equipment for children, plus a staff trained in pediatrics.

Since the hospital opened, additional services include cardiac rehabilitation, diabetes and nutrition services, and wound, ostomy and skin care services.

Legacy Salmon Creek is one of five hospitals in the country to offer Elekta Synergy which uses image-guided radiation therapy to target tumors.

Legacy's Life Flight helicopter ambulance service flies to the Salmon Creek hospital as well as Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. Legacy spokesperson Maggie Huffman said the helicopter has delivered at one patient to Salmon Creek.

All rooms at the hospital are single-occupancy. Valet parking is offered.

Jonathan Avery, hospital administrator at Legacy Salmon Creek, said the hospital is meeting its patient load goals.

Avery said officials expected a patient count of 70-75 (in residence at midnight) from the day of opening. For the first four months, said Avery, that count was in the 40s.

The average in July was 86, said Avery, and rising.

Avery attributed the initial lag to delays in opening physician office spaces on the hospital campus.

Use of the emergency facilities met expectations from the beginning, said Avery. Instead of 70 daily emergency patients that were expected, said Avery, the average was 95 per day in the first months and is now 115 per day.

Avery predicted that profitability could take two years to achieve.

Legacy operates five hospitals in Oregon and Washington, plus nine primary care clinics, and several specialty clinics and lab stations.

Neal Bradford of Battle Ground, has retired from two occupations and has turned his attention to building canoes and kayaks.

But there is more to the story.

Bradford taught school for 32 years, mostly in the Evergreen School District at grades 5-7. He retired in 1997.

Along the way, Bradford took up photography. From 1973 until 2002 when he called it quits, Bradford worked as a photographer, and photographed an unknown number of weddings, possibly as many as 350, starting with his sister's wedding. He also photographed high school dances, senior pictures and banquet events.

In his first year of photography, Bradford earned about $6,000 and thought he did very well until he calculated his taxes and figured out he actually earned $127.

During most of his career, Bradford used an RB 67, medium format camera made by Mamia. Only after he ended his photography career did Bradford purchase a digital camera. Eye surgery shortened his work in photography.

In addition, his wife Peggy was diagnosed with cancer.

"I had to make a choice," said Bradford. "Sign a contract and say I'm going to be there (at a wedding). No way I'm going to go out if my wife needs me."

When Bradford began work as a photographer, he charged $200 to shoot a wedding and deliver 70-90 proofs. He then sold color prints at $5 for 4x5, $7 for 5x7, $10 for 8x10, and $20 for 11x14.

At the end, Bradford charged $400 to shoot and provide proofs. The print charges did not changes over his 29 years.

Ten-15 years ago, Bradford was ready to dispose of his 29 years of negatives, stored in two, 4-drawer filing cabinets, a closet, a 5-drawer chest of drawers and boxes.

But then he received a phone call from a mother whose daughter had lost her wedding photos in a fire. Bradford was able to find the negatives and resurrect the photos.

That incident caused Bradford to re-think the disposal of the negatives, which he had transferred to cardboard file boxes and wrapped in plastic in his barn. He made an effort to find brides and grooms. He gave away 2-3 boxes, but in most cases, he was not successful.

"I've given up on it," said Bradford.

Bradford has lived on his 10-acre, Battle Ground farm since 1972. His days of raising farm animals and hay are over, but he now has "moles and weeds." And vegetables among the weeds, but "I can usually get those (vegetables) out."

Bradford has turned his energies to building canoes and kayaks. He starts from scratch, builds the forms, creates his own tongue-and-groove type material, and glues all the pieces together. He even hopes to sell one or two someday.

Anyone interested in recovering negatives from Neal Bradford is invited to call 687-3580.

DUANE HOISINGTON REMEMBERED AS HARD-WORKING, SHY MAN

Family members describe Duane Hoisington as very hard-working and capable of virtually any project, yet a man who avoided social interaction.

Hoisington died last week at age 59 from Multiple Systems Atrophy, a form of Parkinson's Disease that affected his nervous system.

Lawrence Duane Hoisington was born Aug. 9, 1947, in Sweet Home, OR, where his father worked as a logger. The family moved to Hockinson in 1948, then to the Duluth area in 1949.

The family spent three summers in the Rogue River area of Oregon where Hoisington's father worked as a logger. Duane and his sister, Linda, enjoyed living in a cabin those summers with no electricity, playing in the hills, fishing, and swinging from a rope over a river. Linda recalls that both she and Duane looked back on those summers as the best part of their childhood. She was 11-13, he 8-10.

Hoisington attended Ridgefield schools and graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1965, the same year he entered the Army. He served in active duty and reserves until 1971, achieving the rank of Sgt. E-5.

In high school, Hoisington played both baseball and football. In later years, he coached Pop Warner football.

While in the reserves, Hoisington purchased property in Canada between White Horse and St. George, and planned to build a house there until Canadian authorities denied him permits.

Hoisington lived on Highway 99 in Vancouver for a short time. He began working with Lou Hatch and Larry Collins Construction.

On Oct. 10, 1970, at age 23, Hoisington married Deborah White in Vancouver and lived in the Risto Rd. area of Hockinson for two years, then built a house on NE 167 Ave. where he lived for two years. Their son Scott was born in 1974.

Hoisington continued working in house construction as well as logging.

The Hoisingtons were divorced in 1982. Hoisington built a home on Garner Rd. in Yacolt where he lived 1985-1993. He first built a shop and apartment where he lived while working on the home. The secluded location suited him.

As a general contractor, Hoisington built hundreds of homes in Clark County over the years, relatives remember. He built spec homes to sell. He was a very hard working man.

About 1982, Hoisington began spending time with Dolly Kraus. The two were friends for years, began living together in 1993, and were married in 2005.

Kraus said Hoisington was fastidious about cleanliness. Kraus said logger George Wiebold once said that Hoisington was the only logger he knew who wore clean pants every day.

Kraus said Duane would take enough clothes on hunting trips to wear clean clothes each day.

Hoisington brushed his teach twice each time he brushed, said Kraus. "He was a very clean person," she said. And he was well organized. Every item in various rooms of the house was placed in straight rows. The exception was towels, said Kraus. Hoisington would hang towels very straight on towels rods, then intentionally turn them at an angle because he liked them that way.

Kraus said Hoisington didn't want to go to social functions, family gatherings or other events. "He was almost reclusive," said Kraus.

But when he would go, he would "talk your leg off. It was hard to get away from him."

Then when he got home, he would vow to never again attend such events.

In grocery stores, Kraus would meet people he knew and talk for as long as two hours. "He was the most social, un-social person I've ever known," said Kraus.

Even though his last home was a show place with two fountains, street lights, several buildings, adult swings, and built-in novelties, he did not care to have visitors. He would even hide when people came to the door to make them think he was not home.

In their time together, Hoisington wanted to do all the cooking, said Kraus, and the laundry.

Hoisington would buy all the groceries and cook all the meals. He took care in the laundry, hanging items up to dry that might shrink or be damaged in a dryer. He sorted by color.

He had a strong physique most of his life, and worked out at a gym for several years. He was health-conscious. He never smoked, drank very little, and never used foul language.

Hoisington enjoyed rebuilding classic cars, starting with a 1923 T-Roadster pickup when he was 17.

Over the years, he owned a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air which he rebuilt, and a 1961 Ford Starliner, which he traded for a 1957 Corvette. He also owned a 1969 Ford pickup and 1970 Camaro.

He paid cash for a new 1979 Camaro and a new 1979 Corvette. He spent three years rebuilding a 1933 Ford Pickup. He also owned various Harley-Davidson motorcycles and dirt bikes.

Because he worked so hard, Hoisington would sometimes fall asleep while working under a car, wake up two hours later, and resume working.

Hoisington paid cash for various purchases, using $100 bills to buy cars and even property. While living in Venersborg, he buried jars of money in his back yard and drew maps as to where they were located. He dug up one such jar and used $100 bills to buy a $35,000 piece of property.

Hoisington was active in the Mt. View Christian Center. He went on a church trip to Mexico to help build a church and orphanage. For years thereafter, he sent $20-$100 monthly to the Mexican orphanage. He also helped build an addition to the Maple Grove Church.

Hoisington's hunting years ended when an elk became his friend. While on a hunting trip, an elk walked up to where he was sitting. Hoisington began talking to the elk and petted it on its nose. In 30 minutes with the elk, he was able to photograph the nose-petting activity. Even though he went on hunting trips after that, he never again shot an animal.

Hoisington built his Meadow Glade home in 1995 and his last house of his career in 2000. Hoisington was injured in a logging accident in 1993. While working at Whidby Island, a limb fell and struck him in the face. He was unconscious for 15-25 minutes, lost several teeth and suffered other facial injuries.

Two months after the accident, Hoisington began to suffer tremors, and problems with a foot. His thumb twitched. When he and Dolly would go someplace, she would sit next to him in such a way that his leg tremor would not be visible, and they would hold hands to keep his hand still.

Over the next few years, he was afflicted by nervous system problems off and on. He was not able to attend his son's wedding in 2000 even though he traveled to Las Vegas to be there. He saw numerous doctors and took various medications. Some medications conflicted with others and damaged his kidneys. He lost energy.

Kraus described Duane as a very "macho" person most of his life. He would carry both of their suitcases even though they were equipped with rollers. As his condition worsened, he was no longer able to carry suitcases. His blood pressure rose.

Hoisington installed an antique mail box halfway between his house and his shop building to give him something to hold onto while walking the 30-foot distance. Working on one backyard project, Hoisington had to crawl from his work area to his house as he was unable to walk.

Despite his declining health which included stomach pain, Hoisington was a very happy person, said Kraus. "He was never depressed."

In April 2006, doctors finally diagnosed Multiple System Atrophy and told him there was no cure. He would have to live with the condition, they said. He died in Dolly's arms on Aug. 19, 2006, at home, just hours after hospice had arrived with a hospital bed.

"He finished every project he started," recalled Kraus. "All you had to do was mention something, and he would build it." And the result was more glorious than she ever imagined, she said.

His last project was a toy box for his granddaughter, Savannah, which he built April 29. "He didn't want to live not being able to do anything," said Kraus.

"He was an absolutely remarkable guy," said Kraus.

Hoisington is survived by widow Dolly Kraus of Battle Ground, his first wife, Deborah Jackman of Vancouver, son Scott Hoisington of California, step-daughter Angel Sederburg of Battle Ground, mother Mary Palmer of Ridgefield, sister Linda Selfridge of Ridgefield, and two grandchildren. Burial was at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Vancouver.

Clark County commissioner Steve Stuart said last week that he would support projects that would relieve congestion in the I-5 corridor, but would oppose plans that would not solve congestion problems.

Stuart made the remarks at an Aug. 23 meeting of the Evergreen Business Association in Orchards.

Stuart is a member of the Columbia River Task Force that is studying problems along the I-5 corridor in Vancouver and Portland.

That group has dropped further study of additional routes across the river in favor of improvements at the current I-5 bridge location.

"All three commissioners want relief for our citizens," said Stuart.

Stuart said the existing bridges should be left in place, and additional bridges constructed such as between the ports of Vancouver and Portland or at 192nd Ave. in east Clark County. "We need to start that visioning now," he said of the east county location.

"We need other corridors," he said.

Even if traffic can be moved more quickly through the bridge area, said Stuart, other bottlenecks exist on the Oregon side, both at Delta Park and then at the Rose Quarter area.

Stuart said consultants who are studying the issues predict that even with changes at the I-5 bridge, "success will be maintaining the existing congestion on both sides of the river." Stuart said that approach is unacceptable.

Stuart also said consultants have not yet provided any cost information. Even if federal state money would help pay for improvements, a local share would be required, possible paid for by tolls, he said.

"Tolls for what," questioned Stuart. "Tolls for existing congestion?"

Stuart stressed the importance of creating jobs in Clark County to reduce the number of commute trips across the river.

Stuart said all parties must agree on a plan before state or federal money would be available. Such agreement would include the county commissioners, he said.

Both Stuart and commissioner Betty Sue Morris sit on the Columbia River Task Force. Morris represents C-TRAN on the multi-year study group.

Stuart said another group, called the Transportation Corridor Visioning Study, funded in part by the state Department of Transportation, is studying east and west by-passes across the Columbia River.

Stuart can be reached at 397-2232.

BRIA TURNS DOWN TEXAS JOB

Expressing great pleasure for the environment of the Battle Ground School District, its patrons, staff and students, Shonny Bria announced Aug. 25 that she has decided not to accept the superintendent position in Corpus Christi, TX.

Bria praised the openness of the Battle Ground community, the camaraderie of the school board, and the open environment established in the district over her eight years of service.

"It's a breath of fresh air," said Bria.

Bria did not criticize the Corpus Christi work environment or its board of directors, but instead expressed pleasure with aspects of her Battle Ground position.

In a brief letter to Dr. Manuel Flores, president of the Corpus Christi school board, Bria said: Although I find the board's offer to be reasonable and fair, I must at this time respectfully withdraw my name as the sole finalist for the CCISD superintendent position. My hopes are for the success of the CCISD and its many wonderful people."

Bria said Flores said he understood Bria's action and wished her good luck.

"People care about each other (in the Battle Ground district)," said Bria. "They tell me what they feel without a second thought. People are open here."

"For me to be a good superintendent, I have to be open to the community," said Bria.

Battle Ground board chair Sam Kim said he was happy with Bria's unexpected decision.

"As always, I'm elated," said Kim. "Every day with her is golden for me and for others as well."

"I'm just feeling we have been on a good path the past eight years (with Bria as superintendent)," said Kim.

"My intent is to work as hard or harder as I have in support of the children of this district and community," said Bria. "I have never slowed down in my efforts to provide a good, sturdy education for every child in this district.

"I'm an advocate for children. That's the way I'll be until I die," said Bria.

Kim said Battle Ground was not able to match the Corpus Christi offer or retirement benefits. But, he said, "it's not only about dollars. There is value in trust and great working relationships."

A letter in the Corpus Christi newspaper foresaw Bria's decision. Former Corpus Christi teacher Harriet Tillman wrote: I have not met Dr. Bria, but she has been more visible through the news media in both the district and the city in the short time since she has been named a finalist than the last superintendent was the whole time he was here. She apparently has ideas and the knowledge not only to fix some of our school's problems, but to involve the community in supporting the effort. Before she slips away, it's time for our school board members to put aside their self-importance, petty bickering and individual agendas to support this candidate. Dr. Bria is a good choice for the job.

Bria sets goals

Bria said she has set four goals for the new school year.

First, Bria said she plans to be in schools to support principals. "They are going to need that," said Bria, noting that Schools with 1,000 students and no assistant principal will need help solving problems.

Secondly, Bria said she plans to work with the community and staff to develop a strong levy proposal that the community will support.

Thirdly, Bria wants to find innovative ways to continue to improve education in Battle Ground school, including different ways of instruction.

And Bria said she plans to pursue changes in federal legislation that requires almost all special education students to take standardized tests. For some such students, said Bria, such tests produce needless stress for both students and their families.

Future applications?

Bria said has not made application to any other districts. "I'm here to give more than 100% to the children of this district."

Bria said she has been selective in the positions she has sought. She pursued the job in Corpus Christi because it was near her husband's ailing parents, she said, and because it offered enhanced retirement benefits.

Bria praised the open attitude of the people in the Battle Ground School District, "and the love people have given me."

"I want to put Corpus Christi in the past," said Bria,

"and focus on the future of the children in Battle Ground schools."

BG GIVES THUMBS UP TO ANNEXATION

Open house set for pending annexation south

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

Ninety days from Aug. 21, Battle Ground's city limits will extend to the east by 280 acres.

Battle Ground city council members approved the Eastside Annexation that is bordered by NE 199th St. on the south and NE 157th on the east, and following Charles Goodard Rd. to the beginning of NE Charleston Dr. on the north.

The land contains 55 parcels, 39 housing units and 113 people. The assessed value of the area is $10.8 million.

Discussion at the Aug. 28 council meeting centered on concerns about possible development and sewer capacity issues. Battle Ground's 18 percent share of capacity at the Salmon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant can't handle unplanned hook-ups.

City manager Eric Holmes said it is possible to lease more space if council members choose to go that route, or an urban holding zone could be placed that prohibits development. The restriction could be lifted at the end of 2008 when the Plant's Phase IV project to increase capacity is finished, and Battle Ground's share increases to 24 percent.

Council members chose to have staff develop an urban holding plan that would be considered before the 90-day waiting period is over and the annexation goes into effect.

"Id rather be safe than sorry with an overlay," mayor John Idsinga said. "We need to be prudent, protect ourselves and move on."

Open house set for 420-acre stretch

An open house to discuss the proposed South 503 Annexation is set for Thurs., Aug. 31, 4-6 p.m., in the council chambers at city hall, 109 SW 1st St.

A presentation will take place at 4 p.m., followed by an information gathering session.

City council members are keen to annex the land which stretches south from NE 199th St. to NE 176 St., avoiding the Meadow Glade area.

Developers Mike Achen and Virginia Lear met the requirement for 10 percent of assessed value in ownership on a petition mandated by state law.

Currently, they are seeking the 50 percent approval needed. Once met, council members can hold public hearings and move to annex the land.

Because that land is under Clark County jurisdiction and a potential economic corridor along SR-503, city officials want a say in how that land is developed. It is currently under an urban holding zone.

If the annexation takes place, council members have indicated they will change the zone to allow development.

Sewer issues aren't of much concern because the area is mostly serviced by the Clark Regional Wastewater District which includes the Meadow Glade Sewer Service area, and also has water service from Clark Public Utilities.

The area has a value of nearly $17 million. It is made up of 92 parcels and contains 45 dwelling units and about 140 people.

A petition in support of annexation will be available at the open house for interested property owners to sign.

For more information, call Adrienne DeDona at 342-5004.

C-TRAN LOWERS SENIOR PASS RATES

Bill Myers

staff reporter

Seniors with valid C-TRAN Senior ID cards will pay less for C-TRAN passes.

Beginning Sept. 1, senior passengers 62 years of age and older, with valid C-TRAN identifications, can purchase a R/Y/D monthly pass for $18, said C-TRAN spokesperson Ronda Peck.

R/Y/D stands for "Reduced/Youth/Disabled," said Peck. Seniors, youths ages 7-18 years of age, and disabled persons with C-TRAN identifications are eligible for reduced rate passes.

The monthly pass is an "all-zone" pass. It replaces the previous all-zone monthly pass which sold for $36. The R/Y/D pass also replaces the C-Zone monthly pass which previously cost $21.

Peck said the new passes are available only to those with identification cards issued by C-TRAN.

Seniors can obtain ID Cards at C-TRAN passenger service offices. Offices are located at the 7th St. Transit Center (downtown Vancouver between Broadway and Washington), Fisher's Landing (SE 164th Ave. and SE Cascade Park Dr.) and Vancouver Mall (north parking lot, next to Mervyn's).

Office hours at the 7th St. and Fisher's Landing offices are Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-7 p.m. The Vancouver Mall office is open Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Seniors who prefer to pay cash fares can continue to do so by paying 60 cents per boarding, said Peck.

Federal agency issues Finding of No Significant Impact

Bill Myers

staff reporter

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials have found no problems with a proposed satellite water system east of Woodland.

A report from the Seattle office of the federal agency said a proposed action to form a Clark Public Utilities Local Utility District for properties near Hayes and Bridge roads would have "no significant impact" on the environment.

The EPA report evaluated an environmental assessment prepared by the Utility.

Utility water manager Eric Beck said Utility engineers are working to secure well and shoreline permits from Clark County.

Beck said that prior to construction, Utility officials will need an archeological sign-off from Cowlitz Indian tribal leaders. He said tribal concurrence is required by Environmental Protection Agency rules.

Beck said it may be possible to relocate a proposed reservoir on Bridge Rd. to service more customers. A new reservoir location near the end of Bridge Rd. would allow the new District to serve 26 lots with 14 participants, more than a currently planned service area of 19 lots with 11 participants, said Beck.

Beck said an optimistic projection is that the well will be completed by spring 2007, with construction of the reservoir and installation of 7-8,000 feet of water main by late spring. Completion of the entire system could be accomplished during the summer of 2007, he said.

High levels of arsenic in private wells on properties east of Woodland near Hayes and Cedar Creek roads were documented by Clark County Health Department officials in 2003.

Since then, officials have urged residents to have private wells checked for arsenic content. A safe level of arsenic in drinking water, according to federal officials, is under 10 parts per billion (ppb).

Wells near affected areas have been tested with levels ranging from 1,000 to 2,100 ppb, according to Health Department officials.

Unsafe levels of arsenic have also been found in private wells east of Woodland on the north side of the Lewis River.

A recent EPA document said arsenic found in groundwater of northern Clark County and elsewhere in the region stem from naturally occurring volcanic deposits.

Comments supporting or disagreeing with the federal Finding of No Signficant Impact may be sent by Sept. 14, 2006, to Hanh Shaw, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Sixth Ave., OWW-130. FAX is (206) 553-0165; Email: shaw.hanh@epa.gov.

Officer claims he blew whistle, hires attorney

Bill Myers

staff reporter

City of Ridgefield officials, after an investigation and hearing, fired police sergeant Randy Ostrander on Aug. 16.

On the same day, Vancouver attorney Gregory Ferguson wrote to city attorney Mike Wynne on Ostrander's behalf.

In the letter, Ferguson urged the City to withdraw "what appears to be the predetermined decision to fire my client..."

Ferguson said Ostrander was cleared of allegations that he had an "undue interest in pornography." He said the City was now accusing Ostrander of administrative issues resolved sometime ago without incident or formal discipline.

The lawyer alleges in the letter that acting chief of police Erin Nolan attempted to coerce Ostrander to resign. The City "unlawfully retaliated against" Ostrander, said the letter, because of "his reports to government agencies of fraud, bribery, self-dealing, conflicts of interest and discrimination by the City, its managers and Council Members."

Ferguson said Ostrander's investigation revealed business dealings between former city manager George Fox and at least two city council members, self-dealing, conflicts of interest and kickbacks or bribes paid by developers to the City cloaked as "donations."

The letter alleges that Ostrander's investigation disclosed that council members approved Fox's lucrative employment contract while he was employed elsewhere.

The attorney wrote that Ostrander's investigation also revealed what appeared to be "a secret pay-off of a female City employee" who allegedly was sexually harassed by Fox.

Ferguson said a number of City officials and outside legal counsel in Seattle were alarmed to learn that Ostrander was investigating Council member corruption and had submitted Fox's computer to a computer forensic expert.

Ostrander was shortly thereafter ordered to terminate his investigation, said the Ferguson letter.

The lawyer said Ostrander was placed on administrative leave soon after he began a drug investigation involving the son of mayor Gladys Doriot.

Ferguson said his client alleges various misdeeds, including the use of a racial slur when referring to an African-American police officer, by officer Cathy Doriot, the daughter of mayor Gladys Doriot.

Ferguson said that despite a history of "egregious offenses" by Doriot, the City contributed over $31,000 to help her obtain a masters degree.

In an Aug. 17 letter to Wynne, Ferguson instructed the city attorney and City to preserve all potentially discoverable information relevant to the Ostrander termination.

In Aug. 18 letters to Wynne and the mayor, Ferguson accused City officials of retaliating against his client in violation of City whistle-blowing regulations.

Police officer Cathy Doriot says City will benefit

Bill Myers

staff reporter

A Ridgefield police officer who took $31,490 worth of college courses at City expense said her boss encouraged her to do so.

Officer Cathy Doriot, the daughter of mayor Gladys Doriot, said former chief of police Bruce Hall encouraged her to complete an executive masters degree program in public administration.

And, said Doriot, former city manager George Fox signed off on it.

The master's degree program, offered at the University of Washington had a $26,400 tuition. About $5,000 of additional costs for Doriot's program paid for required electives.

Doriot, 40, said Hall was taking the course and often urged her to take it. She said she declined at first because she did not feel she could afford it.

The chief then said the City would pay for the course because it would enhance her value to the City, said Doriot. Doriot said Hall told her the City paid for about half of his college program. She said she needed more credits than Hall to complete the program because Hall started the program with college credits that she did not have.

According to city records, the City paid $10,613 for Hall's studies.

Doriot said Hall drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and Ridgefield Police Officers Association to pay her expenses.

The MOU, dated March 25, 2005, required the City to pay an educational benefit for Doriot beyond a limit (three credits of tuition cost per semester) contained in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The MOU provided that Doriot would be assigned "temporary status of Senior Patrol Officer," and "perform the duties and assignments associated therewith." The duties were to continue for one-year after graduation.

Doriot said she took the MOU to the Ridgefield Police Officers Association and all members approved it.

Doriot signed the MOU on March 25, 2005. Former city manager George Fox signed it on April 22, 2005.

"Bruce Hall made all payment arrangements," said Doriot. "I had nothing to do with that."

Hall, contacted Aug. 23, is now chief of police in Kalama. He resigned from the Ridgefield chief position on July 21 after he was put on paid leave pending an investigation of management practices in the police department.

Hall said the title, "Senior Patrol Officer" was an honorary reference to Doriot's seniority and no additional duties went with the title.

Hall said he encouraged Doriot and other officers to advance their educations.

Hall declined to comment about preparation of the MOU. He said the document was Fox's idea, a way to prevent establishing a precedent.

Hall said Fox was to determine additional duties for Doriot. Hall said additional duties were supposed to start upon execution of the MOU.

Doriot said she expected extra duties, but none came. She said she then understood that added duties would be assigned after her graduation. "I remember saying, 'whatever will make it fair,'" she said.

Doriot said she finished her classes and will graduate soon. She said she attended three-day weekend classes each month, and spent vacations attending required full class weeks at the University. Other work was done on the web, she said.

"My mother (mayor Gladys Doriot) had nothing to do with this, and never encouraged me to get a master's degree," said Doriot.

The senior patrol officer said she gained much from the college program that will benefit Ridgefield. "I plan to be here for years," she added.

City chief financial officer Kay Kammer said Doriot's education benefit was the highest paid by the City. Hall, she said, received the second highest educational benefit.

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

Battle Ground police Det. Sgt. Steve Urban said graffiti artists are becoming a bigger problem in the growing city which has an estimated population of just over 16,000.

"People like to call them taggers, but they're vandals," Urban said. "Basically what they're doing is vandalizing the property of others."

Police chief Jim McDaniel is offering a reward of up to $100 to anyone who can identify who the vandals are, and/or for information leading to an arrest.

By city law, the "artist" could be fined up to $5,000 and/or face up to one year in jail, depending on the cost to remove graffiti.

City council members in April considered making an ordinance that would deal specifically with graffiti and ensure its quick removal.

City council member Bill Ganley said he expects an ordinance will be brought to the council for approval at one of two regular meetings in September.

Although unclear about specifics because he hadn't seen a draft of the ordinance yet, Ganley said it would likely mandate a specific time frame to remove graffiti and provide clean-up kits to victims.

"I'm all for getting the graffiti cleaned up," Ganley said. "We want to work with the victims."

When council members discussed the issue in April, one recommendation was to give the property owner 10 business days to take care of the problem. If not, city workers could remove the graffiti and charge the property owner for costs incurred.

If the owner does not pay, a lien could be placed on the property.

During that meeting, city manager Eric Holmes said staff could plan an information outreach effort to citizens and provide prevention tips.

The problem became more widespread in May, Urban said. Over the summer months it has ebbed and flowed.

"They hit fast, consistent and heavy, then it subsides," Urban said. "Then we get hit again."

Although some "messages" say "Crips," police don't believe any of the "artwork" is gang-related, Urban said.

Gang tagging tends to be more elaborate and creative, he said, but a lot of what is in Battle Ground is poorly done.

"In the true tagger, there's pride in what they do," Urban said. "There is more meaning, more creativity, they are very elaborate and detailed compared to a run-by painting on a wall."

Several of the spray-painted images are similar. "Punks," "Pops," "LIT", and symbols have shown up on businesses all over the city, as well as at schools and in parks.

The North County Community Food Bank was hit especially hard in August, Urban said. Nearly every wall, window and door had something painted on it.

Urban said tagging originated as a way to mark territories over time, but it's become a creative expression, usually for teens.

"They typically don't feel that they are committing a crime of vandalism or malicious mischief," he said.

Nonetheless, "It's a blight on neighborhoods," Urban said. "It's disgusting to see it day in and day out."

Police have no persons of interest as suspects yet. Anyone with information is asked to call the police department at 342-5200.

Alice Perry Linker

staff reporter

The future of Woodland Parks wasn't on the agenda for the Aug. 21 Woodland city council meeting, but questions from a resident sparked a council discussion.

Walter Hansen asked the council to void an agreement between the city and the Woodland Swimming Pool and Recreation District that paved the way for a swimming pool to be built in Horseshoe Lake Park.

The pool has not been built, but a swimming pool committee, separate from the District, has entered an agreement with the YMCA for management and has raised about $1 million, said Benno Dobbe, chairman of the pool committee.

Council members were ready to vote on a motion to void the agreement when Mayor Doug Monge said that the city could incur liability should the agreement be rescinded.

"The city has a potential liability if we rescind the agreement with the park district," Monge said. "The council should invite the park district for an executive session conversation."

The council then decided to wait until a later meeting to discuss the future of Woodland's parks and a swimming pool.

The resolution signed in 2002 gives the City of Woodland the authority to "convey" about 1.44 acres of land in Horseshoe Lake Park to the Woodland Swimming Pool and Recreation District for an indoor swimming pool.

The building committee is charged with raising money for the pool and the actual construction. The district would assume responsibility of the pool after it is built.

Adjoining property owned by Dobbe would be added to the property for the pool.

"My wife and I will donate the property where two-thirds of the building will be," Dobbe said. "About one-third will be inside the park."

Council member John J. Burke who made the motion to rescind the agreement said the city lacks park space.

"We cannot buy any space," he said. "The park is getting more and more use."

A recent park and recreation plan prepared by the Cowlitz-Wahkkiam Council of Governments states that the city has less than eight acres of developed, city-owned parkland. With the current population, the city needs 30 acres, the study says.

The city council has not discussed the park plan, and council member Jim Tone said that he had not seen it.

"We should give people a chance to speak at our next meeting," Tone said.

Council member Bruce Summers argued that the city should not give away the 1.44 acres.

"One point four acres will cost you $300,000 anywhere in the city," Summers said. "Any little bit helps."

Monge said that a proposed subdivision, Riverfront Village, will include about 10 acres of city-owned park land in the floodway.

"It will have foot trails, bike trails, it will be a huge piece of open space," he said.

No permanent structures will be allowed on the property because of its location near the Lewis River, but Monge said the land could be used for festivals and outdoor activities.

Summers continued to plead for retaining the Horseshoe Lake Park property.

"We've been working on this for years and years and got nowhere," he said. ("We hear) 'hopefully and someday.' The parks get more crowded and 'hopefully' and 'someday' haven't happened."

The issue of a swimming pool at Horseshoe Lake Park has been controversial, and Sharyn Crosby, chairwoman of the Woodland Swimming Pool and Recreation District, said a pool has been discussed for 30 or 40 years.

"We've been a long time trying to build a pool," she said.

Hansen, who asked the council to void the city-district agreement, said he represents the Friends of Horseshoe Lake Park, but he did not name any other members. After the meeting, he said, "Anybody who opposes a swimming pool in Horseshoe Lake Park is an honorary member."

Alice Perry Linker

staff reporter

Three of the five candidates who want to be Cowlitz County commissioner from District 3 say crime is the biggest issue the county faces.

A fourth candidate, Democrat Axel Swanson, said crime is the "hot button issue," but job diversification could help solve the crime issue.

Three Democrats and two Republicans are seeking nomination for the post now held by Republican Jeff Rasmussen.

Rasmussen's opponent for his party's nomination is Ken Spring of Longview.

In addition to Swanson, Democrats Chuck Wallace and Elizabeth J. Webb, all of Longview, are vying for the nomination.

The primary election will take place Sept. 19.

Jeff Rasmussen

Incumbent Jeff Rasmussen, 38, has been a county commissioner for eight years. He said his greatest accomplishment was maintaining law enforcement strength in the face of a loss of state revenue.

"We had to make a difficult decisions, but we kept public safety as our top priority," he said.

Rasmussen said he considers crime to be the county's biggest issue.

"We have a lot of drug-related property crimes," he said. "We need more law enforcement, more pro-active patrols in the city and county."

He said the new county jail space has helped to send a message that property crimes will receive more than a light sentence.

Growth is another issue the county will face in the next four years, Rasmussen said.

"We need someone to guide the county through this growth spurt," he said. "We need to respect private property rights, but the people causing the growth should pay for infrastructure."

The commissioner did not indicate support for across-the-board impact fees.

"We need something different from (state growth management) mandates," he said. "We need to review the county's comprehensive plan, but have a citizens group decide what they'd like to see."

Rasmussen has been knocking on doors as he campaigns for the position.

"I have a nice core of volunteers," he said.

The campaign has raised between $9,000 and $10,000 to date, he said. During the last election he raised $23,000.

Rasmussen, who is single, lives in Longview. He is a graduate of R.A. Long High School and has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Washington State University in Pullman.

Ken Spring

Republican challenger Ken Spring also considers crime the biggest issue facing Cowlitz County.

The former Weyerhaeuser employee and small business owner in Longview, Spring said he will bring a "new perspective" to the county.

"We have a terrific drug and crime problem," he said. "I belong to many anti-drug agencies, and I wanted to see what I could do."

Spring, 63, said he is on the board of directors of Crime Stoppers and the Drug Abuse Prevention Center. He is a captain with the block watch program and a member of the Cowlitz Meth Action Team.

"I'm not a politician," he said. "I consider myself a 'do-gooder.' I like the feeling of helping people."

Spring said he is also concerned about the number of sex offenders in the county, and he said he worked to have two offenders jailed for long periods.

"We have more than our share," he said.

Spring said the elderly and the youth are often overlooked, and he'd like to see a center for teenagers.

"I'd like to see the private sector build some sort of center," he said. "Kids need a place to congregate in a safe and supervised manner."

He said elderly people are "overlooked. I hate to see people warehoused."

"If I'm elected, I will visit nursing homes. I'd like to get a group to visit nursing homes."

Spring and his wife Dianna have no children.

Axel Swanson

A 2006 graduate of Vermont Law School, Axel Swanson is seeking his first elective office.

"I always wanted to do politics on a local level," Swanson said. "I've been thinking about this race for a year. I felt it was the right time."

Swanson acknowledged that crime is an issue in Cowlitz County, but he said he hopes the focus will change.

"I hope the issue becomes how to properly manage future growth," he said.

Jobs are a major issue, he said.

"We need to be proactive about change or we'll get left behind," Swanson said. "I want to bring in other manufacturing companies."

He said the county has not marketed its selling points.

"We've got ports, easy access to rail; we're near I-5, and we have a willing work force," he said. "When you create jobs, when people have a living wage, the other negative things tend to dry up."

A graduate of R.A. Long High School, Swanson is a graduate of Gonzaga University in Spokane.

A veteran of the Marine Reserves, Swanson has been endorsed by U.S. Rep. Brian Baird, State Rep. Brian Blake, the Democratic Men's Club and the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Labor Council.

Swanson said he has raised between $6,000 and $8,000. He has no paid campaign staff.

"I've got a good group of people I can call on," he said.

Chuck Wallace

Democrat Chuck Wallace, 27, says illegal drugs and crime are the most important issues to be faced by Cowlitz County.

Wallace, an Army veteran assigned to the military police, said he believes the county should take a "more aggressive stance" to improve its overall image.

"At least 70 percent of the people say they're tired of wondering if their homes will be burglarized; they're tired of not being comfortable going out," Wallace said. "We need to readjust our strategy for law enforcement and focus on imported drugs."

A 1997 graduate of R.A. Long High School, Wallace recently returned to Cowlitz County and decided in May to enter the race for county commissioner.

Wallace served with the Army in Germany and was assigned to the peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and Bosnia. He ended his military career as an investigator of black markets and he was an agriculture inspector for the Army.

"That was a good experience," he said. "I feel I could offer the community my leadership experience and enhance the Cowlitz County image."

Wallace has launched a door-to-door campaign and his staff is made up entirely of volunteers, he said. The Democrat had a booth at the Cowlitz County Fair and a float in the Longview Fourth of July parade.

Elizabeth J. Webb

A Democrat running against Axel Swanson and Chuck Wallace, Elizabeth Webb declined to be interviewed, saying she would wait until after the primary election.

Alice Perry Linker

staff reporter

Woodland businesses and the Port of Woodland oppose the location of a proposed traffic circle on the east side of the Dike Access Road-I-5 interchange.

The City of Woodland, however, has conducted a study of traffic circles, also called roundabouts, and concluded that trucks and other long vehicles can be accommodated, said Jim Hough, interim public works director.

Not so, says Darlene Johnson of Woodland Truck Line Inc. Johnson told the city council on Aug. 21 that longer semi-tractor trailers cannot negotiate through a circle when traffic is heavy.

Bill Raybell of PDM Steel echoed Johnson's concerns.

PDM Steel hauls 60-foot and longer beams from its manufacturing plant in Woodland, he said.

"There's no way our trucks can go through a roundabout," he said. "All you're doing is hampering our growth."

A traffic circle on Dike Access Road has been proposed by Wal-Mart, giant retail company that wants to build a super-store on Dike Access Road and Schurman Way.

The Port and nearby businesses have hired a traffic engineer to study alternatives. The group will present the engineer's report to the city's hearings officer when a public hearing takes place.

Certain aspects of the state Environmental Protection Act provisions regarding Wal-Mart are being appealed, and a public hearing will be scheduled.

Acting public works director Jim Hough said the city will take no action on related street improvements until the SEPA process is complete.

Woodland Truck Line wrote a letter to the city in June explaining the opposition to a roundabout. The letter was signed by 11 industrial companies.

The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments has received a $506,000 grant to do a study of the transportation issues around Woodland. The study, which has not yet begun, is expected to take 18 months.

Sen. Joseph Zarelli and Rep. Richard Curtis have written the city asking that any work to change traffic flows be delayed until the study can be completed.

"If the city proceeds with a roundabout before the state finishes the study, it may be difficult to secure funding for future road improvements in the area," Zarelli and Curtis wrote. "...(W)e want to ensure that all options for road improvements in and near the Woodland Industrial Park are available so we can effectively advocate for them."

In June, the Port of Woodland passed a resolution asking the city to delay any traffic control construction until the transportation study is complete.

The resolution calls for the Port and the City of Woodland to "help coordinate and expedite athe completion" of the state's transportation study.

Dave Ripp, director of the Port of Woodland, said that if a roundabout is built, the Port wants it to be at the southbound exit west of I-5 at the Dike Access Road exit, because the Port traffic can avoid that circle. The initial plan calls for the roundabout to be located at the northbound exit east of I-5.

Johnson, however, indicated that she prefers no traffic circle.

"I'd like to see an overpass on Scott Avenue," she said. "That's an expensive alternative. I'd accept the widening of Dike Road--that's less expensive."

Johnson and Ripp said they are not opposed to a Wal-Mart store.

"I'm not opposed to Wal-Mart," Ripp said. "The issue is where the roundabout is located and how it affects our current clientele."

FIRE DISTRICT 12 SEEKS LEVY LIFT

Bill Myers

staff reporter

Fire District 12 officials hope voters in the Sept. 19 primary election will approve a levy increase to pay for a new water tender and two new firefighters.

A ballot measure seeks to add 14 cents per $1,000 property evaluation to a regular levy rate now at $1.27 per $1,000. If passed, the levy would add $41 per year in property taxes to a $300,000 home.

District residents currently pay a regular fire protection levy of $1.27 per $1,000 of assessed evaluation. An emergency service levy passed voters in 2001 at 28 cents per $1,000 will expire at the end of 2008. Residents are also paying 18 cents per $1,000 on a construction bond for the La Center fire station that will be fully-paid in 2019.

District chief Larry Bartel said the District currently uses two 1970s vintage trucks to supply water at fires in the majority of District areas that lack hydrants.

Both trucks, said Bartel, were converted to water tenders several years ago.

Operational water tenders are necessary to deliver sufficient volumes of water at a fire and maintain the current low fire insurance rating of protection class 4 in areas without hydrants. The lower rating was granted in the District about five months ago by the District, said Bartel.

Bartel said the rating, better than many areas where hydrants exist, was given because tenders are able to supply up to 250 gallons per minute for 30 minutes.

Bartel said the levy increase will provide funds to purchase a new water tender at a cost of between $150,000 and $175,000.

Levy proceeds would also be used to hire two additional full-time firefighters, said Bartel. The new hires are needed to meet staffing goals of having highly-skilled firefighters on each of three engines, he said.

Bartel said the best way to meet the goal is with full-time people trained for 10 weeks at the state fire academy.

For several years, said Bartel, district officers have tried to duplicate academy training with volunteers and interns, but "the time committment is very intense and it can take years to reach desired skill levels."

Fire District 12 protects Ridgefield and La Center areas from three staffed stations, a jointly-owned and operated station near the Clark County Fairgrounds, and a volunteer station in Highlands. The District has 15 full-time employees, including three chiefs, 10 firefighters, one administrative assistant and a maintenance person.

Staffing is supplemented with 24 part-time firefighters who usually work up to 24 hours weekly, and 25 volunteers, including interns.

If voters support the levy request, said Bartel, the District will have a new water tender and two new full-time firefighters in service by summer 2007.

OBITS:

LUCILLE NEAL

Lucille Ann (Robinson) Neal, 86, died on her birthday, Aug. 22, 2006, of congestive heart failure in Battle Ground.

Neal was born Aug. 22, 1920 at Fargher Lake.

Neal lived in the Vancouver area all her life. A homemaker, she worked in the family dairy, for a Meadow Glade nursing home, and sold Avon. She was also secretary for the Fargher Lake Grange.

Neal enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, and crocheting baby afghans. She traveled to Branson, MO, Nashville, TN, and Tucson, AZ, Maui, HI, and took a cruise to Alaska.

Family members say her quiet strength and compassionate heart were her magnificent gifts, and they will carry those lessons with them.

Neal was preceded in death by her husband, Bracey Neal in 1991, and a brother, Fred Robinson. Survivors include sons Garvis Elmer, Dale Elmer and Kerry Elmer, all of View, and Laird Elmer of Fargher Lake, brother Jack Robinson of Battle Ground, and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Burial was at Mt. View Cemetery, Amboy, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

David Hubert Mills, 80, died Aug. 22, 2006, in Battle Ground.

Mills was born Jan. 9, 1926 in Vancouver. He was a Clark County resident 56 years, the past 27 in Battle Ground.

Mills graduated from Vancouver High School and served in the Navy during World War II. He was active in church youth groups and more recently in home Bible study groups. An avid storyteller, he taught his children and others through words and deeds.

Throughout his life Mills held several occupations including plastic conversion, school bus driver, building maintenance and courier.

Mills is survived by his wife of 58 years, Helene Mills, at home in Battle Ground, daughters Cheryl Gleason and Karen Perkins, both of California, and Christine Styffe of Oregon, sons Michael Mills of California and Mark Mills of Battle Ground, brothers George Mills of California, Robert Mills of Vancouver, and Donald Mills of Wishram, sisters Estella Fisher of Michigan and Mary Oesricher of New Jersey, 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Sun., Sept. 3, 3 p.m., at Charter Oak Evangelical Free Church in Battle Ground, with Layne's Funeral Home of Battle Ground in charge of arrangements.

Evelyn Hope (Hartung) Zeller, 99, died Aug. 26, 2006, in Battle Ground.

Zeller was born Aug. 16, 1907, in Haines, OR, and lived in Clark County for 76 years.

Zeller was a member of the Battle Ground Community United Methodist Church and Rebekah Lodge. She graduated from Willamette University in 1930. She enjoyed fishing, reading, family get-togethers, playing cards and traveling.

Zeller taught elementary school at Lewisville 1956-73.

Zeller was preceded in death by her husband, Asa "Ted" Zeller, in 2001, sisters Betty Mae Hudkins and Bea Moore, and grandson Peter Shaul in 1994. Survivors include sons Bruce Zeller of Colorado and Robert Zeller of Enumclaw, daughter Janet Shaul of Yacolt, six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held Sat., Sept. 2, 1 p.m., at Battle Ground Community United Methodist Church, Battle Ground, with interment at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Diane (Doty) McCormick, 68, died Aug. 26, 2006, in Vancouver, from complications with ovarian cancer.

McCormick was born Aug. 12, 1938, in Klamath Falls, OR, and lived in Bremerton and Seattle before settling in Eugene, OR, shortly after World War II.

McCormick earned bachelor's and master's degrees in English from the University of Oregon. She and her husband, Michael McCormick, and their two daughters, lived in many places as Michael served in the Army.

McCormick moved to Brush Prairie in 1982 and taught English at Prairie High School. She was also the student newspaper advisor. She enjoyed traveling, knitting and volunteering. She served as a health insurance benefits advisor.

Survivors include widower Michael McCormick, daughters Molly Cullen of Portland and Karen Duncan of Kirkland, four grandchildren, and friend Robert Geddes of Portland.

Services will be held Wed., Aug. 30, 2 p.m., at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Vancouver, with Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, in charge of arrangements.

James A. Stephens, 76, died Aug. 21, 2006, in Vancouver.

Stephens was born Oct. 9, 1929, in Goldendale. He worked in agriculture, and as a truck driver and mechanic. He lived in Battle Ground for 47 years.

Stephens served in the Army during the Korean War.

Stephens was president of the Washington Horticulture Association and president of the Clark-Cowlitz Farm Bureau. He liked the beach and family-related activities.

Stephens was preceded in death by daughter-in-law Sis Stephens. Survivors include sons Jeffrey Stephens of Vancouver and Mark Stephens of Battle Ground, daughters Zeeann Ramberg and Danita Waldal, both of Battle Ground, sister Elza Hruska of Minnesota, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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

EDNA WHITNEY

Edna H. (Collard) Whitney, 96, died Aug. 20, 2006, in Vancouver.

Whitney was born Aug. 9, 1910, in Walla Walla, lived in Battle Ground, Seattle, Walla Walla and Eugene, OR, before moving to Vancouver five years ago.

Whitney enjoyed traveling, sewing, knitting, cooking, volunteering at church and taking care of rhododendrons. She worked as a library assistant in Eugene.

Whitney was preceded in death by her husband, J. Francis Whitney, in 1998. Survivors include son Jack Whitney of Brush Prairie, daughter Janet Whitney of Oregon, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Cascadia Cremation & Burial Service was in charge of arrangements.

JAMES STEPHENS

James A. Stephens, 76, died Aug. 21, 2006, in Vancouver.

Stephens was born Oct. 9, 1929, in Goldendale. He worked in agriculture, and as a truck driver and mechanic. He lived in Battle Ground for 47 years.

Stephens was president of the Washington Horticulture Association and president of the Clark-Cowlitz Farm Bureau. He liked the beach and family-related activities.

Stephens was preceded in death by daughter-in-law Sis Stephens. Survivors include sons Jeffrey Stephens of Vancouver and Mark Stephens of Battle Ground, daughters Zeeann Ramberg and Danita Waldal, both of Battle Ground, sister Elza Hruska of Minnesota, numerous grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, was in charge of arrangements.

ELSIE SOREM

Elsie Bernice (Riley) Sorem, 74, died Aug. 22, 2006, in Vancouver.

Sorem was born Jan. 31, 1932, in St. Johns, OR, moved as a child to St. Helens, and attended McBride school. She moved to Ridgefield in 1962 and back to St. Helens in 1969. She lived in Ridgefield 1996-99, and in Vancouver since then.

Sorem worked as a school administrator for the St. Helens School District for 15 years. She was a member of the First Christian Church in St. Helens, Daughters of the American Revolution and the VFW. She was a member of the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce at one time.

Sorem enjoyed her family. She was active in genealogy research. She enjoyed gardening.

Sorem was preceded in death by her first husband, Dale Martin, second husband Burton Johnston, third husband Clarence Sorem, children Timothy Johnston and Denise Shrull, sister Virginia Renwick and brother John Riley. Survivors include daughters Vicki Wait of Skamania, Barbara Brooks of Battle Ground, and Rita Kersley of Ridgefield, son David Martin of Arizona, step-daughter Ellen Matland of Oregon, brothers James Riley and Jerry Riley, both of Oregon, sisters Rachel Runyan and Violet Young, both of Oregon, 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Columbia Funeral Home and Cremation Center, St. Helens, OR, was in charge of arrangements.