Enjoy snapshots of local history written in past issues of The Reflector from 30, 20 and 10 years ago, respectively

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A look back at January, 10 years ago

• Woodland Middle School faced a wave of protests and public scrutiny in early January 2015 after multiple staff members were removed or placed on leave. Superintendent Michael Green placed counselor Joe Michaud on paid administrative leave on Jan. 5, citing credible complaints, though he did not disclose specific allegations. Earlier, physical education teacher Cheryl Nesbitt and English teacher Holly Royle were terminated for “misrepresentation or falsification in the course of professional practice.” Both teachers, who served for 21 and 11 years respectively, were accused of improperly registering a special education student for a class. The teachers union representative, Roy Maier, argued their terminations were linked to their accusations against Principal Cari Thomson. Allegations against Thomson included claims of physical assault on a student, inappropriate discussions and unprofessional behavior. Woodland Police Chief Phillip Crochet confirmed an investigation into claims that Thomson provided prescription medication to a student. A petition on Change.org calling for Thomson’s removal gathered 327 signatures. Community members, including parents and students, held demonstrations outside the school, criticizing the district’s lack of transparency. Protesters carried signs such as “Bring Back Our Teachers,” while some voiced regret over enrolling their children in Woodland schools, citing concerns over leadership and decision-making.

• In January 2015, The Reflector reported on the recovery of Jack Fletcher, a 19-year-old Prairie High School graduate and aspiring firefighter, who had survived a traumatic brain injury after a near-fatal car accident five months earlier. On July 30, Fletcher’s vehicle was struck head-on by a pickup truck that had crossed the center line of Highway 26. He was airlifted to OHSU with multiple injuries, which included brain trauma, facial fractures and broken bones. His parents, Kelly and John, were uncertain whether he would survive. Despite the challenges, Fletcher made significant progress in his recovery. As a graduate of the Clark County Fire & Rescue Fire Cadet Program, he began volunteering with the Clark County Fire & Rescue Volunteer Program. During shifts, he participated in ride-alongs, inspected engines and organized tools. Battalion Chief Dean Lange and firefighter Colby Gratzer praised the progress that Fletcher had made and highlighted his positive attitude, noting his sense of humor and determination.

• Two former area high school football players were named to the All-Great Northwest Athletic Conference first team following standout seasons at Central Washington University. Kevin Haynes, a 2013 graduate of Battle Ground High School, was selected as a first-team linebacker. During Central’s season, Haynes recorded a team-high 99 tackles and five interceptions. On Sept. 20, he contributed a season-high 15 tackles and a pass breakup in a narrow 36-34 loss to Western Oregon University. On Nov. 1, he returned an interception 73 yards for a touchdown in a 17-14 victory against Lincoln University. Jess Zalk, a 2012 graduate of Prairie High School, earned first-team honors as a kick returner. Zalk amassed 1,138 all-purpose yards for the season, with 611 yards from 21 kick returns. On Nov. 8, he returned a kick for a 90-yard touchdown during a 49-17 win over Dixie State University. Zalk also delivered standout offensive performances, including an 84-yard touchdown reception in the season finale against Simon Fraser University, where he recorded 143 yards and two touchdowns from eight receptions. For the season, Zalk totaled 456 yards and seven touchdowns from 43 receptions.

A look back at January, 20 years ago

• In January 2005, The Reflector reported the Cathlapotle Plankhouse was nearing completion, with a grand opening planned for March 29. Located on the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, the plankhouse project was part of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial celebration. Explorers Lewis and Clark documented seeing Native American plankhouses in the refuge area during the early 1800s. According to project director Greg Robinson, the original plankhouses likely disappeared in the late 1800s as they were often burned to control the spread of diseases. The replica plankhouse, measuring 76 feet long and 37 feet wide, still stands near the Oaks to Wetlands Trail on the Carty Unit of the refuge.

• On Jan. 12, 2005, The Reflector highlighted three Battle Ground police officers recognized for their outstanding service. Officer Aaron Kanooth received the Chief’s Award from Chief Ron Johnson for his role in solving a missing person and homicide case. Kanooth’s investigation led to the arrest of Matthew Denni, who murdered his wife, hid her body in a military footlocker, and kept it in a van for two months. Denni was later convicted of second-degree murder in February 2005. Officers Montie Elford and Simon Geller also received accolades. Elford was named Officer of the Year by his peers, while Geller was nominated for a Clark County Traffic Safety Award after leading the department with 19 DUI arrests in 2004. All three officers were honored with plaques.



• A 32-hour manhunt for a suspected bank robber ended in Kalama on Jan. 5, 2005. The incident began the previous day, when Steven Driffill, 56, of Utah, allegedly robbed the Sterling Savings Bank on Sandy Boulevard in Portland around 9:40 a.m on Jan. 4. Portland police quickly spotted Driffill’s green Ford F-250 pickup and pursued him in a high-speed chase north on Interstate 5. The chase ended when Driffill abandoned his vehicle near the 1300 block of Modrow Road in Kalama and fled on foot. The manhunt involved about 50 law enforcement officers and volunteers from the Lower Columbia Amateur Radio Association, who assisted with communications. Camas resident Leon Dalsing, who grew up in Kalama, discovered Driffill hiding on his parents’ property. Armed with a hunting rifle, Dalsing held Driffill at gunpoint until Cowlitz County deputies Brad Bright and Tory Shelton arrived. Driffill, armed with a 9mm semi-automatic pistol tucked in his waistband, surrendered without resistance. He was taken to a federal detention facility by the FBI.

A look back at January, 30 years ago

• On Jan. 4, 1995, Linda Smith was sworn in as a U.S. representative for Washington’s Third Congressional District. Smith, who defeated three-term incumbent Jolene Unsoeld in the general election, represented parts of nine southwest Washington counties. Despite being a freshman legislator, she was appointed chair of the newly created Subcommittee on Small Business, Taxation and Finance. At the time, Smith was the first freshman in U.S. history to chair a congressional subcommittee and one of only 10 women serving in the House.

• Battle Ground artist Dave Bartholet won “Best of Show” for watercolor at the National Celebration of Western Art in Olympia in January 1995. His winning piece depicted a family of mountain goats on steep winter cliffs. Bartholet made history as the only artist to win the award twice, having first won in 1990. His work was featured in private collections and galleries across the U.S., Canada, Japan and Europe, as well as at the Field and Stream Gallery in Cannon Beach, Oregon.

• On Jan. 3, 1995, post offices across southwest Washington were crowded with customers purchasing the newly released 32-cent first-class stamps. The Battle Ground Post Office sold approximately 30,000 stamps on release day, with the remaining stock sold out the following day. Supervisor Marvin Davis reported that lines stretched from clerk windows into the lobby. Similarly, post offices in Woodland and Brush Prairie sold 20,000 stamps each in a single day.