The Morning Press: Pike’s remarks, budget deal, B.G. Superintendent, Crestline

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Battle Ground school superintendent to get $401,715 payout

After the Battle Ground school board president insisted for more than a month that departing Superintendent Shonny Bria would receive no special favors, it has been revealed that she will get a payout of $401,715.

The payout includes $300,000 in cash, equivalent to nearly two years of her $154,699 annual salary, $45,360 in insurance benefits for her and her husband, $41,149 in vacation cash-out, and a payment of $15,206 for unused sick leave into a health savings account.

The agreement was signed April 29, the same day Bria announced her “retirement” and six days after voters approved a four-year maintenance and operations levy. It wasn’t revealed until Wednesday afternoon, Bria’s last day in the office.

But Monty Anderson, board vice president, said Thursday, “Put two and two together. She was asked to leave.”

The district initially announced only that Bria would receive $300,000 plus benefits. When pressed later Thursday, the district disclosed the value of those “benefits,” which raised Bria’s actual payout to $401,715.

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‘Handshake agreement’ reached on state operating budget

Washington lawmakers reached a long-sought accord on a new state budget Thursday and hurried to schedule votes that would avert a widespread state government shutdown.

Legislative leaders hoped to give final approval of the measure before state employees leave work Friday, so that they would be certain their jobs would be available again on Monday morning. The $33.6 billion, two-year spending proposal was still unavailable for public review Thursday afternoon.

“The deal reached today makes it clear that state government will continue to operate,” Gov. Jay Inslee said at a news conference earlier in the day, flanked by lawmakers from both parties.

story window of the house next door, holding on by one hand.

Ginille’s screams prompted Nathan to run over. He scaled the six-foot fence separating the yards, splintering one of its pickets, and stood underneath the window.

“Honestly, that part was so fast, I don’t remember it,” he said.

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State government shutdown would close some fisheries

Salmon and steelhead fishing will stay open in the Columbia River and its tributaries, but angling for trout, kokanee and bass in lakes and reservoirs will close if there is a government shutdown, state wildlife director Phil Anderson said Wednesday.

“I think the likelihood of a closure is remote, but it is a potential,” he said.

If the government closure materializes on Monday, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife will close the gates at its many wildlife habitat and public hunting areas.

No decision has been if the gates would close at state boat ramps and water access areas, he said.

With only a few exceptions, the state cannot spend money unless it is authorized by the Legislature.

But one of those exceptions is the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement, an $8.75 fee anglers pay to support management in the Columbia and tributaries.

Anderson said endorsement fees can be used to pay enforcement officers, catch monitoring and hatchery workers to keep Columbia River recreational fisheries open.

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Crestline makes a comeback

The former electronics factory and office space that had been shuttered for years was a beehive of activity. In what had been a cavernous space with a sea of 3,500 cubicles, classrooms had been carved out. Now, electricians, painters and other construction workers were helping Crestline Elementary make a comeback.

A temporary school is already taking shape in Hewlett-Packard’s former factory and office space.

A Feb. 3 fire destroyed Crestline Elementary School, displacing about 500 students and 50 staff members, who were divided by grade level and bused to five elementary schools in Evergreen Public Schools for the remainder of the school year.

In the fall, the Crestline community will be reunited under one roof in 68,845 square feet of the former HP facility. For the 2013-2014 year, Crestline will occupy a corner of the 166,000-square-foot building, which is now owned by SEH America.

“I’m superexcited to close this chapter and get my kids into one building next year,” said Bobbi Hite, Crestline’s principal.

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Buy Vancouver starting to pay off

Despite Vancouver’s proximity to sales-tax-free Oregon, its “buy local” movement has spread since its launch early last year by a handful of businesses.

Buy Vancouver should continue to distribute the message to bring more businesses on board, said Jeff Milchen, co-founder and co-director of the American Independent Business Alliance, based in Bozeman, Mont.

“If many, many businesses in Clark County are doing this, people will see it and it will start to catch on,” said Milchen, who delivered the keynote address at a brainstorming workshop held by the group Buy Vancouver on Monday at The Kiggins Theatre in downtown Vancouver. Milchen called for consistent marketing as one of the keys to getting businesses on board — including retailers, restaurants, service businesses — and their patrons.