Libraries digitize
Trail Band returns
New chip-based inventory system should speed checkout — See A3
Popular settler-themed musical act hits Hillsboro — See A7
WEDNEsday, June 6, 2012 • making a difference in western washington county since 1886 • www.FGnewstimes.com • vol. 128, No. 21 • 5o cents
Braves win at state Softball shutout gives team first state title since 1999 Banks senior Melissa Masters sheds tears of joy after accepting the OSAA Class 4A state softball championship trophy on Saturday. Masters pitched a five-hit shutout to lead the Lady Braves to a 2-0 victory over Cascade at the Oregon State Softball Complex, giving Banks its first state title since 1999. For complete coverage of the Braves’ victory, see page B1. NEWS-TIMES PHOTO: ZACK PALMER
Critics charge Forest Grove is violating law that restricts funds By LAURA FRAZIER The News-Times When Jeff King was hired as Forest Grove’s first economic development director, many people in town were afraid he’d be too successful. Back in 2005, the city had nearly 20 subdivisions in various stages of development, the state economy was racing and Forest Grove, with its pastoral views, solid schools and cheap water and electricity seemed poised for a boom. While some community “To bet on members something were calling as nebulous on city leaders slow the as economic to growth, King’s development marching orders were to in hopes prospecthat it will lure tive employers somehow to Forest Grove and provide the benefits to goose city’s sleepy them, is a downtown. Since then, real the economy stretch.” tanked, devel— Dave opment Bouchard, ground to a former Light & halt and the Power director city saw major employers, such as Times-Litho, Cedar Canyon Water and Gray & Co, shut down local operations. Few would argue with the notion that King’s job is more important than ever. But in recent weeks, a debate has kicked up over how to pay for it.
A legal question mark For the past seven years, a portion of King’s paycheck has come out of the budget of Forest Grove Light & Power, the city’s electric utility. The rationale is that by promoting development, the office ensures a stable base of electricity users, which helps keep costs down for everyone. Now, however, the city is proposing to pay for King’s job
See POWER / Page 11
INSIDE
■ Student favorite Howard Sullivan retires after 33 years in classrooms
‘He’s not just a teacher’ F
ive days before graduation, Advanced Placement Government and the clock is ticking. class or confusion about where to Seniors stream in and out pick up a cap and gown for this of Howard Sullivan’s room weekend’s commencement ceremony on the second floor at Forest Grove at Hillsboro’s Liberty High School. High School, asking him to sign Every one of them seems to underforms acknowledging they’ve paid all stand that opportunities to catch the their fees and returned all their man’s ear, at least in the official books to the library so they can walk sense, are waning. with their class on Next year, the hallSaturday. ways at the high Story by They tell him funny school will no longer stories about their resound with the faparents and pepper miliar raspy voice him with questions Howard “Butch” Sulrelated to a flurry of activities livan first introduced to students in planned for their last formal week of Forest Grove more than three declasses. cades ago, when he signed on as a What time does commencement history and geography teacher at start? Do I have to go to BaccalaureNeil Armstrong Middle School. ate? Can I still get tickets to the seAfter four years at NAMS, 14 years nior breakfast? at Tom McCall Upper Elementary Sullivan interrupts what he’s doSchool and 15 years at FGHS, the ing to tend to each student’s concern, man many students simply know as whether it’s a case of nerves over a See SULLIVAN/ Page 5 grade on their final project in his
NANCY TOWNSLEY
Howard “Butch” Sullivan, who brings as much personality to his job as he brings smarts, is retiring this year after more than three decades on the job. NEWS-TIMES PHOTO: CHASE ALLGOOD
Woman sues deputy for breaking her arm Dixie Guthrie claims Sheriff’s deputy used excessive force By CHRISTIAN GASTON The News-Times A woman suing Washington County in federal court claims that a county sheriff’s deputy used excessive force when he broke her arm while he was arresting her for
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DUII in Washington County. In a complaint filed May 30, Dixie Guthrie, 52, alleges that Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy David McPherson first contacted Guthrie while investigating a car fire the evening of May 31, 2010, but soon began asking Guthrie if she was intoxicated. As McPherson took Guthrie into custody, the lawsuit alleges, he threw her to the ground and while on top of her snapped her left arm and wrist,
A&E.................................. A7 Obituaries...................... A10 Home & Garden............... A8
The Intel Foundation donates $200 for every 20 hours Intel employees volunteer in Oregon
fracturing her radial arm bone. McPherson then placed the broken arm in handcuffs, Guthrie alleges. In the complaint, Guthrie says she didn’t receive medical treatment for her injuries, but instead was booked and lodged in the Washington County Jail. After she was released, she went to Tuality Hospital in Hillsboro for examination where her bone fracture was diagnosed. According to the complaint, Guthrie suffers perma-
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nent scarring, physical injury and emotional trauma from the incident. Washington County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Sgt. Bob Ray said the department doesn’t comment on ongoing litigation. M. Christian Bottoms, Guthrie’s attorney, didn’t respond to a call and e-mail left for him Monday. Following her arrest, Guthrie was charged with DUII, resisting arrest and interfering with
a peace officer. The DUII charge was dismissed this year after she successfully completed diversion. Guthrie was found guilty of resisting arrest and acquitted of interfering with a peace officer during a jury trial held in September 2010. She was sentenced to two years of probation. This spring, Guthrie ran into police again after she failed to appear at a March 5 court date. She was arrested March 14.
Make your house fire safe
Tips from Forest Grove’s fire marshal on protecting your home from wildfires — A8
The result: $2.2 million in Donations to 870 Oregon schools and community groups for 2011
415476.060612
City utility spending under fire