Stories for June 10, 2010

Spokesman: Trip likely over for Calif teen sailor

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) -- A 16-year-old California girl who is adrift on her damaged yacht in the Indian Ocean will probably give up on her dream of sailing around the world alone.

Sailor could be rescued within 12 hours

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) -- Authorities could rescue a 16-year-old California girl early Saturday from her damaged yacht adrift in the Indian Ocean.

Rough weather delays teen sailor rescue

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) -- A spokesman says rough weather will delay the rescue of a 16-year-old California girl adrift in her damaged yacht in the Indian Ocean.

Former girls coach enters plea to sex abuse counts

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A former Reynolds High School girls basketball coach accused of having sex with a 17-year-old player has pleaded not guilty to six counts of second-degree sex abuse.

GOP surges into Vancouver for state convention

Spirits high as hundreds of delegates take part in opening day

The Pearson Air Museum was abuzz with hundreds of Republican delegates from across the state Thursday as the biggest state convention the party has ever held in a non-presidential election year kicked off with a casual reception beneath the museum’s antique airplanes and inflatable craft. “Republican Resurgence” is the theme of the three-day gathering, and the mood was definitely upbeat.

'A hero in our community'

Union High School student triumphs over a critical injury.

Man fatally shot in Portland home

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A Portland police spokeswoman says a 26-year-old man was shot and fatally injured Thursday night at a northeast Portland residence. Detective Mary Wheat says the man died of his injuries after arriving at a hospital.

9 Afghan civilians killed in mine blast

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- An Afghan official says a roadside mine blast in southern Afghanistan has killed 9 civilians.

Last day for rural Ore. school

MOLALLA, Ore. (AP) -- Maple Grove Elementary school in Molalla, Ore., has been a tradition in Claire Ferlan's family for most of the past century.

Searchers contact teen lost at sea

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) -- A family spokesman says searchers have contacted a 16-year-old Southern California girl who was feared lost at sea and she is alive and well.

Mauer reaches around net to snare fly ball

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Sometimes even the netting behind home plate isn't enough to stop Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer.

Mandela relative killed after World Cup concert

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- Nelson Mandela's 13-year-old great-granddaughter was killed in a car crash on the way home from a concert on the eve of the World Cup, his office said Friday.

Seattle officer opens suitcase, waves 'all clear'

SEATTLE (AP) -- The Seattle Times reports that a Seattle police officer has opened an abandoned black suitcase left on a downtown street corner, removed its contents and waved an "all clear."

Seattle: bomb unit called for 'item' on street

SEATTLE (AP) -- A Seattle police spokeswoman says the bomb squad is responding to a report of a "suspicious item" left on the corner of 4th Avenue and Lenora Street in downtown Seattle.

Lakers need more from Odom while Bynum hurting

BOSTON (AP) -- The Los Angeles Lakers count on Lamar Odom to provide a lift off a bench that has been outplayed by the Boston Celtics in the NBA finals. They're still waiting.

Twins put Hardy on DL

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minnesota Twins placed shortstop J.J. Hardy on the disabled list again with a sore left wrist that has been bothering him for more than a month.

Motorcyclist hits boulders, dies in E. Ore.

RILEY, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon State Police say a male motorcycle rider was killed Thursday when his bike traveled off the shoulder of U.S. Highway 395 and into a ditch, hitting several boulders.

Branyan's 2-out, 2-run single in 9th lifts Indians

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Russell Branyan hit a two-out, two-run single in the ninth inning Thursday night, rallying the Cleveland Indians to a crazy 8-7 win over the Boston Red Sox.

A-Rod leaves game after 1st inning

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez left the game against Baltimore after the first inning.

Called for abandoned dog, police find marijuana

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) -- Yakima police responding to a call about an abandoned dog found a parked car filled with 24 pounds of marijuana.

2 fans run on Indians' field, tackled by security

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Two fans have run across the field in Cleveland and interrupted the game between the Indians and Boston Red Sox.

Hamilton, Young lead Rangers past Mariners

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Josh Hamilton homered for the fourth time in seven games, Michael Young went 3 for 4 with a homer, and the Texas Rangers won their third straight over the Seattle Mariners, 12-3 on Thursday night.

Wash. man killed by officers is identified

SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Wash. (AP) -- A man fatally shot by officers responding to an espresso stand robbery in Sedro-Woolley was identified Thursday as 34-year-old Michael W. Ballou.

Cecil wins 5th consecutive start

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- Brett Cecil won his fifth consecutive start, Alex Gonzalez homered and drove in two runs and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 on Thursday night.

Nationals top Pirates 4-2, get 1st sweep of season

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Adam Dunn and Josh Willingham homered in the fourth inning, Livan Hernandez made the lead stand up and the Washington Nationals beat Pittsburgh 4-2 Thursday night to become the last team in the majors to sweep a series this season.

Houston stadium, revamped arena proposed

HOUSTON (AP) -- The University of Houston has unveiled early designs for a proposed new football stadium and renovated Hofheinz Pavilion for the Cougars.

Wizards beat Philadelphia 2-0

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) -- Kei Kamara and Graham Zusi both exploited Philadelphia defense with first-half goals, and the Kansas City Wizards broke an eight-match winless streak with a 2-0 victory over the Union on Thursday night.

Pierce County espresso robbery suspect jailed

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- Pierce County sheriff's detectives searched a Tacoma motel room Friday where a suspect in a string of espresso stand robberies had been staying.

Sheriff's office: arrest in espresso stand heists

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- A Pierce County sheriff's spokesman says Tacoma police made an arrest Thursday night in connection with a string of espresso stand robberies.

2 more espresso stands hit in Pierce County

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- A persistent Pierce County espresso stand robber struck again Thursday, hitting two stands on Canyon Road in the eastern part of the county.

Mexican police say 20 killed in drug-plagued city

MEXICO CITY (AP) -- Mexican police say 20 people have been killed in a drug-plagued northern city.

Lady Gaga calls her own shot at Citi Field

NEW YORK (AP) -- Maybe Lady Gaga should stick with the Yankees.

Seattle man arrested for mail sent to Sen. DeMint

SEATTLE (AP) -- A retired Seattle lawyer has been charged with sending a powder-laced letter to South Carolina Republican Sen. Jim DeMint.

ODOT’s Saturday surprise: Free-flowing traffic on I-205 bridge

Anticipating a big influx of Rose Festival-related traffic, Oregon transportation officials will keep all lanes open on the Interstate 205 bridge across the Columbia River until late Saturday night. It’s a rare respite for northbound motorists who have been flummoxed by long backups over the past several weekends.

2 men tied to Darrent Williams trial sentenced

DENVER (AP) -- Two men who refused to testify in the trial of a man convicted in the death of Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams have been sentenced to 12 months each in jail for contempt of court.

Columbian first to launch real-time hyperlocal news stream

The Columbian today launched online services that will deliver up-to-the-minute community news about Clark County, as well as news about Washington’s Third Congressional District and statewide politics.

Padres go around the horn for triple play vs. Mets

NEW YORK (AP) -- The San Diego Padres have turned a triple play against the New York Mets, going around the horn in the second game of a doubleheader.

Fergie shares a flirty moment with Nelson Mandela

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas discovered she has a not-so-secret admirer in South Africa: Nelson Mandela.

USC basketball team escapes more NCAA punishment

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Southern California's men's basketball team has escaped any further action by the NCAA, five months after the university banned itself from postseason play and vacated its victories during O.J. Mayo's lone season.

Gay taking time off because of hamstring tightness

NEW YORK (AP) -- American sprinter Tyson Gay is taking some time off because of tightness in his hamstring.

Extreme avalanche danger in Cascades, Olympics

SEATTLE (AP) -- Weather forecasters are telling people to stay off the higher slopes of mountains in the Cascades and Olympics through this weekend because of extreme avalanche danger.

Indians' Marte makes 3 errors in 1st inning

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Andy Marte has made three errors in the first inning of the Cleveland Indians' game against Boston.

Zenyatta to take on 5 rivals in Vanity 'Cap

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) -- Zenyatta will have five challengers as she goes for her record 17th consecutive victory in the $250,000 Vanity Handicap at Hollywood Park.

Dick Vitale hit by foul ball

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- College basketball analyst Dick Vitale got some unwanted attention at the Tampa Bay Rays' game.

Phillies agree to terms with Biddle

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Jesse Biddle has a good idea of when he might reach the big leagues.

Suspect in Ark. woman's death arrested in Wash.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- Agents with the U.S. Marshals Service in Washington state have arrested a suspect in the beating death of an elderly Arkansas woman.

Morales out for season following surgery

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Los Angeles Angels first baseman Kendry Morales will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on his broken left leg.

Roseburg Costco has 3,000 applicants for 100 jobs

ROSEBURG, Ore. (AP) -- The general manager of a Costco scheduled to open near Roseburg this summer says the store has received about 3,000 job applications.

Vienna prosecutors drop three sports doping cases

VIENNA (AP) -- The Vienna public prosecutor's office is dropping doping investigations against Danish cyclist Michael Rasmussen, Austrian cyclist Bernhard Kohl and Olympic cross-country ski champion Christian Hoffmann.

Blue Jays put McDonald on bereavement list

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- The Toronto Blue Jays have placed infielder John McDonald on the bereavement list and purchased the contract of minor league outfielder Dewayne Wise.

Murray threat defendant pleads guilty in Seattle

SEATTLE (AP) -- A man accused of threatening to kill Sen. Patty Murray over her support for sweeping federal health care legislation has pleaded guilty.

Jets' Sanchez says he'd be able to play right now

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -- Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez says his surgically repaired left knee has improved so much that he'd be able to play in a game now if he needed to.

Eagles moving forward into the post-McNabb era

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The Philadelphia Eagles have ended their final pre-training camp workout with Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel at a funeral, Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson attending to personal business, and Donovan McNabb in Washington.

Wash schools invited to apply for energy grants

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Washington schools that want to save money in energy and operational costs have been invited to apply for a state energy grant.

LaTanya Clemmons convicted of rendering assistance

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- The sister of the man who shot and killed four Washington police officers in a coffee shop last fall has been convicted of rendering criminal assistance.

Chinook gillnet season starts June 17

States opt to open commercial fishery four days earlier than sportsmen prefer

BCS likely to force Southern Cal to vacate title

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The BCS is likely to force Southern California to vacate its national championship after stiff NCAA sanctions where handed down for improper benefits to Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush dating to the Trojans' 2004 title season.

Barrasso: Amendment on Cobell settlement stays

HELENA, Mont. (AP) -- A Wyoming senator says he won't withdraw an amendment to a proposed $3.4 billion government settlement with American Indians. That's despite both sides in the class-action lawsuit saying the changes could scuttle the deal.

Nevada Supreme Court hearing OJ Simpson appeal

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- O.J. Simpson's lawyers have asked a Nevada Supreme Court panel to overturn the imprisoned former football star's conviction in an armed 2007 hotel room heist and grant a new trial.

Lawyers: OJ, co-defendant hopeful about appeals

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- One of O.J. Simpson's lawyers says the former football star is "upbeat" and hopeful the Nevada Supreme Court will overturn his conviction and grant a new trial in a September 2007 hotel room heist.

OJ lawyer to make high court appeal for new trial

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- O.J. Simpson's lawyer calls time a big hurdle he'll face when he asks the Nevada Supreme Court to overturn the imprisoned former football star's conviction and grant a new trial in a September 2007 hotel room heist.

Colorado flips first card in realignment

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Colorado has made the first move in what could be a wild ride to realignment by leaving the Big 12 for the Pac-10.

US rebounds to take 5.5-3.5 lead in Curtis Cup

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA, Mass. (AP) -- The United States swept all three fourball matches at the Curtis Cup on Saturday to take a 5.5-3.5 lead over Great Britain and Ireland.

US, Great Britain and Ireland tied at Curtis Cup

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA, Mass. (AP) -- The United States and Great Britain and Ireland are tied with 112 points each after the first matches of the opening day of competition at the Curtis Cup at Essex County Club.

Gymnasts from 1980 team to be honored

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- The American gymnasts who could not attend the Moscow Olympics will be honored later this summer, the 30th anniversary of the U.S. boycott of the 1980 Games.

Group celebrates passage of anti-sex trafficking law

Wearing T-shirts proclaiming “kids are not for sale,” a dozen or so activists congregated at Marshall Park this morning to laud passage of a law they say brings to light something that once was a dirty secret. Legislation to impose tougher penalties on child sex traffickers and customers of child prostitutes took effect today, bringing a renewed call to action among the police officers, politicians and families who came with umbrellas to this morning’s rainy celebration at the Vancouver park.

Source: Kansas AD Perkins to retire

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) -- Kansas athletic director Lew Perkins will retire at the end of the next academic year, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press.

Hat, ball from Strasburg's debut donated to Hall

WASHINGTON (AP) -- It took only one start for the Hall of Fame to take notice of Stephen Strasburg.

Guard helicopters to join search for Bagby hikers

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Helicopter crews from the Oregon National Guard plan to join the search Friday for two overdue hikers.

Overdue hikers reported near Bagby Hot Springs

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Search and rescue crews are looking for a pair of men who are overdue from a planned hike to Bagby Hot Springs.

Indians release 2 players

CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Cleveland Indians have released right-hander Jamey Wright and infielder Mark Grudzielanek.

Roethlisberger: 'I was young, dumb and immature'

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- A contrite Ben Roethlisberger says he got caught up in being a caricature called Big Ben, not the grounded player and person he once was, leading to his off-field problems -- and affecting his play as the Steelers quarterback.

Okla St hopes to stick with Texas in realignment

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- When Big 12 teams are done shuffling, Oklahoma State officials are hopeful they'll still be united with national powerhouse Texas.

Candidates trickle in on fourth day of filing week

PUD Commissioner Nancy Barnes gets opponents

Clark Public Utility District Commissioner Nancy Barnes received an opponent Thursday, as John Elkin from Vancouver filed to run for her seat. Elkin was among a few people who filed Thursday as of noon for the Aug. 17 primary.

SW Medical Center gets "patients" in regional drill

Drill includes 40 agencies

Scenario based on a mass-casualty incident

Aloha, Ore., man charged in mother's death

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Washington County authorities arrested an Aloha man accused of killing his 78-year-old mother in the home they shared.

U2 is providing the soundtrack to ESPN's soccer

NEW YORK (AP) -- ESPN is using U2's music as a soundtrack to its World Cup coverage.

Orioles promote Arrieta, designate RHP Castillo

BALTIMORE (AP) -- The Baltimore Orioles have purchased the contract of right-hander Jake Arrieta from Triple-A Norfolk and designated reliever Alberto Castillo for assignment.

Tomlin says camp important for Roethlisberger

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The Pittsburgh Steelers' starting quarterback going into training camp will be Ben Roethlisberger. And Byron Leftwich.

World Cup helps ESPN's expansion plans

NEW YORK (AP) -- The World Cup is not just big for soccer fans. ESPN considers it a key event for building new audiences both within the United States and outside.

Swiss held for nearly 2 years in Libya released

TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) -- A Libyan prison official and a lawyer say a Swiss businessman held for nearly two years at the center of a diplomatic row has been released.

Belbin-Agosto announce retirement from competition

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) -- The 2006 Olympic silver medalists Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto are retiring from competitive skating.

Tesoro: Anacortes refinery closed through Sept

SEATTLE (AP) -- Tesoro Corp.'s Anacortes, Wash., refinery, where an April explosion and fire killed seven people, will remain closed at least through September.

Leonsis formally takes control of NBA's Wizards

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Ted Leonsis has completed his purchase of the Washington Wizards -- and the e-mails are already coming in.

London 2012 Olympics under threat of budget cuts

LONDON (AP) -- Britain's sports minister says the 2012 London Olympics may not escape more budget cuts as the new coalition government seeks to slash public spending.

23 arrested in W. Wash. in Mexican drug crackdown

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- Federal authorities say 23 people have been arrested in Western Washington as part of a national crackdown on Mexican drug trafficking organizations operating in the U.S.

Feds: refineries not learning safety lessons.

SEATTLE (AP) -- A Senate hearing has been told that refinery operators aren't learning lessons from accidents, including those that have killed or injured workers.

Flyers title chase at 35 years, and counting

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- In a season in which they seemingly mastered the art of the comeback, the Philadelphia Flyers are dealing with falling one rally short.

World Cup opening ceremony starts

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- The first World Cup ever held in Africa has begun.

'Twilight' tourists boost tax revenue in Forks

PORT ANGELES, Wash. (AP) -- Vampire romance has been good for the lodging business in Forks, the setting for the "Twilight" books and movies.

Bills DE Schobel leaning toward not playing

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- Stopping short of announcing his retirement, Buffalo Bills defensive end Aaron Schobel says he's prepared to inform the team to "go on without me."

NKorea's An wants revenge for '66 loss to Portugal

TEMBISA, South Africa (AP) -- North Korea midfielder An Yong Hak wants revenge for his country's loss to Portugal back in 1966.

Game 6 earns highest rating for NHL game since '74

NEW YORK (AP) -- NHL television ratings have bounced back from the post-lockout doldrums -- and way beyond.

Game 6 draws best overnight rating in 36 years

NEW YORK (AP) -- The clinching game of the Stanley Cup drew the highest preliminary television rating for the series in 36 years.

Graham dart game ends in stabbing

GRAHAM, Wash. (AP) -- The Pierce County sheriff's office says a man was stabbed by his stepson early Thursday in Graham in a dispute that began when both were drinking and playing darts.

Witness fatally shoots man taking drainage pipe

McKENNA, Wash. (AP) -- A Pierce County sheriff's spokesman says a 69-year-old McKenna man shot and fatally wounded a younger man he saw taking a scrap drainage pipe from the side of the road in front of his house.

Witness shoots man taking drainage pipe at McKenna

McKENNA, Wash. (AP) -- The Pierce County sheriff's office says a man shot and critically wounded a man he saw taking drainage pipe near McKenna.

Giants RH Wellemeyer leaves game

CINCINNATI (AP) -- San Francisco right-hander Todd Wellemeyer left a game against the Cincinnati Reds after hitting into a double play in the top of the third inning.

Ordonez scratched from Detroit lineup

CHICAGO (AP) -- Magglio Ordonez was a late scratch from the Detroit Tigers' lineup due to left oblique soreness.

Sharapova back into Birmingham semifinals

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) -- Maria Sharapova defeated qualifier Sesil Karatantcheva 6-2, 6-4 to reach the Aegon Classic semifinals on Friday.

Drunken Wash. state man breaks into bank to sleep

ELLENSBURG, Wash. (AP) -- Police in Ellensburg, Wash., say a man looking for a place to sleep broke into the basement of a bank, and -- yes -- he had been drinking.

Court: No warrant needed for school drug searches

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The Oregon Supreme Court has ruled that high school students can be searched for illegal drugs without a warrant if school officials have a reasonable suspicion based on specific facts.

Cubs announcer Santo feeling ill, heading home

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Chicago Cubs radio announcer Ron Santo is feeling ill and will head home instead of calling Thursday's series finale in Milwaukee.

BP execs invited to meet with Obama

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The top federal official overseeing the Gulf oil spill has invited BP executives to meet with President Barack Obama next week.

Tutu says WCup to outstrip famed rugby win

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) -- Nobel Prize laureate Desmond Tutu believes the soccer World Cup starting Friday will do more to bring the South African people together than even the famed rugby equivalent in 1995.

Graham Rahal to replace injured Conway at Iowa

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- IndyCar driver Graham Rahal has been hired by Dreyer & Reinbold Racing to replace injured Mike Conway at Iowa on June 20.

Drunken Ellensburg man breaks into bank to sleep

ELLENSBURG, Wash. (AP) -- Police say an Ellensburg man looking for a place to sleep broke into the basement of a bank, and -- yes -- he had been drinking.

Wash's new anti-bullying law goes into effect

SEATTLE (AP) -- Washington's new anti-bullying law goes into effect on Thursday.

Grizzlies get their helmet back

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) -- All of the Fairbanks Grizzlies will be able to buckle their chinstraps before Saturday's game against the Kent Predators.

Guy Boucher is new coach of Tampa Bay Lightning

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- The Tampa Bay Lightning have hired Guy Boucher (GEE boo-SHAY) as their new coach.

Colorado accepts invitation to join Pac-10

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. - The Pac-10 conference says Colorado has accepted an invitation to become the league's 11th member.

Tissue-maker plans NC plant, creating 250 jobs

SHELBY, N.C. (AP) -- A company that makes bathroom tissue and paper towels will build a distribution center and production plant in North Carolina that should employ about 250 workers within five years.

Viva Chevy: GM says it didn't plan to nix nickname

DETROIT (AP) -- Turns out you can take your 'Chevy to the levee' or any other darn place you please.

Devils returning top farm team to Albany, NY

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- The New Jersey Devils are moving their top minor league team back to Albany, N.Y., for the upcoming season.

Study: Vuvuzela could spread colds and flu

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- A London doctor says the vuvuzela, already criticized by some for being too noisy, may also be spreading colds and flu germs.

Marysville school official rebuked over e-mail

MARYSVILLE, Wash. (AP) -- A Marysville School Board member is being criticized this week for an e-mail he sent linking race with academic achievement.

Texas and Texas A&M to discuss Big 12 future

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Texas and Texas A&M officials are scheduled to meet to discuss the future of their athletic programs and the Big 12 amid speculation the league could be raided by rival conferences and broken apart.

Panthers WR Muhammad retires after 14 seasons

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Muhsin Muhammad is retiring from the NFL after spending 11 of his 14 seasons with the Carolina Panthers.

AP source: Izzo plans to travel to Cleveland

CLEVELAND (AP) -- A person familiar with the Cavaliers' pursuit of Tom Izzo says the Michigan State coach plans to visit Cleveland to discuss the team's coaching vacancy.

Chicago celebrates Blackhawks' Stanley Cup win

CHICAGO (AP) -- The forecast for Chicago calls for ticker tape.

Federer eases past Falla to make Halle quarters

HALLE, Germany (AP) -- Top-seeded Roger Federer has eased into the quarterfinals of the Gerry Weber Open, beating Alejandro Falla of Colombia 6-1, 6-2.

WCup visitors warned after robberies

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- South African authorities have urged World Cup visitors to be extra careful after a spate of robberies targeting foreign journalists and players.

Bill Sizemore's wife considering plea deal

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Documents filed in Marion County Circuit Court indicate the wife of political activist Bill Sizemore is considering a plea deal that would include her cooperation with prosecutors.

Julio Cesar practicing normally again after injury

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar is practicing for the first time since injuring his back in a warmup match more than a week ago.

Feds: BP agrees to expedite oil spill payments

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Obama administration says BP has agreed to expedite the payment of claims to businesses and individuals whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Japan and Zimbabwe play 0-0 draw in WCup warm-up

GEORGE, South Africa (AP) -- Japan has been held to a disappointing 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe in a World Cup warmup match.

Bills sign rookie draft picks: LB Moats, QB Brown

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- The Buffalo Bills have signed two rookie draft picks, linebacker Arthur Moats and quarterback Levi Brown.

CAS reinstates Olympic medals for hammer throwers

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) -- World sport's highest court has reinstated Olympic medals for two Belarusian hammer throwers, saying their doping tests were invalid.

Idaho geothermal company closer to $102M loan

BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- An Idaho-based geothermal energy developer says it's closer to getting a U.S. Department of Treasury loan worth up to $102.2 million to build a 22-megawatt power plant in the eastern Oregon desert.

R. Kelly says Cup anthem carried message of hope

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) -- Singer R. Kelly says he hopes his new World Cup anthem can inspire people in much the same way as his signature song "I Believe I Can Fly."

Man in serious condition after Hwy. 14 crash

An 80-year-old Vancouver man has been upgraded to serious condition after a late Tuesday crash on state Highway 14, near Stevenson, according to a hospital official.

Vogondy wins 4th stage of Dauphine

RISOUL, France (AP) -- Nicolas Vogondy of France has won the fourth stage of the Criterium du Dauphine after breaking away in the last two kilometers of the final ascent.

Corvallis man charged with attempted murder

CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) -- Police arrested a Corvallis man outside an apartment complex after receiving a tip he was going to kill a person inside.

Dawson kicking at Browns camp

BEREA, Ohio (AP) -- Browns kicker Phil Dawson is at Cleveland's mandatory minicamp after skipping the club's voluntary workouts in an apparent contract dispute.

Australia drops out of race to host 2018 World Cup

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- Australia has pulled out of the race to host the 2018 World Cup and will instead focus on the 2022 tournament.

Flachi gets 12-year ban for 2nd cocaine offense

BRESCIA, Italy (AP) -- Brescia defender Francesco Flachi has been banned for 12 years after a second positive test for cocaine.

UFL's Nighthawks sign RB Ahman Green

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- Running back Ahman Green has signed to play for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League.

Bank sues imprisoned Ore. developer

BEND, Ore. (AP) -- A Central Oregon developer has been sued by a bank that claims he fraudulently transferred land to a relative before heading to prison.

Teams from across Ore. searching for missing boy

Investigators who have searched for six days for a missing 7-year-old Oregon boy without success are turning to experts from across the state to assist in the expanding effort.

Army: Bodies misidentified at Arlington Cemetery

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Army says at least 200 remains in Arlington National Cemetery have been misidentified or misplaced, casting a shadow over what has been called America's "sacred ground."

Wolf kill extended, expanded in Wallowa Valley

ENTERPRISE, Ore. (AP) -- The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has extended the authorization for the federal Wildlife Services to kill two wolves in northeast Oregon through June 19.

Hamas rejects Israel-approved snack foods for Gaza

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) -- Hamas militants say they will not let newly approved food items into the Gaza Strip as long as Israel maintains its blockade of the territory.

Last weekend for boating above Gold Ray Dam

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- This weekend is the last boaters will have to paddle across a stretch of Rogue River upstream from Gold Hill.

Police: Dutchman says he knows Holloway location

LIMA, Peru (AP) -- The chief of Peru's criminal police says Dutch murder suspect Joran van der Sloot has told police that he knows the location of the body of missing U.S. teen Natalie Holloway.

Driver in Portland bus accident on workers comp

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The TriMet driver who was behind the wheel in April when a bus ran down five pedestrians is now on workers compensation.

BP to start burning captured Gulf oil at sea

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- BP PLC plans to boost its ability to directly capture oil leaking from a well in the Gulf of Mexico by early next week.

Medford teachers reject workday cut

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- Medford teachers and support staff rejected a proposal to cut a workday from the calendar to help solve the school district's budget problems.

Water, snacks donated in search for Portland boy

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Donations of bottled water, other drinks and packaged snacks are being accepted at four locations in metro Portland to help supply searchers looking for the 7-year-old boy missing since Friday.

Montolivo poised to replace Pirlo for Italy

IRENE, South Africa (AP) -- It could be a tough World Cup for Riccardo Montolivo. He's poised to replace standout midfielder Andrea Pirlo in front of Italy's defense.

Geithner: Chinese currency reform critical

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner says China has the potential of becoming the largest foreign market for American exports.

Activities scheduled to get families outside

Events set for Saturday at Water Resources Education Center; Free Fishing Weekend in Washington, Oregon

Triple-digit temperatures test Camas hiker

Despite hot weather, sore feet, Jake Rose continues north

Firm readies for oil cleanup

Camas company ramps up production of its pressure washers

At the Karcher North America plant in Camas on Tuesday, three heavy-duty hot water pressure washers sat on the factory floor waiting to be shipped to Louisiana, where they’ll be used to aid cleanup of the massive Gulf Coast oil spill. The machines, a specialty product of Karcher’s Landa brand, are part of an initial batch of 30 machines the company built here last week in anticipation of higher demand from its distributors near the Gulf of Mexico. Karcher, whose machines were also used to blast oil from the rocky Alaskan shore after the Exxon Valdez disaster, expects to send some 200 pressure washers to its Louisiana warehouses in the next few weeks, said Bob Christian, vice president of sales and marketing for the Landa brand in Camas.

Out & About

Volunteers need for Trapper Creek Wilderness trail work, Clark-Skamania Flyfishers to meet Wednesday, Natural Area tours slate June 19

All-Region girls golfer of the year: Maddy Alamillo

Battle Ground High School

Maddy Alamillo of Battle Ground could not be stopped in the Class 4A Greater St. Helens League this spring. She won her second consecutive district tournament title, and this year she won it by 19 strokes. Alamillo, a junior, led the region in scoring average, and became a two-time district champion. That gave her the nod over some strong competition for The Columbian’s All-Region girls golfer of the year.

All-Region Girls Golf

Golfer of the Year Maddy Alamillo leads The Columbian's All-Region girls golf team.

Health clinic for the uninsured expands

HAZEL DELL — A health clinic owned and operated by women and aimed at the Spanish-speaking uninsured has moved into bigger, better digs.

College Notebook: Whitman’s Fuchs earns top academic honors

CoSIDA recognizes La Center graduate

Whitman College tennis player Christoph Fuchs has been named to the men’s At-Large Team in the College Division of Academic All-America honors announced by ESPN The Magazine. The La Center High School gradaute, a four-year mainstay in the Whitman tennis lineup, graduated magna cum laude in late May with honors in his biology major.

Nurse to the world

Clark College grad honored for humanitarian trips

In Haiti, Rico Selga found another kind of terrible. The Vancouver nurse was part of the response to the earthquake that devastated the Caribbean nation. Selga spent three weeks with a delegation from Portland-based Medical Teams International, treating the sick and injured in impromptu clinics.

Designing with succulents

The size of the pot will dictate the quantity and variety of the plants. The larger the container, the higher the cost and the heavier the weight, but the greater the payoff in pleasure and display. Container gardeners talk about grouping plants as thrillers, fillers and spillers. Thrillers are used sparingly as accent plants, valued for their form and height. Spillers drape over the lip of the pot to soften its edge and provide depth. Fillers occupy the spaces in between.

With succulents, no water, no sweat

WASHINGTON — Container plantings bring color and joy to every patio. For city dwellers with small patios and balconies, or renters with no need to invest in the landscape, they may be the only garden to have. But the watering needs are a burden. In the sapping heat of July and August, pots may require a soak twice a day to prevent annuals and tropicals from wilting. And what happens when you go on vacation, or have to travel for work?

C-Tran board OKs 20-year transit plan

Currently unfunded, it draws criticism from businesses

C-Tran’s board of directors this week unanimously approved a 20-year vision that includes new bus routes, enhanced C-Van paratransit service and high-capacity transit. Now, they just need to figure out how to ask voters to pay for it.

Condominium developer files for bankruptcy

PORTLAND — Salpare Bay LLC, developer of a troubled Hayden Island condo project, has filed for bankruptcy. The filing postpones the looming Multnomah County sheriff’s auction of Salpare Bay’s primary asset: a partially complete, 204-unit riverfront condo that has sat idle for so long it became a favored nesting site of various Columbia River waterfowl.

GOP speakers share views, differ on style

Romney, Malkin to appear at convention

He’s a moderate Republican with a business background, a former governor, a former presidential candidate, and an undeclared candidate in the 2012 presidential race. She’s a firebrand conservative syndicated columnist and contributor to Fox News.

Republican challenges Jacks in 49th District

Bill Cismar says he backs small business

Bill Cismar, a Vancouver Republican, will challenge incumbent state Rep. Jim Jacks, a Democrat, in the 49th District, Position 1, race. Cismar, a military veteran, worked in the high-tech industry for three decades before returning to school to pursue a career as a data network administrator. He said he is running to be an advocate for small and medium-sized businesses in the 49th, which includes West Vancouver and Hazel Dell.

Weather Eye: Sun will give local weather-watchers needed break

Since it appears we are moving into a long dry spell (finally) with much warmer temperatures and our first 80-degree day, we may as well review the rainfall for May from your friends and neighbors around the region. After all the rain we have had lately we sure do not want to spend much time talking about it when skies are clear! OK here we go: I measured 4.42 inches in Salmon Creek; Barry Fitzthum, Amboy, 6.76 inches; Gary Collins, Brush Prairie, 7.65 inches; Murphy Dennis, near Clark County Rifles, 9.91 inches; Claudia Chiasson, Carson, 4.29 inches; Tyler Mode, Minnehaha, 4.44 inches; Judy Darke, Felida, 5.08 inches; Larry Lebsack, northeast Hazel Dell, 5.54 inches; Irv St. Germain, southwest Prune Hill, 5.87 inches; Pete Conrad, Battle Ground, 4.92 inches; Bob Starr, Cougar, 9.16 inches; Robin Ruzek, Lake Shore, 4.53 inches; Dan Hein, Camas, 6.43 inches; Phil Delany, above Dole Valley, 11.50 inches; Chuck Houghten, Hockinson Heights, 8.04 inches; Phil Harris, Washougal, 5.97 inches; Jim Knoll, Orchards, 6.83 inches; Bill Sobolewski, Livingston Mountain, 9.55 inches; Nancy Ellifrit, Mount Vista, 5.92 inches; Bud Maddux, Happy Valley, 2.36 inches; Tom Dixon, Amboy, 6.81 inches; Merle Moore, two miles west of Yacolt; 7.99 inches; Sandra Nesvick, east Vancouver, 6.55 inches; and Ellen Smart, Ridgefield, 4.30 inches.

In Our View: New Business Brand

Economic development efforts strengthened by new recruiting campaign

With impeccable timing — one day before the arrival of about 2,000 visitors for the state Republican Party convention — local economic development officials on Wednesday announced a new brand. Except it’s not local, it’s regional: “Portland-Vancouver USA — Land Here, Live Here.” The regional approach and the wording of the brand make just as much sense as the perfect timing. And as a large banner was draped from the Army Hospital Building in Vancouver, just east of busy Interstate 5, a new era in business recruiting began. We say new, but “first” might be better, because no one seems to remember Vancouver and Portland ever collaborating in pursuit of companies and — more important — jobs. It took open minds and a team spirit among 200 or so business leaders (from both sides of the Columbia River, but mostly from here) who created the new brand. High praise is due Identity Clark County, which led the effort, as well as campaign coordinator Amplify Group Inc. of Brush Prairie and graphic design firm Tribe2 Studios of Vancouver.

Information tech company acquires Montana firm

VANCOUVER — Vancouver-based Connected Platforms last week continued its expansion throughout the Pacific Northwest with the acquisition of Missoula, Mont.-based Syscom Digital Technology.

Insitu, FAA ink deal on unmanned aircraft study

Bingen Insitu, FAA ink deal on unmanned aircraft study

Correction: Boat tax clarification

Boat tax clarification: A law that allows Washington residents to own watercraft based in Oregon without incurring Washington state use tax liability does not apply to boaters who moor their vessels on the Oregon side of the Columbia River. They are subject to Washington sales or use tax because these vessels are presumed to be used on the Washington side of the river, according to the Department of Revenue. A story on this issue appeared on Page A1 Wednesday.

Wastewater plant gets high marks from state

FELIDA — State regulators have recognized the Salmon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant for perfect compliance in 2009 with laws and regulations safeguarding the environment.

Festivities to celebrate Tiger Tree Park opening

SIFTON — Sifton residents can join in a celebration for the opening of Tiger Tree Park at noon Saturday at the park, 8600 N.E. 149th Ave.

School civil rights focus of town hall meeting

VANCOUVER — To follow up on Washington state civil rights legislation passed earlier this year, the state superintendent’s office is seeking public input on new administrative rules needed to enforce the law.

Big Brothers Big Sisters looking for big helpers

Clark County — There are approximately 2,400 children on the Portland area’s Big Brothers Big Sisters waiting list. Many come from foster care or single-parent households. Each needs a good grown-up friend.

Ask the gardening expert

I am new to gardening. I’ve seen the term “indeterminate” listed while going through the tomato categories. What exactly does that mean? “Determinate” is a plant growth habit in which stems stop growing at a certain height and produce a flower cluster at the tip. Determinate tomatoes, for example, are short, early-fruiting, have concentrated fruit set, and do not require staking. These are the types you should grow if you want to harvest your main crop all at once for canning, drying, or freezing.

Death notices

A daily list of death notices.

The Garden Life: Don’t be afraid to take a colorful approach when selecting plants

Most gardens are at their peak of flower bloom in the month of June. This is the time of year when nurseries and garden centers draw us in with sheer flower power. Even a beginner with a newly planted garden can have a blooming border by mid-summer. For most of us, the gardening obsession ripens with the peak of summer color. The experience of planting a perfect color combination delights the soul. Once we get it right, we commit ourselves to do whatever it takes to bring more color to the garden.

Ice cream 'citations' reward kids' helmet use

Clark County — Clark County Fire District 6 began handing out coupons for a free ice cream cone last month to kids seen wearing a helmet while biking or skateboarding.

Energy Adviser: Keeping cool needn’t make costs heat up

I have central air conditioning, which is really nice when it’s hot. However, it really increases my electric bill. What can I do to save this summer? Be sure to have a qualified technician tune up your home’s cooling system every couple of years. The technician also can advise you whether your central air conditioner needs to be replaced with a more energy energy-efficient model or a heat pump.

Our Readers' Views

Letters to the editor

Clark County gardening calendar

Classes and events

Conn. man cut arm after being trapped in furnace

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- A Connecticut man trapped for at least three days with his arm stuck in his furnace cut his own arm nearly off because of a spreading infection.

West Virginia hires former QB Oliver Luck as AD

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) -- Former West Virginia quarterback Oliver Luck is returning to his alma mater as the school's new athletic director.

Freeman joins US World Cup bid committee

IRENE, South Africa (AP) -- Actor Morgan Freeman, who portrayed Nelson Mandela in the movie "Invictus" about the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa, has joined the committee trying to bring soccer's World Cup back to the United States in 2018 or 2022.

Stories for June 10, 2010

Lead stories

Stories

Spirits high as hundreds of delegates take part in opening day

PUD Commissioner Nancy Barnes gets opponents

Drill includes 40 agencies