Stories for June 12, 2010

Israel setting up flotilla probe with 2 foreigners

JERUSALEM (AP) -- Israel has proposed an inquiry commission into its bloody attack on a Gaza-bound flotilla two weeks ago, to be headed by a retired Israeli judge and to include two high-ranking foreign observers.

Volcanoes avoid Slam at the buzzer

Vancouver tops Bellingham behind Kevin Tyner’s basket with 2.4 seconds left

For the third consecutive contest, the Volcanoes (12-6) found themselves defending a 3-point attempt at the buzzer with the game hanging in the balance.

Calderon wins 12-round unanimous decision

NEW YORK (AP) -- Ivan Calderon earned an unanimous decision over Jesus Irbie in the WBO Junior Flyweight Championship in Theatre at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.

UCLA stays alive with 11-7 win in 10 innings

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Cal State Fullerton was one out from Omaha on Saturday.

Taurasi, Dupree lead Mercury past Shock, 116-84

PHOENIX (AP) -- Diana Taurasi and Candice Dupree scored 18 points each to lead a balanced offense as the Phoenix Mercury beat the Tulsa Shock 116-84 on Saturday night.

Shopper hurt when car crashes into Vancouver store

A 34-year-old woman shopping at a Vancouver grocery store was injured Saturday when a car crashed through one of the store’s windows, Vancouver Fire Capt. Kevin Murray said. The woman, whose name was not available, suffered cuts on her legs and feet in the 2:45 p.m. crash at Gateway Produce, 2507 N.E. Andresen Road, according to Murray.

Yoshida gets first K, but no win in 2nd start

CHICO, Calif. (AP) -- Eri Yoshida, the 18-year-old "Knuckle Princess" from Japan, pitched four strong innings and recorded her first strikeout of the season for the Chico Outlaws on Saturday.

Vancouver woman dies in head-on crash near Amboy

A Vancouver woman died early Saturday afternoon in a head-on collision on state Highway 503 about 4 miles southeast of Amboy, according to the Washington State Patrol. Raylene Holman, 56, was driving a 2002 Dodge Dakota north on the highway at 1:30 p.m. when the pickup went off the right side of the road and into a ditch, and then came back onto the road and hit an oncoming 2005 Dodge Ram pickup head-on, according to a WSP bulletin.

Logano wins at Kentucky for third straight time

SPARTA, Ky. (AP) -- Joey Logano became the first Nationwide Series driver to win three consecutive races at the same track when starting from the pole as he won the Meijer 300 at Kentucky Speedway on Saturday night.

Felix Hernandez pitches Mariners past Padres 4-2

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Felix Hernandez came within one out of a complete game, Jose Lopez doubled in the go-ahead run and the Seattle Mariners snapped a five-game losing streak with a 4-2 win over the San Diego Padres on Sunday.

Rockies complete sweep of Blue Jays with 10-3 win

DENVER (AP) -- Jeff Francis pitched seven innings to earn his first home win in two years and the Colorado Rockies beat the Toronto Blue Jays 10-3 Sunday to complete a three-game series sweep.

Lewis goes 8 innings, has key hit to lift Rangers

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Colby Lewis scattered three hits over eight innings and added a key two-out single with the bases loaded to lead the Texas Rangers to a 7-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday.

Cabrera's 3-run HR lifts Tigers over Pirates 4-3

DETROIT (AP) -- Miguel Cabrera hit a go-ahead, three-run homer in the eighth inning, lifting the Detroit Tigers to a 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.

BG's Folly scores upset in $500,000 NJ Classic

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- BG's Folly held off favored All Speed Hanover by a nose in capturing the $500,000 Anthony Abbatiello SBOA New Jersey Classic at the Meadowlands on Saturday night.

Florida's Volstad stops 6-game winless streak

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- Chris Volstad pitched six solid innings to stop a personal six-game winless streak and the Florida Marlins got two RBIs from rookie Mike Stanton in a 6-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday.

Brooks Conrad's bunt lifts Braves past Twins 3-2

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Brooks Conrad filled in neatly for Chipper Jones, making two nice plays at third base and then driving in the go-ahead run with a squeeze bunt in the ninth inning Saturday night that lifted the Atlanta Braves over Minnesota 3-2.

Currie scores 20 as Mystics cruise past Liberty

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Monique Currie scored 20 points to lead the Washington Mystics to an 82-65 victory over the New York Liberty on Saturday night.

Insurgent candidates get enthusiastic reception

GOP delegates in Vancouver cheer Didier, Hedrick, others

Call them tea partiers, patriots or constitutionalists. Whatever their label, candidates identifying with the new Republican insurgency won thundering applause and hoots of approval from the crowd of nearly 1,200 delegates at the state Republican Convention Saturday. From U.S. Senate candidate Clint Didier, a pro football player turned alfalfa farmer turned politician, to 3rd Congressional District candidate David Hedrick, a Camas financial consultant who became an overnight celebrity after he confronted U.S. Rep. Brian Baird at a health reform town hall last summer, the newcomers hit a chord with delegates.

Ore. man pleads manslaughter in 1987 cold case

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A man who strangled a Portland woman 23 years ago has been sentenced to two decades in prison after a police cold case unit matched his DNA to the crime scene.

Rays' Carlos Pena homers in 6th straight game

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- Tampa Bay's Carlos Pena has homered for the sixth consecutive game, hitting a solo shot in the first inning of Saturday's night game against the Florida Marlins.

Southbound I-5 Bridge closed overnight tonight

The southbound lanes of the Interstate 5 Bridge will be closed overnight Saturday, beginning at 11 p.m. and ending at 5 a.m. Sunday morning.

Alabama beats Clemson 5-4 in super regional opener

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) -- Alabama jumped out to an early 5-0 lead before holding on to beat Clemson 5-4 Saturday night in the opening game of the NCAA Clemson Super Regional.

Oklahoma president, AD meet with Pac-10 officials

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Pacific-10 Conference officials have met with top University of Oklahoma officials, a spokesman for the university's president says.

Webb surprised by 1st mound appearance in 3 months

PHOENIX (AP) -- Arizona's Brandon Webb has thrown off the mound for the first time in three months, a move he didn't expect.

Umpire Cederstrom gets hit twice by pitches

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Home plate umpire Gary Cederstrom was hit by a pair of pitches from Texas starter Scott Feldman on Saturday night, but didn't appear to be seriously hurt by either one.

D-backs activate C Montero, send Hester to Reno

PHOENIX (AP) -- The Arizona Diamondbacks have activated catcher Miguel Montero from the disabled list.

US beats Great Britain and Ireland at Curtis Cup

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA, Mass. (AP) -- The girls from the United States did Harriot and Margaret Curtis proud.

US wins all 6 matches to take lead in Curtis Cup

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA, Mass. (AP) -- A day after a shaky start, the United States swept all six matches at the Curtis Cup on Saturday to take an 812-312 lead over Great Britain and Ireland.

Battle Ground float, area bands win Rose Parade honors

The Battle Ground community float received the theme award Saturday at the 2010 Portland Rose Festival’s KeyBank Grand Floral Parade in Portland. The float, created by the Battle Ground Rose Festival Committee, was far from the only Clark County entry honored.

Lane County rejects Ore. superintendent recount

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- Lane County elections officials have rejected a request from superintendent of public instruction candidate Ron Maurer to recount some Oregon primary ballots.

Making music

Affordable cigar box guitars experience resurgence

VanDam gets 17th career Bassmasters victory

PARIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Kevin VanDam beat Edwin Evers by nearly 712 pounds Saturday for his 17th career Bassmasters victory.

Grovatt's HR lift Virginia past Sooners, 3-2

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) -- Danny Hultzen allowed six hits in eight innings and Dan Grovatt hit a go-ahead two-run home run as Virginia beat Oklahoma 3-2 in the opening game of the Charlottesville Super Regional on Saturday.

Former Red Sox minor leaguer Felix Maldonado dies

BOSTON (AP) -- Felix Maldonado, a former Boston Red Sox minor league outfielder and manager who spent 47 years in various roles with the team, has died. He was 73.

Tulowitzki sits with slight groin injury

DENVER (AP) -- Colorado Rockies Troy Tulowitzki shortstop is out of Saturday's lineup with a slight right groin injury.

La Russa says Cardinals to sign RHP Suppan soon

PHOENIX (AP) -- St. Louis manager Tony La Russa says the Cardinals expect to sign Jeff Suppan and add the right-hander to the rotation early next week.

Johnston new NW Ore. Housing Authority director

ASTORIA, Ore. (AP) -- The Northwest Oregon Housing Authority in Warrenton has named a New Mexico man its new executive director after a national search.

Romney wows GOP delegates in Vancouver

Likely presidential contender attacks Obama on economy, oil spill

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, sounding very much like a presidential contender, lambasted President Barack Obama Saturday on issues from his economic policies to his handling of the Gulf oil spill. Speaking to nearly 1,200 Republican delegates in Vancouver on the final day of the Washington GOP’s 2010 state convention, Romney accused the Obama administration of discouraging job creation and economic growth by proposing new taxes and driving the federal deficit to a record $1.6 trillion.

Miami slugger Martinez likely done for season

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- Miami third baseman Harold Martinez is likely out for the postseason after having surgery to remove a lump in his left shin.

Buehrle, White Sox beat Cubs 2-1

CHICAGO (AP) -- Mark Buehrle pitched scoreless ball into the seventh, Paul Konerko drove in two runs and the Chicago White Sox handed Carlos Silva his first loss, beating the struggling Cubs 2-1 Saturday for their season-high fourth straight win.

Miami slugger Hernandez likely done for season

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- Miami third baseman Harold Martinez is likely out for the postseason after having surgery to remove a lump in his left shin.

Kerr shoots 63 at rain-delayed State Farm Classic

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Cristie Kerr has finished her rain-delayed third round with a 63 at the LPGA State Farm Classic.

Third round of State Farm postponed due to rain

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- The third round of the LPGA State Farm Classic has been postponed Saturday because of thunderstorms.

Get Serious wins Monmouth Park feature

OCEANPORT, N.J. (AP) -- Get Serious took the early lead and held off a late rally by Roman Tiger to win the $250,000 Monmouth Stakes by 114 lengths at Monmouth Park on Saturday.

Chipper Jones out of lineup for Braves

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Chipper Jones has been scratched from the Atlanta Braves' lineup for their game against the Minnesota Twins.

UCLA coach Ben Howland has tendon surgery

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- UCLA basketball coach Ben Howland is recuperating after having surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles' tendon.

Palin endorses Koster in Wash. 2nd District

SEATTLE (AP) -- Sarah Palin has endorsed socially conservative Republican John Koster in his attempt to unseat Democratic Rep. Rick Larsen in Washington's 2nd Congressional District.

Bimbo recalls Soft White Bread

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Bimbo Bakeries USA is recalling some of its bread distributed in California and three other states after discovering the label did not indicate the product contained milk.

Izzo yet to announce future plans

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Tom Izzo either hasn't decided where he'll coach next season or he's keeping it a secret.

Rays SS Jason Bartlett ready to begin rehab stint

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- Tampa Bay shortstop Jason Bartlett is close to rejoining the Rays after taking batting practice and doing some running to test his injured right hamstring at Tropicana Field.

Campbell-Brown tops Felix in 200

NEW YORK (AP) -- Veronica Campbell-Brown has defeated rival Allyson Felix in the 200 meters at the Adidas Grand Prix in the world's best time this season.

Robles maintains form at Primo Nebiolo

TURIN, Italy (AP) -- Dayron Robles maintained his solid start to the season with a win in the 110-meter hurdles at the Primo Nebiolo athletics meet on Saturday.

Day 9: No new leads in steady search for Ore. boy

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Search crews looking for 7-year-old Kyron Horman have not found any sign of the missing Portland boy as the effort stretched into its ninth day.

Rangers put RHP Harden to DL with strained muscle

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- The Texas Rangers placed right-hander Rich Harden on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left gluteus muscle one day after another ineffective start.

Aric Almirola picks up 2nd Truck win

BROOKLYN, Mich. (AP) -- Aric Almirola took the lead with less than 10 laps to go then held off late charges from Todd Bodine and Kyle Busch to win the NASCAR Trucks Series race on Saturday at Michigan International Speedway.

Ga. Tech DE Robert Hall suspended indefinitely

ATLANTA (AP) -- Georgia Tech defensive end Robert Hall has been suspended indefinitely after an argument over money with his girlfriend led to a battery charge.

Conn. police: Parents gambled, left kids in car

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (AP) -- Two Massachusetts parents have been accused of leaving a 1-year-old and a 10-year-old alone in a car as they gambled at a Connecticut casino.

Feds give more benefits to Omak millworkers

OMAK, Wash. (AP) -- The federal goverment is extending unemployment benefits for 350 laid-off millworkers in Omak.

Dice-K late scratch, placed on 15-day DL

BOSTON (AP) -- Red Sox right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka was a late scratch before his scheduled start against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday and was placed on the 15-day disabled list just before the game's first pitch with a strained forearm.

Dempsey goal gives US 1-1 tie against England

RUSTENBURG, South Africa (AP) -- Clint Dempsey scored on a blunder by goalkeeper Robert Green in the 40th minute, and the United States came from behind to tie England 1-1 in the Americans' World Cup opener Saturday.

Vandy stays alive with 6-2 win over Florida State

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Grayson Garvin pitched three scoreless innings Saturday for his first collegiate save and Curt Casali continued his torrid hitting as Vanderbilt defeated Florida State 6-2 to move within one win of reaching its first College World Series.

Rachel Alexandra is a winner as 4-year-old

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Rachel Alexandra has won for the first time as a 4-year-old, roaring to a 1012-length victory in the Fleur de Lis Handicap at Churchill Downs.

Ore. contractors push for builder safety

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon contractors are pushing architects and designers to consider builder safety in addition to the safety of future tenants when they design a building.

Cubs recall right-hander Atkins

CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago Cubs recalled right-hander Mitch Atkins from Triple-A Iowa and optioned James Russell to the minor league club on Saturday.

Former UCLA coach Wooden buried in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, who led the Bruins to 10 NCAA championships and died on June 4, has been buried in Los Angeles.

Ore. city offers cleanup duty to pay back fines

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- Fines from misdemeanors or traffic tickets can be paid off in Eugene by doing a little work for the city under a new program that will start in about a week.

South Carolina tops Coastal Carolina 4-3 in opener

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) -- Blake Cooper worked seven innings of six-hit ball and South Carolina twice escaped bases-loaded jams down the stretch to move a win away from the College World Series with a 4-3 victory over Coastal Carolina in a super regional on Saturday.

Investigators recover plane wreckage in Arizona

EAGAR, Ariz. (AP) -- Federal investigators have recovered the wreckage of a small plane that nosedived into an Arizona high school and exploded Friday afternoon, killing all four people on board.

McNabb: Young Eagles must learn to deal with boos

MARLTON, N.J. (AP) -- Donovan McNabb has a reminder for some of the young Philadelphia Eagles: He's no longer going to be there to absorb the boos.

Kapler placed on DL with hip injury

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- The Tampa Bay Rays have placed outfielder Gabe Kapler on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hip flexor and recalled outfielder Justin Ruggiano from Triple-A Durham.

Spirit Airlines pilot strike strands thousands

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- Spirit Airlines says it's canceling all of its Sunday flights after its pilots went on strike.

Heavy rain adds BPA hydropower to Columbia

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Heavy spring rain has forced the Bonneville Power Administration to give away some surplus hydropower, reduce generation at other power plants and fill reservoirs for migrating fish.

Big 3 has been inconsistent for Celtics

BOSTON (AP) -- The Big Three hasn't been all that big for the Celtics in the NBA finals.

5 killed in Seattle apartment fire

SEATTLE (AP) -- KIRO-TV reports that five people are dead following an apartment fire in Seattle.

3 killed in Seattle apartment fire

SEATTLE (AP) -- KIRO-TV reports that three people are dead following an apartment fire in Seattle.

5 killed in Seattle townhouse fire

SEATTLE (AP) -- Five people have been killed in a Seattle fire.

Lakers' Bynum says he'll play in Game 5

BOSTON (AP) -- Andrew Bynum says he'll play in Game 5 of the NBA finals Sunday night.

Poland wants NATO to plan an end to Afghan mission

WARSAW, Poland (AP) -- Poland's prime minister says he wants NATO to develop a timetable to end its mission in Afghanistan.

Cancellara wins Tour of Switzerland prologue

LUGANO, Switzerland (AP) -- Fabian Cancellara has won the Tour of Switzerland prologue, while Lance Armstrong finished far back at the start of his last race before the Tour de France.

Onyewu starts for US in central defense

RUSTENBURG, South Africa (AP) -- U.S. defender Oguchi Onyewu is in the starting lineup for the Group C matchup with England.

Thomas Bjorn leads Estoril Open by 3 shots

ESTORIL, Portugal (AP) -- Thomas Bjorn of Denmark leads the Estoril Open by three shots after three rounds.

Uruguay soccer official says safe broken into

KIMBERLEY, South Africa (AP) -- Uruguay's soccer association says money was taken from a safe in the Cape Town hotel room of one of its officials.

Trial set for Ore. teacher facing 35 sex charges

PENDLETON, Ore. (AP) -- A trial date has been set for a former Oregon high school teacher and coach facing charges of sex crimes against four students.

Masai of Kenya wins New York Mini 10K

NEW YORK (AP) -- Linet Masai of Kenya ran to a commanding victory over countrywoman Emily Chebet in the New York Mini 10K in Central Park on Saturday.

Paul reaches out to gun advocates in Senate race

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Republican U.S. Senate candidate Rand Paul is reaching out to gun advocates, trying to shore up support from a major voting bloc in Kentucky.

AD says Texas still looking at 'all options'

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds says the Longhorns are still "looking at all options" before deciding whether to stay in the crumbling Big 12 or move to another league.

Contador wins 6th stage of Dauphine

L'ALPE D'HUEZ, France (AP) -- Two-time Tour de France champion Alberto Contador has won the toughest stage of the Criterium du Dauphine Libere after beating race leader Janez Brajkovic in a two-man sprint.

Onetime flagship Catholic school closing in Philly

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Even as financially strapped Catholic schools continue to close across the country, no one in Philadelphia ever thought the church would close Cardinal Dougherty (DOCK-er-tee) High School.

No more supply donations to search for Ore. boy

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office says local residents have been extremely generous in donating food and supplies to search teams looking for a 7-year-old Portland boy. In fact, the sheriff's office has all it needs.

US, Iraqi forces kill 2 in raid south of Baghdad

BAGHDAD (AP) -- The U.S. military says American-backed Iraqi security forces killed two suspected insurgents and arrested seven others south of Baghdad.

CA gay marriage trial to resume after long break

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- The lawyers in the landmark federal trial over the constitutionality of California's gay marriage ban may have to check their dazzling oratory at the courtroom door during next week's closing arguments.

Calif island lands in storm of immigration debate

AVALON, Calif. (AP) -- An island off the Los Angeles coast reluctantly finds itself in the middle of an international tussle over illegal immigration.

Emerging ocean concern: tiny plastic particles

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- Scientists have documented the effects of large plastic flotsam in the oceans, but very little research has focused on what happens when those bigger pieces break down into tiny specks.

Va. inmate: 'Only way to stop me' is death row

POUND, Va. (AP) -- A Virginia inmate who confessed to strangling his cellmate, a man with a long history of mental problems, says he will kill again if he doesn't get the death penalty.

Buyer of CBGB rock club brand files for bankruptcy

NEW YORK (AP) -- The company that bought the right to market the name of the legendary New York City rock club CBGB has filed for bankruptcy.

Italy's 24th man Cossu heads home

IRENE, South Africa (AP) -- Italy's 24th man, Andrea Cossu, is heading home from the World Cup.

Uruguay won't press charges in theft

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- South Africa police say Uruguayan soccer officials have declined to pursue a theft case after allegations emerged that one of their own may have been responsible.

New engine gives Ford drivers new hope

BROOKLYN, Mich. (AP) -- Ford has found a way to get back on its feet in the showroom. Getting back on top in NASCAR is taking a little longer.

Querrey beats Schuettler to gain Queen's final

LONDON (AP) -- American Sam Querrey has gained his fourth final of the season by topping Rainer Schuettler of Germany 6-7 (9), 7-5, 6-3 at the Queen's Club tournament.

Improved transportation planned for Soccer City

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- World Cup and city officials in Johannesburg have met to improve transportation for matches at Soccer City after traffic congestion caused some fans to miss the opening match.

Federer vs. Hewitt in Gerry Weber final

HALLE, Germany (AP) -- Top-ranked Roger Federer will seek his sixth Gerry Weber Open title against Lleyton Hewitt.

Hewitt beats Becker to gain Gerry Weber Open final

HALLE, Germany (AP) -- Lleyton Hewitt has reached his first final of 2010 by beating Germany's Benjamin Becker 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3), 6-2 at the Gerry Weber Open.

All-Region Boys Track and Field Team

Top boys track and field athletes in Southwest Washington, as selected by The Columbian

All-Region Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year

Jon Lawson Prairie High School

Prairie’s Jon Lawson racked up some major accomplishments this season. And the junior Falcon still has one more high-school season remaining to top himself.

Defending champ has his work cut out at Royal Oaks Invitational

Core shoots 4-over 76 in first round at Royal Oaks Invite

Jamie Core smiled a bit as he walked off the 18th green Friday after his opening round at the 2010 Royal Oaks Invitational Tournament. His score — a 4-over-par 76 — was not what he had hoped for, but he finished strong, going 2-under on the back-nine.

Richards, Timbers U-23s visit Vancouver today

Camas alum, UW player on developmental team

The Portland Timbers under-23 team takes on the Yakima Reds in a Premier Development League Northwest Division match today in Vancouver.

Of beauty, polls and boos

Is it possible the way we look could work against us? Crazy world.

B.G. City Council retreat scheduled Monday night

The Battle Ground City Council will hold a retreat Monday night. The council will discuss priorities for the upcoming year.

Small-acreage class will look at basic farm tasks

A two-part workshop starting this month will provide tips to improve management of small acreages.

Time for Pritchard to stand his ground

Commentary: Brian T. Smith

Everybody knows. Everyone seems to have an idea of what Trail Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard should do. How and when Blazers owner Paul Allen should act. The exact time that Allen should pull the trigger. The exact moment that Pritchard should give in, give up and walk away. So, in honor of all the finger-on-the-pulse experts and perfect prognosticators, here’s an absolutely crazy, unbelievably off-the-wall idea: do not quit, Kevin.

Expect slow traffic near Lake Merwin

Motorists should expect 20-minute delays this summer on state Highway 503 near Lake Merwin. A $2.5 million paving project, funded primarily by last year’s federal economic stimulus law, will affect 10.5 miles between the Rock Creek Bridge and Fredrickson Road.

Vital statistics

Court sentencings, marriages, divorces.

Bridge planners look to lessen impact on island

Cost concerns may lead to bulky barrier through community

Hoping to lessen the proposed Columbia River Crossing’s hulking footprint across Hayden Island, an advisory committee mulled two broad alternatives Friday. One would excise the interchange from the island altogether, connecting motorists via two smaller arterial bridges from the south.

G-P workers ratify 5-year contract with company

CAMAS — After a year of talks with Georgia-Pacific, Camas mill workers agreed to a five-year contract in May, said Ken Smith, a union representative of the Association of Western Pulp & Paper Workers Local 5.

City, port to reveal plan for revitalization, development

RIDGEFIELD — The city of Ridgefield, in partnership with the Port of Ridgefield, is aiming to revitalize downtown and guide waterfront development by crafting a comprehensive vision and planning strategy.

In Our View: Cheers & Jeers

Church opens community center; B.G. council opens taxpayers’ wallets

Cheers: To the Kessid Church and its efforts to turn a twice-failed athletic club into a community center serving the eastern edge of Vancouver. The church, founded by former Living Hope Church pastor Danny Clinton and Heathman Lodge manager Brett Wilkerson, had been meeting at the Firstenburg Community Center. A tip at a Super Bowl party led them to the owner of the former Bally’s Total Fitness building, vacant since 2008. The church has leased the property and is reopening it not only as a place of worship, but as a community center offering three swimming pools, a fitness center, a gym, and studio and meeting space. An opening party for the new Kessid Center is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at 16096 S.E. 15th St.

Death notices

A daily list of death notices.

Our Readers' Views on political candidates

Letters to the editor

Try This: Plenty of chances to get out

National Get Outdoors Day encourages families to explore fun and healthful activities in the outdoors. The Water Resources Education Center is hosting a variety of activities in conjunction with the occasion. The event includes hands-on activities, presentations, and appearances from Smokey Bear and Ranger Rick.

Three to vie for county commissioner

Stuart’s seat challenged by Stewart, Svehaug in Aug. 17 primary election

Clark County Commissioner Steve Stuart received two opponents Friday, the final day of filing for the Aug. 17 primary. Vancouver City Councilwoman Jeanne Stewart and political newcomer Alan Svehaug, both Republicans, filed against the Democrat.

Religion calendar

Classes and events.

American Blatt named Maccabi Tel Aviv coach

JERUSALEM (AP) -- David Blatt has returned to Maccabi Tel Aviv, signing a three-year deal to coach the Israeli league team he led from 2001-03.

BP exec gives pep talk amid US tensions over spill

SCHRIEVER, La. (AP) -- A top BP executive has acknowledged growing tensions between the oil giant and the federal government but also gave workers at a command center a much-needed pep talk.

BP refines plans for capturing leaking Gulf oil

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- BP PLC says a new system to trap oil gushing from a well in the Gulf of Mexico should be complete by mid-July.

Samsung to sponsor Diamond League

MONACO (AP) -- Samsung is the new title sponsor of the IAAF Diamond League.

FIFA looks at opening match empty seats

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- FIFA is investigating why a section of seats at Soccer City was unoccupied during the World Cup opening match between South Africa and Mexico.

Gattuso to retire from Italy's national team

IRENE, South Africa (AP) -- Italy midfielder Gennaro Gattuso will retire from the national team after the World Cup.

Minnesota asks drivers to brake for turtles

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Why did the turtle cross the road?

Karzai seeks support for Kandahar operation

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AP) -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai is seeking support for a campaign to ramp up security in the southern city of Kandahar and increase his government's influence in the Taliban stronghold that is rife with violence, crime and corruption.

Relative driving in crash that killed Mandela girl

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- Nelson Mandela's office says a relative was driving the car in which the anti-apartheid leader's great granddaughter was riding when she was killed in a crash.

Fighter jets kill 10 militants in NW Pakistan

PARACHINAR, Pakistan (AP) -- A local official says Pakistani fighter jets have destroyed several militant hide-outs in the northwest, killing 10 insurgents.