Stories for June 2, 2010

Blazers assistant in line for job

A league source confirmed a report by ESPN on Wednesday that New Orleans plans to soon offer its vacant head-coaching job to Portland assistant Monty Williams, if Boston assistant Tom Thibodeau does not accept the job by this evening. “I’ve been in this way too long to get too high or too low,” Williams said Tuesday. “I never believe anything until I sign on the line.”

So far, not much sign of damaging fruit fly

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Insect researchers say they aren't seeing much evidence of a tiny fruit fly that last year showed a fearsome appetite for Oregon's fruit and berries.

Gov. Brewer says she, Obama agree to work together

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer says she and President Barack Obama have agreed to try to work together on a solution to the nation's immigration and border security woes.

OR state police: 4-vehicle crash west of Salem

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon State Police say a pickup truck swerved after driving into standing water on State Highway 22 west of Salem, triggering a four-car crash on Wednesday afternoon.

Hikers, disoriented in fog, make it down from volcano

Vancouver men were cold, wet, but unharmed

Two Vancouver men who became disoriented in white-out fog while descending Mount St. Helens in foul weather on Tuesday spent the night under a shelter made of fir boughs and a tarp.

Teen missing after jump into swollen Ore. creek

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A Portland Fire Bureau spokesman says a 15-year-old boy is missing after he jumped into rain-swollen Johnson Creek on Wednesday night in an effort to swim across.

Rain, rain here to stay

Thursday will bring late storm, 19th straight day of wet weather

Another drenching June rainstorm will arrive late Thursday evening, punctuating the 19th straight day of measurable rainfall in Vancouver. “It’s not your typical pattern for late spring,” said Steve Starmer, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Portland. “We’ve had a very active, moist jet stream coming across the Pacific.”

No WA jackpot winners for Powerball, Lotto, Hit 5

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- No top-prize tickets were sold in Washington for Wednesday's $262 million Powerball drawing, the Washington State Lottery's $2.3 million Lotto jackpot or the $310,000 Hit 5 cashpot.

Wondolowski helps Quakes tie Crew 2-2

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) -- Chris Wondolowski scored his sixth goal of the season in the 79th minute Wednesday night and the San Jose Eathquakes salvaged a 2-2 tie with the Columbus Crew.

Israel rejects international investigation of raid

JERUSALEM (AP) -- Israel has rejected calls from the United Nations and others for an international investigation of its deadly raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.

Police arrest alleged stabber along Burton Road

Carlos Roman ran, was found hiding, police said

Vancouver police and a tracking dog converged in the Burton area early Wednesday afternoon and captured a fugitive who allegedly stabbed a woman last weekend, seriously injuring her. Carlos Roman, 19, was found hiding near the 8100 block of Northeast Burton Road after running from officers, according to a bulletin from the Vancouver Police Department.

Cuddyer to leave Twins after family death

SEATTLE (AP) -- The Minnesota Twins will be without outfielder Michael Cuddyer for a few days following the death of his father-in-law.

Bode Miller entered in tennis tournament

HONOLULU (AP) -- Olympic gold medal skier Bode Miller is taking a swing at tennis.

Raising a green roof

A roof made of drought-resistant plants lowered a Clark County couple's heating, cooling bills. To learn more, read Thursday's Columbian.

Suzuki's 2 HRs lead A's to 9-8 win over Red Sox

BOSTON (AP) -- Kurt Suzuki hit two of Oakland's four homers as the Athletics showed unusual power in overcoming Boston's 18-hit attack and holding on to beat the Red Sox 9-8 on Thursday.

Texting blamed in crash for second time in two days

2:15 p.m. collison was on Highway 500

For the second time in two days, a text-messaging driver caused a collision, this time a rear-end crash on state Highway 500 on Wednesday afternoon, police said. About 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, Gina M. Turnbull, 20, of Camas was driving east near Stapleton Road when two cars ahead of her stopped for traffic, according to a bulletin from the Washington State Patrol.

Study of fatal helicopter crash begins

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- Investigators seek the cause of the crash of a small helicopter into a Spokane area neighborhood that killed a student pilot.

Wash. helicopter crash kills pilot

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. (AP) -- Investigators say a student pilot has died in the Wednesday afternoon crash of a light helicopter that fell into the backyard of a home near Felts Field airport in Spokane Valley.

Helicopter crash kills pilot

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. (AP) -- A light helicopter crashed into the backyard of a home near Felts Field in Spokane Valley, and a Spokane television station reports the student-pilot was killed.

Felida's Drake Kemper named Crush of the Month by Miss Moxie

Clark County’s own Drake Kemper has been named Crush of the Month for June by the online teen magazine Miss Moxie.

US plans to be in Turkey, but will monitor events

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo says the United States plans to play in the world championships in Turkey, but will watch to see if events in that part of the world force a change.

San Diego's Ching, Florida State lead NCAA golf

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) -- San Diego's Alex Ching shot a 6-under 66 on Wednesday to take the individual lead in the NCAA Division I men's golf championship, while Florida State took a commanding advantage in the team competition.

Abreu hits 500th career double

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Los Angeles Angels right fielder Bobby Abreu hit his 500th career double against the Kansas City Royals to join an exclusive major league club.

Mariners legend Ken Griffey Jr., 40, retires

Manager Don Wakamatsu makes announcement before game

Ken Griffey Jr. retired Wednesday night, ending one of the great careers in baseball history. The 40-year-old Griffey told the Mariners that he was done playing, and manager Don Wakamatsu made the announcement before Seattle faced Minnesota.

Blast hits Bend, Ore., bullet plant; nobody hurt

BEND, Ore. (AP) -- A bullet plant in Bend has been evacuated after an explosion and fire. Fire officials say a worker who smelled smoke pulled an alarm, and everybody got out before the explosion minutes later.

Donor offers $50K if 'Barefoot Bandit' surrenders

SEATTLE (AP) -- An anonymous donor is offering to pay a notorious Washington state teen burglar $50,000 if he turns himself in by next Tuesday.

Wash. bounty hunter joins search for teen bandit

CAMANO ISLAND, Wash. (AP) -- News that an Everett bounty hunter is joining the search for elusive teen bandit Colton Harris-Moore has drawn mixed reaction on Camano Island, where Harris-Moore grew up.

Guerrero taken to hospital after hit above eye

CHICAGO (AP) -- Texas Rangers designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero was taken to the hospital after a ball he hit in batting practice ricocheted off the cage and struck him above the left eye.

WA gov says special session could be needed

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Gov. Chris Gregoire says that another special legislative session in Washington state is a possibility if Medicaid match money doesn't come through from the federal government.

Sheriff: 2 seriously hurt in Silver Lake WA fight

SILVER LAKE, Wash. (AP) -- Cowlitz County sheriff's officers are investigating a southwest Washington fight that involved about nine men and ending with serious injuries to two of them.

Sheriff: At least 3 hurt in Silver Lake stabbing

SILVER LAKE, Wash. (AP) -- Cowlitz County sheriff's deputies are investigating a stabbing with multiple victims in southwest Washington.

Yanks help women who survived Rwandan Genocide

NEW YORK (AP) -- Women who survived the 1994 Rwandan genocide are getting a helping hand from the New York Yankees.

Ken Griffey Jr. retiring at age 40

SEATTLE (AP) -- Seattle Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu says Ken Griffey Jr. is retiring.

Citing NY success, Redskins want Super Bowl in DC

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) -- Now that the New York area is getting a cold weather Super Bowl, Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder is going to try to do the same for the nation's capital.

Comedian visits Oregon sawmill for TV show

CAVE JUNCTION, Ore. (AP) -- Dan "Larry the Cable Guy" Whitney has spent a day with the real-life blue collar guys at the Rough and Ready Lumber mill outside Cave Junction, Ore.

Ore. man charged with manslaughter in fatal crash

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- An Oregon man has been charged with manslaughter and assault resulting from a January crash near Eugene that killed a young girl.

McGwire misses second game

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- St. Louis Cardinals batting coach Mark McGwire missed his second straight game, a day after his wife gave birth to triplets.

Cubs' Santo back in Chicago after brief illness

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Cubs announcer Ron Santo has returned to Chicago after being released from a Pittsburgh hospital, where he stayed overnight following the Cubs-Pirates game on Monday.

Rangers RHP Hunter set to make first start

CHICAGO (AP) -- Texas Rangers right-hander Tommy Hunter is scheduled to make his first start of the season against Tampa Bay on Saturday.

ASU removes interim tag from baseball coach

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) -- Arizona State has taken away the interim tag from baseball coach Tim Esmay.

Calif. car dealer who hexed prosecutors sentenced

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Authorities say a used car dealer is headed to prison for fraud, despite attempting to place a voodoo hex on prosecutors handling his case in Los Angeles.

Camas police release name of teen who drowned

Camas police this afternoon released the name of a teenage boy was found drowned in Lacamas Creek on Monday, a half-mile upstream from Northeast Third Avenue.

Yankees activate Jorge Posada

NEW YORK (AP) -- Jorge Posada has been activated from the 15-day disabled list and inserted into the New York Yankees lineup as the designated hitter for their game against the Baltimore Orioles.

Padres reinstate Scott Hairston, option Durango

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The San Diego Padres have activated outfielder Scott Hairston from the 15-day disabled list and optioned outfielder Luis Durango to Triple-A Portland.

4 arrested in Seattle stun-gun robberies

SEATTLE (AP) -- Seattle police say they have arrested four people after a string of robberies and stun-gun attacks on women.

Coos Bay bans smoking in downtown park

COOS BAY, Ore. (AP) -- Smokers in Coos Bay will have to curb their habit when visiting Mingus Park.

Shock's Hornbuckle suspended 2 games

NEW YORK (AP) -- Tulsa Shock guard Alexis Hornbuckle has been suspended for two games by the WNBA on Wednesday, a day after pleading guilty to a charge for driving while impaired by alcohol.

Cubs' Lee late scratch from lineup

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Chicago Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee was scratched from the lineup less than 90 minutes before Wednesday night's game against the Pirates due to a tight right hamstring.

June rain sets Oregon records

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- June has barely begun and it is already setting records in Oregon for wet weather.

Police pound pavement for Special Olympians

Officers, deputies, prosecutors join for 11-mile run to raise awareness, funds

The annual Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run is both a public awareness campaign and fundraiser, signaling the arrival of this weekend’s statewide Special Olympics in Fort Lewis.

Doctors, NFL officials discuss head injuries

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Imagine a day when every NFL player has a transmitter in his helmet -- to record how many blows to the head he's receiving.

Smoke causes evacuation of Portland high-rise

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A small fire caused the World Trade Center building in downtown Portland to be evacuated Wednesday.

Smoke causes brief evacuation of Portland highrise

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A small fire caused the World Trade Center building in downtown Portland to be briefly evacuated Wednesday afternoon.

Smoke causes evacuation of Portland highrise

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A small fire caused the World Trade Center building in downtown Portland to be evacuated Wednesday afternoon.

NHL GMs want in-game penalties for blindside hits

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- NHL general managers are recommending that players who deliver blindside hits to the head be given a 5-minute penalty and ejected from games.

Walls moved back at Women's College World Series

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Women's College World Series will have a new look this year.

Paint shows up in Ashland Creek

ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Someone dumped some paint in a storm drain in Ashland and it ended up in picturesque Ashland Creek -- right in the section visible to outdoor diners at restaurants on The Plaza.

Serbia, Poland draw 0-0 in World Cup warmup

KUFSTEIN, Austria (AP) -- World Cup qualifier Serbia was held to a scoreless draw by Poland in a friendly match played in rainy conditions Wednesday.

Packers' Harris eager to return from knee injury

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Packers cornerback Al Harris says there's no doubt he'll be back helping Green Bay on the field this season after a major knee injury.

Krzyzewski: Still not interested in leaving Duke

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) -- While Mike Krzyzewski is flattered by all the reports linking him to the NBA, he insists he's not leaving Duke.

Ducks sign D Brookbank to 2-year contract

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- Defenseman Sheldon Brookbank has agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Anaheim Ducks.

Ron Dayne's Rose Bowl rings taken in burglaries

WAUNAKEE, Wis. (AP) -- Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne says his Rose Bowl rings, a bracelet commemorating his selection as the top player in college football and other items worth more than $140,000 have been stolen.

Former Stanford swim coach Tom Haynie dies

MORRO BAY, Calif. (AP) -- Former Stanford swimming coach Tom Haynie has died.

Raptors hire Carlesimo as assistant coach

TORONTO (AP) -- The Toronto Raptors have hired veteran NBA coach P.J. Carlesimo as an assistant.

Gibbs denies offering job to Colo. candidate

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The White House is rejecting claims that it offered a job to a Colorado Democrat if he would drop out of a Senate race against a candidate favored by President Barack Obama.

White House faces more questions over dealmaking

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The White House is facing fresh questions over back-room dealmaking.

Allain to lead 2011 US national junior hockey team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) -- Yale men's hockey coach Keith Allain will be in charge of the 2011 U.S. national junior team.

Spokane guilty plea in rape after church event

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- A man pleaded guilty in Spokane Wednesday to raping a woman he met at a church function.

Atogwe becomes unrestricted free agent

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- St. Louis Rams free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe, the team's top playmaker the last four seasons, has become an unrestricted free agent after failing to come to an agreement on a multiyear contract.

16-year sentence for fatal Burlington shooting

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) -- A man who killed another man in Burlington after a bar fight was sentenced Wednesday in Mount Vernon to more than 16 years in prison.

Tire shatters windshield on I-5 at Tukwila

TUKWILA, Wash. (AP) -- A loose tire shattered the windshield of a car Wednesday on Interstate 5 at Tukwila.

Report: Hanford beryllium program has weaknesses

RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) -- An Energy Department review has concluded that a program for protecting workers from a toxic metal at the nation's most contaminated nuclear site has a number of weaknesses and could have been implemented more quickly.

Hanford report expected on beryllium

RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) -- The federal government plans to release the results of an investigation into worker exposure to beryllium at the nation's most contaminated nuclear site.

Ashland Creek polluted by illegal dumping

ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Ashland officials are trying to find the person responsible for dumping cream-colored paint into a storm drain.

Childress not concerned with Twitter trash talk

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota coach Brad Childress says he is not concerned with the trash-talking tweets going on between Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe and Saints safety Darren Sharper.

Lakewood police shooting trial to jury next week

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- The defense in the Tacoma trial of Latanya Clemmons rested Wednesday without calling her to testify.

Change of venue to be sought in Riddle case

ROSEBURG, Ore. (AP) -- Attorneys for the man accused of killing 14-year-old Stephanie Condon plan to ask for the trial to moved out of Douglas County.

Braves' Jones leaves game with sore finger

ATLANTA (AP) -- Chipper Jones has left Atlanta's game against Philadelphia with an injured finger.

Baby killed in Eastern Oregon crash

LA GRANDE, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon State Police say a 3-month-old girl died in a rollover crash on Interstate 84 west of La Grande.

Steelers not divulging training camp QB rotation

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Ben Roethlisberger is taking nearly all the snaps with the regulars, and apparently will do so until the Pittsburgh Steelers' voluntary practices end next week.

Tomlin: Steelers working with Roethlisberger

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says the team is working closely with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to make sure he turns his life around, but Tomlin is not offering any specifics.

Spinks junior middleweight title defense postponed

NEW YORK (AP) -- Junior middleweight titleholder Cory Spinks' defense against Cornelius Bundrage has been postponed.

Actor Simon Pegg testifies in NYC burglary trial

NEW YORK (AP) -- British actor Simon Pegg says he lost an iPod and a camera in a New York City hotel burglary, but his habit of safeguarding his wedding ring apparently kept it from being stolen.

Paraguay beats Greece 2-0 in last World Cup warmup

WINTERTHUR, Switzerland (AP) -- Enrique Vera and Lucas Barrios scored first-half goals to help Paraguay beat Greece 2-0 Wednesday in the last World Cup warmup game for both teams.

Kansas chancellor orders review of gift to AD

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- The University of Kansas' chancellor has ordered a university review of a gift of exercise equipment given to athletic director Lew Perkins.

Pats' Welker back at practice after knee surgery

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -- New England Patriots receiver Wes Welker is running pass routes again four months after knee surgery.

Ore. man faces abuse charges after dog grabs bunny

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- An Oregon man has been charged with animal abuse after ordering his dog to attack a rabbit at a Salem city park in front of children.

Holloway suspect sought in Peru murder

LIMA, Peru (AP) -- Peruvian police say a young Dutchman twice arrested in the 2005 disappearance of Alabama teen Natalee Holloway is now a suspect in the slaying of a Peruvian woman.

Take-Two lands Michael Jordan for NBA video game

NEW YORK (AP) -- Basketball superstar Michael Jordan will help develop the upcoming "NBA 2K11" game from Take-Two Interactive and will be on the game's cover.

Plans formalized for Baltimore Grand Prix in 2011

BALTIMORE (AP) -- The Baltimore Grand Prix is on for August of next year.

Aberdeen crash: She hit gas instead of brake

ABERDEEN, Wash. (AP) -- Police say a woman hit the gas instead of the brake and drove through the front windows at a credit union office in Aberdeen.

Vigil for slain woman in Pasco

PASCO, Wash. (AP) -- A vigil is scheduled Wednesday night in Volunteer Park in Pasco in memory of a 21-year-old woman, Griselda Ocampo Meza, who was stabbed to death.

Liberty announces jersey deal with Foxwoods casino

NEW YORK (AP) -- The New York Liberty will become the fourth WNBA team to feature corporate logos on their jerseys.

Suazo almost sure to miss World Cup opener

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) -- Striker Humberto Suazo seems certain to miss Chile's first match at the World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury.

Capello signs extension to stay through Euro 2012

LONDON (AP) -- Fabio Capello has signed a contract amendment to stay as England coach through the 2012 European Championship.

Effort launched to bring NHL back to Hartford

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- The former owner of the Hartford Whalers has launched a campaign that he hopes will eventually bring an NHL team back to Connecticut.

Report: Prevention best way to keep waters clean

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The state of Oregon has issued its plan for stopping toxic pollutants such as flame retardants, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides from getting into rivers and bays.

Corps tries to slow sediment flow from St. Helens

LONGVIEW, Wash. (AP) -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is trying something different next month to control massive sediment flow from Mount St. Helens.

UK launches anti-doping hot line before 2012 games

LONDON (AP) -- Britain has launched a confidential telephone hot line to help catch drug cheats before the 2012 London Olympics.

Wash. to adopt new national education standards

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Washington's superintendent of public instruction says he will review the new national education standards for the next month before provisionally adopting them.

Man pleads guilty to assaulting football player

LARGO, Fla. (AP) -- A Largo man has pleaded guilty to felony battery for assaulting Ohio State University football player Tyler Moeller at a bar last summer.

Singh avoids US Open qualifying, gets exemption

DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) -- Vijay Singh won't have to go through qualifying to play in the U.S. Open in two weeks at Pebble Beach.

UCI to look into alleged hidden motors

AIGLE, Switzerland (AP) -- The International Cycling Union will examine "mechanical doping" at a meeting with bike manufacturers.

Gebrselassie to make NYC Marathon debut

NEW YORK (AP) -- Two-time Olympic champion Haile (HAY-lee) Gebrselassie (Sell-ALL-see) will make his debut this fall in the New York City Marathon.

Overhauling Maracana expected to cost $393 million

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) -- Officials say overhauling Rio de Janeiro's huge Maracana Stadium for the 2014 World Cup will cost more than $390 million.

Wrong-way driver still at large

State troopers looking for green Ford Explorer

A wrong-way driver traveling south in the northbound lanes of Interstate 5 this morning struck a vehicle near the 179th Street exit, according to a Washington State Patrol spokesman.

Iron Chef ready to serve LeBron

CLEVELAND (AP) -- One of the Cavaliers' most famous fans is hoping the way to LeBron James' heart is through his stomach.

Mass. House approves national popular vote bill

BOSTON (AP) -- The Massachusetts House has approved a bill that would replace the Electoral College with a direct popular vote when electing the president.

2 climbers overdue on Mount St. Helens are safe

COUGAR, Wash. (AP) -- Two men reported overdue on a climb up southwest Washington's Mount St. Helens are safely down after spending a cold wet night on the mountain.

Phoenix's Maloney named NHL GM of the year

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The NHL says Don Maloney of the Phoenix Coyotes has been chosen as the league's top general manager this season.

Brazil beats Zimbabwe 3-0 in World Cup warmup

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) -- Brazil defeated Zimbabwe 3-0 in a World Cup warmup on Wednesday behind goals from Michel Bastos, Robinho and Elano.

Woods moves on without a coach

DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) -- Tiger Woods says he has no plans to hire another swing coach as he moves into a critical part of the season with two majors on courses where he has won by lopsided margins.

Chetco River on list of 10 most threatened

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) -- The Chetco River in southwestern Oregon is on the list of 10 most endangered rivers in the country compiled annually by the conservation group American Rivers.

Pitt joins US World Cup bid committee

NEW YORK (AP) -- The United States has added more star power to its bid for the 2018 or 2022 World Cups, putting actor Brad Pitt on the committee trying to bring back soccer's premier event.

Cuban hurdler Robles says he's fine after fall

HAVANA (AP) -- Olympic champion Dayron Robles says he got away unscathed after a dangerous fall in the 110 meter hurdles at the FBK Games in the Netherlands.

Rams hire Glover to aid in player transition

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Retired defensive tackle La'Roi Glover has a new job for the St. Louis Rams -- helping young players make the transition to professional football and learn how to deal with off-the-field matters.

Sky Blue signs Italian star Patrizia Panico

SOMERSET, N.J. (AP) -- Italian national team captain Patrizia Panico has agreed to play for Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer.

Salem-based auto dealer to close

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Willamette Auto Group is closing June 15.

Ice Box made favorite for Belmont Stakes

NEW YORK (AP) -- Ice Box has been made the 3-1 favorite for Saturday's $1 million Belmont Stakes.

Wet weather advisory in effect for Vancouver area

Heavy rain and strong winds could turn roadways into streams, according to a hazardous weather outlook issued early this morning by the National Weather Service in Portland. The flowing water could sweep road debris in front of drains, allowing untethered creeks to grow.

Runway at Klamath Falls Airport has pockmarks

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) -- Completed just last year, a runway project at Klamath Falls Airport must be revisited.

Gator raid: 3-ft-long alligator collared in Mich.

TRENTON, Mich. (AP) -- Police in a Detroit suburb have picked up an unusual suspect: a 3-foot-long alligator.

Jockey Richard Migliore retires after 30 years

NEW YORK (AP) -- There will be no more comebacks for Richard Migliore.

Thieves hit Salem Habitat for Humanity office

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- A pickup truck, two construction trailers and tools were stolen over the Memorial Day weekend from the Habitat for Humanity office in Salem.

Army: Disabled Ore. guardsman not billed for gear

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The Army says a former Oregon National Guard soldier has not been billed for gear lost when he was wounded in Iraq.

Disabled Oregon guard soldier billed for gear

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The government has been docking the disability checks of a former Oregon National Guard soldier who was wounded in Iraq.

2 Portland men convicted in Vancouver cop shooting

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) -- Two Portland men were convicted in Vancouver of attempted murder, robbery and other charges in a home invasion robbery and shooting of a police officer.

Property from theft cases to be sold in Salem

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- The state's surplus property program is holding a special sale Saturday to clear its northeast Salem warehouse of property turned over from theft cases.

Body found in Camas creek was teen who drowned

CAMAS, Wash. (AP) -- Police say the body found drowned in a creek at Lacamas Park in Camas is a teenage boy who had been missing a few days.

BNSF reopens train tracks west of Spokane

EDWALL, Wash. (AP) -- The main railroad between Seattle and Spokane is back open, following a derailment.

Derailment blocks BNSF RR tracks west of Spokane

EDWALL, Wash. (AP) -- A Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight train derailment about 30 miles west of Spokane has blocked the main rail route between Seattle and Spokane.

Wittels, Ventura meet by phone to talk streaks

MIAMI (AP) -- Florida International's Garrett Wittels is getting some help in pursuit of Robin Ventura's Division I hitting streak record. That is, from Ventura himself.

Northwest rain expected to persist

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon's anti-spring appears set to continue through most the week.

Study: 'Leaded' fear keeps kids from being tested

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- A new study finds parents living in the Bunker Hill Superfund site are reluctant to have their children tested for lead exposure because of the stigmas associated with elevated blood-lead levels.

If SAfrica team falls, home fans will back Brazil

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- If the Bafana Bafana are eliminated at the World Cup, look for South Africans to turn their support to five-time champion Brazil.

U.S. manufacturing growth builds optimism in Clark County

The U.S. manufacturing sector posted its 10th straight month of expansion in May — a development that bodes well for employment in Clark County, a regional labor economist said Tuesday. “We are seeing some of that uptick in manufacturing already here,” said Scott Bailey, Southwest Washington regional economist for the state Employment Security Department. “It looks like it should continue to be a positive factor for the near future.”

No shortage of cover stories

Commentary: Paul Valencia

Most of the time, if a Major League Baseball player throws a perfect game, it is front-page news in our Sports section. Sorry, Roy Halladay, not this weekend.

Garden dreams uprooted by vandals

Effort to raise veggies at Leroy Haagen Community Park suffers setback

FIRCREST — A year ago, LeeAnn O’Neil-Ocampo had a vision for Leroy Haagen Community Park in east Vancouver: a plot of fresh soil for neighbors to harvest vegetables. That vision took form with the opening of a community garden earlier this spring at the park at Northeast 136th Avenue and Northeast Ninth Street.

Prep notes: Washougal hires new football coach, two others

Volleyball, girls soccer teams also have new coaches

Washougal athletics have three new coaches for the fall sports season. Bob Jacobs, the new football coach, was conducting his first spring drills Tuesday afternoon with the Panthers. The former head coach at Marshall High School in Portland said he is thrilled to be working on this side of the river. He and his family live in east Vancouver.

West side station marks 125 years

SHUMWAY — Station tours, historical information, bagpipes and kid activities are all on tap as the Vancouver Fire Department celebrates the west side station’s 125th birthday. Festivities are set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The station is at 400 E. 37th St., on corner of Main and 37th streets.

Vital statistics

Court sentencings

Leadership Clark County honors grads

Leadership Clark County will honor graduates of its 10-month leadership development program next week.

Hathaway earns Green School status

Hathaway Elementary received Washington Green Schools certification thanks to the school’s Green Team.

Hatchery paving project to cause some closures

UNDERWOOD — A pavement replacement project at Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery will cause temporary closures this month.

Everybody has a story: Love of shoes makes mom, daughter a well-matched pair

After more years than I care to count, my mother still talks about the little girl I was. About how I didn’t like to get my hands dirty (don’t bother to invite me on a camping trip) and how I’d constantly come in from playing to make sure she was still there. But it’s mostly about the shoes, and how, by the age of 2, I had more pairs than she did — and about the one pair I just had to have.

Class 2A Greater St. Helens League Spring All-League Teams

Spring all-league teams from the Class 2A Greater St. Helens League, as voted upon by the coaches.

Class 3A Greater St. Helens League Spring All-League Teams

Spring all-league teams from the Class 3A Greater St. Helens League, as voted upon by the coaches.

Neighbors calendar

Neighborhood association meetings and events.

In your neighborhood

News and events in Clark County neighborhoods.

Block foam recycling event set for Saturday

Clark County and the city of Vancouver will host a free block foam recycling event Saturday at the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center.

Wallace leaves strong record of service

Why is Deb Wallace, one of the finest state legislators Clark County has ever produced, bowing out of that elected office? Why did the Vancouver Democrat, who served the 17th District for almost a decade, suddenly fire a double-barreled political shotgun at her constituents?

In our view: No Change Needed

Part-time mayor works fine for Vancouver; plenty of reasons to support status quo

Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt’s suggestion that the city might be better off with a full-time mayor would carry more clout if he had said so five months before he took office instead of five months after. In his defense, Leavitt has not officially announced any movement in that direction. He recently said changing the city to a full-time mayor “is not something I’m intending to personally propose.” Good idea. “But the demands of the job are really full time. At some point in the future, I think it’s worth a conversation … about what the responsibilities and requirements of a mayor of a city as large as Vancouver are.”

Pets of the Week

These pets are among those available for adoption from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Humane Society for Southwest Washington, 1100 N.E. 192nd Ave., Vancouver. Fees — which can include registered microchip, health exam, a spay or neuter certificate and vaccination — vary. Call 360-693-4746.

What's Up with That? Rolled curbs not an invitation to park on sidewalk

Some neighborhoods in the newer parts of Vancouver have the rolled-edge curbs instead of the square ones. What is the purpose of these modified curbs? Is it legal to park a car with the passenger-side wheels completely on the sidewalk in these neighborhoods?

Death notices

A list of daily death notices.

Our readers views

Letters to the editor.

Correction: Union High School

Union High School: Graduation for Union High School will be June 9 at McKenzie Stadium, 2205 N.E. 138th Ave. An incorrect address was included in the graduation listings on Page C6 on Tuesday.

Two guilty in shooting of police officer

Two Portland men were found guilty Tuesday afternoon of all charges relating to a home-invasion robbery and subsequent shooting of a Vancouver police sergeant in April 2009.

Woman: One-time JonBenet suspect recruiting kids

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- A woman who has a restraining order against the man who falsely claimed to have murdered JonBenet Ramsey says the former suspect is living as a woman and trying to form a cult of little girls to have sex with him.

Richland schools settle discrimination lawsuit

RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) -- The Richland School District has settled a lawsuit filed by the families of four Richland High School girls basketball players who accused their coach of racial discrimination and retaliation.

Washington ferry fare hike postponed for review

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- A ferry fare hike will likely be delayed for a review of the state ferry system prompted by an investigation by KING-TV of Seattle.

3 convicted for Tacoma nightclub shooting

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- Three men suspected of being gang members were convicted of attempted murder for a shooting outside a Tacoma nightclub.

Spokane trailer fire victim dies of burns

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- A man who was burned in a fire in his travel trailer May 12 in Spokane died Friday at a Seattle hospital.

Gang members outnumber police in Royal City

ROYAL CITY, Wash. (AP) -- The drive-by shooting that critically wounded a 10-year-old boy highlights the gang problem in the Grant County town of Royal City.

Yakima police asking for help battling gangs

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) -- Yakima Police Chief Sam Granato says the execution-style shooting of a man Sunday in broad daylight demonstrates the city needs federal help to battle gangs.

17-year-old killed in drive-by shooting in Othello

OTHELLO, Wash. (AP) -- A 17-year-old was killed in a drive-by shooting in Othello.

Kewell, Cahill headline Socceroos squad

SYDNEY (AP) -- Injured Galatasaray forward Harry Kewell has been included in Australia's 23-man World Cup squad that contains 14 veterans from Germany 2006.

Just like November, rainstorm hits Washington

SEATTLE (AP) -- Looking more like November than June, a rainstorm is hitting Washington.

Bjorn Borg says Soderling near top spot in tennis

STOCKHOLM (AP) -- Sweden's Bjorn Borg says compatriot Robin Soderling is within reach of the world No. 1 title after ending Roger Federer's record streak of 23 consecutive major semifinals in the French Open.

US at Belgium, Italy at Australia in 2011 Fed Cup

PARIS (AP) -- The United States will play at Belgium, and Italy will go to Australia in the first round of Fed Cup play in 2011.

Mizrachi, 29, grinds to $1.56M mixed-game WSOP win

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- A 29-year-old Miami poker professional nicknamed "The Grinder" has outlasted a 37-year-old Russian banker to win a mixed-game title at the World Series of Poker worth $1.56 million.

Stock futures rise, point to higher opening

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stock futures are pointing to a modest market rebound, a day after major indexes plunged shortly before the close of trading.

ZeaChem breaks ground on cellulosic ethanol plant

LAKEWOOD, Colo. (AP) -- A Lakewood, Colo.-based company is marking the groundbreaking of its biorefinery in Boardman, Ore., that will turn poplar trees into cellulosic ethanol.

Turkish lawmakers urge govt to review Israel ties

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) -- Turkish lawmakers have issued a declaration calling on the government to review its political and military ties with Israel.

Swiss crack down on Texas hold 'em matches

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) -- There's no skill in Texas hold 'em.

Special Olympics Torch Run is today

Officers with the Vancouver Police Department and Clark County Sheriff’s Office will run with Special Olympics athletes, starting today at 9 a.m. outside the Clark County Courthouse at 1200 Franklin St. in downtown Vancouver. The occasion is the 2010 Law Enforcement Torch Run, which will end later today at the sheriff’s West Precinct office, 505 N.W. 179th St. near the fairgrounds.