Stories for June 21, 2010

Community scoreboard, June 22

Community sports results for the week of June 15-21

Ex NFL player Dillon pleads not guilty to DUI

MALIBU, Calif. (AP) -- Former NFL running back Corey Dillon has pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor DUI charges stemming from his April arrest in Southern California.

Mother of suicidal teen sues county

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- The mother of a 16-year-old teen who allegedly threw himself from the second floor of a juvenile detention facility has filed a $2 million lawsuit against Lane County, saying detention center employees knew her son was suicidal.

IBM to hire 600 new workers in Oregon

BEAVERTON, Ore. (AP) -- State and city officials say IBM will hire 600 new employees in Beaverton, Ore., as the computer giant expands its presence in the state.

Lights go out at 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' taping

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Jimmy Kimmel wasn't going to let a little power outage stop the taping of his show.

Report out on grounding of Tidewater barge

Officials said they should have been alerted sooner

PORTLAND (AP) — State and federal response officials said they should have been notified earlier after a fuel barge was grounded in the Columbia River last year, according to documents released by the Coast Guard. No fuel spilled after the New Dawn, owned and piloted by Tidewater Barge Lines of Vancouver, ran aground on an uncharted mud shoal near the Hood River shortly after 3 a.m. on July 9, 2009.

Cool start to summer a mixed blessing for berries

Weather is perfect for fruit but customers tend to assume otherwise

Joe Beaudoin may be the rare Clark County resident who is unfazed by the stubbornly cool and wet weather that dominated the month before the first day of summer on Monday. “The way it is right now is perfect berry weather,” he said Monday afternoon, the latest in a string of cool, overcast days.

Vancouver airman arrested in thefts from military

He’s accused of selling stolen items on Craigslist

Portland — A high-ranking airman in the Oregon Air National Guard was arrested Monday morning after an eight-month investigation into allegations he stole flat-screen TVs, motorcycles and other equipment from the military and sold some of it on Craigslist. Adam Michael Monticelli of Vancouver, a senior master sergeant in the elite 125th Special Tactics Squadron, is to be arraigned this afternoon.

Barak lashes out at east Jerusalem demolition plan

JERUSALEM (AP) -- Israel's defense minister says the approval by a Jerusalem planning body of a plan to raze 22 Palestinian homes in east Jerusalem lacks "common sense."

Report: suspected Kurd rebels kill 3 in bombing

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) -- A television report says suspected Kurdish rebels have killed at least three people in a bomb attack on a bus carrying military personnel in Istanbul.

Guard member pleads not guilty to government theft

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A high-ranking member of the Oregon Air National Guard has pleaded not guilty to stealing three Suzuki motorcycles that belonged to the Guard and trying to resell them on Craigslist.com.

Longtime ACC official Barakat dies

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) -- Retired Atlantic Coast Conference associate commissioner Fred Barakat died Monday. He was 71.

Ore. hiker falls, dies at Angel's Rest view point

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- An 18-year-old man died Monday after falling 150 feet at the Angel's Rest view point in Columbia River Gorge.

Man found dead in Portland, possible homicide

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Portland police are investigating the death of an adult male in Portland Monday night.

Blue Star rising

Memorial honoring veterans restored after vandalism.

Woman, 79, in court for husband's death

PORT ORCHARD, Wash. (AP) -- A 79-year-old woman arrested after her husband was shot dead at their home made her first court appearance Monday.

It’s no secret Raivio can shoot the ball

Former Mountain View, UP standout works out for Blazers

Monday, ex-Mountain View Thunder star Nik Raivio was a temporary Blazer. And while Raivio's goal of one day playing in the NBA could take years to accomplish, he was able to fulfill a lifelong dream.

Detention for girl in Seattle bus tunnel beating

SEATTLE (AP) -- A 15-year-old girl has been sentenced to 15 to 36 weeks in a juvenile detention facility for a beating of another teenage girl at the Seattle bus tunnel that was captured on surveillance video.

Adams, Samaras set records at NYC Polaroid auction

NEW YORK (AP) -- A sale of photographs by Ansel Adams and Lucas Samaras has set records at a New York City auction for the artists.

King leaves Villanova program

VILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) -- Redshirt sophomore forward Taylor King has voluntarily withdrawn from the Villanova basketball program.

Wash., TransAlta reach deal on mercury, haze

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The Washington Department of Ecology has reached a deal to reduce mercury and smog-causing pollution at a major coal-fired power plant though environmentalists say it doesn't go far enough.

Kim takes lead at Women's Public Links

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) -- Kimberly Kim shot a 5-under 66 to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the Women's Public Links on Monday.

'American Idol' lowers age eligibility

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The next "American Idol" may not be able to drive a car.

Utility to release more water from N. Idaho dam

POST FALLS, Idaho (AP) -- Avista Corp. has decided to release more water at its dam in Post Falls to help lower rising water levels at Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Nuggets make offer to forward Kleiza

DENVER (AP) -- The Denver Nuggets have made a qualifying offer to restricted free agent Linas Kleiza, who spent the past season in Greece.

Humane Society gets animals from bestiality case

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) -- The Whatcom Humane Society will receive legal custody of nine animals seized from an alleged bestiality farm in Sumas.

Yankees call up OF Curtis from Triple-A Scranton

PHOENIX (AP) -- The New York Yankees have called up outfielder Colin Curtis from Triple-A Scranton and designated catcher Chad Moeller for assignment.

Groups argue against more state forest logging

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Fishing and conservation groups want the Oregon Board of Forestry to reconsider its decision to increase logging on two state forests in the northeastern corner of the state.

UFL to add Va. team for 2011 season

NEW YORK (AP) -- The United Football League says it is adding a team in Norfolk, Va.

UFL to add Virginia team for 2011 season

NEW YORK (AP) -- The United Football League says it is adding a team in Norfolk, Va.

Mother of abandoned baby was victimized as a teen

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- An attorney for a woman who pleaded guilty to abandoning her dead infant in a trash can 20 years ago says her client was a sexually victimized teenager.

Sharks trade Staubitz to Wild for draft pick

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- The San Jose Sharks have traded forward Brad Staubitz to the Minnesota Wild for a fifth-round draft pick.

The Reflector purchased by Centralia publisher

Parent of Centralia's The Chronicle buys Battle Ground publishing company

DNR commissioner tries to force AG's help in court

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The state's public lands commissioner is taking Attorney General Rob McKenna to court.

Chargers release SS Ellison, 3 others

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The San Diego Chargers on Monday released safety Kevin Ellison, who had been told by coach Norv Turner to stay away from minicamp last month after his arrest on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance.

Defiant Obama defends health care overhaul

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A defiant President Barack Obama says he'll defend his new health care law against a Republican campaign to repeal it.

White House releases health law details

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Most insurance plans will soon be prohibited from rejecting coverage of children because of pre-existing medical problems, under rules governing enforcement of the 'patients bill of rights' in the new health care law.

Adams leaves St. Bonaventure coaching staff

OLEAN, N.Y. (AP) -- Former NBA star Michael Adams has resigned six weeks after being hired as an assistant men's basketball coach at St. Bonaventure.

Goosen wins 5 skins at Telus Skins Game

VICTORIA, British Columbia (AP) -- Retief Goosen won five skins worth $75,000 on Monday, while Canadian Mike Weir was shut out the first day of play at the Telus Skins Game.

Hornets' Paul making slow recovery from injuries

DAVIDSON, N.C. (AP) -- Coming off what he calls "the longest stretch of my career," New Orleans guard Chris Paul is making slow progress in his rehabilitation from numerous injuries and is eager to play for new Hornets coach Monty Williams.

Ore. couple killed at restaurant identified

HILLSBORO, Ore. (AP) -- A couple killed at a Hillsboro restaurant last week have been identified as the owners.

Nats send opening day starter Lannan to Double-A

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Washington Nationals have sent left-hander John Lannan to Double-A Harrisburg, a demotion for their pitcher who started on opening day.

Ravens agree to terms with draftees Pitta, Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -- The Baltimore Ravens have reached contract agreements with fourth-round draft pick Dennis Pitta and fifth-rounder Arthur Jones.

Sergeant charged in Ore. with stealing motorcycles

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- An Oregon Air National Guard senior master sergeant has been charged with stealing three motorcycles from the military and selling them on Craigslist.

Dozier breaks foot working out with Heat

MIAMI (AP) -- Miami Heat draft pick Robert Dozier is recovering from a broken left foot and is expected to be sideline for 12 weeks.

Stolen cars: Did Wash. teen bandit strike Midwest?

SEATTLE (AP) -- Police in the Midwest are investigating whether an infamous teen burglar from Washington state is behind a string of break-ins and car thefts.

Report: Columbia fuel barge response 'confused'

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Documents released by the Coast Guard show the initial response to the grounding of a fuel barge in the Columbia River near Hood River last year was mostly confusion.

Coyotes re-sign LW Taylor Pyatt

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- The Phoenix Coyotes have re-signed left wing Taylor Pyatt to a two-year contract.

First cherries en route on new railcars

QUINCY, Wash. (AP) -- A train with refrigerated railcars is carrying its first load of Washington cherries to Chicago this summer.

Dbacks promote OF Gillespie, send down INF Roberts

PHOENIX (AP) -- The Arizona Diamondbacks recalled outfielder Cole Gillespie from Triple-A Reno on Monday and sent infielder Ryan Roberts to the minor league team.

Camper injured by bear near St. Regis

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) -- Montana wildlife officials say a Washington state man was injured by a black bear that bit through his tent at a primitive campsite in the Lolo National Forest in western Montana.

Jays cut 3B Encarnacion, RHP McGowan needs surgery

TORONTO (AP) -- The Toronto Blue Jays have cut third baseman Edwin Encarnacion, less than a year after getting him from Cincinnati.

WR Duron Carter leaves Ohio State

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Receiver Duron Carter has left Ohio State and enrolled at a community college in Kansas.

Cabbie attacked after Lakers win to get $10,000

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Staples Center owner AEG plans to give $10,000 to the driver of a taxi cab that was attacked by a mob and burned last week in Los Angeles after the Lakers won their 16th NBA championship.

CB Williams back with Pack for mandatory minicamp

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Cornerback Tramon Williams is back with the Green Bay Packers for this week's mandatory minicamp.

Minor league team taking swing at LeBron

CLEVELAND (AP) -- A minor league baseball team is taking a swing at signing LeBron James.

On the road: Goodell, Madden to visit camps

NEW YORK (AP) -- Roger Goodell plans to take a ride on the Madden Cruiser.

USDA stops using beetles vs. invasive saltcedar

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) -- The federal government has declared a cease-fire in its biological war against saltcedar, a nonnative tree that has taken over riparian areas across the West.

Villa's goals lead Spain over Honduras 2-0

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- David Villa scored two goals as Spain got its World Cup pursuit back on track with a 2-0 victory over Honduras on Monday.

Hewitt through to 2nd round at Wimbledon

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) -- Lleyton Hewitt of Australia has overcome a slow start to defeat Argentina's Maximo Gonzalez in four sets in the first round at Wimbledon.

Ex-smokejumpers fix up old Ore. base for museum

CAVE JUNCTION, Ore. (AP) -- More than 50 former smokejumpers from across the nation have gathered to help turn the former Siskiyou Smokejumper Base into a museum about the airborne firefighters.

USADA finds 7 rules violations in 2010 1st quarter

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) -- The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency has found seven rules violations in the first quarter of the year. There were four violations in the first three months of 2009.

UConn's Moore, Penn St's Hodge win Broderick Cup

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Connecticut forward Maya Moore and Penn State outside hitter Megan Hodge on Monday were named co-winners of the Honda-Broderick Cup.

Mariners' Bedard begins final rehab step

SEATTLE (AP) -- Erik Bedard is in Arizona to face hitters again, a final step before making his season debut for the Seattle Mariners next month.

Saints release defensive end Bobby McCray

METAIRIE, La. (AP) -- The New Orleans Saints have released Bobby McCray, a defensive end who has been with the team two seasons.

Nuggets coach Karl shows up for predraft workouts

DENVER (AP) -- With his health steadily improving, Denver Nuggets coach George Karl is starting to feel more like his old self again.

Hayward finishes draft workouts in hometown

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Gordon Hayward is back in Indianapolis after showing his stuff to NBA teams.

Henin beats Sevastova 6-4, 6-3 at Wimbledon

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) -- Seven-time major winner Justine Henin has beaten Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova in straight sets in the first round at Wimbledon.

AP source: McChrystal has no sign he'll be fired

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A senior U.S. military official in Afghanistan tells The Associated Press that Gen. Stanley McChrystal doesn't know whether he'll keep his job when he appears at the White House on Wednesday.

Wimbledon closes roof for 1st time in 2010

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) -- The roof over Centre Court at Wimbledon is being closed for the first time at this year's tournament -- not because of rain, but because of fading sunlight.

Cavaliers' new colors are deeper, brighter

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Without knowing if LeBron James will ever wear a Cleveland jersey again, the Cavaliers have slightly changed their team colors.

Rivers: Wallace said he plans to retire

BOSTON (AP) -- Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers says that center Rasheed Wallace is probably going to retire.

Tax breaks could mean more high-tech growth

QUINCY, Wash. (AP) -- Local officials in this agricultural town hope a new bill offering tax breaks to technology companies will enable continued growth in the number of data centers here.

BLM, USFWS counting wild horses in NV, OR

RENO, Nev. (AP) -- Horse protection advocates are offering some rare praise for federal land managers who have launched a weeklong effort to update their population count for wild horses roaming parts of northwest Nevada and southwest Oregon.

Bobcats eyeing ways to get draft picks

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The Charlotte Bobcats are talking with teams about purchasing a pick or making a trade that would yield selections in Thursday's NBA draft.

Ore. Guard volunteers help rebuild Fort Umpqua

ELKTON, Ore. (AP) -- An Oregon National Guard platoon is helping to rebuild Fort Umpqua and restore a part of the history of the Coast Range town of Elkton.

'Fridge' has hearing loss, but condition improving

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- The brother of former NFL star William Perry says the "Fridge" has some hearing loss but is improving from a condition in which the body's immune system attacks nerves.

First day of summer means snowballs at Pa. museum

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The patrons carrying small coolers and plastic bags into Pittsburgh's Carnegie Science Center weren't bringing their lunch. They were packing snowballs.

Randy Jackson expresses faith in LA justice system

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Michael Jackson's youngest brother says his family is disappointed in a recent ruling allowing a doctor charged in the pop singer's death to keep his medical license, but they have faith in the judicial process.

Rays owner urges regional talks on new stadium

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- Rays owner Stuart Sternberg wants to explore potential sites for a new ballpark throughout the Tampa Bay area, saying it's essential to the team's long-term success.

Roddick advances to 2nd round at Wimbledon

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) -- Andy Roddick has defeated fellow American Rajeev Ram in straight sets to advance to the second round at Wimbledon.

Cameroon: plane carrying Australian execs found

YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) -- Cameroon's government spokesman says search teams have found the wreckage of a small plane carrying top executives of an Australian mining firm that disappeared over the weekend.

2nd trial of KingCo deputy charged with assault

KENT, Wash. (AP) -- Jury selection began Monday in Kent for the second trial of a King County sheriff's deputy who beat a 15-year-old girl in a SeaTac jail holding cell.

East Wenatchee brother, sister battle over butter

WATERVILLE, Wash. (AP) -- An argument over butter in a macaroni and cheese recipe churned into violence between a brother and sister near East Wenatchee.

Memorial services set for NASCAR pioneer Parks

ATLANTA (AP) -- Memorial services have been set for NASCAR pioneer Raymond Parks, who died Sunday morning at his home in Atlanta at age 96.

New Seattle bike lane more than 7 feet wide

SEATTLE (AP) -- Seattle has its first buffered bike lane.

1 year since 10-year-old McCleary girl disappeared

MCCLEARY, Wash. (AP) -- On Saturday it will be one year since 10-year-old Lindsey Baum started walking home from a friend's home and disappeared from the streets of McCleary.

Schiavone loses in 1st round at Wimbledon

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) -- French Open champion Francesca Schiavone has been beaten by Russian Vera Dushevina in the first round of Wimbledon.

Neb. town votes to restrict illegal immigration

FREMONT, Neb. (AP) -- Voters in the eastern Nebraska city of Fremont have approved a ban on hiring or renting property to illegal immigrants.

Neb. city voting on illegal immigration rules

FREMONT, Neb. (AP) -- Preliminary results show many voters in the eastern Nebraska city of Fremont support a ban on hiring or renting property to illegal immigrants.

Neb. town votes on illegal immigration measure

FREMONT, Neb. (AP) -- Voters in the eastern Nebraska city of Fremont are deciding whether to ban hiring or renting property to illegal immigrants.

Tribal curriculum aims to break down stereotypes

KINGSTON, Wash. (AP) -- Despite Washington's rich tribal heritage, Indian history and culture has not played a regular role in the state's classrooms.

Attorney takes exception to Johnston sister's blog

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) -- Levi Johnston's attorney is taking exception with a blog kept by his client's sister, Mercede.

Fleury considered playing himself in stage play

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) -- Former NHL star Theo Fleury says he considered playing himself in a stage play about his life. He then decided it's better to let an actor do it.

Ore. ranchers charged with arson, threats

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- Two Oregon ranchers have been indicted on charges they set fires since the early 1980s that caused damage to more than 45,000 acres of public rangeland.

Rain falling hard in Spokane

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- It doesn't feel like the first day of summer in the Spokane area.

Panthers WR Smith breaks arm playing flag football

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Pro Bowl receiver Steve Smith broke his left arm playing flag football over the weekend, and the Carolina Panthers star will miss the start of training camp.

Efforts move to clean Pend Oreille Mine

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- Efforts to clean up the Pend Oreille Mine site near Metaline Falls are moving forward.

Bruins to play in Northern Ireland, Czech Republic

BOSTON (AP) -- The Boston Bruins will spend part of this season's training camp in Northern Ireland and the Czech Republic.

Ohio State recruit shot 2nd time since April

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP) -- Authorities say they don't believe there's a connection between a pair of shootings in a two-months span in which an Ohio State football recruit was wounded.

Prime time helps push US Open rating

NEW YORK (AP) -- NBC says its preliminary rating for the final round of the U.S. Open was up 35 percent over last year, and was the highest in nine years for a U.S. Open that Tiger Woods did not win.

Watermelon thrown at pickup, driver hurt

It was launched from car moving in other direction

A late model Dodge pickup was traveling eastbound on Southeast First Street late Sunday night when it was struck by a watermelon thrown from a vehicle traveling the opposite direction.

Louisville, Adidas agree to 5-year extension

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Louisville has signed a five-year contract extension with Adidas that will have the Cardinals wearing Adidas apparel and footwear through the 2014-15 academic seasons.

Collision near Grayland turns into stabbing

ABERDEEN, Wash. (AP) -- The Grays Harbor County sheriff's office says a collision on Highway 105 turned into a fight and stabbing.

Portland police union to hold runoff election

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A runoff election is expected next month after three candidates for president of the Portland police union failed to get a majority of the vote.

Death toll at 34 in Colombia mine blast

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) -- Colombian rescuers have retrieved the bodies of 34 miners killed in last week's coal mine explosion.

Beaverton, Ore., superintendent Colonna to retire

BEAVERTON, Ore. (AP) -- Beaverton School District Superintendent Jerry Colonna says he plans to retire at the end of the 2010-11 school year.

Regulators OK plan to police banks' pay policies

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal regulators have adopted a plan to ensure that banks' pay policies don't encourage employees to take reckless gambles like those that contributed to the recent financial crisis.

Marysville School Board member considers resigning

MARYSVILLE, Wash. (AP) -- A Marysville School Board member is seriously considering resigning as criticism grows over his e-mail tying racial genetics to intellectual achievement.

Audit: Errors fill Milwaukie, Ore., utility bills

MILWAUKIE, Ore. (AP) -- An audit has shown that city utility bills in the Portland suburb of Milwaukie have been riddled with errors for at least the past three years.

Organizers say LeBron James Day event draws 8,500

AKRON, Ohio (AP) -- Turns out LeBron James wasn't the only late arrival to an event celebrating his contributions to his hometown.

Ore. county raises $2.5M in timber sale

COOS BAY, Ore. (AP) -- Coos County raised $2.5 million for its general fund with a timber sale last week, its first in two years.

Quick fast-food chain shelves Anelka ads

PARIS (AP) -- The fast-food chain Quick is canceling an advertising campaign with Nicolas Anelka because of the player's poor image after a row with the French football coach.

NASCAR to offer July 3 race at Daytona in 3-D

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- NASCAR is teaming up with TNT and DirecTV to give fans a new perspective during the circuit's July visit to Daytona.

NASCAR to offer July 3 race at Daytona in 3D

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- NASCAR is teaming up with TNT and DirectTV to give fans a new perspective during the circuit's July visit to Daytona.

Armed man, gunshot sounds cause NJ base lockdown

LAKEHURST, N.J. (AP) -- A military spokeswoman says a delivery driver with a gun and something that sounded like gunfire caused officials to lock down a Navy base in Lakehurst, N.J.

NJ Navy base lockdown lifted after one hour

LAKEHURST, N.J. (AP) -- Officials have lifted a lockdown at a Navy base in Lakehurst, N.J.

NJ naval base locked down; spokesman won't say why

LAKEHURST, N.J. (AP) -- Officials have locked down a navy base in Lakehurst, N.J.

Ore. man dies after being hit by train

REDMOND, Ore. (AP) -- A Redmond man died after being struck by a train on Sunday.

Troopers say Ore. man, 19, crashed into patrol car

SUNRIVER, Ore. (AP) -- A Sunriver man is facing multiple charges after the Oregon State Police say he intentionally crashed into a patrol car while trying to elude troopers in the Gilchrist area.

Family of 5 OK after SUV sinks at Sauvie Island

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Portland Fire and Rescue says a family of five made it safely out of their SUV when it sank at the north end of Sauvie Island, but their pet Chihuahua drowned.

McMinnville man found killed in home

MCMINNVILLE, Ore. (AP) -- Police say the death of a 60-year-old man in McMinnville was homicide.

Sborz recalled from Triple-A to replace Porcello

DETROIT (AP) -- The Detroit Tigers plan to recall pitcher Jay Sborz from Triple-A Toledo to replace Rick Porcello.

Police: Dallas chief's son killed cop, other man

LANCASTER, Texas (AP) -- Investigators in Texas say the 27-year-old son of Dallas Police Chief David Brown is believed to have been the shooter in the death of a suburban police officer and another man.

Summer starts cool and cloudy

On the first day of summer, a light drizzle is expected to descend on the Vancouver area.

Indians option LHP David Huff to Columbus

CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Cleveland Indians have optioned left-hander David Huff to Triple-A Columbus.

BP intends to continue as main London 2012 sponsor

LONDON (AP) -- BP says it intends to remain one of the biggest London 2012 sponsors despite its problems in the Gulf of Mexico.

Missing Oregon boy's mother writes 'I miss you'

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The non-custody mother of a missing Portland boy has shared an open letter she wrote to her son with NBC's "Today" show.

City hosts demonstration of lower-decibel train horns

Residents excited but funding, installation not imminent

As engineers prepared to test a new warning horn for oncoming trains, most of the 20-plus neighbors standing by the train tracks near Chelsea Avenue and Topper Drive in Southeast Vancouver put their fingers in their ears. But one-by-one, they lowered their hands. This horn was a toot compared to the blast of the freight trains they’re accustomed to.

Big wins don’t bring in big draft potential

Potential top draft picks stay away from Blazers workouts

Everything has looked almost normal for the Portland Trail Blazers during the days leading up to the 2010 NBA Draft. Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard has been present at every workout, while scouts Michael Born and Chad Buchanan have mentally and statistically graded each prospect who has taken the court.

Officials warn not to light the fuse too early

Some fireworks rules are new and vary based on city

Fireworks go on sale at noon on June 28, but safety warnings and reminders that jurisdictions have different rules about when it’s OK to set off fireworks are out. New this year, residents within Vancouver city limits cannot set fireworks off until July 1. The city council voted to shorten the fireworks season to four days, and Acting Fire Marshal Heidi Scarpelli said the city has been doing its best to educate residents by distributing letters to neighborhood associations, running a spot on CVTC and updating the city’s website. Closer to the start of the season, there will be four electronic flashing signs at key entry points into the city reminding people to hold off until July 1.

City council to vote on free speech gatherings

Proposed ordinance would allow events on public space without requiring advance notice

Raise your bullhorns, activists — a new special events ordinance before the Vancouver City Council tonight would allow any number of protestors, from 50 to 5,000, to gather at any public space without letting police, fire or neighbors know about it beforehand. The ordinance is the result of at least seven council meetings to discuss the issue and three reworkings of its language. Should it pass, it may be the most liberal free speech gathering policy in the state.

Clark County business calendar

Tuesday Business After Hours: Networking opportunities, meet business professionals in a relaxed, social setting, 5-7 p.m. at U.S. Bank, 7003 N.E. 40th St. $10 members, $30 others. http://www.vancouverusa.com or 360-694-2588.

Clark County buidling permits

Building permits over $25,000 issued by Clark County’s Department of Community Development.

In Our View: Noise is Near

Fireworks season is just around the corner; two welcome changes on tap this year

Not yet, but soon it will be time to grab the earplugs, sedate the dog and hose down the shake shingles. Clark County’s annual fireworks warfare is closer than many peace-(and-quiet)-loving folks would like. Fireworks sales begin at noon on Monday June 28, but the local ordnance amateurs need to know that the window for legal use of fireworks varies greatly among the county’s seven jurisdictions. Among the widest of these windows are those in Battle Ground and Camas (in each city, noon to 11 p.m. June 28; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 29 through July 3; 9 a.m. to midnight July 4; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 5). But we hasten to point out that the smallest fireworks-use window in the county is next-door to Camas, in Washougal (one day only, 9 a.m. to midnight July 4).

Five voices that brought animated films to life

Actors do some of their most interesting work when given the chance to let loose behind an animated role. Maybe it’s the fact that they can walk into a recording booth with no makeup or costumes or props and just go for it. Maybe the kid inside of them comes out when working on such family friendly material. Either way, superstars and character actors alike, when paired with great writing, have shown some of their best stuff through their voice performances.

Camas upgrading wastewater facility

$12M project will make it more environmentally friendly, produce fertilizer

The city of Camas has begun improvements to its wastewater treatment facility that will make the plant more environmentally friendly and allow it to produce fertilizer to be used locally. The $12 million project will increase solids capacity to meet the projected needs of the city for the next 20 years, convert the digester process to produce high-quality biosolids and upgrade technology and software, said Eric Levison, Camas public works director.

Off beat: Future astronaut’s generosity allowed runner to blast off

Put yourself in the shoes of an astronaut. LeighAnn Price did.

Correction: Name misspelled

Name misspelled: Troy Brisby was one of the nearly 70 people honored Saturday at a Clark College ceremony for those completing their GED or high school diplomas. His name was misspelled in a Page C1 story Sunday. It is The Columbian’s policy to correct errors. Call Mary Ricks at 360-735-4550.

Clark County at Work: Property Clean Sweep

Business name: Property Clean Sweep. Owner: Vicky Fredrickson.

Vancouver building permits

Building permits over $25,000 issued by the city of Vancouver.

Real estate roundup

Recent commercial real estate transactions as reported by area brokerage firms.

Liquor licenses

The following have applied to the Washington State Liquor Control Board:

Our readers' views

Letters to the editor

Bits 'n' Pieces: Hazel Dell parade chairwoman passes the reins

After 14 years of chairing the Hazel Dell Parade of Bands, Dellan Redjou is passing the torch. But Redjou, a 52-year-old Battle Ground resident who co-owns Smokey’s Pizza in Hazel Dell with her husband, Wayne, went out on a high note. This year’s parade, which was held May 15, boasted 165 entries, including 29 bands, and attracted an estimated 40,000 attendees.