Stories for November 10, 2010

Police: Gunman robbed Columbia Sportswear chair

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- West Linn police have identified the man they charged with the invasion of the home of Columbia Sportswear Chairman Gert Boyle.

Blazers seek opinion on Roy’s knee

Team GM Cho visits surgeon to discuss three players

The Portland Trail Blazers are looking ahead toward a three-game road trip. Their fans are looking a lot farther down the road.

Firefighter resigns, puts end to probe

He allegedly had affair with married woman he met while on a call

With an internal investigation of his conduct ongoing, Richard “Rich” Wilson on Wednesday morning resigned his job as a firefighter-paramedic with Clark County Fire District 6. Wilson had been placed on paid administrative leave early last month after a Clark County man, Danny Casteel, told Fire Chief Jerry Green that Wilson had come to his home twice on medical emergencies involving their children, and later began a sexual relationship with his wife, Amanda Casteel.

Miami beats Bowling Green in fog

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (AP) -- Trevor Cook kicked a 33-yard field goal on the final play to give Miami of Ohio a 24-21 victory over Bowling Green in foggy conditions Wednesday night.

State bans alcoholic energy drinks

One such beverage a factor in shooting of Vancouver man

Caffeinated malt liquor — which contributed to the hospitalization of nine underage Central Washington University students and the police-involved shooting of a Vancouver man — will be banned from Washington’s grocery and convenience stores, Gov. Chris Gregoire announced Wednesday. Retailers have a week to clear millions of dollars worth of alcoholic energy drinks from their shelves. The emergency ban, similar to those in Michigan, Utah and Oklahoma, takes effect Nov. 18. Washington’s rule targets beer-based drinks that also feature caffeine, such as the malt-liquor energy drink Four Loko.

Thunderstorms force delay at Singapore Open

SINGAPORE (AP) -- Heavy rain that flooded greens and fairways forced a four-hour delay Thursday in the first round of the Singapore Open.

Texas beats Louisiana Tech in 2K Sports Classic

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Jordan Hamilton scored 19 points and freshman Tristan Thompson had a breakout performance with 17 to lead Texas to an 89-58 victory over Louisiana Tech on Wednesday night in the 2K Sports Classic.

No. 10 Sooners feast on turnovers again in win

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Danielle Robinson scored 20 points and No. 10 Oklahoma feasted on turnovers for the second straight exhibition game, beating Cameron 85-23 on Wednesday night.

Wisconsin over Minnesota St.-Mankato in exhibition

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Jon Leuer scored 25 points and Jordan Taylor added 20 as Wisconsin beat Minnesota State-Mankato 93-59 in an exhibition game Wednesday night.

Aung San Suu Kyi appeal rejected

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) -- Lawyers for Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi say a court has rejected her final appeal against her house arrest conviction.

Motorola fires back at Microsoft with patent suit

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. (AP) -- Motorola is returning fire in a legal battle with Microsoft, suing the software maker for infringing on 16 of its patents.

Patton got the keys

Vancouver veteran recalls the North Africa campaign, and how George Patton took his car.

Portland negotiations with Comcast get sticky

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Portland and other cities in east Multnomah County are negotiating a new agreement with Comcast. The cable company pays governments roughly $7 million in franchise fees to run cable through the county. But the company also has paid another $3 million to $4 million a year toward various community projects.

Man missing at Newport where woman drowned

NEWPORT, Ore. (AP) -- The Coast Guard says a search is resuming Thursday for a man who was swept away with a woman in big waves on the south jetty at Yaquina Bay near Newport.

Woman drowns, man missing at Newport jetty

NEWPORT, Ore. (AP) -- A woman has drowned and a man is missing after big waves washed them off a Newport jetty on Wednesday afternoon.

Regulator: Oil fire may have caused A380 problem

SYDNEY (AP) -- Europe's air safety agency says an oil fire inside the engine of a Qantas superjumbo may have caused the failure that forced it into an emergency landing last week.

Qantas keeps its A380s on the ground

SYDNEY (AP) -- Qantas says it is extending the time its Airbus superjumbo fleet will be grounded because it hasn't finished safety checks.

Euro regulator orders new tests on A380 engines

SYDNEY (AP) -- Europe's air safety authority has ordered airlines to conduct new tests on the type of Rolls-Royce engine that failed in a Qantas A380 last week.

Mariners broadcaster Niehaus dies at 75

SEATTLE — Dave Niehaus, the Hall of Fame broadcaster who called Seattle Mariners’ games from their first season through this year, has died of a heart attack. He was 75.

Bellevue College gets jobs grant to help veterans

BELLEVUE, Wash. (AP) -- Bellevue College is one of six organizations nationally to receive grants from Microsoft Corp. to help pay for a program that helps veterans get jobs.

Angels hire Rob Picciolo as bench coach

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- The Los Angeles Angels have hired Rob Picciolo to be their bench coach, replacing new Milwaukee manager Ron Roenicke.

Four-year-old Lady Alexander tops day at Keeneland

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- Stakes-winning filly Lady Alexander sold for $410,000, the top price during Wednesday's session at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale.

Nowitzki returns after spraining right ankle

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Dirk Nowitzki has returned to the Mavericks' game against Memphis after leaving with a sprained ankle in the second quarter.

Nowitzki leaves with sprained right ankle

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Dirk Nowitzki went to the locker room in the second quarter of the Dallas Mavericks game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night with a sprained right ankle.

$40M for energy efficient projects in Seattle

SEATTLE (AP) -- Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn says the city will be getting $40 million for energy retrofit projects that are expected to create and retain 400 living-wage jobs.

WAC turns to Texas for life after Boise State

DALLAS (AP) -- The Western Athletic Conference is turning to Texas to deal with life after Boise State.

Cheese recalled in Colo. after E. coli found

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Mauri brand Gorgonzola cheese sold by Costco Wholesale Stores in Colorado is being recalled because potentially deadly E. coli bacteria has been found in the product.

Barefoot bandit indicted by grand jury

SEATTLE (AP) -- Colton Harris-Moore, the 19-year-old accused in a two-year string of thefts from Washington state to the Caribbean, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Seattle.

Woods opens with a 69

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) -- Tiger Woods has opened his title defense at the Australian Masters with a 2-under 69, leaving him four shots behind the early starters at Victoria Golf Club.

Mariners broadcaster Niehaus dies at 75

SEATTLE (AP) -- Dave Niehaus, the Hall of Fame broadcaster who called Seattle Mariners' games from their first season through this year, has died. He was 75.

Rockets' Yao leaves game with left leg injury

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Houston Rockets center Yao Ming left Wednesday's game with the Washington Wizards with a strained tendon in his left leg. The team said his return is questionable.

71 pounds of dried pot seized in Renton raid

RENTON, Wash. (AP) -- A regional narcotics task force has sized 71 pounds of dried marijuana, plus 605 mature plants in a raid in Renton.

Avs lose 10 players to rash of injuries

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) -- Colorado Avalanche defenseman Colby Cohen skipped practice Wednesday because of a bad cold.

A's send 2 pitchers to Royals for OF DeJesus

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- The Athletics have boosted their offense and added a reliable outfielder, acquiring David DeJesus from the Kansas City Royals for right-hander Vin Mazzaro and minor league lefty Justin Marks.

Bidding for Kirk Gibson's historic bat at $139,015

LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. (AP) -- Bidding for the bat Kirk Gibson used for his historic home run for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1988 World Series has reached $139,015.

Bidding for Kirk Gibson's historic bat at $90,750

LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. (AP) -- Bidding for the bat Kirk Gibson used for his historic home run for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1988 World Series has reached $90,750.

Wiggins leads Sanders in WA Supreme Court race

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Voters in King County have helped Charlie Wiggins hang onto the lead in his bid to oust incumbent Justice Richard Sanders.

Thunder's Green, Sixers' Iguodala miss 2nd game

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma City Thunder starting forward Jeff Green missed his second straight game Wednesday night with a sprained left ankle.

Warriors' Ellis starting after hurting back Monday

NEW YORK (AP) -- NBA scoring leader Monta Ellis is in the starting lineup for Golden State at New York, two nights after hurting his back in a fall.

Support grows for megaloads

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- Plans to move gigantic oil refinery equipment along a mountainous Idaho highway are being defended by ConocoPhillips and a group of Idaho business leaders.

Murphy, Williams out for Nets

CLEVELAND (AP) -- New Jersey Nets starting forward Troy Murphy is sitting out against the Cleveland Cavaliers because of a sore right foot.

Convey is MLS comeback player

NEW YORK (AP) -- Former United States midfielder Bobby Convey is the MLS Comeback Player of the Year.

Dallas' yndman is MLS coach of year

NEW YORK (AP) -- Dallas' Schellas Hyndman has been voted MLS coach of the year after leading his team to the Western Conference final this weekend in its first playoff appearance since 2007.

Ex-NFL player gets 30 years in SC sexual assault

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- Authorities say former NFL player David Meggett has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after his conviction in a South Carolina courtroom on charges of criminal sexual conduct and burglary.

US midfielder Maurice Edu injures left knee again

GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) -- American midfielder Maurice Edu was stretchered off in the first half Wednesday night of Glasgow Rangers' 3-0 loss to visiting Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League.

Kitzhaber says he's getting to work on Ore. jobs

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Democrat John Kitzhaber has begun the transition into his third term with a focus on jobs.

Rams offensive tackle Smith cleared to play

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Jason Smith has been cleared to play this week after a concussion sidelined him for the last game before a bye week.

Orton prefers balance to airing it out

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) -- Kyle Orton's sore right shoulder is testament to the Denver Broncos' one-dimensional offense. He'd like better balance and more equilibrium over the season's second half.

Scandal clouds Newton's Heisman chances

NEW YORK (AP) -- Cam Newton was on his way to winning the Heisman Trophy -- until about a week ago.

Michigan St announces 4 basketball signings

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Michigan State says it has signed four basketball players to letters of intent.

MLB penalizes Venezuelans for age fraud

NEW YORK (AP) -- Six Venezuelan amateur players were declared ineligible to sign with major league organizations after the commissioner's office found they committed age or identity fraud.

Where were you when the lights went out?

Where were YOU when the power went out Wednesday afternoon in west Vancouver?

Snapshot wins Churchill Downs feature

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Snapshot took the lead in the stretch and raced to a 334-length win in the $53,039 feature race at Churchill Downs on Wednesday.

King Co. to acquire gravel mine for $36M

SEATTLE (AP) -- King County Executive Dow Constantine has announced an agreement to buy a controversial gravel mine on Maury Island in the Puget Sound for $36 million and turn the site into a county park.

6 Dolphins miss practice time

DAVIE, Fla. (AP) -- The Miami Dolphins had six players miss practice time on Wednesday.

Honduran gets 20 years in Wyo. bull-rider overdose

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) -- A Honduran man who pleaded guilty to selling heroin in Denver was sentenced to 20 years in prison for supplying the drugs that killed a Wyoming young professional bull rider and two other people last year.

McMahon to raise money for brain research

CHICAGO (AP) -- Former Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon says he is concerned about how playing football has affected his mental health.

Softball coach in Ohio who won 900-plus games dies

NEW CONCORD, Ohio (AP) -- Donna Newberry, who won more than 900 games as the softball coach at Muskingum University, has died at age 58.

Texans players give union option of decertifying

HOUSTON (AP) -- Houston Texans players have voted to give the NFL Players Association the option of decertifying if there is a lockout next year.

Fire at commercial building in Arlington WA

EVERETT, Wash. (AP) -- A fire at an egg-processing plant in Arlington caused about $1.5 million in damages and injured one firefighter.

Ducks send 3 to minors, recall D Sbisa

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- The Anaheim Ducks have sent left wing Matt Beleskey and right wing Dan Sexton to their minor league affiliate in Syracuse to continue their rehabilitation from injuries.

Oklahoma women shoot for 3rd straight Final Four

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Two seasons ago, Oklahoma was expected to be a Final Four contender and the Sooners delivered, sending Courtney and Ashley Paris out in style.

Jets' Edwards expects 'serious' boos in Cleveland

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -- Braylon Edwards expects "serious" boos from Browns fans on Sunday when the New York Jets play in Cleveland, a city with which he says he has a "personal war."

Return of Hasselbeck, Mebane good news for Seattle

RENTON, Wash. (AP) -- Seattle coach Pete Carroll is dealing this week with having lost consecutive games for the first time since 2001, when he was in his first season at Southern California.

Francoeur a free agent after short time with Texas

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Jeff Francoeur has become a free agent after refusing a minor league assignment from the Texas Rangers and clearing waivers.

Interior approves Indian land trust buys

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. Department of Interior has approved land trust acquisitions for the Puyallup and Suquamish Indian tribes in Washington state.

USA Football trying to limit illegal hits

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- USA Football has amended two rules for illegal hits in an attempt to make the game safer for youngsters.

New Mexico Bowl partnering with Pac-12

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- The expanded Pac-12 has agreed to send a team to the New Mexico Bowl in 2012 and 2013, pending approval by the NCAA's licensing committee, to play a Mountain West opponent.

Fredette has BYU ranked No. 24 going into season

PROVO, Utah (AP) -- The 24th-ranked BYU Cougars open the season with a big target on their backs after advancing to the second round of the NCAA tournament last season and with All-America guard Jimmer Fredette returning for his senior year.

Lichaj makes Premier League debut for Aston Villa

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) -- American defender Eric Lichaj (Lee-high) has made his Premier League debut.

Seattle brings back QB J.P. Losman

RENTON, Wash. (AP) -- Quarterback J.P. Losman is back with the Seattle Seahawks after being cut by the team at the end of training camp.

No. 1 Ducks draw inspiration from Prefontaine

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- In the mass of tailgaters gathered outside Autzen Stadium before a recent Oregon game, two young men sported T-shirts with the bold words: "Stop Chip."

Palmer misses practice with sore shoulder

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer was held out of practice Wednesday with a sore passing shoulder, but is expected to be ready for a game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Lights back on after outage hits downtown Vancouver

More than 4,300 customers without electricity for about 30 minutes

A power blackout hit downtown Vancouver and the Uptown Village area, leaving 4,318 customers without electricity, according to Clark Public Utilities.

Andre Smith takes benching in stride

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Bengals right tackle Andre Smith says his benching during a loss to Pittsburgh didn't hurt his pride.

Mauer says Gold Gloves have come from hard work

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Joe Mauer says he's proud of the work he's done with his defense considering how much publicity his hitting has received over his career.

Prosecution rests in Leyritz DUI death trial

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- The prosecution has rested in the Florida DUI manslaughter trial of former major league baseball player Jim Leyritz.

State clears Seattle Children's Hospital

SEATTLE (AP) -- The state Health Department says it found no deficiencies at Seattle Children's Hospital in three recent investigations.

Moss says he hopes he fits into Titans' offense

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Randy Moss says he's sorry things didn't work out with in Minnesota and that he isn't upset with the Vikings or coach Brad Childress for waiving him.

Man pleads guilty to killing 3-year-old Ill. girl

JOLIET, Ill. (AP) -- Kevin Fox sat in an Illinois jail cell for eight months as a suspect in his 3-year-old daughter's death, knowing the real killer was free.

Giants playing musical chairs on OL

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- There's a game within a game being played by the New York Giants this week: musical chairs on the offensive line.

Nebraska AD Osborne says Sadler's job secure

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- Nebraska athletic director Tom Osborne tells The Associated Press that basketball coach Doc Sadler's job security is not an issue this season, regardless of the team's record.

Okla. sisters each record hole-in-1 in same round

EDMOND, Okla. (AP) -- Two sisters on the Central Oklahoma golf team are celebrating holes-in-one recorded in the same round.

State to proceed with new prison

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The state will proceed with plans to build a new prison reception center in Western Washington for all males who are sentenced to a penitentiary.

New prison planned for Western Washington

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The state Department of Corrections is looking for a site for a new prison in Western Washington.

Aztecs finally arrive in AP Top 25 under Fisher

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- A dozen seasons after Steve Fisher inherited one of the worst basketball programs in the country, his San Diego State Aztecs have finally arrived.

David Dicks leaves Puget Sound job for UW post

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- David Dicks is leaving his job as head of the Puget Sound Partnership, an agency charged with cleaning up Puget Sound.

Glass becomes chairman of MLB Advanced Media

NEW YORK (AP) -- Kansas City Royals owner David Glass has replaced Bob DuPuy as chairman of MLB Advanced Media, the sport's Internet wing.

MLS to hold 1st re-entry drafts on Dec 8 and 15

NEW YORK (AP) -- Major League Soccer will hold its first re-entry draft on Dec. 8 and 15 as part of last spring's labor settlement.

Tulowitzki. Gonzalez, Arroyo win 1st Gold Gloves

NEW YORK (AP) -- Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez have won their first NL Gold Glove awards, joined by Cincinnati pitcher Bronson Arroyo as a first-time winner.

Cracks found in shuttle fuel tank, not just foam

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- NASA has found cracks in space shuttle Discovery's fuel tank.

NFL: No fines in alleged spitting incident

DAVIE, Fla. (AP) -- The NFL has decided against imposing any fines after investigating complaints by the Miami Dolphins that Baltimore fullback Le'Ron McClain spit in the face of linebacker Channing Crowder.

Devils G Brodeur out again with elbow injury

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur will miss his second straight start with a bruised right elbow.

Ex-Chicago White Sox scouting exec indicted

CHICAGO (AP) -- A former Chicago White Sox scouting executive has been indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly accepting kickbacks from signing bonuses and contract buyouts.

Arkansas eyes school's first BCS bowl game

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) -- A win over South Carolina combined with Alabama's loss to LSU has Arkansas eyeing a possible BCS bowl game.

Frazer back at the top of UConn's QB depth chart

STORRS, Conn. (AP) -- Connecticut and its starting quarterback have had a lot in common this season. Both came into the year with high expectations, disappointed fans early and were perhaps prematurely written off.

Columbus to host Salt Lake on Feb 22 in QF

MEXICO CITY (AP) -- Columbus will host Real Salt Lake in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals on Feb. 22, and Cruz Azul will play Santos Laguna in an all-Mexico matchup later that night.

Frosh Rees the Irish QB

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) -- Tommy Rees remembers stepping onto an NFL field with his dad when he was 4 or 5 years old and knowing immediately he'd found the love of his life.

Team from Vancouver heads to erupting volcano in Indonesia

A trio of Vancouver-based volcanologists on Thursday will return to a dangerous volcano on a densely populated island in Indonesia. John Pallister, Jeff Marso and Andy Lockhart will carry seismometers and other sensors to replace equipment destroyed by Mount Merapi. The team will join other international experts lending insight and relief for Indonesian volcanologists.

Clark County gets $3.25 million for bridges

Federal funds will replace 1 span, improve 4 others

More than $3 million in federal dollars will go toward replacing one bridge and upgrading four other bridges in Clark County. The five county bridges were among 47 projects statewide to receive $80.6 million in federal bridge funds, Jeff Mize, spokesman for Clark County’s Public Works Department, said Tuesday.

Broncos promote Lance Ball from practice squad

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) -- The Broncos have promoted running back Lance Ball from their practice squad as a pre-emptive strike because of interest from other NFL teams.

GOP calls for signature checks flood county office

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- State Senate Republican leaders are spending money this week in an effort to urge voters clear up last-second signature problems while Republican Dave Dotterrer tries to overcome Democratic Sen. Alan Bates' lead in a tight race.

Iraq PM likely to keep job; lawmakers set to meet

BAGHDAD (AP) -- Iraqi officials say the parliament will meet to form a new government amid reports that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki will keep his job.

Tour cards up for grabs at PGA finale at Disney

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) -- Briny Baird left the wife and kids at home this week to go to Disney World. After all, this trip is no vacation.

Bills LB Merriman limps off during 1st practice

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- Buffalo Bills linebacker Shawne Merriman has limped off the field with a lower right leg injury shortly after opening his first practice with his new team.

Contador hires anti-doping lawyer for Tour case

MADRID (AP) -- Tour de France champion Alberto Contador has hired a Swiss lawyer to lead his defense against allegations that he used a banned drug at the cycling showcase this year.

Firefighter under investigation resigns

A Clark County Fire District 6 firefighter accused of possibly violating district policies has resigned, effective immediately, the fire district reported this morning.

TD Ameritrade exec lands UFL football coaching job

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- TD Ameritrade Chairman Joe Moglia is getting a chance in the United Football League to revive his coaching career and learn how well his corporate management skills translate to football.

Northwest Seaport giving away schooner artifacts

SEATTLE (AP) -- Northwest Seaport in Seattle is giving away 30 tons of artifacts from the 19th century schooner Wawona.

Vikings' Harvin has another migraine headache

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin is fighting another migraine headache.

Buying rush follows Washington ban on Four Loko

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- Just hours after Gov. Chris Gregoire announced a state ban on alcoholic energy drinks the Hamilton Market near Gonzaga University in Spokane sold 30 cases of Four Loko.

Washington state bans alcoholic energy drinks

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Washington state is banning alcoholic energy drinks.

Inter playmaker Sneijder diagnosed with anemia

MILAN (AP) -- Inter Milan playmaker Wesley Sneijder has been diagnosed with anemia after passing out at halftime of Saturday's Serie A match against Brescia.

Old Hanford railroad tracks safe to be reused

RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) -- Thirty miles of old railroad spurs on the Hanford nuclear reservation are being removed as part of cleanup work.

Pennington becomes Miami's starting QB

DAVIE, Fla. (AP) -- Chad Pennington is replacing Chad Henne as the Miami Dolphins' starting quarterback.

Garrett hits practice field as coach of Cowboys

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Jason Garrett has kicked off his first full day as interim coach of the Dallas Cowboys by running practice and putting two key players on injured reserve.

Pienaar will captain South Africa against the US

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- Steven Pienaar will captain South Africa for the first time when Bafana Bafana play the United States next week in an exhibition at Cape Town.

McCoy in line for another start

BEREA, Ohio (AP) -- Browns rookie quarterback Colt McCoy is getting the majority of snaps at practice and is likely to start Sunday against the New York Jets.

Historical Seaport may make Aberdeen its home port

ABERDEEN, Wash. (AP) -- Grays Harbor Historical Seaport is closing in on it's long desired home port.

Book defending pedophilia for sale on Amazon

NEW YORK (AP) -- Amazon is selling a self-published book defending pedophiles, sparking discussions about the retailer's obligation to vet items before they are sold in its online stores.

Wash. Supreme Court upholds child rape conviction

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The Washington Supreme Court says police may pose as children during Internet sting operations to catch sex offenders preying on children.

Clausen to start at QB for Panthers against Bucs

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Jimmy Clausen will get another chance behind center for the Carolina Panthers.

Injured robbery suspect appears in court

Shot during Nov. 3 incident, he requires wheelchair, nurse

A Vancouver man made his first appearance this morning on suspicion of shooting a man during an alleged robbery for marijuana.

Parity hurting Pac-10's chances

PHOENIX (AP) -- Except for Oregon at the top and Washington State at the bottom, the Pac-10 season has been filled with parity, just as the conference's coaches predicted.

Central Oregon seeks money for new bike paths

BEND, Ore. (AP) -- Central Oregon communities are hoping to boost the region's image as a recreation haven with money from a federal highway grant that would pay for a trail linking the Lava Lands Visitor Center to the city of Sunriver's bike paths.

IRB chief says US sure to host Rugby World Cup

LONDON (AP) -- The chief executive of rugby's governing body says it is a question of "when, not if" the sport's World Cup is held in the United States.

Gisele Bundchen to parade during 2011 Carnival

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) -- A samba group says top model Gisele Bundchen is set to make her debut on a new stage next year as the star in one of Rio de Janeiro's Carnival parades.

Mel Gibson, ex, in LA court for custody hearing

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Mel Gibson is in a Los Angeles courtroom for a custody hearing involving his infant daughter.

Shaq might play for Celtics in Miami

MIAMI (AP) -- Shaquille O'Neal has returned to practice with the Boston Celtics after missing five games with a bruised right knee.

Cowboys DE Spears out for season with calf injury

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- The Dallas Cowboys have placed defensive end Marcus Spears on injured reserve, ending his season.

Cow tied to Conn. highway guardrail

MANCHESTER, Conn. (AP) -- Yes, that was a cow tied to a guardrail on Interstate 84 in Connecticut.

Man taken to Toppenish hospital was fatally shot

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) -- The person who dropped off a man at Toppenish Community Hospital said he had been hit by a car, but the emergency room found he had several gunshot wounds.

Yankees C Jorge Posada has left knee surgery

NEW YORK (AP) -- Yankees catcher Jorge Posada has undergone arthroscopic surgery to repair a small tear in the meniscus of his left knee.

Athletes join group backing Munich's Olympic bid

MUNICH (AP) -- Two-time Olympic skiing gold medalist Maria Riesch is among several former and current German athletes who are supporting Munich's bid to stage the 2018 Winter Games.

Around the West: Hunters urged to stop a check stations

Stations may be voluntary, but help states gather data

LaVallee to attempt world-record snowmobile leap

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Winter X Games star Levi LaVallee will attempt to prove that he doesn't need snow to break the world record for the longest snowmobile jump.

Title IX complaints filed for 12 school districts

NEW YORK (AP) -- The National Women's Law Center has filed complaints against 12 school districts across the country, saying they fail to offer equal opportunities for female athletes.

Pats put placekicker Gostkowski on IR

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -- The New England Patriots have lost placekicker Stephen Gostkowski for the season with a thigh injury.

Police: Mail bomb could have exploded over US

LONDON (AP) -- British police say a mail bomb intercepted last month at an English airport could have exploded over the East Coast of the United States.

Eugene fights neighboring city's plan to buy water

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- The city of Eugene will appeal a decision to allow its publicly-owned utility to distribute water to a neighboring city, arguing that selling the water will contribute to urban sprawl.

Police: Florida school lockdown lifted

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. (AP) -- Florida authorities have lifted the lockdown of all schools in the nation's sixth-largest district after police say the credibility of a threat made against students has diminished.

Threat puts Fla. county schools on lockdown

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. (AP) -- Schools in Florida's second-largest county are on lock down as a precaution after police say a woman called a radio station and said her husband was going to a school to start shooting.

Fla. county puts schools on lockdown after threat

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. (AP) -- Schools in Florida's second-largest county are on lockdown as a precaution after receiving an unspecified threat.

Umatilla County DA charged with misconduct

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The Oregon Department of Justice has charged Umatilla County District Attorney Dean Gushwa with five counts of official misconduct, alleging Gushwa used his office to obtain sexual gratification and then cover it up.

CB Al Harris signs with Dolphins

DAVIE, Fla. (AP) -- Veteran cornerback Al Harris has signed with the Miami Dolphins, who released former first-round pick Jason Allen.

Roddick advances to quarters at Paris Masters

PARIS (AP) -- Andy Roddick beat Ernests Gulbis of Latvia 6-3, 7-6 (8) on Thursday to reach the quarterfinals a the Paris Masters.

Ryans having fun with rivalry

BEREA, Ohio (AP) -- The verbal war between the Ryan brothers has gotten physical.

Steelers LT Starks out for season with neck injury

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Pittsburgh Steelers left tackle Max Starks needs surgery to repair a disc injury in his neck and will miss the rest of the season.

British boxer guilty of assaulting ex-girlfriend

LONDON (AP) -- Heavyweight contender Dereck Chisora has been found guilty of assaulting his then-girlfriend, but was spared jail ahead of his world title fight against Wladimir Klitschko.

Suspect arrested in slaying of Morton teen

CHEHALIS, Wash. (AP) -- The Lewis County sheriff's office says deputies have arrested a suspect in the slaying of 16-year-old Austin King of Morton whose body was found in July on a logging road.

Man killed in crash with horse near Monmouth

MONMOUTH, Ore. (AP) -- The passenger in a car was killed in a collision with a horse on Highway 99W south of Monmouth.

Gun found in Keizer high school lost-found bin

KEIZER, Ore. (AP) -- A gym teacher at McNary High School in Keizer was looking through the lost-and-found bin when he found a handgun and ammunition in a backpack.

Parole hearing for convicted child killer Downs

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Convicted child killer Elizabeth Diane Downs will have a parole hearing Dec. 10 at Salem.

Pa. man lights joint to celebrate child's birth

UNIONTOWN, Pa. (AP) -- Police say a new father faces drug charges because he lit up a marijuana joint, instead of a cigar, to celebrate his child's birth at a western Pennsylvania hospital.

Bills sign LB Balogun, add WR Hubbard to roster

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- The winless Buffalo Bills have signed linebacker Mike Balogun (BOW-luh-gun) and promoted receiver Paul Hubbard from the practice squad to fill their banged-up lineup.

Forks students fight for Sex Pistols T-shirts

FORKS, Wash. (AP) -- About a dozen students were suspended Tuesday at Forks High School for wearing T-shirts with the name of the 1970s punk rock band Sex Pistols.

Spokane Goodwill program helps convicted veterans

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- A program run by Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest in Spokane is helping military veterans who are serving prison sentences or have been recently released.

One-vote edge in Benton County court race

KENNEWICK, Wash. (AP) -- Only one vote separates candidates for a Benton County District Court seat.

Mount St. Helens volcano experts go to Indonesia

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) -- Three scientists from the Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, which keeps an eye on Mount St. Helens, are heading to Indonesia to help officials respond to the eruptions of Mount Merapi.

Pasco aggravated murder trial beginning in Spokane

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- Jury selection is under way this week in Spokane for the third aggravated murder trial of a man accused of shooting five men in 1987 at a Pasco auto body shop.

Olympia transient hit by train has arms amputated

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Police say a 22-year-old transient who was hit by a train while sleeping in an Olympia train tunnel had both his arms amputated at a hospital.

Spokane Valley officer injured in fight

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. (AP) -- A Spokane Valley police officer suffered minor injuries in a fight with a domestic violence suspect.

DSHS workers allege fraud in agency

Zarelli: Independent agency needed to probe anonymous allegations

State Sen. Joe Zarelli is calling for creation of an independent office to investigate allegations of widespread fraud in the Department of Social and Health Services reported anonymously by DSHS workers on a Senate Republican Caucus website. Based on those comments, Zarelli, ranking Republican on the Senate Ways and Means Committee, also is calling for an increase in the department’s fraud investigation staff, a freer exchange of information among state agencies in fraud investigations, and reform of the use of state-issued Electronic Benefit Transfer cards, known as EBTs.

Kids who read keep kitties cozy

What do cats, knitting and reading have in common? They’re all favorites of Vancouver resident Stephanie Thompson. Four years ago, she found a way to connect her three interests by creating a program in partnership with Vintage Books and Kazoodles called “Read Me a Blanket.”

Prep athletes commit to college programs

It’s signing day for many athletes who will be playing in college. Sorry, football, track and field, cross country, and soccer players must wait until February. But for others, today is the first day to sign.

Talking Points 11/10

What's the buzz from the world of sports? Here are some items that will have people talking:

Parks and Recreation scholarship reduced

Due to decreased funding, Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation will restrict its Everybody Plays! Recreation Scholarship Program in 2011 to youth and Access to Recreation program participants only.

VFD seeking coat, blanket donations

The Vancouver Fire Department is holding its seventh annual coat drive now through Jan. 1.

State cracks down on six property insurers

Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has issued an order suspending six property and casualty insurers from providing insurance for nine months, effective Nov. 18. Existing policies will not be affected.

Small business forum to focus on legislative issues

Business leaders and policy experts, including state Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, will be among those attending the Washington Policy Center’s Clark County Small Business Forum from noon to 1:30 p.m. today at the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay.

Correction: Big 5 Sporting Goods

Sporting goods stores: Big 5 Sporting Goods’ decision to open a new store in Vancouver’s Orchards Marketplace to replace the company’s Westfield Vancouver mall store was made before the mall announced plans to renovate and add a 24-screen movie complex. A Tuesday story on Page E1 indicated, incorrectly, that the company is swapping locations to avoid mall construction, slated to begin in January. Construction work will be limited to evening hours and should not impact customers, mall officials said.

What's Up With That? 36 parking spaces added for Firstenburg center, library

I was wondering if you could provide us an update: In the spring we saw an article in The Columbian (we think it was in your column) regarding the expansion of the parking lot at Firstenburg Community Center and the Cascade branch of the library. The article told us that 40 new spots were going to be created but the work would not be done until fall. Those of us in the morning Silver Sneakers classes at Firstenburg (the senior fitness classes) have been hoping the additional parking is still on track, but we haven’t seen signs of construction yet. Would you let us know where it stands? And, yes, we go for the exercise, but since we range in age from the 60s to the 90s with various medical conditions and canes, walkers, and wheelchairs, not all of us can walk long distances and we would really appreciate more parking.

Everybody Has a Story: Blustery day at beach reminder of veterans’ service

America’s military carries on despite challenges

“Left on Heceta Beach Road,” said the young man, gesturing. “Take a right at the fork. The beach is just past The Driftwood Inn.” I hopped back into my little pickup and turned on the radio. Elvis belted out the last line of his rendition of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” in honor of Veterans Day. As he gloriously held onto last note, the radio guy announced, “A high wind warning for the Oregon Coast with heavy rain.” I breathed it in. My favorite combination, I thought as I crunched into an out-of-season pear. “The Veterans Day Parade will go on,” continued the announcer. I grinned, then shuddered. Icy, cold rain and high winds. Beautiful to look at, but not to march in a parade, however typical of people living in the Northwest.

Columbian seeks homes lit up with lots of holiday cheer

If you can hear those jingle bells coming down the block, then it must be almost time to start decorating for Christmas. If Santa and his reindeer, Yukon Cornelius or any other jolly giants will make an appearance on your roof or in the yard this year, we’d like to know.

Pets of the week

Kent is a 2-year-old Chihuahua mix. He came to the Humane Society as a stray. He is a little worried at first but warms up quickly. Kent would love to go to a nice, quiet home with kids over the age of 14. If you’re interested in meeting him, please e-mail fsmith@southwesthumane.org to set up an appointment.

Neighbors calendar

Neighborhood association meetings and events

New Battle Ground police chief's salary set at $103,777

The city of Battle Ground’s new police chief, Robert Richardson, will take over Jan. 10.

Our readers' views

Letters to the editor

Extended jobless benefits may expire

In Clark County, low earners may feel increased pressure

The state is preparing to tell 238,000 unemployed Washington residents that their jobless benefits may run out sooner than expected, spurring concerns in Clark County about the rising burden on a stretched social safety net. Beginning Nov. 27, a federal program that has allowed people to collect unemployment insurance payments for up to 99 weeks will begin to wind down, though Washington’s jobless will still be able to receive benefits for 46 weeks.

Port cuts funding to economic development group

Economic development agency’s efforts to create jobs fall short, critics say

The Port of Vancouver on Tuesday reduced its financial support for the Columbia River Economic Development Council, as port leaders signaled disappointment in the nonprofit’s efforts to create jobs. The decision, by a 2-1 vote of the port’s elected Board of Commissioners, comes after other local governments have raised their own concerns about the nonprofit economic development agency.

Donations sought for Father Christmas Shop

The Parent Teacher Student Association at Hough Elementary School is looking for donations of new or used toys and gift items for its annual Father Christmas Shop on Dec. 14.

In your neighborhood

To list your neighborhood news: Call Mary Ricks at 360-735-4550 or Paul Suarez at 360-735-4530; send text and photos to mary.ricks@columbian.com or paul.suarez@columbian.com.

NCAA may halt early verbal commitments

Commentary: Paul Valencia

A few years ago, Skyview softball pitcher Whitney Baker announced in May that she would be signing with the UCLA Bruins. That would be May of her junior year in high school.

High School Scoreboard 11/10

Tuesday's high school results

Overlake uses speed to get past Ridgefield

Spudders had not played a team this quick all season

Qualifying for the state tournament in 2010 was a significant step for the Ridgefield girls soccer team. The Spudders learned Tuesday just how big the step up is to the state playoffs.

Another short stay at state for Hockinson soccer

Young Hockinson team optimistic about future

The trend continued for Hockinson soccer, and that was not a good thing for the Hawks. For the fifth consecutive season, the Hockinson girls soccer team fell in the first round of the Class 2A state playoffs.

I-5 drawbridge delays were nearly dodged

Feds nixed railroad fix that would’ve let ships go under bridge’s apex

Near the top of the list of reasons to replace the Interstate 5 Bridge is the need to halt traffic on the West Coast’s major north-south thoroughfare for boats. “They’re the last drawbridges on a main line interstate, to my knowledge, anywhere in the country,” said Austin Pratt, bridge administrator for the U.S. Coast Guard district headquartered in Seattle.

Rally urges anti-bias action

Clark works on policy as students chafe over fliers

The cogs of Clark College machinery continue to grind as leaders and advocates hammer out new anti-bias policies in the wake of a “White and Proud” flier distributed on campus last month. Clark students aren’t willing to wait. On Tuesday, an energized crowd packed around the school’s chime tower for a two-hour rally in support of diversity and unity.

Battle Ground eyes federal bonds for road project

Scotton Way work seen as economic development tool

The city of Battle Ground is cautiously moving forward with a plan to use federal bonds to extend Scotton Way and spur economic development. The city plans to partner with two property owners at Scotton Way and state Highway 503 to extend the street west to Southwest 20th Avenue. The project also relies on the Washington State Department of Transportation granting an access break on Highway 503 and installing a traffic signal.

Code Talker to deliver Veterans Day message

Navajo who served in WWII to speak at local ceremony

David Patterson, who turned his native Navajo tongue into a secret weapon during World War II, will be the guest speaker Thursday at Vancouver’s Veterans Day observance. Patterson was one of about 400 Navajos who joined the U.S. Marines and were used as communication specialists in the war in the Pacific.