Stories for November 17, 2010

Seattle officer shown on video kicking teen

SEATTLE (AP) -- Seattle police say they have reassigned a plainclothes officer and launched an investigation after the officer was shown on a convenience store video kicking a 17-year-old boy in the groin during an Oct. 18 arrest.

Returning home offers little relief for Blazers

Portland will face Nuggets, Jazz, Hornets

The Blazers may be blessed with the comfort of their own beds for the next 10 days, but they will not have a very comfortable schedule. Following a road trip in which it went 1-2 — the losses coming against Oklahoma City and New Orleans and the win via a one-point victory over Memphis — Portland returns to host Northwest Division rival Denver tonight, Northwest Division leader Utah Saturday, and the 8-2 New Orleans Hornets on Nov. 26.

Supporters fight to keep Larch open

130 at town hall on corrections center leave with few answers

HOCKINSON — About 130 supporters of Larch Corrections Center braved torrential rains Wednesday to attend a community forum on the future of the prison, which is slated for closure Feb. 1. But they heard more questions than answers in a two-hour session that bristled with emotion and determination to reverse the Department of Corrections decision and keep Larch open. Larch employees, Department of Natural Resources crew foremen, Forest Service officials, former inmates, elected officials and union representatives spoke at Hockinson High School about what Larch means to the community. Noticeably absent from the meeting were managers from the corrections department or from DNR, the agency that supervises the firefighting crews based at Larch.

Apple Award winners

Students at Yale Elementary School improve tests scores, win $25,000.

Ore. developer convicted in real estate scheme

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- The Oregon attorney general's office says a Medford-area developer and mortgage broker has been convicted in a real estate scheme that cost investors more than $800,000.

1 winning ticket for $6.3M Wash. Lotto

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- One winning ticket was sold for Wednesday's $6.3 million jackpot in Washington state's Lotto game.

Dozen Clark County crashes blamed on rainfall

Standing water also poses threat to drivers

Wednesday afternoon’s big rainfall caused at least a dozen traffic accidents around Clark County, emergency personnel said.

Arkansas-Monticello defeats Centenary 82-70

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) -- Terrence Hill and LA Farmer scored 19 points apiece and Arkansas-Monticello defeated Centenary 82-70 on Wednesday night.

Blazers' Oden to have another surgery, miss season

Knee troubles continue to hound Blazers center

PORTLAND — The call came in for an impromptu 9 p.m. press conference. Couldn’t be good news. The first name mentioned was Blazers center Greg Oden. These days, that can’t be good news either.

Bail set at $250K for man charged in fatal crash

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) -- Bail has been set at $250,000 for a 50-year-old man accused of striking and killing a pedestrian in a drunken-driving crash in Missoula.

Learjet runs off Ore. airport runway; no injuries

HILLSBORO, Ore. (AP) -- Fire officials say a Learjet jet landing at Hillsboro Airport west of Portland went too far and ended up off the runway. Hillsboro Fire and Rescue officials say the two people on board are unhurt.

Creighton defeats Louisiana-Lafayette 63-58

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- Kenny Lawson Jr. had 15 points and 11 rebounds to lead Creighton past Louisiana-Lafayette 63-58 Wednesday night.

Evansville hits free throws to top UTSA 77-73

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) -- Evansville sank five free throws in the final minute to turn a one-point deficit into a a 77-73 victory over UTSA on Wednesday night.

Massachusetts holds off Sacred Heart 73-65

AMHERST, Mass. (AP) -- Anthony Gurley scored 18 points and Sampson Carter added a career-high 17 as Massachusetts defeated Sacred Heart 73-65 Wednesday night to start the season 2-0 for the first time since 2007-08.

Wisconsin-Milwaukee defeats Niagara 90-73

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (AP) -- Tone Boyle scored 27 points to lead four players in double figures and Wisconsin-Milwaukee defeated Niagara 90-73 on Wednesday night.

Obama nominates Marshall as US attorney for Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- President Barack Obama has nominated a lawyer for Oregon's Justice Department to be the state's top federal prosecutor.

Kings LW Scott Parse needs hip surgery

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Los Angeles Kings left wing Scott Parse needs surgery on his hip that will keep him out for three to four months.

Mets could hire manager by Sunday

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- The New York Mets hope to select their next manager as early as Sunday.

Miettinen scores in OT, Wild beats Ducks 2-1

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Antti Miettinen scored at 3:36 of overtime and Niklas Backstrom made 27 saves Wednesday night, lifting the Minnesota Wild to a 2-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks.

Blazers C Oden will have another knee surgery

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Trail Blazers center Greg Oden will have microfracture surgery on his left knee and will not play this season.

Northwestern holds off Texas-Pan American 77-71

EDINBURG, Texas (AP) -- Drew Crawford scored 22 points and John Shurna added 20 as Northwestern survived a scare from Texas-Pan American 77-71 on Wednesday night.

Florida Atlantic defeats Warner Southern 88-58

BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) -- Greg Gantt scored 20 points to lead three Florida Atlantic players in double figures in an 88-58 win over Warner Southern on Wednesday night.

Wright State defeats Northwood, Mich. 75-55

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) -- Troy Tabler scored 17 points to lead Wright State past Northwood (Mich.) 75-55 on Wednesday night.

Chattanooga rallies to beat Kennesaw State 73-69

KENNESAW, Ga. (AP) -- DeAntre Jefferson had 16 points and 10 rebounds for his second career double-double to lead Chattanooga to a 73-69 win over Kennesaw State on Wednesday night.

Obama nominates Ore. sheriff as US marshal

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- President Barack Obama has nominated Lane County Sheriff Russ Burger to serve as Oregon's U.S. marshal.

No. 7 Ohio State edges LSU 59-55

BATON ROUGE, LA. (AP) -- Tayler Hill scored 15 points, including a basket that broke a tie in the final minute, and No. 7 Ohio State used a fake timeout to steal a three-point play in a 59-55 win over LSU on Wednesday night.

Guatemala beats Guyana 3-0 in soccer exhibition

KENNESAW, Ga. (AP) -- Guillermo Ramirez had two goals to lead Guatemala past Guyana 3-0 Wednesday night in a soccer exhibition in suburban Atlanta.

10 2-year-olds to run in $1 million Delta Jackpot

VINTON, La. (AP) -- Blue Laser is the early 3-1 favorite for the $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot for 2-year-olds that could impact the starting field for next year's Kentucky Derby.

Oklahoma State topples Corpus Christi 68-58

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) -- Marshall Moses had 17 points and nine rebounds as Oklahoma State survived a scare Wednesday, beating Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 68-58.

Manhattan rallies to defeat Penn 59-54

NEW YORK (AP) -- George Beamon scored 21 points and Manhattan scored the final 17 points of the game to defeat Pennsylvania 59-54 on Wednesday night.

Blazers G Roy to miss next two games

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy will miss the next two games because of a sore left knee.

Lavin wins first game for Red Storm

NEW YORK (AP) -- D.J. Kennedy scored 18 points to lead St. John's to a 79-66 victory over Columbia on Wednesday night, giving coach Steve Lavin his first win with the Red Storm.

Scaife carries Ball State to 75-60 victory

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) -- Jauwan Scaife scored a career-high 24 points, including 11 straight during a key second-half stretch, to lead Ball State to a 75-60 victory over Indiana State Wednesday.

Celtics get rest while beating Wizards 114-83

BOSTON (AP) -- Paul Pierce scored 23 points, and Rajon Rondo had 12 points and 13 assists on Wednesday night before the Boston starters sat out the fourth quarter and watched the bench pull away for a 114-83 victory over the Washington Wizards.

Harvard rolls past Holy Cross 72-49

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) -- Brandyn Curry had 10 points, 12 assists, seven rebounds and five steals to lead Harvard to a 72-49 victory over Holy Cross on Wednesday night.

American holds off Maryland-Eastern Shore 65-58

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Vlad Moldoveanu shook off foul trouble to score 18 of his season-high 31 points inside the final 6 minutes to help American University to a 65-58 victory over Maryland-Eastern Shore on Wednesday night.

Cornell defeats Delaware 75-61

ITHACA, N.Y. (AP) -- Chris Wroblewski and Max Groebe scored 13 points apiece and Cornell defeated Delaware 75-61 on Wednesday night.

Georgia Tech cruises past Albany 78-51

ATLANTA (AP) -- Iman Shumpert scored 24 points and pulled down 10 rebounds in Georgia Tech's 78-51 victory over Albany on Wednesday night.

Isles drop 11th straight, lose in coach's debut

UNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP) -- Steven Stamkos scored his NHL-leading 16th goal and added an assist as the Tampa Bay Lightning sent the Islanders to their 11th straight loss with a 4-2 victory, spoiling the debut of New York coach Jack Capuano on Wednesday night.

Bucknell rolls past Binghamton 66-38

LEWISBURG, Pa. (AP) -- Mike Muscala scored 16 points and had eight rebounds to lead Bucknell to a 66-38 victory over Binghamton on Wednesday night.

Loyola (Md.) beats Maryland-Baltimore County 83-72

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Dylon Cormier scored a career-high 20 points and Loyola (Md.) defeated Maryland-Baltimore County 83-72 on Wednesday night.

Lafayette holds off St. Francis (Pa.) 72-68

EASTON, Pa. (AP) -- Ryan Willen scored 26 points as Lafayette held off St. Francis (Pa.) 72-68 on Wednesday night for the Leopards' first win of the season.

OR bank bomb case: defendant's brother testifies

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- A relative of two defendants in a Woodburn bank bombing trial has testified that Bruce Turnidge phoned just minutes after an arrest in the case to say he was in "deep trouble."

No. 24 Tennessee beats Missouri State 60-56

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Trae Golden, playing in place of an injured Melvin Goins, hit a pair of free throws with 7.2 seconds left and No. 24 Tennessee beat Missouri State 60-56 in the second round of the NIT Season Tip-Off on Wednesday night.

No. 10 West Virginia beats Duquesne

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) -- Madina Ali scored a career-high 19 points, Liz Repella added 18 and No. 10 West Virginia beat Duquesne 69-58 on Wednesday night.

Tar Heels run past Robert Morris

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) -- Italee Lucas scored 16 points while Tierra Ruffin-Pratt added 13 and a career-high 14 rebounds to help No. 14 North Carolina beat Robert Morris 76-47 on Wednesday night.

Red Sox receive MLB award for philanthropy

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- The Boston Red Sox have received Major League Baseball's first commissioner's award for philanthropic excellence.

Andrews leaves Tulsa after re-injuring knee

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- Reserve guard Glenn Andrews has left Tulsa's basketball team after re-injuring his left knee.

CREDC touts its role in job creation

Clark County’s chief economic development agency reported on Wednesday that companies it works with invested about $120 million in facilities and equipment in 2010, creating or maintaining 941 jobs in the region. “I believe we are doing a good job of creating jobs in the community,” Bart Phillips, president of the Columbia River Economic Development Council, said to more than 130 attendees of the nonprofit’s annual meeting held at the Hilton Vancouver Convention Center.

Butler returns for Mavs after 3 games out

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Mavericks forward Caron Butler has returned to Dallas' starting lineup after missing three games with back spasms.

George Washington pulls away from Marist 79-59

VILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) -- Tony Taylor scored 23 points to lead George Washington to a 79-59 win over Marist on Wednesday night in the second round of the NIT Season Tip-Off.

Minor flooding slows evening commute

Heavy rain to continue through rush hour

Motorists should beware of standing water on Interstate 5 this evening.

Penn State punter Fera out after appendectomy

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) -- Penn State punter Anthony Fera is out indefinitely after having an appendectomy Wednesday.

Pistons' Hamilton ejected early against Lakers

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- Detroit's Richard Hamilton has been ejected less than five minutes into the Pistons' game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Fox to broadcast first 6 Big Ten title games

PARK RIDGE, Ill. (AP) -- The Big Ten has reached an agreement with Fox Sports to broadcast the league's football championship game from 2011-16.

Gardenhire says Morneau doing 'really well'

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire says slugger Justin Morneau is "doing really well" as he continues to recover from a concussion that ended his season in July.

Mountain travelers still seeking bargains

DENVER (AP) -- A research group says mountain lodges and hotels will have to offer unique, well-priced, well-timed specials to attract skiers and others looking for bargains this winter.

Little opposition emerges to expanded playoffs

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Little opposition has emerged to Major League Baseball expanding its playoffs for 2012 as the sport's top officials discussed the concept during two days of meetings.

Bills RB Spiller apologizes for tweet

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- Buffalo Bills rookie running back C.J. Spiller has apologized for using a derogatory term toward gays that he posted on his Twitter account.

Thunder F Green sidelined again with ankle injury

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma City forward Jeff Green was out of the Thunder's lineup against the Houston Rockets because of a sprained left ankle.

Buck and Marlins finalize $18 million, 3-year deal

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- All-Star catcher John Buck and the Florida Marlins have finalized an $18 million, three-year contract.

NCAA president discusses ways to curb violence

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- NCAA president Mark Emmert met Wednesday with two representatives who want the organization to take a stronger stand on violence against women.

McFadden says Raiders not being taken seriously

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) -- Despite their longest winning streak in eight years and a share of the AFC West lead, running back Darren McFadden doesn't think the Oakland Raiders are being taken seriously.

Buckeyes DB gets 6th year

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Ohio State defensive back Tyler Moeller is coming back for a sixth year.

Wall and Yi both sidelined against Celtics

BOSTON (AP) -- Washington rookie guard John Wall, the top overall draft pick last spring, and center Yi Jianlian will both be out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Boston Celtics.

Wall and Jianlian both sidelined against Celtics

BOSTON (AP) -- Washington rookie guard John Wall, the top overall draft pick last spring, and center Yi Jianlian will both be out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Boston Celtics.

LeBron keeping Akron in mind at Thanksgiving

MIAMI (AP) -- LeBron James will be helping his Ohio hometown during the upcoming holiday season, even while he plays for the Miami Heat.

Henne doubtful, 2 Dolphins starters out

MIAMI (AP) -- Quarterback Chad Henne is listed as doubtful for Thursday night's game against Chicago, while two other Miami Dolphins starters are out because of injuries.

Beanie Wells says he's healthy at last

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) -- This was supposed to be Beanie Wells' breakout season. Breakdown is more like it.

Woman pleads guilty to forging 90-year-old’s checks

A Vancouver woman pleaded guilty Wednesday to forging the checks of a 90-year-old man to support her several-hundred-dollar-a-week drug addiction. Prosecutors recommended Becky L. Iverson, 50, serve four years in prison as part of an agreement in which Iverson pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree theft, five counts of forgery and five counts of second-degree identity theft.

Oregon hospital workers stage 1-day strike

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) -- More than 300 health care workers walked off the job at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center in Springfield for a one-day strike after contract negotiations broke down.

Blue Jays acquire OF Davis from A's for pair

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Speedy outfielder Rajai Davis has been acquired by the Toronto Blue Jays from the Oakland Athletics for a pair of minor leaguers in the second trade of the general managers' meetings.

Gates getting frustrated by plantar fascia injury

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Antonio Gates is getting frustrated with the torn plantar fascia in his right foot that could sideline him for a second straight game.

Ward passes tests, returns to Steelers' practice

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward cleared his post-concussion tests and practiced in full pads with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Tests confirm alcohol in student shot by NY police

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) -- A family lawyer says independent tests on the blood of a college football player who was shot to death by police confirm that his blood-alcohol level was above the legal limit for driving.

Creator of "Dreamsicles" headed to prison

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- The creator of the "Dreamsicles" line of porcelain figurines has been sentenced to two years in prison for failing to file federal tax returns from 1999 through 2003.

Browns offer support to young fan

BEREA, Ohio (AP) -- The Cleveland Browns have reached out and expressed their concern to the father of an 8-year-old boy who was wearing a New York Jets jersey when he was allegedly tackled by a drunken fan following Sunday's game.

Academic building at PLU evacuated after fire

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- Afternoon and evening classes have been canceled in an academic building at Pacific Lutheran University because of a small fire.

Jaguars claim WR Hill off waivers from 49ers

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- The Jacksonville Jaguars have been awarded receiver Jason Hill off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers.

Margarito out of hospital after loss to Pacquiao

DALLAS (AP) -- Antonio Margarito has been released from Methodist Hospital, where he had surgery to repair the orbital bone of his right eye that was fractured during his loss to Manny Pacquiao.

'04 Eagles have nothing on this group

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson and the rest of Philadelphia's offense are doing things that even Donovan McNabb, Terrell Owens and Co. didn't do for the 2004 NFC champion Eagles.

3 Kent St. athletes face disorderly conduct counts

KENT, Ohio (AP) -- Three Kent State University basketball players are among five people charged in a parking lot fight at an off-campus apartment complex in September.

WA governor suspends agency rule making

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Gov. Chris Gregoire has signed an executive order suspending some of the state's rule making processes.

Patrick frustrated by results in 1st NASCAR season

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Danica Patrick's always going 200 mph. This year she added 13 Nationwide dates to her IndyCar schedule, and she concludes her rookie NASCAR season this weekend in Homestead, Fla.

No. 10 Alabama hosts fledgling Georgia State

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) -- Defending national champion Alabama versus fledgling FCS team Georgia State.

Floyd is rock of Irish offense

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) -- Michael Floyd's decision is a ways off. Notre Dame's star receiver has other things on his mind the next two weeks as the Irish wrap up a disappointing season that could still end in a bowl.

Study: WA anti-tobacco program saves lives

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- A new study estimates that in the past 10 years, Washington's tobacco prevention program has prevented 13,000 deaths.

Flames trade Brett Sutter to 'Canes

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- The Carolina Hurricanes have acquired forward Brett Sutter and defenseman Ian White from the Calgary Flames in exchange for defenseman Anton Babchuk and forward Tom Kostopoulos.

Locker set to go as Washington hosts UCLA

SEATTLE (AP) -- Washington is making sure the final home game of Jake Locker's career is quite the spectacle.

Bears LB out with knee problem

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) -- Chicago Bears linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa will miss Thursday night's game against the Dolphins in Miami because of a knee problem.

Defense expert: Leyritz not drunk before crash

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- A defense expert says former major league ballplayer Jim Leyritz was not drunk when he was involved in a Florida car crash that killed a 30-year-old woman.

Deer attacks Oregon couple, dogs

ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) -- An Oregon couple and their two dogs are the most recent victims of seasonal attacks by aggressive deer, which has become an annual problem in Ashland.

Workers discover more Hanford contamination

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) -- Workers cleaning up the Hanford nuclear reservation have discovered an area of radioactive soil that contains 10 times a lethal dose if someone were holding it.

BPA chief: Revenue down, costs up, rates may rise

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- Falling revenue and rising costs are pushing the Bonneville Power Administration toward rate increases it has been able to avoid by tapping some hefty financial reserves, so far.

Rams TE Onobun placed on injured reserve

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The St. Louis Rams have placed rookie Fendi Onobun on injured reserve with a back injury that didn't respond to treatment.

U of Oregon to ban smoking, tobacco by 2012

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- The University of Oregon plans to ban smoking and tobacco on campus by 2012.

UNLV final test for Air Force before likely bowl

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Air Force is a virtual lock for a bowl game, but has one regular season test left in UNLV.

Olympic champ Zagunis may have long fencing future

NEW YORK (AP) -- Mariel Zagunis could see herself fencing at four or five Olympics.

WA universities ask for 10 percent of state income

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) -- Washington's public colleges and universities are requesting 10 percent of expected state income in the next two-year budget cycle.

Stolen cars, parts found at Monroe chop shop

MONROE, Wash. (AP) -- Officers busted a chop shop near Monroe and found stolen cars and parts worth more than $57,000.

Federal Way 'grenades' turn out to be boat flares

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. (AP) -- A box marked "grenades" that shut down a rest area and weigh station on Interstate 5 Wednesday at Federal Way turned out to contain marine flares, which are used by boaters.

Woman struck and killed at Seattle intersection

SEATTLE (AP) -- A woman was killed when she was struck by a dump truck Wednesday morning at a downtown Seattle intersection, at Seventh Ave. and Cherry St.

Unlicensed electricians face stiffer fines in Ore.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The state is cracking down on unlicensed electricians in Oregon.

Prison lockdown goes smoothly

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- The one-day lockdown of the state's eight major prisons to save money went off without a hitch.

Bengals' new kicker comes from obscurity

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Former Ohio State kicker Aaron Pettrey (PET'-tree) was working part-time at a shop that sells Buckeyes gear in Columbus, stocking shelves and ringing up sales while waiting for some team to give him a chance.

Buckeyes strive for fast start vs Iowa

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Despite finishing solid enough to win nine of their 10 games, eighth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes has been a slow starter -- particularly on the road.

Crashes common on 3 Interstate 5 mountain passes

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) -- It's the time of year when crashes begin to pile up on a series of three mountain passes on Interstate 5 in southern Oregon.

Green beats Flores to retain cruiserweight title

PERTH, Australia (AP) -- Australian cruiserweight Danny Green retained a minor world title with a unanimous points decision over American challenger B.J. Flores on Wednesday.

US-born forward Rossi captain for Italy

KLAGENFURT, Austria (AP) -- New Jersey-born forward Giuseppe Rossi is wearing the captain's armband for Italy's exhibition game against Romania.

Broncos waive former 1st-round pick Moss

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) -- The Denver Broncos have released former first-round pick Jarvis Moss, who never lived up to high expectations under coaches Mike Shanahan or Josh McDaniels.

Green scores 17 to lead E Mich over Madonna 79-70

YPSILANTI, Mich. (AP) -- Antonio Green scored 17 points and Jamell Harris added 15 points and 13 rebounds to lead Eastern Michigan over Madonna 79-70 on Wednesday.

Disaster test shows Oregon financial data safe

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- A disaster recovery test by the Oregon State Treasury shows that financial data is secure and now can be accessed even faster remotely if a major earthquake or other disaster strikes.

Washington unemployment steady at 9.1 percent

Clark County rate creeps higher

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Washington's unemployment rate is holding steady at 9.1 percent.

NCAA tourney committee expects choices to be tough

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Adding three more teams to the NCAA tournament won't make things any easier.

McKenna lauds move against alcohol energy drinks

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Attorney General Rob McKenna says he's glad the Food and Drug Administration is taking action against alcoholic energy drinks.

Zenyatta to retire to Kentucky

VERSAILLES, Ky. (AP) -- Zenyatta is headed off to retirement in Kentucky.

Black, Gardenhire picked as managers of the year

NEW YORK (AP) -- San Diego's Bud Black has barely beaten out Cincinnati's Dusty Baker as the NL Manager of the Year, while Minnesota's Ron Gardenhire has won the AL award.

Sorenstam makes rare appearance at Pebble Beach

PEBBLE BEACH, CALIF. (AP) -- Annika Sorenstam will make a rare pro tournament appearance Thursday when she participates in the Pebble Beach Invitational.

Ohio zoo acquires daughter of late longest snake

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- An Ohio zoo says a new resident has big snakeskin shoes to fill.

Anderson says right knee is progressing

DENVER (AP) -- Colorado Avalanche goalie Craig Anderson has returned to practice and says his injured right knee is getting better but he has no timetable for his return.

Tacoma Sumatran tiger cub slightly improved

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma says a Sumatran tiger cub whose heart stopped following surgery is showing signs of improvement but remains in critical condition.

Tacoma Sumatran tiger cub in 'grim' condition

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma says a neurologist is examining a Sumatran tiger cub Wednesday to determine the extent of brain damage it suffered after its heart stopped following surgery.

White Thanksgiving?

Cold snap coming next week

The National Weather Service in Portland says incoming cold weather predicted to begin at the end of this week could culminate in temperatures in the 20s next week.

Redskins' Haynesworth reflects on Titans days

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) -- There are times Albert Haynesworth wishes he were still playing for the Tennessee Titans.

Role of attorney general to be argued before court

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The state Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on two lawsuits that question the scope of Attorney General Rob McKenna's authority.

WA attorney general's power questioned in lawsuits

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The scope of Attorney General Rob McKenna's power to independently sue -- or to refuse to sue -- is at the heart of two lawsuits before the state Supreme Court this week.

Ream gets start in 1st game with US national team

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) -- Defender Tim Ream was in the starting lineup for his first game with the U.S. national team while Aston Villa defender Eric Lichaj got his first start in the year-ending exhibition against South Africa.

Alaska man dies from propane explosion injuries

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) -- An Alaska man injured in a propane explosion earlier this month has died of his injuries at a Seattle hospital.

US women's World Cup hopes on line in Italy

ROME (AP) -- The U.S. women's soccer team is getting ready to face Italy in a playoff for the World Cup.

Washington State Ferries adopts some reforms

SEATTLE (AP) -- The Washington state ferry system says it's adopting most of 36 recommendations suggested by an expert panel to improve operations.

Ore. population up nearly 21,000 since 2009

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- There are nearly 21,000 more people in Oregon this year than in 2009.

Oregon jobless rate still stuck at 10.5 percent

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The Oregon unemployment rate refused to budge again in October, remaining at 10.5 percent to keep it virtually unchanged for the past year.

Judge dismisses Vancouver MAX rider's suit

TriMet contends plaintiff wasn't an innocent bystander

A Multnomah County judge has thrown out a $1 million suit filed against TriMet by a 30-year-old Vancouver woman who said the transit agency failed to protect her from being assaulted by an obnoxious group of teens on a Yellow Line MAX train.

Scottish club mistakenly uses Nazi pic on program

AIRDRIE, Scotland (AP) -- A Scottish soccer club has apologized after mistakenly using a picture of Nazi soldiers on the cover of a special matchday program on Remembrance Day.

AP Source: Benoit, Tigers agree to 3-year deal

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that reliever Joaquin Benoit and the Detroit Tigers have reached a preliminary agreement on a $16.5 million, three-year contract.

Bembenek pardon request not before board Wednesday

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The state pardon board will not consider a petition by the former Milwaukee police officer convicted of a decades-old murder at its meeting Wednesday.

Eva Longoria files for divorce from Tony Parker

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Eva Longoria has filed for divorce from Tony Parker, citing irreconcilable differences.

Man suing KingCo sheriff for confiscated pot

SEATTLE (AP) -- A man who had 2 grams of marijuana confiscated at the King County Courthouse is suing the sheriff.

WA governor to head National Governors Association

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Gov. Chris Gregoire has been elected chairwoman of the National Governors Association, becoming the second woman elected to the position.

Gonzaga's Elias Harris suffers foot injury

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- Gonzaga forward Elias Harris suffered a foot injury in the No. 11 Bulldogs' loss to No. 25 San Diego State.

2nd Linehan murder trial in Anchorage postponed

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- A judge in Anchorage has pushed back the trial for an Olympia, Wash., woman accused of conspiring to kill a man.

1998 French Open champ Moya retires from tennis

MADRID (AP) -- Former French Open champion Carlos Moya has retired, citing a nagging foot injury in calling an end to his 15-year career.

Crump Geyser site of $120M Ore. geothermal plant

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) -- Construction is expected to begin soon on a $120 million geothermal plant at Crump Geyser in a remote area of southern Oregon.

Nebraska guard Brown suspended indefinitely

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- Nebraska coach Doc Sadler has suspended backup point guard Kamyron Brown indefinitely.

Pink sings out: She's expecting a child

NEW YORK (AP) -- Pop star Pink says she's eating for two.

4 Hillsboro students OD on OxyContin pills

HILLSBORO, Ore. (AP) -- Four students who overdosed on OxyContin pills at R.A. Brown Middle School in Hillsboro are expected to recover.

Judge throws out lawsuit against TriMet

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A Multnomah County judge threw out a $1 million lawsuit filed against TriMet by a woman who said the transit agency failed to protect her from being assaulted by a group of teens on a Max train.

Iowa St QB Arnaud out for rest of season

AMES, Iowa (AP) -- Iowa State says doctors have confirmed that senior quarterback Austen Arnaud's college career is finished.

Service workers strike at Springfield hospital

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) -- McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center in Springfield says it's remaining open through Wednesday's one-day strike by the union representing 340 service workers.

Auburn's Fairley among 5 Nagurski finalists

DALLAS (AP) -- Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley isn't letting star quarterback Cam Newton garner all the headlines this season.

Police: Robbery part of plot to kidnap Gert Boyle

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The investigation of the robbery of Columbia Sportswear Chairwoman Gert Boyle last week has revealed she was the target of a kidnapping plot.

9 candidates keen to host 2015 Solheim Cup

DENHAM, England (AP) -- The Ladies European Tour says nine candidates have declared an interest in hosting the Solheim Cup between Europe and the United States in 2015.

UEFA investigates Croatia official over gay slur

NYON, Switzerland (AP) -- UEFA says it has opened a disciplinary case against Croatia Football Association president Vlatko Markovic after he was reported saying he would exclude gay players from the national team.

Winter storm warning for Oregon Cascades

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for heavy snow in the Oregon Cascades through Thursday night.

Israel awaits US assurances on moratorium proposal

JERUSALEM (AP) -- Israel's leader is waiting for a crucial document from the U.S. meant to persuade hard-liners in his government to renew a ban on settlement construction so that the stalled Mideast peace talks can resume.

Palestinians: 1 killed in Gaza car blast

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) -- Hamas officials say a car explosion has killed one person and wounded four others in the Gaza Strip.

Robbery reveals plot to kidnap Columbia Sportswear chairwoman

A law-enforcement source familiar with the investigation said the kidnap plot appears to be "part of a larger conspiracy" extending beyond the three suspects now in custody.

Stock futures point to big gains at open

NEW YORK (AP) -- Confidence that Ireland will work out the details for a bailout and strong interest in General Motors initial public offering is lifting stock futures.

Report: Contador contaminated meat claim rejected

MADRID (AP) -- A Spanish newspaper says the World Anti-Doping Agency found no evidence to support Alberto Contador's claim that contaminated meat caused his positive test at the Tour de France.

Belfair Eagle Scout earns all 129 merit badges

BREMERTON, Wash. (AP) -- Belfair Eagle Scout David Gentry has done something that few achieve. He has earned all 129 merit badges awarded by the Boy Scouts of America.

Congo withdraws bid to host 2015 African Cup

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) -- Congo has withdrawn its bid to host the 2015 African Cup of Nations for financial reasons.

Longview woman accused of selling drugs with sons

KELSO, Wash. (AP) -- A 41-year-old Longview woman has been accused of selling drugs with her sons.

Man killed by Spokane police was mentally ill

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- A man killed in a shootout with Spokane police last week had a history of mental illness and suicide attempts.

Foxy Brown: Will fight charge in neighbor dispute

NEW YORK (AP) -- Rapper Foxy Brown says she'll fight charges of violating a court order stemming from a confrontation with her neighbor in New York City.

Van knocks Gonzaga student out of her shoes

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- A Gonzaga University student was knocked out of her tennis shoes when she was hit by a van at an intersection near the campus in Spokane.

Washington refuses indoor Capitol Nativity scene

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Washington state officials have refused a small Nativity scene that a Catholic group sent to Gov. Chris Gregoire for the state Capitol.

Seattle floating bridge toll would be $3.50

BELLEVUE, Wash. (AP) -- When tolling starts next year on the Highway 520 floating bridge, drivers would pay $3.50 or $5 to cross Lake Washington between Bellevue and Seattle.

Chinese gymnasts spark ambush marketing inquiry

GUANGZHOU, China (AP) -- The Olympic Council of Asia has launched an investigation into possible ambush marketing after Chinese gymnasts repeatedly made hand gestures that were apparently meant to mimic their sponsor logo.

FastNav owners hope to win over schools, but hurdles await

Company seeks a better way for first responders?

The seconds and minutes after a gunman threatens a school are the most critical time for law enforcement to help prevent a tragedy. Yet, these first responders often arrive to a scene without all of the information and tools they need, said Vancouver Police Officer Rey Reynolds. That’s why Reynolds founded FastNav, a Web-based navigation software system to help police officers quickly and easily respond to school disasters including potential bomb threats, shootings and terrorist attacks. FastNav aims to improve on the current state-adopted Rapid Responder system, which has many of the same features and information but is too clunky for patrol officers to use, Reynolds said.

Local soldier on 'Wheel of Fortune'

A Vancouver soldier is scheduled to be a contestant on “Wheel of Fortune” at 7 p.m. Thursday.

High School Scoreboard 11/17

Tuesday's high school results

Prep notes: Prairie basketball players sign with colleges

Two Prairie girls basketball players have made their college decisions.

Talking Points 11/17

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

Herrera announces her 3-member transition team

U.S. Rep.-elect Jaime Herrera, R-Camas, announced the makeup of her three-member transition team Tuesday. The team will advise her as she hires staff for her new congressional office in Washington, D.C., which she will occupy beginning in January, after she is sworn in. Serving her during the transition will be J. Vander Stoep, a Chehalis attorney and former state legislator who went on to serve as chief of staff to former U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton, R-Wash.; Afton Swift, who has worked as a congressional aide to former U.S. Rep. Jack Metcalf and U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings, both Washington Republicans; and Casey Bowman, Herrera’s campaign manager in her just-concluded run for Congress, in which she beat Democrat Denny Heck.

F-15 fighters slated for night training

Pilots of the 142nd Fighter Wing are conducting routine F-15 jet fighter night-flying training this week, according to the Oregon Military Department.

County widens landslide repair below Highway 99

Clark County workers are expanding their repair of a stretch of Highway 99 that was undermined by a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall last month.

Death notices

A list of daily death notices

Clark County entrepreneurs to hold PubTalk tonight

The Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council will hold its next PubTalk networking event from 5 to 8 p.m. tonight at the offices of AHA! in Vancouver.

Supply of Clark County homes for sale increases, sales decline

The number of homes listed for sale in Clark County increased slightly to an 11.1-month supply in October, up from 10.4 months in September, according to RMLS, the Portland-based multiple listing service.

St. Helens Institute wins $5,000 award

The Charlotte Marin Foundation awarded the Mount St. Helens Institute a $5,000 grant to continue the Youth Stream Team program.

Neighborhood traffic engineer hits the road

John Manix has been a neighborhood traffic engineer for the city of Vancouver for 15 years. In that time he’s been the city’s primary man in the field responding to citizen requests for speed bumps, stop signs and other traffic control measures and devices. That’s made him a savior to some and a lightning rod for others — and well-known to many.

Wells Fargo donates $10K to county schools

Wells Fargo has donated $1,000 each to 10 Clark County schools to use however they wish.

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? Zero tolerance? No. But parks do close at night

I live downtown and walk my dog in Esther Short Park — sometimes at night. I follow the rules and scoop the poop. One night, I was there about 10 minutes past 10 p.m. when I saw somebody looking for something in the grass. I went over to help and it turned out to be a police officer — who told me the park was closed and I needed to leave. I told him other officers had seen me in the park with my dog even later than that and never had a problem. This officer said enforcing the rule was discretionary. But eventually — after I pressed it a bit — he said if he catches me again I’d get a ticket and my dog would be impounded. I think he was enforcing the letter of the law but not the spirit, which is to keep the park safe. If I can’t walk my dog in the park at night, I have to find somewhere else to go and that’s less safe. Have they instituted a zero-tolerance policy about being in the park after hours? —Ken Campbell, Esther Short neighborhood

Neighbors calendar

Neighborhood association meetings and events

Holiday greetings from overseas troops on Web

Holiday messages from U.S. troops serving overseas are available at the Defense Video and Imagery Distribution System website at <a href="http://dvidshub.net">http://dvidshub.net</a>.

Soroptimist scholarship applications available

Teenage girls ages 14 to 17 are eligible to apply for a scholarship through Soroptimist International of Southwest Washington.

In your neighborhood

News and events in Clark County neighborhoods

Our readers' views

Letters to the editor

Everybody Has a Story: With rod, reel failing, woman sinks her own hooks into fish

First you need to know that what used to be Hamilton Island is now the town of North Bonneville. This happened in the early 1980s. The town of North Bonneville was moved to Hamilton Island after this fishing trip.

Washington higher ed panel: Budget a ‘disaster’

Board grimly backs proposed two-year spending plan

SALMON CREEK — Forget, for a moment, competition with China or India. In the critical battle to raise a well-educated work force and create jobs, Washington state is losing ground to the likes of Massachusetts and Mississippi.

Soccer may not be so bad, after all

Commentary: Paul Valencia

Allow me to catch up on a few open letters. ...

Fearless Falcons

Prairie girls find success despite disagreements

Headstrong. Opinionated. Difficult. Those are a few of the words used to describe the Prairie High School girls soccer team that has made school history by winning two state playoff games.

In our view: Barges to be Blocked

Repairing locks at 3 Columbia River dams will impact highway and rail commerce

Transportation challenges in this part of the state will be especially difficult this winter, and that’s not just a weather forecast. It’s a certainty, even if the winter is not colder and wetter as predicted. In three weeks the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will close for repairs the navigational locks at three Columbia River dams. Barge traffic from The Dalles upstream will be shut down for more than three months, 14 weeks in fact, about seven times longer than routine maintenance closures in the past.

Zandamela focus of two Battle Ground ethics complaints

Councilman says mayor, other councilors ‘after’ him

Battle Ground City Council member Paul Zandamela has been identified as the subject of two allegations of ethics violations. Zandamela will have a chance to present his side of the case, as will a representative of the council, at a public hearing scheduled for Dec. 20. The complaint was filed with Mayor Mike Ciraulo two weeks ago.

County shelves East Fairgrounds development

270 acres considered for business park, light industrial uses

After hearing concerns from residents and Vancouver city officials, Clark County commissioners on Tuesday decided against opening up 270 acres northeast of the Clark County Fairgrounds for development. Commissioners voted against a proposal that commissioners themselves had asked staff members to research and present.