Stories for February 1, 2011
Lead stories
Stories
Pollution limits woodstove burning in S. Ore.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- Jackson County has limited woodstove burning after weather conditions in southern Oregon increased the risk of pollution lingering in valleys.
Multnomah County pharmacies tighten operations
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The Multnomah County Health Department is making changes at six county-run pharmacies to prevent drug thefts.
Portland fundraiser collects $8,000 for police
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A fund raiser for the families of slain Rainer Police Chief Ralph Painter and wounded Lincoln City Officer Steven Dodds collected $3,600 last weekend at Harvey's Comedy Club in Portland.
Stepanek loses to Mayer in Zagreb Indoors
ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) -- Fifth-seeded Florian Mayer advanced to the quarterfinals of the Zagreb Indoors after defeating Radek Stepanek 7-6 (3), 6-3.
Missing Ore. sisters found OK in Columbia Gorge
CORBETT, Ore. (AP) -- Searchers say they have found two Oregon sisters reported missing overnight in the Columbia River Gorge.
2 sisters missing on hike near Horsetail Falls
CORBETT, Ore. (AP) -- A search is expanding for two Oregon sisters who failed to return from a day hike in the Columbia River Gorge.
Wenatchee bridge ironworker see lots of pigeons
WENATCHEE, Wash. (AP) -- One of the ironworkers upgrading the George Sellar Bridge in Wenatchee says he's seen raccoons on the bridge and a lot of pigeons.
Yakima City Council votes to keep praying
YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) -- The Yakima City Council voted Tuesday to continue praying at meetings, although it plans to make changes to reduce the risk of getting sued.
Seattle jogger says she lied about being attacked
SEATTLE (AP) -- Police say a reported attack on a jogger Saturday in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood was a hoax.
Spain leads FIFA rankings, Japan into top 20
ZURICH (AP) -- World Cup winner Spain leads the FIFA rankings, and new Asian champion Japan has moved into the top 20. The United States remains at No. 18 to lead CONCACAF teams.
More investigation of child death in Battle Ground
VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) -- Clark County prosecutors have asked police for more investigation into the shooting death of the 3-year-old son of a Clark County sheriff's deputy.
E. Wenatchee homeowner takes down armed intruder
EAST WENATCHEE, Wash. (AP) -- Police say a 62-year-old East Wenatchee homeowner took down an intruder and held him in a headlock until police arrived.
Man charged in Spokane with promoting suicide
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- The unusual charge of promoting a suicide has been filed in Spokane against a man accused of helping a friend kill himself.
2 previous attacks on women at Monroe prison
SEATTLE (AP) -- Two other women who work at the Monroe Correctional Complex where guard Jayme Biendl was killed Saturday were attacked in the past six months.
2 previous attacks on women at Monroe prison
SEATTLE (AP) -- Two other women who work at the Monroe Correctional Complex where guard Jayme Biendl was killed Saturday were attacked in the past six months.
2 other attacks on women at Monroe prison
SEATTLE (AP) -- Two other women who work at the Monroe Correctional Complex where guard Jayme Biendl was killed Saturday were attacked in the past six months.
Leader of Annecy bid announces increased budget
PARIS (AP) -- Annecy officials have increased their bid budget for the 2018 Winter Olympics to $29 million after securing more government money.
Sharapova, Kuznetsova lead Russia in Fed Cup
MOSCOW (AP) -- Grand Slam champions Maria Sharapova and Svetlana Kuznetsova will be featured for Russia against an inexperienced France team in their Fed Cup match in Moscow this weekend.
Aldridge scores 40 as Blazers stun Spurs
LaMarcus Aldridge had a career-high 40 points along with 11 rebounds and the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the NBA-leading San Antonio Spurs 99-86 on Tuesday night. Wesley Matthews added 21 points for the Blazers, who snapped a two-game losing streak.
Ex-mayor sheds shorts 5 years after Katrina vow
GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) -- There was a time when not even the president of the United States could get Eddie Favre (FAHR'-ve) to wear pants.
Woman passenger killed in fiery Auburn crash
AUBURN, Wash. (AP) -- A neighbor who heard a speeding car crash into a power pole in Auburn, pulled the driver out of the car, but it erupted in flames before a woman passenger could be rescued.
Woman killed in fiery Auburn crash
AUBURN, Wash. (AP) -- A woman was killed in a fiery crash early Wednesday in Auburn.
Stocks mixed day after Dow tops 12,000
NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks are closing mixed Wednesday, a day after the Dow Jones industrial average closed at its highest level in two and a half years.
Westwood, Kaymer tussle for No. 1 in Qatar Masters
DOHA, Qatar (AP) -- Lee Westwood will be defending his No. 1 world ranking against Martin Kaymer when they tee off in the Qatar Masters on Thursday.
Prosecutors send boy's shooting death back to police for more review
Three-year-old the son of a sheriff's deputy
Prosecutors have sent the investigation into the shooting death of a 3-year-old boy, the son of a Clark County sheriff’s deputy, back to police for further review.
Scott is 1st to send signed letter to Miami
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) -- Rashawn Scott had a fax machine at Miami buzzing at 7:01 a.m. Wednesday.
Four Vancouver fire chief finalists share leadership views
Each man said they're taken with the city; are worried about budget
All dolled up
Washougal’s Two Rivers Heritage Museum changes approach.
Power line falls, darkens homes in Hockinson
Hundreds of Hockinson-area residents were out of electricity Tuesday night after a power line fell in front of the Hockinson Community Church about 6:40 p.m., causing the wire to flash and burn.
Panel hears bill to take schools chief off ballot
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Gov. Chris Gregoire made a rare appearance before a legislative committee on Wednesday, speaking about her plan to restructure Washington's education system.
Panel hears bill to take schools chief off ballot
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The state Senate Education Committee is hearing testimony Wednesday on a proposal that would take the superintendent of public instruction off the ballot and make the job an appointed position.
Study: Fewer US Muslims in domestic terror cases
NEW YORK (AP) -- A new report says the number of U.S. Muslims accused in terror plots dropped by more than half in 2010.
Two men found dead in Vancouver home
At least one death in Image neighborhood believed to be a homicide
Vancouver police Major Crimes detectives late Tuesday were investigating the deaths of two men whose bodies were found several hours earlier in a home in the 12000 block of Northeast 40th Circle, in the Image neighborhood just east of and behind the SEH America plant.
Australian cyclist Bobridge breaks pursuit record
SYDNEY (AP) -- Australian cyclist Jack Bobridge has broken a 15-year-old world record in the 4-kilometer (2.49 miles) individual pursuit during a qualifying heat at the Australian National Track Championships.
Blizzard keeps Midwest cattle ranchers busy
BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) -- The winter storm that has paralyzed cities across the Midwest has made life harder for exhausted ranchers whose cows are in the midst of giving birth.
Man, 22, accused of causing 6-vehicle pileup
MARYSVILLE, Wash. (AP) -- Washington state troopers say a 22-year-old man is accused of causing a six-vehicle pileup and then running from the scene of the crash north of Marysville.
Trial of ex-CIA operative delayed by snow
EL PASO, Texas (AP) -- The trial of a Cuba-born former CIA operative accused of lying to U.S. authorities during an immigration hearing has been suspended for a day because the Texas courthouse closed due to snow.
Trial of ex-CIA operative shifts to yacht to Miami
EL PASO, Texas (AP) -- The trial of a former CIA operative accused of lying about how he got into the United States is turning from verbal fireworks with the star witness to more subdued testimony about the yacht the government informant says carried the man from Mexico to Miami.
Report of bridge jumper believed to be unfounded
Rescuers rushed to the Interstate 205 Bridge on Tuesday afternoon after a three-vehicle crash led to fears that one driver jumped into the Columbia River.
Wrigley Field press box damaged by storm
CHICAGO (AP) -- Wrigley Field has been damaged by a severe storm that caused tiles to fall from the top of the press box at the 97-year-old ballpark.
House committee moves license fee increase bill
General Government Appropriations and Oversight OK's measure on 8-4 vote
Clemens due in court to plan for Pettitte on stand
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Pitching great Roger Clemens and his lawyers are due in federal court Wednesday to explain how they plan to handle star prosecution witness Andy Pettitte's testimony alleging Clemens admitted using performance-enhancing drugs.
Senate Republicans lose vote on health law
WASHINGTON (AP) -- As expected, the Senate has rejected a Republican attempt to repeal the year-old health care law.
Ore. police confrontation kills career serviceman
GRESHAM, Ore. (AP) -- A 50-year-old Oregon man killed in a confrontation with Gresham police was a career serviceman who worked to raise money for veterans.
Bomb kills 2, wounds 10 in NW Pakistan
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) -- Police say a bomb has killed two people and wounded 10 others in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar.
New black bear at Ore. zoo
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The Oregon Zoo in Portland says an orphaned black bear from Montana has a new home at the zoo and so far his introductions to the zoo's other three black bears have gone well.
Fire engulfs barn at site of historic Ore. dairy
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A wind-whipped, two-alarm fire has engulfed a barn at the former site of the historic Meadowland Dairy in Portland.
Illinois routs Penn State 68-51
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) -- Mike Davis scored 22 points, including 10 on dunks, to lead struggling Illinois past Penn State 68-51 Tuesday night in front of a sparse crowd held down by a winter storm.
No. 23 North Carolina cruises past Boston College
BOSTON (AP) -- Freshman Harrison Barnes scored 26 points, including going 4 of 7 from 3-point range, to lead No. 23 North Carolina to a 106-74 victory over Boston College on Tuesday night.
Backstrom carries Wild to win over Kings
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Pierre-Marc Bouchard scored the winning goal in the shootout and Niklas Backstrom made 27 saves in regulation to lift the Minnesota Wild to a 1-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night.
Jostling for summer shelters: Coveted dates go quickly
Camping outside the Marshall Center on Tuesday — Feb. 1, annually — to reserve shelter at select Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation parks on coveted dates during the summer for family reunions, weddings and other events has become an annual rite in Vancouver.
Smith scores 25, Radford edges Winthrop 67-66
RADFORD, Va. (AP) -- Jareal Smith scored a career-high 25 points and Radford held off Winthrop 67-66 on Tuesday night to snap a six-game losing streak and split the season series.
Boston University defeats Maine 88-78
BOSTON (AP) -- John Holland scored 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead Boston University to an 88-78 win over Maine in America East Conference play on Tuesday night.
New Mexico beats Air Force 75-61
AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AP) -- Drew Gordon led four New Mexico players in double figures with a game-high 17 points and Steve Alford earned his 400th career victory as a college head coach as the Lobos defeated Air Force 75-61 Tuesday night.
Mother of Chicago Bears coach Smith dies at 77
GLADEWATER, Texas (AP) -- The mother of Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith has died in a Texas hospital at the age of 77.
NJIT beats Fairleigh Dickinson 64-62 in OT
TEANECK, N.J. (AP) -- Jheryl Wilson scored 19 points and Isaiah Wilkerson added 15 and 13 rebounds to lead New Jersey Institute of Technology to a 64-62 overtime win over Fairleigh Dickinson on Tuesday night.
Winter storm likely stranding Celtics out West
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- The Boston Celtics might be unwillingly extending their West Coast trip.
Lakers C Andrew Bynum out with bone bruise in knee
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Starting center Andrew Bynum is out of the Los Angeles Lakers' lineup for their game against the Houston Rockets with a bone bruise in his left knee.
Savannah State holds off Arkansas State 67-61
SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) -- Jovonni Shuler scored 20 points to help Savannah State avenge an early season loss to Arkansas State, winning 67-61 on Tuesday night.
Stutz, Wichita State turn back Indiana State 70-54
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) -- Garrett Stutz scored 15 points as Wichita State pulled away in the second half to beat Indiana State 70-54 on Tuesday night.
Bozak, Armstrong lift Leafs in SO, 4-3
TORONTO (AP) -- Tyler Bozak and Colby Armstrong scored in a shootout and the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Florida Panthers 4-3 Tuesday night.
Seafood company sells assets
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- A Seattle-based seafood company with a lengthy history of commercial fishing in Alaska has sold some of its Alaska assets.
Barbour, High Point hold off Presbyterian 69-62
HIGH POINT, N.C. (AP) -- Nick Barbour came off the bench to score 17 points and High Point held on to defeat Presbyterian 69-62 on Tuesday night, sweeping the season series.
Miami (Ohio) pulls away from Ball State 89-75
OXFORD, Ohio (AP) -- Julian Mavunga scored 27 points and pulled down 11 rebounds as Miami (Ohio) came from behind to beat Ball State 89-75 on Tuesday night.
La Center will not appeal Cowlitz decision
Ruling paves the way for casino to be built
The city of La Center will not appeal the federal decision allowing the Cowlitz Indian Tribe to establish a reservation and build a casino near the city. Mayor Jim Irish said the council decided against fighting the Bureau of Indian Affairs Dec. 23 decision in court but may choose to intervene later.
No. 14 WVirginia beats Providence 59-45
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) -- Liz Repella scored 16 points and No. 14 West Virginia bounced back from consecutive road losses with a 59-45 win over Providence on Tuesday night.
Michigan State promotes Roushar to OC
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Michigan State has promoted offensive line coach Dan Roushar to offensive coordinator.
No. 8 Notre Dame routs Syracuse 71-48
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) -- Devereaux Peters had 15 points and 11 rebounds and No. 8 Notre Dame dominated Syracuse in a 71-48 victory Tuesday night.
Inmate suspect in guard's death had bite marks
MONROE, Wash. (AP) -- Court papers show that an inmate suspected of strangling a female guard in a prison chapel had bite marks on his fingers and what appear to be scratch marks on his buttocks.
Thorpe ends retirement, looks to 2012 Olympics
SYDNEY (AP) -- Five-time Olympic gold medalist Ian Thorpe says he will end his retirement with the goal of swimming at next year's London Games.
Brady wins top offensive player award
DALLAS (AP) -- Tom Brady has won The Associated Press 2010 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award for the second time in four seasons.
Police: 2 bodies found in Vancouver WA home
VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) -- Vancouver, Wash., police say the bodies of two men were found Tuesday in a home.
Villanova snowed-under by No. 23 Marquette
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Katherine Plouffe scored 15 points and No. 23 Marquette went on an 11-0 run straddling halftime to take control, beating snowed-in Villanova 62-57 on Tuesday in a game moved up two hours because of the weather.
Rangers get Dubinsky, Callahan back vs Penguins
NEW YORK (AP) -- While the New York Rangers are quickly getting healthier, the Pittsburgh Penguins keep losing players to injury.
Arizona's Busch picked as USA Swimming director
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) -- University of Arizona coach Frank Busch will take over as national team director for USA Swimming.
Cowboys owner hopeful of labor deal by the fall
DALLAS (AP) -- Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says it may take a deadline like the start of the 2011 NFL season to get a new collective bargaining agreement.
Bradley ends 11-game slide with 69-61 victory
PEORIA, Ill. (AP) -- Andrew Warren scored 23 points and Bradley beat Creighton 69-61 Tuesday to end its longest losing streak in 56 seasons.
Astros and Boston forced to cancel exhibition game
HOUSTON (AP) -- The Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox have canceled the second of two exhibition games in March because MLB rules prohibit the playing of exhibition games when the regular season has started.
WA lawmakers wade into red-light camera debate
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Washington lawmakers are debating the use of cameras to snap pictures of people who run red lights.
Ore. town getting back to normal after manhunt
WALDPORT, Ore. (AP) — A tiny Oregon coastal town is cautiously trying to get back to normal after being swarmed for days with police trying to find a man accused of shooting an officer.
NFL, union both claim win in ruling on TV deals
DALLAS (AP) -- A special master has ruled on the NFL Players Association's complaint that the league improperly negotiated TV contracts -- and both sides are claiming victory.
Evans, Griffin to headline Rookie Challenge
NEW YORK (AP) -- Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans, the reigning Rookie of the Year, and Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin lead a group of 18 players selected for the Rookie Challenge.
Ravens sign P Koch to 5-year contract, agent says
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -- Punter Sam Koch has agreed to a five-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens.
Hoosiers lose top scorer with broken hand
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) -- Indiana forward Christian Watford is out indefinitely after breaking his left hand.
Goldschmidt sex abuse victim details recounted
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A former columnist for The Oregonian who spent many hours interviewing the woman abused as a young teenager by Neil Goldschmidt has released her account of the relationship following the woman's death last month.
King County hopes for $1M a year from landfill gas
SEATTLE (AP) -- King County is anticipating getting $1 million a year from methane gas created by decomposing garbage in a landfill.
Boyfriend arraigned in death of 2-year-old boy
ROSEBURG, Ore. (AP) -- A 50-year-old Roseburg man has been arraigned on a murder charge in the death of his girlfriend's 2-year-old son.
AP Source: Mets owners, Selig discuss finances
NEW YORK (AP) -- The New York Mets' owners have met with Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig to discuss the team's finances.
Prison guards push for assault compensation
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- A few days after a state corrections officer was killed in a state prison, prison guards lobbied for a change in law that would allow them to collect money from the inmates who assault them.
Vanderbeek expects to retain control of Devils
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- The managing partner of the New Jersey Devils has no desire to sell the NHL team and expects to maintain a controlling interest.
Cal baseball seeks to avoid cutting block
BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) -- California athletic director Sandy Barbour says the university will have a decision within the next 10 days about whether baseball and four other programs will be saved.
Jack LaLanne eulogized in Calif as 'true saint'
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Jack LaLanne is being remembered in Los Anglees by Arnold Schwarzenegger and other fitness buffs who call him a pioneer.
Hank Steinbrenner moves into Boss' old office
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- The Boss' old office at Steinbrenner Field is being used, again.
Rooney scores 2; Friedel sets Aston Villa record
MANCHESTER, England (AP) -- Wayne Rooney scored twice in a game for the first time in nearly 11 months, leading first-place Manchester United over Aston Villa 3-1 Tuesday night in the English Premier League.
Soccer teams say no to merger
Paul Danzer: Community sports column
The vote was 27-25 against the merger, which means the VUSA and Camas-Washougal soccer clubs will remain independent operations.
Spurs provide familiar challenge for Blazers
NBA’s best record visits Rose Garden on heels of Celtics
Five days after its 10-point loss to the Boston Celtics, the Eastern Conference’s best team, Portland is set to host the San Antonio Spurs — who just so happen to own the best record in the NBA.
Prep basketball: Kelso tops Hudson’s Bay in 3A GSHL
Kelso helped tighten up the 3A Greater St. Helens League boys basketball race Monday by holding off Hudson’s Bay, 59-54.
High school scoreboard, Feb. 1
High school scoreboard for games of Monday, Jan. 31
Community notebook: Equestrian teams compete at districts
Battle Ground had five first-place performances and Ridgefield had four victories during the first Washington High School Equestrian Teams meet of the season.
Ridgefield firm gets hydropower boost
Fiberglass manufacturer will make prototypes of startup’s turbine
While others have turned to wind, waves and sun rays for new sources of power, Hydrovolts is going with the flow of hydropower. The Seattle-based startup sees vast potential for power and profits in the irrigation channels that carry water in much of the world. The company has designed a small-scale turbine that can generate electricity from slow-moving waterways, and it’s about to build prototypes at a small manufacturing plant in Ridgefield.
Vancouver schools offers patron tours
vancouver Vancouver Public Schools Superintendent Steve Webb will lead another school patron tour Feb. 11.
La Center officers bring man back from dead
He was not breathing before they began CPR, used defibrillator on him
When La Center police Sgt. Jerry Lester and officer Rowdy Berry responded to a 911 call at a La Center residence Friday evening, they found an unconscious 36-year-old man. The man was in the passenger seat of his car parked in the home’s driveway. He didn’t have a pulse and wasn’t breathing.
Weather Eye: ‘Dirty ridge’ might provide a few clouds later
It appears our weather will remain rather dry for midwinter as our usual parade of storms across the Pacific gets shunted to the north or south of us. Let me clarify one thing: Our forecast of mostly clear skies gets shunted somewhat by what we call a “dirty ridge,” basically high pressure that isn’t quite strong enough to give us completely clear skies as remnants of weather systems move above it. Hence, some clouds from time to time but the main effect is little in the rainfall department. While the central part of the U.S. is getting a major arctic blast, we are just sitting on the sidelines with only minor intrusion of the bitter cold air. Eastern Washington dropped below freezing Monday and some of that cool air is fanning out over the local area via easterly winds. When skies clear we will drop below freezing, with highs close to or a bit below average.
Community scoreboard, Feb. 1
Community sports results for the week of Jan. 24-31
Correction: Teacher funds
Teacher funds: A story about potential schoolteacher reductions on Page A1 Sunday erred in describing state funding to support positions in kindergarten through fourth grade. Initiative 728 funding expired in 2010; legislators’ current proposal would eliminate dollars long used to supplement the state’s funding formula for all teachers, specially earmarked for K-4 positions, not constitutionally protected as “basic education” support. The potential impact was accurately reported.
Death Notices
A daily listing of death notices
In Our View: Protect Public View
Allowing agencies to post legal notices only on government websites is a bad idea
On Jan. 21, a disturbing attack on the public’s right to know was launched in a relatively obscure manner with the filing of two bills in the Legislature. Senate Bill 5360 and House Bill 1478, if passed, would allow Washington state’s counties and cities the option of placing government notices on their websites instead of publishing them in designated legal-notice newspapers. In the interest of full disclosure, The Columbian is one of those designated newspapers, and we make money from the publication of legal notices. That revenue stream would be diminished if Clark County and local cities were allowed to stop using this newspaper to fulfill their legal-notice obligations. But that financial benefit is not as important to the public as the public’s right to know. The people’s view of their government would be obscured if these two bills pass.
New school athletic field will honor fallen teen motorcyclist
St. Joseph project will pay tribute to ex-student Peter Lenz
St. Joseph Catholic School is planning a new athletic field in memory of Peter Lenz, a 13-year-old motorcycle racer who died in an August crash at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. St. Joseph Principal Lesley Harrison said plans for the $200,000 project were unveiled at a school assembly Monday morning.
Portland author offers tips on screenwriting
Washington State University Vancouver will host Portland writer Jonathan Raymond at 7 p.m. Thursday for a free presentation, “How do I get my story to the screen?”
Tree steward nominees sought for Mac Award
The Vancouver Urban Forestry Commission is seeking nominations for the annual Mac Award, which recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses that have made a significant, positive impact on Vancouver’s urban forest.
Vancouver Planning Commission retreat will be Saturday
The Vancouver Planning Commission will meet Saturday for its annual retreat.
Complaint filed against Vancouver Police officer
Vancouver psychologist Kathy Marshack, 61, filed a complaint against a Vancouver police commander Friday, alleging police harassment, civil rights violations and malicious defamation. The complaint, filed with Chief Cliff Cook, includes accusations against Cmdr. Dave King.
Adding some space around the signature-seekers
Moeller wants them to stay 15 feet from businesses’ doors
Rep. Jim Moeller, D-Vancouver, wants people who gather signatures on initiative and referendum petitions to create more distance between their clipboards and the entrances to Washington businesses. On Monday, he introduced House Bill 1584, which would require signature-gatherers to stand at least 15 feet from doorways of retail stores. The bill has 18 co-sponsors, including some Republicans.
Vital statistics
Births, marriage dissolutions, marriage licenses, court sentencings
Our Readers' Views
Letters to the editor
Slider selection makes Super Bowl party easy
Bread, fillings, condiments and cheese sure to please
Super Bowl party food is all about big, comfy flavor and ease, because on the day of the big game, you want to spend your time in front of the tube, not the stove. Sliders are great because they can be served as appetizers or entrees. And assembling a buffet of make-it-yourself sliders allows your guests to tailor the sandwiches to their liking.
Food and wine calendar
A weekly list of classes and events
Community Sports Calendar, Feb. 1, 2011
The Community Sports Calendar lists local sports activities, organizations, team tryouts, camps, gyms and other resources. It is updated each Tuesday. Submit items to be listed by e-mail to paul.danzer@columbian.com.
Washington View: Correct state’s pension problems before they’re a crisis
You see a lot in the news these days about public employee pension costs pushing cities and states to the brink of bankruptcy. Private-sector employers confronted the same crisis years ago and are still struggling with it today. Eager to avoid costly strikes, companies agreed to long-term pension benefits they couldn’t afford, hoping to find a way to fund them later.
Talking Points 02/01
What’s the buzz from the world of sports? Here are some items that will have people talking: Mariners-Athletics trade.
Egyptian military calls for end to demonstrations
CAIRO (AP) -- The Egyptian military is calling for an end to more than a week of demonstrations demanding President Hosni Mubarak step down immediately after nearly 30 years in power.
AP Source: Ramirez agree at $32.5M over 4 years
CHICAGO (AP) -- A person familiar with the negotiations says shortstop Alexei Ramirez and the Chicago White Sox have agreed in principle to a new contract that guarantees $32.5 million in new money over four years through 2015.
Seattle man pleads guilty to killing woman, baby
SEATTLE (AP) -- A 31-year-old Seattle man has pleaded guilty to aggravated murder in the shooting deaths of his girlfriend and baby daughter.
Sparks trade guard Andrea Riley to Tulsa Shock
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Los Angeles Sparks have traded guard Andrea Riley to the Tulsa Shock in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2012 WNBA draft.
Monaco knocked out by Gonzalez in Santiago
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) -- Two-time finalist Juan Monaco was knocked out of the first round of the Movistar Open by fellow Argentine Maximo Gonzalez 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 Tuesday.
Distinctive S. Ore. building being restored
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- A downtown landmark in Medford is being restored to its original look a century later.
Google, Microsoft spar over search results quality
SEATTLE (AP) -- Google is accusing Microsoft Corp. of cheating to make its Bing search engine better. Microsoft says the way it is improving results isn't copying.
Bieber, Magic meet up in NBA All-Star celeb game
NEW YORK (AP) -- The newest name to play Showtime: Justin Bieber.
Hard times on Hawk Hill
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- There is a tradition at Saint Joseph's for fans to cheer "The Hawk Will Never Die!"
AP source: Obama envoy tells Mubarak time is up
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A senior American official says that the special envoy dispatched to Egypt by President Barak Obama told Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak that the U.S. saw his presidency at an end and urged him to prepare for an orderly transition to real democracy with elections.
St. John's Brownlee fractures thumb
NEW YORK (AP) -- St. John's forward Justin Brownlee has fractured his left thumb, but is not expected to miss any time.
African cat caught in Longview neighborhood
LONGVIEW, Wash. (AP) -- Some residents in a Longview neighborhood thought a cheetah was on the loose when they saw a large spotted cat showing up on backyard decks.
Wash. man who admitted Nazi role dies before trial
SEATTLE (AP) -- An 88-year-old man who admitted being involved with a Nazi death squad during World War II has died, just weeks before a trial to determine whether he could keep his U.S. citizenship.
Oregon woman pleads guilty to aggravated murder
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- An Oregon woman has pleaded guilty to aggravated murder in the torture death of her 15-year-old daughter in late 2009.
Michael Andretti hires Conway as team's 4th driver
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Michael Andretti's IndyCar team has added Mike Conway as its fourth driver for the 2011 season.
Padres claim Deduno off waivers, DFA Salazar
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The San Diego Padres have claimed right-hander Samuel Deduno off waivers from the Colorado Rockies and designated infielder-outfielder Oscar Salazar for assignment.
Avalanche-Blues game postponed because of weather
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The NHL game in St. Louis between the Colorado Avalanche and Blues scheduled for Tuesday night has been postponed because of severe weather conditions.
Husband says Zsa Zsa Gabor very ill
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Zsa Zsa Gabor's husband says she is running a high fever, has fluid in her lungs, an infection in her recently amputated leg and doesn't recognize anyone.
Royals hire Willie Aikens as minor league coach
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Willie Mays Aikens, who went from World Series star to federal prison inmate, has been hired by the Kansas City Royals as a minor league coach.
Storm scraps Oklahoma-Baylor basketball game
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- A men's basketball game between Baylor and Oklahoma has been rescheduled to Wednesday because of a winter storm that brought accumulating snow and strong winds.
Elwha dams removal may threaten Highway 101 bridge
PORT ANGELES, Wash. (AP) -- The Transportation Department is concerned that logs will rush down the Elwha River when two dams are removed, wearing away banks under the Highway 101 bridge west of Port Angeles.
Gig Harbor man pleads guilty in daughter's death
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- A Gig Harbor man who pleaded guilty in the death of his 3-week-old daughter faces a recommended term of 11 years in prison when he is sentenced Feb. 28 in Tacoma.
Wash. settles lawsuit filed by abused children
YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) -- The state Department of Social and Health Services has reached a $6.55 million settlement agreement in a lawsuit filed by six siblings who were abused by their father, mother and mother's boyfriend.
Ex-Montesano police chief pleads not guilty
MONTESANO, Wash. (AP) -- Ex-Montesano Police Chief Ray Sowers pleaded not guilty to theft charges.
Bill could change Washington ferries management
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- A private company could take over management of Washington state ferries if the system fails to meet performance goals that would be set in proposed legislation.
Timberwolves seek $155M to renovate Target Center
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minnesota Timberwolves and the city of Minneapolis have teamed up on a proposal that seeks $155 million to renovate Target Center.
2 young girls die in Milton-Freewater OR fire
MILTON-FREEWATER, Ore. (AP) -- Two young girls have died in a mobile home fire in Milton-Freewater in Eastern Oregon.
2 young girls die in Milton-Freewater fire
MILTON-FREEWATER, Ore. (AP) -- Two young girls have died in a mobile home fire in Milton-Freewater in Eastern Oregon.
2 children reported dead in Milton-Freewater fire
MILTON-FREEWATER, Ore. (AP) -- The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin reports two children have died in a fire at the Locust Trailer Court in Milton-Freewater.
Bradley says he wants to emulate Keane at Villa
BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) -- Michael Bradley says he wants to become an all-around midfielder like former Manchester United great Roy Keane when he starts his new career at Aston Villa.
Vikings' DE Griffen released from Calif. jail
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen has been released from a California jail where he's been held since his arrest for allegedly assaulting a police officer.
NHL All-Star game's ratings up 33 percent
NEW YORK (AP) -- The NHL All-Star game's television ratings are up one-third from the last game two years ago.
WA starts 3-month tax amnesty for delinquent biz
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- A three-month amnesty program for businesses with overdue taxes has started in Washington state.
'Biggest Loser' competitor sells 1.5 lb. burger
AFTON, Wyo. (AP) -- A former Olympic wrestler is serving a 1.5-pound hamburger at his Wyoming restaurant while competing on TV to be "The Biggest Loser."
MLS All-Star game to be played at Red Bull Arena
NEW YORK (AP) -- The Major League Soccer All-Star game will be played at Red Bull Arena in July.
Jockey Eibar Coa facing charge of domestic battery
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- Authorities say Venezuelan horse racing jockey Eibar Coa is facing a domestic battery charge after an alleged altercation with his wife at their South Florida home.
Wounded Bellevue boy, 12, expected to recover
BELLEVUE, Wash. (AP) -- A 12-year-old Bellevue boy who was shot in the mouth by his 16-year-old brother is in serious condition at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
World champion weightlifter Gyozo Veres dies at 74
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) -- Former weightlifting world champion Gyozo Veres of Hungary has died at 74.
Top-ranked Nadal out 10 days with muscle tear
MADRID (AP) -- Top-ranked Rafael Nadal will need 10 days to recover from a leg muscle injury sustained during his quarterfinal loss at the Australian Open.
Homeless man burned in tent in Mount Vernon
MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) -- The Mount Vernon Fire Department says a homeless man was burned and suffered smoke inhalation from a fire in his tent.
Lawmakers want more security on northern border
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A new government report says that less than 1 percent of the 4,000-mile U.S.-Canada border is considered under the operational control of U.S. border officials.
Oregon man gets life for shooting wife in head
COOS BAY, Ore. (AP) -- A Bandon man has been sentenced to life in prison for shooting his wife in the head while she played a computer game.
Rockets reassign G Smith to D-League
HOUSTON (AP) -- The Houston Rockets have reassigned guard Ish Smith to Rio Grande Valley, the team's developmental league affiliate.
NHL's Buffalo Sabres announce sale of team
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- The Buffalo Sabres say owner Tom Golisano has agreed to sell the National Hockey League franchise and its related companies to Pennsylvania businessman Terry Pegula.
Upcoming Sabres sale not distracting players
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- The Buffalo Sabres are expected to officially announce the sale of the team to Pennsylvania billionaire Terry Pegula on Thursday, with majority owner Tom Golisano, managing partner Larry Quinn, and minority owner Daniel DiPofi anticipated to confirm the transaction in a press conference.
Nets sign free agent G Orien Greene
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- The New Jersey Nets have signed free agent guard Orien Greene to a contract.
Gervais says Globes may want him back next year
NEW YORK (AP) -- Ricky Gervais (jur-VAYSS') says that despite the acrimony over his job hosting the Golden Globes, he was asked to consider returning next year.
USTA, Olympus settle lawsuit over sponsorship deal
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) -- Olympus will remain an official sponsor of the U.S. Open for 2011 as part of a settlement of a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Tennis Association.
Univ. of Colo. sends most graduates to Peace Corps
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) -- For the first time in its history, the University of Colorado has more graduates serving in the Peace Corps than any other large school.
Ore. dam removal opponent pleads not guilty
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- A vocal opponent of the Gold Ray Dam removal from the Rogue River last summer has pleaded not guilty to menacing charges for allegedly firing a rifle shot over the heads of four workers deepening neighbors' wells.
3 Asotin County deputies hurt
CLARKSTON, Wash. (AP) -- An Asotin County man has been jailed after he allegedly attacked and injured three sheriff's deputies while they tried to arrest him for driving under the influence.
Germany's Dold wins 6th straight NY Empire Run-Up
NEW YORK (AP) -- Thomas Dold, of Stuttgart, Germany, has won the Empire State Building Run-Up for the sixth straight year.
First of megaloads begins trip across Idaho
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- A giant truckload of oil refinery equipment scheduled to lumber onto scenic U.S. Highway 12 has begun its 172-mile journey across Idaho to Montana.
First of megaloads to move out
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- After a long legal fight, the first of those giant megaloads of oil refinery equipment is finally scheduled to head out onto scenic U.S. Highway 12.
US general predicts Taliban 'assassination teams'
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The No. 2 American general in Afghanistan is predicting that Taliban forces this spring will attempt to reassert themselves by focusing more on assassinating Afghan political leaders in order to undermine support for the government.
