Stories for February 11, 2011

Rooney lifts Man United to 2-1 win over Man City

MANCHESTER, England (AP) -- Wayne Rooney struck a spectacular overhead kick for Premier League leader Manchester United to beat rival Manchester City 2-1 at Old Trafford.

Authorities: 'Twilight' fan lied about bite marks

MARATHON, Fla. (AP) -- Authorities say a Florida teen has told police that bite marks on her body came from "Twilight"-inspired vampire role playing -- not from someone who attacked her while she was out jogging.

NASCAR limits cooling system to cut 200-mph speeds

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- NASCAR officials have told teams to remove an auxiliary air hose used to cool engines in an attempt to reduce speeds that topped 200 mph in practice at Daytona International Speedway.

Men's downhill training canceled on soft course

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany (AP) -- The final men's downhill training has been called off to avoid damage to the Kandahar course ahead of Monday's super-combined event at the world championships.

Vancouver marijuana provider acquitted

VANCOUVER (AP) — A Southwest Washington man who grew marijuana for a dying cancer patient has been acquitted of drug charges. Mark Hensley of Vancouver was arrested a year ago with 133 marijuana plants, many of them small clones. Hensley’s lawyer, Douglas Hiatt, says he was producing cannabis oil for a tenant who had esophageal cancer.

Germany women's luge 105-race win streak ends

PARAMONOVO, Russia (AP) -- Canada's Alex Gough has snapped Germany's 105-race winning streak in women's World Cup luge races.

Pechstein qualifies for World Cup after doping ban

ERFURT, Germany (AP) -- Five-time Olympic speedskating champion Claudia Pechstein marked her return from a two-year doping ban by qualifying for the Speed Skating World Cup in Salt Lake City.

Palestinians to hold elections by September

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) -- A top aide to President Mahmoud Abbas says the Palestinians will hold presidential and legislative elections by September.

Pechstein qualifies for World Cup after doping ban

ERFURT, Germany (AP) -- Five-time Olympic speedskating champion Claudia Pechstein marked her return from a two-year doping ban by qualifying for the Speed Skating World Cup in Salt Lake City.

NY man in custody, accused of stabbing deaths

NEW YORK (AP) -- A 23-year-old Brooklyn man is in custody after police say he fatally stabbed three people and killed a pedestrian after hijacking a car.

Bringing geography to life

Passport Club lets kids explore the world at school.

Vancouver motorcyclist dies 2 days after crash in Portland

He lost control of Harley on Airport Way

A Vancouver man who was critically injured in a motorcycle crash in Portland on Wednesday night has died, officials said. Dale Stark, 63, had been listed in critical condition at Portland’s Legacy Emanuel Medical Center as late as Thursday evening.

Canada's Guay wins downhill title at worlds

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany (AP) -- Erik Guay of Canada has won the men's downhill title at the world championships ahead of pre-race favorites Didier Cuche and Christof Innerhofer.

Sports minister says Annecy bid is lacking money

ANNECY, France (AP) -- French sports minister Chantal Jouanno says Annecy needs more money for a successful bid for the 2018 Winter Games.

It’s Aldridge again as Blazers top Raptors

LaMarcus Aldridge scored 14 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter as the Portland Trail Blazers won their third straight game, beating the skidding Toronto Raptors 102-96 on Friday night.

Troops in Yemen push back protesters

SANAA, Yemen (AP) -- Troops in Yemen have beaten some anti-government protesters who were celebrating the resignation of Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak and demanding the ouster of their own president.

Vancouver Volcanoes open 2011 season in April

The Vancouver Volcanoes will return to the O’Connell Center at Clark College in late April.

Sources: Tonya Harding is pregnant

Ex-skater, husband reportedly expecting a son

Former Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding and her husband of nearly a year are expecting a baby boy, according to various media reports. Harding, 40, and her husband, Joseph Price, live near Yacolt.

CEO: trade mission to India a win-win

NLight's Scott Keeney says trip enhanced business and cultural relationships

It is hot and humid in Mumbai as we finish our last day on the trade mission. It has been a very good trip for us as Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and his team have helped us open doors. We have worked hard in our follow-up meetings to present our new high power laser for material processing applications. We have started new opportunities and closed important deals that will help us continue to grow.

Egypt opposition to end protest in Cairo square

CAIRO (AP) -- The main coalition of youth and opposition groups says it will end its protest in a central Cairo square after they succeeded in ousting longtime authoritarian leader Hosni Mubarak. But the groups say they will call for weekly demonstrations to maintain pressure on the ruling military to implement democratic reforms.

Egypt military promises to abide by peace deal

CAIRO (AP) -- Egypt's military rulers have promised the country will abide by its international agreements, a nod to allay concerns that Egypt's peace deal with Israel could be threatened following the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak.

Egypt government officials banned from traveling

CAIRO (AP) -- Airport officials say current and ex-government officials have been banned from traveling without permission from either the state prosecutor or the armed forces.

Egypt: nighttime curfew eased after Mubarak ouster

CAIRO (AP) -- Egypt's state television says the country's nighttime curfew has been relaxed.

Tseng leads by 3 strokes at Australian Masters

GOLD COAST, Australia (AP) -- Taiwan's Yani Tseng, who can take the No. 1 ranking in women's golf with a victory at the Australian Masters, took a three-stroke lead into the final round Saturday, shooting a 9-under-par 63.

Horse found roaming in Deschutes County, Ore.

BEND, Ore. (AP) -- The Deschutes County, Ore., sheriff's office says it has taken custody of a horse found roaming in the Tumalo Reservoir area between Bend and Sisters.

Retiring Krispy Kreme employee leaves a hole

Sunnyside — Those who might have been on tour at the Hazel Dell Krispy Kreme might remember Harold Franklin for his chants of “Krispy Kreme — Hot Doughnuts.” Franklin, who retired from the store Jan. 12, will be missed. He was one of the first employees hired when the doughnut shop opened seven years ago. Franklin earned the title Team Member of the Month at least 10 times and Team Member of the Quarter several times.

Old library architect meets new

ESTHER SHORT — New meets old. In this case, we’re talking building designers. Library architects met and toured the new main Fort Vancouver Regional Library building under construction on C Street. Don Cassady, the architect for the current main library on Mill Plain Boulevard that opened in 1963, got a good look at the unfinished building with Adin Dunning of The Miller/Hull Partnership, the lead architect of the new library. The new library is due to open to the public in mid-July this year.

School district, student teacher settle complaint

BEAVERTON, Ore. (AP) -- The Beaverton School District has agreed to pay $75,000 to settle a discrimination complaint by a student teacher temporarily reassigned last fall for talking to a fourth-grader about gay marriage.

WA motorcycle rider dies of crash injuries

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Portland police say a 63-year-old Vancouver, Wash., motorcycle rider has died of injuries suffered when he collided with a car.

Algeria: Thousands turn out for anti-govt protests

ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) -- Organizers of an anti-government demonstration in the Algerian capital say several thousand people have gathered in the city center.

Rookie Fowler scores in OT as Ducks top Flames

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) -- Saku Koivu had two goals and an assist and rookie defenseman Cam Fowler scored in overtime Friday to lead the Anaheim Ducks to a 5-4 victory over the Calgary Flames.

Eugene , Ore., officer dies at shooting range

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- The Lane County, Ore., sheriff's office says a veteran Eugene police officer fatally shot himself with a hunting rifle at a shooting range in an apparent accident.

The End: Cavaliers stop losing streak at 26

CLEVELAND (AP) -- It's over. Finally. Barely.

More than 400 seek 50 jobs in new WA store

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- A hiring event for a new Recreational Equipment Inc. store under construction in the Olympia, Wash., area drew more than 400 job seekers for about 50 jobs.

10 years for man who ran over, killed woman, 91

SEATTLE (AP) -- A 34-year-old sex offender has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for running over and killing a 91-year-old Seattle woman.

Bench Points wins at Santa Anita

ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) -- Bench Points rallied to win the $64,960 The Gum Purse by 114 lengths over Da Ruler on Friday at Santa Anita.

2 charged in Wash. woman's death

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) -- A woman and a man have been charged for what police believe were their roles in the slaying of a 48-year-old Burlington, Wash., woman whose body was found Feb. 3 in a vacant Mount Vernon home.

Holiday scores 27 to lead 76ers past Spurs 77-71

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Jrue Holiday scored 27 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 77-71 victory over the league-best San Antonio Spurs on Friday night.

Brown defeats Dartmouth 75-66

HANOVER, N.H. (AP) -- Tucker Halpern scored 25 points and Brown defeated Dartmouth 75-66 on Friday night.

Portland father, 15-year-old son busted for marijuana grow

Cops say it was a family business

Two arrests were made: 34-year-old Dale Lee Merritt was arrested at the Morgan Road location. His son, 15-year-old Nico Merritt, was arrested earlier in the afternoon after he left school.

Needham, Fairfield defeat Manhattan 65-56

NEW YORK (AP) -- Derek Needham scored 23 points and Fairfield used a second-half spurt to hold off Manhattan 65-56 on Friday night, sweeping the season series.

Late basket propels Canisius past Rider 67-65

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. (AP) -- Gaby Belardo hit a jumper with 8 seconds remaining and Canisius defeated Rider 67-65 on Friday night.

Yarde helps No. 25 Marist beat Iona 56-45

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (AP) -- Corielle Yarde scored 15 points and No. 25 Marist used its stifling defense to beat Iona 56-45 on Friday.

Slocum House adds stand-up comedy to its lineup

Vancouver comedian, four others performing March 5

Slocum House Theatre Company had already expanded its offerings to include improvisation, courtesy of the Portland troupe Sideburns, and now it’s adding stand-up comedy to the mix. On March 5, Vancouver comedian Andrew Berkowitz and four Portland area comedians will perform in a stand-up showcase at Slocum House.

Deluzio leads Florida State past Georgia Tech

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Alexa Deluzio scored 15 of her 20 points in the second half to help No. 19 Florida State beat Georgia Tech 73-60 on Friday.

Monfils, Raonic advance to SAP Open semifinals

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- Second-seeded Gael Monfils beat wild card Tim Smyczek 6-4, 7-6 (6) Friday to advance to the semifinals of the SAP Open.

Aretha Franklin attends Pistons game with Jackson

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- The Queen of Soul has come out to watch King James.

Kansas forward Robinson out after knee surgery

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) -- No. 2 Kansas says backup forward Thomas Robinson will miss the next two weeks after surgery on his right knee to repair a meniscus tear.

NBA Store in New York to close Sunday

NEW YORK (AP) -- The NBA Store on Fifth Avenue will close Sunday and the league says a new location in New York will open soon.

Patriots name QBs coach as offensive coordinator

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -- The New England Patriots have named quarterbacks coach Bill O'Brien as their offensive coordinator.

Randolph misses Grizzlies' game vs. Bucks

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph, the team's leading scorer and rebounder, is sitting out Friday night's game against the Milwaukee Bucks with a sprained right ankle.

Hurricanes add another Sutter to roster

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- The Carolina Hurricanes called up forward Brett Sutter from their AHL affiliate in Charlotte on Friday.

Leafs G Jonas Gustavsson undergoes heart surgery

TORONTO (AP) -- Maple Leafs goalie Jonas Gustavsson has undergone another minor heart surgery to help treat a condition causing an abnormal rhythm.

Astros agree to deals with three

HOUSTON (AP) -- The Houston Astros have agreed to one-year deals with three pitchers.

Pedroia reports to camp, says foot is fully healed

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia has reported early to spring training camp and says his left foot is fully healed.

Vancouver pot provider acquitted of drug charges

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) -- A Southwest Washington man who grew marijuana for a dying cancer patient has been acquitted of drug charges.

Mubarak resigns, hands power to military

CAIRO — Egypt's vice president says Hosni Mubarak has resigned as president and handed control to the military.

Round Table Pizza files for bankruptcy

CONCORD, Calif. (AP) -- The California company that promises to serve "The Last Honest Pizza" is filing for bankruptcy.

Thrashers activate D Enstrom from injured reserve

ATLANTA (AP) -- The Thrashers have activated All-Star defenseman Tobias Enstrom from injured reserve before Friday night's game against the New York Rangers.

Canucks get back Salo to help blue line

VANCOUVER (AP) -- Sami Salo will return to the Vancouver lineup Saturday night against Calgary, helping offset the loss of defenseman Dan Hamuis to a concussion.

Robinson hired as Cowboys receivers coach

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Jimmy Robinson has been hired as receivers coach for the Dallas Cowboys, joining their staff less than a week after coaching for the Green Bay Packers in the Super Bowl.

Robinson hired by Dallas Cowboys

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Jimmy Robinson has been hired as receivers coach for the Dallas Cowboys, joining their staff less than a week after coaching for the Green Bay Packers in the Super Bowl.

Mavs guard Jones has surgery on right foot

DALLAS (AP) -- Dallas Mavericks rookie guard Dominique Jones has undergone surgery for a stress fracture in his right foot.

Group wants to link US fliers to Mexican airport

TIJUANA, Mexico (AP) -- A group of Mexican and American investors want to build a pedestrian bridge connecting Tijuana's airport to ground transportation on the American side of the border.

EEK! Rat delays flight from Seattle airport

SEATTLE (AP) -- Alaska Airlines had to delay a flight about to leave Seattle-Tacoma International Airport when a rat was seen scurrying in the cabin.

Packers extend Thompson's contract

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- The Green Bay Packers have signed general manager Ted Thompson to a multiyear extension.

Chicago at Puyallup Fair, no more Ticketmaster

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- Music group Chicago will be performing at this year's Puyallup Fair. Tickets go on sale next week, but fans will not be able to buy those tickets on Ticketmaster. The fair tells The News Tribune newspaper that fair concert tickets will be available for purchase on its own website.

State TV: Arrest warrant for Pakistan's Musharraf

ISLAMABAD (AP) -- Pakistani state television says an anti-terrorism court judge has issued an arrest warrant for former military ruler Pervez Musharraf in connection with the 2007 assassination of ex-Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

Blake leads Lehman by shot at Allianz Championship

BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) -- Jay Don Blake shot an 8-under 64 to take a one-stroke lead over Tom Lehman after the first day of the Allianz Championship on Friday.

Almagro into final of Brazil Open

COSTA DO SAUIPE, Brazil (AP) -- Top-seeded Nicolas Almagro bounced back from a lopsided first set to beat Juan Ignacio Chela 1-6, 6-2, 6-4 on Friday in the Brazil Open semifinals.

Obama scheduled to tour Intel Hillsboro facility

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- President Barack Obama is scheduled to tour the world's most advanced semiconductor manufacturing facility at Intel Corp. in Hillsboro as part of his call for education investments.

Egypt faces uncertain future after Mubarak

CAIRO (AP) -- Protesters camped out in Cairo are divided about whether to stay or go as the country faces an uncertain future after Egypt's longtime President Hosni Mubarak surrendered power to the military.

Yanks finalize deals with Garcia, Colon, Belliard

NEW YORK (AP) -- The Yankees have finalized minor league contracts with pitchers Bartolo Colon, Freddy Garcia and Luis Ayala.

Almagro, Dolgopolov into final of Brazil Open

COSTA DO SAUIPE, Brazil (AP) -- Top-seeded Nicolas Almagro of Spain will face Alexandr Dolgopolov in Saturday's final of the Brazil Open.

Alleged mob hit man poised for trip back to Boston

BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- A man accused of plotting to kill a New England crime boss and hiding out in Idaho for the past decade has been placed under the supervision of U.S. marshals who will supervise his return to Boston.

Donor agrees to let UConn keep his $3 million

STORRS, Conn. (AP) -- The University of Connecticut says a donor who demanded the return of $3 million because he was not adequately consulted in the hiring of a new football coach has agreed to let the school keep the money.

Records: Cowboys waited months to seek seat permit

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Records show a Cowboys Stadium official didn't seek a permit for construction of temporary Super Bowl seating until the game was less than a month away, even though the city hosting the game asked for plans five months earlier.

Weather service says 'potent' storms on the way

A relatively dry couple of weeks in Vancouver and surrounding areas comes to an end Saturday.

Rays outright 2 players to minor leagues

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- The Tampa Bay Rays have outrighted outfielder Justin Ruggiano and first baseman-outfielder Leslie Anderson to Triple-A Durham.

LA prosecutors schedule meeting with Bradley

SEATTLE (AP) -- Prosecutors in Los Angeles have scheduled a meeting with Seattle Mariners outfielder Milton Bradley after his felony arrest last month.

Daly adds a TV to his bag to show ads

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (AP) -- John Daly is going multimedia. He now has a TV built into his golf bag.

White Sox: Ex-executive's scheme a 'betrayal'

CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago White Sox have released a statement saying the team is "gratified but also saddened" by a guilty plea entered by one of its former scouting executives.

Ex-White Sox exec pleads guilty to mail fraud

CHICAGO (AP) -- A former Chicago White Sox scouting executive has pleaded guilty in an alleged kickback scheme targeting players from impoverished parts of Latin America hungry to play in the U.S.

Ore. gold miner convicted of shooting ATV driver

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- Jurors have found an Illinois Valley miner guilty of an assault charge that led to the amputation of one man's arm.

Jazz singer to perform with Vancouver Big Band

Show will benefit Vancouver Symphony

If variety is the spice of life, then the upcoming pops concert with the Vancouver Big Band might be just the thing for you.

Foam, electronics event set

A free recycling event will be held Saturday for Clark County residents interested in recycling block foam or old electronic devices.

Death notices

A daily list of death notices.

Our readers' views

Letters to the editor

Bits 'n' Pieces: Battle Ground artist featured in journal

Battle Ground artist Elizabeth Ganji has long enjoyed The Pastel Journal, and now she’s featured in the publication. Ganji, a 33-year-old stay-at-home mother, received a six-page spread in the February issue of the magazine.

Junior Hockey notes: Return of stars sparks Winterhawks’ scoring surge

Portland has scored 18 goals in its past two games

With 18 goals in two games, the Portland Winterhawks appear to be reasserting themselves as the big dogs in the Western Hockey League’s Western Conference. Last Saturday, Portland pounded the Tri-City Americans 8-2. They followed with a 10-5 thumping of Spokane — the most goals for a Winterhawks team since 2002.

Prep roundup: Camas girls earn rematch vs. Thunder

Papermakers beat Kelso in Class 3A district tourney

The Camas girls basketball team earned another shot at Mountain View. Camas cruised Thursday night to a 61-48 victory over Kelso to advance to semifinals of the Class 3A District 4 tournament. The Papermakers, the No. 3 seed, will face No. 2 Mountain View at 6 p.m. today at Hudson’s Bay High School.

High school scoreboard, Feb. 11

High school sports results for Thursday, Feb. 10

Timbers nab top American player

Cooper has played in German second division

The Portland Timbers won’t play a counting Major League Soccer game for 36 days, but on Thursday they celebrated their first significant victory. At least that’s what the press conference to introduce forward Kenny Cooper felt like.

Timbers play first home match on April 14

Portland will play first three MLS matches on road

Seattle Sounders FC will visit the Portland Timbers on July 10, and the LA Galaxy come to Portland on Aug. 3. Those are two of the most anticipated matches as the Timbers make their debut as a member of Major League Soccer in 2011.

Recent wins give Blazers some hope

Commentary: Matt Calkins

The question posed to ESPN basketball writer Chad Ford went as follows: “If Manu Ginobili, Pau Gasol, Russell Westbrook, Lebron James and Chris Bosh get injured, can the Blazers win the title this year?” Answered Ford in the online chat: “Add Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose, Dwight Howard and Dirk Nowitzki to the injured list and you’ve got a definite maybe.”

JetBlue adds direct flights from Portland to Boston

JetBlue Airways is adding nonstop seasonal service from Portland International Airport to Boston’s Logan International Airport beginning May 26.

Cinetopia plans 20-screen movie theater in Kansas

Cinetopia, which opened its first Vancouver theater in 2005, plans to build a 20-screen movie complex in Overland Park, Kan., as part of a $588 million retail development in the Kansas City suburb.

SCORE volunteers help startup companies grow

Vancouver’s Ken Rone one of 32 counselors with local chapter

After retiring from a 31-year career with the Ash Grove Cement Company, where he worked his way up to vice-president of manufacturing services, Vancouver resident Ken Rone thought it was time for him to give back to the community. Nine months ago, he began to volunteer for the Fort Vancouver Chapter of SCORE, a program affiliated with the Small Business Association that offers free business counseling and low-cost workshops to new businesses and people interested in launching a business. Rone is one of 32 volunteer counselors in the Fort Vancouver Chapter, which has its main office near Clark College. Last year the chapter, which, like all SCORE programs, is staffed entirely by volunteers, assisted 342 clients, almost equally divided between men and women.

Warm Springs Tribe eyes Highway 26 for casino

Council view location as temporary; Cascade Locks still goal for new facility

Faced with new obstacles to its plan for a casino in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs revealed a backup plan Thursday: The tribal council will close its existing casino, at Kah-Nee-Ta Resort in a remote corner of its Oregon reservation, and build a temporary gaming establishment at Warm Springs on heavily trafficked U.S. Highway 26, which runs through the reservation and connects Portland with Central Oregon.

Vancouver truck driver found dead in Oregon

The name of a Vancouver truck driver who was found dead Tuesday night after he crashed a truck northeast of Crater Lake in Oregon was released Thursday night. The body of Cecil Randall Goodin, 54, was found about 8:30 p.m. on state Highway 58, near the towns of Gilchrist and Crescent Lake in Southern Oregon, according to a bulletin from the Oregon State Police.

Dining Out: This is no ordinary burger joint

Owners and culinary school graduates Kevin Basarab and Michael Horn opened The Coachmen in mid-January in the space formerly occupied by Chililicious. It has caught the attention of locals, who are stopping in for the several half-pound Angus burger options and the Cyclone Fries. Its grand opening is scheduled for Feb. 11. Atmosphere: Rich, dark colors and the restaurant’s wagon-wheel logo create a crossover vibe between modern and ranch. Stools at a tall counter, and tables and chairs, will accommodate a moderate-sized crowd. Two large-screen TVs provide entertainment.

Power’s in hands of Gang of Four

Gang of Four is a British band that emerged during the heyday of the original punk rock movement, which in the United Kingdom spawned such enduring acts as the Clash, Sex Pistols, the Jam and Elvis Costello. But singer Dave King said that when it came to inspiration, in its early days, Gang of Four was very much in a New York state of mind.

Girl Scout cookies just an app away

Area organization has own locator for local troops’ sales

Got Thin Mints? There’s an app for that. Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington have entered the world of the smart phone with its new Girl Scout Cookie Locator app from The Kellogg Company.

Washougal councilor quits transportation post after vote vexes Camas

Washougal city Councilman Dave Shoemaker attended one meeting as the Camas-Washougal representative to the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council before resigning from his post. At that one meeting, Shoemaker cast what he thought was a symbolic vote. It turned out to be a controversial vote that sent shock waves through local government circles and angered the Camas City Council.

Low-cost gelding clinic set for Saturday

Ripley’s Horse Aid Foundation has scheduled a $50 gelding clinic to help alleviate the problem of unwanted horses.

Land donated for Habitat house

The Vancouver Housing Authority has donated a plot of land to Evergreen Habitat for Humanity and will transfer the title Wednesday.

In Our View: Wise Homeowners

Valuable lessons can be learned, even if you’ve got an ‘underwater’ mortgage

Painful as economic conditions are for area homeowners — excruciating might be a better word — several teachable moments emerge for people who are willing to learn and can afford to be patient. That second qualifier — waiting — would include many folks who manage to stay in their homes for the next five to 10 years even though they currently owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth. The term for that is “underwater,” and according to a Thursday Columbian story by Cami Joner, that includes 32 percent of area homeowners. Blame the precipitous drop in home values in recent years, about 8 percent in the past year alone. Seattle-based Zillow.com says the national rate is 27 percent.

Kent high schools to offer UW classes, credit

KENT, Wash. (AP) -- The University of Washington is partnering with the Kent School District to offer college classes at all its high schools.

Talking Points 02/11

What's the buzz from the world of sports? Here are some items that will have people talking: Carl Spackler/Bill Murray.

NASCAR puts Nationwide driver Annett on probation

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- NASCAR has placed Nationwide Series driver Michael Annett on probation for the remainder of the year following his arrest on a charge of driving while impaired.

Woman pedestrian killed at Seattle intersection

SEATTLE (AP) -- Police say a pedestrian was crossing a street against a red light at a south Seattle intersection Friday when she was struck and fatally injured.

Fifty years later, Sal Durante has rich memories

NEW YORK (AP) -- Fifty years later, Sal Durante was back at a place called Yankee Stadium on Friday.

Wisconsin's Bielema to make $2.5M after extension

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Wisconsin's Board of Regents has approved pay raises for head coach Bret Bielema and offensive coordinator Paul Chryst.

Clemens issues subpoena to House oversight panel

Washington (AP) -- Roger Clemens has issued a subpoena to the House committee that he's accused of lying to about using performance-enhancing drugs during his pitching career.

Rogers visits Redskins after being cut by Browns

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) -- Three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Shaun Rogers has paid a visit to the Washington Redskins, two days after being cut by the Cleveland Browns.

Real Salt Lake acquires Everton reserve Arnoux

NEW YORK (AP) -- Real Salt Lake has acquired former Everton reserve forward Cody Arnoux in a player lottery on Friday.

Former Pirates manager Chuck Tanner dies at 81

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Chuck Tanner, who managed the Pittsburgh Pirates to one of the greatest comebacks in World Series history, has died. He was 81.

Former Pirates manager Chuck Tanner dies at 82

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Chuck Tanner, who managed the Pittsburgh Pirates to one of the greatest comebacks in World Series history, has died. He was 82.

Pittsburgh looks to extend Big East lead

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Pittsburgh wants to squash Villanova's fading Big East title hopes.

Texas G Brown says he didn't post offending tweet

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Texas point guard J'Covan Brown says he didn't write profane Twitter posts under his account that complained about getting pulled from the No. 3 Longhorns' win over Oklahoma.

VA gives $7.5M for disabled sports programs

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded two grants worth $7.5 million to the U.S. Olympic Committee. The money is to enhance sports opportunities for disabled veterans and members of the armed forces.

Ore. man dies after hospital tells police call 911

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Portland police are insisting that nobody from the staff of a city hospital helped officers struggling to revive a man who had suffered a heart attack in his car in the hospital parking garage barely over 100 feet from the emergency room.

Disgraced Wash. art dealer gets 4 years in thefts

SEATTLE (AP) -- A disgraced former Seattle gallery owner has been sentenced to four years in prison for his latest art theft scheme.

Buckeyes to honor Flight 3407 victims

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- The top-ranked Ohio State men's basketball team will wear uniform patches marking the two-year anniversary of the Continental Connection Flight 2407 crash at its game Saturday against No. 13 Wisconsin.

Seniors Pride wins Big A feature

NEW YORK (AP) -- Seniors Pride beat More Than a Reason by a half length Friday in the $49,000 allowance feature at Aqueduct.

Ford asks NASCAR to approve Mustang for 2013

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- The Ford Motor Co. has informed NASCAR it would like to race the Mustang in the elite Sprint Cup Series beginning in 2013.

French MF Ousmane Dabo signs with Revolution

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -- French midfielder Ousmane Dabo has signed with Major League Soccer's New England Revolution.

Minors face new rules on 1 motorcycle circuit

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The U.S. Grand Prix Racers Union will require doctors and track medical staffs, not parents, to clear injured minors for competition this season.

Gregoire names new head of Puget Sound Partnership

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Gov. Chris Gregoire has appointed Gerry O'Keefe as executive director of the Puget Sound Partnership.

Michigan State hires new WRs coach

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Michigan State has hired Terrence Samuel as its wide receivers coach.

WSU FB coach Wulff makes coaching changes

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) -- Washington State football coach Paul Wulff has hired Todd Howard as defensive line coach. Howard replaces Malik Roberson, whose contract was not renewed.

Pistons to retire Rodman's No. 10

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- The Detroit Pistons plan to retire Dennis Rodman's No. 10 during a halftime ceremony later this season.

Senate approves $300M in business tax breaks

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The state Senate has approved $300 million in taxes and a pay increase to people newly claiming unemployment.

Gregoire approves $300M in business tax breaks

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Gov. Chris Gregoire has signed into law a $300 million tax break for businesses and temporary pay increase for people newly claiming unemployment, marking an end to a week of frenzied negotiations among legislators, business and labor interests.

Tacoma hospital group won't hire people who smoke

SEATTLE (AP) -- Starting next month, a group of five hospitals in the south Puget Sound area will no longer hire smokers. The Franciscan Health System says it will screen applicants for nicotine.

Germany sweeps World Cup biathlon sprint in Maine

FORT KENT, Maine (AP) -- Six-time world champion Andra Henkel skied fast and shot clean to lead Germany in a sweep of the women's 7.5-kilometer sprint at the World Cup biathlon on Friday.

Islanders recall Montoya, Haley from Bridgeport

UNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP) -- The New York Islanders have recalled goaltender Al Montoya and forward Micheal Haley from Bridgeport of the AHL. The Islanders also returned Joel Martin to the Sound Tigers.

Washington beverage container deposit proposed

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- State. Sen. Maralyn Chase of Shoreline has introduced a bill in the Legislature that would require that all drink containers sold in Washington have a 5-cent recycling deposit.

Italy's Innerhofer doubtful for downhill at worlds

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany (AP) -- World super-G champion Christof Innerhofer is doubtful for Saturday's downhill because of a fever.

Andrew Peters retires after 6 seasons in NHL

TORONTO (AP) -- Andrew Peters is retiring from the NHL after six seasons with the Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils.

Spokane deputy fired for bad behavior

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- A Spokane County sheriff's deputy has been fired after multiple investigations revealed a pattern of bad behavior.

Orioles, RHP Guthrie agree to 1-year contract

BALTIMORE (AP) -- The Baltimore Orioles and right-hander Jeremy Guthrie have agreed to terms on a one-year contract, avoiding arbitration.

2 Oregon brothers face assault charges

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- A pair of Oregon brothers have been charged with assault after a woman called them to say a man had thrown her out of his apartment and the man was later attacked.

Mt. Rainier's Carbon River Road now a trail

MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, Wash. (AP) -- National Park Service officials have given approval to convert Mount Rainier's Carbon River Road into a trail for hiking and bicycling.

West Brom hands Hodgson chance to restore name

LONDON (AP) -- Roy Hodgson has been hired as head coach of West Browich Albion, a chance to re-establish his reputation after getting fired by Liverpool in January after just six months as the Reds manager.

FIFA criticized for its management style

GENEVA (AP) -- FIFA has come under further criticism by European clubs, who are upset by the way the governing body runs international soccer.

Pac-10 to restructure officiating program

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (AP) -- The Pac-10 has hired the former head of officiating for the NFL to restructure its football officiating program.

Valencia's Mestalla to host Copa del Rey final

MADRID (AP) -- Valencia's Mestalla Stadium has been selected to host the Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Real Madrid on April 20, what could be one of four games between the Spanish powers in a 16-day span.

Mo Williams returns to record-losing Cavaliers

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Point guard Mo Williams is returning from a hip injury to help the Cavaliers end their record 26-game losing streak.

Construction starting in Aberdeen on pontoons

ABERDEEN, Wash. (AP) -- Gov. Chris Gregoire and Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond lead the dignitaries expected at a ceremony Saturday in Aberdeen to start construction on the site where huge pontoons will be built for a new Highway 520 floating bridge in Seattle.