Stories for February 14, 2011

2 teens arrested in Gresham arson spree

GRESHAM, Ore. (AP) -- Police say two teens went on an arson spree in Gresham, throwing Molotov cocktails at a school, home and chiropractic office.

10 years later, Childress keeps Earnhardt promise

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- It's hard to imagine anybody would have blamed Richard Childress for just walking away, vowing never to set foot at another racetrack after losing his star driver and close friend, Dale Earnhardt.

Posada undecided about playing after 2011

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Yankees designated hitter Jorge Posada is not sure if he will play after this season.

World champion Andreas Kuettel to bow out at Oslo

GENEVA (AP) -- Swiss ski jumper Andreas Kuettel will retire after he defends his large hill title at the world championships in Norway.

Knox's parents indicted in Italy

PERUGIA, Italy (AP) -- A lawyer says the parents of Amanda Knox, an American student convicted of murder in Italy, have been ordered to stand trial for alleging that Italian police abused their daughter.

Amanda Knox's parents indicted in Italy

PERUGIA, Italy (AP) -- A lawyer says the parents of Amanda Knox, the University of Washington student convicted of murder in Italy, have been ordered to stand trial for alleging that Italian police abused their daughter.

Jets place franchise tag on LB David Harris

NEW YORK (AP) -- The Jets have placed the franchise tag on playmaking linebacker David Harris, the first time the team has used the designation since 2006.

UPDATE: Man, 64, still missing after all-day search

Robert Grainger left for no known reason

A 64-year-old man was discovered missing from his home early this morning.

Killing stalls religious programs at Monroe prison

MONROE, Wash. (AP) -- Religious programs at the Monroe Correctional Complex have been halted since Correctional Officer Jayme Biendl was strangled Jan. 29 in the prison chapel.

No suspect bets placed on 2 matches in Turkey

GENEVA (AP) -- Europe's biggest betting operators say they have found no evidence of suspicious wagers on two exhibition soccer matches being investigated by FIFA for possible match-fixing.

Vancouver pays $383,000 to settle death claim

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) -- The Vancouver City Council approved a $383,000 settlement Monday with the family of a woman who was stabbed to death two years ago by her brother.

HTC says Nokia's move to Microsoft is good for all

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -- HTC, which has made Windows-powered smart phones for nine years, says that the decision by Nokia, the world's largest maker of phones, to adopt Microsoft software is good news for them.

Richland, Wash., man killed in Honduras crash

KENNEWICK, Wash. (AP) -- One of the 14 people killed Monday in a plane crash in Honduras was a Richland businessman working as a Jehovah's Witnesses missionary.

Eagles place franchise tag on Michael Vick

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The Philadelphia Eagles have placed the franchise tag on Pro Bowl quarterback Michael Vick.

Spokane council OKs $20 car tab tax

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- The Spokane City Council has approved a $20-a-year tax on vehicles licensed in the city.

Starbucks brews up single-cup coffee deal

SEATTLE (AP) -- Starbucks Corp. has brewed up a single-serve coffee deal.

Vancouver council backs cable-stayed bridge design

They are concerned about how it will affect downtown

A majority of Vancouver city councilors on Monday signaled an interest in a cable-stayed design for a new Interstate 5 bridge across the Columbia River. However, councilors said they were concerned that they didn’t know enough about how the new alternative design would affect the city’s revitalizing downtown, highway connections and a major new riverfront development. Mayor Tim Leavitt underscored the stakes, noting that the new bridge will have a lasting imprint on the city “for as long as any of us are going to be alive, that’s for sure.”

Volcano sends Love waves on Valentine’s Day, again

Earthquake hits 30 years to the day after an even larger one

Call it a Valentine’s Day tradition on a monumental scale. A 4.3-magnitude earthquake occurred 6 miles north of Mount St. Helens on Monday morning — exactly 30 years to the day after an even bigger earthquake occurred at nearly the exact same spot. Monday’s quake was followed by more than a half-dozen much smaller aftershocks, all in the same general area.

Domenech calls striking players 'stupid brats'

PARIS (AP) -- Former France coach Raymond Domenech has broken his silence over the team's World Cup debacle, labeling the players "stupid brats" for going on strike at a training session.

Obama to honor Medal of Freedom recipients Tuesday

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama is awarding the nation's highest civilian honor to a diverse group of recipients, including a former president and a basketball legend.

Obama to honor Medal of Freedom recipients Tuesday

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama is awarding the nation's highest civilian honor to a diverse group of recipients, including a former president and a basketball legend.

Stocks fall after surprisingly weak retail sales

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks are falling in midday trading after the government reported surprisingly weak retail sales numbers.

Economists: Little change in Oregon revenue

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Immediate state budget cuts may not be needed after economists told Oregon lawmakers their projections for state revenue are virtually flat -- not greatly improved but not getting much worse.

Officials to release latest Oregon revenue numbers

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Economists are releasing their latest projections on Oregon's tax revenue, and their findings will shed light on just how deep lawmakers will have to cut into education and other services.

Vancouver to pay $383,000 in 2009 death

Tort claim alleged city was liable in stabbing of woman

The Vancouver City Council agreed Monday to pay the four sons of Shirry Rice-Dohman $383,000 to settle their tort claim alleging the city was liable in her death. However, one councilor voted against paying a settlement, saying she’s tired of seeing people sue the city for its perceived “deep pockets.”

Blazers show T-wolves no love for Valentines

Wesley Matthews had 23 points while LaMarcus Aldridge added 21 to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 95-81 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night.

SKorean leader vows support for Pyeongchang bid

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea (AP) -- South Korea's president says granting the 2018 Winter Olympics to Pyeongchang would boost the popularity of winter sports across Asia.

Portland examines rejoining terror task force

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The FBI and Oregon law enforcement agencies have urged the Portland City Council to reconsider its decision to withdraw its officers from a terrorism task force, but a civil liberties group says rejoining the group would unnecessarily engage Portland officers in investigations that break Oregon law.

Portland examines rejoining terrpr task force

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The Portland City Council will examine the city's 2005 decision to leave the Joint Terrorism Task Force at a work session on Tuesday morning.

Sprinters to run fewer round at worlds, Olympics

MONACO (AP) -- Usain Bolt will only have to run six times to reclaim his sprint double at this year's world championships.

Up on the roof

New downtown library will have a terrace garden.

Ostrowski, Joaquim lead Hawaii to 69-67 OT victory

HONOLULU (AP) -- Jeremiah Ostrowski hit a tie-breaking jumper with 21 seconds remaining in overtime and Vander Joaquim finished with a career-high 24 points as Hawaii beat Nevada 69-67 Monday night.

GOP mocks Obama budget, House weighs spending cuts

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Republicans are mocking President Obama's $3.73 trillion budget proposal for waving feebly at historic deficits.

SW Wash. landslides interrupt Amtrak traffic

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) -- Landslides along a section of Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad track just north of Vancouver, Wash., mean Amtrak is using charter buses to move travelers between Portland and Seattle until Thursday.

Japan police seek gambling charges against 2 sumos

TOKYO (AP) -- Japanese police are seeking charges against two senior sumo wrestlers in an alleged gambling scam.

Evergreen school board meets

The Evergreen Public Schools board will meet Tuesday evening.

2 boaters rescued from Columbia River island

CLATSKANIE, Ore. (AP) -- The Coast Guard says it has rescued two people stranded on a small island in the Columbia River about a mile north of Clatskanie, Ore.

More than 200 apply for Portland police jobs

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Eight minutes. That's how long Portland, Ore., police accepted job applications before hitting their limit of 200 applicants.

Couple talked to Dalai Lama nephew before death

PALM COAST, Fla. (AP) -- A couple who spoke to the Dalai Lama's nephew before he was killed along a dark Florida highway says he was smiling and happy when they saw him, but they were worried about the fading sunlight.

Tibetan center prays for Dalai Lama nephew

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) -- The director of the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center in Indiana says he and his staff are praying for the family of the Dalai Lama's nephew after he was killed by an SUV in Florida during a walk to promote Tibetan independence.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff rallies for 72-62 victory

PINE BLUFF, Ark. (AP) -- Savalace Townsend scored 21 points, including 11 during a momentum-changing run in the second half, and Arkansas-Pine Bluff rallied to defeat Alcorn State 72-62 Monday night.

Foot injury hinders Edmonds' comeback

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) -- Jim Edmonds, who recently signed a minor league deal with the St. Louis Cardinals, is questionable for the start of spring drills with a left foot injury.

Jackson State edges Prairie View 54-53

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) -- Grant Maxey had 14 points and 10 rebounds and Jackson State overcame a five-point deficit in the final 36 seconds to beat Prairie View 54-53 on Monday night.

Texas Southern defeats Grambling State 51-49

GRAMBLING, La. (AP) -- Harrison Smith made a layup with 3 seconds left to give Texas Southern a 51-49 win over Grambling State on Monday night.

No winners for Wash. Lotto, Hit 5

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- No winning tickets were sold for the Washington State Lottery's $6.8 million Lotto jackpot or the $100,000 Hit 5 cashpot Monday night, so prizes will increase to $6.9 million in Lotto and $130,000 in Hit 5.

WA detective sees 3 smoking joint in nearby car

RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) -- Richland police say a woman and two men were arrested after a detective observed them smoking a marijuana joint in the car next to him at a stop light.

NCAA, MEAC to review film of fight during game

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- The NCAA and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference officials are reviewing game film and witness statements about a Valentine's Day fight that broke out during a women's basketball game between Bethune-Cookman and Maryland-Eastern Shore.

Norfolk State beats Howard 76-68, ends 3-game skid

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- Rob Hampton scored 21 points and Kyle O'Quinn had his fifth straight double-double as Norfolk State snapped a three-game losing streak with a 76-68 win over Howard on Monday night.

McNeese State tops Sam Houston State 73-63

LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) -- Patrick Richard scored 21 points and C.J. Collins added 20 on 9-of-10 shooting from the field as McNeese State defeated Sam Houston State 73-63 on Monday night.

Ore. lottery says someone has $250K ticket

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon State Lottery officials say someone bought a Mega Millions ticket worth $250,000 last month but has yet to claim the money.

Tennessee Tech edges Tennessee State 61-59

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Zac Swansey made a jump shot with 3 seconds left to give Tennessee Tech a 61-59 win over Tennessee State on Monday night.

Woman's death in Keizer OR called suspicious

KEIZER, Ore. (AP) -- Police in the community of Keizer, Ore., say they consider a woman's death in an apartment to be suspicious. They were called to the apartment Monday afternoon and found the woman dead. Keiser detectives are investigating with help from the Marion County sheriff's office.

Slides stop Amtrak service to Seattle until Thursday

Amtrak used charter buses to transport travelers between Portland and Seattle

Rail travel on Amtrak between Portland and Seattle has been delayed until Thursday morning after being stalled over the weekend and all day Monday by three landslides along the route in the Felida area. The most recent was about 6:30 p.m. Monday.

Bethune-Cookman routs Maryland-Eastern Shore 86-50

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- C.J. Reed scored 21 points to lead four Bethune-Cookman players in double figures as the Wildcats defeated Maryland-Eastern Shore, 86-50, in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game Monday night.

Western Kentucky holds off Fla. Gulf Coast 80-70

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) -- Sergio Kerusch scored 16 of his 20 points in the second half to lead Western Kentucky to a 80-70 victory over Florida Gulf Coast on Monday night.

BC is Beanpot champ for 3rd time in 4 years

BOSTON (AP) -- Jimmy Hayes scored 6 minutes into overtime to give Boston College a 7-6 victory over Northeastern in the Beanpot championship game on Monday night.

Teen kicked by officer seeks $450K

SEATTLE (AP) -- A teen shown on video being kicked in the groin, ribs and face by an undercover Seattle police officer has filed a claim for $450,000 against the City of Seattle.

ESD 112 board meets

vancouver ESD 112 board meets

Quinnipiac defeats Sacred Heart 55-48

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (AP) -- James Johnson scored 12 points, including back-to-back 3-pointers during Quinnipiac's closing 7-0 run in a 55-48 win over Sacred Heart on Monday night.

Allenspach leads Marist to 19th straight win

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (AP) -- Erica Allenspach scored 17 points and Corielle Yarde added 12 to help No. 24 Marist win its 19th straight game with a 72-60 victory over Canisius on Monday night.

4.3 magnitude earthquake reported near Mount St. Helens

A man who lives off East Lucas Street in La Center reported this morning feeling the ground shake against his bare feet and items on his computer bounce around at about 10:36 a.m. for up to nine seconds.

Ginobili scores 22 as NBA-best Spurs roll

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- Manu Ginobili scored 10 of his 22 points in a game-breaking second-half run and the San Antonio Spurs put in another dominant performance with a 102-85 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Monday night.

North Carolina A&T upsets Hampton 74-63

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) -- Jeremy Underwood had 16 points and Thomas Coleman added 14 points and 13 rebounds as North Carolina A&T upset Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference-leading Hampton 74-63 on Monday night.

Ambrose leads Albany over Stony Brook 58-43

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Tim Ambrose scored 22 points to lead Albany over Stony Brook 58-43 on Monday night.

Savannah State outlasts The Citadel 65-61 in OT

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- Jovonni Shuler scored 25 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer in overtime, as Savannah State outlasted The Citadel 65-61 on Monday night for its sixth win in seven games.

No. 17 Syracuse beats West Virginia 63-52

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) -- Brandon Triche had 20 points, Kris Joseph added 16 and No. 17 Syracuse rallied late to beat West Virginia 63-52 on Monday night to snap a three-game losing streak at home.

Mountain West reprimands Fisher

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The Mountain West Conference has reprimanded San Diego State basketball coach Steve Fisher after he criticized Wyoming for firing coach Heath Schroyer last week.

Top 2 women lose in first round at Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Top seeds Barbora Zahlavova Strycova and Sofia Arvidsson lost opening round matches in straight sets Tuesday at the Cellular South Cup.

Bonds defense seeks ban on testimony about temper

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Barry Bonds' attorneys are seeking to keep details about the slugger's temper from the jury.

Lawmaker wants a 10-day break in session

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- A Republican lawmaker from eastern Washington is proposing the Legislature take a break of 10 days in the middle of the session to go back home.

Report: Patriots franchise OL Logan Mankins

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -- The New England Patriots have reportedly placed the franchise tag on All-Pro offensive lineman Logan Mankins, who held out the first seven games of the 2010 season in a contract fight.

Patriots franchise OL Logan Mankins

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -- The New England Patriots have placed the franchise tag on All-Pro offensive lineman Logan Mankins, who held out the first seven games of the 2010 season in a contract fight.

Kitzhaber announces grants to develop biomass

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) -- Gov. John Kitzhaber has announced that $200,000 in grants is available to help get Oregon's biomass industry moving.

Fiesta probing possible improper contributions

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Fiesta Bowl chief executive John Junker has been placed on administrative leave while officials investigate allegations of improper political campaign contributions and expense reimbursements by bowl employees.

Borchers agrees to Salt Lake contract extension

SANDY, Utah (AP) -- Defender Nat Borchers has agreed to a four-year contract extension with Real Salt Lake after being voted to the league's top 11 last season.

Ore. House committee looks at bills to create jobs

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon lawmakers are considering proposals to create tax credits for companies that create jobs.

Philadelphia Union wins lottery for Agorsor

CHESTER, Pa. (AP) -- The Philadelphia Union have won Major League Soccer's lottery for the rights to forward Chris Agorsor.

WA lawmakers propose harsher penalties for DUIs

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Law enforcement officials and families of drunk-driving victims rallied in support of several bills proposing stricter penalties for DUI offenders at a public hearing Monday afternoon.

House extends key provisions of Patriot Act

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House has agreed to a 10-month extension of three key provisions of an anti-terrorism law that have met resistance from both conservatives and liberals as infringements on civil liberties and privacy rights.

Bautista and Blue Jays postpone salary hearing

PHOENIX (AP) -- Major league home run leader Jose Bautista and the Toronto Blue Jays have pushed back their salary arbitration in hopes of reaching an agreement.

Flyers acquire Versteeg from Leafs

TORONTO (AP) -- The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded forward Kris Versteeg to the Philadelphia Flyers for draft picks.

Researchers fail to detect signal from rare whale

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- Marine researchers in Oregon say they may have received the last transmission from a satellite tag on a rare whale that spends summers in Russia.

Shane Beamer joining father at Va Tech

BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) -- South Carolina assistant football coach Shane Beamer is leaving the program to join his father at Virginia Tech.

Jets hire new strength coach

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -- Bill Hughan has been hired as the New York Jets' strength and conditioning coach, replacing Sal Alosi.

South Carolina's Saunders eligible for NFL draft

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- An attorney for Weslye Saunders says the NFL has declared the former South Carolina tight end eligible for the upcoming draft.

Redskins KR Banks still in hospital after stabbing

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Washington Redskins kick returner Brandon Banks is still hospitalized two days after he and a friend were stabbed outside an upscale downtown D.C. nightclub.

Ore. man sentenced to 15 years as career criminal

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- A Grants Pass man convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison as a career criminal.

Zions Bank fined $8M in lax wire transfers case

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Utah-based Zions Bank has agreed to pay $8 million to settle allegations it failed to monitor billions of dollars' worth of illegal wire transfers.

Woman with low blood sugar crashes into tree

A woman suffering from low blood sugar crashed into a small tree off of state Highway 501 near the Port of Vancouver late Sunday.

Obama budget has room for county payments

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) -- President Barack Obama's proposed 2012 budget would continue special funding for timber counties, but at a lower level.

Sullinger accuses Badgers fans of spitting

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Moments after Ohio State lost its first game of the season Saturday to Wisconsin, Buckeyes center Jared Sullinger posted on his Twitter account that a fan spit in his face.

Sullinger accusses Badgers fans of spitting

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Moments after Ohio State lost its first game of the season Saturday to Wisconsin, Buckeyes center Jared Sullinger posted on his Twitter account that a fan spit in his face.

Ore. health care fraud suspect arrested

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- A fugitive wanted on charges involving a health care fraud scheme in Oregon has been arrested.

Buckeyes say loss doesn't change them

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Although the Ohio State Buckeyes are no longer unbeaten, they want everyone to know they're not down or embarrassed or obsessing over their only defeat.

Browns add Ray Rhodes to coaching staff

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Ray Rhodes has joined new Cleveland Browns coach Pat Shurmur's staff as a defensive assistant.

Dempsey stopped on injury-time penalty kick

LONDON (AP) -- Clint Dempsey's injury-time penalty kick was saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, leaving Fulham and the Blues tied 0-0 Monday in the Premier League's west London derby.

NFL owners to meet March 3

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- NFL owners will meet on March 3, the final day of the current collective bargaining agreement.

Tursunov, Stakhovsky win in 1st round at Open 13

MARSEILLE, France (AP) -- Dmitry Tursunov of Russia rallied to beat Bulgarian teenager Grigor Dimitrov 6-7 (6), 7-5, 7-6 (4) in the first round at the Open 13 on Monday.

Boeing hopes aviation biofuel market-ready by 2015

EVERETT, Wash. (AP) -- Boeing Co. hopes aviation biofuels will be practical for the market by around 2015, but it's going to take a lot of work.

It can be a long and winding road come playoff time

Tim Martinez: High schools

In the world of double-elimination postseason tournaments, losing once means never having to say “hello, track and field practice.”

Dante Unmasked

Few people have, but Cunningham’s worth getting to know

When the “L Train” circles the Rose Garden after a LaMarcus Aldridge dunk, that’s Todd Bosma’s work. When chants of “Olé!” blare from the arena’s sound system following a Rudy Fernandez 3-pointer, that’s Bosma’s brainchild. The Trail Blazers’ director of game operations is teeming with ideas for how to celebrate each and every home-team bucket, but this one, quite frankly, had him stumped.

Yankees finalize deal with Jones

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- The New York Yankees have finalized a $2 million, one-year contract with Andruw Jones.

Weekly high school sports schedule 02/14

High school events for the week of Feb. 14-19

Upbeat Zumaya feeling healthy for Tigers

LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) -- With an excited smile and a healthy right arm, Joel Zumaya is back on the field for the Detroit Tigers.

Young horse rider racks up the accolades

Camas 14-year-old is tops in nation in paint alternative competition

On any given weekend, there’s a good chance that Joseph Driver will be competing on his horse, Buzz, a paint pinto. “I think it was 40 of 52 weekends last year,” said Joseph, 14, of Camas.

Blazers: When to Watch 2/14

When to watch the Blazers this week

Real estate roundup

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

Vancouver building permits

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

Clark County building permits

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

Clark County business calendar

A weekly list of business related classes and events

Our Readers' Views

Letters to the editor

Salmon stay in local classrooms

Popular program, being cut elsewhere in the state, saved by Clark Public Utilities, other donors

For thousands of Washington children each year, they’ve been welcome, wiggly schoolmates. Small fry — in the literal sense — and unhatched eggs that regenerate the signature species of the Pacific Northwest.

Blazers: Weekly Report Card 2/14

Blazers weekly report card and highlights

Bits 'n' Pieces: County residents find Israel connections

Steven and Jean Hix of Camas recently took a trip through the Middle East to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Their stop in Egypt, which coincided with protests there, was featured in The Columbian on Friday. But the Hixes trip started in Israel, where Tani Zarelli gave them a private tour.

In Our View: Molina at the Helm

Vancouver’s new fire chief knows the ropes, but also brings in new ideas from elsewhere

Joe Molina has worked as assistant fire chief in Waco, Texas. He’s also worked in Vancouver as deputy fire chief and interim fire chief. That experience at or near the helm seems to make him a good choice as Vancouver’s new chief, but only in part. Another reason to applaud last week’s decision by Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes — and a factor that distinguished Molina above 47 other applicants — is his familiarity with how things run in the 170-employee department with a $27.9 million annual budget. No learning curve is needed as Molina ascends from the interim job to the permanent post as fire chief.

Bowl over cancer at Crosley Lanes benefit

Crosley Lanes is hosting a “Bowl for the Cure” event, to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, on Feb. 20. You can bowl three games, win prizes and be entered in a raffle. Even if you don’t like to bowl, you’re welcome to show support and make a donation.

School districts facing crunch time on budgets

Key decisions loom as window for input narrows

Inside quiet meeting rooms at Vancouver and Evergreen district headquarters, serious conversation is taking place that could rock the school days of thousands of students. A pair of ad hoc committees have worked to brainstorm and prioritize budget reductions that could affect every classroom and campus.

Off Beat: Egyptologist finds parallels between ancient, modern societies

An authority on ancient Egypt provided her expertise recently when The Columbian previewed a new exhibition at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Kara Cooney enjoys finding modern parallels for ancient concepts. Lots of things can change over the centuries, she said, but people are still people — “Often with the same DNA, and the same social systems and inequalities.”

White Salmon sees water as key to growth

With a guaranteed supply, Gorge town ends building stoppage

Thanks to a new state water right and water filtration system, the Columbia Gorge town of White Salmon will get a guaranteed water supply — and an expected boost in economic development — over the next 20 years. The town of 2,400, about 60 miles east of Vancouver on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River, has been living under a building moratorium for three years. That’s meant turning away businesses interested in locating there.

Norman has surgery on his left shoulder

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Greg Norman has had surgery on his left shoulder for the second time and hopes to get back to his limited golf schedule by July.

Talking Points 02/14

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

Hamilton says Singleton's foot surgery goes well

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Chris Singleton's availability for the rest of this season remains uncertain after surgery on his broken right foot.

Haynesworth's agent denies accusation by waitress

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Albert Haynesworth's agent says there's no truth to a complaint that the Washington Redskins defensive lineman sexually abused a waitress.

No indictment in NY football player shooting death

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) -- A New York grand jury has found there was no crime in the police killing of a college football player.

Police catch man breaking into Aberdeen home

ABERDEEN, Wash. (AP) -- Police say officers arrived in time to stop a man from re-entering an Aberdeen home after he allegedly attempted to rape a 16-year-old girl.

DBs coach Akina jilts Arizona, returns to Texas

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Duane Akina, the former Texas defensive backs coach who took a similar job at Arizona a few weeks ago, is returning to the Longhorns.

OSU coach, teen idol have each other as ringtones

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) -- If their ringtones are any indication, teen pop sensation Justin Bieber and Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy are part of a mutual admiration society.

Coyote is 10th animal with rabies in S. Oregon

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- A coyote has become the 10th animal in Josephine County to test positive for rabies over the past 13 months.

Montanes reaches second round in Buenos Aires

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Fourth-seeded Albert Montanes beat Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo 6-1, 7-6 (0) in an all-Spanish first-round match at the clay-court Copa Claro on Monday.

Study: Eating more fiber could mean longer life

CHICAGO (AP) -- Eat more fiber and you just may live longer.

Harden is back with A's competing to be starter

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Rich Harden spent the postseason watching the Texas Rangers win a long-awaited AL pennant and reach their first World Series.

NFL files charge against union with labor board

WASHINGON (AP) -- The NFL has filed an unfair labor practice charge against its players' union.

Judge tosses Beckham libel suit against magazine

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A federal judge has dismissed David Beckham's libel and slander lawsuit against In Touch magazine.

'Lombardi' gets Super Bowl bounce at box office

NEW YORK (AP) -- The Super Bowl may have helped Broadway's "Lombardi" at the box office, but poor reviews didn't harm "Spider-Man."

Raiders hire Hall of Famer Rod Woodson as asst

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) -- The Oakland Raiders have hired Hall of Famer Rod Woodson as an assistant to coach the team's cornerbacks.

4.3 magnitude quake at Mount St. Helens

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) -- A magnitude 4.3 quake at 10:35 a.m. Monday was felt in southwest Washington and the Portland area.

After 2 national HS football titles, Smith retires

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- George Smith, who coached St. Thomas Aquinas High to six Florida state championships and two mythical national titles in the last three years, has announced his retirement.

2 NY entries in World TeamTennis consolidating

NEW YORK (AP) -- The two New York-based teams in the World TeamTennis Pro League are merging.

'Never missed a Super Bowl' member dies at age 79

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- One of the men featured in a Visa credit card television commercial for having never missed a Super Bowl has died at age 79.

Marmol signs 3-year, $20 million deal with Cubs

MESA, Ariz. (AP) -- Closer Carlos Marmol has signed a three-year, $20 million contract with the Chicago Cubs and avoided salary arbitration.

NASCAR to allow children in garage before races

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- NASCAR is become more kid-friendly this year by allowing children into the garage on race days.

Ravens coach Harbaugh signs 3-year extension

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -- Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh has signed a three-year extension that will keep him under contract through 2014.

Giants pitchers, catchers report for spring

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- San Francisco's pitchers and catchers have reported to spring training, the Giants' first as defending World Series champions since moving West.

AP Enterprise: Gulf claims process is under fire

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- The process for compensating victims of the BP oil spill has been beset by red tape and questions about its fairness and openness.

Former Negro Leagues pitcher Cecil Kaiser dies

DETROIT (AP) -- Former Negro Leagues pitcher Cecil Kaiser has died at the age of 94.

Els withdraws from Riviera with sore neck

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Ernie Els has withdrawn from the Northern Trust Open at Riviera because of a sore neck.

Jury convicts activist in deadly AZ home invasion

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- An Arizona jury has found the leader of an anti-illegal immigrant group guilty in a home invasion that left a 9-year-old girl and her father dead.

Earnhardt's loss still felt 10 years after death

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- The 10-year anniversary of Earnhardt's fatal accident falls on Friday, just two days before the season-opening Daytona 500.

Billboard seeks leads on OR wolf shooting

LA GRANDE, Ore. (AP) -- Conservation groups are putting up a billboard in Eastern Oregon showing a dead wolf in hopes of sending the person who shot and killed it to jail.

Head of Gates Foundation's global health leaving

SEATTLE (AP) -- The head of the global health program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced he will leave the job in June.

Lakewood WA police kill woman who pointed weapon

LAKEWOOD, Wash. (AP) -- A woman fatally shot by Lakewood, Wash., police after they say she raised a gun at officers has been identified.

Lakewood police kill woman armed with gun

LAKEWOOD, Wash. (AP) -- Lakewood police have shot and killed a woman who raised at gun at officers.

Edmonds student suspended for going off-script

EDMONDS, Wash. (AP) -- An Edmonds high school student running for student government has been suspended for swapping a school-approved speech for one that had not been seen by school administrators.

DUI drivers in Washington may have special plates

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Washington drivers with a record of drunken driving could be required to have special license plates designated with the letter Z.

Bradley made $818,000 in latest fiscal year

NEW YORK (AP) -- U.S. soccer coach Bob Bradley made $818,000 in the year ending last March 31 and women's coach Pia Sundhage earned $219,000, according to the U.S. Soccer Federation's annual tax return.

Workplace bullying bill filed in Washington

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Workplace bullying would be declared an unfair practice in Washington under legislation introduced by state Sen. Nick Harper of Everett.

Kerrigan's brother wants statements thrown out

WOBURN, Mass. (AP) -- Lawyers for the brother of figure skater Nancy Kerrigan are asking a judge to toss out any statements he made to police about the death of his father, claiming that Kerrigan was too drunk to voluntarily waive his right to remain silent.

Kirilenko to miss Suns game with ankle injury

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko has been ruled out for Tuesday night's game at Phoenix because of a sprained right ankle. He also will be listed as doubtful for Wednesday's game against Golden State.

Debate unfolds over Wash.'s role in health care

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) -- The debate over Washington's role in implementing the federal health care reform law is playing out in Olympia this session with dueling bills.

Michael Vick to appear on Winfrey's talk show

CHICAGO (AP) -- The NFL star whose name became synonymous with dogfighting is scheduled to be a guest on the "The Oprah Winfrey Show."

Klamath County, Ore. mental health building burns

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) -- A weekend fire may have damaged the Klamath County Mental Health building beyond repair.

Sabathia not concerned about possible distraction

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- New York Yankees ace CC Sabathia is not concerned that a provision in his seven-year contract that gives him the ability to opt out after this season will become a distraction.

New C. Oregon farm school to teach organic methods

BEND, Ore. (AP) -- A new farm school is expected to open this spring near Terrebonne in central Oregon to give people the chance to learn how to operate an organic farm, with hands-on experience and classroom work as well.

WA bill to make cougar hunting program permanent

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Fifteen years after Washington voters banned using hounds in cougar hunts, lawmakers want to make permanent hunting seasons allowing the use of dogs to hunt cougars.

Report: Plea deals reduce Ore. mandatory sentences

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A new state report shows that plea deals have reduced mandatory sentences under Oregon Measure 11.

'Never missed a Super Bowl' member passes away

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- One of the men featured in a Visa commercial for having never missed a Super Bowl has died at age 79.

GOP budget bill lifts wolf protections

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) -- A Republican budget bill would strip gray wolves of Endangered Species Act protections across most of the Northern Rockies.

Earnhardt's legacy, 10 years later: a safer NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Michael Waltrip still remembers how surprised he was the first time he smacked into one of the impact-absorbing SAFER barriers that sprouted on racetrack walls across the country in the wake of Dale Earnhardt's death.

Cardinals, Pujols extend contract deadline

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) -- The St. Louis Cardinals and representatives for Albert Pujols have agreed to a 24-hour extension on contract extension talks out of respect for Stan Musial.

Forsberg's comeback cut short by bothersome foot

DENVER (AP) -- The typically stoic Peter Forsberg was quite emotional as he announced he was stepping away from hockey because of a bothersome right foot that left him vulnerable on the ice.

Forsberg's comeback cut short

DENVER (AP) -- Colorado Avalanche forward Peter Forsberg is retiring from the NHL after playing in just two games during his latest comeback.

Girardi: Open competition for 4th and 5th starter

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Yankees manager Joe Girardi says there will be an open competition that may go until late into spring training for the fourth and fifth spots in the team's rotation.

Federal Way school bus bumps 3 students

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. (AP) -- A school bus has bumped three students in a crosswalk in Federal Way.

Ex-NFL quarterback Schlichter charged in $1M theft

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- A former Ohio State quarterback whose NFL career was derailed by a gambling addiction has been charged with stealing more than $1 million from an Ohio woman.

Thomas undergoes surgery on torn Achilles' tendon

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) -- Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas is undergoing surgery on his torn Achilles' tendon, an injury he sustained during offseason workouts in Atlanta last week.

Microsoft upgrade to let phones connect to Xbox

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -- Now that it has hooked up with Nokia phones, Microsoft hopes to connect its phone software to the Xbox this year too. It's also planning other improvements that include a faster Web browser and quicker switching between phone applications.

Kerrigan's brother held after failing alcohol test

WOBURN, Mass. (AP) -- The brother of figure skater Nancy Kerrigan's has been jailed after failing required alcohol screenings while awaiting trial on charges he killed his father.