Stories for February 2, 2011

Oregon universities may form own police force

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- Some students at the University of Oregon are concerned that turning the security department into a police force would lead to guns on campus.

Prison bakery using flour from Northwest wheat

AIRWAY HEIGHTS, Wash. (AP) -- A prison bakery at Airway Heights is now using wheat grown in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

Washington wheat farmers worry about Egypt sales

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- Eastern Washington wheat growers are closely watching the violence in Egypt.

Monroe prison changes on hold during death probe

MONTESANO, Wash. (AP) -- The superintendent of the Monroe Correctional Complex says he has to wait for the criminal investigation of a guard's strangling death before he can change how Washington's largest prison is run.

WSP trooper fires at car trying to run her down

FIFE, Wash. (AP) -- No one was seriously injured in a stolen car chase that involved a Washington State Patrol trooper shooting at a driver she believes was trying to run her down near Fife.

'Lost Egypt'

Mummy on display in Portland unlocks ancient secrets

Aqueduct cancels Thursday card

NEW YORK (AP) -- Aqueduct has canceled the Thursday card, losing a second straight day of racing because of a winter storm.

Qatar drops soccer coach Bruno Metsu

DOHA, Qatar (AP) -- Qatar has fired charismatic soccer coach Bruno Metsu because of the Asian Cup quarterfinal loss to Japan.

At least 3 dead after truck enters Okla. river

MIAMI, Okla. (AP) -- A sheriff says at least three people were killed when the pickup truck they were in ran off of a snow-covered highway and into an icy Oklahoma river.

Flashing lights blink ‘Wrong Way’ in downtown Vancouver

Illumination on signs gives added warning to confused drivers

Flashing red lights that dot the outer edge of a pair of “Wrong-Way” signs flanking the state Highway 14 offramp at C street were turned on Monday to help steer drivers clear of what has too often been used in recent years as an onramp — with disastrous consequences. Last year, in January, a wrong-way driver traveling east in the westbound lanes of Highway 14 was killed in a wreck that seriously injured a Camas woman. In July, a wrong-way driver caused serious injuries to at least two people in a similar crash.

Oregon Senate Democrats to release agenda

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Democrats in the Oregon Senate are announcing their legislative priorities.

Matthews hurt as Nuggets beat Blazers

Nene had 22 points and 10 rebounds, Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups scored 20 points each and the Denver Nuggets beat the Portland Trail Blazers 109-90 on Wednesday night.

Stocks fall as protests in Egypt intensify

NEW YORK (AP) -- Concerns about violent protests in Egypt are pushing the broad stock market lower.

Investors focus on retail sales, jobless claims

NEW YORK (AP) -- A heap of data on retail sales and the economy will likely sway the stock and bond markets.

ECB leaves rates on hold as inflation simmers

BERLIN (AP) -- The European Central Bank's president still thinks longer-term price pressures in the 17-country eurozone remain contained despite "short-term upward pressures" on inflation.

ECB leaves rates untouched as inflation simmers

BERLIN (AP) -- The European Central Bank has left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 1 percent for the 21st consecutive month despite rising inflation levels.

Unattended cooking causes fire in Cascade Park home’s garage

Damage estimated at $15,000, not counting two vehicles

A fire started by unattended cooking in a home’s garage caused about $15,000 damage to a Cascade Park home on Wednesday, not counting extensive damage to two vehicles.

Retief Goosen takes early lead at Qatar Masters

DOHA, Qatar (AP) -- South Africa's Retief Goosen shot a 3-under-par 69 to take an early one-shot lead in the first round of the Qatar Masters on Thursday.

Song tied for 1st-round lead at Australian Open

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) -- Jennifer Song of the United States has shot a 6-under-par 67 to earn a share of the first-round lead at the Women's Australian Open.

UPDATE: Vancouver police identify victims in double homicide

Both lived at home in Image neighborhood where bodies were found

Vancouver police have identified two men whose bodies were found in an Image neighborhood home Tuesday as Kenneth W. Koltz, 32, and Christopher M. Haske, 27.

Missing Vancouver woman found safe

Vancouver police said they were notified late Wednesday afternoon that Sharlene Gervais, 60, of Vancouver, was found in Portland. She was in good condition, police said. Vancouver police thanked residents who helped search for Gervais on Tuesday night as concerns grew that she might be outside in the cold weather.

Herrera Beutler moves town hall meeting

BG Community Center will hold more people

U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler has moved the location of her Thursday town hall in Battle Ground to accommodate more people. The community meeting, her first in Clark County since her election, will take place at the Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main St., and will be from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Holyfield postpones fight against Brian Nielsen

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) -- A promoter says a bout between former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield and Denmark's Brian Nielsen has been postponed.

Trooper fires shots after driver makes two attempts to run her down

Trooper uninjured; subject in custody

Here is a press release from the Washington State Patrol:

Spring chinook forecast good for Drano Lake

Outlook for Wind River not as encouraging

Lindsey Vonn OK after pre-WCup training crash

HINTERREIT, Austria (AP) -- Lindsey Vonn has escaped major injury in a training accident in which she slammed her head on the slope, just six days before the opening race of the world championships.

Outwitting sturgeon

Guide offers tips for catching these lunkers of the lower Columbia and lower Willamette rivers

Mubarak says he fears chaos if he quits now

CAIRO (AP) -- President Hosni Mubarak has said in an interview with ABC News that he wants to leave office now, but cannot for fear the country will sink deeper into chaos.

PM apologizes for attack on Egypt protesters

CAIRO (AP) -- Fire and looting have broken out against several buildings around Cairo in new lawlessness following clashes in central Cairo between anti-governement protesters and regime backers.

New clashes as Egypt protesters push back rivals

CAIRO (AP) -- New clashes are heating up again and shots are being fired in the air around Cairo's central Tahrir Square as anti-government protesters push back regime supporters.

Egypt bans travel for 3 former ministers

CAIRO (AP) -- Egypt's state news agency reports that the prosecutor-general has banned travel and frozen the bank accounts of three former ministers of the government that was sacked over the weekend, including the interior minister who was responsible for police.

Egyptian army moves to stop Cairo violence

CAIRO (AP) -- The Egyptian military is taking up positions between anti-government demonstrators and supporters of President Hosni Mubarak.

Lindsey Vonn OK after pre-WCup training crash

HINTERREIT, Austria (AP) -- Lindsey Vonn has escaped major injury in a training accident in which she slammed her head on the slope, just six days before the opening race of the world championships.

US companies want share of China's new year sales

SEATTLE (AP) -- A growing number of U.S. companies have discovered an antidote for post-holiday sales blues: China's huge, gift-laden celebration of its new year.

Wrong-way light warning downtown drivers

Flashing red lights that dot the outer edge of a pair of “Wrong-Way” signs flanking the state Highway 14 off-ramp at C street were turned on Monday to help steer drivers clear of what has too often been used in recent years as an onramp — with disastrous consequences. Last year, in January, a wrong-way driver traveling east in the westbound lanes of state Highway 14 was killed in a wreck that seriously injured a Camas woman. In July, a wrong-way driver caused serious injuries to at least two people in a similar crash.

Insitu chief executive Sliwa retiring April 1

BINGEN, Wash. (AP) -- The chief executive of Insitu plans to retire April 1 after 10 years with the Bingen, Wash.-based company that makes unmanned aircraft.

Missing woman, 60, not believed to be in danger

Vancouver police have stopped searching for Sharlene Gervais

Vancouver police have stopped searching for a 60-year-old woman whose whereabouts are unknown but is no longer believed to be in danger.

Big rig fire closes EB I-84 for hours

PENDLETON, Ore. (AP) -- The Oregon Department of Transportation says a fire involving a tractor-trailer rig closed the eastbound lanes of Interstate 84 east of Pendleton for more than three hours.

Alaska Boy Scout lawsuit could cost millions

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- A Portland, Ore., lawyer who won a $19 million jury verdict against the Boy Scouts of America is representing a man who says he was sexually molested as a young boy by a Boy Scouts leader in Anchorage.

Sumo wrestlers confess to match fixing

TOKYO (AP) -- Japan's sports minister says at least three sumo wrestlers have admitted being involved in fixing matches in the latest scandal to hit Japan's ancient sport.

Wash. says Penguin Windows laying off 360

MUKILTEO, Wash. (AP) -- The Washington state Employment Security Department says Penguin Windows has laid off 160 workers in the Puget Sound area and will eliminate about 200 more jobs.

Chinese New Year performance

Visiting Taiwanese students, hosts, put on Chinese New Year performance on Friday.

Police recover Olympic skeleton champion's medal

OCEANSIDE, Calif. (AP) -- Police have recovered the Olympic gold medal that was stolen a week ago from the Southern California home of the women's skeleton winner in the 2002 Salt Lake City games.

Pakistani judge orders American held 8 more days

LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) -- Authorities say a judge is allowing police to continue holding a U.S. Embassy employee who faces a murder charge in the shooting deaths of two Pakistanis.

Vancouver layoffs possible, but not certain

Penguin Windows might lay off 156 workers at its Vancouver office - or it might not.

Bellingham bistro owner wants giant spoon back

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) -- Hey, diddle, diddle! The cat and the fiddle ... the thief ran off with the spoon?

Southern Utah squeezes past CS Bakersfield 63-59

CEDAR CITY, Utah (AP) -- Ryan Brimley had 14 points and Ramell Taylor scored the go-ahead basket as Southern Utah defeated Cal State Bakersfield 63-59 Wednesday night.

Texas State snaps skid vs. Stephen F. Austin 66-61

SAN MARCOS, Texas (AP) -- Ryan White scored 17 points and Texas State snapped a 10-game losing streak to Stephen F. Austin, defeating the Lumberjacks 66-61 Wednesday night.

Late free throw lifts Georgia past Arkansas 60-59

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) -- Trey Thompkins' free throw with 1.4 seconds remaining lifted Georgia to a 60-59 win over Arkansas on Wednesday night.

Frizzelle, Rice pull away from Tulane 71-61

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Connor Frizzelle hit five 3-pointers and scored a career-high 25 points and Arsalan Kazemi had 11 points and a career-high 19 rebounds as Rice held off Tulane 71-61 on Wednesday night.

Southern Mississippi beats UAB 75-71, ties for 1st

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) -- Gary Flowers scored 22 points and Southern Mississippi defeated Alabama-Birmingham 75-71 Wednesday night.

Northwestern State beats Central Arkansas 85-78

NATCHITOCHES, La. (AP) -- Will Pratt scored 23 points and Devon Baker added 20 as Northwestern State defeated Central Arkansas 85-78 Wednesday night.

Singler leads No. 5 Duke past Maryland 80-62

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) -- Kyle Singler scored 22 points, Nolan Smith had 21 and No. 5 Duke defeated Maryland 80-62 on Wednesday night to avoid its first losing streak in nearly two years.

Honduras hires former Red Bulls coach Osorio

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) -- Honduras has hired former Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio ahead of the 2014 World Cup elimination rounds.

Drake rolls past Southern Illinois 65-44

CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) -- Rayvonte Rice scored 23 points and Drake made 67 percent of its 3-point shots in easily defeating Southern Illinois 65-44 Wednesday night.

Taylor leads Evansville past Missouri State 77-65

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) -- Troy Taylor scored 12 points, leading five Evansville players in double figures, and the Purple Aces defeated Missouri State 77-65 Wednesday night.

No suspect named in killing of 2 Vancouver men

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) -- Police have not identified a suspect or motive in the deaths of two men at a home in Vancouver.

Vancouver police: 2 men died in double homicide

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) -- Vancouver, Wash., police say two men found dead in a home are victims of a double homicide.

SMU rallies for 46-41 win over East Carolina

DALLAS (AP) -- SMU did not allow a field goal for the final 14 minutes Wednesday against East Carolina, outscoring the Pirates 23-6 during that span to rally for a 46-41 victory.

Northern Iowa edges Illinois State 53-51

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) -- Anthony James had 18 points and 10 rebounds and Northern Iowa held on to beat Illinois State 53-51 on Wednesday night.

Nicholls State cruises to 72-52 victory

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) -- Fred Hunter snagged a double-double, scoring 26 points and pulling down 13 rebounds, as Nicholls State cruised to a 72-52 win over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Wednesday night.

$30 annual state parks fee could apply to beaches

ABERDEEN, Wash. (AP) -- A beach parking fee idea has been dropped, but it still could cost to visit some Washington beaches as lawmakers look for ways to help fund state parks.

WA official says 'pay to park on beach' idea nixed

ABERDEEN, Wash. (AP) -- A proposal to increase Washington state revenue by requiring people to pay to park on state beaches has been dropped.

Southeastern Louisiana edges Lamar 89-87 on tip-in

BEAUMONT, Texas (AP) -- Gary Dixon tipped in a missed shot at the buzzer to give Southeastern Louisiana an 89-87 victory over Lamar on Wednesday night.

Saint Louis rips Massachusetts 69-53

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Mike McCall had 17 points and six assists Wednesday night to lead Saint Louis to a 69-53 victory over Massachusetts.

Charlotte knocks Xavier out of A-10 lead 66-62

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Derrio Green scored 17 points and hit eight straight free throws in the final 4 minutes as Charlotte stunned Xavier 66-62 on Wednesday night.

3 score more than 20, Colgate beats Longwood 97-86

HAMILTON, N.Y. (AP) -- Joe Hoban scored 22 points, dished out 13 assists and led three Colgate players in scoring more than 20 points in a 97-86 win over Longwood on Wednesday night.

Appalachian State tops UNC Greensboro 80-78 in OT

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) -- Omar Carter had 26 points, including the game-winning free throws in overtime, and grabbed 12 rebounds in Appalachian State's 80-78 victory over North Carolina-Greensboro on Wednesday night.

Suspect in robbery and shooting makes first appearance

One of three men suspected in a robbery and shooting at a Hazel Dell apartment complex made his first appearance Wednesday morning in Clark County Superior Court.

First death reported in Australia cyclone

CAIRNS, Australia (AP) -- Authorities say a man who asphyxiated while sheltering inside during the massive cyclone that struck Australia this week has become the storm's first fatality.

Kansas State defeats Nebraska 69-53

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) -- Jacob Pullen scored 18 points and Curtis Kelly added 16 to lead Kansas State to a 69-53 victory over Nebraska on Wednesday night.

Georgia State beats UNC-Wilmington in OT, 63-58

ATLANTA (AP) -- Eric Buckner scored 18 points as Georgia State held off North Carolina-Wilmington 63-58 in overtime on Wednesday night, snapping a seven-game losing streak.

Temple edges La Salle 71-67

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Khalif Wyatt scored 18 points and Temple withstood a late rally by La Salle to earn a 71-67 victory Wednesday night.

Mitchell, Alabama defeat Mississippi State 75-61

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) -- Tony Mitchell scored 23 points to lead Alabama to a 75-61 victory over Mississippi State on Wednesday night.

Rhode Island's big 2nd half beats Fordham 72-52

KINGSTON, R.I. (AP) -- Nikola Malesevic scored 16 of his 20 points in the second half as Rhode Island broke open a close game to defeat Fordham 72-52 on Wednesday night.

Richmond defeats Saint Joseph's 62-52

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Dan Geriot scored 15, Justin Harper added 13 and Kevin Anderson 12 to lead Richmond over Saint Joseph's 62-52 on Wednesday night.

Hornets' Ariza leaves with ankle sprain

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Forward Trevor Ariza has left the New Orleans Hornets' game against Oklahoma City with a sprained right ankle.

William & Mary defeats James Madison 73-67

HARRISONBURG, Va. (AP) -- Quinn McDowell scored 23 points to lead William & Mary over James Madison 73-67 on Wednesday night.

Bielsa will stay as Chile's coach

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) -- Chile's new soccer association president says Marcelo Bielsa, the national team coach who has been threatening for three months to resign, is staying on the job.

Hole-in-the-floor ashtray apparently leads to fire

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A Portland Fire & Rescue spokesman says a house fire that apparently started because tenants were using a hole in the floor as an ashtray caused $30,000 in damage.

Duquesne wins 11th in row, 84-59 over GW

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Bill Clark had 23 points, 10 rebounds and four assists as Duquesne cruised past George Washington 84-59 on Wednesday night, the Dukes' 11th consecutive victory.

Redskins owner sues newspaper

NEW YORK (AP) -- Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has sued Washington City Paper over a column he says defamed him and had anti-Semitic references.

Eastern Michigan clips Akron 60-56

YPSILANTI, Mich. (AP) -- Brandon Bowdry scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead Eastern Michigan to a 60-56 victory over Akron Wednesday night.

Tulsa holds on to beat Memphis 68-65

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Steven Idlet scored 17 points, Jordan Clarkson added 15 and Tulsa survived a pair of late shots for a 68-65 victory over Memphis on Wednesday night.

Providence takes down South Florida 68-63

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Marshon Brooks scored 24 points and added seven rebounds to lead Providence over South Florida 68-63 on Wednesday night.

Vancouver man suspected of vehicular homicide appears in court

A Vancouver man made his first court appearance Wednesday on suspicion of vehicular homicide and felony hit-and-run driving in connection with an October crash that killed his passenger.

New Hampshire beats Albany (NY) in overtime, 62-59

DURHAM, N.H. (AP) -- Chandler Rhoads scored 15 points to lead New Hampshire over Albany (N.Y.) 62-59 in overtime on Wednesday night.

George Mason runs past Hofstra 87-68

FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) -- Andre Cornelius scored 22 points to lead George Mason to an 87-68 win over Hofstra on Wednesday night.

Old Dominion defeats Delaware 67-59

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- Kent Bazemore scored 20 points, including the 3-pointer that gave Old Dominion the lead for good with 1:25 left, as the Monarchs defeated Delaware 67-59 Wednesday night.

No. 15 North Carolina takes 84-75 win at Fla. St

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Jessica Breland scored 16 of her game-high 22 points in the second half and Waltiea Rolle was perfect on 12 free throws and finished with 18 points Wednesday night, leading 15th-ranked North Carolina to an 84-75 win over No. 19 Florida State.

Avalanche apparently buried Washington skier

SNOQUALMIE PASS, Wash. (AP) -- A missing back-country skier was apparently killed by an avalanche in Washington state's Red Mountain area about 50 miles east of Seattle.

Avalanches threaten search for missing Wash. skier

SNOQUALMIE PASS, Wash. (AP) -- Warming temperatures will create a high risk of avalanches for searchers in Washington state who are looking for a backcountry skier in the Red Mountain area near Snoqualmie Pass.

Search continues for skier near Snoqualmie Pass

SNOQUALMIE PASS, Wash. (AP) -- The avalanche danger is a concern for searchers looking for a backcountry skier in the Red Mountain area near Snoqualmie Pass.

Skier believed missing near Snoqualmie Pass

SNOQUALMIE PASS, Wash. (AP) -- A King County sheriff's spokesman says a search for a backcountry skier believed missing in the Red Mountain area near Snoqualmie Pass will resume Thursday morning.

Religious film producer Charles Sellier dies at 67

COEUR D' ALENE, Idaho (AP) -- Charles Sellier (sel-ee-AY'), producer of Christian films and creator of the book and television series "The Life and Time of Grizzly Adams," has died. He was 67.

USC Trojans land another major recruiting class

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- NCAA sanctions and whispers about another new scandal didn't prevent Southern California coach Lane Kiffin from landing a standout recruiting class.

Lagat in 5,000 field at Melbourne Track Classic

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) -- American Bernard Lagat, winner of the 1,500 and 5,000 meters at the 2007 World Championships, has joined the 5,000 field at the Melbourne Track Classic on March 3.

No. 17 Syracuse ends 4-game losing streak

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Rick Jackson had 13 points and 13 rebounds to lead No. 17 Syracuse to a 66-58 victory over No. 6 Connecticut on Wednesday night and the Orange avoided the first five-game losing streak in coach Jim Boeheim's 35 seasons.

Delaney, Virginia Tech beat NC State 77-69

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Malcolm Delaney scored 22 points to help Virginia Tech beat North Carolina State 77-69 on Wednesday night.

Fever sign veteran center Tangela Smith

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The Indiana Fever signed veteran center Tangela Smith to a multiyear deal on Wednesday.

Deaths ruled double-homicide, police say

Vancouver police Major Crimes detectives are investigating the deaths of two men whose bodies were found Tuesday afternoon in a home in the 12000 block of Northeast 40th Circle as a double homicide.

Nets coach Avery Johnson ejected in third quarter

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey coach Avery Johnson has been ejected from the game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Hoosiers holds off No. 18 Minnesota 60-57

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) -- Tom Pritchard and Verdell Jones each scored 12 points to lead Indiana past No. 18 Minnesota 60-57 on Wednesday night.

Memorial set Tuesday for slain WA prison guard

EVERETT, Wash. (AP) -- Everett police say a public memorial service for a Washington state prison guard killed last weekend at the Monroe Correctional Center is planned on Tuesday at Comcast Arena in Everett.

AP Source: Usher, Slash slated for Super halftime

DALLAS (AP) -- A person familiar with the plans for the Super Bowl halftime show tells The Associated Press that R&B star Usher and former Guns 'N Roses guitarist Slash are slated to make surprise appearances Sunday.

Belichick wins 3rd Coach of Year honor

DALLAS (AP) -- New England coach Bill Belichick has won The Associated Press 2010 NFL Coach of the Year award, the third time Belichick has earned the honor.

Dodgers, Kuo agree to 1-year deal for $2,725,000

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers and pitcher Hong-Chih Kuo have agreed to a one-year contract worth $2,725,000.

Rangers LW Fedotenko has appendectomy, out 3 weeks

NEW YORK (AP) -- Rangers forward Ruslan Fedotenko, already out with a separated shoulder, will be sidelined for three more weeks after undergoing an appendectomy.

APNewsBreak: Nevada high court panel turns down OJ

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- O.J. Simpson won't get a rehearing before the three Nevada Supreme Court justices who denied an appeal of his conviction in a Las Vegas hotel room heist.

Astros agree to deals with 4

HOUSTON (AP) -- The Houston Astros have agreed to one-year contracts with outfielder Brian Bogusevic, right-handed pitchers Enerio Del Rosario and Wilton Lopez and infielder Jimmy Paredes.

Belmont fills women's soccer coach with new hire

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Belmont has hired Heather Henson as its new women's soccer coach two months after the former coach was let go with her players saying it happened because she told them she was expecting a child with her same-sex partner.

Incarcerated kids to be released after budget cut

PORTLAND, Ore (AP) -- Hundreds of Oregon juvenile offenders are scheduled to be released into less-restrictive environments and hundreds more now under supervision could be released back into their communities.

Boeheim & Calhoun set wins mark

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Syracuse's Jim Boeheim and Connecticut's Jim Calhoun have set the record for most total wins between coaches.

American Schlopy wins first Slopestyle World title

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) -- Alex Schlopy won the first men's slopestyle event at the Freestyle World Ski Championships on Thursday, as competitors from seven different countries put on a show they hope will land the sport in the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Canadian Heil edges Kearney for World moguls title

DEER VALLEY, Utah (AP) -- A mistake on her final jump cost defending Olympic champion Hannah Kearney the ladies' mogul title Wednesday by 0.04 and allowed retiring Jennifer Heil of Canada to win the 2011 Freestyle World Championship.

Sparks sign free-agent Ebony Hoffman

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Los Angeles Sparks have signed forward Ebony Hoffman to a free-agent contract, and guards Ticha Penicheiro and Noelle Quinn have re-signed with the WNBA team.

Thunder recall rookie center Aldrich from D-League

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Oklahoma City Thunder have recalled rookie center Cole Aldrich from the NBA development league.

NFL writes to players' agents about insurance

DALLAS (AP) -- The NFL has sent a letter to agents to explain what players will need to do to make sure their health insurance coverage continues if there is a lockout.

NFL union's insurance grievance rejected

DALLAS (AP) -- An arbitrator has denied a grievance by the NFL Players Association that sought to make teams pay health insurance premiums for active players after the current labor deal expires March 3.

Infielder Felipe Lopez agrees with Tampa Bay Rays

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- Infielder Felipe Lopez has agreed to a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Postponed Avalanche-Blues game set for Feb. 22

NEW YORK (AP) -- The Colorado Avalanche at St. Louis Blues game that was postponed due to severe weather has be rescheduled for Feb. 22.

Iowa coach puzzled over players' muscle disorder

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) -- Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz says he remains puzzled about why 13 players were hospitalized with a muscle disorder following intense workouts last month.

Officials: No specific terror threat to Super Bowl

WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. intelligence officials say there is no specific terrorist threat to Sunday's Super Bowl, but they say al-Qaida and other similar groups remain interested in carrying out attacks during such high profile events.

WA auditor suggests ways to streamline insurance

OLYMPIA. Wash. (AP) -- A report from the state auditor says the system providing health insurance to public school employees should be streamlined and standardized to save money and make it more fair.

Oklahoma holds on to defeat Baylor 73-66

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Carl Blair hit four free throws in the final 23.6 seconds as Oklahoma held off a late run from Baylor for a 73-66 victory on Wednesday.

Texas' Brown hold another top class together

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- After signing so many top recruiting classes, Texas coach Mack Brown faced a new challenge: holding one together after the first losing season in 13 years and an offseason of turmoil.

$5,000 reward for information in Oregon bank robbery

The suspect displayed a handgun inside the Chase Bank located at 630 Center Street NE in Salem.

NFL labor lawyer says owners unified vs. players

DALLAS (AP) -- An outside labor lawyer for the NFL says the league's owners are as unified right now as NHL owners were when that sport lost an entire season to a lockout.

Phoenix Open begins after frost delay

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Play has started in the Phoenix Open after a four-hour delay because of heavy frost at TPC Scottsdale.

Phoenix Open delayed by frost

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- The start of play in the Phoenix Open has been delayed because of heavy frost at TPC Scottsdale.

Phoenix Open hit by chilly conditions

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Frozen turf wiped out the pro-am round at the Phoenix Open and frost was expected to lead to long delays before play Thursday and Friday.

'Drugstore Cowboy' author pleads guilty in Wash.

SEATTLE (AP) -- The man who wrote the book "Drugstore Cowboy" has pleaded guilty to first-degree robbery for holding up a pharmacy in Redmond last May.

Eagles name Castillo coordinator

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Juan Castillo is the new defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, the team announced on Wednesday.

Abandon presidential primary, leaders say

Canceling state’s event would save millions; results largely ignored

The Senate Ways and Means Committee will take up a bill Thursday that would cancel the 2012 presidential primary to save the state $10 million in election costs. Sen. Craig Pridemore, D-Vancouver, who chairs the Senate committee that oversees elections law, introduced Senate Bill 5119 at the request of Gov. Chris Gregoire and Secretary of State Sam Reed. The bill advanced to Ways and Means Jan. 24 with a “do pass” recommendation.

High School Scoreboard 2/2

Tuesday's high school scoreboard

Without a doubt, Prairie girls are league champions, again

Falcons don’t ease up on Mountain View for 82-29 win

The gap between first and second place in the Class 3A Greater St. Helens League’s girls basketball standings has widened. Considerably.

Prep roundup: Hockinson back in first with win over Mark Morris

Hawks need two more wins to clinch league title

The Hockinson boys basketball team is in a position no one but Mark Morris has enjoyed since the Monarchs joined the Class 2A Greater St. Helens League. Thanks to a gutty 52-49 win at Mart Morris on Tuesday, the Hawks control their own destiny in the battle for a league title.

Fields’ uncommon commitment to Merchant Marines

Commentary: Paul Valencia

Cody Fields got a letter that pretty much said “thanks but no thanks.” The next day, he was told that letter was a mistake. He would get an interview in hopes of earning a congressional appointment to a service academy.

Prep notes: Local athletes getting ready to sign with colleges

Signing day will get an early start today in Clark County. And for some athletes who are waiting to sign, it will turn into signing week. Here is a list of all the athletes who we know of who are expected to sign this week.

Skyview’s Henderson is Hawaiian Signing

Football standout Henderson heading to play for Warriors

Ellis Henderson wants to swim with the animals. If he happens to score a bunch of touchdowns while studying marine biology, all the better.

Talking Points 2/2

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

Death Notices

A daily listing of death notices

Insitu chief executive Sliwa to retire in April

Steve Sliwa, Insitu Inc. chief executive officer, has announced plans to retire on April 1, after 10 years with the Bingen-based company, a maker of unmanned aircraft systems.

In Our View: Barge Debacle

How can a vessel owner be allowed to abandon the craft on public land for years?

Imagine trying to abandon your vehicle on the side of the road with more than 1,400 gallons of fuel leaking out and polluting the ground and nearby watershed. Then imagine state and federal agencies doing nothing about it for years. Sounds preposterous, doesn’t it? Impossible! Yet the aquatic equivalent of that assault on the environment is unfolding on the shores of the Columbia River near state Highway 14 and Southeast 192nd Avenue. A barge was abandoned on the Washington side of the river an uncertain number of years ago and recently started leaching PCB-tainted oil into the river. An oil sheen was first noticed on Jan. 21 and, as Erik Robinson reported in Tuesday’s Columbian, more than 1,450 gallons have been recovered. There appears to be no immediate threat to public health, and marine navigation seems unaffected, but the sheen stretched 15 miles before containment and recovery work began. Now the Coast Guard is working with agencies from both states to determine what other pollutants might be on the vessel, which has broken in its middle section.

Battle Ground Chamber honors citizens, businesses

The Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce honored winners of the 2010 Recognition of the Year awards at its banquet last week.

Kindergarten sign-ups set at Woodland Primary

Woodland Primary School is opening its kindergarten registration for the 2011-12 school year on Monday.

'Bridging the Gap' opens at Historical Museum

A new exhibit on the social, cultural and economic impacts of the Interstate Bridge will kick off the “First Thursday Museum after Hours” series.

Correction: School tour

School tour: A notice for a Feb. 11 patron tour hosted by Vancouver Public Schools that appeared on Page C2 Tuesday lacked contact information. To register for the free tour, reach Susan Knable at 360-313-4720 or susan.knable@vansd.org. The Columbian corrects errors. Call Mary Ricks at 360-735-4550.

Crews work to stabilize beached, leaking barge

Contractors working with the U.S. Coast Guard on Tuesday continued working to stabilize the skeletal remains of the beached and broken barge Davy Crockett.

Dems label Herrera Beutler a ‘health care hypocrite’

She took government-subsidized plan while voting for reform’s repeal

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee branded freshman U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler a “health care hypocrite” Tuesday for accepting government-subsidized health coverage after voting to repeal a national health reform bill aimed at extending health coverage to more than 30 million Americans. Health policies took effect Tuesday for new members of Congress.

Why won't Subaru expand at port?

Officials: Vancouver site was not right fit for auto parts facility

Subaru of America Inc. wanted ground that was ready to be broken and built on. The Port of Portland had it.

Clark County volunteers provide free tax-filing help

AARP volunteers are providing free income-tax filing help at a number of locations around Clark County beginning this week.

Our Readers' Views

Letters to the editor

Pets of the Week

Meet Soloman, a 3-year-old American Eskimo that came to the shelter as a stray. He is quite the happy boy but can get nervous with new situations and people so he needs a home with kids over the age of 16. If you’re interested in meeting him please e-mail JRylander@southwesthumane.org or FSmith@southwesthumane.org to schedule an appointment. Charlie is a 14-year-old male white domestic short hair. Charlie came to us when his family was no longer able to care for him. Charlie is all white with blue eyes so he may have diminished hearing. He is also polydactyl, which means he has extra toes. Charlie is declawed so he will need to be an indoor-only cat. He is a sweet older boy who would like his home to be a bit calmer and quieter.

Everybody Has a Story: Skunk didn’t get the best of boy and his shotgun

But mom, her clothes weren’t so fortunate

My folks came to Vancouver to work in the shipyards. They worked hard, saved their money and were all set to buy a small farm on Sara Road — now called 179th Street — about halfway between the Sara Store and Kozy Kamp. We had a large barn and a pump house. On the west side of the barn was a hay loft and manger for our Guernsey milk cow, our large draft work horse and tack. In the center of the barn there was enough room to park a car and put a work bench in the front. On the outside of the barn was a 6-foot chicken-wire-fenced pen for the chickens.

What's Up With That? Handle loose 'sharps' with extra care

Recently, some hypodermic needles were found at First Place Park. This is not a rare event — in some places. Does the city have a resource for disposing of used hypodermic needles that haven’t been discarded properly? — From the First Place Neighborhood Association newsletter

Neighbors calendar

Thursday Fruit Valley Neighborhood Association, 7 p.m., Fruit Valley Community Center, 3203 Unander Ave.

Boat launch vending machine added to port ramp

WASHOUGAL — Boat launches from the Port of Camas-Washougal have gone a litt le more high tech. On Feb. 9, a new digital launch ramp ticket machine went online. The green obelisk resembles those new parking-sticker dispensers proliferating in downtown Vancouver and Portland. The machine, located at the marina pay station kiosk, dispenses $7, single-day launch ramp and parking permits to display on your dashboard while you’re out on the water. They’re valid until midnight on the day of purchase.