Stories for June 29, 2011

Blues, T.J. Oshie agree on 1-year extension

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The St. Louis Blues and T.J. Oshie have agreed on a one-year contract extension worth $2.35 million.

NFL, players meet for more than 15 hours

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The NFL and its locked-out players have wrapped up talks for the day after more than 15 hours of discussions.

First lady, Nationals to honor military families

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Michelle Obama will join the Washington Nationals next Tuesday for a salute to military families when the team takes on the Chicago Cubs.

2nd suspect in Lummi stabbings surrenders

FERNDALE, Wash. (AP) -- A second teen suspected in stabbings that injured four people on the Lummi Indian Reservation is in custody.

4 wounded in Lummi Reservation stabbings

FERNDALE, Wash. (AP) -- A party on the Lummi Indian Reservation ended early Thursday in stabbings that injured four people.

4 wounded in Lummi Reservation stabbing

FERNDALE, Wash. (AP) -- Four people were taken to a hospital after violence early Thursday on the Lummi Indian Reservation near Ferndale.

4 wounded in Lummi Reservation stabbing

FERNDALE, Wash. (AP) -- Four people were reportedly injured in a stabbing about 4 a.m. Thursday on the Lummi Indian Reservation near Ferndale.

British tennis chief becomes Ivanovic's new coach

LONDON (AP) -- The head of British women's tennis has quit to become the new coach of former No. 1 Ana Ivanovic.

Maria Sharapova, Kvitova reach Wimbledon final

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) -- Maria Sharapova overcame a poor serve Thursday to reach her second Wimbledon final, where she will meet Petra Kvitova.

Columbia County judge blocks Vernonia eviction

ST. HELENS, Ore. (AP) -- A Columbia County judge has blocked U.S. Bank from evicting a Vernonia woman whose home was sold in foreclosure.

Wiggins plays down Tour expectations

LES HERBIERS, France (AP) -- Bradley Wiggins says he is in perfect shape for this year's Tour de France, yet he is playing down his chances of a podium finish as the bitter memory of last year's race lingers in his mind.

Lebanon Police Chief Thorvald Dahle quitting

LEBANON, Ore. (AP) -- Lebanon Police Chief Thorvald Dahle is resigning effective Friday after less than 10 months on the job.

Billy Costello, ex-WBC champ, dies of cancer at 55

KINGSTON, N.Y. (AP) -- Former World Boxing Council light welterweight champion Billy Costello, winner of his first 30 professional fights, has died of lung cancer. He was 55.

Former Finnish skier, coach given suspended terms

HELSINKI (AP) -- A regional court in Finland has imposed suspended prison sentences on a former top skier and an ex-ski association coach for lying during an investigation into doping in Finnish cross-country skiing in the 1990s.

Bottle rocket starts 30-acre Prosser brush fire

PROSSER, Wash. (AP) -- Police say a 16-year-old with a bottle rocket started a brush fire that burned 30 acres near Prosser Wednesday before firefighters put it out.

Body of missing man found in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE, Wash. (AP) -- A body found Wednesday in Moses Lake has been identified as a 25-year-old man who had been missing since early Saturday when he was seen walking away from a bar.

Carnegie Hero Fund honors 20, including 6 who died

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The Pittsburgh-based Carnegie Hero Fund has honored 20 people for their bravery in saving others from danger, including six people who died in their life-saving efforts.

Ore. man stung by scorpion on commercial flight

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- An Oregon man got a surprise -- and some pain -- when he was stung by a scorpion during a commercial flight from Seattle to Anchorage, Alaska.

Oregon man stung by scorpion on plane

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A Portland-area man says he was stung on the elbow by a scorpion on a plane as he was flying from Seattle to Anchorage.

BMC Racing assistant arrested over links to EPO

PARIS (AP) -- A Belgian state prosecutor says authorities have arrested a part-time assistant for the BMC Racing cycling team following the importation of 195 vials of the banned blood-booster EPO two years ago.

Former Ashland councilman says police overreacted

ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Former Ashland city councilman Eric Navickas says police overreacted and used excessive force when they slammed him to the hood of a police car as he led a street protest against expansion of the Mount Ashland Ski Resort.

Futures rise as second Greece rescue looks likely

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stock futures are edging up as Greece prepares to clear another hurdle to its debt rescue package.

Seattle jury deliberating rape-stabbing case

SEATTLE (AP) -- A jury in Seattle is deliberating a verdict in the murder trial of a man accused of raping and stabbing a lesbian couple in their home, killing one of them.

Heritage finds success in AVID

Program gives teens experience, tools to prepare for college life

Heritage High School teacher Matt Kessler pressed his 23 seniors hard this spring. Again. Listen to Miranda Taylor, longtime participant in the school’s Achievement Via Individual Determination program, which is designed to steer more students into rigorous Advanced Placement courses and a full-throttle college education.

Memo shows city has key role in Yakima Bears proposal

A memo to the Vancouver City Council from the city manager outlines the city’s role in a proposal to bring minor league baseball to Vancouver. While Clark County and Clark College have been working with the owners of the Class A Yakima Bears, the city council will be involved beyond issuing permits, Eric Holmes wrote in the June 23 memo.

Obama adviser: Country in 'danger zone' on economy

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A senior White House adviser says Democrats and Republicans must "get out of their comfort zone" to avert a government default.

Prince William, Kate arrive in Canada for tour

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) -- Prince William and Kate have arrived in Canada for their first official overseas trip since their wedding.

Abbas inclined to put off unity talks with Hamas

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) -- Two Palestinian officials say President Mahmoud Abbas is inclined to put off talks on a unity government with rival Hamas until after a U.N. vote this fall on Palestinian statehood.

New NW spotted owl plan out; rival bird targeted

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A new plan for saving the northern spotted owl is taking aim -- maybe literally -- at a rival bird.

Obama administration weighs in on NW spotted owl

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The Obama administration is ready to take its shot at one of the nation's long-running conservation problems: how to save the spotted owl from extinction.

Ore. Legislature finishes budget, adjourns session

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- The Oregon Legislature has finished its work for the year.

Ore. Legislature planning adjournment Thursday

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- The Oregon Legislature is preparing to finish its remaining duties and adjourn the 2011 session.

NOAA Pacific fleet set for Ore. facility opening

NEWPORT, Ore. (AP) -- The new home for the Pacific fleet of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is officially opening in Newport on the Oregon coast.

UPDATE: Cooking fire destroys mobile home in Ridgefield

No one hurt; some of occupant’s belongings saved

Crews from Clark County Fire & Rescue and Fire District 6 worked to stop flames engulfing a mobile home near Ridgefield on Wednesday afternoon, but the home was destroyed.

Coming home

Vancouver’s Liz Luce retiring from top state job.

Prosecutor demoted over phone message

Profanity-laced tirade against defense attorney punished

A 27-year veteran attorney of the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office — who has tried a number of high-profile criminals — has been demoted after leaving an explosive, profanity-laced two-minute voice-mail message on a defense attorney’s cellphone. Clark County Prosecutor Tony Golik said Wednesday that he demoted Jim David from senior deputy prosecutor to deputy prosecutor, a move that cuts David’s salary. It wasn’t immediately clear how substantial David’s pay cut was, but deputy prosecutors generally make 5 percent less than their senior counterparts. The demotion is effective July 1.

Much of Gifford Pinchot forest still under snow

Level varies, but many high-elevation camps and trails remain buried

UK: Thousands walk off the job in pension protests

LONDON (AP) -- Teachers and public service workers are out on picket lines across Britain after hundreds of thousands walked off the job to protest pension cuts.

US Table Tennis Open starts Thursday in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- The U.S. Table Tennis Open starts Thursday in Milwaukee.

UPDATE: Shooting victim identified, in fair condition at hospital

No arrests yet reported

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office has revealed the identity of a man who was shot in the abdomen area Tuesday, but has reported no arrests in the case. Eric O. Luna, 33, of Vancouver is listed in fair condition in a hospital, according to the following bulletin:

Review ordered in death that sparked Egypt revolt

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt (AP) -- An Egyptian court has ordered an independent review of disputed forensic evidence used in the defense of two policemen accused of beating a young businessman whose death helped trigger Egypt's uprising.

Blazers extend qualifying offer to Oden

Blazers’ expected move makes injury-plagued center a free agent

It is not surprising, but it is now official: The Trail Blazers have extended an $8.8 million qualifying offer to center Greg Oden. The offer makes the 23-year-old a restricted free agent, which allows the Blazers to match offers from other teams.

NCAA eyes summer hoops in recruiting rules rewrite

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The summer basketball circuit is almost here, and once again the NCAA wants to keep the AAU scene's explosive growth in check.

Al Angelo Building filling up

‘Generous’ tenant improvements attract three clients from other locations

Downtown Vancouver’s Al Angelo Building has landed three new office tenants and its owners expect to use build-out incentives to fill the five-story structure within the next year. Vancouver environmental consulting and engineering firm Maul Foster & Alongi announced this week it plans to lease 5,500 square feet on the fourth floor of the 56,400-square-foot building at 400 E. Mill Plain Blvd. About 3,000 square feet of the building’s third floor will be leased by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Northwest Tax Advisors will lease 3,000 square feet on the building’s second floor. All three are moving from other locations in Vancouver.

Planned Parenthood: Kansas clinic to get license

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- Planned Parenthood confirms that its Kansas clinic will get a state license to continue performing abortions.

Planned Parenthood denied Kan. abortion license

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- Planned Parenthood says inspectors have returned to the Kansas clinic for another visit after denying it a license to perform abortions.

APNewsBreak: Kan.: Abortion clinic to get license

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- The Kansas health department now says that one of its three abortion providers will receive a license to continue performing abortions.

'Skills gap' leaves firms without worker pipeline

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- States across the country are taking steps to address the so-called skills gap that has left many businesses without the pipeline of specially trained workers they need in a rapidly changing economy.

Firefighters responding to mobile home fire

Crews from Clark County Fire & Rescue and Clark County Fire District 6 are on scene at a fully involved trailer fire in Ridgefield.

Vancouver boy, 15, pleads guilty in house party shooting

A 15-year-old Vancouver boy pleaded guilty today to shooting two people during a robbery attempt at a house party.

2 Ore. men overdue on hike are found

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- The Marion County sheriff's office says two Silverton, Ore., hikers have been rescued after spending an unexpected night in the woods.

Teen faces aggravated murder charge in Vancouver native's death

An Oregon teenager is facing an aggravated murder charge in the death of a Vancouver native in Lincoln City on the Oregon coast.

'Spider-Man' creator eyes Chinese comic fans

HONG KONG (AP) -- Stan Lee wants to see the likes of Spider-Man and X-Men weaving between skyscrapers in Shanghai and battling enemies on the Great Wall.

No WA jackpot winners for Powerball, Lotto, Hit 5

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- No top-prize tickets were sold in Washington for Wednesday's $76 million Powerball drawing, the Washington State Lottery's $5.8 million Lotto jackpot or the $230,000 Hit 5 cashpot.

Mets bring up Martinez, Harris on paternity leave

DETROIT (AP) -- The New York Mets have recalled outfielder Fernando Martinez from Triple-A Buffalo and put outfielder Willie Harris on paternity leave.

Tigers option Schlereth to Triple-A

DETROIT (AP) -- The Detroit Tigers sent left-handed reliever Daniel Schlereth to Triple-A Toledo after Wednesday night's 16-9 loss to the New York Mets and recalled right-hander Brayan Villarreal.

Blackhawks acquire Montador

CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago Blackhawks have acquired defenseman Steve Montador from the Buffalo Sabres for a seventh-round pick in either the 2012 or 2013 draft.

Blackhawks acquire rights to Montador

CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago Blackhawks have acquired the rights to defenseman Steve Montador from the Buffalo Sabres for a seventh-round pick in either the 2012 or 2013 draft.

Yankees reacquire RHP Sergio Mitre from Brewers

NEW YORK (AP) -- Sergio Mitre is headed back to the New York Yankees.

SWAT team ends dispute with upset man at VA clinic

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- An upset older man accused of threatening a Veterans Affairs clinic manager in Eugene, Ore., and pointing a shotgun at a federal police officer was taken into custody after a SWAT team lobbed a percussion grenade.

Woman lying in Ore. field run over by tractor

CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) -- Corvallis, Ore., police say a tractor mowing 4-foot-tall grass ran over the head of a young woman lying in a field, critically injuring her.

Ore. Senate votes for governor's health changes

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- The Oregon Senate has voted to approve Gov. John Kitzhaber's initiative to transform the way the state pays for low-income health care.

Cheyenne Woods advances to second round

BANDON, Ore. (AP) -- Qualifying medallist Cheyenne Woods, the niece of Tiger Woods, advanced to the second round of match play in the Women's U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship, beating Ashley Edwards 4 and 3 on Wednesday at Bandon Dunes' Old Macdonald course.

Soolsma lifts Toronto FC past Whitecaps

TORONTO (AP) -- Nick Soolsma scored on a penalty kick in the 54th minute to lift Toronto FC to a 1-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps on Wednesday night.

3 arrests in burglary at WA dead man's house

SEATTLE (AP) -- King County sheriff's officers have arrested three men in the burglary of a dead man's house. Sgt. John Urquhart says Leonard Werner's home in the Burien area south of Seattle was ransacked as he lay dead on the floor. His two vehicles were also stolen.

Ore. lawmakers give tribal police full authority

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The Oregon Legislature has voted to give tribal police officers the same authority as non-tribal officers outside of reservations.

Carpenter, Cardinals beat Orioles 5-1

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Chris Carpenter scattered seven hits for his second complete game of the season and Colby Rasmus homered to help the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-1 on Wednesday night.

Raise taxes on wealthiest, Obama challenges GOP

In a blunt challenge to Republicans in Congress, President Barack Obama insisted Wednesday that elimination of selected tax breaks for oil companies and the super-wealthy must be included in any deficit reduction plan.

Vancouver man identified as driver in fatal truck crash near Warm Springs, Ore.

A 54-year-old Vancouver man died in a fiery commercial truck crash Tuesday on Highway 26, six miles east of Warm Springs, according the Oregon State Police. David Lee Spooner was driving a tractor trailer rig loaded with 8,300 gallons of aviation fuel on an uphill stretch of the highway. For an unknown reason, the truck traveled onto the shoulder and continued along a guardrail for about 100 feet before breaking through the railing, according to an OSP bulletin. The truck and trailer then broke through the guardrail, went about 200 feet down an embankment and caught fire.

Albany OR man found fatally shot; woman arrested

ALBANY, Ore. (AP) -- Albany, Ore., police say they found a 49-year-old man dead in his living room from an apparent gunshot wound on Wednesday. Police went to the house after a woman called to say she had just shot a man at the residence.

Ore. Supreme Court blocks planned execution

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The state Supreme Court has blocked a planned execution in Oregon until there's more consideration of the inmate's mental competence.

Smith, Coach K, Yow honored by Naismith

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Three Hall of Fame coaches who have combined for more than 2,500 victories have been honored on "Basketball Day" in North Carolina.

David Hutsell wins PGA Professional

HERSHEY, Pa. (AP) -- David Hutsell won the 44th PGA Professional National Championship on Wednesday, beating Faber Jamerson with a birdie on the second hole of a playoff.

Diamondbacks to release 3B Mora on Thursday

PHOENIX (AP) -- The Arizona Diamondbacks plan to give Melvin Mora his unconditional release on Thursday.

Collins hopeful Niese can face Yankees on Friday

DETROIT (AP) -- New York Mets manager Terry Collins is optimistic left-hander Jonathon Niese will be able to make his next start Friday after experiencing a rapid heartbeat while pitching last weekend.

Ore. House gives full authority to tribal police

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The Oregon House has voted to give tribal police officers the same authority as non-tribal officers outside of reservations.

Woman says Owens fails to pay some child support

ATLANTA (AP) -- The mother of Terrell Owens' child says the NFL star has refused to pay the full $5,000 a month in child support he owes.

Lakers hire Kuester as assistant under Brown

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) -- The Los Angeles Lakers have hired John Kuester as an assistant under new coach Mike Brown, reuniting the duo who worked in Cleveland together.

Amazon to cut off California-based Web affiliates

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Amazon.com says it will stop working with online affiliates based in California since the state passed a new rule that forces online retailers to collect sales tax there.

Blazers offer C Oden qualifying offer

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The Trail Blazers have offered former No. 1 draft pick Greg Oden an $8.8 million qualifying offer to stay in Portland.

Lightning re-sign Roloson to 1-year contract

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed goalie Dwayne Roloson to a one-year, $3 million deal.

Roloson, Lightning working to finalize contract

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Dwayne Roloson is close to re-signing with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Sold! Fed. government auctions Seattle strip club

SEATTLE (AP) -- Uncle Sam, having no interest in running a cabaret, has sold one of Seattle's most notorious strip clubs.

Canucks sign Lapierre, Alberts to 2-year contracts

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) --

Jeter lined up to rejoin Yankees on Monday

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Derek Jeter is set to rejoin the Yankees on Monday in his return from a calf injury.

Jeter could return to Yanks next week in Cleveland

NEW YORK (AP) -- Derek Jeter could be ready to resume his chase for 3,000 hits by early next week.

Jazz exercise option on Miles

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The Utah Jazz have exercised the option on guard-forward C.J. Miles that will keep him under contract through the 2011-12 season.

AP Source: Woodson interviewing with Pistons again

DETROIT (AP) -- Former Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Woodson will interview for the Detroit Pistons' job for a second time.

Dale Scott is umpire crew chief for All-Star game

NEW YORK (AP) -- Dale Scott has been picked to be the home-plate umpire and serve as the crew chief for the All-Star game.

Raleigh police don't know why Charles' bus crashed

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Raleigh police say they are looking for witnesses to help determine why a charter bus driven by Lorenzo Charles crashed earlier this week, killing the North Carolina State University basketball star.

Marvin Miller praises NFL union leadership

NEW YORK (AP) -- Former baseball union chief Marvin Miller says NFL players have strong leadership in their labor negotiations with the league.

Man charged in Okla. killing fights extradition

FORT SMITH, Ark. (AP) -- A prosecutor says a Canadian charged in a 1983 homicide in southeastern Oklahoma is fighting extradition from Washington state.

Nashville fugitive arrested in Gresham, OR

GRESHAM, Ore. (AP) — A man wanted in connection with a fatal shooting in Nashville was arrested late Tuesday in Gresham by the U.S. Marshals Service Oregon Fugitive Task Force.

Cleveland Browns launch radio show

CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Cleveland Browns are going to "air" it out this season.

Compromise reached on Ore. congressional districts

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- State lawmakers say they've reached an agreement on new boundaries for Oregon congressional districts.

Thurston auditor running for secretary of state

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Thurston County Auditor Kim Wyman says she is beginning a campaign to be Washington's next secretary of state.

Cardinals release struggling reliever Franklin

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Struggling reliever Ryan Franklin has been given his unconditional release by the St. Louis Cardinals, who ran out of patience waiting for the right-hander to return to the form he displayed last year.

Cubs activated Barney, release Davis

CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago Cubs have released veteran pitcher Doug Davis and activated rookie second baseman Darwin Barney from the 15-day disabled list.

Titans WR Britt surrenders to Nashville police

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt has surrendered to police on two outstanding warrants alleging that he provided inaccurate information on separate driver's license applications.

Jackson hopes to add attitude to Bucks

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Stephen Jackson says he's misunderstood, thanks to a steady stream of outbursts on the court and his involvement in the infamous 2004 Pacers-Pistons brawl.

Governors can help unemployed veterans

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho (AP) -- About 27 percent of young military veterans are unemployed, and governors of states were told they have a role to play in helping them find work.

NBA players, owners meet as lockout looms

NEW YORK (AP) -- Representatives for NBA players and owners have arrived for a meeting that could determine if there is a lockout.

Prosecutors argue for drug testimony from athletes

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Prosecutors say several Major League Baseball players should be allowed to testify at Roger Clemens' impending criminal trial about their own drug use.

Kariya retires after concussion-filled career

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) -- Paul Kariya is retiring from the NHL, unable to return from post-concussion symptoms that forced him to miss all of last season.

In Our View: Model of Impartiality

Sam Reed announces retirement; sterling record spans 35 years in elected office

When talk turns to “going out while you’re on top,” Sam Reed qualifies for a good portion of the conversation. Reed announced Tuesday he will retire next year as Washington Secretary of State. His record as an impartial steward of one of our state’s most cherished processes (elections) stands as bold testimony that — barring any unforeseen developments in the next year and a half — Reed will hit the finish line in full stride and at the peak of his career. Reed has become a poster boy (if you can be a boy at 70) for nonpartisan public service. So revered is he by his fellow Washingtonians, Reed in his last election (2008) received a higher percentage of votes than Barack Obama (58.3 percent compared with 57.6 percent) even though he was running as a Republican in heavily Democratic-leaning state. How did he pull off that statistical peculiarity? Because all across the state, voters in 2008 were familiar with Reed’s superb record of 45 years in public life, including 35 in elected office.

Seattle's Jackson to have surgery on hip

SEATTLE (AP) -- Reigning WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson has decided to have surgery to repair the torn labrum in her left hip and will likely be out for eight to 12 weeks.

Timbers need to put heat on opponents

Coach feels his team lacked energy in loss in Dallas

Under ideal circumstances, John Spencer wants his Portland Timbers dictating tempo by pressuring opponents all over the pitch and forcing opponents to defend the width of the field. With temperatures in the 90s at kickoff, conditions in Dallas last Saturday were not ideal — especially for a Timbers team that plays in the comfort of the Pacific Northwest. Conserving energy was part of the formula at Dallas. Instead, the Timbers lacked energy in a 4-0 loss.

Thatcher's to run coffee shop in downtown library

The Vancouver Community Library, scheduled to open July 17, will soon host the first coffee shop to operate within a Fort Vancouver Regional Library District branch.

Ducky Derby to raise funds for scholarships

The Ducky Derby fundraiser is coming once again, hosted by the Camas-Washougal Rotary.

Lahar Viewpoint offers ranger presentations

Lingering snowpacks are prompting officials to offer lower-elevation activities at the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.

Memorial run-walk to benefit scholarship

A 5K run-walk on July 23 will raise funds for the Jordan L. Crouch Scholarship Endowment, which aids students who are unable to continue their education financially.

Idaho sprouts linked to Washington salmonella

A salmonella enteritidis outbreak across the states is causing Washington health officials to warn individuals about eating alfalfa sprouts or spicy sprouts labeled “Evergreen Produce” or “Evergreen Produce Inc.”

Deadlines set for Camas council applications

Camas residents have until July 15 to apply for the city’s vacant council position.

Vital statistics

Births, marriage dissolutions and court sentencings

Two expeditions pay tribute to pioneering explorer

The first of two Columbia River living-history expeditions in the span of two weeks is scheduled to come ashore today in Washougal. Both groups are observing the 200th anniversary of the voyage of David Thompson. The North West Company explorer surveyed the Columbia River in 1811, mapping it from its source to the Pacific Ocean.

Innovative Services NW wins $10,000 grant

Innovative Services NW has won a $10,000 Community Giving Fund grant from the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington.

Death Notices

Brusseau, Madonna C., 95, Seattle, died June 27, 2011. Hamilton-Mylan Funeral Home, 360-694-2537. Hammons, Loma E., 76, Woodland, died June 24, 2011. Layne’s Funeral Home, 360-687-3143.

Letter: Utilize space to serve multiple use

With all the talk about the expensive parking garages, I have seen little about what alternatives have been considered. Sounds like someone already has their mind made up and is trying to sell us on these downtown parking structures. How about some long-range planning instead, such as designing the facilities of the new proposed baseball park into an integrated transportation plan?

Letter: Don't ask government to take control

Do we really need more government control simply because the average American has no backbone to do what is best for themselves? I refer to David Danback’s June 27 letter, “Stop selling tobacco.”

Letter: Restrict Congress on stock trading

If you or I buy or sell stocks based on inside information not available to the public, we could end up in the federal slammer. That is unless you’re a member of Congress. Think this doesn’t affect you because you don’t trade stocks? Think again if you own a 401(k), mutual fund, annuity or your company’s retirement plan depends on investments. The Security Exchange Commission has declared that these rules don’t apply to the House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate — or their staffers. Do our representatives have access to inside information? You bet; they write all that federal legislation. Do they use it for personal profit? Four university professors have completed a study that shows personal trades from 1985-2001 beat the public, on average, by 6 percent a year (CNBC, June 20). Maybe they’re just smarter than we are.

Letter: T-shirt designs are irresponsible

I saw the consumer alert about Nike apparel for extreme sports with the phrases “Dope,” “Get High” and “Ride Pipe.” (A June 23 story reported “Nike faces antidrug backlash to shirts.”) This is appalling to me. If they are not condoning drug use, then why are they using a pill bottle image on the “Dope” T-shirt for the graphics of “skateboards” to fall out of? As a person who works with teenage boys at an inpatient drug-treatment facility, I know the boys love the fact that the shirts say “get high” and “dope” and brag about the fact that they are wearing drug-related shirts and can get away with it because it is Nike.

Letter: Disturbances impact people and pets

The Fourth of July, the holiday I dread, is approaching. People have the right in some places to start shooting fireworks days before — and the day after.

Letter: Private business needs no public help

Mom, apple pie and baseball. Who’s against those? The question is who should pay for them. Mom comes free. I’ll pay for the pie. Team owners should pay for the baseball. I’ll buy tickets when I go but I shouldn’t pay if I don’t go. You wouldn’t pay for the movie house if you didn’t go to the movie.

Correction: Towing accident

Towing accident: A Sunday afternoon towing accident on Interstate 5 near Woodland involved a 1984 Ford EXP, a small two-door car, which was being pulled on a tow dolly by a 1990 Jeep Cherokee. A Monday C1 story incorrectly described the model of the vehicle being towed.

Holland group buys more than 1,050 apartments

The Holland Partner Group on Monday announced a $115 million purchase of 1,050 apartment units in the region to answer the area’s growing demand for rentals.

Spring buying boosts home prices in 13 U.S. cities

Home prices in most major U.S. cities are rising for the first time in eight months, boosted by an annual wave of spring buying. Analysts cautioned that the increases may be temporary and don’t signal a rebound for the depressed home market.

Everybody Has A Story: Summertime, and the berry picking wasn’t always easy

I woke up this morning at 4:30 a.m., which is completely unlike me. I am not, in any way, nor have I ever been, a morning person. It’s a gawd-awful hour to be up. I don’t think that even Jesus has had his morning coffee by that hour. I don’t know why I woke so early. Possibly it was the glaring presence of old Sol craning in through the blinds or those blasted chirping early birds who get all the worms. I hate those birds. Chirp, chirp. Chirp, chirp. Chirp, chirp, chirp, they go. They remind me of my late childhood: rising early to catch the bus for a day of picking strawberries in the fields that once were so abundant around Clark County.

A neighborly 4th of July

Event organizers work to ease festivities’ impact on Hudson’s Bay residents

HUDSON’S BAY — Once a year, their neighborhood is the site of Vancouver’s biggest celebration. And party time is fast approaching. The Hudson’s Bay neighborhood, which includes some of the Pacific Northwest’s most historic real estate, will provide the setting once again for Vancouver’s annual Fourth of July festivities.

Pets of the week

These pets are among those available for adoption from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Humane Society for Southwest Washington, 1100 N.E. 192nd Ave., Vancouver. Fees — which can include registered microchip, health exam, a spay or neuter certificate and vaccination — vary. Call 360-693-4746.

Old military radio building will convey a sense of life, service during world wars

A retiree from World War II is being called back into service on a historic Vancouver site. The assignment? Showcase some of that history.

Abundance mural to express kids’ outlook

Painting project aims to enhance Fourth Plain corridor

With the help of a large collaborative effort, the first “City of Abundance” mural will be put together in hopes of boosting the Fourth Plain corridor. About 200 youth from all over Vancouver, including the Boys & Girls Club, Fort Vancouver High School and middle-school students around the Rose Village neighborhood are participating in the project. Urban Abundance, which is helping to create the mural, asked the students what food abundance looks like in an urban area.

What's Up With That?: Street cameras not pretty, but they’re valuable

I’ve noticed some curious structures on our roads out here lately — the latest ones showing up after they repaved Northeast 99th Street in Sifton — between 130th and 137th avenues. You can see the boxes that are placed on a 12-foot pole, on the north side of Northeast 99th, just west of 137th Avenue. You can also see another device like it on the traffic light poles at the same intersection.

Nets' Kris Humphries quiet on upcoming free agency

HACKENSACK, N.J. (AP) -- With the NBA on the eve of a potential lockout, New Jersey Nets forward Kris Humphries didn't want to talk about his upcoming free agency.

Orioles activate RHP Simon from DL; cut LHP Rapada

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Right-hander Alfredo Simon has been reinstated from the 15-day disabled list by the Baltimore Orioles, who designated lefty Clay Rapada for assignment.

Warriors exercise options on Curry, Udoh

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- The Golden State Warriors have exercised the options on guard Stephen Curry and forward Ekpe Udoh that will keep them under contract through the 2012-2013 season.

Calif. budget deal leaves taxes, reforms to voters

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- As Gov. Jerry Brown and other Democrats celebrate their rare on-time budget, unions and anti-tax groups already are gearing up for a fight at the ballot box over tax increases and government reforms.

Panel OKs veteran bills co-sponsored by Sen. Brown

BOSTON (AP) -- Two veteran bills introduced by Democrats and co-sponsored by Massachusetts Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown have been approved by the Veterans' Affairs Committee and are heading to the full Senate for a vote.

Seattle manager Eric Wedge ejected

SEATTLE (AP) -- Mariners manager Eric Wedge has been ejected for the third time this season, blowing up during the second inning against the Atlanta Braves.

Havelange likely to miss IOC session in SAfrica

SAO PAULO (AP) -- Former FIFA President Joao Havelange is not expected to attend the International Olympic Committee session in South Africa next week.

Drury's Rangers' career ends with contract buyout

NEW YORK (AP) -- The Rangers are buying out the final year of captain Chris Drury's contract, making the veteran forward an unrestricted free agent after four seasons in New York.

Canadiens trade rights to Wisniewski to Jackets

MONTREAL (AP) -- The Montreal Canadiens traded the rights to defenseman James Wisniewski to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a seventh-round pick on Wednesday.

AP source: Heat's Jones to become free agent

MIAMI (AP) -- A person familiar with the situation says Miami Heat guard-forward James Jones has advised the team he won't exercise his player option and will become a free agent.

Gonzalez to start in right field for Red Sox

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Adrian Gonzalez will make his second career start in right field, allowing David Ortiz to play first base when the Boston Red Sox face the Phillies on Tuesday night.

C. Oregon RV dealer steers through tough times

BEND, Ore. (AP) -- A central Oregon recreational vehicle dealer in Bend says he's cautiously optimistic that 2011 will finally show some real improvement for the industry.

Mariners' Bedard to DL with sprained knee

SEATTLE (AP) -- The Seattle Mariners' stellar starting rotation took a hit on Wednesday as lefty Erik Bedard was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained left knee.

Ladenburg to seek spot on Wash. Supreme Court

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Former Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg is seeking a spot on the Washington Supreme Court.

Brazil beats Australia 1-0

MOENCHENGLADBACH, Germany (AP) -- Rosana's second-half strike lifted Brazil to a 1-0 victory over Australia in its opening match at the women's World Cup on Wednesday.

Jent leaves Cavs for post at alma mater Ohio St

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Chris Jent is leaving the team to take a similar position at Ohio State, where he played for four seasons.

Yankees RHP Hughes strikes out 8 in rehab start

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- New York Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes struck out eight and walked two over 6 1/3 innings for the Double-A Trenton Thunder on Wednesday during the third of four scheduled minor-league rehabilitation appearances.

Wash. state inmate killed during escape attempt

CLALLAM BAY, Wash. (AP) -- Authorities say a Washington state prison inmate is dead after being shot by a guard during an escape attempt that involved a man convicted of wounding seven people during a 2005 mall rampage in Tacoma.

Wash. inmate killed during escape attempt

CLALLAM BAY, Wash. (AP) -- The Washington Department of Corrections says one inmate was killed Wednesday during an escape attempt at the Clallam Bay Corrections Facility.

Wash. inmate killed in Clallam Bay prison shooting

CLALLAM BAY, Wash. (AP) -- The Washington Department of Corrections says one inmate has been killed in a shooting at the Clallam Bay Corrections Facility.

Fatal shooting at Clallam Bay prison

CLALLAM BAY, Wash. (AP) -- The Washington Department of Corrections says one inmate has been killed in a shooting at the Clallam Bay Corrections Facility.

Shooting reported at Clallam Bay prison

CLALLAM BAY, Wash. (AP) -- Authorities are responding to a shooting at Clallam Bay Corrections Center.

Man, woman burned by cooking grease in Bremerton

BREMERTON, Wash. (AP) -- Two 19-year-olds were seriously burned by hot cooking grease in Bremerton.

Avs sign F David Jones to 1-year contract

DENVER (AP) -- The Colorado Avalanche have signed forward David Jones to a one-year contract.

Derby winner Animal Kingdom out for rest of year

NEW YORK (AP) -- Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom has a more serious leg injury that will require surgery, and the colt won't race again this year.

Stars re-sign Lukowich, name Jerrard assistant

DALLAS (AP) -- The Dallas Stars have re-signed defenseman Brad Lukowich to a one-year, two-way contract, and hired Paul Jerrard as an assistant coach.

Tour team cuts ties to ex-rider after drugs report

PARIS (AP) -- Tour de France team Omega Pharma-Lotto has severed ties with Wim Vansevenant after news reports linked the ex-rider with doping products.

Mohammed re-signs with Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Veteran center Nazr Mohammed is staying with the Oklahoma City Thunder, avoiding free agency with the possibility of an NBA lockout this offseason.

Boeing fined for jet fuel leak in Seattle

SEATTLE (AP) -- The state Department of Ecology says it has fined the Boeing Co. more than $100,000 for a 300-gallon jet fuel spill in to the Duwamish waterway.

River Plate stadium should be ready to host Copa

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- River Plate says its Monumental stadium should be ready to host the Copa America final despite being ransacked by hooligans following the club's demotion to the second division.

Unusually large avalanches on Mount Rainier

SEATTLE (AP) -- Mount Rainier National Park rangers are warning climbers to avoid the Nisqually Glacier where unusually large avalanches have been reported in recent days.

Obama says US companies need freedom to relocate

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama says it would defy common sense for Boeing Co. to have to shut down a new aircraft plant or lay off workers as a result of a labor dispute with the government.

Leonard not seeking re-election to Ore. city post

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Portland city Commissioner Randy Leonard says he won't run for re-election in 2012.

67-year sentence in Pasco 'onion fields' murder

PASCO, Wash. (AP) -- A man convicted of killing a Pasco man who arranged farmworker jobs in onion fields was sentenced Tuesday to 67 years in prison.

Timberwolves keep Johnson, Ellington, Hayward

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minnesota Timberwolves have picked up contract options for swingman Wes Johnson, guard Wayne Ellington and forward Lazar Hayward.

Suspect arrested in Seattle abduction-rape

SEATTLE (AP) -- Police say a suspect in an abduction and rape in Seattle was arrested at a bar Tuesday night when he was recognized from surveillance photos.

'Canes re-sign LaRose for 2 years

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Chad LaRose has signed a two-year deal worth $3.4 million to stay with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Spain minister: Rogge urges Madrid to bid for 2020

MADRID (AP) -- Spain's sports minister says IOC President Jacques Rogge wants Madrid to bid for the 2020 Olympics.

UW regents look at 20-22 percent tuition hike

SEATTLE (AP) -- The University of Washington Board of Regents is expected to vote Thursday on a proposed student tuition hike of 20 to 22 percent for next year. It could be the largest tuition increase in the school's history and the second-largest percentage increase.