Stories for April 11, 2012
Lead stories
Stories
High school scoreboard 4/12
Wednesday's high school results
Spokane nursery's pot billboard draws complaints
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- A Spokane nursery has drawn a few complaints for a billboard that says, "Pot dealer ahead."
Portland spends another $300,000 on lawyers
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The Portland's City Council voted Wednesday to pay another $300,000 to an outside law firm defending city sanctions against three officers accused of botching their encounter with a suicidal man who was shot and killed.
Blazers won’t say much about Aldridge
Forward said to have ‘abnomality’ with his right hip
PORTLAND -- LaMarcus Aldridge didn’t step on the court Wednesday, and may not step on the court again this season.
Blazers wake up to beat Warriors
Five different Blazers scored in double figures in a 118-110 win over Golden State, including Jamal Crawford, who led all scorers with 34 points.
No charges in fight death at Occupy Eugene camp
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- A man was fatally beaten in December at the Occupy Eugene camp, and no one has been arrested or charged, although the case remains open.
Driver rear-ends school bus north of Battle Ground
Driver arrested for alleged DUI
The Washington State Patrol has arrested for alleged DUI a driver who rearended a stopped school bus with 10 children on board.
Fewer bank robberies in Oregon in 2011
BEND, Ore. (AP) -- There were fewer bank robberies in Oregon last year than the year before.
Big Buck's wins 17th straight jumps race
AINTREE, England (AP) -- Big Buck's became the first horse to win 17 straight British jump races when he eased to a fourth consecutive victory in the Liverpool Hurdle on the opening day of the Aintree Festival on Thursday.
Portland spends another $300,000 on lawyers
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The Portland's City Council voted Wednesday to pay another $300,000 to an outside law firm defending city sanctions against three officers accused of botching their encounter with a suicidal man who was shot and killed.
UEFA chief slams price-gouging from Ukraine hotels
LVIV, Ukraine (AP) -- UEFA President Michel Platini has described those charging exorbitant prices for accommodation in Ukraine for the European Championship as "bandits and crooks."
OR appeals court says lawmakers must testify
SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Although the Oregon constitution protects state lawmakers from being sued for what they say in the heat of debate, an appeals court says they can be ordered to testify on other matters related to governing.
WA Liquor Board reconsidering 2 a.m. closing time
KENNEWICK, Wash. (AP) -- The head of the Washington Liquor Control Board says public comments are split about 50-50 on the proposal to extend the closing time for bars past 2 a.m.
Hamilton confident despite penalty at Chinese GP
SHANGHAI, China (AP) -- Lewis Hamilton is hoping his McLaren will be quick enough to compete for victory at the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend despite receiving a five-place grid penalty for needing to change his gearbox.
Judge to issue verdict in 50-year-old rape case
SYCAMORE, Ill. (AP) -- A Seattle man charged with sexually assaulting an Illinois teenager 50 years ago is set to discover his fate.
Marysville man accused of shooting at boys
MARYSVILLE, Wash. (AP) -- Police say a Marysville man shot at two 13-year-old boys who triggered a motion detector as they walked by his home.
Army weapon found in Pierce County home
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. (AP) -- Joint Base Lewis-McChord says an anti-tank weapon that was found at a home in Pierce County is not from the Army base.
Darren Clarke gets married on Bahamas beach
LONDON (AP) -- British Open champion Darren Clarke has married his fiancee Alison Campbell in a small beach wedding in the Bahamas.
Polish swimmer Olczak gets 6-month ban for doping
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) -- Polish swimmer Mirela Olczak has been suspended for six months after testing positive for a banned stimulant.
Polish swimmer Olczak gets 6-month ban for doping
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) -- Polish swimmer Mirela Olczak has been suspended for six months after testing positive for a banned stimulant.
Missing Spokane teenage girl located
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- Spokane Police say a missing 16-year-old girl has been located and is safe.
Schwartzel leads by 1 after 1st round in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) -- Charl Schwartzel of South Africa shot an 8-under 64 to take a one-stroke lead after the opening round of the Malaysian Open on Thursday.
Martin breaks cheekbone in training
BRUSSELS (AP) -- Time trial world champion Tony Martin has broken his cheekbone during a training run accident near his Swiss home.
Bainbridge Island, Wash., bans plastic bags
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. (AP) -- Bainbridge Island, Wash., has voted to ban plastic bags.
Belgium's Flipkens out because of blood clots
BRUSSELS (AP) -- Belgium's Kirsten Flipkens has had to withdraw from the Fed Cup World Group playoffs because she has blood clots in a calf muscle.
Cinetopia owner envisions movie Utopia
‘High-end movie amusement park’ at mall will put emphasis on technology
Rudyard Coltman showed a bit of Hollywood flair as he led news reporters on a tour Wednesday of his still-unfinished Cinetopia showcase theater at Westfield Vancouver mall. He wore a red hard hat while everyone else wore white ones. He handed iPads to visitors as a guide tool to emphasize how the place he calls “a high-end movie amusement park” will embrace technology.
Bolt to run in Monaco in last race ahead of London
BRUSSELS (AP) -- Three-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt will run in the 200 meters at the Diamond League meet in Monaco on July 20, his last race before the London Olympics.
APNewsBreak: WSOP $1M tourney to be richest win
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- A never-before-seen $1 million buy-in tournament at this year's World Series of Poker will generate the richest top prize in poker history at more than $12 million -- and potentially more if there are additional players.
Palestinians spurn Netanyahu call to resume talks
JERUSALEM (AP) -- The Palestinians have spurned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's latest invitation to resume peace talks, insisting the Israelis freeze settlement construction first.
High-ranking Larch Corrections Center worker focus of probe
The Washington State Department of Corrections asked Washington State Patrol to investigate a union claim against a high-ranking employee at Larch Corrections Center.
Longer season scheduled for Buoy 10 this summer
Popular Columbia River fishery slated to continue through Labor Day
Oregon watching for Sandy River smelt
Researchers in lower Columbia, Cowlitz rivers use new methods to monitor for eulachon
Aldridge eager for challenge at Clark
As he leaves the Prairie High School girls basketball program following 32 seasons, 710 victories, and six state championships, new Clark College women's basketball coach Al Aldridge knows that the key to his success at the college level will be the players he can attract to Clark.
Sony to cut 10,000 jobs in bid to return to black
TOKYO (AP) -- Sony says it will slash 10,000 jobs, or about 6 percent of its global workforce, and turn around its money-losing TV business in a bid to return to profit after four years of red ink.
Costner to be at unveiling of Fort Knox memorial
FORT KNOX, Ky. (AP) -- Actor Kevin Costner will be at Fort Knox this weekend for the unveiling of a memorial honoring soldiers under the 11th Aviation Command and subordinate units.
Schwartzel takes early lead at Malaysian Open
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) -- Charl Schwartzel of South Africa shot an 8-under 64 to take the first-round lead at the Malaysian Open on Thursday.
Wraps come off special operations Afghan war plan
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Associated Press has learned new details of a special operations-centered Afghanistan war plan that would replace thousands of U.S. troops with small, elite teams paired with Afghans to help the inexperienced Afghan force withstand a Taliban onslaught as U.S. troops withdraw.
Ore. mental hospital worker dies
SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- An Oregon State Hospital spokeswoman says a security technician helping other staffers deal with a behavioral incident involving a patient collapsed and later died Wednesday evening.
Hearing on Judge Wulle's alleged violations set for June
A public hearing to determine whether Clark County Superior Court Judge John Wulle violated codes of conduct is set for June 18 at the Clark County Courthouse, a state judicial board official said Wednesday.
Zimmerman charged with murder in death of Trayvon Martin
Fatal shooting of black teen on Feb. 26 has fanned racial tension, protests
The neighborhood watch volunteer who says he shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in self-defense was arrested and charged with second-degree murder Wednesday after weeks of mounting tensions and protests across the country.
Hough kids join in Arbor Day celebration
Vancouver named ‘Tree City’ for 23rd year
When Oliver Sasse planted a blue spruce many years ago, it stood just a few feet high.
OR mental hospital worker dies
SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- An Oregon State Hospital spokeswoman says a "security technician" at the mental hospital died Wednesday evening after what was described as an incident with a patient.
Supreme Court ruling on strip-searches won't change protocol at county jail
Sheriff says officers will continue to follow state law
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that jail officers may conduct strip searches any time they want -- even for the most minor crimes and when there’s no evidence of contraband such as weapons or drugs.
ESD 112 hires pair of new administrators
Two school administrators from the Portland area will fill leadership positions at the Educational Service District 112. The positions opened up when two associate superintendents retired after decades of service at the ESD.
Southwest Washington lawmakers discuss new state budget
Southwest Washington lawmakers’ emotions ranged from pleased to concerned with the passage of a supplemental operating budget deal that had them working well into Wednesday morning.
Crawford, Matthews help Blazers beat Warriors
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Jamal Crawford scored a season-high 34 points, Wesley Matthews had two baskets in the final minute and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Golden State Warriors 118-110 Wednesday night despite missing All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge.
Forest road closures big topic at Ore. town hall
BAKER CITY, Ore. (AP) -- Many of the scores of people who showed up for U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley's town hall meeting in Baker City, Ore., wanted to talk about the Forest Service plan to bar most motor vehicles from about 3,600 miles of roads in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
Nonprofits host ‘Pink in the Gorge’
Two nonprofit organizations are hosting an event for breast cancer survivors in the Gorge this summer.
Calif. prison panel denies Manson’s bid for parole
CORCORAN, Calif. — A California prison panel denied parole Wednesday to mass murderer Charles Manson in his 12th and possibly final bid for freedom.
Rockies rough up Giants, Lincecum 17-8
DENVER (AP) -- Carlos Gonzalez tripled twice, drove in four runs and scored three times Wednesday night, leading the Colorado Rockies to a wild 17-8 win over Tim Lincecum and the San Francisco Giants that recalled the pre-humidor days at Coors Field.
Jaso helps Mariners rally for 4-3 win over Rangers
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- John Jaso finally got in the lineup for the Seattle Mariners, and came through with big hits off two of the Texas Rangers' top relievers.
NAMI hosts annual walk fundraiser
Registration is now open for the 10th annual NAMI Northwest Walk in Portland.
Touchmark hosts Parkinson’s Awareness Day
Touchmark at Fairway Village will host a Parkinson’s Awareness Day this month.
Deputy hurt in WA courthouse shooting back at work
MONTESANO, Wash. (AP) -- A sheriff's deputy shot and stabbed in an attack that also injured a judge at the Grays Harbor County courthouse has returned to work.
Vancouver Police Department buys two new K9s
The Vancouver Police Department recently purchased two new K9s to replace two retiring dogs.
Man stabs pastor in office of Tacoma church
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- Police say the pastor of a Tacoma church is recovering after an angry parishioner stabbed him.
Helm plays, knocked out of game with injury
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Detroit center Darren Helm was cut on the right arm in the first period against Nashville on Thursday night, and didn't return the Red Wings' 3-2 loss in Game 1 of the first-round playoff series.
Yankees beat Orioles 6-4 in 10 innings for sweep
BALTIMORE (AP) -- Nick Swisher hit a two-run homer in the 10th, and the New York Yankees beat Baltimore 6-4 Wednesday night for their second straight extra-inning win and a three-game sweep of the Orioles.
Lopez overpowers Lorenzi in US Men's Clay Court
HOUSTON (AP) -- Third-seeded Feliciano Lopez of Spain had four of his 13 aces in a tiebreaker to overpower Italy's Paolo Lorenzi 6-4, 7-6 (4) on Wednesday night in the second round of the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships at River Oaks Country Club.
Spokane: couple's car stolen 3 times in 6 months
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- Ryan Tucker says it's happened again. For the third time in six months, his car has been stolen from his west-central Spokane neighborhood.
Charges coming in Trayvon Martin death, official says
A law enforcement official says that charges are being filed in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.
Painter, Raymond to transfer from NC State
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- North Carolina State's DeShawn Painter and Jaqawn Raymond plan to transfer.
WA teacher accused of grabbing teen by throat
SEATTLE (AP) -- Seattle police say a high school teacher accused of grabbing a disruptive 17-year-old student by the throat and slapping him has been arrested.
Halladay, Phillies beat Marlins
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Roy Halladay threw seven sharp innings and the Philadelphia Phillies broke out of their offensive slump, beating the Marlins 7-1 on Wednesday night in Miami's first game without suspended manager Ozzie Guillen.
Australian Masters back at Kingston Heath
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) -- The Australian Masters returns to Kingston Heath in Melbourne, site of Tiger Woods' 2009 victory, when the PGA Tour of Australasia begins its late 2012 season.
Bourjos hits inside-the-park HR vs. Twins
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Los Angeles Angels speedster Peter Bourjos hit an inside-the-park home run against the Minnesota Twins.
Whiteside sprains ankle vs. Hornets
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Sacramento reserve center Hassan Whiteside has left the Kings' game against the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night after spraining his right ankle.
Finland outlasts Sweden in Women's Worlds, 2-1
BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) -- Finland used first-period goals by Karolina Rantamaki and Susana Tapani and 43 saves by Noora Raty to nip Sweden, 2-1, in the quarterfinal round of the Women's World Ice Hockey Championship Wednesday.
Scott, Wallace headline new Hall of Fame nominees
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Wendell Scott and Rusty Wallace are among the five new nominees for the 2013 NASCAR Hall of Fame class.
Flaming car closes I-5 in Ore; driver OK
WILSONVILLE, Ore. (AP) -- Fire officials say a car that burst into flames on Interstate 5 south of Portland prompted a freeway shutdown in both directions while fire and police crews responded.
13 ducklings rescued from Kent, Wash., storm drain
KENT, Wash. (AP) -- Firefighters in the south Seattle suburb of Kent have rescued 13 ducklings that fell into a storm drain.
Napoli OK after getting hit, but out of lineup
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Mike Napoli was out of the Texas Rangers starting lineup Wednesday night, but not because the catcher was hit on his helmet with a pitch the previous game.
Celtics G Allen out again
BOSTON (AP) -- Boston guard Ray Allen is out of Wednesday night's game against Atlanta because of soreness in his right ankle that had sidelined him a few weeks ago.
Lakers' Bryant misses 3rd game with sore shin
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Kobe Bryant is out for a third consecutive game because of a sore left shin, and Lakers coach Mike Brown says there is still no timetable for his return.
Vegas prep star Shabazz Muhammad picks UCLA
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- One of the nation's top high school basketball players is headed to UCLA.
Orioles sign RHP Pineiro to minor league contract
BALTIMORE (AP) -- The Baltimore Orioles have signed veteran right-hander Joel Pineiro to a minor league contract.
All players in majors to wear No. 42 Sunday
NEW YORK (AP) -- Major League Baseball will mark the 65th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's debut by again having all players wear his No. 42 on Sunday.
Nationals closer Drew Storen has elbow surgery
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Washington Nationals closer Drew Storen's agent says the pitcher had surgery to remove a bone fragment from his pitching elbow.
Kitzhaber signs 112 bills this year, vetoes none
SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber kept his veto pen stashed this year.
Angels reliever Kohn to have Tommy John surgery
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Los Angeles Angels right-hander Michael Kohn needs elbow ligament-replacement surgery and will miss the rest of the season..
Bettman not talking about bidding for Phoenix
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Commissioner Gary Bettman says the NHL continues talking with prospective buyers for the league-owned Phoenix Coyotes with no timeline for selling the team.
Pelini: Arkansas speculation is 'ludicrous'
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- Bo Pelini says he's happy at Nebraska and that it's "ludicrous" his name is being connected to the coaching vacancy at Arkansas.
Magnitude 5.9 quake off Oregon coast; no damage
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A 5.9-magnitude earthquake has struck about 160 miles off the Oregon coast, but there are no reports of damage.
Washington lawmakers pass budget, adjourn OT session
The Washington state Legislature adjourned a double-overtime session Wednesday after finalizing a budget deal that had lawmakers working throughout the night and into the morning.
No damage reported in quake far off Oregon coast
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- An earthquake far off the Oregon coast has not caused any reported damage.
A&M looking into future of Kyle Field
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) -- Texas A&M has hired the sports facility design firm Populous to explore options for the future of Kyle Field, including renovation plans and plans for a new stadium.
Pacers' guard Collison out with injury
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Indiana Pacers starting point guard Darren Collison will miss his second straight game with an injured groin.
Posada to throw out ceremonial 1st pitch for Yanks
NEW YORK (AP) -- Newly retired catcher Jorge Posada will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the New York Yankees' home opener Friday against the Los Angeles Angels.
K-12 health insurance deal may not rein in costs
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Washington state lawmakers have approved changes to health insurance benefits for K-12 school employees that will improve transparency and help those who pay the most for coverage but may not bring down costs.
Cap the Moment captures Big A feature
NEW YORK (AP) -- Cap the Moment pulled off an upset Wednesday in the $67,000 allowance feature for New York breds at Aqueduct.
Jets hire NFL official Glat to be team president
FLORHAM PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- The New York Jets have hired longtime NFL official Neil Glat to be their new president.
Marty, Switzerland handle Russia, 5-2, at Worlds
BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) -- Stefanie Marty scored twice and Florence Schelling made 32 saves to lift Switzerland to a 5-2 win over Russia in the quarterfinal round of the 2012 Women's World Ice Hockey Championship Wednesday.
Attorneys say Zimmerman is isolated, stressed out
SANFORD, Fla. — The man who shot and killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin is said to be losing weight and suffering from high levels of stress from the intense public scrutiny he is under, his former lawyers said. Meanwhile, a special prosecutor said she will soon make an announcement in the case and the nation’s attorney general vowed separately to take action if evidence warrants it.
Housing agency director accused of abandoning boy
CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) -- The executive director of the Linn-Benton Housing Authority is wanted in Delaware on an accusation she abandoned a son who had been adopted from that state.
Brewers beat Cubs 2-1 on 2-run homer by Kottaras
CHICAGO (AP) -- George Kottaras hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning, and Yovani Gallardo outdueled Ryan Dempster as the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs 2-1 Wednesday for their third straight win in the four-game series.
Wild working on contract extension for GM Fletcher
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Wild have missed the playoffs. Again.
AP: Murder charge in Trayvon Martin killing
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- An official with knowledge of the case tells The Associated Press that neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman is in custody in Florida and will be charged with 2nd-degree murder in the fatal shooting of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin. The shooting has led to protests across the nation and spurred a debate about race and the laws of self-defense all the way to the White House.
Twins RHP Baker to miss season with elbow injury
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota Twins right-hander Scott Baker's season is over before it started.
In Our View: Tighter Focus for the GOP
Santorum’s decision allows Romneyto focus on the No. 1 issue: the economy
Rick Santorum’s exiting the Republican race for president wasn’t the only Tuesday news story to affect GOP frontrunner Mitt Romney. A second significant story was that fifth-straight losing session on Wall Street. Nothing like a 214-point dip in the Dow to refocus Americans on what should be the No. 1 issue: the economy.
Welcome to the new neighborhood in Central Vancouver
Harney Heights Neighborhood Association splits so groups can tackle issues unique to each area
Different socioeconomic conditions. Different problems. And now, different neighborhood associations.
Marshall Lecture canceled after speaker pulls out
The 2012 Marshall Lecture, slated for April 19, has been canceled because of a scheduling conflict, Fort Vancouver National Trust officials announced Tuesday.
Callaghan: Senator’s banishment lasted until GOP needed her vote
Just because state senators are elected doesn’t mean they can do whatever they want. So when Sen. Pam Roach repeatedly abused and harassed staff members, she was sanctioned.
What's up with that? Thunderbird Hotel on Jantzen Beach in limbo
I’m very concerned about the empty former Red Lion Hotel on Jantzen Beach in Portland. It’s a huge building and it’s empty. This is one of the biggest fire hazards in the metro area. I’d like to know the status of this huge vacant hotel. Who’s securing it? Are there squatters? It just sits there. You don’t hear anything about it. I see a potential here for a massive fire. I’d just like to know that this place is safe and secure.For one thing, Paul, you alerted us to our own confusion about riverside hotels -- which is which? which is closed? -- so we’re glad to get this straight.
WSUV campus visionary gets memorial bench
Salmon Creek -- A new seating area at Washington State University Vancouver honors Earl L. Muir, who was instrumental in shaping the look of the campus.
Letter: Emphasize alternative energy
One of the largest controversies in our world right now is about alternative energy. In the world today, over 1 million metric tons of CO2 will be emitted into the atmosphere by cars alone. In one year, more than 4 billion metric tons. In order to reduce this number, we have two options: get rid of fossil fuels altogether or start using alternative energy more efficiently.
Letter: Headlines set tone of letters
In my view, The Columbian’s Opinion page represents a celebration of our constitutional freedom of speech and the “Our readers’ views” segment offers a fascinating insight into our community’s heart and soul and is some of my favorite reading. As well, I’m equally fascinated by the power of the headline for the letter. This important headline should always remain true to the reader’s opinion and should neither undermine nor manipulate the letter’s context, emphasis and tone.
Letter: Chosen site is best investment
As a concerned resident, I joined a committee of responsible citizens to learn everything there is to know about the Woodland High School project. I checked the most important issues and concerns expressed by some, which were mainly related to the location. It is my conclusion that the site for the new high school is the best location available. There are moments we can step up to the plate and help make Woodland a better place to live -- this is certainly one of those moments. The timing for a new school is highly favorable because the interest rate on the bond is at an all-time low and the building costs are the lowest we have seen in many years. The new high school will be such an improvement for all students and will also attract businesses and good families to the Woodland area. Say “yes” on April 17 for one of the most important investments in our community.
Letter: There’s a better location for school
A new school in Woodland is a great idea, needed and necessary, but not near the wetlands of Dike Access Road. When I think of building a structure, it’s not on the closest place to sea level I can find. Then there’s having to fix 4.97 acres of wetlands by filling it with rock and soil to build it up and hope no floods come, as well as potential problems with liquefaction. (According to Department of Natural Resources geological publications, Dike Access Road is at moderate to high risk for the phenomenon of liquefaction if an earthquake occurs). We haven’t had these problems yet, so why worry, right? But I want a structure free of resulting traffic problems. I especially don’t want to go through a foot of water under an overpass during times of heavy rain. I would build a structure on higher ground in a central, more accessible location. A place where transportation would not be more expensive and safety would be foremost.
Law firm donates rice, time to food bank
Esther Short -- The Wright Law Firm celebrated its grand opening April 2 by donating time to the Clark County Food Bank. The firm donated 100 pounds of rice. Then, employees, family members and friends completed 18 volunteer hours as they sorted nearly 3,500 pounds of food at the food bank’s warehouse. Erin Wright, the firm’s founder, volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate and coaches a mock trial team. The firm’s employees volunteer in the community the first Monday for each month for organizations that address issues including hunger, at-risk youth and animals.
Girl Scouts celebrate 100 years at after dark event
Van Mall -- Hundreds of Girl Scouts from Clark County gathered March 30 at Westfield Vancouver mall to celebrate 100 years of scouting at the third-annual Girl Scouts After Dark event. Activities included a fashion show, dancing and games. Scouts of all ages performed a flash mob and sang the Girl Scouts anthem, “Make New Friends.” In 1912, Juliette Gordon Low founded the organization to give girls the opportunity to escape the social norm of sitting quietly indoors learning to sew, cook and clean. Low’s scouts headed outdoors for hiking, camping and other activities.
More trees take root downtown
Esther Short -- Five troublesome trees were uprooted and 43 new ones planted in downtown Vancouver on March 24-25. Vancouver’s Downtown Association and the city’s Urban Forestry department worked together to prepare for removing trees that had overgrown their sites. A force of 50 volunteers -- adults and children -- made quick work of the planting the new trees. About 140 new trees have been planted during a three-year period.
Newsletter editor gets Sparkles Award
Central Park -- Rich Hovey received a Vancouver Sparkles Award on March 28 at the Central Park Neighborhood Association meeting for his volunteer work. Hovey has been the neighborhood association’s communications specialist for more than a decade. As the editor and photographer for the neighborhood newsletter, he makes the neighborhood’s stories come alive through words and photos. He meets newsletter deadlines remotely, whether he is in Arizona or Italy. He also helps distribute the newsletters as a member of the delivery team. He has served as the association’s president and vice president and participated in the annual neighborhood clean-up day.
Quilts helps raise money for historic schoolhouse
Battle Ground -- Mary Jo Lewis, 82, was honored March 11 at a Venersborg Community Club meeting for her years of volunteerism. Lewis has sewn more than a dozen quilts that have been raffled to raise funds for the Historic Venersborg Schoolhouse, which celebrates its centennial this year. Lewis turned to quilting 20 years ago to stay busy after her husband died and she retired from a career as an operating room nurse. She sews quilts and teaches fundamentals of quilting in her Battle Ground studio.
Last call for spring CERT registration
CAMAS/WASHOUGAL — East County Fire & Rescue still has space for a few more students in its 20-hour Community Emergency Response Team course.
Sharing is Caring set for April 26-28
The free-stuff exchange started by a Hockinson cleaning lady has become a tradition.
Neighbors calendar
A list of neighborhood association meetings and events
Greg Jayne: Clark made the perfect pitch to lure Aldridge
It’s a tale straight out of Greek mythology, a story in which the seemingly impenetrable exterior belies a singular vulnerability.
Sole Sister moves on
Presence of Sisters of Providencein Vancouver Ends After 156 years
A tradition of service that started more than 155 years ago is ending with the departure of Vancouver’s last Sister of Providence.
Library friends host used-book sale
SALMON CREEK — The Friends of Three Creeks Community Library will host a used-book sale offering nearly 10,000 titles of fiction, non-fiction and children’s books from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Death Notices
A daily listing of death notices.
Letter: Local councils worry about coal
The demand for coal in this country is declining and U.S. coal companies want to sell their coal to Asia to compensate for this. To reach a port, maybe Longview, from mines in Wyoming and Montana, the coal would be shipped by rail through Spokane, go south, then along the Columbia River to Vancouver, and finally north to a port. The proposal is for 20-plus trainloads of coal daily, each over a mile long, to pass through our communities. There are some potentially negative effects from this volume of rail traffic -- traffic congestion, pollution from cars idling at railroad crossings, difficulties reaching local businesses, blowing coal dust, etc. These could lead to decreased real estate values just as we are emerging from a terrible recession, health issues, and considerable inconvenience to local residents.
Maintenance will close Gee Creek rest areas
Annual maintenance work will temporarily close both Gee Creek Rest Area locations along Interstate 5 this week and next, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Vancouver chamber to host No Business After Hours event April 17
The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce will hold its “No Business After Hours” event from 5 to 7 p.m. April 17 at the Pearson Air Museum. Tickets are $20 for chamber members, $30 for nonmembers and $35 at the door. Participants who register by 5 p.m. Friday will be entered to win a vacation for two to Hawaii, courtesy of Beaches Restaurant and Alaska Airlines.
Larch offenders sell pizza for charity
North County — Offenders at Larch Corrections Center in the Yacolt area raised $544 on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 5, for Bridge the Gap, a community outreach program that provides resources to enhance the stability, growth and success of children in foster and adoptive care. Larch offenders work a variety of jobs in the community and at the prison and earn 35 cents per hour. The inmates were given the opportunity to purchase a pizza and donate $2 of the proceeds from each pizza to Bridge the Gap. Organizers partnered with Little Caesar’s Pizza in Battle Ground to hold the event.
Local man's book reviewed in Idaho magazine
Hockinson — Dan Strawn’s novel, “Isaac’s Gun: An American Tale,” was reviewed in the April issue of Idaho Magazine. The story is a family saga set in Southern California during World War II. Strawn, 73, took up creative writing after he retired in 2001 from Pacific Bell and teaching business management and computer science in the California community college system. This is his second book. His stories and essays have appeared in various editions of Idaho Magazine and in Trail Blazer Magazine.
Efforts to save Old Apple Tree continue
Hudson’s Bay -- A research team from the National Park Service, city of Vancouver and local businesses have been working to preserve Vancouver’s historic Old Apple Tree in Old Apple Tree Park at the Fort Vancouver National Site. On April 3, Laurie Thompson, orchardist in the Stehikan District of North Cascades National Park, grafted to the tree pieces of branches harvested in December and placed in cold storage. The goal is to encourage new growth in the 185-year-old tree and to help heal old wounds from broken limbs.
Fern Prairie hosts bistate grange boosters
Fern Prairie -- How do you keep Granges alive? That was the topic of a bistate conference, the Grange Growth Summit, held at the Fern Prairie Grange on March 16-18. About 20 participants from all over Washington and Oregon visited granges in Clark County and discussed how to help them thrive. Janice Anderson of the Fern Prairie Grange said Grange prosperity is all about programming. “We really need to find out what our communities need and incorporate that,” Anderson said. That includes everything from holding benefit breakfasts to candidate debates, she said. The Fern Prairie Grange has struggled with frequent flooding in its building basement. Member Tom Gibson recently fixed the problem by hard wiring the grange’s sump pump. Learn more at http://fpgrange.org.
Gorge commissioner speaks to Chinese delegation
White Salmon -- Columbia River Gorge Commissioner Rodger Nichols spoke April 1 to a delegation from China’s Ministry of Land and Resources as part of a training program developed by the China-U.S. Center for Sustainable Development. The center is a public-private partnership that facilitates active participation and cross-cultural learning and encourages discussions of complex land-use issues. In March, commissioners and staff hosted a similar discussion with visiting mayors from Ecuador’s World Heritage Site at the Galapagos Islands.
Hazel Dell woman selected for youth exchange
West Hazel Dell -- Alysha Bronson has been selected to participate in the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals, a year-long, federally-funded fellowship for study and work in Germany. Bronson has studied at Clark College and was selected as one of 75 participants nationwide. While in Germany she will attend a language course, study at a university or professional school and complete a five-month internship in her career field, national parks and/or historic sites. Bronson will leave for Germany on Aug. 1.
Exec teaches sailors some new skills
Vancouver — Greg A. Taylor, corporate executive chef for Nestle Professional USA, gave a demonstration on food-service skills to sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. The carrier is docked in Bremerton.
La Center district sets kindergarten registration
La Center Elementary School will begin holding kindergarten registration next week.
IndyCar penalizes 2 drivers for unapproved changes
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- James Hinchcliffe and Sebastien Bourdais will be docked 10 starting spots at this weekend's race, punishment for unapproved engine changes.
Giants sign veteran OT Sean Locklear
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- The New York Giants have signed veteran offensive tackle Sean Locklear.
TriMet plans service cuts to ease budget shortfall
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Portland's regional mass transit agency plans to increase fares by as much as 19 percent and eliminate its free-rail zone in an effort to close a budget deficit.
Holton leads fundraising for Ore. attorney general
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Former U.S. Attorney Dwight Holton drew on extensive political connections to raise more cash than his rival in the Democratic primary for Oregon attorney general.
Remains of Powell home in Graham WA demolished
GRAHAM, Wash. (AP) -- A demolition crew removed the debris Wednesday at the home in Graham where Josh Powell killed himself and his two young sons on Feb. 5 in a fiery explosion.
2 Baffert-trained horses lead Arkansas Derby field
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (AP) -- Two Bob Baffert-trained horses top the field for the $1 million Arkansas Derby, with Bodemeister the favorite Secret Circle the second choice in a field of 11 3-year-olds.
New coaches bring element of surprise to Leaders
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Three new head coaches, a lot of fresh-faced players and two-time defending champion Wisconsin headline the Big Ten's Leaders Division this fall.
Police officer witnesses fatal stabbing in Yakima
YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) -- A police officer who witnessed a fatal stabbing in Yakima chased down the suspect.
Weiner: Steroids shouldn't keep players from Hall
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The head of the major league baseball players' union thinks steroid use shouldn't keep a player out of the Hall of Fame.
Britain urges WADA to introduce 4-year doping bans
LONDON (AP) -- Britain's Olympic body has urged the World Anti-Doping Agency to introduce mandatory four-year bans for drug cheats as a minimum.
Inmate dies at Airway Heights
AIRWAY HEIGHTS, Wash. (AP) -- State prison officials are investigating the death of an inmate at the Airway Heights Corrections Center over the weekend.
Thomas gives Bruins goaltending edge over Capitals
WILMINGTON, Mass. (AP) -- Tim Thomas gives the Boston Bruins the advantage in goaltending in the first round of the NHL playoffs.
Devils F Kovalchuk looking to win a playoff series
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- After 10 NHL campaigns, 406 regular-season career goals, nine straight 30-goal years and two world championships with Russia, there is something missing from Ilya Kovalchuk's resume.
Fire damages Silverton theater
SILVERTON, Ore. (AP) -- A Willamette Valley theater that celebrated its 75th anniversary last year has been damaged by fire.
Romero outduels Lester, Blue Jays beat Red Sox 3-1
TORONTO (AP) -- Ricky Romero outdueled Jon Lester, Yunel Escobar drove in two runs and the Toronto Blue Jays beat Boston 3-1 Wednesday to drop the Red Sox to 1-5.
Harrington to play despite torn meniscus
DENVER (AP) -- Al Harrington doesn't want to sit with a sore right knee when the Denver Nuggets are in the thick of the playoff chase.
Woods to play at Quail Hollow in early May
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The next stop in the up-and-down year of Tiger Woods will be the Wells Fargo Championship.
Official: Charges coming in Trayvon Martin death
SANFORD, Fla. (AP) -- A special prosecutor has confirmed that there will be a 6 p.m. news conference regarding the investigation of the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.
Tribes, government agree to $1 billion settlement
YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) -- The federal government says it will pay more than $1 billion to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by American Indian tribes over mismanagement of trust lands.
Halep ousts defending champ Vinci in Barcelona
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -- Simona Halep of Romania ousted defending champion Roberta Vinci from the Barcelona Open on Tuesday.
Babcock says Darren Helm will play vs Predators
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Detroit coach Mike Babcock says center Darren Helm is playing Wednesday night in Game 1 of the Red Wings' playoff series against the Nashville Predators.
Bighorn sheep targeted in lawsuit and by disease
LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) -- Three environmental groups are challenging a decision by the Payette National Forest to stop implementing new grazing restrictions designed to protect bighorn sheep in north-central Idaho.
Kuchar ready to tee off at RBC Heritage
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) -- Matt Kuchar is just as excited to play the RBC Heritage this week as he was to contend at the Masters last Sunday.
Blues will start Halak in goal vs Sharks
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Jaroslav Halak will start in goal for the St. Louis Blues in their playoff opener against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night.
Bears agree to 1-year extension with Briggs
CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago Bears have agreed to a one-year contract extension with Lance Briggs, keeping the Pro Bowl linebacker through the 2014 season.
Workers building WCup stadium remain on strike
SAO PAULO (AP) -- Workers building a World Cup stadium in northeastern Brazil say they will remain on strike to demand better pay and improved benefits.
Skagit Valley tulip festival in full bloom
MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) -- Sunshine in recent days has Skagit Valley tulips blooming.
Ohio State's Meyer defends his time at Florida
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- New Ohio State coach Urban Meyer says he is disappointed in published reports he showed favoritism to star players and oversaw a Florida program that winked at disciplinary problems.
Calif. prison panel denies Manson's bid for parole
CORCORAN, Calif. (AP) -- A California prison panel has denied parole to mass murderer Charles Manson parole in his 12th bid for freedom.
Broncos sign free agent DT Justin Bannan
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) -- Veteran defensive tackle Justin Bannan is returning to the Denver Broncos. The 11th-year pro signed a free agent contract with his old club Wednesday.
Inslee raises $550k, but now McKenna can fundraise
SEATTLE (AP) -- The Legislature's adjournment is good news for Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna's gubernatorial campaign coffers.
Caps G Vokoun won't travel to Boston for Game 1
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) -- Washington Capitals goaltender Tomas Vokoun will not travel with the team for the start of its first-round playoff series at the Boston Bruins.
Wash. nuclear plant a step closer to new license
RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) -- The only commercial nuclear power plant in the Northwest is one step closer to a new, 20-year license.
Cow escapes NJ slaughterhouse, will be spared
PATERSON, N.J. (AP) -- A cow that escaped from a New Jersey slaughterhouse will be spared.
Hansen early favorite in the Blue Grass Stakes
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky Derby hopeful Hansen leads a field of 13 3-year-olds for Saturday's $750,000 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland.
Bruins' Horton to miss Stanley Cup playoffs
BOSTON (AP) -- Bruins forward Nathan Horton is expected to miss the Stanley Cup playoffs because of a concussion.
Indy 500 winner Unser pleads guilty to DWI in NM
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- Retired American race car driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser Jr. has pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated and racing on a New Mexico freeway.
Ore. agency again says no to Waldo Lake motorboats
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) -- An Oregon state agency has decided to keep gasoline-powered motorboats off Waldo Lake, one of the state's largest, deepest bodies of water.
Stocks make a U-turn, rising after big decline
NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks are trading higher at midday, bouncing back from their worst loss of the year.
Jockey's corruption ban overturned on appeal
LONDON (AP) -- A British jockey's two-year ban from horse racing has been overturned after she was cleared of two corruption charges following an appeal.
UK lawmakers: Olympics could overwhelm Heathrow
LONDON (AP) -- British lawmakers are questioning Heathrow Airport's ability to cope with an influx of passengers during the London Olympics this summer.
2 boats sink in Anacortes marina fire, no injuries
ANACORTES, Wash. (AP) -- The Coast Guard says no one was injured when two boats sank during a fire Tuesday night at a marina in Anacortes.
Haiti youth at center of UN scandal to testify
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) -- A representative for the family of a Haitian youth at the center of a United Nations abuse investigation says the young man will testify in the case.
Oracle, Emirates top series after day 1 in Naples
NAPLES, Italy (AP) -- Oracle Spithill and Emirates New Zealand are on top after the opening day of the America's Cup World Series off Naples on Wednesday.
Arkansas judge fines J&J $1.1B in Risperdal case
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- An Arkansas judge has fined Johnson & Johnson and a subsidiary more than $1.1 billion after a jury found the companies downplayed and hid risks associated with an antipsychotic drug.
Bayern Munich player charged with arson
MUNICH (AP) -- A player for Bayern Munich has been charged with arson after his rented villa burned down last year.
Wash. Legislature passes budget proposal
OLYMPIA (AP) — Gov. Chris Gregoire called for one more special session as the Washington state Legislature reached a midnight deadline for the 30-day special session.
Video confession in Monroe prison guard slaying
EVERETT, Wash. (AP) -- In a confession recorded on video, inmate Byron Scherf describes how he overpowered corrections officer Jayme Biendl and strangled her in the chapel of a state prison at Monroe.
Kanepi advances to 3rd round in Copenhagen
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) -- Fifth-seeded Kaia Kanepi of Estonia defeated Timea Babos of Hungary 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (2) Wednesday and reached the third round of the e-Boks Open.
