Stories for February 28, 2012
Lead stories
Stories
Bowler Marty Piraino dies at 88 in upstate NY
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) -- Marty Piraino (PIHR'-ay-noh), who won four tournaments on the Professional Bowlers Association Tour when the sport was just gaining a foothold on television, has died. He was 88.
Romney, Santorum spar for last Michigan delegates
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Mitt Romney's victory in Michigan's primary won't get him many more delegates than Rick Santorum, if any. It's even possible Santorum could win most of the state's delegates.
Community Sports Calendar, Feb. 28
The Community Sports Calendar on Columbian.com is updated each Tuesday. Submit items for the calendar by sending an e-mail to paul.danzer@columbian.com, or call 360-735-4521.
Keizer police find property stolen in burglaries
KEIZER, Ore. (AP) -- Keizer police investigating burglaries served a search warrant Tuesday night at a residence and made a discovery.
Morneau on the mend with Minnesota
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- Justin Morneau is on the mend with the Minnesota Twins and says he hopes to play in the team's first exhibition game Saturday.
Springfield man pleads not guilty in faking cancer
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- A Springfield man accused of faking cancer to collect donations pleaded not guilty to felony theft charges Tuesday in Lane County Circuit Court.
9 bedrooms, full-size court: Jordan home for sale
HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (AP) -- Michael Jordan's longtime personal residence in suburban Chicago is for sale for $29 million.
High School Athlete of the week nominees
The following athletes have been nominated for The Columbian’s athlete of the week.
Roy talks about making comeback
For those wondering what has been going through Brandon Roy’s head since announcing his retirement in early December, one of his thoughts was recently revealed: A comeback.
Santorum strategy hinges on Ohio, Okla., and Tenn.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) -- Rick Santorum says he's counting on Washington state, Ohio, Oklahoma and Tennessee to prove he can win across the country and best Mitt Romney for the Republican presidential nomination.
James Murdoch resigns as exec chair of News Intl
LONDON (AP) -- Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. says James Murdoch is stepping down as executive chairman of the company's U.K. newspaper arm.
US: North Korea to suspend nuclear activities
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is calling North Korea's agreement to suspend nuclear activities and accept a moratorium on testing "a modest step" in the right direction.
US: NK agrees to suspend nuclear activities
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The United States says North Korea has agreed to suspend uranium enrichment and agree to a moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile tests.
Occupy Portland on downtown streets again
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Occupy Portland demonstrators took to the downtown streets again on Wednesday, pushing through lines of police and chanting in front of businesses in some of the first forceful physical collisions between protesters and police on bicycles.
Occupy Portland on downtown streets again
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Occupy Portland demonstrators took to the downtown streets again on Wednesday, pushing through lines of police and chanting in front of businesses.
Vandals break windows at Portland banks
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- As the Occupy Portland movement planned a downtown march Wednesday, vandals who trashed a Portland bank issued a communique challenging the group to take violent action.
Vandals break windows at Portland banks
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Vandals damaged banks in two Portland neighborhoods overnight.
Vandals break windows at Portland bank
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Vandals threw rocks through windows at two banks and a Starbucks Tuesday night in Portland's Hollywood business district.
Official: Man seized Cairo apparently not al-Qaida
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A U.S official says the U.S. doesn't believe that a man arrested in Cairo is a long-sought senior al-Qaida military leader.
Winterhawks beat Kamloops, 5-2
Third-period burst sparks Portland to victory
Two goals 14 seconds apart early in the third period on Tuesday earned the Portland Winterhawks a significant win in the tight fight for the best record in the Western Hockey League.
Fly fisherman finds body in Spokane River
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- A fly fisherman spotted a body in the Spokane River Tuesday near Spokane's Monroe Street Bridge.
No sign of engine trouble in Mount Si plane crash
NORTH BEND, Wash. (AP) -- A preliminary report on the crash of a small plane on Mount Si near North Bend says there's no indication of engine trouble.
Thousands expected for trooper memorial in Kent
KENT, Wash. (AP) -- Officials expect thousands of people to attend the memorial service for slain Washington State Patrol Trooper Tony Radulescu (rad-ihl-EHS'-kyoo) Thursday in Kent, a 1 p.m. at the ShoWare Center.
Snow showers in W. Wash., accumulating in E. Wash.
SEATTLE (AP) -- The National Weather Service says Wednesday morning's snow showers in parts of Western Washington are turning to rain.
Romney sweeps to double Republican primary victory
WASHINGTON (AP) — Mitt Romney scored a hard-won, home state triumph in Michigan and powered to victory in Arizona Tuesday night, gaining a two-state primary sweep over Rick Santorum and precious momentum in the most turbulent Republican presidential race in a generation.
Counting crime in Clark County
Level of criminal activity varies by area
Last year, East Fork Hills Rural was rated the safest of about 100 neighborhoods in Vancouver and Clark County, according to statistics collected by the county crime analysis unit. So how does it feel to live in the safest neighborhood in Clark County?
United Nations urges FIFA to allow hijab headscarf
GENEVA (AP) -- The United Nations has urged FIFA to allow Islamic women to wear a hijab headscarf while playing soccer.
Uzbekistan beats Japan 1-0 in World Cup qualifier
TOYOTA, Japan (AP) -- Aleksandr Shadrin's second-half goal gave Uzbekistan a 1-0 win at Japan on Wednesday in a World Cup qualifier between two teams that had already secured their place in the next round.
New member joins Evergreen school board
The Evergreen school board on Tuesday appointed Julie Bocanegra as its newest member.
Kjetil Jansrud leads downhill training session
KVITFJELL, Norway (AP) -- Kjetil Jansrud led the opening downhill training session on Wednesday.
Britain criticizes Olympic strike threat
LONDON (AP) -- A spokesman for Britain's prime minister says a labor union's threat to disrupt the London Olympics would be "unacceptable and unpatriotic."
Senate Democrats' spending plan receives praise, criticism
Southwest Washington educators and health care officials on Tuesday greeted the latest budget proposal by Senate Democrats a little more warmly than they received the House Democrats’ version, but the plan still prompted plenty of criticism.
Oman advances in 2014 World Cup qualifying
MUSCAT, Oman (AP) -- Oman beat Thailand 2-0 Wednesday to advance to the next round of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.
NJ mother, child, both born on leap day
SADDLE RIVER, N.J. (AP) -- A New Jersey mother born on February 29 beat 2 million-to-1 odds when she had her daughter -- who was also born on leap day.
Queen Elizabeth II to open 2012 Olympics
LONDON (AP) -- Buckingham Palace says Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip will open the 2012 Olympics this summer.
Kleybanova to return after cancer treatment
LONDON (AP) -- Former top-20 player Alisa Kleybanova says she has completed her treatment for cancer and will play at the Sony Ericsson Open next month.
Australia knocks Saudis out of WCup qualifying
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) -- Australia ended Saudi Arabia's World Cup qualifying campaign by scoring three goals in four minutes to record a comeback 4-2 win on Wednesday.
Costco 2Q net income rises, revenue climbs
ISSAQUAH, Wash. (AP) -- Costco Wholesale Corp. says its fiscal second-quarter net income rose 13 percent as sales improved and it made more money from membership fees.
Exhibit looks at putting Vancouver on the map
Surveying instruments that helped lay out one of the Northwest’s most historic properties — Vancouver Barracks — will be part of a new display starting Thursday at the Clark County Historical Museum.
Moisture arrives; snow still possible
Freezing level likely to be about 500 feet during next two days
A late-winter weather system arrived on cue Tuesday, but slightly warmer-than-expected afternoon temperatures produced mostly rain showers for the lowest elevations of Clark County.
China beats Jordan 3-1 in WCup qualifier
GUANGZHOU, China (AP) -- Midfielder Hao Junmin scored the opening two goals to set up China's 3-1 consolation win over Jordan in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier.
Southbound I-5 closed north of Calif. border
ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The Oregon Department of Transportation says the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 are closed 11 miles north of the California border because of severe road conditions in that state.
Woodland school holding kindergarten registration
Woodland Primary School is holding kindergarten registration this week for the 2012-2013 school year.
Local gas prices soar
Average in Vancouver is $3.95 per gallon, with some stations charging more than $4
Gasoline prices have climbed every day for 33 consecutive days, rising more than 40 cents to flirt with the $4 mark for a gallon of regular unleaded on Tuesday in Vancouver.
UPDATE: Woman found in river died of accidental drowning
Name not released until family notified
A woman whose body was pulled from the Little Washouglal River on Monday died of accidental drowning, the Clark County Medical Examiner said in a bulletin Tuesday.
States won't oppose Honda hybrid mpg settlement
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Four more state attorneys general say they won't oppose a class-action settlement between Honda Motor Co. and owners of its hybrid cars over inflated claims of fuel efficiency.
California won't oppose Honda hybrid settlement
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- California's attorney general won't oppose a class-action settlement between Honda Motor Co. and owners of its hybrid cars over inflated claims of fuel efficiency.
5 states face deadline on Honda hybrid lawsuit
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Attorneys general in California and four other states must decide whether to oppose a class-action settlement between Honda Motor Co. and owners of its hybrid cars over inflated claims of fuel efficiency.
Official: Seychelles cruise ship delayed at sea
VICTORIA, Seychelles (AP) -- A Seychelles government minister says passengers aboard a disabled cruise ship will spend 10 to 12 hours longer at sea than was needed because a French vessel pulling the ship refused to give way to tugboats from the Seychelles.
Costa says conditions 'regular' on ship
VICTORIA, Seychelles (AP) -- An Italian company says the situation aboard its disabled cruise ship is "regular," the weather is good and that cold food and mineral water are being provided to the passengers.
Costa says conditions 'regular' on ship
VICTORIA, Seychelles (AP) -- An Italian company says the situation aboard its disabled cruise ship is "regular," the weather is good and that cold food and mineral water are being provided to the passengers.
Costa says conditions 'regular' on ship
VICTORIA, Seychelles (AP) -- An Italian company says the situation aboard its disabled cruise ship is "regular," the weather is good and that cold food and mineral water are being provided to the passengers.
Job training grants awarded to Southwest Washington workforce group
The Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council has been awarded two U.S. Department of Labor grants totaling nearly $2.5 million to train Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum county workers in the information technology and advanced manufacturing industries, the nonprofit agency said Tuesday.
Victories give Romney pre-Super Tuesday momentum
TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) -- Mitt Romney is trying to capitalize on twin victories in Arizona and Michigan as the GOP nomination race expands to the 10 states that vote on Super Tuesday.
Vancouver woman pleads not guilty in 2010 fatal hit and run
She allegedly helped husband flee crash that killed passenger
A Vancouver woman accused of helping her husband flee a crash that ultimately killed his passenger pleaded not guilty Tuesday to felony hit and run charges.
Israeli troops raid West Bank TV station
RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) -- A Palestinian broadcaster says Israeli troops raided his TV station, seizing transmission equipment, computers and documents.
Ohio suspect may have used grandfather's gun
CHARDON, Ohio (AP) -- A longtime neighbor of the couple that helped raise the teenage suspect in a deadly Ohio school shooting says a gun fitting the description of the one used in the rampage is missing from the boy's grandfather's barn.
Neighbor says Ohio teen suspect was normal kid
CHARDON, Ohio (AP) -- A family friend who lives next door to the 17-year-old suspect in a deadly rampage at an Ohio high school describes him as a normal boy who was excelling academically.
Parents: Slain Ohio student excited about new job
CHARDON, Ohio (AP) -- The parents of a boy killed in an Ohio school shooting say he was looking forward to picking up his paycheck from his first job.
Breath tests: freighter captain removed from ship
ASTORIA, Ore. (AP) -- The Coast Guard has taken custody of the captain of a 738-foot-long freighter after determining his blood-alcohol level was above the legal limit for commercial vessel operators.
Nearly 125 pounds of pot seized in Oregon
BEND, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon State Police say a routine traffic stop has led to the seizure of nearly 125 pounds of marijuana valued at more than $300,000.
UPDATE: Ron Paul to visit Clark County again Friday
Ron Paul will visit Vancouver again on Friday afternoon, this time at the Clark County Event Center.
Gunfire as deputies interrupt pawn shop robbery
BURIEN, Wash. (AP) -- King County sheriff's deputies who interrupted a Tuesday evening robbery attempt at a pawn shop in Burien, Wash., ended up trading gunshots with the suspected robbers.
Sharks return home to beat Flyers 1-0
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- Ryane Clowe scored the lone goal early in the first period and Antti Niemi made it stand up with 26 saves for his fifth shutout as the San Jose Sharks returned home from a grueling road trip and beat the Philadelphia Flyers 1-0 on Tuesday night.
Timberwolves rally in 4th to beat Clippers 109-97
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Derrick Williams and Michael Beasley each scored 27 points, teaming up to lead a fourth-quarter shooting barrage as the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Pacific Division-leading Los Angeles Clippers 109-97 on Tuesday night in the teams' first game since the All-Star break.
Eastern Washington beats Idaho State 77-64
CHENEY, Wash. (AP) -- Cliff Colimon scored 28 points to lead Eastern Washington to a 77-64 victory over Idaho State on Tuesday night in a game where home-court advantage for a rematch in the Big Sky tournament was at stake.
Charge for 6th person in WA trooper killing
PORT ORCHARD, Wash. (AP) -- A sixth person accused of helping a man who fatally shot a Washington State Patrol trooper has been charged in Kitsap County.
Djokovic, Nadal, Murray enter Indian Wells doubles
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) -- Defending singles champion Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray will play doubles at the BNP Paribas Open next month.
Klamath dams adviser claims firing unjustified
REDDING, Calif. (AP) -- A scientist who advised a federal agency on ethical issues that included removing Klamath River dams has filed a whistleblower complaint over his firing.
Bomb threat evacuates Cle Elum-Roslyn schools
CLE ELUM, Wash. (AP) -- The 900 students in central Washington's Cle Elum-Roslyn School District were evacuated after a bomb threat was left on a computer screen in a high school classroom. Authorities said later Tuesday no explosive devices were found.
Barking pup alerts owner to break-in attempt
KEIZER, Ore. (AP) -- The owner of an adult foster home in Keizer, Ore., says she was on the phone and doing chores in another room when she realized her 4-month-old Chihuahua mix puppy had been barking insistently in the living room.
Firefighters knock down blaze near Vancouver Plaza
Firefighters knocked out a structure fire in a home near the Vancouver Plaza shopping center.
Smith leads Butler over Wright State 70-52
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Andrew Smith had 25 points and seven rebounds and Roosevelt Jones added 11 points to lead Butler to a 70-52 victory against Wright State on Tuesday night in the opening round of the Horizon League tournament.
Woman found in WA Little Washougal River drowned
VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) -- The Clark County sheriff's office says a 42-year-old woman whose body was pulled from the Little Washougal River died of accidental drowning.
Lehner makes 32 saves in Ottawa's 1-0 win
BOSTON (AP) -- Robin Lehner stopped 32 shots for his first career shutout and Erik Karlsson scored the lone goal, lifting surging Ottawa to a 1-0 win over Boston on Tuesday night.
Corinthians signs Chinese player to expand brand
SAO PAULO (AP) -- Brazilian champion Corinthians says it has signed 23-year-old Chinese attacking midfielder Chen Zhizhao, hoping he will help the team expand its brand into the Asian country.
Eargle, Youngstown State dump Green Bay 77-60
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP) -- Damian Eargle had 17 points and nine rebounds to lead balanced Youngstown State past Green Bay 77-60 in the first round of the Horizon League tournament Tuesday night.
Thieves swipe Miss Wash. crown, sash, car
EDGEWOOD, Wash. (AP) -- The reigning Miss Washington says thieves made off with her car -- as well as her crown, pageant sash, wallet and four evening gowns.
Romney adds to delegate lead with win in Arizona
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Mitt Romney has added to his lead in the race for convention delegates with a win in the Arizona Republican presidential primary.
Miami C Reggie Johnson reinstated by NCAA
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) -- Miami says center Reggie Johnson's eligibility has been restored by the NCAA.
Bryant has concussion to go with broken nose
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) -- Kobe Bryant has a concussion in addition to the broken nose he sustained in the All-Star game.
Safety worker grateful for well wishes
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The driver of the safety truck that exploded into flames during the Daytona 500 is thanking NASCAR fans for their concern.
Romney wins Michigan and Arizona primaries
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Mitt Romney has won Republican presidential primaries in his home state of Michigan and in Arizona, besting Rick Santorum with a pair of victories certain to shore up Romney's struggling campaign.
Romney wins AZ, pulling ahead of Santorum in MI
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Mitt Romney has won the Arizona primary and is pulling slightly ahead of Rick Santorum in Romney's home state of Michigan.
AP: Romney wins AZ, battles Santorum in Michigan
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has won the Arizona primary.
Early votes: Romney and Santorum close in Mich.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The first handful of vote returns in Michigan show Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney in a close contest.
Senate passes bill for tribal retrocession process
YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) -- The Washington state Senate has passed a bill that opens the door for dismantling state jurisdiction over American Indian tribes.
Police: Teen hurt in Ohio school shooting now home
CHARDON, Ohio (AP) -- Authorities say a teen who was hurt but survived a deadly shooting rampage at an Ohio high school has been released from the hospital.
Injuries reported as windy weather whips Midwest
BRANSON, Mo. (AP) -- Injuries and significant damage have been reported after a line of possible tornadoes moved across the Midwest.
South Carolina women's tennis coach steps down
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina women's tennis coach Arlo Elkins is stepping down because of health reasons.
NASCAR says Keselowski can keep phone in car
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- NASCAR will allow Brad Keselowski to keep his cellphone in his race car during events.
Odom not back with Mavericks, no talk of buyout
DALLAS (AP) -- Lamar Odom still hasn't rejoined the Dallas Mavericks.
Hamilton returns to Bulls' lineup
CHICAGO (AP) -- Richard Hamilton, who's appeared in only 11 games this season, was back in the Chicago Bulls' lineup against the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday night.
Braves 1B Freeman injures knee in spring drill
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) -- Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman is expected to miss at least a week after injuring his right knee.
Pirates SP Morton throwing without limitations
BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) -- Four months removed from offseason hip surgery, Pirates starter Charlie Morton is in camp with his teammates, he's throwing without limitations, and he's as eager as anyone to see this new-look team take the field.
Romney narrowly wins Michigan GOP primary
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Mitt Romney has narrowly won the Michigan Republican presidential primary. The former Massachusetts governor defeated Rick Santorum, who had waged a hard-fought battle for the state. Michigan is critical for Romney because it is the first of the nation's industrial battleground states to vote in the GOP nominating race -- and it is also his home state. Earlier Tuesday night, Romney easily won the Arizona GOP primary.
Romney wins Arizona GOP primary
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Mitt Romney has won the Arizona Republican presidential primary. Romney's rivals had spent little time campaigning in the state and no money to air television ads. Romney is also in a tight contest for the Michigan primary, where his main opponent is former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.
Inquest ordered into police shooting of Kent man
SEATTLE (AP) -- King County Executive Dow Constantine has ordered an inquest into the fatal police shooting of a man outside a Federal Way Starbucks last month.
Top-seeded Isner into 2nd round at Delray Beach
DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Top-seeded John Isner outlasted fellow American Jesse Levine 6-4, 7-5 (15) on Tuesday in their first-round match at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships.
Rural legislators wary of Oregon State Police cuts
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Rural legislators say a budget-slashing plan to cut detectives from the Oregon State Police will disproportionately affect rural areas.
Rural legislators wary of Ore. State Police cuts
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Rural legislators say a budget-slashing plan to cut detectives from the Oregon State Police will disproportionately affect rural areas.
Carrier Classic moving out of San Diego for 2012
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Organizers of the Carrier Classic say they're moving the college basketball game out of San Diego for 2012 while hoping to return in 2013.
Trout's 2011 stints with Angels will help in '12
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) -- Few 20-year-old outfielders attract the kind of attention Mike Trout is getting in spring training but then Trout isn't your everyday prospect.
Defendant in Ore. killing skips his own trial
BAKER CITY, Ore. (AP) -- After trying to fire his court-appointed attorney, a defendant accused in an Eastern Oregon killing has refused to attend his own trial.
Oscar-winning alum returns to Western campus
BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) -- Oscar-winning director and Western Washington University alumnus T.J. Martin is returning to campus on Thursday for a screening of his documentary "Undefeated."
UPDATE: Senate Democrats unveil Wash. budget proposal
OLYMPIA — Democratic leaders throughout the Legislature are pushing the delay of hundreds of million dollars in payments as a solution to the state’s budget deficit, lawmakers said Tuesday.
Texas A&M, Mizzou to pay $24.8M to leave Big 12
IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Texas A&M and Missouri have agreed to pay $12.4 million each to leave the Big 12 and join the Southeastern Conference in July.
Crews work to clean up Snake River oil spill
BURBANK, Wash. (AP) -- Crews are working to clean up an oil spill on the Snake River Tuesday following a leak of about 44 gallons of oil.
Japanese tsunami debris may reach N.W.
HONOLULU — Tsunamis generated by the magnitude-9 earthquake in Japan last March dragged 3 million to 4 million tons of debris into the ocean after tearing up Japanese harbors and homes.
4 in 10 back auto bailout in Michigan GOP primary
WASHINGTON (AP) -- An exit poll of voters in Michigan's Republican presidential primary is showing that more than 4 in 10 say they support the federal bailout of the auto industry.
Wash. family admits to decades of disability fraud
SEATTLE (AP) -- Four members of a Renton family have pleaded guilty in a disability fraud case that netted them more than $350,000 over 31 years.
Maine's Snowe won't seek re-election
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) -- Maine's U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe says she's not running for re-election.
Maine's US Sen. Snowe won't seek re-election
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) -- Maine's U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe says she's not running for re-election.
Pacific FC Fire captures Challenge Cup title
Boys U16 soccer team defeats Bainbridge club 2-1
With a pair of wins over the weekend, the Pacific FC Fire won the Challenge Cup youth soccer state tournament for boys born in 1995.
Former Cowboys lineman sues NFL over concussions
HOUSTON (AP) -- A former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman has sued the NFL, alleging concussions have affected his short-term memory and caused migraine headaches and other health problems.
Vancouver United Timbers club joins alliance
Portland Timbers, Adidas help in youth development
The Vancouver United Timbers will become one of three youth soccer clubs affiliated with the Portland Timbers through its Adidas Timbers Alliance partnership.
In our view: Maximizing Resources
Neighborhood Response Teamsback in action for Vancouver police
Law enforcement agencies are used to being pulled in different directions. It comes with the territory. Many residents are understandably vocal about the need to prevent crimes, others advocate strengthening crime investigation while still others are adamant about bolstering and expediting response efforts. The truth is, they’re all correct.Balancing those demands becomes even more difficult when budget woes intensify.
Walker will coach son in Tulsa secondary
TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- Former NFL cornerback Darnell Walker Sr. has been hired as an assistant coach at Tulsa, where he will be able to mentor his son.
Community notebook: Local cyclist wins time trial
Colby Wait-Molyneux of Vancouver won the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association (OBRA) Jack Frost Time Trial on Sunday at Vancouver Lake Park.
Weather Eye: Forecasters’ extra day of winter will bring chilly conditions
Normally Feb. 28 would be the last official day of winter for us weather and climate folks but hey, we get an extra day this year, so winter will continue into Wednesday.
Sowell: Life isn’t fair, though saying you’ll make it so pays off
During a recent Fox News Channel debate about the Obama administration’s tax policies, Democrat Bob Beckel raised the issue of “fairness.” He pointed out that a child born to a poor woman in the Bronx enters the world with far worse prospects than a child born to an affluent couple in Connecticut. No one can deny that. The relevant question, however, is: How does allowing politicians to take more money in taxes from successful people, to squander in ways that will improve their own reelection prospects, make anything more “fair” for others?
Korean War veterans form own organization
Some 60 years after fighting the Korean War, local veterans have formed an organization that specifically recognizes the conflict and their service in it.
Community scoreboard, Feb. 28
Community sports results for week ending Feb. 27
State seeks comment on shoreline plan
The state Department of Ecology is accepting public comment on a proposed set of development rules along Vancouver’s shorelines.
Evergreen recognized for energy efficiency
The Environmental Protection Agency has recognized Evergreen Public Schools for energy efficiency.
Letter: One test can secure peace of mind
On Feb. 24, Columbian.com held a “Live chat: Should teen athletes be screened for heart conditions?” Cardiac screenings should be a requirement for high school sports of all levels. These are simple noninvasive tests. There are no needles involved. And for a $50 fee it is probably the best way to help ensure the safety of our student athletes. Hidden heart conditions are killers, and we’ve lost some kids recently to it. Could they have been avoided? Maybe. We’ll never get to know.
Letter: Direct concern to divorce demands
I admit that I do not fully understand the perceived need of same-sex couples to specifically use the word “marriage” to describe their union. However, I also do not agree with the awful prejudice used against them today. Pauline Warren’s Feb. 22 letter, “Impact harms structure of society,” says that the Legislature’s move toward acceptance of same-sex couples “will undoubtedly prove a disaster to our state and our nation.” So it is believed that acceptance of people with different values will cause us harm? I find that amazing and sad.
Letter: Gorge commission editorial off base
As general manager of the Port of Cascade Locks, I am responding to the Feb. 22 editorial, “Tough Task in the Gorge: Commission’s new executive director faces a multitude of challenges.” The editorial misstates the charge Congress gave the Columbia River Gorge Commission, which is: “To protect and enhance the scenic, natural, cultural and recreational resources of the Columbia River Gorge; and to protect and support the economy of the area by encouraging growth to occur in urban areas and allowing future economic development consistent with resource protection.”
Letter: Will correct about Afghanistan
George Will, in his Feb. 12 column, “Republicans losing grip on national security,” gives an honest assessment of Mitt Romney’s comments on ending our wars and drawing down our military. Romney appears to be asking our military to carry on counter-insurgent warfare in Afghanistan, a nation wrecker for foreign armies throughout history, into another decade. Will’s taking the GOP to task for this gives me tremendous respect for a columnist who is a staunch conservative.
Correction: death notice
Death: Daryl L. Millikan, 64, of Long Beach, died Feb. 21, 2012. A death notice Friday on Page C3 listed an incorrect age.
Death notices
A list of daily death notices
Food key ingredient to celebration of Purim
Jewish holiday a time for gift baskets, thinking of the needs of others
Purim has been summed up in this way: They tried to kill us, we won, so let’s eat!
Letter: ‘Nuts’ to the media
During the last presidential campaign, the prospect of a black man accessing the White House so transfixed the major media that most of its component entities abandoned any pretext at objectivity and leaped aboard the Obama bandwagon with the alacrity and relish of a gambler redeeming a winning lottery ticket. Now, as if to underscore that undignified stance, those same entities are attempting to chart the future of the Republican Party by asserting that it must disavow its beliefs, values and principles for the “big tent” expediency lest it render itself hopelessly irrelevant.
Vital statistics
Births, marriage dissolutions and applications and court sentencings.
Washington View: Rising gas prices threatening U.S. economic recovery
What’s that old saying? “One step forward, two steps back.”
Food and wine calendar
Send information to food@columbian.com.
Dodgers evaluate Angels pesky rally monkey
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- There are clearly differing opinions of the Angels' Rally Monkey at Dodgers camp.
Nats prospect Solis out for year with elbow injury
VIERA, Fla. (AP) -- The Washington Nationals have lost top pitching prospect Sammy Solis for the season because an elbow injury.
Lynx send Houston, pick to Mercury for 18th pick
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minnesota Lynx made a sign-and-trade move with the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday, sending forward Charde (shar-DAY) Houston and the 24th overall draft pick in the 2012 WNBA draft to Phoenix for the 18th pick.
Mets Duda feeling confident at plate this spring
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) -- New York Mets fans have already seen two different versions of outfielder Lucas Duda.
Algorithms injured, off Triple Crown trail
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Trainer Todd Pletcher says Kentucky Derby hopeful Algorithms is off the Triple Crown trail because of a leg injury that will require surgery.
Lots of talking, little voting in Ore. Legislature
SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- The Oregon Legislature is a day away from its own deadline for adjourning, and there's still no agreement on some major pieces of legislation.
WA House OKs 2 cars per Discover Pass
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The Washington state House has passed a bill to allow two cars to share one Discover Pass, a $30, year-long parking pass for state parks.
NAS Whidbey officer relieved of command
OAK HARBOR, Wash. (AP) -- The Navy has removed the commander of a squadron of NAS Whidbey-based surveillance planes for investigation of personal misconduct allegations.
Ex-wrestler says 'heel' kicked him in bid to win
JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (AP) -- A former professional wrestler has filed a lawsuit claiming that an opponent who was supposed to lose a match last June instead tried to win and kicked him so hard in the crotch that his right testicle ruptured and had to be removed.
Syracuse accusers push for new NY sex abuse laws
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- The two former ball boys who accuse a fired Syracuse University assistant basketball coach with molesting them decades ago are lobbying for a New York state law that would give victims more time to report sex abuse.
Man dies in Gresham, Ore., stabbing; 1 arrest
GRESHAM, Ore. (AP) -- Gresham police say they've made an arrest in a fatal stabbing in an apartment complex.
Man dies in Gresham, Ore., stabbing
GRESHAM, Ore. (AP) -- Gresham police say they've made an arrest in a fatal stabbing in an apartment complex.
Man dies in Gresham stabbing
GRESHAM, Ore. (AP) -- Gresham police are looking for a man who fled after a fatal stabbing in an apartment complex.
Tacoma sex offender accused of kidnap attempt
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- Pierce County prosecutors charged a 37-year-old registered sex offender Tuesday with assault and attempted kidnapping for allegedly running down a woman with his pickup truck in Tacoma and trying to carry her away.
Reichert endorses Romney in Wash. GOP caucus
SEATTLE (AP) -- Republican congressman Dave Reichert has endorsed Mitt Romney in advance of Saturday's GOP state caucuses.
49ers sign LB Brooks to 6-year extension
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Linebacker Ahmad Brooks has signed a six-year contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers taking him through the 2017 season.
Valentine already tweaking the Yankees
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- Bobby Valentine has only been wearing a Boston Red Sox uniform for about two weeks. That isn't stopping him from taking a few jabs at the archrival New York Yankees in pinstripes already.
Texas Tech coach accused of investment fraud
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) -- Texas Tech coach Tommy Tuberville is being accused of defrauding investors out of more $1.7 million in Alabama following his tenure at Auburn.
Sabbath could end Jewish school's playoff run
HOUSTON (AP) -- A Texas agency has turned down a request by an Orthodox Jewish school in Houston to reschedule a championship game potentially involving its boys' basketball team because the game time falls during the Sabbath.
Bumgarner remains youngest pitcher in camp
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Left-hander Madison Bumgarner enjoyed the flow of champagne over his head after San Francisco's successful run to the World Series title two years ago, a mere three months after he reached legal drinking age.
AP NewsBreak: Obama plan for owl targets rival
WASHINGTON (AP) -- To save the endangered spotted owl, the Obama administration is moving forward with a plan to shoot barred owls, a rival bird that has shoved its smaller cousin aside.
Braun sample collector says he followed protocol
NEW YORK (AP) -- The person who collected Ryan Braun's urine samples that tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone says he followed the collection program's protocol.
Twins looking for leadership after veterans leave
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- There's a different vibe in the Minnesota Twins clubhouse this spring.
CFL's Roughriders sign QB Colt Brennan
REGINA, Saskatchewan (AP) -- The Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League have signed quarterback Colt Brennan.
Visitors to Northwest parks spend $547M
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- Visitors to national parks in Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Idaho spent $547 million and supported more than 9,000 jobs in 2010.
NC State LB Green suspended for season
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- North Carolina State linebacker D.J. Green says the NCAA has suspended him for the season after he tested positive for using an unnamed banned substance.
Former Ohio State player arrested on drug charge
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Authorities say former Ohio State football player Ray Small has been charged with drug possession in southern Ohio after a traffic stop.
Sharks coach McLellan to miss game vs. Flyers
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- San Jose Sharks coach Todd McLellan will miss the team's game against the Philadelphia Flyers because of concussion symptoms.
At Stanford, competition to replace Luck heats up
STANFORD, Calif. (AP) -- Forgive Brett Nottingham, Josh Nunes and the rest of Stanford's quarterbacks if they forget whose turn it is with the first-team offense during spring practice.
McCarthy gets nod to start opening day for A's
PHOENIX (AP) -- Oakland manager Bob Melvin says Brandon McCarthy will be the Athletics opening day pitcher.
Shoplifting suspect stabs security man in Puyallup
PUYALLUP, Wash. (AP) -- Police say a Macy's loss prevention officer was stabbed by a shoplifting suspect at South Hill Mall in Puyallup.
Elwhas won't release hatchery steelhead this year
SEATTLE (AP) -- The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe has agreed not to release any hatchery-raised steelhead into the Olympic Peninsula's Elwha River this year.
Poor training blamed for Oakesdale electrocution
COLFAX, Wash. (AP) -- Federal investigators say poor management procedures and inadequate worker training led to the electrocution of an Idaho man working at a gravel crushing plant near Colfax.
Remains of some 9-11 victims went to landfill
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A new Pentagon report reveals that partial remains of some 9-11 victims were sent to a landfill after they could not be identified.
Ore. jobless rate edges down to 8.8 percent
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- State officials say Oregon's unemployment rate continues to edge down as employers reported cutting fewer jobs than is typical in January.
Red Wings D Lidstrom out against Blue Jackets
DETROIT (AP) -- The Detroit Red Wings have ruled defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom out for their game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
2-year-old dies in shower with cousins at Deming
BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) -- The Whatcom County sheriff's office and Child Protective Services are investigating the death of a 2-year-old boy who apparently drowned while taking a shower with his cousins -- ages 3 and 5 -- at a home near Deming.
Albert Belle visits Indians
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) -- Albert Belle came back to the Indians.
Death toll rises to 3 in Ohio school shooting
CHARDON, Ohio (AP) --
Electronic nicotine bar open in Olympia
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The Volcano Vapor Cafe in downtown Olympia offers customers coffee, tea and electronic cigarettes.
Coal export opponents in WA to register protest
LONGVIEW, Wash. (AP) -- Opponents of two proposed coal terminals in Washington state say they've gathered thousands of signatures from citizens protesting the projects.
Trump buying Doral Hotel & Country Club for $150M
NEW YORK (AP) -- Donald Trump is buying the Doral Hotel & Country Club, home of the Blue Monster golf course, for $150 million.
Michael Vick's brother gets 10 days in Va. jail
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP) -- The younger brother of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick has been sentenced to a 10-day jail term on a contempt of court charge.
Canadiens great Jean Beliveau has stroke
MONTREAL (AP) -- Montreal Canadiens great Jean Beliveau has had a stroke and is being treated at a hospital.
Feds shut gambling site Bodog, indict operators
BALTIMORE (AP) -- Federal prosecutors have shut down the sports betting site Bodog and indicted four Canadians for illegal gambling that generated more than $100 million in winnings.
'Band of Brothers' soldier dies at 90 in Wash.
BURLINGTON, Wash. (AP) -- A veteran whose World War II exploits were depicted in the HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers," Lynn D. "Buck" Compton, died Saturday in Burlington, Wash., his daughter Tracy Compton said.
Nash asked for trade to help Columbus, his career
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Columbus Blue Jackets captain Rick Nash says he asked for a trade to both help the team and his career.
Obama: Politicians rewriting history on autos
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama says critics of his auto industry bailout are rewriting history. He tells the United Autoworkers that Republican assertions that union members profited from the rescue efforts are a "load of you know what."
German federation condemns anti-Semitic act
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany (AP) -- The German soccer federation has condemned an anti-Semitic act involving Kaiserslautern's Israel striker Itay Shechter and says it will not tolerate such abuse.
Astros pick Myers as closer
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) -- Brett Myers, Houston's starting pitcher on opening day last season, will be the Astros closer this year.
