Stories for March 8, 2012
Lead stories
Stories
Legislature adjourns without passing budget
Gregoire calls for special session
OLYMPIA — Gov. Chris Gregoire has called for a special session as the Washington state Legislature prepared to adjourn without passing a supplemental budget plan.
US teen ski jumper wins season final
TRONDHEIM, Norway (AP) -- American teenager Sarah Hendrickson won the final competition in the World Cup ski jumping season on Friday.
AP source: Illini's Weber fired after 9 seasons
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) -- A person familiar with the decision says Illinois basketball coach Bruce Weber has been fired after nine seasons.
AP source: Illini's Webber fired after 9 seasons
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) -- A person familiar with the decision says Illinois basketball coach Bruce Webber has been fired after nine seasons.
Salem police catch 2 suspects in Vancouver robbery
SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Salem police say they recovered a stolen car used as a getaway car in a Vancouver, Wash., robbery and arrested two suspects.
Palestinians: Airstrike kills 2 in Gaza
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) -- Palestinian officials say an Israeli airstrike has struck a vehicle in Gaza, killing two and critically injuring one.
Salem police car rear-ended during traffic stop
SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Salem police say a patrol car had its lights flashing during a traffic stop Thursday night when it was rear-ended.
Grieving teens help each other carry on
Vancouver eighth-grader who took her own life was bullied at school, online, sister says
A sad evening at Cascade Middle School began and ended in song Thursday.
Family escapes, dog saved in two fires
House fires in West Hazel Dell, Northwest neighborhoods
On the warmest day of the year, firefighters knocked out two house fires within about four hours Thursday. In one house, a family with two children escaped. In the other, Fire District 5 and Vancouver firefighters coaxed a dog from a second story room when no one was home.
Schumacher begins last F1 season with questions
MADRID (AP) -- Michael Schumacher enters the last season of his three-year Formula One comeback with plenty of questions unanswered, while expectations for his Mercedes team remain muted after a series of disappointing results for the seven-time world champion.
No domestic violence charge against Tre Arrow
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office won't file a domestic violence assault charge against environmental activist Tre Arrow.
Kennewick teen to be buried in military uniform
KENNEWICK, Wash. (AP) -- A Kennewick 17-year-old who never got his wish to serve in the military will be buried in a uniform.
Woodland man unhurt when his plane flips
A Woodland man was not injured Thursday after his small plane flipped upon landing at an airport in Kelso, according to Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue.
Records show Japan gov't knew meltdown risk early
TOKYO (AP) -- Reconstructed documents show Japanese leaders knew hours after the tsunami that the Fukushima nuclear power plant's reactors could melt, but kept their knowledge from the public for months.
Cyclist struck, injured on S.E. Ellsworth Road
A 45-year-old man was sent to the hospital Thursday after he was hit while riding his bike on Southeast Ellsworth Road, officials said.
Orchards store struck by armed robbers
Police responded to a reported armed robbery at a market in the Orchards Marketplace shopping center near the intersection of state Highway 500 and Fourth Plain Boulevard.
Facebook 'friend' offer exposes man's other wife
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- A Washington state corrections officer has been charged with bigamy after Facebook discovered two women were connected to him and suggested they might want to "friend."
Pierce County officer charged with bigamy
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- A Pierce County corrections officer has been charged with bigamy.
Ohio legislators require footwear in Statehouse
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Visitors to the Ohio Statehouse must now wear shoes.
Stock futures get no boost from Greek deal
NEW YORK (AP) -- U.S. stock market futures are nearly flat even after European leaders cleared a major hurdle in avoiding bankruptcy in Greece and after government figures showed the unemployment rate stayed flat in February.
Economy adds 227K jobs, jobless rate unchanged
WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. employers added 227,000 jobs in January to complete three of the best months of hiring since the recession began. The unemployment rate was unchanged, largely because more people streamed into the work force.
Police make arrest in Walla Walla fatal shooting
WALLA WALLA, Wash. (AP) -- The recovery of a gun from the Snake River at Burbank has led Walla Walla police to make an arrest in a fatal shooting.
FIFA to quiz ref, players over 10-0 World Cup win
ZURICH (AP) -- FIFA will interview the match referee and players during a probe of Bahrain's "unusual" 10-0 win over Indonesia in a World Cup qualifier.
A legacy of trees and family ties: Local timberland owners focus on estate planning
Clark County tree farmers strive to protect themselves, their children and their land
Steve Stinson sees it all the time: A family reluctant to tackle the complex world of estate planning, afraid they’re too dysfunctional to make it work. Toss a tree farm into the equation, and the task seems downright daunting for some.
Herrera Beutler flier asks residents to weigh-in on light rail
The $31,500 mailing outlines her take on controversial bridge
Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, who has frequently called for a local vote on light rail, has spent $31,500 of taxpayer money to ask Clark County taxpayers what they think about it.
Officials: US missile attack kills 12 in Pakistan
DERA ISMAIL KHAN (AP) -- Pakistani intelligence officials say a U.S. drone attack has killed 12 militants close to the Afghan border.
Homeland Security reps at OR Islamic Center forum
BEAVERTON, Ore. (AP) -- A Portland lawyer has told federal Department of Homeland Security representatives that the no-fly list is being used as a "cudgel" against Muslims traveling abroad to get them to give up their rights as U.S. citizens in exchange for the right to return home.
Ecclestone: Barcelona, Valencia agree to alternate
MADRID (AP) -- Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone says Barcelona and Valencia have agreed to alternate as hosts of Grand Prix races in Spain starting in 2013.
Sheriff: Judge's stolen nameplate seen on Facebook
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- Authorities in South Florida say a man is facing charges after he was seen in a photo on Facebook holding a judge's stolen nameplate.
Vonn wins giant slalom, clinches overall title
ARE, Sweden (AP) -- Lindsey Vonn of the United States won the World Cup giant slalom race in Are on Friday to clinch her fourth overall title.
Dobrynska wins pentathlon gold with world record
ISTANBUL (AP) -- Nataliya Dobrynska set a world record in the pentathlon at the world indoor championships, showing she is ready for a repeat Olympic gold medal at the London Games.
US-born Brit hurdler Tiffany Porter causing a stir
ISTANBUL (AP) -- Born in the United States but competing for Britain, hurdler Tiffany Porter is causing a stir at the world indoor championships.
Washington to auction off state-run liquor stores
Washington state begins the process of privatizing its alcoholic beverage business Thursday when a public auction of state-run liquor stores opens online, marking a historic change for a state that has tightly controlled its booze since the end of Prohibition.
Australia, Japan drawn together in WCup qualifying
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) -- Australia will continue its fierce rivalry with Japan after the regional powers were drawn together in the final round of Asian qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Anelka brings high profile to Chinese league
SHANGHAI (AP) -- The eyes of soccer fans across Asia will be on China this weekend as Shanghai Shenhua and star striker Nicolas Anelka kick off the most eagerly awaited Chinese Super League season ever.
SKorea, China dominant at short track speedskating
SHANGHAI (AP) -- South Korean and Chinese skaters captured most of the podium finishes in the 1,500-meter races Friday to open the world short-track speedskating championships.
Driver gets 3 tickets in 1 hour for driving 90+ MPH
Slows to 65 MPH at fourth speed trap
A Las Vegas, Nevada man may have gotten the message to slow down Wednesday morning after an Oregon State Police (OSP) trooper stopped him along Interstate 84 west of The Dalles. During the traffic stop, the trooper discovered the man had been stopped and cited by two other police officers within the last hour for similar high speed traffic violations.
WA Legislature passes transportation budget
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The Washington state Legislature has passed a supplemental transportation budget with $57 million in new spending paid for by increased fees for drivers.
Afghanistan, US sign deal on handover of prison
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- Afghan and U.S. military officials have signed a deal to transfer oversight of the main U.S. detention center in the country to the Afghan government within six months.
US, Afghans reach deal on handover of prisons
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- Afghan and Western officials say an agreement has been reached on the contentious issue of transferring control of U.S. detention facilities in the country to the Afghan government.
Fermin leads Cal Poly past UC Riverside 66-54
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- Amaurys Fermin scored 16 points and Cal Poly outscored UC Riverside 22-5 to start the second half en route to a 66-54 victory Thursday night in the opening round of the Big West tournament.
Dog rescued from burning house on city's west side
Garage damaged in Cherry Street blaze
Firefighters rescued a dog from a burning home on Northwest Cherry Street. It was the second house fire in that area Thursday.
Man arrested after breakfast sandwich hits worker
FOREST GROVE, Ore. (AP) -- Police say a 48-year-old Oregon man accused of beaning a fast food restaurant worker with a breakfast sandwich has been arrested for investigation of harassment and disorderly conduct.
WA Legislature OKs tax break for film productions
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Washington's Legislature has voted to revive a tax incentive program designed to lure movie production to the state.
Candlelight vigil for Cascade student to be Thursday night
A candlelight vigil will be held on Thursday for a young girl from Cascade Middle School who died this week.
UPDATE: Vancouver lawmakers question use of labor on grain silo project
Three Washington state lawmakers are raising concerns about the use of labor on a major construction project at the Port of Vancouver, alleging the company involved employed foreign rather than local workers.
Long Beach St. routs UC Davis 80-46 in Big West
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- Eugene Phelps scored 18 points, surpassing 1,000 for his career, as Long Beach State beat UC Davis 80-46 Thursday night in the first round of the Big West tournament.
McNeese ousts top seed Texas-Arlington 92-72
KATY, Texas (AP) -- Patrick Richard scored 20 points and Dontae Cannon had 18 as McNeese State knocked off top-seeded Texas-Arlington 92-72 Thursday night in the semifinals of the Southland Conference tournament.
Pickup crashes through front of Ore. bank
COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. (AP) -- Police in the Willamette Valley city of Cottage Grove, Ore., say a pickup truck sideswiped an SUV before hitting a park bench and crashing through the front of a Bank of America branch.
Governor signs bill revamping teacher evaluations
SEATTLE (AP) -- The governor has signed a measure that will add improvement in student test scores to the list of things principals use to evaluate teachers.
Police, school investigate 6 WA boys in assault
MARYSVILLE, Wash. (AP) -- Six middle school boys in Marysville, Wash., have been barred from school as police and school district officials investigate what is described as a sexually motivated assault on a 13-year-old girl on a school bus.
Bethune-Cookman edges North Carolina Central 60-59
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) -- Garrius Holloman hit the game-winning jumper with 6 seconds left, the only points in the game's final 312 minutes, to propel Bethune-Cookman past North Carolina Central 60-59 Thursday night in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament quarterfinals.
Last crewmember's body found after chopper crash
MOBILE, Ala. (AP) -- U.S. Coast Guard officials say they have recovered the body of the fourth crewmember that had been missing since a helicopter crashed in Mobile Bay in Alabama.
Small plane flips at Kelso, Wash., airport
KELSO, Wash. (AP) -- Fire officials in Kelso, Wash., say a strong crosswind overturned a single-engine plane as it was landing. The pilot was the only person aboard and was unhurt.
Nutrition business offers free wellness evaluations
All About Nutrition will offer free wellness evaluations throughout the month of March in honor of National Nutrition Month.
OHSU offers free lecture
Oregon Health & Science University will host its annual Mark O. Hatfield Lecture this month.
Former councilman pleads guilty in nude photo case
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- A former city councilman in Talent, Ore., who was accused of attempting to take nude photographs of a teenage girl has entered a modified guilty plea to a charge of coercion.
Police say driver gets 3 speeding tickets in hour
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Traffic officers along Interstate 84 in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge say a lead-footed driver was in such a hurry to make a court date on a meth possession charge that he racked up $2,000 worth of speeding tickets in an hour.
Police: In an hour, driver gets $2,000 in tickets
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Traffic officers along Interstate 84 in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge say a lead-footed driver was in such a hurry to make a court date on a meth possession charge that he racked up $2,000 worth of speeding tickets in an hour.
Gem of Soul wins Santa Anita feature
ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) -- Gem of Soul beat Caelis by 2 3/4 lengths Thursday in the $60,094 Special 28FX Purse for older fillies and mares at Santa Anita.
Smoke, fire causes major damage to West Hazel Dell home
Heavy smoke pours from house's basement
A vintage home in the West Hazel Dell neighborhood suffered significant smoke, fire and other structural damage Thursday morning.
Ginepri bounces back from losing first set to win
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) -- Robby Ginepri became the first American to win his way into the second round of the BNP Paribas Open by beating Paoli Lorenzi of Italy 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Thursday.
Arizona beats UCLA 66-58 in Pac-12 tourney
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Solomon Hill scored 25 points and Arizona defeated UCLA despite going 812 minutes without a field goal in the second half of a 66-58 quarterfinal victory in the Pac-12 tournament on Thursday.
Niners sign Tukuafu to 2-year deal
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) -- The San Francisco 49ers have signed defensive tackle Will Tukuafu to a two-year contract extension through the 2013 season.
Longtime Nike lawyer, founder of lit awards, dies
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A longtime Nike attorney and one of Oregon's chief literary patrons has died.
UC Irvine tops Cal St. Fullerton 65-59 in Big West
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- Chris McNealy hit four 3-pointers and scored a career-high 24 points Thursday to lead UC Irvine to a 65-59 upset of Cal State Fullerton in the quarterfinals of the Big West tournament.
Hornung leads Rams to 81-60 win over TCU
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Pierce Hornung had 16 points and 14 rebounds to lead six players in double figures for No. 4 seed Colorado State, which routed No. 5 seed TCU 81-60 in the opening round of the Mountain West Conference tournament on Thursday.
Marshall outlasts Tulsa 105-100 in 3 OT
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- DeAndre Kane scored a career-high 40 points to lead Marshall to a 105-100 victory over Tulsa in triple overtime Thursday in the Conference USA tournament quarterfinals.
Philadelphia RP Papelbon praises Phillies fans
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Jonathan Papelbon has already endeared himself to Phillies fans without throwing a meaningful pitch.
Carpenter dealing with neck stiffness
JUPITER, Fla. (AP) -- Chris Carpenter said he has been dealing with neck stiffness for several days and missed his scheduled throw on Wednesday.
Biggest solar storm in years hits, so far so good
One of the strongest solar storms in years engulfed Earth early Thursday, but scientists say the planet may have lucked out.
Jarrod Lyle has leukemia recurrence
DORAL, Fla. (AP) -- Jarrod Lyle has had a recurrence of leukemia at home in Australia, just as the 30-year-old is preparing to become a father for the first time.
Blackhawks' Ben Smith to have surgery
CHICAGO (AP) -- Chicago Blackhawks forward Ben Smith will undergo season-ending surgery next week to repair a right hip tear and hernia.
Braun homers for first hit of spring training
PHOENIX (AP) -- Ryan Braun hit a two-run homer for his first hit of spring training but Chris Heisey had an RBI triple and Juan Francisco hit a solo homer in a four-run fifth inning to lead the Cincinnati Reds to a 7-6 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday.
Former Bill says players ran a pool themselves
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Retired NFL safety Coy Wire says he was part of a small group of Buffalo Bills players who pooled money and rewarded themselves for hurting opponents during his rookie season in 2002.
Clippers to raise ticket prices next season
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Los Angeles Clippers plan to raise ticket prices by an average of 15 percent next season. It's the first price hike in six years.
Ackley homers in Mariners win over Cubs
MESA, Ariz. (AP) -- Dustin Ackley hit a three-run homer to extend his torrid start to spring training, and the Seattle Mariners beat the Chicago Cubs 10-3 on Thursday.
Obama to take Cameron to NCAA tournament game
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama, an avid basketball fan, is bringing British Prime Minister David Cameron to an NCAA Tournament game in Ohio.
Haren sharp for 2 innings in 6-5 win over Indians
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) -- Dan Haren worked two hitless innings for Los Angeles in his spring debut and the Angels beat the Cleveland Indians 6-5 Thursday.
NJIT edges Houston Baptist 65-64 in Great West
CHICAGO (AP) -- Isaiah Wilkerson scored 20 points to help NJIT edge Houston Baptist 65-64 in the first round of the Great West Conference tournament Thursday.
UNO to remain in NCAA Division I
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- University of New Orleans President Peter Fos says the school will halt its transition to NCAA Division II status and instead remain in Division I.
NCAA clarifies Boeheim's comments on report
NEW YORK (AP) -- The NCAA issued a statement clarifying the timing of Syracuse's self-reporting of possible violations of its internal drug policy.
Beckett sharp in Red Sox's 9-3 loss to Cardinals
JUPITER, Fla. (AP) -- Josh Beckett pitched three scoreless innings, allowing two hits, for the Boston Red Sox in a 9-3 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday in St. Louis' 9-3 victory, allowing two hits.
UC Santa Barbara rolls 72-52 in Big West opener
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- UC Santa Barbara got 15 points from its season scoring leader, Orlando Johnson, and took a big step toward winning its third straight Big West title with a 72-52 victory over Pacific on Thursday in the opening round of the conference tournament at the Honda Center.
Pekovic good to go for Lakers, Barea out
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Nikola Pekovic says he is ready to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves starting lineup, and not a moment too soon.
Ariz. Senate rejects bill on Amazon sales tax duty
PHOENIX (AP) -- The Arizona Senate has soundly rejected a bill that would have required Amazon.com to collect sales tax on purchases made by Arizona residents.
Verizon Wireless shuts Mich. center, affecting 750
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (AP) -- Verizon Wireless says it's closing its suburban Detroit call center by the end of June, affecting 750 jobs.
Cab knocks 2 women through Portland store window
Two women standing on a Portland street corner were hit by a cab involved in a collision Wednesday night and knocked through a store window.
Official who ejected ex-players not at ACC tourney
ATLANTA (AP) -- An official who ejected two former North Carolina State stars from the stands last month is not taking part in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament.
Barrichello boosts KV Racing and IndyCar Series
SEBRING, Fla. (AP) -- Rubens Barrichello had his first full day as an official IndyCar Series driver and showed again what everyone already knows: The Brazilian is very fast.
Oregon considers banning Native American mascots
SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon is rejoining a longstanding national debate over Native American-related mascots, nicknames and logos in schools.
Franklin lifts No. 18 SDSU over BSU, 65-62
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Jamaal Franklin made an off-balance 3-pointer at the buzzer to give top-seeded and No. 18 San Diego State a 65-62 win over No. 8 seed Boise State in the Mountain West Conference tournament opener Thursday.
Big East: Cincy beats No. 13 Hoyas 72-70 in 2 OTs
NEW YORK (AP) -- Cashmere Wright banked in a runner with 7.6 seconds left, and Cincinnati beat No. 13 Georgetown in double overtime 72-70 on Thursday in another multiple-OT classic at the Big East tournament.
WKU fires Cowles after 10 seasons as women's coach
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) -- Western Kentucky has fired Mary Taylor Cowles as women's basketball coach after a disappointing 9-21 season.
14 Syracuse players work out for NFL scouts
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) -- Fourteen former Syracuse players worked out for NFL scouts on Thursday in Manley Field House, including punter Rob Long.
Fishing report 3/8
Spring chinook angling slow in lower Columbia River, although two fish counted at Bonneville Dam this week
In Our View: Light … to Go With the Heat
C-Tran’s bus rapid transit, light rail planswill be reviewed by objective outsiders
Even with all the respect we have for the fine folks of Clark County, we acknowledge that people in other places might also know a thing or two about transportation. And although we’ve been leery of too many cooks crowding into the local transportation kitchen, there’s something to be said for out-of-town experts. For one thing, as independent observers they usually supply light rather than heat to controversial subjects. They illuminate solutions that many emotion-charged local observers might overlook.Hats off, then, to state officials who have appointed five experts from far away to evaluate financing plans for maintaining and operating two C-Tran proposals: a proposed bus rapid transit line (BRT) along Fourth Plain Boulevard, and a light rail extension into Clark College as part of the Columbia River Crossing.
Timber payments still leave county budget gaps
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) -- Rural county officials were happy to see the Senate pass a one-year extension of federal timber payments, but know full well that they are not out of the woods on closing their budget gaps.
Out & about
Items about Washington razor clam seasons, state hunting proposals, improvements to Lewis River road No. 90 and the opening of state parks on the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge
Ambrose: Flap over Limbaugh comments obscures true issue
Our priority-challenged president, who spent a few blinks of the eye talking about a potentially catastrophic national debt in his State of the Union speech, decided recently to comfort a female law student for an insult proffered by a radio-talk-show host thereby achieving what?
Iris Awards to honor three women
Inaugural event marks rebirth of similar program
Lisa Nisenfeld, Sally Schaefer and Mary Strehlow will be recognized as women of achievement in Southwest Washington at the inaugural Iris Awards presented by Clark College on Thursday night in the college’s Gaiser Student Center. A 5 p.m. reception will be followed by the 6 p.m. awards ceremony.
Coffee tables go high-tech
Artistry, function inform current crop of designs
KANSAS CITY, Mo. Coffee tables with two levels have been popular for a while. Because people want places to set their laptops, tablet computers and smartphones, you’re starting to see coffee tables designed with three levels.
Death Notices
A daily listing of death notices.
Garden calendar
Tsugawa Nursery: 410 E. Scott Ave., Woodland. Events are free unless noted. * Register: 360-225-8750 or http://tsugawanursery.com.n 11 a.m. March 17: Beginning Bonsai Class. Learn where to begin and what plants, pots, soil and tools are needed. n 1 p.m. March 17: Bonsai Group. Learn tips and techniques from experienced bonsai enthusiasts.
Garden Life: Home, garden shows blossoming with ideas
Once my thoughts turn to spring, I begin searching my own garden for every emerging sign of the season. Established clumps of early snowdrops surprise me with their obvious vigor. A month ago they were invisible below the ground’s surface. Last week they began to poke exploratory green fingers of foliage up through the soil. Today they stand in clusters of upright stems, arching at the uppermost tip to display their delicate, porcelain-white blossoms reminiscent of miniature Tiffany lamps.
Energy Adviser: Get up to speed on pros, cons of electric vehicles
Since Clark Public Utilities installed the first public electric vehicle charging station in the county last summer at its 1200 Fort Vancouver Way location near downtown Vancouver, many more have popped up.
Clark College report
What’s happening in Clark College athletics:
All-Region Boys Wrestling
Michael Nguyen, Matthew Nguyen, Evergreen High School
Evergreen wrestlers share All-Region honor
Talking Points: Seahawks draft options
What’s the buzz from the world of sports? Here are some items that will have people talking:
Battle Ground school employee wins award
Tina Anderson, office assistant and media technician at Pleasant Valley Middle School, has been named Southwest Washington classified school employee of the year by Educational Service District 112.
Democratic candidate for House sets event
Congressional candidate Elizabeth Uelmen plans to host a campaign kickoff event March 20 at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site’s Artillery Barracks Building.
Letter: We 'all' should have a choice
I agree 100 percent with Tim Coe’s Feb. 22 letter, “Take care not to restrict free will,” and his statement, “God gave us all free will.
Letter: Connecting the dots
The March 1 story, “Theory of First Americans Places Stone Age Europeans in U.S.,” and photos supported evidence America’s first visitors may have come from European Salutreans 20,000 years ago
Letter: Profits override policy
As a Feb. 5 story, “Refineries closing, gas prices climbing,” reported, oil companies are closing two refineries this year and one next year because they are not profitable. The quarterly profits in the billions per quarter make the oil companies’ claim unbelievable.
Letter: Heed warning labels on toys
I visited a little 3-year-old girl in the hospital who had surgery to repair damage done to her intestines from swallowing small, magnetic metal balls. She is not the first little one to swallow these “toys,” but I pray she will be the last
Letter: Another option can bridge gap
OK, so the new bridge won’t be tall enough, and if it were to be raised, it would infringe on Pearson air space.
Letter: Clearance gaffe is major blunder
Regarding the March 2 story, “Official: Planned bridge too low,” I am very concerned about the ongoing series of miscues by the Columbia River Crossing planning process.
Weather Eye: Enjoy Thursday, as sunshine won’t last
Lots of weather tidbits to pass along so let’s talk weather! It was downright cold early Wednesday after that cold frontal passage earlier in the week. Most locations in Clark County dipped well into the 20s with Vancouver officially bottoming out with 26 degrees. I had 25 degrees in Salmon Creek and other lows reaching the 20-degree mark.
Letter: Officials: focus on top priorities
Thanks to County Commissioner Marc Boldt for outlining the top priorities of Clark County in 2012 during the recent State of the County address.
College notebook: Concordia’s Limage wins NAIA 800 title
Fort Vancouver graduate claims indoor crown
Concordia University senior Junia Limage broke her own school record in the 800-meter run while winning the NAIA indoor national championships in the event Saturday at the SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio.
Senate rejects GOP environment, energy proposals
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate has rejected several Republican-backed attempts to overturn President Barack Obama's environmental and energy policies as it deals with a bill to keep federal aid flowing to transportation projects across the country.
Evidence release OK'd in NY athlete's death by cop
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) -- The evidence gathered in a lawsuit over the fatal police shooting of a New York college football player might soon be made public.
Tigers' Fister sharp, Rays' Price injures neck
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) -- Doug Fister pitched three scoreless innings and Delmon Young hit a three-run homer for the Detroit Tigers in an 8-1 win Thursday over a Tampa Bay Rays split squad that lost David Price to an injury.
Starbucks to sell single serving coffee machines
NEW YORK (AP) -- Starbucks Corp. says it will soon sell a single-cup coffee machine for people to brew lattes and other coffee drinks at home.
Gingrich pushes on, do-or-die, in Mississippi
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) -- Newt Gingrich spent his first day under Secret Service protection Thursday campaigning in Mississippi, part of his do-or-die push in the South.
Zambrano struggles in first start for Marlins
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) -- Carlos Zambrano struggled with his control in his first start for Miami, allowing three runs while getting just four outs, and the Marlins beat the New York Mets 5-4 on Thursday.
No. 15 Indiana rolls past Penn St. 75-58
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Jordan Hulls scored 20 points and Cody Zeller finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds to help No. 15 Indiana pull away from Penn State 75-58 in the first round of the Big Ten tournament on Thursday.
Liriano on target for Twins in loss to Rays
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- Francisco Liriano struck out five of the nine batters he faced in the Minnesota Twins' 1-0 loss to a Tampa Bay Rays split squad on Thursday.
Southern Miss beats East Carolina 81-78 in OT
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Neil Watson scored 17 points and Darnell Dodson's 3-pointer put Southern Mississippi ahead to stay in an 81-78 victory over East Carolina in the Conference USA tournament quarterfinals Thursday.
Minor pitches three scoreless in Braves' 2-1 loss
SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) -- Mike Minor pitched three scoreless innings in his second spring outing but the Atlanta Braves lost to the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 on Thursday.
Moyer trying to keep career going at age 49
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Even though he'll open his mailbox later this year to find his AARP card, Jamie Moyer swears he doesn't feel old.
Minnesota WR Harris dismissed from team
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota receiver Ge'Shun Harris has been dismissed by the team after being charged with felony credit card fraud.
Report: FBI probing AU's Ward for point shaving
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -- Yahoo Sports reports that federal authorities are investigating suspended Auburn point guard Varez Ward for alleged point shaving.
Trespasser suspected on Garth Brooks' property
CLAREMORE, Okla. (AP) -- Oklahoma authorities say they're searching for a suspected trespasser after a burning vehicle was found near the home of country singer Garth Brooks.
LSU beats Arkansas in SEC tourney opener, 70-54
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Johnny O'Bryant scored 12 of his 18 points in the second half, and LSU pulled away for a 70-54 victory over Arkansas in the opening game of the Southeastern Conference tournament on Thursday.
Senate backs renewed timber payments
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate has agreed to keep compensating rural counties for a decline in federal timber payments because of environmental protections for the spotted owl, salmon and other species.
Mariners C Adam Moore out with broken wrist
PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) -- Seattle Mariners catcher Adam Moore has suffered a broken right wrist after blocking a ball in the dirt during a spring training game.
Tuck: Manning makes any team instant powerhouse
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -- Justin Tuck expects Peyton Manning to make any team he signs for an instant NFL powerhouse. The New York Giants defensive end just hopes it's not a team in the NFC East.
Clemson's Allen, Branch work out for NFL personnel
CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) -- Clemson's top NFL prospects in tight end Dwayne Allen and defensive end Andre Branch worked out for nearly four dozen pro personnel on Thursday, including New York Jets coach Rex Ryan.
Wash. Legislature adjourns; special session called
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The Washington Legislature has adjourned without passing a supplemental budget plan, and Gov. Chris Gregoire has called for a special session.
Gov. Gregoire calls special session
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Gov. Chris Gregoire has called for a special session as the Washington state Legislature prepared to adjourn without passing a supplemental budget plan.
Wash. Republicans balk at Democrats' budget plan
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- House Democrats have passed a budget agreement that keeps in place a delayed payment to schools that Senate Republicans have said will ensure its failure in the Senate.
Wash. House Democrats propose new budget proposal
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- House and Senate Democrats have come to an agreement on a new budget proposal, but Senate Republicans say that if majority Democrats try to bring it up on the Senate floor, it won't pass.
UPMC: Police say 2 dead in clinic shooting
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center says police tell it a shooting at a psychiatric clinic has killed two people and left seven injured.
Gunman sought after Pitt shooting injuries several
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Authorities say several people have been injured in a shooting at a psychiatric clinic at the University of Pittsburgh, and police are looking for a gunman.
Shots fired at Univ. of Pitt; injuries reported
OAKLAND, Pa. (AP) -- Police say several people have been injured in a shooting at a psychiatric clinic at the University of Pittsburgh.
Wash. court: No local votes on red light cameras
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The Washington Supreme Court says city laws allowing for red-light traffic cameras are not subject to repeal by local initiatives.
Toews skates with Blackhawks
CHICAGO (AP) -- Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews (tayvz) skated for the first time Thursday since he was injured nearly three weeks ago.
Senate passes college-school collaboration bill
SEATTLE (AP) -- The state Senate has approved an education reform bill championed by the governor, but ridiculed by some lawmakers as not doing enough to help kids.
Banged-up Blue Jackets recall F Maksim Mayorov
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- The Columbus Blue Jackets have added forward Maksim Mayorov to the roster on emergency recall from their American Hockey League affiliate in Springfield, Mass.
Pitt's NCAA run ends following dominant decade
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Ashton Gibbs began the season as the Big East preseason Player of the Year. The Pittsburgh senior guard will likely end it in the NIT.
Biologists project big Pacific Coast salmon season
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Pacific Coast fishermen can start gearing up for what's expected to be the best salmon fishing season in years.
Kucinich won't run in Washington despite visits
SEATTLE (AP) -- A spokesman for Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich says he's not looking to Washington state after losing his primary.
Medford teen arrested with gun at school
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- Authorities in Medford say they arrested a teenager at North Medford High School carrying a loaded pistol he'd just stolen from an unlocked car.
Ito earns 4th ski jump World Cup victory
TRONDHEIM, Norway (AP) -- Daiki Ito of Japan won his fourth ski jump World Cup event of the year Thursday after setting a hill record in Trondheim.
Marino: Manning 'fits with anybody' in NFL
AVENTURA, Fla. (AP) -- If Peyton Manning has questions about Miami, Dan Marino will be happy to take his call.
Agent: Bills TE Chandler agrees to 2-year deal
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Tight end Scott Chandler has agreed in principal to a two-year contract to re-sign with the Buffalo Bills less than a week before he was eligible to become a free agent, the player's agent has told The Associated Press.
Boaters warned of whales in San Francisco Bay
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Boaters are being warned to steer clear of a mother gray whale and calf that wandered off course into San Francisco Bay during spring migration.
Not just Gates: 8 billionaires in Washington state
SEATTLE (AP) -- Eight of the richest people in the world live in Washington state.
First log ship loaded in Everett since 2002
EVERETT, Wash. (AP) -- The Port of Everett says a ship loaded with logs this week is the first full log shipment the port has handled since 2002.
Doctors leaving bullet in wounded Bremerton girl
SEATTLE (AP) -- Doctors have no plans to remove a bullet from an 8-year-old Bremerton girl who was wounded in a classroom shooting.
Wounded Bremerton girl breathing on her own
SEATTLE (AP) -- The 8-year-old Bremerton girl who was wounded in a school shooting is breathing on her own, but she remains in serious condition at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
USS Nimitz arrives at Everett home port
EVERETT, Wash. (AP) -- Everett welcomed the latest aircraft carrier to call the naval station its home port with the arrival Friday of the USS Nimitz.
USS Nimitz arriving at Everett home port
EVERETT, Wash. (AP) -- Everett welcomes the latest aircraft carrier to call the naval station its home port.
USS Nimitz arrives Friday at Everett home port
EVERETT, Wash. (AP) -- The Navy says the aircraft carrier Nimitz will arrive at its new home port in Everett on Friday.
Howard of US signs new long-term deal with Everton
LIVERPOOL, England (AP) -- United States goalkeeper Tim Howard has extended his contract at Everton, tying him to the Premier League club until 2016.
Twins sign LHP Perkins to 3-year extension
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- Left-handed pitcher Glen Perkins has signed a three-year extension with the Minnesota Twins.
Falcons re-sign backup running back Snelling
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) -- The Atlanta Falcons have re-signed backup running back Jason Snelling.
Seattle landmark P-I globe to be preserved
SEATTLE (AP) -- A Seattle landmark, the P-I globe, should keep on spinning, but it will likely be moved by the end of the year from the waterfront building that once housed the Post-Intelligencer newspaper.
Cavendish wins sprint; Goss maintains overall lead
INDICATORE, Italy (AP) -- World champion Mark Cavendish won the second stage of the weeklong Tirreno-Adriatico race in a sprint finish Thursday, while Australian Matthew Goss retained the overall lead.
Browns GM says Manning not in team's plans
BEREA, Ohio (AP) -- The Cleveland Browns are not likely to enter the Peyton Manning sweepstakes.
Jim Lanier takes Iditarod lead
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- Jim Lanier has taken the lead in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race but has not yet taken a mandatory 24-hour break.
Yakima shooting apparently gang related
YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) -- Police say a shooting that wounded a 19-year-old Wednesday afternoon in Yakima appears to be gang-related.
