Stories for May 2, 2012
Lead stories
Stories
WASDOT selling 21 surplus properties
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The Washington Department of Transportation is selling 21 surplus properties.
Prep roundup: Three-run rally sends Camas to 3A district final
An error and a run-scoring single by Reilly Hennessey sparked a three-run sixth inning as the Camas baseball team beat Columbia River 3-1 Wednesday to reach the Class 3A district championship game.
Board votes to fire Spokane museum director
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- The director of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane has been fired.
Sandusky lawyer defends subpoenas, seeks more info
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) -- Jerry Sandusky's lawyer is defending the use of defense subpoenas and asking a judge to order prosecutors to provide more documents and other information as he prepares for trial on child sex-abuse charges.
Notre Dame QB Rees jailed in police confrontation
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) -- Police say Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees knocked the wind out of an officer who chased him down after an off-campus house party early Thursday and was pepper-sprayed while being arrested.
Regents approve UT-San Antonio to Conference USA
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- University of Texas System regents have approved letting UT-San Antonio move to Conference USA in 2013
Bulgarian weightlifter jailed for drug smuggling
SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) -- Bulgarian media reports former Olympic weightlifting champion Galabin Boevski has been sentenced to nine years and four months in prison by a court in Brazil after 20 pounds of cocaine were found in his luggage.
Day Care in Tacoma church fire bombed
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- Someone threw a container of gasoline into a window at a Tacoma day care Thursday morning, starting a fire that was controlled by sprinklers.
30 days in jail for shooting dog in Estacada
OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) -- A man who shot and killed a neighbor's dog when it charged at him in a rural Estacada neighborhood was sentenced to 30 days in jail.
Police say Crescent Lake hostage-taker had knife
CRESCENT LAKE, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon State Police say a 28-year-old man was armed with a knife when he held an ex-girlfriend hostage in a cabin at Crescent Lake in Klamath County.
Salem teacher jailed again in sex case
SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- A Salem teacher who was arrested last month after he was accused of having sex with a student was back in jail Wednesday, accused of meeting the girl at a concert.
Snake blamed for Oklahoma City power outage
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Officials say a snake slithered into an Oklahoma City electric substation and knocked out power to about 10,000 customers overnight.
PGE vetoes St. Helens coal terminal proposal
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Portland General Electric has vetoed an initial proposal for a coal export terminal at the Port of St. Helens.
Bin Laden's last words go online
WASHINGTON (AP) -- In letters from his last hideout, Osama bin Laden fretted about dysfunction in his terrorist network and the loss of trust from Muslims he wished to incite against their government and the West.
Neo-Nazi among 5 dead in Phoenix-area shooting
GILBERT, Ariz. (AP) -- Police have identified one of the five people killed in a shooting in a Phoenix suburb as a former Marine with ties to new-Nazi and Minutemen groups.
Eagle Point schools prepare for teachers' strike
EAGLE POINT, Ore. (AP) -- The Eagle Point School District is planning to hire substitute teachers if the teachers' union goes ahead with a threatened strike on Tuesday.
Bus rapid transit plan gets green light
C-Tran advisory committee supports Fourth Plain project
A citizens committee Wednesday signaled it’s on board for bus rapid transit on Vancouver’s Fourth Plain corridor as far east as Northeast 121st Avenue -- and possibly farther in the future.
More than 50,000 in Spokane's Bloomsday race
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- More than 50,000 people have registered to run in the Bloomsday race in Spokane, one of the largest such events in the nation.
Ryan Leaf to be arraigned in Great Falls
GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) -- Ryan Leaf is to be arraigned on charges that the former NFL quarterback broke into two homes in Montana and stole prescription drugs.
Deliberations to resume in Senser hit-and-run case
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Jurors are expected to resume deliberations in the vehicular homicide trial of Amy Senser, the wife of ex-Minnesota Viking Joe Senser.
Ex-NFLer out of prison early in Pa corruption case
SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) -- A former NFL offensive lineman who has been serving time on a public corruption charge in northeastern Pennsylvania has been released early from prison.
Fiorentina coach's attack of player sparks outrage
FLORENCE, Italy (AP) -- Fiorentina coach Delio Rossi's physical assault of one of his own players has sparked outrage in Italy, and the club has announced that club manager Vincenzo Guerini will take over the team.
London carries out tests ahead of Olympics
LONDON (AP) -- Britain's military is carrying out security tests in London ahead of the Olympics -- including the deployment of one weapon it hopes it never has to use.
Notre Dame QB Rees jailed in police confrontation
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) -- Police say Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees is jailed on a preliminary felony charge after his arrest following a confrontation with officers.
Mardy Fish to play at Queen's Club
LONDON (AP) -- Organizers say Mardy Fish is set to play at the Queen's Club tournament next month as a grass-court warmup for Wimbledon and the London Olympics.
Gregoire eyes new action to curb whooping cough
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Gov. Chris Gregoire is taking new action to curb the spread of whooping cough.
Young bicyclist died of chest, abdominal trauma
Police still investigate 11-year-old boy’s crash with C-tran bus
Benjamin Fulwiler, the 11-year-old boy involved in a fatal bicycle crash with a C-Tran bus Saturday, died of chest and abdominal trauma, the Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office said Wednesday.
Woman on bike collides with sheriff's car
A woman on a bicycle reported no injuries after hitting a sheriff’s car Wednesday in downtown Vancouver, officials said.
Vancouver man still critical after bike crash
Kurt Lundeman, the 47-year-old Vancouver man who suffered life-threatening injuries in a Hazel Dell bike crash last week, remained in critical condition Wednesday night.
Gregoire: State needs new revenue
She signs budget, says successor must find money for education
OLYMPIA -- Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire challenged her potential successors Wednesday to pursue new revenue in support of education, saying that she wished the state had committed more money to schools in this year’s budget.
American businessman set for Rangers takeover
GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) -- Administrators controlling Rangers say American businessman Bill Miller has been named the "preferred bidder" for the financially stricken Scottish club, paving the way for a takeover by the end of the season.
World 400 champ Montsho set to run in SA meet
JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- World champion Amantle Montsho of Botswana will run her second 400-meter race of 2012 at the SA Open Championships in South Africa.
Bosh returns home to be with expectant wife
MIAMI (AP) -- Heat forward Chris Bosh may miss Game 3 of Miami's Eastern Conference first-round series in New York on Thursday after being summoned home because his wife was preparing to give birth.
Winterhawks hope experience helps
The value of experience will be tested beginning today as the Portland Winterhawks and Edmonton Oil Kings battle for the Western Hockey League championship.
Death on NYC train platform leads to $180k mystery
NEW YORK (AP) -- Federal prosecutors want to hold on to $180,000 in cash that was discovered in the luggage of a Boston man who died of a heart attack after getting off an Amtrak train in New York.
Death on NYC train platform leads to $180k mystery
NEW YORK (AP) -- Federal prosecutors want to hold on to $180,000 in cash that was discovered in the luggage of a Boston man who died of a heart attack after getting off an Amtrak train in New York.
Death on NYC train platform leads to $180k mystery
NEW YORK (AP) -- Federal prosecutors want to hold on to $180,000 in cash that was discovered in the luggage of a Boston man who died of a heart attack after getting off an Amtrak train in New York.
Camas, Washougal aim to kick weight
Cities launch yearlong weight-loss challenge
Camas Mayor Scott Higgins and Washougal Mayor Sean Guard faced off Wednesday, belly to belly, to encourage their communities to take control of their health.
Program helps seniors who need a pal
ElderFriends seeks volunteers to visit folks who live alone
A program to relieve isolation and loneliness among seniors who live alone will kick off in May in Clark County.
Vancouver sees spike in new-home permits in April
Growth spurt fails to clear up confusion over state of local economy
An April growth spurt in Vancouver’s housing market continued to add to the confusion about the state of the local economy.
Charges: Nike executive tried to kill family
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A Nike executive has been indicted by a Washington County grand jury, charging him with trying to kill his wife and four children with a natural gas leak.
Seattle seeks police force lawsuit dismissed
SEATTLE (AP) -- The city of Seattle is asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit stemming from an incident where a police officer was recorded on video roughing up a man and using a racial epithet.
Player banned, charged for punching ref
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) -- A former Samoan international soccer player who punched a referee and broke his jaw has been banned from the sport indefinitely and charged with assault.
Not too early to go hiking
Here are three trails in the Wind River valley to try while waiting for the snow to melt in the high country
Police search for armed robbery suspects
Vancouver police are searching for two suspects who allegedly robbed a woman at gunpoint Monday night in a grocery store parking lot.
Clark College hires Alex Kirk as men's basketball coach
New Penguins coach has experience at both high school and college levels.
Burrell wins MVP honors in Japan basketball league
YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) -- American Justin Burrell was named Most Valuable Player in Japan's professional basketball league on Thursday.
All Blacks coach knighted for Rugby World Cup win
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) -- Rugby World Cup-winning All Blacks coach Graham Henry is now officially Sir Graham after being invested with the knighthood he was awarded for leading New Zealand to its first Cup victory in 24 years.
Societe Generale profit down on investment banking
PARIS (AP) -- French bank Societe Generale says its earnings dropped sharply in the first quarter as it took losses dumping complex structured financial products in its ongoing bid to meet new international banking capital requirements.
Pa.'s 'Slap Shot' town getting new hockey team
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The gritty western Pennsylvania city whose rich minor-league hockey history helped inspire the cult movie "Slap Shot" is getting another chance to support a hockey team -- this time a junior league squad that's moving from Alaska.
Former Vancouver bookkeeper accused of stealing $500K
A former bookkeeper of a national building trade magazine in Vancouver made her first appearance Wednesday on suspicion of embezzling more than $500,000 from the company.
Scandinavian airline SAS widens losses in Q1
STOCKHOLM (AP) -- Scandinavian airline group SAS says it steeply widened its losses in the first quarter of the year, to 729 million kronor ($108 million) from 373 million kronor, blaming most of the downturn on continued high jet fuel prices, the economic crisis as well as cut-throat competition, especially within the budget airline sector.
Bombs kill 5 people in northwest Pakistan
KHAR, Pakistan (AP) -- A Pakistani official says two bomb blasts targeting anti-Taliban tribal elders and security forces have killed five people in the country's northwest.
West Point putting bin Laden's last words online
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The world will soon be able to read the last words of Osama bin Laden as he struggled to command the attention of his far-flung terror network.
Ohio officials find scam suspect's cash
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Authorities have found more than $981,000 in Oregon belonging to a fugitive accused of running a scam that collected millions in donations from people who believed they were helping U.S. Navy veterans.
Skyview High student named 2012 Presidential Scholar
Fred Lu of Skyview High School was named Wednesday as a 2012 U.S. Presidential Scholar.
Rinne leads Predators to 2-0 win over Coyotes
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Pekka Rinne made 32 saves as he returned to his dominating form, Mike Fisher scored his first goal of these playoffs, and the Nashville Predators found their rhythm with a 2-0 win over the Phoenix Coyotes on Wednesday night in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinal series.
AP Source: Stanford AD Bowlsby offered Big 12 job
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- A person with knowledge of the search says Stanford athletic director Bob Bowlsby has been offered the Big 12 commissioner job to replace the ousted Dan Beebe.
Wondolowski scores 2, Earthquakes beat United 5-3
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) -- Chris Wondolowski scored twice to take over the MLS lead as the San Jose Earthquakes beat D.C. United 5-3 Wednesday night.
Whitecaps beat Edmonton in first leg
EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) -- Eric Hassli and Omar Salgado scored to help the Vancouver Whitecaps beat FC Edmonton 2-0 on Wednesday night in the first leg of the Canadian Championship semifinal.
Salem woman sentenced to 25 years in fatal crash
SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- A Salem woman who hit and killed two teenagers with her sport utility vehicle while driving under the influence of prescription drugs has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Seattle snaps skid vs. Galaxy with 2-0 victory
SEATTLE (AP) -- Eddie Johnson scored for the second straight game, directing home a header just before halftime, Fredy Montero scored his first goal of the season on a 35-yard strike early in the second half, and the Seattle Sounders finally got the best of Los Angeles with a 2-0 win over the Galaxy on Wednesday night.
Republican lawmakers question bridge height
Group that includes Herrera Beutler says it could affect river imports
Letter says bridge must be 116 feet high or Columbia River waterway could close during high water, costing millions
Gingrich ends campaign, vows to help defeat Obama
ARLINGTON, Va. — Newt Gingrich, the colorful former House speaker and fiery partisan, formally exited the Republican presidential contest Wednesday and vowed to help Mitt Romney’s bid to defeat President Barack Obama.
Citizen committee to finalize bus rapid transit recommendation
A citizen committee on Wednesday is expected to pick its preferred option for a proposed bus rapid transit line on Vancouver’s crowded Fourth Plain corridor.
Conference champs get preference in 1 playoff idea
CHICAGO (AP) -- Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany says a model being considered for a four-team college football playoff would give preference to conference champions ranked in the top-six nationally.
Reports: Brewers 1B Gamel needs surgery
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Milwaukee media outlets are reporting that Brewers first baseman Mat Gamel needs surgery for a torn ligament in his right knee and is expected to miss a significant amount of the season.
Harper steals show as Nationals beat Diamondbacks
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Bryce Harper made a tumbling barehanded catch in centerfield and then led off the ninth inning with a double to set the stage for Ian Desmond's two-out game-ending home run that gave the Washington Nationals a 5-4 victory over the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday night.
Sene, Cardenas score to lead Revs past Rapids 2-1
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -- Saer Sene and Fernando Cardenas each scored first half goals to lead the Revolution to a 2-1 win over the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday night.
Family: Victim in Ridgefield-area fire had dementia
A relative has confirmed that Dale Shoemaker, 59, was the victim in a rural house fire late Tuesday at 26908 N.E. 45th Ave. in unincorporated Clark County east of Ridgefield.
Suppan wins first game since 2010
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Jeff Suppan pitched five solid innings to win his first game since 2010, leading the San Diego Padres to a 5-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday.
Yanks 3B Chavez leaves during at-bat with whiplash
NEW YORK (AP) -- Eric Chavez left the New York Yankees' game against the Baltimore Orioles during his at-bat in the fifth inning because of a whiplash injury and possible concussion.
Barajas, Hurdle tossed in second inning
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Rod Barajas and manager Clint Hurdle have been ejected in the second inning against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Simmons to start with Butler out with broken hand
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro says Bobby Simmons will start in place of injured forward Caron Butler in Game 2 against the Memphis Grizzlies.
North Carolina hires Hubert Davis as assistant
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) -- North Carolina has hired former Tar Heels guard and NBA veteran Hubert Davis as an assistant men's basketball coach.
Reds sign RHP Michael Wuertz to minor league deal
CINCINNATI (AP) -- The Reds have signed right-hander Michael Wuertz to a minor league deal, allowing him to work out at their spring training complex in Arizona as part of the team's extended spring training program.
Blues captain Backes glad to be on road for Game 3
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) -- David Backes is happy the St. Louis Blues are out of their homes and comfort zones. The captain figures it might be the best way to save their season.
70 people die in WA with lethal prescription
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- At least 70 people died in Washington last year after requesting and taking a lethal prescription through Washington's Death with Dignity law, the Department of Health reported Wednesday.
Jets waive DL Ropati Pitoitua
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -- The New York Jets have waived backup defensive lineman Ropati Pitoitua, who became expendable after the team drafted Quinton Coples last week.
Paul Lawrie to skip US Open
SEVILLE, Spain (AP) -- Scotland's Paul Lawrie is passing up a spot in the U.S. Open, citing his poor performances in the major championship.
In Arkansas, 2 women claim discarded lotto ticket
BEEBE, Ark. (AP) -- When she plucked a winning lottery ticket out of the trash, Sharon Jones' luck changed instantly. The $1 million prize let the Arkansas woman pay off debts, give thousands of dollars to her children and buy a gleaming new pickup truck.
Wash. mayors get started on weight-loss campaigns
WASHOUGAL, Wash. (AP) -- Rival Washington state mayors have challenged their cities -- and each other -- to a weight-loss campaign.
Padres place LHP Luebke on DL with strained elbow
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The San Diego Padres have placed left-hander Cory Luebke on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained left elbow.
Cash for Clunkers wins Belmont's Heatherten Stakes
NEW YORK (AP) -- Cash for Clunkers rolled through the mud Wednesday, beating Nefertini by 6 3/4 lengths in the $85,500 Heatherten Stakes for fillies and mares at Belmont Park.
Babby: Suns may not use cap space this summer
PHOENIX (AP) -- The Phoenix Suns will have salary cap "flexibility" in the offseason but won't be out spending money just to spend it.
Orioles LHP Tsuyoshi Wada to have elbow surgery
NEW YORK (AP) -- Baltimore Orioles left-hander Tsuyoshi Wada will have elbow-ligament reconstruction surgery, likely delaying the Japanese left-hander's major league debut for a year.
Vikings fans helping stadium push _ in person
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Supporting the Minnesota Vikings is Larry Spooner's lifelong passion.
Cardinals hit early to avoid shadows
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The St. Louis Cardinals have started taking batting practice early to avoid late-afternoon shadows.
Flames sign Czech center Cervenka
CALGARY, Alberta (AP) -- The Calgary Flames signed Czech center Roman Cervenka to a $3.775 million, one-year contract.
Ore. sheriff: No new taxes means very little law
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) -- The sheriff of Josephine County has some straight talk for voters: No new taxes means he will be the only county lawman left available around the clock.
Gregoire to successor: New revenue is necessary
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire is challenging her successor to pursue new revenue to support education.
Fiorentina coach fired after attacking player
FLORENCE, Italy (AP) -- Fiorentina manager Delio Rossi has been fired for physically attacking Adem Ljajic after the Serbian forward protested his first-half substitution during a 2-2 tie against Novara.
Red Sox place 3B Kevin Youkilis on 15-day DL
BOSTON (AP) -- The Red Sox have placed third baseman Kevin Youkilis on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained back.
Goldendale educator accused of sex with student
GOLDENDALE, Wash. (AP) -- A Goldendale High School teaching assistant accused of having sexual contact with a 16-year-old boy has been fired from her job.
Skydiver falls to death on Oregon Coast
A 34-year-old skydiver has died after his parachute failed to open on time, and investigators in Tillamook County are searching the scene for his helmet cameras.
Altidore injured in AZ draw at NEC
NIJMEGEN, Netherlands (AP) -- American forward Jozy Altidore sustained a head and back injury in AZ Alkmaar's 1-1 tie at NEC Nijmegen on Wednesday.
In Our View: Multiple Winners
New owner of The Academy will protect a long list of beneficiaries
Tuesday’s pivotal transition of The Academy was more than just a permanent preservation of the most significant historic building in Clark County. It was also a gleaming example of the local pride, can-do spirit and civic duty that defines our community as unique.In dry, technical terms, it was a $10.6 million property transaction. The iconic three-story building and 7-acre campus in downtown Vancouver officially changed hands from the Hidden family to the Fort Vancouver National Trust. But the deeper, more profound story reveals a long list of winners.
Camas athlete taking a shot at one sport
Former tennis star focuses on track and field
Even overachievers need to simplify things from time to time.
Neighborhood flooded with feral felines
Residents work to get stray kitties off streets
Peg O’Donnell found Zoe, an orange, long-haired Persian tabby, hiding in her neighbor’s yard. One of her paws was crushed.
Camden: McKenna taught lesson he should have already learned
Candidates should act as though cameras are everywhere, because most likely they are. That’s the lesson of a 30-second exchange between Rob McKenna, the state attorney general who is running for governor, and a young woman on a Seattle sidewalk that went from pointed conversation to YouTube video overnight and resuscitated an issue Republicans were probably glad to have killed during the legislative session.
Talking Points: Frustration for Felix Hernandez
What’s the buzz from the world of sports? Here are some items that will have people talking:
Free campaign workshop May 10
The Clark County Auditor’s Office will sponsor a free workshop for people interested in running for office or working on a campaign.
Death notices
A list of daily death notices
Letter: New plates are not needed
In his April 17 letter, “Olympia takes license with ‘fees,’” Paul E. Nelson said the purchase of a new auto license plate every seven years isn’t necessary. I, too, think it’s a money-making scam. For one, I see older license plates from other states all the time. Second, for an extra $20 they’ll let you keep your old one. If you can do that, doesn’t that contradict the whole purpose? You can’t have them unless you pay.
Letter: Mailer contained misconceptions
I commend The Columbian for publishing the story on Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler’s (R-Camas) alleged false and misleading statements about the powers of the Independent Payment Advisory Board created by the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) (“Herrera Beutler Medicare flier’s claims challenged,” April 20). The story effectively rebuts her claim that this board could ration Medicare and some of her other misconceptions mailed to her voters at taxpayer expense.
Letter: Form partnerships outside family
The April 26 “Today in History” column reports that in 2000, Vermont Governor Howard Dean signed the nation’s first bill allowing same-sex couples to form civil unions.
Letter: Military flights are necessary
In response to James E. Hurley’s April 25 letter, Nancy Pelosi did not have a military jet fly her to and from San Francisco when she was Speaker of the House. The military flights are a security measure deemed necessary for the public official who is second in line for the presidency. The military did upgrade the aircraft to something more suitable for long flights to and from the West Coast.
Letter: Coal-export plan is flawed
I am pleased to see that the Environmental Protection Agency wants a full review of the proposed plan to ship large amounts of coal from Wyoming and Montana to West Coast ports by rail so it can be sent to Asia. I am adamantly opposed to this plan, especially the proposal to ship large quantities of coal through the Columbia Gorge Scenic Area. The air and noise pollution could severely degrade the environment in the Gorge and the towns and cities along the way.
Volunteers needed to spruce up sports park
HAZEL DELL — Many volunteers are needed to help Clark Public Works clean up the undeveloped park behind Luke Jensen Sports Park at Northeast 82nd Avenue off of St. Johns Road.
What's Up with That? Who mails real dimes back to March of Dimes?
I want to know what the March of Dimes is thinking when they send dimes to people. How many people do they mail dimes to, and how much does that cost? How much money could they put to work on their real mission versus this cheap (expensive?) stunt. I might consider giving to March of Dimes, but this gimmick seems to say March of Dimes is just playing games with funds, not helping kids.-- Annoyed ParentThis reporter must be on that same March of Dimes mailing list, A.P. And when that coin arrived in the mail a few weeks ago, the same thought occurred: Can March of Dimes, with its track record of effectively eliminating polio and its ongoing crusade to support healthy babies, figure out no better use for 10 cents than mailing it back and forth with me?
Spinners take up thread of history
La Center -- The Great Spinning Wheel was going round and round all day on April 21 as Barbara Sizemore wove tales of spinning history while twisting fibers into thread. Sizemore was taking part in the La Center Historical Museum’s “Spin-In,” a celebration of all things spinning and textile, and she used the museum’s 120-year-old wheel as well as numerous other wheels and tools to show off techniques. Also on hand was Dolores Dougherty, who used a portable, modern spinning wheel that boasts multiple gears and other bells and whistles. The museum is planning more spinning and textile exhibits this year.
These Spudders build bridges
Ridgefield -- How much weight can a 9-ounce bridge built of balsa wood and popsicle sticks handle? Over 400 pounds, as it turns out -- if it’s built just so. That was the finding of the Ridgefield High School physics class that studied problems of “elasticity, compression, tension and scaling,” according to teacher Janie Call, while designing high-strength bridges. Also assembling bridges were students in the Highly Capable Program at South Ridge Elementary School and Union Ridge Elementary School. Others involved were Tevis Laspa, a community volunteer who started the project three years ago, civil engineer Justin Clary and architect Casey Wyckoff, who judged bridge aesthetics.
Tully’s hosts couple’s wedding
Fisher’s Landing -- No beans about it. Offbeat wedding locations abound in Clark County: Pearson Air Museum, Big Al’s Bowling Alley, the Pomeroy Living History Farm. But Michael Cook and Tiffany Heppener chose the Tully’s Coffee on 164th Avenue for their April 21 wedding. No, they didn’t meet at Tully’s, and he didn’t propose there, but the inviting space has two lovely gas fireplaces, could accommodate their 50 guests and the rental fee was within their budget. After the ceremony, baristas served coffee drinks.
Bridge tourney benefits scholars
Harney Heights -- For 16 years, the American Association of University Women-Vancouver has been funding scholarships for women attending Clark College and WSU Vancouver. The AAUW’s 11th bridge tournament on April 21 raised $945 to fund scholarships. Tournament winners were Joy Fletcher, winner; Retta Dykstra, second and Lucille Zgonc, third. AAUW’s fall bridge event is Oct. 20.
Share honors Volunteer of Year
Salmon Creek -- Jillian Provience was honored as the recipient of Share’s Emily Marshall Volunteer of the Year on April 22 at the 11th annual Share-a-Bowl fundraising dinner at Skyview High School. She was recognized for the numerous volunteer services she provides to Share, including delivering and collecting donations, setting up for events, serving as a liaison for Share at volunteer fairs and group meetings, updating bulletin boards, meeting with clients for holiday intakes, performing clerical work, assisting with mailings and more. Three additional Share volunteers who were recognized for their service are First United Methodist Church, Steve and Vicki Heil and Hailee Hillard.
Students work for fish habitat
Pleasant Valley -- Students at Pleasant Valley Middle School have become experts at river ecology. First, educators from the Estuary Partnership visited classrooms to teach lessons on river ecology. Then students applied the lessons by donning gloves and boots and planting 1,100 native plants in Pleasant Valley Community Park next to their school on March 12 and 28. These students join a larger partnership of Estuary Partnership and Northwest Wild Fish Rescue working to restore fish habitat in the park. Additional funding for stream restoration was provided by Clark County.
Woman wins tour of Brazil coffee biz
Salmon Creek -- As one of three grand prize winners in Peet’s Coffee & Tea contest, Summer Smith will take a weeklong coffee-themed tour in San Paulo, Brazil, with a Peet’s coffee buyer. She will spend three days at the Monte Alegre coffee estate in the Sul de Minas region of Brazil followed by coffee-related tours in Sao Paulo. Smith was chosen randomly from nearly 15,000 entries and correctly answered questions on the Monte Alegre Estate, Peet’s and coffee.
Neighbor group aims to reactivate
Riverview -- The neighborhood association has been inactive for months. Meanwhile, issues are piling up: the train crossing at Chelsea Avenue, the closing of the riverfront trail because of erosion last year, the need for new officers. After months of silence, a meeting has been set to reactivate the Riverview Neighborhood Association. It is set for 6 p.m. May 24 at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 S.E. Columbia Way. The Riverview Neighborhood Association includes the area along the Vancouver waterfront south of state Highway 14, from the east edge of Marine Park over to Northeast 73rd Avenue.
St. Joe’s plan for homeless nixed
Vancouver Heights -- St. Joseph Catholic church will not, repeat not, be opening its doors to the homeless during daytime in the winter. The city of Vancouver recently quashed that plan by informing church staff that city zoning won’t allow it. Rev. Gary Lazzeroni convened parish meetings last month to publicize the idea of using the church’s Bosco Room as a weekday drop-in center for homeless families from November through March, when the Winter Hospitality Overflow effort houses them at night but sends them on their way during the day. According to a church newsletter, various committees were all in favor of the idea; according to whisperings The Columbian heard, parishioners were far more mixed. Now the question is moot.
Earth Day plantings a success
Meadow Homes -- Three hours was all it took for 26 volunteers to plant 875 native shrubs and 425 native trees along the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail on April 21. SOLV’s Earth Day on the Greenway was a huge success. Students, teachers, Girl Scouts and Vancouver residents spent the mild morning planting in the soggy soil between Andresen and Devine roads.
‘Comcast Cares’ helpers pitch in
Meadow Homes -- More than 60 Comcast employees and family members from Clark County provided volunteer services during the annual “Comcast Cares Day” on April 21. Some volunteers processed donations and reorganized merchandise at the Habitat for Humanity Restore on Fourth Plain. Others established a functioning wetland by planting native trees and shrubs at the Burnt Bridge Creek Watershed. An additional group planted trees and removed invasive garlic mustard plants at the Salmon Creek Greenway.
Mt. View graduate presents research
Mountain View -- Nicole Vachter, a graduate of Mountain View High School, presented two original research projects during Lake Forest College’s 15th annual Steven Galovich Memorial Student Symposium. The event celebrates students’ academic achievements and creative talents by showcasing research and scholarship from every academic discipline. Vachter’s two presentations were: “Garrick Players Present a 24-Hour Playwright Festival” and “Change and Challenge: My Time in Australia.” Vachter expects to graduate from Lake Forest, which is near Chicago, in 2013.
Arnada prepares raised garden
Arnada -- Dreaming of home-grown tomatoes, volunteers in the Arnada neighborhood have spent weekends preparing the ground for the new community garden in the vacant lot between 16th and 17th and E and D streets. Eventually soil will be shoveled into the raised boxes. Neighbors who have requested boxes will pay an annual fee to cover the water bills. Then it will be time to get busy planting.
Paul Valencia: Skyview athletes goes back to softball, in lieu of basketball
Commentary: Paul Valencia
A lot has changed since we last checked in with Skyview’s Maddy Van Liew.
Neighbors calendar
Neighborhood association meetings and events
Cinco de Mayo events slated at The Bedford
The Bedford, an independent senior retirement community, will host a three-day Cinco de Mayo celebration, May 4-6.
Everybody has a story: Similarity to dear old dad failed to halt romance
Couple’s love rose above difference in nationalities
I grew up along the River Rhine in Germany. My father was a professor who taught in universities before the war. Because he was a government employee, he had to be registered as a leader of the party. He refused two times, but then a card came saying if you don’t register, you have to take the consequences, which is losing your job. So he had to do it.
Vital statistics
Marriage dissolutions and applications and court sentencings.
Correction: Sensory camp
Sensory Camp: Those with questions about how to help the city of Vancouver Summer Fun Sensory Camp should call Alice Rolfe at 360-921-2143. A story on Saturday’s front page contained an incorrect spelling and phone number.
Letter: Why pass a toothless smoking ban?
If smoking is outlawed in the county parks, who will enforce it?
Magazine names nLight manufacturer of the year
Vancouver-based nLight Corp., a manufacturer of high-power semiconductor lasers, has been named Washington’s Manufacturer of the Year in the Large Company category by Seattle Business magazine. The Washington Manufacturing Awards honor manufacturing companies for outstanding and innovative practices.
Anewin enters partnership to send products to India
Vancouver-based Anewin, which provides tools for solving digital-system problems, is expanding its reach through a business partnership that will enable it to distribute its products in India.
US to play World Cup qualifier in Columbus
CHICAGO (AP) -- The U.S. is sticking with what works, heading back to Columbus, Ohio, for a World Cup qualifier against Jamaica on Sept. 11.
Mood acrimonious as Vikings stadium talks continue
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton is toning down criticism of a new, last-minute GOP Vikings stadium alternative after Republicans agreed the new facility should have a roof.
Correction: Tomas Borge obituary
MANAGUA, Nicaragua (AP) -- In a May 1 story about the death of Tomas Borge Martinez, the last surviving founder of the Sandinista guerrilla movement, The Associated Press incorrectly said that a deadly bomb attack at a news conference in 1984 had occurred in Costa Rica. The bombing occurred in Nicaragua, just across the border from Costa Rica.
Hawks awaiting word on Smith's status for Game 3
ATLANTA (AP) -- Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith has a strained tendon in his left knee and is day-to-day for the playoff series against the Boston Celtics.
Nalbandian, Muller, Seppi, Souza win in Belgrade
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) -- Seeded players Andreas Seppi, David Nalbandian and Gilles Muller all won in straight sets Wednesday to advance to the quarterfinals of the Serbia Open.
May Day arrest count in Portland: 36
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Portland police say the final tally of arrests from May Day protests is three dozen, including one juvenile.
Portland airport stripper wants to stand trial
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A Portland man who took off his clothes to protest airport security measures is insisting on a trial.
Subpoenas to be focus of Penn St. abuse hearing
BELLEFONTE, Pa. (AP) -- A Pennsylvania judge will hear arguments next week from two school districts and a charity seeking to have defense subpoenas thrown out in the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse case.
Turbulent year nears end for Penn State seniors
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) -- An academic year that no Penn State senior was prepared for comes to a close this week when the university holds graduation ceremonies.
Raiders sign OL Ed Wang
ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) -- The Oakland Raiders have signed offensive lineman Ed Wang to a contract.
US company aims to treat Mexican radioactive waste
YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) -- A waste management company has applied to the federal government to import up to 500 tons of radioactive waste from Mexico to south-central Washington, where the waste will be incinerated and the resulting ash returned to Mexico.
Seattle rescinds emergency May Day order
SEATTLE (AP) -- Seattle has ended an emergency order issued following violence at downtown May Day protests that allowed police to confiscate items that could be used as weapons.
Mavs again having hard time against young Thunder
DALLAS (AP) -- That young up-and-coming Oklahoma City team is again making things difficult for the Dallas Mavericks in the playoffs.
Ex-coach Randy Shannon sues Miami about money owed
MIAMI (AP) -- Former Miami coach Randy Shannon is suing his alma mater, saying the university is not paying him all he is owed.
Gingrich ends White House bid, will remain engaged
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) -- Newt Gingrich can now call himself a former presidential candidate.
Former Cowboys lineman faces drug charges in Fla.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- A former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman is accused of trying to sell marijuana to an undercover officer at a Tampa strip club.
Boeing Bridge? Wash. lawmaker eyes naming rights
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Maybe someday you'll take a drive on the Boeing Bridge. Or the Starbucks Expressway.
Shooting reported at Calif. home of Junior Seau
OCEANSIDE, Calif. (AP) -- Police have responded to a report of a shooting at the home of former NFL star Junior Seau in Oceanside, Calif.
USGA awards 2017 Women's Open to Trump NJ course
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that that USGA has awarded the 2017 U.S Women's Open to a Donald Trump-owned course in New Jersey.
'Back Home in Indiana' crooner to miss Indy 500
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- An Indianapolis Motor Speedway spokesman says heart surgery will prevent Jim Nabors from performing "Back Home Again in Indiana" at this year's Indianapolis 500.
Fatal accident on Astoria-Megler Bridge
ASTORIA, Ore. (AP) -- One person has been killed in a two-vehicle crash on the Astoria-Megler Bridge.
Company reimburses police for cornfield capture
FARGO, N.D. (AP) -- An inmate transport company has reimbursed several law enforcement agencies in North Dakota for costs associated with locating an inmate who escaped and led police on a manhunt in a cornfield.
Organic crops worth $244M to farmers
PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) -- A new study has found that the value of certified organic crops to farmers rose 16 percent in 2010, to a total of $244.6 million.
13 charged in hazing death of FAMU band member
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- A prosecutor says 13 people will be charged in the death of Florida A&M university drum major who died after being beaten during a hazing ritual in November.
Harris granted release from NC State for transfer
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- North Carolina State has granted a requested release for Tyler Harris so the forward can transfer.
Soccer fan banned 3 years for Chelsea racial abuse
LONDON (AP) -- A British man has been banned three years from attending soccer matches worldwide after he was found guilty of racially abusing Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.
DEA apologizes to college student left in cell
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The Drug Enforcement Administration has issued an apology to a California student who was picked up during a drug raid and left in a holding cell for several days without food, water or access to a toilet.
Hamlin, Niccum and Terdiman top national luge team
LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (AP) -- Erin Hamlin and the doubles team of Christian Niccum and Jayson Terdiman head the list of athletes named to the U.S. national luge team for the fall.
Abromaitis loses bid for 6th year at Notre Dame
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) -- The NCAA has turned down Notre Dame star Tim Abromaitis' request for a sixth year of eligibility.
Shooting guard from Italy signs with Ohio State
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Ohio State coach Thad Matta has confirmed he has signed 6-foot-4 shooting guard Amedeo Della Valle to a letter of intent.
Connecticut men, women to play in Jimmy V Classic
STORRS, Conn. (AP) -- The University of Connecticut men's and women's basketball teams both have agreed to play in next season's Jimmy V Basketball Classic.
1st private cargo run to space station delayed
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- The first commercial cargo run to the International Space Station is off for next week.
Cougar killed in Kennewick neighborhood
KENNEWICK, Wash. (AP) -- Officers have killed a cougar in a Kennewick neighborhood.
Appeals court hears arguments over Yucca Mountain
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal appeals court is considering whether it can force the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to move forward on a licensing plan for a disputed nuclear waste dump at Nevada's Yucca Mountain.
Boston champion W. Korir to run Chicago Marathon
CHICAGO (AP) -- Boston Marathon champion Wesley Korir of Kenya plans to run his fifth straight Chicago Marathon.
Texas State going to Sun Belt in 2013-14
SAN MARCOS, Texas (AP) -- Texas State is going to the Sun Belt Conference, a move that will be made after only one season in the WAC.
AP Source: DEA investigating suspect left in cell
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating how a California college student ended up being forgotten in a holding cell for five days.
Vandals throw rocks through Seattle mayor's window
SEATTLE (AP) -- Seattle police are investigating after vandals threw rocks through windows at the home of Mayor Mike McGinn following violent May Day protests.
Sharks owners disappointed in early exit
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- The owners of the San Jose Sharks called the team's first-round playoff exit unacceptable and say they are confident general manager Doug Wilson will make the changes needed to get the team back to an elite level.
Granite Falls mayor evicted from restaurant
GRANITE FALLS, Wash. (AP) -- The mayor of Granite Falls has been evicted from the restaurant he operated in the city, and 18 employees lost their job when the Timberline Cafe closed Sunday.
Hadamczik gets contract extension as Czech coach
PRAGUE (AP) -- Alois Hadamczik has agreed to a contract extension as coach of the Czech Republic's national hockey team until June 2015.
US charges 6 with selling Ore. medical marijuana
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- Six men have been charged in the first federal prosecution in Oregon of medical marijuana growers.
Stoudemire: 'Great chance' of playing in Game 4
GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) -- Amare Stoudemire says there's a "great chance" he can play in Game 4 of the Knicks' series against Miami on Sunday despite cutting his left hand on a fire extinguisher case.
Cook working to regain Vikings' trust
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota Vikings cornerback Chris Cook says he is working to regain his teammates' trust after missing 10 games last year because of a trial on charges of domestic assault.
Bears agree to 4-year deal with second-round pick
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) -- The Chicago Bears have agreed to a four-year contract with second-round draft pick Alshon Jeffery.
Top-seeded Errani reaches quarters in Budapest
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) -- Top-seeded Sara Errani of Italy reached the Budapest Grand Prix quarterfinals for a second straight year after overcoming Hungarian qualifier Melinda Czink 6-4, 1-6, 6-1 on Wednesday.
Body found in Bellingham creek may be missing man
BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) -- The man whose body was found Tuesday in a Bellingham creek may be a Lummi tribal elder who has been missing since Jan. 21.
Federal judge orders mediation session
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- A federal judge has set a mediation session to settle the $14.5 million civil lawsuit filed against nine Spokane police officers by the mother and estate of Otto Zehm, a mentally disabled man who was beaten to death in 2006.
WA soldier from MN killed in Afghanistan
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. (AP) -- The Army has confirmed the death of a Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldier in Afghanistan.
Report says group unprepared for trip
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- A new report says members of a kayaking group from Gonzaga University were ill prepared for conditions during a kayaking trip that ended with the death of one student.
Wawrinka beats Navarro, into Estoril quarterfinals
OEIRAS, Portugal (AP) -- Stanislas Wawrinka recovered from a shaky start to beat Spanish qualifier Ivan Navarro 7-6 (5), 6-1 Wednesday and move into the quarterfinals of the Estoril Open.
100,000 Facebook users use new organ donor option
ATLANTA (AP) -- An organ donation group says more than 100,000 people used a new Facebook feature the first day to declare they are donors.
Gov't to speed tracking of E. coli in meat
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The government plans to speed up the process for testing E. coli in meat, a move that will help authorities more quickly track the source of the deadly bacteria and hasten recalls.
Penn St. gives $1.1M to new abuse-research center
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) -- Penn State says it's giving more than $1.1 million in football bowl revenues to its new center for child abuse research and treatment.
Shorebird Festival this weekend at Hoquiam
HOQUIAM, Wash. (AP) -- Birdwatchers are expected to flock to Hoquiam this weekend for the 17th Annual Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival.
Scouts plant tree for wounded Bremerton girl
BREMERTON, Wash. (AP) -- A Girl Scout Daisy troop planted a tree Tuesday for Amina Kocer-Bowman near the Bremerton elementary school where she was critically wounded.
Man faces charge in 1996 custody case in Pasco
PASCO, Wash. (AP) -- A man accused of failing to return his son to the boy's mother 18 years ago was arrested in the Tri-Cities for custodial interference.
