Top Stories: Deputy back on duty; child marriage ban; initiative rejected

This batch of snow and cold is expected to last through Wednesday. Check out our local weather forecast before you head outside.

Here are some of the top stories on columbian.com this week:

1. Clark County sheriff’s Deputy Drew Kennison stands tall after losing part of left leg when tree crushed patrol vehicle

Saturday marked Clark County sheriff’s Deputy Drew Kennison’s return to patrol — less than a year after a snow-heavy tree branch fell onto his SUV, causing his left leg to be amputated above the knee.

Several members of the sheriff’s office watched Friday as Kennison accepted the keys to a brand new Chevrolet Tahoe.

• Deputy back on patrol, sets sights on rejoining SWAT

2. Bill to ban child marriage gets unanimous support in Washington House, moves to Senate

SPOKANE — Child marriage is still legal in Washington, and on Monday state lawmakers moved along a proposed law to ban it.

Today, children of any age can get married in the state. If they’re 17, they need parental consent. If they’re younger than that, they need approval from a judge.

• Bill sponsor Rep. Monica Stonier, D-Vancouver, said ten states have banned child marriage
• More from the Legislature: Washington House passes bill to allow splitting of residential lots

3. Author of rejected ‘election confidence’ Clark County ballot initiative files court order, asks judge to step in

A proposed ballot initiative organizers say is aimed at “restoring election confidence” has been rejected by the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office. Now the initiative’s author, Rob Anderson, is asking a judge to step in to move the initiative forward.

Anderson filed a petition for a writ of mandamus — a court order requiring a government official to fulfill their duties — in Skamania County Superior Court on Monday. In his petition, Anderson asked the court to ensure that Prosecuting Attorney Tony Golik would “adhere to the legal process outlined in the Clark County Home Rule Charter.”

• Bill sponsor claims prosecutor’s office had already overstepped its authority in rejecting the initiative

4. After son born prematurely, Vancouver parents start online store HuddyBearCo and donate to NICU

Courtney Self and her husband were shocked when their son was born seven weeks early. Hudson, now 2½, required an extensive stay in the neonatal intensive care unit. Their experience with a preemie led them to launch an online children’s store, HuddyBearCo.

For every order the business receives, the Selfs donate a blanket to the NICU at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, where Hudson received care. They’ve delivered more than 300 blankets so far.

• Business selling toys and clothes for infants and toddlers named for their son Hudson

5. Not Canada, D.C., or Nevada: The name Vancouver has historical hook but can be confusing — And we’re sticking with it

‘Vancouver, not B.C., Washington, not D.C., Clark County, not Nevada, Near Portland, Ore., not Maine.”

Those living in Vancouver in the late aughts might remember the slogan featured on T-shirts, The New York Times or on the “Today” show. It was in the lead-up to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, B.C., and hotels were filling up — not just in Canada, but in Washington, too.