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Columbian Newspaper
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Police tracked missing Vancouver woman’s cellphone through SE Portland
The Vancouver Police Department and Crime Stoppers of Oregon are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 61-year-old Cristina Ase, who has been missing since March 26. Police have not identified any people of interest in Ase’s disappearance. |
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NHL’s Coyotes officially leaving Arizona for Salt Lake City
TEMPE, Ariz. — The Arizona Coyotes are officially headed to Salt Lake City. |
The Chronicle - Centralia
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Washington's high-capacity magazine ban back in court, ruling expected next week
There was no decision from the bench Wednesday afternoon in the Gators Custom Guns case regarding the state ban on high-capacity magazines for firearms. State Supreme Court Commissioner Mike Johnston opened the hearing with remarks for what he said was, “the importance of a number of people watching this case.” “Personal side note, I’m a gun enthusiast. I know a lot about guns,” he said. Johnston is the court commissioner who last week granted a temporary stay of a ruling from Cowlitz County that found the high-capacity magazine ban unconstitutional – that is, a violation of the Second Amendment. He referenced how quickly the stay was issued, less than three hours after the ruling from Cowlitz County, stating he was prepared. “We have templates for these things," he said. He said the court received an email on April 8 “at 3:17 pm from the Attorney General’s office and attached was the order from Superior Court.” “Based on my research I had a pretty good notion of how this was going to be argued," he said. Johnston said he knew within 15 to 20 minutes of reading the 55-page ruling from the Cowlitz County Superior Court Judget Gary Bashor “that there were some highly debatable issues.” “The emergency motion came in by email at about 4:14pm, so in looking at that I found I had anticipated just about all the arguments that the attorney general was going to make," he explained. “I decided that I was going to issue a temporary stay,” said Johnston, “the next morning I came to work and there were nasty voice memos and I got a phone call from someone who said, ‘You friggin suck bro,' so I understand there are some issues like this.” William McGinty, representing the state Attorney General's Office, told Johnston about the flurry of activity at Gator’s Custom Guns just after the ban was ruled unconstitutional, before the stay was issued. “In the two hours, roughly two hours from the ruling, Gator’s Guns sold hundreds of large capacity magazines," he said. Austin Hatcher, attorney with The Silent Majority Foundation representing Gator’s Custom Guns, responded to Johnston’s assertion that lawmakers who passed the ban on large capacity magazines did so to allay concerns about mass shootings. “LCM’s are effective in self-defense as well," he said. "Let’s say that your honor was in your home at 3 a.m. and some of these crazies who’ve been calling you recently about this decision, you know, they show up and they’re armed and gonna knock down your door. I would venture to guess that the court would rather have a 30-round magazine, than a seven-round magazine.” Commissioner Johnston responded, “You know what I would have.Hhere’s what I would have if somebody went and knocked down my door. I would have an old M1911A1, like my dad had from World War 2.” He said he also might use a 12-gauge shotgun. I don’t buy this idea that you need to have an AR-15 or Glock or something with 15 or 30 or whatever rounds," he added. “I know shooting and I don’t find that persuasive." McGinty argued high-capacity magazines are not protected by the Second Amendment because they are not "arms." “The only things that are protected by the Constitution are those that are in common use for self-defense," he said. The hearing concluded without Commissioner Johnston making any decision about the stay order. “Hopefully early next week I can get a ruling out,” Johnston said. |
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Onalaska man accused of sexual misconduct with an 18-year-old he hired is convicted on fourth-degree assault charge 
An Onalaska man accused of sexual misconduct with an 18-year-old girl he hired to help with yard work in the summer of 2022 was sentenced Wednesday after he entered an Alford plea to fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation. The plea, entered on April 12, allows Trevor Sanchez, 68, to take advantage of a plea deal without admitting guilt. The plea acknowledges that existing evidence could lead to a jury finding him guilty. Sanchez will serve no additional jail time, as he was sentenced to 160 days in jail with credit for 160 days already served. The sentence includes a two-year sexual assault protection order in favor of the victim. Sanchez was accused of grabbing the victim by the wrist and forcibly placing her hand on his genitals, according to court documents. When the victim told him she was struggling with a cold, he allegedly “said he was going to feel her lungs in regard to her cold” and “stuck his hand down her shirt and inside her bra between her breasts” before driving her home, according to court documents. The incident reportedly occurred on Aug. 29, 2022. Sanchez reportedly hired the victim to help him with yard work and housework in July 2022 after she responded to his Facebook advertisement “asking for teenagers to come and do yard work on his property,” according to court documents. He allegedly exposed himself to her several times before the misconduct “escalated” on Aug. 29. Sanchez adamantly denied the allegations when he was questioned by law enforcement, according to court documents. This article will be updated. |
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Pirates top Highclimbers at Alderbrook
The Adna girls golf team came away with a victory over Shelton on Wednesday, as the Pirates topped the Highclimbers 65-38. Kalli Christen led the Pirates with 18 points, and Jaylee Humphrey wasn’t far behind with 17. Charissa Schierman tallied 11, Jordanne Moon scored 10, and Emma Elder added six. “It’s a great win for a young program like us,” Adna coach Cody Ray said. The Pirates will head to Elma on Friday, where they’ll take on golfers from several other schools, including Wahkiakum and Oakville. |
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The digs roll on: WDFW announces seven days of coastal clam digging to round out April 
Razor clam diggers can look forward to more digging opportunities on coastal beaches beginning April 23, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) coastal shellfish managers confirmed Thursday. “Another seven days of razor clam digging to round out the month of April,” said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist. “As a reminder, some areas of coastal beaches are usually closed to beach driving this time of year, but they are open during razor clam digging hours.” Not all coastal beaches are open for every dig, so diggers are encouraged to make sure their intended destination is open before heading out. Optimal digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide. The following April 23 to April 29 digs will proceed as scheduled after marine toxin results from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) showed razor clams are safe to eat. Confirmed dates during morning (midnight to noon) low tides:
Tentative dates during morning (midnight to noon) low tides:
The DOH requires test samples for marine toxins, and domoic acid levels must fall under the guideline level before a beach can open for digging. Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. Final approval, including the upcoming April and May digs, usually occurs about a week or less — sometimes two to three days — before the start of each digging series. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on the WDFW’s domoic acid webpage. As in past years, WDFW is asking beachgoers to avoid disturbing nesting snowy plovers – a small bird with gray wings and a white breast — by staying out of the dunes and posted areas along the southwest coast. Snowy plover nests are nearly invisible, and it is vital to give birds the space to live and thrive during nesting period, especially along the southern end on Twin Harbors — known as Midway Beach — the north end of Long Beach and the area north of Ocean City on Copalis Beach, according to the WDFW. The department asks clam diggers to avoid leaving leftover food or trash on the beach and picnic areas, keep pets on a leash, stay out of dunes and avoid areas which are clearly marked with posted signs. “When driving on the beach, please respect the 25 MPH speed limit and enter only at designated access points,” WDFW stated. “Stay on the hard-packed sand near the high tide line to avoid crushing clam beds and snowy plover nests.” Several sections of coastal beaches are closed to driving now through Labor Day, except on days and hours when the recreational razor clam digging is open. These areas are clearly marked with signs. Shellfish and seafood enthusiasts can also start making plans to attend the Long Beach Razor Clam Festival May 10-11. This long-running event celebrates the unique contribution of razor clams to Washington’s culture and coastal communities. On all open beaches, the daily limit is 15 clams per person. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container, and all diggers must keep the first 15 clams they dig, regardless of size or condition, to prevent waste. Now that spring has arrived, Washingtonians must have a valid 2024-2025 recreational hunting and fishing licenses. Licenses can be purchased from WDFW’s licensing website and from hundreds of license vendors around the state. All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Additional razor clam information is available on the WDFW razor clam webpage. |
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Love INC of Lewis County raises $9,000 for those in need at 'Super Souper Supper'
Love In the Name of Christ of Lewis County (Love INC) raised $9,000 for those in need during its Super Souper Supper benefit event on Friday, April 12. “This was a fun event where many people from Lewis County came in to support the efforts of Love Inc, a nonprofit organization, in reaching out to people in our community who find themselves in need,” Love INC stated in a news release. There were 150 guests in addition to musical performers, which included pianist Jeff Johnson pianist, guitarist Tim Franklin, the Old Time Fiddlers and the Cooks Hill worship bands. Ken Stedham, owner of Bi-Right Motors, was the auctioneer at the event. The Super Souper Supper was previously an annual fundraiser for the organization, which plans to again make it a yearly event moving forward. "Sometimes you are in a place when you need help, and sometimes you are in a place when you can give help," Love INC Executive Director Melodee Bailey stated in the release. According to its website, the mission of Love INC is to mobilize local churches to “transform lives and communities in the name of Christ.” “It is such a joy to serve our community and our neighbors in need,” the nonprofit states on its website. “Through the partnership with our local church affiliates, Love in the Name of Christ is able to serve many needs and provide many referrals to our clients.” Love INC is always looking for volunteers and donors. To get involved or learn more about the organization, visit https://www.loveincoflewiscounty.org/getInvolved.
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NYT Politics
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‘We Have Our Jury’
After a rocky morning in which two jurors were dismissed, a full panel of 12 was seated. Opening statements could start Monday.
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Here’s How Johnson’s Jigsaw Puzzle of a Foreign Aid Plan Would Work
The speaker, facing resistance from fellow Republicans, has devised a strategy for steering aid to Ukraine and Israel through the House. The key vote will take place before any of it hits the floor.
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Portland Business News
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Why former Bluehour, ClarkLewis chef wanted an Eastside spot to open Warsugai
At the end of January chef Kyo Koo opened Warsugai, a restaurant he describes as “nostalgic Asian food,” at 727 S.E. Washington St.
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