SEATTLE — A wildlife official says two Washington state troopers who used their batons to kill seagulls at a Seattle ferry dock were trying to solve a problem with aggressive birds.
Bruce Bjork, chief of enforcement for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, says the birds killed were juveniles in a nest atop a toll booth. The nest attracted adult gulls that had been divebombing ferry workers and others.
The department is investigating to determine if the troopers committed a crime.
Navy man charged with selling gun sights
A man assigned to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island has been charged with stealing and selling gun sights as part of an investigation that began in Connecticut.
Wilfred Bouton of Oak Harbor was released on bond after his initial appearance Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Seattle. He faces theft and conspiracy charges filed in federal court in New Haven, Conn., and did not immediately return an e-mail seeking comment.
The complaint said Bouton stole advanced combat optical gun sights from the military and provided them to others who sold them on eBay. The sights are legal to buy and sell in the U.S., but require a permit for export.
Homeland Security secretary to visit state
The Department of Homeland Security has announced Secretary Janet Napolitano will visit Washington state next week.
In an announcement, the department says Napolitano will visit the 2010 Olympics Coordination Center in Bellingham on Monday. In Seattle, Napolitano will meet with Homeland Security officials to discuss cybersecurity, counterterrorism and immigration issues.
Baird announces funds for Mount St. Helens
U.S. Rep. Brian Baird says $6.2 million in stimulus dollars will be coming to southwest Washington, mostly to pay for upgrades at the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
The money will come from the U.S. Forest Service as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Baird says the money will create jobs but also upgrade facilities for the thousands of tourists and scientists who visit the monument and surround recreational areas each year.
Seattle homeless camp given Thursday deadline
The state Transportation Department gave residents of a transient camp in Seattle three days notice Monday to move the tent city they call Nickelsville.
Officials told campers they are violating city of Seattle health and safety codes.
The Transportation Department says if residents decline the social services offered to help them move, State Patrol troopers will become involved on Thursday evening.
B.C.: Kelowna residents returning home
About 6,000 evacuated West Kelowna, B.C., residents are returning home Tuesday while about 4,000 more people wait for firefighters to turn back a wildfire that threatens their homes.
The West Kelowna residents were ordered out Saturday as the Glenrosa forest fire burned out of control, claiming three homes and a trailer.
B.C. Forest Service officials say the blaze is now 60 percent contained.
Associated Press
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