Fallen soldier's parents from Vancouver
A roadside bomb killed a Lake Oswego soldier in Afghanistan, according to his family.
Family members said U.S. Army Specialist Elijah John-Miles Rao, 26, was killed by a roadside bomb on Dec. 5.
He is the 20th person from the Oregon and Southwest Washington area to be killed in Afghanistan since the start of the war.
Rao is the son of Sharon and Don Hauerken of Vancouver. Rao leaves behind his wife, Leah, and their 21-month-old daughter, Eliana. The two live in Lawton, Okla., where Rao was previously based at nearby Fort Sill.
Rao's family said a funeral service will be held in Portland at Lincoln Memorial Park. The date has not been determined; the service will be open to the public. He will be buried at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.
Versatilt awarded ergonomic award
REDpoint International, Inc, a Vancouver company founded in 2008, was given the Attendee's Choice award for best new product at the National Ergonomics and Exposition conference in Las Vegas on Nov. 19.
The Versatilt is a safe patient handling device that allows wheelchair patients to be tilted, while in their wheelchair, to a degree that is optimal for providing care.
According to Valerie Vance, REDpoint's Executive VP, winning the award "validates all the hard work we have put into the project."
Christmas tree care tips
Although the origins of Christmas trees are varied, spanning from Saints to peasants and over hundreds of years, many Washingtonians will bring fresh trees into their homes this holiday season, and a few care tips can go a long way, according to Shorty's Garden and Home in Vancouver.
Trees can last three or more weeks with proper care. Simply by checking the water level every day the tree's lifespan can be prolonged greatly.
For safety reasons, the tree should be kept away from fireplaces, heat ducts and candles, and providers should offer a fireproof coating.
Reseller permits deadline looming
Beginning Jan. 1, 2010, taxpayers who do not provide a copy of a reseller permit or other acceptable exemption certificates to wholesalers must pay retail sales tax when buying goods and services for resale.
The Washington Department of Revenue estimates that as many as 20,000 businesses, mostly contractors, have not yet applied for a permit.
"We're concerned that come Jan. 1, some businesses will be in for a big surprise the next time they try to purchase products or materials at wholesale and find out that they have to pay sales tax," said Washington state revenue director Cindi Holmstrom.
Vancouver prepares for big chill
According to the Vancouver Department of Public Works, this week's plummet in temperature as well as future extreme weather means they are working extra hard to keep Vancouver safe.
Public Works prioritizes its severe weather response to provide support for the police, fire and medical public safety network.
Due to these work demands and limited resources, as well as difficulties presented by driveways and parked cars, neighborhood streets are not plowed or de-iced.
