Morning Press: Vancouver out of drug task force, election results, Hurley sued

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Here are some of the stories that were popular this week with Columbian readers.

New Vancouver police chief backs withdrawal from drug task force

Vancouver Police Chief Jeff Mori proposed withdrawing the department from the Clark-Vancouver Regional Drug Task Force at a Vancouver City Council meeting Monday, stepping back from a decadeslong partnership to address drug crimes.

Vancouver’s law enforcement is being run thin amid rising crime rates and worsening staffing shortages, the chief said. Assets need to be used wisely – even if that means pulling Vancouver’s one detective from the task force.

Horch, Reynolds leading in race for Clark County Sheriff

Clark County sheriff candidates John Horch and Rey Reynolds appear to be headed to November’s general election after preliminary results show them winning the top two positions in Tuesday’s primary.

The winner of the general election will replace Sheriff Chuck Atkins, who is not seeking reelection.

• Reynolds and Horch gave Shook kudos for a well-run campaign
• Related: Herrera Beutler’s lead over Kent halved in latest ballot returns
• Get more election results at columbian.com/elections

Ex-employee accuses Ryan Hurley, Hurley Development of sexual harassment, discrimination

A former employee of Hurley Development LLC filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the local real estate company, its owner, Ryan Hurley, and a current and former employee, alleging sexual harassment and sexual and religious discrimination.

Hurley, through his company, denied wrongdoing.

Lawsuit filed today also names current director of development and former construction director

Search for missing Vancouver man turns up body near Lacamas Lake

Searchers looking for a missing Vancouver man found a body Tuesday morning in a wooded area northeast of Lacamas Lake.

The Clark County Sheriff Office’s Search and Rescue were looking in the area for 44-year-old Kevin Osterkamp, who has been missing since late June.

Vancouver police do not suspect foul play in the death

DogHouse to host free pet adoption weekend at Humane Society for Southwest Washington

Hefty white mastiff Diesel sniffed his way through toy-filled boxes, clamping down on the perfect toy: a plush gray and blue Kong-brand elephant.

On Monday, Cannabis company DogHouse brought the plethora of toys and home-baked cakes to the Humane Society for Southwest Washington in honor of Dogust Day, the national birthday for shelter dogs Aug. 1. North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill animal adoption organization, established the day in 2008 for dogs whose exact birthdays are unknown.

Cannabis company sponsors event in honor of Dogust Day