In brief: Heiress’ jewelry brings $21 million
NEW YORK – Signed pieces of Cartier and Tiffany jewelry belonging to a late Montana copper mining heiress have sold for nearly $21 million at a New York City auction.
Christie’s said Tuesday’s sale from the estate of Huguette Clark had caught the attention of collectors worldwide. The star of the collection, a rare pink cushion-cut 9-carat diamond ring, sold for nearly $16 million.
The auction house had estimated the collection of 17 pieces would bring $9 million to $12 million.
The reclusive Clark was 104 when she died last year at New York’s Beth Israel Medical Center. Her father was U.S. Sen. William A. Clark, once one of America’s wealthiest, building a fortune from mining copper and railroads.
Man strips at airport security screening
PORTLAND – Port of Portland police say a 49-year-old man stripped naked at Portland International Airport as a protest against airport security screeners.
The incident report said John E. Brennan’s actions Tuesday evening caused some passengers to cover their eyes and their children’s eyes while others looked, laughed and took photos. Two screening lanes were temporarily closed.
Police say the Portland man was arrested for investigation of indecent exposure and disorderly conduct.
The Oregonian reports the Port of Portland summary said Brennan “disrobed completely naked” while going through a security screening area.
He later told authorities he flies often and “disrobed as a form of protest against TSA (Transportation Security Administration) screeners he felt were harassing him.”
Crabbers trying to stop ‘pot piracy’
COOS BAY, Ore. – Crabbers on the South Coast of Oregon say they’re trying again to stop rogue crabbers who steal the catch of fellow fishermen.
The fishermen call it “pot piracy” and say the theft of crabs from baited pots costs them each thousands of dollars a year.
Trouble is, it’s a hard charge to prove in court – unless a deckhand turns in a thieving captain.
The World newspaper in Coos Bay reports that 37 local fishermen have joined an effort with the Oregon Crabbers Protective Association. The Newport group offers $5,000 rewards for information leading to a conviction and is expanding its reach.
Crabbers tell the World an earlier effort failed to produce any criminal charges.