President awards Medals of Freedom

Folk singer Bob Dylan and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright were awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a ceremony at the White House on Tuesday. A number of figures representing the struggles and shifts of the 1960s were recognized Tuesday, including civil rights campaigner Dolores Huerta and astronaut John Glenn.

Also honored was an epidemiologist with strong ties to the Inland Northwest. William Foege, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was recognized for his role in leading the effort to eradicate smallpox. Foege, the son of a Lutheran minister, moved to Chewelah at age 9, then to Colville before attending Pacific Lutheran University.

Other honorees Tuesday were former Department of Justice civil rights lawyer John Doar, novelist Toni Morrison, former Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens and college basketball coach Pat Summitt.

The medal is the country’s highest civilian honor.

Rodman told to pay child support

Flamboyant former NBA star Dennis Rodman was sentenced in family court Tuesday to 104 hours of community service on four counts of contempt for failing to pay child support.

Orange, Calif., Court Commissioner Barry Michaelson also placed Rodman on three years of informal probation. The sentence includes the condition that Rodman pay current child and spousal support obligations to his ex-wife Michelle.

Rodman – known for his wild behavior and Technicolor hair as well as his rebounding skills – married in 2003. His wife filed for divorce a year later. Since then, the couple have been feuding over custody and support of their two children, ages 10 and 11.

The birthday bunch

Actor Clint Walker is 85. Actor Keir Dullea is 76. Actor Michael J. Pollard is 73. Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Gayle Sayers is 69. Actor Ted McGinley is 54. Country singer Wynonna Judd is 48. Rock musician Tom Morello (Audioslave; Rage Against The Machine) is 48. Rapper Cee Lo Green is 38.