VANCOUVER, Wash. -- More than 94,000 people attended 1,050 events at the Vancouver Convention Center/Hotel during 2011. However, tough times continue to impact the industry and community.

This month, Vancouver city officials transferred $1.7 million in lodging tax revenues to replenish the hotel/convention center operating and capital reserves. Lodging tax dollars that were collected and held for this purpose by the City were used for the payment. No City general funds have been paid -- or will be used -- for this purpose. Lodging tax revenues are restricted to tourism related activities like the convention center; under state law, they cannot be used for City services such as police, fire, parks, or roads.

Under the original 2003 agreement when the hotel/convention center was built, the City guaranteed limited funding on an annual basis, if needed, to support the debt issued to construct the project. Although the City was billed by the trustee for only a portion of its guarantee in 2010 and was not billed in 2011 or prior years, an amount due had been accruing.

VANCOUVER, Wash. – A Washington family said thieves broke into their home four times in the last three months.

Jordana Taylor said the suspects stole thousands of dollars in jewelry and electronics – including 11 Xbox gaming consoles. Taylor said each person in her family had an Xbox and she replaced them twice after the burglaries.

“As time goes on and it keeps happening, I’m infuriated and completely violated,” said Taylor. “I’m sick and tired of spending money.”

Taylor said the burglaries are under investigation. The suspects entered the house through the doggy door the first two times, broke into the front door the third time and climbed through the bathroom window during the fourth burglary, according to Taylor.

Her neighbor said they saw two suspicious teenage boys in the neighborhood who may be behind the burglaries, but so far that’s the only description they have to go on. Taylor said she's worried the boys may know her sons.

While the stolen Xboxes are a major financial inconvenience, Taylor said the jewelry her mother gave her that thieves stole has her truly upset.

VANCOUVER, Wash. -- The Port of Vancouver will hold a Centennial Public Tour at noon Feb. 23.

This will be the first tour taking place during the port's 2012 centennial year. The unique opportunity allows visitors to indulge in 100 years of port history by participating in trivia, asking questions, and seeing port facilities first-hand.

Since 1912, the port has served as an engine of economic growth in Southwest Washington through leadership, stewardship and partnership in marine and industrial development.

With construction under way on the West Vancouver Freight Access rail project—the largest transportation project in the port's history—tour-goers will learn why the port is attracting nearly $400 million in private investment and new jobs for the community.