*'The Natural' to stay in CV high schools: School board says it can be available to 10th-graders/Sara Leaming, SR -- I don't see a foul here, as long as students aren't forced to read the book. If students can opt for another book on the list, no harm, no foul. If students are required to read the book, then it shouldn't be on the list. I read "The Natural" as a freshman in high school. Some parts are steamy. But author Bernard Malamud is a good read.

*Medic earns Silver Star: He ran through enemy fire to save wounded Iraqi soldiers/Kevin Graman, SR -- Next time someone using "hero" to refer to a sports figure or movie star, show 'im this story. Spc. Gerrit Kobes of Kettle Falls is a hero by anyone's definition.

*New group has politics in common: Common Interest wants discussion without divisiveness/Betsy Russell, SR -- What? A group that is interested in the public good above partisan politics! This is unAmerican!

*Holiday in four-part harmony: CV's all-girl barbershop quartet spends Valentine's Day serenading/Sara Leaming, SR -- This story's for those who are tired of reading about the bad things kids do.

*Jealousy suspected in killing: Court documents say victim went into bedroom with suspect's girlfriend; bail set at $250,000/Tom Lutey, SR -- Booze, guns and a low IQ don't mix.

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