Stories for August 22, 2006

• Fire threatens tiny Washington town

  In City on Page A1 WINTHROP, Wash. – Fire crews battled several large blazes in north-central Washington on Monday and were forced to re-evaluate the safety of Stehekin, at the north end of Lake Chelan, …

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  Drivers get I-90 headache relief

  In City on Page A1 By Friday morning, the last three months will seem like a bad traffic dream. The first phase of Interstate 90 viaduct reconstruction in downtown Spokane will be complete, and drivers …

• Big Rock to become public land

  In City on Page A1 He’s a rock star now. For years, Bob Hamacher’s name has been uttered in frustration by hikers and climbers covetous of the Costco-size boulder he co-owns as a member of …

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  Film portrays cancer fight

  In Idaho on Page A1 Five-year-old Grace Meyer has never known her mother without cancer. “We haven’t had the death talk,” said Jenny Meyer, who has battled the illness since 2000. “She knows mom’s sick. …

• Top party school moniker gives Longhorns reason to celebrate

  In Nation/World on Page A2 AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Longhorns earned another national title Monday, not for football but as the country’s best party school. The University of Texas at Austin beat Penn State …

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  Ant’s jaw snaps faster than humans can blink

  In Nation/World on Page A2 WASHINGTON – A tiny ant has the fastest jaw in the animal kingdom – literally quicker than the blink of an eye. The trap-jaw ant’s scientific name may be ponderous, …

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  Three-week-old elephant edges into limelight

  In Nation/World on Page A2 ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Zoo introduced reporters Monday to its 3-week-old baby elephant, a toddling 346-pounder who’s already getting the hang of using her trunk. “You see her?” …

• Lottery numbers

  In City on Page A2 Monday’s Lotto: 24-30-36-37-40-42. No winner. Next jackpot: $5.6 million.

• Eleven charged in alleged airliner plot

  In Nation/World on Page A3 LONDON – Britain charged 11 people on Monday in the alleged plot to blow up trans-Atlantic airliners, and police said they had uncovered bomb-making equipment and “martyrdom” videos in the …

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  Death squad suspects held, U.S. military says

  In Nation/World on Page A3 BAGHDAD, Iraq – A roadside bomb killed a U.S. soldier north of Baghdad on Monday, and the American military announced the capture of two alleged death squad leaders as U.S. …

• Ex-President Ford gets pacemaker

  In Nation/World on Page A3 Former President Ford received a cardiac pacemaker Monday at the Mayo Clinic, a top aide said. Ford, 93, was resting comfortably after the operation, and his wife and children were …

• Bush defends Iraq policy, says troops should stay

  In Nation/World on Page A3 WASHINGTON – President Bush laid down an impassioned defense of his Iraq policy Monday, saying the United States must stay in the fight despite an escalating death toll, increasing calls …

• U.N. team denied entry to Iran site

  In Nation/World on Page A3 TEHRAN, Iran – Iran turned away U.N. inspectors from an underground site meant to shelter its uranium enrichment program from attack, diplomats said Monday, while the country’s supreme leader insisted …

• Illegal immigrants land in Sicily

  In Nation/World on Page A4 Dozens of illegal immigrants reached tiny Sicilian islands Monday as Italian boats searched for many others reported missing after making risky crossings of the Mediterranean – the latest wave in …

• Battered basil bodes poorly for pesto fans

  In Nation/World on Page A4 ROME – Lovers of pesto are bracing for increased prices or even shortages after unseasonable hailstorms in northern Italy destroyed much of the most prized variety of basil, the key …

• Bush makes plea for peacekeepers

  In Nation/World on Page A4 WASHINGTON – President Bush issued an urgent call Monday for nations to join an international peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, and he pledged $230 million to help rebuild the war-ravaged country. …

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  Israelis’ anger at war grows

  In Nation/World on Page A4 JERUSALEM – Prime Minister Ehud Olmert tried to defuse growing public anger Monday over his handling of the war against Hezbollah, promising to rebuild rocket-scarred border areas but rejecting peace …

• Study says gene plays role in pre-term birth

  In Nation/World on Page A5 CHICAGO – For the first time, doctors have identified a gene linked to an increased risk of premature birth among African American women. The discovery is likely to be controversial, …

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  Photographer Rosenthal dies

  In Nation/World on Page A5 Joe Rosenthal – the Associated Press photographer whose dramatic picture of servicemen raising a giant, wind-whipped American flag atop Iwo Jima’s Mount Suribachi during World War II became an indelible …

• One count dismissed in Padilla terror case

  In Nation/World on Page A5 MIAMI – A federal judge on Monday threw out one count in the terror indictment against alleged al-Qaida operative Jose Padilla and his co-defendants, concluding that it repeated other charges …

• Rail line runs again

  In Business on Page A6 Eastern Washington grain growers have resumed shipping wheat by railroad, using the 108-mile CW Line between Coulee City and Cheney that was shut down last winter by its owner. The …

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  Lowe’s says housing slip will hurt

  In Business on Page A6 RALEIGH, N.C. – Lowe’s Cos. warned Monday that a slowing housing market will hurt its earnings for the rest of the year, sending its stock tumbling despite an 11 percent …

• Gates loan helped buy newspapers

  In Business on Page A6 The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was among a few dozen banks, insurance companies, mutual funds and others entities that loaned $350 million to Denver-based MediaNews Group Inc. for its …

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  Thanks, but no flanks

  In Business on Page A6 TOKYO – It’s been weeks since Japan ditched its import ban on U.S. beef and the first shipment went on sale, but American beef is nowhere to be seen in …

• Recruiting specialist lured by Spokane area

  In Business on Page A6 Jeff Hatcher recruits specialists for companies conducting drug trials. What he really would like to do is recruit those companies to Spokane. Hatcher owns Landmark Search Group, which he founded …

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  Networks better off apart

  In Business on Page A7 MEXICO CITY – They were the ultimate power couple: ambitious, successful and watched by the world. But mistrust, disagreements and jealousies began eating away at the relationship. Their breakup has …

• Tower Records files for bankruptcy

  In Business on Page A7 WASHINGTON – Tower Records has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection from its creditors, its second such filing in less than three years. The company, which operates 89 stores in …

• Pullback follows news on oil, Lowe’s

  In Business on Page A7 NEW YORK – Investors sold stocks moderately lower Monday, ending a five-day rally as rising oil prices and disappointing results from Lowe’s Cos. raised concerns about a slowdown in consumer …

• Verizon adds high-speed Internet fee

  In Business on Page A7 Verizon Communications Inc. is imposing a new surcharge on high-speed Internet service just as customers were set to receive lower bills thanks to a decision last year to deregulate the …

• Increase in California minimum wage likely

  In Nation/World on Page A9 SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California’s minimum wage would increase by $1.25 an hour over the next two years under a deal struck Monday between Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and legislative leaders. The …

• Karr awaits extradition hearing

  In Nation/World on Page A10 LOS ANGELES – Wining and dining at 35,000 feet gave way Monday to a cramped jail cell, a metal cot and bologna sandwiches as John Mark Karr awaited a hearing …

• Pre-Katrina prisoners may be freed

  In Nation/World on Page A10 A judge says prisoners who were arrested in New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina struck and are still awaiting trial have been denied their rights for too long. He says he …

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  South Carolina key for Democrats, too

  In Nation/World on Page A10 CHARLOTTE, N.C. – South Carolina, already a big player in Republican presidential contests, is poised to play a pivotal role in the Democratic race. The Democratic National Committee has made …

• Gas price decline likely, analysts say

  In Nation/World on Page A10 WASHINGTON – Good news for drivers: Gasoline prices likely have peaked for the year as oil costs have backed off record highs and the busy summer driving season comes to …

• Supreme Court slots at stake in vote

  In City on Page B1 OLYMPIA – Think the Sept. 19 primary election’s not that important, just a prelude to the real deal in November? Think again. At least two of the three state Supreme …

• Huckleberries: Freshly minted governor makes sweet impression

  In Idaho on Page B1 Temptation comes in many sizes and shapes – sometimes in the form of a chocolate mint after a long session with an editorial board. Gov. Jim Risch and his entourage, …

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  Slavic residents warm to health care

  In City on Page B1 Even from the hallway, the buzz of Russian voices and the aroma of skillet stroganoff suggested that Monday’s Slavic Health Fair was a success. And the scene inside the conference …

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  Pizzerias to battle for top(ping) prize

  In Idaho on Page B2 Who makes the best pizza in North Idaho? Visitors to the North Idaho Fair in Coeur d’Alene can help decide Wednesday as 10 pizzerias put their best pies forward in …

• Bones found in burned field

  In City on Page B2 Human bones – apparently those of a child – have been recovered from a recently burned field south of Ritzville, not far from U.S. Highway 395, the Adams County sheriff …

• Trio charged in armed robbery

  In City on Page B3 Stevens County Prosecutor Jerry Wetle filed charges Monday against three suspects in the Aug. 6 armed robbery of a Kettle Falls gasoline station and convenience store. The suspects, all charged …

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  Rosalia regroups after biker rally

  In City on Page B3 Rosalia can relax. The rural town of 650 people in north Whitman County has survived a three-day motorcycle rally that attracted heavy metal music and thousands of beer-drinking bikers for …

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  EV schools hard-hit by vandalism

  In City on Page B3 Each summer, East Valley School District sees its share of vandalism as buildings sit vacant. But this year the vandals have become more aggressive, causing more expensive damage. “We’re expecting …

• School officials air fears over tax proposal

  In Idaho on Page B3 Local school officials got a chance Monday to sound off on the proposed property tax shift expected to pass this week during the Legislature’s special session. The Idaho School Boards …

• State sued over shooting

  In City on Page B3 SEATTLE – Five families with children who were shot or traumatized in a shooting at a Jewish center in California in 1999 have filed a $15 million claim against Washington …

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  Hundreds honor Seattle officer killed in crash

  In Region on Page B3 SEATTLE – Eight days after he was killed by a speeding sport utility vehicle, rookie police Officer Joselito Barber was laid to rest Monday, dressed in his uniform and his …

• Death penalty nightmare II

  In Opinion on Page B4 So I read in the paper that another man is about to be lied to death. The first such story I am aware of was published last year in the …

• Electronic voting security poor

  In Opinion on Page B4 The House Science Committee sounds like the geeky part of the House of Representatives, the kind of committee where representatives look through microscopes while all the cool congressmen are off …

• Our View: Criminal retirement

  In Opinion on Page B4 Donald Paradis and his well-heeled lawyers would have us believe that the former biker is the victim of a grave injustice committed a quarter century ago. They’re telling all who …

• Halting another Sept. 11

  In Opinion on Page B4 Once upon a time, when the feds went after hooch it was moonshine. Today, it’s a terrorist brew to blow up airplanes, kill innocent people and disrupt the global economy. …

• Letter correction

  In Opinion on Page B5 A letter to the editor published Sunday under the headline “Goldmark’s experience critical” stated that Rep. Cathy McMorris is unmarried. She married Brian Rodgers Aug. 5 in San Diego.

• Sensitive Earthlings are Pluto’s best hope

  In Opinion on Page B5 I t was sometime in the late 1950s when the planet Pluto was discovered. This was not the official discovery, which astronomer Clyde Tombaugh pulled off in 1930, but the …

• Jailed woman faces new charges

  In City on Page B6 Just as she was about to complete a four-month jail sentence, a 32-year-old Spokane woman has been charged with more than 50 fraud-related felonies.

• Idaho Records

  In Idaho on Page B6 For 08-22-2006

• Outstanding warrants

  In Idaho on Page B6 Bonner County has a backlog of outstanding warrants. Officials are asking the public for information about the following people, identified by name, age, last known city of residence, charge and …

• Official Records

  In City on Page B6 Spokane County Marriage licenses

• Moyer lucky to escape sinking ship

  In Sports on Page C1 He wasn’t the original Ancient Mariner, just the Most Ancient. So ancient that wisdom may have been slipping toward dotage when it finally came clear to Jamie Moyer. Life’s too …

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  Kickers making decision tough

  In Sports on Page C1 PULLMAN – For whatever reason, few things draw the ire of fans – and coaches, for that matter – more than an inconsistent kicking game. So while the decision facing …

• Will Siegfried return next season?

  In Sports on Page C1 Spokane Shock head coach Chris Siegfried will make countless decisions this week regarding game plans, personnel and preparations for Saturday’s ArenaCup. Thereafter, he’ll probably be faced with a decision about …

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  For love of football

  In Sports on Page C1 CANYON, Texas – Ryan Leaf’s eyes are bloodshot and his hair is matted down the day after putting in 17 hours of work. The new quarterbacks coach at West Texas …

• Sports blogs inform online community

  In Sports on Page C1 According to the CIA, 203,824,428 people in the United States have access to the Internet. And who in their right mind would argue with the CIA? If our spies are …

• Emeralds blank Indians

  In Sports on Page C1 It’s been more than a decade, but Spokane Indians pitching coach Jim Nettles, got to wear the manager’s hat on Monday night. Spokane manager Mike Micucci was ejected in the …

• Seattle’s Bird to play despite injured nose

  In Sports on Page C2 All-Star point guard Sue Bird is expected to play while wearing a mask to protect her injured nose tonight when the Seattle Storm meets the Los Angeles Sparks in the …

• Lehman picks Cink, Verplank

  In Sports on Page C2 CHICAGO — Tom Lehman spent so much time agonizing over his captain’s picks for the Ryder Cup that he didn’t make up his mind until Monday morning. That meant restless …

• Furrer wins at International Championships

  In Sports on Page C2 Spokane’s Amanda Furrer, already considered one of the top junior shooters in the country, continued to showcase her rifle skills overseas, this time at the Great Britain Junior International Championships, …

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  Changing of guard

  In Sports on Page C2 CHENEY – Shaun Alexander got his big contract. Matt Hasselbeck got his endorsements.

• Owens-less Cowboys squash Saints

  In Sports on Page C2 SHREVEPORT, La. – Drew Bledsoe lobbed two passes into the end zone and saw his receivers make terrific catches on both in his preseason debut for the Dallas Cowboys. Neither …

• On the Air

  In Sports on Page C2 For 08-22-2006

• A.L. standings

  In Sports on Page C3 AMERICAN LEAGUE All times PDT

• Monday’s results

  In Sports on Page C3 Yankees 2, Red Sox 1: At Boston, New York completed a five-game sweep, beating the Red Sox behind six shutout innings by Cory Lidle and extending their A.L. East lead …

• Gibbons, Lilly tussle

  In Sports on Page C3 Blue Jays manager John Gibbons wound up with a bloody nose after tangling with Toronto pitcher Ted Lilly near the dugout during Monday night’s game against Oakland. It was not …

• Today’s menu

  In Sports on Page C4 For 08-22-2006

• NO HEADLINE

  In Sports on Page C4 BASEBALL PCL

• Getting fit without slimming your wallet

  In Features on Page D1 If you balk at putting together a home gym because of the high price of workout equipment, think about this: Fitness may be just a rubber band away. “You really …

• ‘Take me first’

  In Features on Page D1 If a deadly bird flu pandemic ever materializes, who should be the first, second and third in line to get a potentially lifesaving dose of vaccine? Most ordinary people might …

• Water a big help in preventing kidney stones

  In Features on Page D1 Jeffry’s voice woke me. “Stacie, I’m in terrible pain.” He was kneeling at his side of the bed, his arms and head resting on the covers. This is not where …

• The Slice: Shoot first, lots of questions later

  In Features on Page D1 An emergency room is an odd place to find yourself feeling competitive. But when a member of my family had to make an unscheduled visit to a South Hill hospital …

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  Those moans are from Paris

  In Features on Page D2 Introducing, Paris Hilton – diva. Yes, the 25-year-old hotel heiress has posed as a socialite, served as tasty tabloid trash fodder, serviced the public as a “reality’ star. But now …

• Horoscope

  In Features on Page D2 For 08-22-2006

• Keep fickle wife on leash

  In Features on Page D2 Dear Annie: Thirty years ago, my wife, “Alicia,” had an affair with a prominent citizen in our community. It began when she was asked to co-chair a charitable organization with …

• Student athletes can take steps to avoid injury

  In Features on Page D3 As young athletes in the Inland Northwest prepare for a new year of competition, they should take care not to leave conditioning to the last minute, according to independent physical …

• Herpes vaccine shows promise in women

  In Features on Page D3 A government-funded study testing a herpes vaccine is under way at more than 20 sites across the United States. The study of 7,500 women will examine whether the vaccine, given …

• Health bulletin board

  In Features on Page D3 Today Health-care Provider CPR – Initial Class – For those who respond to cardiac and respiratory emergencies and health-care providers; class will discuss skills needed for the adult, child or …

• Peroxide relieves itch of fresh mosquito bites

  In Features on Page D3 Q. I am highly susceptible to mosquito bites and often get a dozen bites in the same time frame that others get one. I have tried many remedies to prevent …

• Angry doctor may need outside help

  In Features on Page D5 Dear Dr. Gott: What do you think about a family physician who has no emotional restraint? For example, if he has a grudge against another local physician, he won’t cooperate …

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  Inside this week’s issue

  In Home on Page Z2 All dressed up Readers share their stories about some of their favorite chairs.

• Contact us

  In Home on Page Z2 Editor Pia Hansen

• Want to show off? Let’s see some pictures!

  In Home on Page Z3 We’re looking for your photographs from your home, recent projects or remodels. Each week, we’ll publish photos

• Welcome Home!

  In Home on Page Z3 Red is definitely wrong. And so is any shade of purple. Blue wouldn’t work either. I mean, there is some blue going on right now, but it’s not a good …

• TREASURE HUNT

  In Home on Page Z4 This is a perfect time to talk about chairs. I just spent a week curled up in a chair in front of a big window in a cottage on the …

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  Hand-decorated porcelain vase worth at least $150 THE COLLECTOR

  In Home on Page Z5 Dear Collector, We’ve had this small vase for about 35 years, and before that it belonged to my father, who did business in Japan during the 1930s. I know it …

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  YOUR BEAUTIFUL HOME

  In Home on Page Z6 Mike and Barbara Kusterer took a different path to low-maintenance gardening. After moving into their large South Hill home nine years ago, the couple made some changes in the landscape. …

• Leaking toilets wasteful

  In Home on Page Z7 An average leaking toilet will waste up to 78,000 gallons of water per year. Think about it – that’s enough water to fill two average-size backyard swimming pools. What follows …

• Growing passion

  In Home on Page Z8 Juan Juan Moses had a deal with a local coffee shop: She’d trade bouquets of her fresh flowers for coffee grounds for her garden. She would bring the flowers in …

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  Share your bounty with others

  In Home on Page Z10 For Charlotte Wilkerson, Jake Krauss, Grant Franstead and Kay Chew, vegetable gardening isn’t just something to do in retirement at the Riverview Retirement Community. It’s a passion that gives these …

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  Spiders are creepy but vital

  In Home on Page Z11 We got a few questions about spiders this week – I’m trying to answer them in this column. Please tell me about spider spray. My neighbor had the 4-foot wide …

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  Today’s project

  In Home on Page Z12 If you’re about to become a parent (or grandparent), then you probably know that baby furniture is expensive, and little ones will outgrow it almost before it’s paid for. This …

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  Learn how to size up those small places

  In Home on Page Z13 Wendy Kuncken is crazy for castoffs. Bits of crockery, vintage photos – she buys them with abandon at flea markets, tag sales and on eBay. “It’s my personality,” she says. …

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  Get quality care for aging pets

  In Home on Page Z14 While some pets live to a healthy old age, with very few breakdowns along the way, most experience increasing health problems along life’s journey. The health issues span from mild …

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  calendar

  In Home on Page Z15 For 08-22-2006

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  Farmers’ markets

  In Home on Page Z16 Colville Farmers’ Market - Wednesdays, noon-6 p.m., through October. Third and Oak streets. (509) 732-6619. Farmers’ Market at Sandpoint - Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and Wednesdays, 3-5:30 p.m., through Oct. …