Stories for March 8, 2007

• Senate approves English language bill

  In Idaho on Page A1 BOISE – English would be the official language of the state of Idaho and the only one used for government business under legislation that won approval in the Idaho Senate …

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  Leftists to welcome, protest Bush visit

  In Nation/World on Page A1 WASHINGTON – When President Bush heads to Latin America today, he’ll find that despite the region’s much discussed “leftward tilt,” many of its populist leaders are setting ideology aside and …

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  Marijuana medicine: Dozens of patients jam into monthly Spokane clinic seeking way to relieve their pain

  In City on Page A1 They started filing into a Spokane hotel meeting room not long after 8 a.m. Wednesday, clutching folders stuffed with paperwork. A young woman in a pink “on the naughty list” …

• School cuts outlined

  In City on Page A1 Some freshmen could be without sports teams, elementary libraries may be staffed only part time and classrooms may not be cleaned every day. Those are just a few of the …

• Fierce fight over wolves

  In Idaho on Page A1 Wolves might have a dangerous reputation, but it’s the people who love or hate them who seem to be causing anxiety for the federal officials organizing a public hearing today …

• San Francisco mulls plastic bag ban

  In Nation/World on Page A2 SAN FRANCISCO – Paper or plastic? Shoppers may get a twist on that old checkout line question if the city approves a ban on plastic grocery bags. Six San Francisco …

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  Georgia man claims half of record lottery jackpot

  In Nation/World on Page A2 ATLANTA – When Ed Nabors discovered that he had won half of the largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history, he sat stunned in his rig until a dispatcher radioed wondering …

• Culture clash puts mission on hold

  In Nation/World on Page A3 BAGHDAD, Iraq – U.S. soldiers paced around their new outpost in Sadr City, checking their watches, drinking coffee and waiting for their Iraqi partners. They finally rolled up more than …

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  Subpoenas over attorney firings planned

  In Nation/World on Page A3 WASHINGTON – Senate Democrats said Wednesday they are preparing to subpoena five senior Justice Department officials as part of a widening probe into whether eight U.S. attorneys were fired for …

• Two accused of selling body parts

  In Nation/World on Page A3 LOS ANGELES – A former UCLA official and an associate were arrested Wednesday on charges that they illegally sold parts of bodies donated for research in a scheme that produced …

• World in brief: Private property rights proposed

  In Nation/World on Page A3 Chinese leaders today introduced a landmark measure to protect private property, saying personal wealth in an increasingly prosperous society requires legal safeguards. The proposal is the first legislation to cover …

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  Attacks on pilgrims kill at least 30 in Iraq

  In Nation/World on Page A3 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Marching under blood-spattered banners, mourners carried coffins Wednesday through streets still littered with pieces of flesh and debris, as the death toll from three consecutive days of …

• Nation in brief: Senate weakens screeners bill

  In Nation/World on Page A4 The Senate on Wednesday rejected a second effort by Republicans to deny union bargaining rights to 45,000 federal airport screeners. However, in the face of a threatened veto by President …

• Bush pressured to pardon Libby

  In Nation/World on Page A4 WASHINGTON – President Bush said Wednesday that he is “pretty much going to stay out of” the case of Lewis “Scooter” Libby until the legal process has run its course, …

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  Better care for soldiers vowed

  In Nation/World on Page A4 WASHINGTON – The co-chairmen of a new bipartisan presidential commission charged with looking into the care of wounded service members vowed Wednesday to conduct a comprehensive and vigorous investigation, possibly …

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  Obama says he didn’t know investment details

  In Nation/World on Page A5 WASHINGTON – Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said Wednesday he was not aware he had invested in two companies backed by some of his top donors and said he had …

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  FEMA selling thousands of unused trailer homes

  In Nation/World on Page A5 WASHINGTON – Stored in such places as the vacant land near an airfield in Hope, Ark., an industrial park in Cumberland, Md., and a warehouse in Edison, N.J., are the …

• American citizens poisoned in Russia

  In Nation/World on Page A5 LOS ANGELES – A physician and her adult daughter returned to Los Angeles on Wednesday after being poisoned during a trip to Moscow, the latest in a string of Russian …

• FAA planning hiring surge

  In Nation/World on Page A5 SEATTLE – The Federal Aviation Administration is planning to hire 15,000 air traffic controllers over the next decade to address an increase in air traffic and a rush of retirements. …

• Astronaut dismissed by NASA, returning to Navy

  In Nation/World on Page A6 Astronaut Lisa Nowak has been dismissed by NASA and will return to active duty in the Navy, officials said Wednesday. Nowak has been charged with attempted kidnapping and other alleged …

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  Green homebuilding lags

  In Business on Page A8 NEW YORK – Green building as a cause has united disparate parties from environmental groups to big business to policymakers, but one key industry has struggled to react to the …

• CBS doubles bandwidth for NCAA video streams

  In Business on Page A8 NEW YORK – While CBS Corp. is doubling the amount of bandwidth available for viewing NCAA tournament games this year, it will still restrict the number of viewers to keep …

• Gas prices begin ‘preseason rally’

  In Business on Page A8 SAN FRANCISCO – Gasoline prices have jumped above $3 a gallon in some parts of California and Hawaii and may hit that level in other parts of the country when …

• Bert Caldwell: DOE delays have been a real waste of energy

  In Business on Page A8 The U.S. Department of Energy has been three decades, and counting, establishing energy efficiency standards for home appliances. Of the 34 deadlines set by Congress for completing portions of the …

• Business in brief: ISM receives $1 million in multiyear pledges

  In Business on Page A8 Cash pledges totaling $1 million for The Institute of Systems Medicine have been received from five individual donors from the Spokane community, Lewis Rumpler, ISM’s chief operating officer, announced Wednesday. …

• Age checks sought for MySpace

  In Business on Page A8 HARTFORD, Conn. – Connecticut lawmakers unveiled legislation Wednesday that would require MySpace.com and other social-networking sites to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent before minors can post profiles. The …

• Stocks down slightly, but show stability

  In Business on Page A9 Stocks fell slightly but showed more signs of stability Wednesday as investors sifted through new economic data and found little reason to resume last week’s heavy selling pace. The stock …

• Company News: Boeing plans first 787 test flight in August

  In Business on Page A9 Boeing Co. will start assembling the first 787 Dreamliner in the second quarter and anticipates the passenger jet’s initial test flight at the end of August, its chief financial officer …

• Mortgage applications jump to two-month high

  In Business on Page A9 SAN FRANCISCO — With interest rates falling, the number of mortgage applications rose last week to its highest level in two months, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported Wednesday. The number …

• Atlanta airport still world’s busiest

  In Business on Page A9 GENEVA — Atlanta’s Hartsfield International held its ranking as the world’s busiest passenger airport in 2006, followed by Chicago’s O’Hare and London’s Heathrow, according to preliminary figures released this week. …

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  U.S. not making the grade, Gates tells Congress

  In Business on Page A9 WASHINGTON — Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates told Congress on Wednesday that overhauls of the nation’s schools and immigration laws are urgently needed to keep jobs from going overseas. “The U.S. …

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  Taliban say they’re ready for fight

  In Nation/World on Page A11 KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – A top Taliban commander said Wednesday the group has 4,000 fighters bracing to rebuff NATO’s largest-ever offensive in southern Afghanistan, now in its second day. Suicide bombers …

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  Walk extended over Grand Canyon

  In Nation/World on Page A12 PHOENIX – An Indian tribe fastened a massive glass-bottomed walkway to the edge of the Grand Canyon on Wednesday as part of an ambitious tourism center that has angered environmentalists …

• House passes curbs on renewal districts

  In Idaho on Page B1 BOISE – Rehabilitating some rundown city areas might become more difficult under a bill the House passed Wednesday to prevent existing urban renewal districts from expanding. North Idaho renewal agency …

• Doug Clark: Mysteries leave Swami Doug’s turban in a twist

  In City on Page B1 Why must everything around here be such a big mystery? Seriously. The only things I’ve seen cut-and-dried were those magic mushrooms found in the back of GU basketball ace Josh …

• In brief: Prosecutors want Duncan trial delayed

  In Idaho on Page B1 Federal prosecutors are asking that the trial of Joseph Duncan be postponed from March 20 until July 9. U.S. Attorney Tom Moss said the family of 10-year-old Shasta Groene, along …

• Senate approves sex-ed bill

  In City on Page B1 OLYMPIA – In hours of emotional debate, the state Senate battled into the night Wednesday before voting to ban abstinence-only sex education in public schools. Democrats called it a simple …

• In brief: Local Guard members awarded Bronze Stars

  In City on Page B1 Two members of a Spokane-based Air National Guard unit received Bronze Stars this week for their service in Iraq in 2004. Master Sgt. Henry Stroisch, of Colville, and Tech. Sgt. …

• Huckleberries: Male beauty is in beholder’s eye

  In Idaho on Page B1 Someone mentioned once that Travis Malone/KVNI is a metrosexual – a hetero who’s fussy about grooming, beauty treatments and fashionable clothes. I don’t have a problem with that. But North …

• Senate panel rejects Hart’s home-seizure bill

  In Idaho on Page B1 BOISE – A North Idaho legislator will have to try a fourth time to pass his plan to return some money to property owners who lose their homes because of …

• DEQ says water appears safe

  In Idaho on Page B1 Although inspectors found petroleum-saturated soil and crushed 55-gallon storage barrels buried at a suspected waste dump north of Hayden recently, the groundwater deep below the site is still believed to …

• Fight over loud party leads to stabbings, arrests

  In City on Page B2 Spokane police arrested two men Tuesday night in connection with stabbings during a north Spokane fight over a loud party. The street fight started about 10 p.m. at 1608 E. …

• Court rejects appeal over River Park Square

  In City on Page B2 The owner and operator of River Park Square is running out of options to contest the $6.5 million a Spokane jury said it owes its former mall manager. The state …

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  Police seek origin of stolen wire

  In City on Page B2 After arresting a man suspected of stealing scrap metal, police are trying to figure out who owns several lengths of cable that appear to be used in high-frequency radio broadcasting. …

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  Blues Traveler singer arrested near Spokane County line

  In City on Page B2 Blues Traveler singer and harmonica player John Popper was arrested near Ritzville after the vehicle he was riding in was clocked going 111 mph, the Washington State Patrol said Wednesday. …

• Police: Suspect admits killing

  In City on Page B3 A man suspected of shooting two people on the South Hill on Tuesday night later admitted to detectives that he killed one man but denied shooting the other, police said. …

• Course good for officers, not so good for bear

  In City on Page B3 “Thorny” wasn’t in the best position for crash testing. Perched on top of an old Honda, he flew high into the air Wednesday morning when the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office …

• $500,000 bail for courthouse bomb suspect

  In City on Page B3 Bail was set at $500,000 Wednesday for a woman charged with carrying a bomb into the Spokane County Courthouse Annex. District Court Judge Sara Derr found probable cause Wednesday to …

• In brief: Police: Suspect admits killing man

  In City on Page B3 A man suspected of shooting two people on the South Hill later admitted to detectives that he killed one man but denied shooting the other, police said Wednesday. Norman L. …

• Our View: Red tape irrational

  In Opinion on Page B4 Taxpayers have every right to question the logic of one branch of government suing another. Yet Gov. Chris Gregoire seems to have had no other reasonable way to challenge a …

• Walter Reed a wake-up call

  In Opinion on Page B4 Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., doesn’t talk about the Walter Reed problem. “We call it the Walter Reed syndrome,” she says in an interview, “because we think it’s systemwide.”

• Outside View: Shame on Coulter

  In Opinion on Page B4 The following editorial appeared Tuesday in the Dallas Morning News.

• In search of common ground

  In Opinion on Page B4 It was not nostalgia or the desire for companionship that brought four former Senate leaders together in a meeting room on Capitol Hill on Tuesday morning – but rather a …

• Health care doesn’t require state takeover

  In Opinion on Page B5 Can we fix the nation’s health care crisis in 750 words? We can try. Let’s start with the latest poll, a CBS News/New York Times joint production that made for …

• Transit bill hits roadblock

  In City on Page B6 BOISE – A House panel that’s killed virtually all attempts this year to raise new taxes for public services dumped another plan Wednesday, this one to let voters raise their …

• Idaho Records

  In Idaho on Page B6 For 03-08-2007

• Official Records

  In City on Page B6 Spokane County Marriage licenses

• Fast Break

  In Sports on Page C1 For 03-08-2007

• John Blanchette : Aussie come lately comes up huge for Cougs

  In Sports on Page C1 LOS ANGELES – There are no secrets, or at least certainly none that stands 6-foot-10. Washington State wasn’t going to sneak Aron Baynes into the Staples Center in an equipment …

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  Final games a sentimental journey

  In Sports on Page C1 It will be a different kind of celebration when the Spokane Chiefs honor their 20-year-olds Saturday night. The evening has been a farewell the past two seasons, representing those players’ …

• Rich Landers: Outdoors icon didn’t have chance against gun world

  In Sports on Page C1 None of my outdoor experiences has left a more vivid memory than watching four coyotes, who were unaware of my close proximity, as they attacked a frantic fawn mule deer. …

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  Third time around

  In Sports on Page C1 LOS ANGELES – Beating Washington twice was nice enough for Washington State this season. Now, the Cougars will have to try to prove their in-state superiority for a third time. …

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  Relaxed Bonds surprises Mariners’ Hernandez

  In Sports on Page C1 PEORIA, Ariz. – Barry Bonds made a rare spring training trip and was in a jovial mood. Bonds went 1 for 2 with a double and a strikeout Wednesday in …

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  76ers not going away

  In Sports on Page C2 PHILADELPHIA – Joe Smith keeps disappointing all those Philadelphia fans who want the 76ers to win the No. 1 draft pick. For the diehards clinging to postseason dreams, Smith, Andre …

• In brief: WCC shuts door on Seattle University

  In Sports on Page C2 Seattle University’s dreams of returning to NCAA Division I athletics won’t happen in the West Coast Conference – at least not in the immediate future. WCC commissioner Michael Gilleran has …

• On the Air

  In Sports on Page C2 For 03-08-2007

• Morrison scores 22 in Bobcats’ overtime loss

  In Sports on Page C2 The Phoenix Suns needed a career-high 32 points from Leandro Barbosa and 19 3-pointers – one shy of the franchise record – to escape with a 115-106 overtime victory over …

• Mackey takes back Iditarod lead

  In Sports on Page C2 NIKOLAI, Alaska – Lance Mackey snatched back the lead in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, speeding through Ophir on Wednesday as other teams rested. Four-time champions Martin Buser and …

• NHL : Penguins owner eyes Las Vegas

  In Sports on Page C2 Pittsburgh Penguins owner Ron Burkle traveled to Las Vegas on Wednesday to meet with the mayor and discuss the possibility of relocating the team there. Burkle, who lives in Los …

• BASEBALL: Martinez returns to practice

  In Sports on Page C3 Pedro Martinez threw a baseball Wednesday in Port St. Lucie, Fla., for the first time since rotator cuff surgery last October. The New York ace lightly tossed a ball for …

• NFL: Lewis reaches one-year deal with Browns

  In Sports on Page C3 Jamal Lewis is heading north without leaving the AFC North. The free-agent running back and former 2,000-yard rusher for Baltimore agreed to a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns, a …

• Welliver likes chances at CdA Casino

  In Sports on Page C3 Chauncy Welliver likes the idea of boxing at the Coeur d’Alene Casino. The Hillyard heavyweight got his start at the Worley casino’s House of Fury, fighting in Tough Man competitions …

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  Sold on Seahawks

  In Sports on Page C3 KIRKLAND, Wash. – When Patrick Kerney decided to void the final two years of his contract and become a free agent, he was told the courting process would be similar …

• Vandals do battle with No. 10 Nevada

  In Sports on Page C4 The Idaho Vandals, fresh from their first victory in 47 days, will try for back-to-back wins for the first time since early last season. If they were to pull it …

• NIC wins Region 18 opener

  In Sports on Page C4 EPHRAIM, Utah – Nick Livi had 21 points and Scott Stockwell added 12 points and seven rebounds as North Idaho College defeated College of Eastern Utah 80-62 Wednesday in the …

• Aggies knock off Lady Techsters; streak in jeopardy

  In Sports on Page C4 Cecilia Russell-Nava scored 15 points and New Mexico State beat Louisiana Tech 63-57 in the quarterfinals of the Western Athletic Conference tournament Wednesday in Las Cruces, N.M., nearly assuring an …

• Weber State wins berth

  In Sports on Page C4 OGDEN, Utah – Big Sky MVP David Patten scored 22 points to lead Weber State past Northern Arizona 88-80 Wednesday night in the tournament championship game to earn an NCAA …

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  Marquette stops St. John’s in Big East

  In Sports on Page C4 Dan Fitzgerald scored eight of his 20 points during a 15-3 run midway through the second half and No. 18 Marquette held off upset-minded St. John’s 76-67 in the opening …

• All-star games at Mullan

  In Sports on Page C5 The 22nd annual District I boys and girls all-star basketball games, featuring the top seniors from the Panhandle, will be played Friday at the Mullan Athletic Pavilion. The girls game …

• Stewart says changes to Las Vegas track bad idea

  In Sports on Page C5 FORT WORTH, Texas – Tony Stewart doesn’t like the changes at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The two-time NASCAR champion thinks they were unnecessary and will make for a boring race …

• For the record, NC’s doesn’t matter

  In Sports on Page C5 SEATTLE – They saw the newspaper clippings. And on Wednesday in the opening round of the State 3A boys basketball tournament at Hec Edmondson Pavilion, unheralded North Central showed it …

• Eatonville squelches Cheney

  In Sports on Page C5 TACOMA – There would be no miracle this time. Coming off Saturday’s shocking upset of Pullman, the Cheney girls basketball team played like it was still in disbelief losing 38-24 …

• West Valley, Clarkston fall in opening round

  In Sports on Page C5 TACOMA – Don’t expect former West Valley boys basketball assistant Rob Gray to harbor any guilt over his Mt. Baker team’s win over the Eagles on Wednesday. Gray admitted he …

• EV girls lose touch in 2nd half

  In Sports on Page C5 SEATTLE – Things were looking good for the East Valley girls basketball team. With a six-point halftime lead against Hudson’s Bay in Wednesday’s first round of State 3A tournament play, …

• baseball

  In Sports on Page C7 Baseball MLB

• Rypien featured speaker at banquet

  In Sports on Page C7 Former Washington State University and NFL quarterback Mark Rypien will be the featured speaker at the Idaho Sports Banquet April 14 at the Coeur d’Alene Inn. The banquet annually honors …

• Today’s menu

  In Sports on Page C7 For 03-08-2007

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  Run for ‘Cover’

  In Features on Page D1 You might think of “The Cover of Life” as a little bit like “Steel Magnolias on the Home Front.” R.T. Robinson’s 1992 play is about three wives in 1943 Louisiana, …

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  Lee’s videos, photographs will thrill

  In Features on Page D1 Conceptual artist Tim Lee is known for creating large-scale photographs and split-screen videos of his staged performance art pieces. “Tim is a young Canadian who makes some really funny comments …

• The Slice: This may be a first for Loon Lake Man

  In Features on Page D1 A couple of years ago, a writer at the Washington Post took note of headlines over the years that had included the versatile phrase “Area man.” Ever since reading that …

• Chang makes most of her roots

  In Features on Page D1 The word “prodigy” enjoys its heaviest use in the world of classical music. There, performers most often show phenomenal talent at a very early age. Then what? Stardom, or oblivion?

• Hints from Heloise

  In Features on Page D2 Dear Heloise: I recently bought a bunch of furniture for my daughter’s room that had to be assembled at home. There were numerous items, screws, dowels, etc., of various sizes …

• Horoscope

  In Features on Page D2 For 03-08-2007

• Supporting the state of shock

  In Features on Page D2 The U.S. State Department has come to the defense of none other than Borat Sagdiyev. Borat, of course, is the fictional character created by British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen in …

• Annie’s Mailbox: Odd comment seals suspicion

  In Features on Page D2 Dear Annie: During 33 years of marriage, my husband seldom, if ever, removed his wedding ring. However, during the past four months, I’ve noticed it’s off a lot more than …

• Weddings (4)

  In Features on Page D3 Keezer-Gilmartin Tampa, Fla.

• Dr. Gott: Mysterious weakness plagues elderly man

  In Features on Page D3 Dear Dr. Gott: My husband is 87 years old and hasn’t been feeling well for quite some time. His primary-care doctor cannot find what is causing him to feel so …

• Achievements: Ian Truscott attains Eagle rank

  In Features on Page D3 “Ian Truscott was recently awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest award given in the Boy Scouts. Truscott, a member of Troop 202 in Coeur d’Alene, is the son …

• Idaho Calendar

  In Features on Page D3 For 03-08-2007

• Spokane Calendar

  In Features on Page D3 For 03-08-2007

• Weddings (1)

  In Features on Page D3 Campbell-Carlson Mesa, Ariz.

• Weddings (2)

  In Features on Page D3 McConkey-Bauermeister Spokane

• Weddings (3)

  In Features on Page D3 Reamer-Stone Spokane

• Symphony chooses new concertmaster

  In Features on Page D5 The Spokane Symphony has selected Mateusz Wolski as its new concertmaster beginning next season. Wolski, 31, concertmaster of the Annapolis Symphony in Maryland, succeeds Kelly Farris, who retired last May …

• Arts Calendar

  In Features on Page D5 Auditions “The Lion in Winter” – Lake City Playhouse, Monday and Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. at the theater, 1320 E. Garden Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Callbacks are Wednesday. Auditioners should be prepared …

• Tell your stories in Citizen Journal

  In Voices on Page N2 Welcome to the Citizen Journal, a forum in which Voice readers can publish their own feature stories and neighborhood news items and photographs. We hope to eventually expand this forum …

• North Side Voices

  In Voices on Page N3 Five people at Colbert Presbyterian Church were asked the following question: Due to the recent redistricting of Mead elementary schools, will your children be attending a different school in the …

• Philanthropic group celebrates

  In Voices on Page N5 Gamma Epsilon Spokane chapter recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a dinner ceremony at the home of Annette Brooks, a founding member. Members’ philanthropical work benefits St. Jude’s Children’s Research …

• Neighborhood updates

  In Voices on Page N5 “The North Hill Neighborhood Council will meet today at 7 p.m. at Willard Elementary School, 500 W. Longfellow Ave. “The North Indian Trail Neighborhood Council will meet Tuesday at 7 …

• Religion Notebook: Annual Kosher Dinner Sunday at Temple Beth Shalom

  In Voices on Page N6 Temple Beth Shalom, 1322 E. 30th Ave., will present its 66th annual Kosher Dinner Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The congregation will serve 1,200 pounds of beef brisket, …

• Calendar

  In Voices on Page N8 For 03-08-2007

• Sale of home will aid Children’s Miracle Network

  In Voices on Page N8 The Children’s Miracle Network held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday for a Miracle Home, which is expected to raise around $250,000 for local hospitals and programs. Mayor Dennis Hession, executives of …

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  Helping hands: Center serves deaf and hard of hearing

  In Voices on Page N9 Most folks start their day with the shrill bleating of an alarm clock. Char Parsley’s day begins with the bright on/off flashing light of a special bedside clock.

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  Volunter adds life to Habitat store items

  In Voices on Page N10 When Theodora Sallee, 65, started volunteering at the Habitat Spokane Builders Surplus Store, she worked in customer service as a cashier, but she dreamed of doing so much more. “When …

• Maple-Ash work among planned street projects

  In Voices on Page N11 The Maple-Ash corridor in northwest Spokane will be closed in segments beginning in mid-April for the second phase of a voter-approved reconstruction of the two main arterials. Bids are being …

• City wants to annex north property

  In Voices on Page N12 Two public hearings involving land on the North Side have been scheduled for this month, including a continuation of a hearing over annexation of 135 acres of primarily commercial property …

• Adult center seeks donations

  In Voices on Page N12 The Holy Family Adult Day Center, 6018 N. Astor St., is in need of any dollar-store items, craft supplies, books and magazines. The center for the elderly also needs volunteers …

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  Autistic teen’s arts gains wider exposure

  In Voices on Page N13 In some ways 14-year-old Loon Lake, Wash., resident David McBee, is a typical teen. He enjoys the outdoors and likes to talk about the summer he caught 18 turtles.

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  Good Neighbor: Retiree Ernie Dieterich enjoys volunteering at blood center

  In Voices on Page N16 Some folks are good neighbors to the people next door, or to their friends down the street, but for North Side resident Ernie Dieterich the concept of neighborliness is far …

• Deadline is Friday for Mann Center proposals

  In Voices on Page N17 Friday is the deadline for proposals to convert the Joe E. Mann Center in Hillyard into a community facility after the military vacates the property as early as 2009. As …

• WASL testing begins Monday for 10th-graders

  In Voices on Page N19 It’s time for Washington students to sharpen their pencils. On Monday the state’s 10th-graders will begin taking the reading and writing portions of the Washington Assessment of Student Learning, or …

• Sisters strive for excellence

  In Voices on Page N21 When Brittney Gerard was 8 and Tina Gerard was 6, they were really into the Power Rangers and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Haa-ya, kick, grunt, pose. Karate was the …

• Climatologists try to predict long-term weather picture

  In Voices on Page N22 Within the past week, I’ve been asked by several people the difference between a meteorologist and a climatologist. Meteorology is the study of the atmosphere and its phenomena, plus its …

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  On the move; 2527 W. Dalton Ave.

  In Voices on Page N22 Size: 6,500 square foot corner lot near Audubon Park; 1,052 square feet on the main floor; full basement. Bedrooms: 2. Bathrooms: 1. Features: attached garage; fenced yard; forced-air gas heat …

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  Mr. Don serves up North Mexican cuisine

  In Voices on Page N23 In November, a new Mexican restaurant opened at the intersection of Nevada Street and Newport Highway. Owned and operated by the Beltran family, Mr. Don Mexican Family Gourmet Restaurant specializes …

• Movin’ & Groovin’ senior health fair Saturday

  In Voices on Page N24 The Corbin Senior Activity Center, 827 W. Cleveland Ave., will present the third annual Movin’ & Groovin’ Health Fair Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Geared toward people 50 …

• Kids Calendar

  In Voices on Page N24 Today After School Special: The Wright Stuff - For grades K-5. Story-centered after school program features picture books, puppets, cookies and crafts. 4 p.m., Spokane County Library, Cheney Branch, 610 …

• Soccer Rosters

  In Voices on Page N26 Gonzaga Prep Coach: Matt Kinder

• Soccer preview : Young Rams focus on leadership within

  In Voices on Page N26 “Youth must be served,” the old saying goes. “It had better be,” is what Riverside High School soccer coach Donnie Hodgson is saying, after losing 10 of last year’s seniors …

• Student writers learn about words – and worms

  In Voices on Page S2 It was a bright and mild afternoon. I was surrounded by people, short ones. A box containing at least one worm sat on a table.

• Senior activities

  In Voices on Page S6 For 03-08-2007

• Davenport event to aid Red Cross

  In Voices on Page S7 The Inland Northwest Chapter of the American Red Cross is holding its annual fundraising breakfast on March 21 at the Davenport Hotel in downtown Spokane. The “Save the Day” breakfast …

• Bond among heroes in Ferris’ ‘License to Ham’

  In Voices on Page S7 It’s the year ‘07. But for the intrepid Joel E. Ferris High School Ham on Regal players, it’s really 007 – time to pay homage, sort of, to James Bond …

• Children/Family Events

  In Voices on Page S8 Today Preschool Storytime - For ages 3-5. 11 a.m., Spokane County Library, Moran Prairie Branch, 6004 S. Regal St. 893-8340.

• SCRAPS festival, auction will be March 30

  In Voices on Page S13 Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service will hold its annual Chocolate Festival and Auction, Reigning Cats and Dogs, March 30 at CenterPlace Mirabeau Point. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. …

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  Successes of teamwork

  In Voices on Page S14 Ferris High School legacy Sean Mallon had business of his own to take care of with Gonzaga University in the West Coast Conference basketball tournament, but he still found time …

• Pratt students may be headed elsewhere

  In Voices on Page S16 Students displaced by the possible closure of Pratt Elementary School likely would be sent to Sheridan and Lincoln Heights elementary schools, according to a study released by the school district …

• City plan seeks to avoid tree controversies

  In Voices on Page S17 Spokane city officials have a plan to avoid a repeat of last year’s controversy over removal of trees during reconstruction of South Bernard Street. They’ve come up with a detailed …

• AARP offers drivers a refresher

  In Voices on Page S20 For 28 years, AARP has offered its Driver Safety Program to seniors. The classes discuss defensive driving techniques, new traffic laws, how to adjust to age-related changes in vision, hearing …

• Softball rosters

  In Voices on Page S22 Cheney Head coach: Gary Blake

• Cheney’s Cami Hatch leads quietly on diamond

  In Voices on Page S22 Many managers and coaches look at their catchers as the field general of the infield. They’re usually short, squatty, dirty and loud.

• LC’s Peter Dunau grows into strong midfielder role

  In Voices on Page S23 Those who know and play soccer understand the most balanced player on the pitch is usually the midfielder. He has to play both offense and defense equally well and must …

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  A shop full of orchids

  In Voices on Page S25 While the plants may appear at first glance too fragile to last long, it’s possible for orchids to grow virtually anywhere in the world, not only to just grow but …

• Vocal Point : Traffic flow under attack again

  In Voices on Page V2 Ah jeez, there goes the neighborhood! The one stretch of concrete jungle that I truly love is, once again, under attack. A commuter’s dream of a one-way westbound five-lane Sprague …

• letters

  In Voices on Page V2 ‘What Americans want to read’ Great article by Jennifer LaRue on the Colonial Day (Valley Voice, March 1) at Progress Elementary School.

• Accuracy watch

  In Voices on Page V2 For 03-08-2007

• Valley Voices

  In Voices on Page V3 Five people at Ziggy’s in Greenacres were asked the following question: When was the last time you talked to your neighbor and why? Jenny Barth: “This morning. I talk to …

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  Sprague Ave. makeover

  In Voices on Page V4 It was a scene ripped from the script of “Extreme Makeover” last week as experts laid out their plans to revitalize Sprague Avenue to Spokane Valley city officials. Designers called …

• Feature creature: Miss Kitty

  In Voices on Page V6 Miss Kitty was sent packing when a baby came home and showed signs of allergies. Miss Kitty was quite mature about it and handled the news well but she is …

• senior meals

  In Voices on Page V6 For the week of March 12-16 Monday – Veal with sour cream sauce over pasta, California-blend vegetables, peas, sourdough bread, tapioca pudding with Mandarin oranges.

• Council has growth decisions to make

  In Voices on Page V12 Growth is inevitable in Liberty Lake, but it’s up to elected leaders to decide how the city grows. Liberty Lake City Council’s planning commission would like growth to occur within …

• AAA Sweeping awarded street cleanup job

  In Voices on Page V13 At its meeting Tuesday the Spokane Valley City Council awarded AAA Sweeping a $473,687 contract to handle the city’s street sweeping this year, the latest step in a plan established …

• Liberty Lake Police Blotter

  In Voices on Page V13 The Liberty Lake police reports for the week of Feb. 26 included the following: There was one report of domestic violence last week, making the crime the most reported nontraffic …

• New Salvation Army donation center opens

  In Voices on Page V14 The Salvation Army has opened new donation centers in Spokane Valley and Coeur d’Alene. Both locations are in Fred Meyer store parking lots, 15609 E. Sprague Ave. in Spokane Valley …

• Somebody needs you

  In Voices on Page V14 The goal of Somebody Needs You is to match donors with the specific requests of needy Spokane residents. The list of requests is coordinated by the Volunteers of America in …

• volunteer

  In Voices on Page V15 For 03-08-2007

• West valley high school honor roll

  In Voices on Page V16 The following students have been named to the second quarter honor roll at West Valley High School. Seniors

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  Good Neighbors: ‘Right thing to do’

  In Voices on Page V18 Darla Andrews grew up in a close neighborhood and was delighted when her family moved back close to where she grew up. “I grew up across the baseball field from …

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  Making room for more families

  In Voices on Page V20 When Angie Barron brought her son, Skyyler, to Spokane for a new round of chemotherapy last month, the two of them had to stay in motels for a week because …

• Donated grenade detonated outside museum

  In Voices on Page V21 A well-meaning patron donated an antique hand grenade to the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum last week. So authentic was the device that a bomb squad feared it might be live …

• Commissioners oppose lifting truck ban

  In Voices on Page V21 Spokane County commissioners slammed the brakes Tuesday on a plan to route truck traffic through an Otis Orchards residential area for three years while a Spokane River bridge is replaced. …

• Centennial Middle School Honor Roll

  In Voices on Page V23 The following students have been named to the second quarter honor roll at Centennial Middle School. Sixth grade

• North Pines Middle School honor roll

  In Voices on Page V24 The following students have been named to the first trimester honor roll at North Pines Middle School. Sixth grade

• Benefit shoe event planned at MAC

  In Voices on Page V25 The Spokane Regional Solid Waste System and the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture are teaming up for a Nike Reuse-a-Shoe collection event. The collection is scheduled during Family Macfest, …

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  Boys soccer preview: NUMBERS GAME

  In Voices on Page V26 If it comes down to simple numbers, the Central Valley Bears are the hands-down winners. Turnout for the boys soccer season, which kicks off Friday and Saturday for most teams, …

• EVHS fundraising run March 17

  In Voices on Page V27 East Valley High School presents its 23rd annual Rapid Rabbit Run on March 17 at the school, 15711 E. Wellesley Ave. All proceeds benefit the East Valley senior all-nighter, a …

• youth

  In Voices on Page V27 For 03-08-2007