Stories for December 17, 2009

• Eagles rally, but lose

  In Sports Luke Babbitt scored 29 points and Brandon Fields hit a 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds left to lead Nevada over Eastern Washington 73-70 on Thursday night.

• Allred, Democrats form atypical alliance

  In Idaho BOISE – Perhaps the oddest thing about Keith Allred, the newly announced Democratic candidate for governor of Idaho, is that he’s not a Democrat. He’s not a Republican either.

• State curbs field trips for some mental patients

    In City A state psychiatric hospital review panel has found that Eastern State Hospital policies and procedures were out of date and its staff was not paying sufficient attention to safety issues … 1

• Appeals court backs judge’s decision on jury remarks

  In City A Spokane judge was correct to throw out a jury verdict in a medical malpractice case after he learned jurors had made racially derogatory comments about the Japanese heritage of … 1

• Man shot by police charged with assault

  In City A man shot by Spokane Valley police after answering his door armed with a revolver has been charged with two counts of second-degree assault. 3

• Man told police he killed for revenge in Mattawa homicides

  In Region A man accused of shooting three people to death in Mattawa Monday night told police he was angry at the men for raping a friend, according to court documents filed …

• Feds scramble to save Kootenai River sturgeon

  In Region As efforts falter to save North America’s largest freshwater fish — a toothless beast leftover from the days of dinosaurs — officials hope to stave off extinction by sending more …

• CdA, Bonner County police logs Dec. 15 and 16

    Click the “documents” tab above to download Bonner County and Coeur d’Alene law enforcement logs for Dec. 15 to 16, 2009.

• Rumsfeld buys Montana ranch south of Butte

  In Region Former U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and his wife have purchased a 940-acre ranch on the Big Hole River in Montana’s Madison County, his spokesman confirmed Thursday. 6

• Three killed in wrong-way crash at U.S. 2 and I-90

  In City, Idaho Three people were killed early today in a collision that occurred when a wrong-way vehicle collided with another vehicle on the eastbound on-ramp of U.S. Highway 2 onto Interstate 90. 9

• Milder weather continues into Monday

  In City, Idaho The Inland Northwest should see a break today in the wintry weather that’s gripped the region for nearly two weeks.

• $174 billion jobs bill clears House by a hair

  In Nation/World on Page A1 WASHINGTON – Democrats in the House on Wednesday muscled through a year-end plan to create jobs, mixing about $50 billion for public works projects with another almost $50 billion for … 4

• Federal budget allots $1.5 million to expand Turnbull refuge

    In City on Page A1 The Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge will receive $1.5 million to purchase nearly 500 additional acres of Eastern Washington’s Channeled Scablands. The federal appropriation will help preserve one of the world’s …

• Youth department, commission eyed for chopping block

  In City on Page A1 At least one Spokane City Council member would consider closing the city youth department and Chase Youth Commission to help balance next year’s budget. It’s an idea that the head … 6

• Many visitors are new to need

  In City on Page A1 Christmas Bureau volunteers say they’re hearing it over and over: Recipients are seeking help from the charity for the first time, often because a family member recently lost a job. …

• Pakistan said to be holding up US visas

  In Nation/World on Page A2 ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Pakistan has held up visas for U.S. diplomats, military service members and others, apparently because of hostility within the country toward the expansion of U.S. operations in …

• Roy E. Disney, major figure in uncle’s company, dies at 79

  In Nation/World on Page A2 LOS ANGELES – Roy E. Disney, the nephew of Walt Disney whose powerful behind-the-scenes influence on The Walt Disney Co. led to the departure of former chief Michael Eisner, has …

• Court ruling weakens hold of U.S.-backed president

  In Nation/World on Page A2 ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Pakistan’s top court struck down an amnesty Wednesday that had protected U.S.-allied President Asif Ali Zardari from corruption charges, setting the stage for political turmoil at a …

• Democrats court 60th vote

  In Nation/World on Page A3 WASHINGTON – Senate Republicans vowed Wednesday to use every available tactic to delay voting on the health care bill as Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., scrambled to unify Democrats in …

• U.S., Japan extend aid to developing nations

  In Nation/World on Page A3 COPENHAGEN, Denmark – As President Barack Obama prepared to visit the historic climate conference here, there were signs Wednesday of a break in the impasse between rich and developing nations. …

• Drug cartel kingpin killed in gunbattle

  In Nation/World on Page A3 CUERNAVACA, Mexico – Two hundred sailors raided an upscale apartment complex and killed one of Mexico’s top kingpins in a two-hour gunbattle Wednesday, one of the biggest victories yet in …

• Study calculates rise in sea level

  In Nation/World on Page A3 COPENHAGEN, Denmark – A new paper published online Wednesday in the journal Nature suggests that the world may face a long-term sea-level rise of 20 to 30 feet, even under …

• ’09 breaks record for journalist killings

  In Nation/World on Page A3 NEW YORK – The November massacre of 30 media workers in the Philippines made 2009 the deadliest year ever for journalists, according to a report by a press advocacy group. …

• World in brief: Test-fire prompts calls for sanctions

  In Nation/World on Page A3 Tehran, Iran – Iran on Wednesday test-fired an upgraded version of an advanced missile capable of hitting Israel and parts of Europe, an apparent show of strength aimed at discouraging …

• Cantwell bill targets banks

  In Nation/World on Page A4 WASHINGTON – Two senators, one from each party, called Wednesday for breaking up large financial firms that perform both commercial and investment banking, adding a wrinkle to already difficult talks … 2

• Lawmakers rush to make deadline

  In Nation/World on Page A4 WASHINGTON – The House voted Wednesday to pay for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and ensure the jobless don’t lose their benefits, spearheading a flurry of legislative activity as lawmakers …

• Nation in brief: First lady: Don’t forget older kids

  In Nation/World on Page A4 Stafford, Va. – First lady Michelle Obama is asking Americans who plan to donate to the Marines’ Toys for Tots program but haven’t yet to choose gifts for 11- to …

• Help wanted at raceway

  In City on Page A5 OLYMPIA – Spokane County is looking for a new racetrack operator who must have something the last operator did not: experience running a track. A request for qualifications to bid … 1

• Snow triggers harsh memories of 2008 records

      In City on Page A5 One year ago today, the storm began. The Inland Northwest was pummeled with record-breaking snows that disrupted routines for nearly two weeks. Gene Yoakum said he remembers the storm well. …

• Doug Clark: Test your boondoggle detection

  In City on Page A5 Hello and thanks for playing today’s quiz, “Know Your Boondoggle!” This is a fun way to test your knowledge of Spokane Raceway Park. You know, that racetrack out in Airway … 2

• Montana teens killed in I-90 crash

  In City on Page A6 A 16-year-old Great Falls girl killed in a double-fatal accident in Post Falls was on her way to Seattle for medical care in advance of a kidney transplant. Destiney S. …

• Salvation Army hears second clink of gold

  In City on Page A6 The gold just keeps flowing into Salvation Army kettles this season. Somebody dropped a 2 1/2-peso gold coin in bell-ringer Carolyn Roberts’ kettle at the Francis Avenue Fred Meyer store …

• Region in brief: Silent robber demands cash at Chase Bank

  In City on Page A6 Employees at Chase Bank, 822 W. Francis Ave., hit a silent alarm about 5 p.m. Wednesday after a man handed a teller a note demanding cash, according to the Spokane …

• FTC files suit against Intel

  In Business on Page A10 WASHINGTON – The Federal Trade Commission on Wednesday sued Intel Corp., accusing the computer chip giant of abusing its market dominance for a decade to stifle competition. The FTC alleged …

• Sticking with sale plans

  In Business on Page A10 NEW YORK – If you were hoping to find massive clearance sales as you finish up your holiday shopping, prepare to be disappointed. Major stores that had worried it would …

• Laredo’s last bookstore closing doors

  In Business on Page A10 LAREDO, Texas – The final chapter has been written for the lone bookstore on the streets of Laredo. With a population of nearly a quarter-million people, this city could soon …

• Business in brief: Federal Reserve signals interest rates will stay low

  In Business on Page A10 Washington – The Federal Reserve said Wednesday it would leave its benchmark interest rate at near zero, where it has been for the last 12 months, and keep it there …

• Washington records

  In City on Page A12 Spokane County Marriage licenses

• Idaho records

  In City on Page A12 For 12-17-2009

• Kathleen Parker: Attacks surprise ‘old feminist’

  In Opinion on Page A13 To a self-described “old feminist” such as Hadassah Lieberman, the recent blog-inspired attack against her – all related to husband Joe Lieberman’s obstruction of the Democrats’ health care agenda – …

• War hero has modeled a lifetime of graciousness

  In Opinion on Page A13 During tough times, it can seem as if obstacles are too daunting to ever overcome. Inspiration, in whatever form, is in great demand, so we applaud Idaho Gov. Butch Otter’s …

• Chiefs fall to Portland at home

    In Sports on Page B1 Rumor has it the Spokane Chiefs can beat the Portland Winterhawks, hard as that may be to believe with the way their three Western Hockey League games have unfolded at …

• M’s were sailing Leeward

  In Sports on Page B1 The first step in one of the biggest trades in Seattle Mariners history began with a phone call last July by M’s general manager Jack Zduriencik. He asked the Toronto …

• Bouldin hopes to play

  In Sports on Page B1 Gonzaga senior guard Matt Bouldin can’t say for certain he’ll play in Saturday’s college basketball showdown with No. 7 Duke at Madison Square Garden, but he’s optimistic he’ll be back …

• Sandpoint grad gets shot at FCS championship with Grizzlies

  In Sports on Page B1 Erik Stoll can definitely tell that the University of Montana football team is about to play its 15th game Friday. What helps the strong safety ignore the various bumps, bruises … 1

• Gold medalists coming to Arena

  In Sports on Page B1 Figure skating: All of the former U.S. Olympic gold medalists in figure skating will be in Spokane for the final performance of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, U.S. Figure Skating …

• Henry ‘battling for life’ after fall from truck

  In Sports on Page B2 CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry is “battling for his life” after falling out of the back of a pickup truck Wednesday during what police described as a …

• Government post

  In Sports on Page B2 Former NBA center Chris Dudley has formally announced he is running for Oregon governor. The 6-foot-11 Yale graduate told supporters Wednesday he wants to slow the growth of the state …

• Today’s Best

  In Sports on Page B2 Angie Bjorklund Former University High star scored team-high 19 points as No. 3 Tennessee routed Louisville 86-56.

• Scoreboard

  In Sports on Page B2 Basketball NBA

• In brief: Woods voted top athlete of the decade

  In Sports on Page B2 Even after a shocking sex scandal that tarnished Tiger Woods, it was tough to ignore what he achieved on the golf course. He won 64 times around the world, including …

• Newsmakers

  In Sports on Page B2 Investigating The University of South Florida has retained a person from outside the school to assist with an investigation of the accusation that football coach Jim Leavitt struck one of …

• As usual, Tri-State tourney loaded

  In Sports on Page B3 When returning state champions and finalists can be seeded no higher than fifth in their weight classes at an invitational wrestling tournament, you know which tournament it is. The 38th … 2

• NC slips past Mead

  In Sports on Page B3 North Central’s Jared Berlinger won an 11-2 major decision in the 119-pound class over Mead’s Caleb Erb in the final match of the meet to help the Indians rally for …

• MSU seeks dismissal of suit

  In Sports on Page B3 HELENA – Montana State University on Tuesday asked a District Court judge to dismiss former football coach Mike Kramer’s wrongful termination lawsuit against the university. MSU attorney Cal Stacey argued …

• Mustangs turn away Eagles

  In Sports on Page B3 Abby Bloetscher came off the bench to score a team-high 15 points and grab a game-high 11 rebounds to spark the Cal Poly Mustangs (5-3) to a 66-59 victory over …

• Eastern may end up with different FBS foe

  In Sports on Page B3 Oregon State’s decision to drop Eastern Washington University from its 2010 college football schedule will probably not adversely affect the budget of EWU’s cash-strapped athletic department, according to Eagles athletics …

• Mora gets down and dirty with line

  In Sports on Page B3 RENTON, Wash. – For now, the Seahawks will hope a shuffle on the offensive line can help turn things around for a struggling offense. The long-term solution? Bring on some …

• Today’s menu

  In Sports on Page B4 For 12-17-2009

• On the air

  In Sports on Page B4 For 12-17-2009

• Jones’ on-court growth isn’t over

  In Sports on Page B5 Cheney three-sport senior standout DeAngelo Jones figures he has a lot of growing left to do – physically and figuratively. He’s 6-foot-2. His brother, Griffon, a starter for the Community …

• Turning a new page for the preps

  In Sports on Page B5 Today marks a symbolic passing of the baton. My friend and co-worker Mike Vlahovich, whose mug has adorned the left side of our combined Washington/North Idaho Prep Page the past …

• GNL Preview Basketball

  In Sports on Page B5 Outlook League play begins in early January. The top six boys and girls teams advance to district and the top three from there – one more than last year – …

• I’ve had as much fun as athletes

  In Sports on Page B5 Recently discharged from the Army following a tour in Vietnam and just back from a trip with my brother to the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, I typed my first … 6

• ‘Nuncrackers’ brings winter to CdA stage

  In Features on Page C1 Please ignore the word “summer” in Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre – the region’s best-known professional summer theater is branching out into winter. For the first time, the CdA Summer Theatre …

• The Slice: The best of us get our ‘merds wixed’

  In Features on Page C1 Slice readers told about moments of misspeaking that lived on as family favorites. “When our now 7-year-old daughter, Bailey, was 2, she said ‘huggleberries’ instead of ‘huckleberries,’ ” wrote Gwendolyn …

• Ballet Memphis joins Symphony for ‘The Nutcracker’

  In Features on Page C1 For the second straight year, Spokane audiences will see a new version of an old holiday favorite: “The Nutcracker.” Ballet Memphis will be the Spokane Symphony’s new dance partner for …

• ABBA’s on, but KISS off

  In Features on Page C2 ABBA is dancing its way into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, along with Genesis, Jimmy Cliff, The Hollies and The Stooges. But tongue-wagging, makeup-loving KISS didn’t make the …

• Try to sweet-talk sour mom-in-law

  In Features on Page C2 Dear Annie: My husband, “Kevin,” and I have been together 25 years. Our relationship is as wonderful today as on our first date. My mother-in-law, however, hates me. She says …

• Horoscope

  In Features on Page C2 For 12-17-2009

• Test indicates UTI that requires treatment

  In Features on Page C3 DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 78-year-old woman who reads your column every day. I now have a question for you. I had a urine test and got the report … 1

• Gallery listings

  In Features on Page C3 Galleries with new exhibits and/or receptions are indicated with a . For complete listings, see www.spokane7.com. Please send information about upcoming exhibits to features@spokesman.com.

• Paradosi Christian Ballet presents ‘Christmas Story’

  In Features on Page C5 “The Nutcracker” isn’t the only seasonal dance production in town this weekend. Paradosi Christian Ballet Company from the Seattle-Tacoma area will present “Commissioned: A Christmas Story” on Friday and Saturday …

• Stage Listings

  In Features on Page C5 Events of particular interest are marked with a . For complete listings, see www.spokane7.com.

• Arts Calendar

  In Features on Page C5 Auditions “Steel Magnolias”– Spokane Civic Theatre, Jan. 4-5, 6:30 p.m., Firth J. Chew Studio Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St. Auditioners will be expected to read cold from the script. (509) …

• Hillyard outlines its future

  In Washington Voices on Page N1 It was darn cold outside and fairly chilly inside the Masonic Temple on North Market Street Saturday morning, but that didn’t deter about 30 people from showing up for a …

• Spokane fencing club draws young and old

  In Washington Voices on Page N1 A visit to the Spokane Fencers Unlimited facility in north Spokane can feel like a trip back in time. A journey to an era of swashbuckling pirates before Johnny Depp, …

• Tree lights, once fixed, spark past

  In Washington Voices on Page N1 Here I am decorating our Christmas tree, and things aren’t going well. I’m the official dresser of the tree at our house. Bruce and I tried to do it together …

• Veterans cemetery building burglarized

  In Washington Voices on Page N2 The Eastern Washington State Veterans Cemetery, under construction at 21702 W. Espanola Road, was burglarized over the weekend. Sgt. Dave Reagan of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said two Patron-brand …

• New job weaves her skills together

  In Washington Voices on Page N6 When Kathleen Cubley decided it was time for a career change, her plan was simple: move back to her hometown of Spokane and enroll at Eastern Washington University to get …

• Book fairies pay visit to elementary school

  In Washington Voices on Page N6 Whitworth University education students, dressed as “book fairies,” surprised the children at Whitman Elementary School last Thursday and read stories to them as part of a community outreach project. According …

• Oreo

  In Washington Voices on Page N8 Oreo is an excellent boy. He would make a terrific first-time dog and a great family dog. He scored wonderfully on his temperament testing, he knows sit and lay down, …

• Volunteer

  In Washington Voices on Page N8 For 12-17-2009

• New lampposts stay dark for the holidays

  In Washington Voices on Page N9 As part of the Market Street revitalization project, 92 light poles were installed on new sidewalks. These decorative, black light poles have outlets for holiday lights and holders for seasonal … 1

• Senior activities

  In Washington Voices on Page N9 For 12-17-2009

• Medical Lake to vote on school bond

  In Washington Voices on Page S1 Voters in the Medical Lake School District will decide in February whether to approve a 20-year, $15.6 million bond that would add classrooms and other improvements to two schools and …

• Choir sets stage for kids’ artistic, personal growth

  In Washington Voices on Page S1 On Dec. 9, the lobby of the Davenport Hotel bustled with arriving guests and the mezzanine overflowed with visitors enjoying a Christmas tree display. Suddenly, in the midst of the …

• Wintry chills or snowy thrills, Dec. 25 forecast still a tossup

  In Washington Voices on Page S2 It’s almost hard to believe that one year ago, Spokane received 12.5 inches of new snow. This was the beginning of the heavy snow pattern that eventually dumped 61.5 inches …

• Letters

  In Washington Voices on Page S2 Thank you for aid for Kenyan boy Thank you, Spokane, for your wonderful support for Kevin Wafula, the Kenyan lad with the burned face reported in the Dec. 3 Spokesman-Review …

• Bejjani finds art, beauty everywhere

  In Washington Voices on Page S4 Collista Bejjani sees art wherever she goes. “The woman in the yellow dress sitting on the red bench at the bus stop, the white tree next to the white church, …

• Churches plan special events

  In Washington Voices on Page S4 Latah Valley Presbyterian Church, 202 E. Meadow Lane Road, will present a live Nativity Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. The event will include actors playing the parts of Mary, …

• Almanac’s weather forecasts correct 80 percent of time

  In Washington Voices on Page S4 As I write this, heavy snow is expected on the Palouse. Even so, the professional meteorologists have predicted a drier winter than the last two. But then, they didn’t predict …

• Senior meals

  In Washington Voices on Page S5 For the week of Dec. 21-25 Monday – Option 1: Salmon loaf with dill sauce, mashed potatoes, orange-glazed carrots, biscuit, fruit. Option 2: Beef stew, orange-glazed carrots, biscuit, fruit.

• Millwood church hosts food bank monthly

    In Washington Voices on Page V1 Millwood Presbyterian Church is no stranger to food. The church hosts a weekly farmers market that takes food stamps and the Rev. Craig Goodwin has a blog focused on food …

• Planning positions filled

  In Washington Voices on Page V1 Outgoing Spokane Valley Mayor Rich Munson reappointed three Planning Commission members and named a new one Tuesday. Munson said state law required the appointments to be made before the end …

• CV could be forced to cut another $3 million

  In Washington Voices on Page V1 Things are not looking bright at Central Valley, board members learned during Monday’s meeting. The school district stands to lose $3.4 million if Gov. Chris Gregoire’s proposed budget goes through, …

• Accuracy watch

  In Washington Voices on Page V2 For 12-17-2009

• Family calendar

  In Washington Voices on Page V4 Today “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” - Spokane Civic Theatre, Main Stage, 1020 N. Howard St. 7:30 p.m. $16/adults; $14/seniors; $10/students; $5/student rush (available 20 minutes before a performance; not …

• Thieves bedevil two Valley firms

  In Washington Voices on Page V8 A pair of Spokane Valley businesses fell prey to burglars over the weekend, and investigators are seeking help from the public to provide them leads. The owners of Spring Crest … 1

• Liberty Lake police, staff awards, honors handed out

  In Washington Voices on Page V9 The Liberty Lake City Council wrapped up the year with a short, feel-good meeting as achievement awards were given to police officers and city staff as only four of seven …

• Vacations boost productivity

  In Letters In her statement of “concern about the extra vacation” to the Spokesman’s Jonathan Brunt, Spokane City Councilwoman Nancy McLaughlin could not possibly have meant our police officers’ “productivity level is …

• Met mailings may be missed

  In Letters I am writing this as a public notice to fellow victims of Metropolitan Mortgage. The creditors’ trust has been working on getting whatever funds they can to distribute to us. …

• Women’s rights targeted

  In Letters “Put pregnancy prevention first” (Letters, Dec. 15) brought up a good point: that pregnancy prevention should be emphasized more in order to prevent abortions. However, there are some interesting dynamics …

• Call off drone attacks

  In Letters Drone missile attacks are notorious for killing civilians and fueling anti-American sentiments (“Drone attacks may broaden in Pakistan,” Dec. 5). Such indiscriminate slaughters are war crimes that the Obama administration …

• Exporting consumer dollars

  In Letters Appliance stimulus package coming soon! Anyone out there buy an appliance recently? You will have a hard time finding one made in the USA.