Stories for October 1, 2009

• Saturn demise caught Spokane dealer by surprise

  In Business Saturn of Spokane General Manager John Agost said dealers were so confident a proposed sale to Roger Penske was imminent that many were scheduling meetings with their new boss for … 1

• FBI releases video of bank robber

  In News The FBI released a video Thursday showing the robbery that took place at a northeast Spokane bank Tuesday.

• Districts keep flu sufferers connected with schoolwork

  In City Inland Northwest students who think coming down with the swine flu means a break from homework – think again.

• Idaho man illegally shot at wolf pack from sky

  In Idaho, Region BOISE — A shotgun-wielding motorized parachutist fired on a pack of wolves earlier this year from the eastern Idaho sky, something forbidden even under a state permit that allows aerial … 3

• Montana AG launches probe of jail deal

  In Region Montana’s attorney general launched an investigation Thursday into a California company that wants to take over an empty jail in the rural city of Hardin, following revelations that the company’s … 2

• Kootenai Co. deputies shoot pug snarling I-90 traffic

  In Idaho Sheriff’s deputies say they were forced to shoot a pug on Interstate 90 after they were unable to catch the dog during rush hour traffic. 12

• Fair attendance drops, but gate revenue up

  In City Attendance at this year’s Spokane County Interstate Fair was down six percent from last year, but revenue was up, fair officials reported Thursday. 2

• Manufacturing, employment reports pound stocks

  In Business, Nation/World Stocks began the fourth quarter with their worst drop in three months after reports on the job market and manufacturing reawakened investors’ pessimism about the economy. 1

• Parent company relocating United Coatings

  In Business Add United Coatings to the list of Spokane-area companies being relocated elsewhere.

• Idaho high court sides with Hanks in home lawsuit

  The Idaho Supreme Court says Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson can take the contractor of their high-end Sun Valley home back to arbitration over claims of shoddy workmanship.

• New jobless claims rise; Americans’ spending jumps

  In Business, Nation/World First-time claims for jobless benefits increased more than expected last week, a sign employers are reluctant to hire and the job market remains weak.

• Moses Lake man convicted in deputy’s shooting

  In Region EPHRATA — A jury has convicted a Moses Lake man of second-degree assault for wounding an off-duty Grant County sheriff’s deputy when he was hunting coyotes near Soap Lake.

• Increasing clouds foreshadow coming rain

  In City, Idaho Cool weather today with increasing clouds this afternoon will be the prelude to increasing chances of rain and showers, and the possibility of snow in the higher mountains through Saturday …

• Flags lowered for Bellevue soldier

  In City Gov. Chris Gregoire has ordered that flags at state agencies be flown at half-staff on Thursday in memory of a Bellevue soldier killed in Afghanistan.

• Hospitals set visitor rules

  In City on Page A1 Two of the Inland Northwest’s top hospitals are restricting visiting in high-risk treatment areas starting today to stem the potential spread of swine flu. At Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, …

• Drug deaths rise; auto deaths fall

  In Nation/World on Page A1 ATLANTA – In 16 states and counting, drugs now kill more people than auto accidents, the government said Wednesday. Experts said the startling shift reflects two opposite trends: Driving is … 2

• NAACP leader urges action against racism

  In City on Page A1 Spokane Mayor Mary Verner quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and spoke of the city’s “long history” of standing against crimes based on race at a news conference Wednesday. City … 10

• Gun control case to get court’s ear

  In Nation/World on Page A1 WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court set up a historic decision on gun control Wednesday, saying it will rule whether restrictive state and local laws violate the Second Amendment right to …

• WIC now covers fruit, vegetables

  In Nation/World on Page A2 Beginning today, women and children who receive food vouchers through the federal government’s WIC program will be able to use them to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. “It’s a really …

• Strong quake hits Indonesia

  In Nation/World on Page A3 PADANG, Indonesia – A powerful earthquake that struck western Indonesia trapped thousands of people under collapsed buildings – including hospitals, a hotel and a classroom, officials said. At least 200 …

• Aid on the way to Samoa islands; at least 120 dead

    In Nation/World on Page A3 APIA, Samoa – Police searched a ghastly landscape of mud-strewn streets, pulverized homes and bodies scattered in a swamp Wednesday as dazed survivors emerged from the muck and mire of …

• Obama, advisers discuss Afghan war

  In Nation/World on Page A3 WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama summoned his war council to the White House Situation Room on Wednesday for an intense, three-hour discussion that exposed emerging fault lines over Afghanistan – …

• World in brief: Deal exchanges prisoners for video

  In Nation/World on Page A3 Jerusalem – In a surprise deal announced Wednesday, Hamas will give Israel a videotape providing a first glimpse of a captured Israeli soldier to prove he is alive in return …

• Health bill survives latest attacks

  In Nation/World on Page A4 WASHINGTON – A White House-backed overhaul of the nation’s health care system weathered repeated challenges from Republican critics over taxes, abortion and more on Wednesday, and the bill’s architect claimed … 1

• Census dispels notion about ‘opt-out’ moms

  In Nation/World on Page A4 WASHINGTON – The first national snapshot of married women who stay home to raise their children shows that the popular obsession with high-achieving professional mothers sidelining careers for family life …

• EPA unveils climate change proposal

  In Nation/World on Page A4 WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday unveiled a detailed proposal for using the government’s regulatory powers to curb greenhouse gas emissions – reassuring foreign allies on the U.S. …

• Nation in brief: Senators fail to kill C-17 plane funding

  In Nation/World on Page A4 Washington – The Senate on Wednesday shot down an effort to kill funding for Boeing C-17 military cargo planes that President Barack Obama says are not needed, underscoring the turbulence …

• Developer’s case probed

  In City on Page A7 A massive investigation into a suspected drug and stolen property ring has led to allegations of a methamphetamine- and sex-fueled criminal enterprise operated by a once-prominent Spokane land developer. The … 4

• Second Harvest lands one sweet donation

  In City on Page A7 Second Harvest Inland Northwest, the region’s largest food distribution center, received 15 tons of sweet corn from a Moses Lake farm Wednesday. The donation from Hirai Farms through its charitable …

• Dougbench not a victim of crime – yet

  In City on Page A7 A proud Spokanite, Larry Jess wanted to show off the finer points of his hometown to his visiting friend, Tony Scodwell. So one summer day, Jess took the Las Vegas … 1

• Region in brief: Police describe pharmacy robber

  In City on Page A7 Post Falls police are searching for a man who robbed a Walgreens pharmacy Wednesday. The man walked into the store at 706 E. Saltese Way about 5:30 p.m. and gave …

• Ruling hits state budget

  In City on Page A8 OLYMPIA – More bad news for the state budget: A lawsuit the state lost recently over a portion of the business and occupation tax could cut another $237 million out …

• EPA studying dangers near old Zonolite factory

  In Idaho on Page A8 Respirator-wearing technicians from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency were back testing for asbestos this week near W.R. Grace’s former Zonolite factory in Spokane. During soil testing in June, the agency … 1

• Weather agency opens to public

  In City on Page A8 Weather geeks and would-be meteorologists will be in heaven Saturday. The Spokane office of the National Weather Service plans to hold an open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. …

• MIA’s body returns home

  In City on Page A9 BOISE – Passengers on the United Airlines flight from Denver to Boise on Tuesday afternoon refrained from the typical chaos of getting off a long flight and instead sat quietly … 1

• WSU wins grant for specialty crop research

  In City on Page A9 YAKIMA – The effects of pests, drought and disease on hop and mint plants – and how those stresses influence the taste of beer and gum – will be the …

• Region in brief: Web cameras will show pass in dark

  In City on Page A9 YAKIMA – The Transportation Department said drivers can take a look at conditions on Snoqualmie Pass 24 hours a day thanks to eight new low-light cameras. The infrared illuminators provide …

• Boat likely lost rudder, report finds

  In City on Page A10 WASHINGTON – A fishing boat that sank off the Alaska coast last year most likely lost its rudder, then flooded and went down, killing five crew members, federal safety officials …

• Kelso woman sews caps for soldiers

  In City on Page A10 KELSO, Wash. – Carol Hughart’s Kelso home is full of items you’d expect a 71-year-old sewing enthusiast would make: place mats and potholders. Colorful curtains. Heavy-duty aprons of all sizes. …

• Deputy returns to work after accidental shooting

  In City on Page A10 BOISE – A Gooding County Sheriff’s deputy shot accidentally by another deputy at his home is back at work after four weeks recuperation. Deputy Jeremy Smith, who returned to work …

• Eviction of homeless camp ends with arrests

  In City on Page A10 SEATTLE – A dozen people were arrested as Port of Seattle police evicted the homeless camp known as Nickelsville from Port of Seattle property. The homeless camp was set up …

• Region in brief: Lake Cocolalla water level proposed

  In City on Page A10 The Idaho Water Resource Board is applying for a water right to establish a minimum water level for Lake Cocolalla. A lake level of 2,207.77 feet in elevation would preserve …

• Small quake near Shelton

  In City on Page A10 SHELTON, Wash. – The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network said a minor earthquake with a magnitude of 3.4 was reported Wednesday night about six miles west-southwest of Shelton, Wash. The quake …

• Snow dampens Yellowstone fire

  In City on Page A11 YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. – Fire crews packed up and left Yellowstone National Park on Wednesday as snow dampened a wildfire that kept them busy for several days. Rain and …

• Idaho records

  In City on Page A11 For 10-01-2009

• Washington records

  In City on Page A11 Spokane County Marriage licenses

• Bank takes Legacy Ridge

  In Business on Page A12 Coeur d’Alene businessman Marshall Chesrown has turned the Legacy Ridge development in Liberty Lake over to AmericanWest Bank. New deeds on the properties were filed last week in lieu of … 4

• New commercials place products into storylines

  In Business on Page A12 LOS ANGELES – In television’s latest quest to discourage viewers from skipping ads, actors from NBC and ABC shows are appearing in character in commercials to interact with products in …

• Service gives tenant control

  In City on Page A12 A Web-based background screening company in Seattle unveils a new “portable” tenant screening report today that was designed with the help of low-income housing advocates in Spokane. Moco Inc. Vice …

• Sims touts ambitious HUD goal

  In Business on Page A12 Ron Sims, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, told state and local housing officials Wednesday the Obama administration will coordinate housing, transportation, environmental and health …

• Business in brief: Saturn deal collapses; automaker to shut down

  In Business on Page A12 Detroit – General Motors Co. will shut down Saturn now that a deal with former race car driver and auto dealer magnate Roger Penske has collapsed, marking the end of …

• Kathleen Parker: Here’s hoping words work

  In Opinion on Page A15 In keeping with his campaign promise to talk to America’s enemies without precondition, Barack Obama plans to turn his charms on Burma’s military junta. Slowly, we’re beginning to understand what …

• Editorial: Age limit for justices could use a review

  In Opinion on Page A15 Three years ago, Chief Justice Gerry Alexander ran for a state Supreme Court term he knew he couldn’t complete, thanks to Washington’s mandatory retirement age for judges. His richly funded …

• Spokane area produces unusual crop at WSU

  In Sports on Page B1 PULLMAN – There have been many years when you could peruse the Washington State University football roster and rarely see a player from the Inland Northwest. One, maybe two, seemed …

• Clot ends Johnson’s season

  In Sports on Page B1 The blood clot that forced Eastern Washington University’s Zach Johnson into the unfamiliar role of sideline spectator this fall officially put an end to his 2009 football season earlier this …

• Instant brew ruins perks of good tales

  In Outdoors on Page B1 Tuesday might steep in infamy as the day the tradition of camp coffee died. Starbucks, after nearly 20 years of research, has debuted a decent-tasting instant cuppa joe.

• Spokane’s ‘Mr. Soccer’ dies

  In Sports on Page B1 Cor van der Meer, the founder and former longtime coach of the men’s and women’s soccer programs at Community Colleges of Spokane and one of the sport’s best-known regional personalities, …

• Sports in brief: Redmon, Walter choose Gonzaga

  In Sports on Page B1 Women’s basketball: Mead High School senior Jazmine Redmon, a three-sport All-Greater Spokane League athlete, will limit her focus to one sport in the future – basketball at Gonzaga. Redmon, along …

• Vobora: He’s not at fault

  In Sports on Page B2 ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Rams linebacker and former University of Idaho player David Vobora, who was suspended for four games for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances …

• Seaver-esque display

  In Sports on Page B2 Ricky Nolasco struck out nine straight Atlanta Braves and set a Marlins record with 16 strikeouts – the most by a major league pitcher in more than two years – …

• Newsmakers

  In Sports on Page B2 Signed The Los Angeles Lakers have signed free-agent and former Washington State guard Thomas Kelati to a non-guaranteed contract. Kelati spent last season playing for Unicaja in Spain, where he …

• Sports in brief: Vick back in the fold with Nike

  In Sports on Page B2 NFL: Michael Vick is back with Nike two years after the company severed ties over the quarterback’s involvement in a dogfighting ring. “Mike has a long-standing, great relationship with Nike, …

• Today’s Best

  In Sports on Page B2 Brandon Morrow Threw a one-hitter over eight innings in the Seattle Mariners’ 7-0 victory over Oakland.

• Scoreboard

  In Sports on Page B2 Baseball American League

• Vandals finally come home

  In Sports on Page B3 The University of Idaho has played volleyball matches close to home (Pullman), fairly close to home (Cheney) and all over the West (California, Las Vegas, Hawaii). On Saturday, already 14 …

• Seattle stars still out

  In Sports on Page B3 RENTON, Wash. – The Seattle Seahawks will most likely be without two key pieces of their offense when they face the Indianapolis Colts Sunday. Matt Hasselbeck, who missed last week’s …

• Sasquatch women tie

  In Sports on Page B3 Kaylee Kelly took a pass from Mallory Mott and scored in the 66th minute to help the Community Colleges of Spokane Sasquatch women (3-1-2, 3-0-1) earn a 1-1 tie with …

• WSU’s Watson hits head

  In Sports on Page B3 PULLMAN – Washington State University basketball player James Watson was taken to Pullman Regional Medical Center on Wednesday afternoon in a precautionary measure after hitting his head on the floor …

• Pac-10 picks

  In Sports on Page B3 I would have lost the house, the car and quite possibly the dog last week. It wasn’t good. Luckily, it’s not real.

• Morrow hurls gem

  In Sports on Page B4 SEATTLE – Ken Griffey Jr. hit a three-run homer and Brandon Morrow allowed one hit over eight impressive innings, sending the Seattle Mariners to a 7-0 victory over the Oakland …

• Williams gives Wildcats big treat

  In Sports on Page B5 When the Williams clan moved north from California to develop a regional ice cream distributorship, it would one day become a sweet deal for Mt. Spokane football. Some two decades …

• Prep roundup: Tigers knock Wildcats from unbeaten ranks

  In Sports on Page B5 Sarah Barrentine and Annie Pokorny scored goals 11 minutes apart in the second half to guide the host Lewis and Clark Tigers to a 2-1 victory over the Mt. Spokane …

• Idaho preps: Playoff chase begins in earnest

  In Sports on Page B5 Ah, there’s a chance for rain Friday, and the evening temperature should be about 20 degrees colder than a week ago. It can only mean one thing – high school …

• Washington preps: Sankey shouldn’t have to sit

  In Sports on Page B5 Gonzaga Prep junior back Bishop Sankey has rushed for more than 200 yards in each of four football games this season. Sankey must sit out Friday against Rogers after being …

• On the Air

  In Sports on Page B6 For 10-01-2009

• Today’s menu

  In Sports on Page B6 For 10-01-2009

• Key word is ‘free’ at Visual Arts Tour

  In Features on Page C1 Spokane’s semiannual Visual Arts Tours are always lively, boisterous events, filling the streets and galleries of downtown and beyond. And this fall’s version, on Friday evening (continuing Saturday in many …

• The Slice: Luckily, he rarely needs a napkin

  In Features on Page C1 Steve Victor can’t bring himself to toss the sweet notes and drawings his wife, Ellen, puts in his lunch. So now he has hundreds of them stored in plastic bags.

• McManus, Behrens reunite

  In Features on Page C1 After 1,200 performances over 16 years, the Patrick J. McManus-Tim Behrens partnership has proven to be popular and enduring. Now this comic collaboration begins a new stage with “Poor Again …

• It’s Kate plus eight minus Jon

  In Features on Page C2 “Jon & Kate Plus 8” will soon be simply “Kate Plus Eight.” That’s the word from TLC, whose hit reality show is adapting to the split-up of Jon and Kate …

• Need not replace lost wedding gift

  In Features on Page C2 Dear Annie: I attended a wedding dinner at an upscale hotel. A table just outside the dining room was set up for wedding gifts. I left my present on that … 1

• Horoscope

  In Features on Page C2 For 10-01-2009

• 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.

• Fall Visual Arts Tour

  In Features on Page C3 Receptions run Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., unless otherwise indicated; some continue Saturday. 1900/Gestalt Studio - “Celestial Moons and Comfortable Places,” ceramic sculpture by Collista Bejjani. Music by Dean …

• INCF names recipients of academic scholarships

  In Features on Page C5 The Inland Northwest Community Foundation, 618 W. Riverside Ave., announced scholarship winners for the 2009-2010 academic year. Students are listed by their schools. High Schools

• Dr. Gott: Protect against flu; sign up for vaccination

  In Features on Page C7 DEAR DR. GOTT: I hear repeated announcements on television that the flu vaccine this year will be in short supply. I’m 78 years old and wonder how serious it will …

• Stage Listings

  In Features on Page C7 Music UI Wind Ensemble - Today, 7:30 p.m., University of Idaho auditorium, 851 Campus Drive, Moscow, Idaho. $5/adults, $3/seniors and students. (208) 885-6231

• Arts Calendar

  In Features on Page C7 Auditions “Babes in Toyland” – Spokane Children’s Theatre, Sunday, 2 p.m., and Monday, 6 p.m., St. Aloysius Catholic School, 611 E. Mission Ave. Needed: at least 20 boys, girls, men …

• Spokane County – hear our shouts

  In Washington Voices on Page N2 Though I usually use this column to keep you informed about upcoming events and activities or business news in the Elk-Chattaroy area, today I am going to recap some happenings …

• Slaughter of horses leaves lasting mark

  In Washington Voices on Page N4 What many people consider one of the most brutal, inexplicable and traumatic acts in the mid-1800s war between the U.S. government and Native Americans of the Inland Northwest wasn’t about … 2

• Author finds laughs are best medicine

  In Washington Voices on Page N6 Local author and speaker Deanna Davis was having one of those days. Her baby had spiked a fever and had all the symptoms of a nasty ear infection. Then her …

• Somebody needs you

  In Washington Voices on Page N8 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 …

• Mead district offers free vaccinations

  In Washington Voices on Page N9 The Mead School District is taking extra precautions to keep students up-to-date on their vaccinations. The Spokane Regional Health District Clinic is offering a free immunization clinic for all Mead …

• In brief: Aquatic center art on Friday’s tour

  In Washington Voices on Page N10 SPOKANE – The Spokane Visual Arts Tour will be Friday, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Spokane Arts Commission is inviting the community to view four of the six new …

• Church plans dance

  In Washington Voices on Page N11 The Open and Affirming Committee at Westminster Congregational United Church of Christ, 411 S. Washington St., will hold a gay/straight dance Saturday at 8 p.m. The band Too Many Men …

• In brief: Free dump passes available to residents

  In Washington Voices on Page N11 CHIEF GARRY PARK – Chief Garry Park Neighborhood is offering free dump passes to neighborhood residents next Thursday and Oct. 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Cassano’s, 2002 E. …

• A way with words

  In Washington Voices on Page N12 Tom Davis is a man of words. He colors paper with rhyme and reason and scenes of the modern world. While his poetry lacks much mention of butterflies and bunny …

• Choosing green path to jobs

  In Washington Voices on Page S1 Summer jobs are hard to come by for young teens. Paper routes are scarce and often taken by adults with cars. Fast-food restaurants don’t hire anyone under 16, and day …

• Still fiddling, just for fun of it

  In Washington Voices on Page S1 The first thing Marge McFaul, 84, will say about her fiddling skills is that she’s the least of the gifted. True, she has won her share of trophies at Idaho’s …

• Pair were switched at birth

  In Washington Voices on Page S1 Some say life is stranger than fiction, but until last winter, Peone Prairie resident DeeAnn Angell Shafer, 56, felt her life was happily ordinary. Then she learned her life had …

• Memories deepen with sons’ voices

  In Washington Voices on Page S1 Last week I woke to the sound of men’s voices in my kitchen. I checked the clock and sat up abruptly. My husband had already left for work. Who could … 1

• Author’s niche feeds cat-lovers

  In Washington Voices on Page S2 Dogs may be man’s best friend, but according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, cats outnumber dogs by nearly 10 million among the pet-owning public. With an estimated 90 million …

• If you go

  In Washington Voices on Page S6 What: Deanna Davis presents “Womanhood: the Divine Comedy” Blue Flip Flop Tour When: Oct. 9, 7 p.m.

• In brief: Youth commission forum on Oct. 13

  In Washington Voices on Page S8 SPOKANE COUNTY – The Chase Youth Commission will host the Youth Issues Candidates Forum on Oct. 13 in the Spokane City Council Chambers at City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls …

• Ombudsman program needs volunteers

  In Washington Voices on Page S11 More than 6,000 people live in assisted living communities, nursing homes or adult family homes in the Inland Northwest and Linda Petrie, who’s the regional long-term care ombudsman, is running …

• Sunflowers perfect for displays, great treat for birds, bees

  In Washington Voices on Page S12 Late summer into early fall is sunflower season. Outside my office window the birds spend this time of year feasting on sunflower seeds, not only from the feeders but also …

• Council candidates Munson, McCaslin share views

    In Washington Voices on Page V1 Here is the first in a series of reports in which Spokane Valley City Council candidates address issues in their own words. All the candidates were asked the same questions. …

• EV district takes fresh approach to lunch

  In Washington Voices on Page V1 Call it corn shucking or corn husking, the group of eager fifth-graders at East Farms Elementary needed only 10 minutes to make 100 ears of fresh corn bare and prepped …

• City, county tense over contracts

  In Washington Voices on Page V1 A harsh exchange Tuesday revealed that Spokane Valley’s contracts for county service are in more peril than previously acknowledged. County Commissioner Mark Richard said after Tuesday’s City Council meeting that … 1

• Family calendar

  In Washington Voices on Page V2 Ongoing Riverfront Park Pavilion Attractions – The Looff Carrousel and Spokane Falls Skyride operate daily 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and until 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Tour Train runs weekends only …

• Letters

  In Washington Voices on Page V2 City needs ‘new guards’ on council I supported creation of Spokane Valley to provide local control and better services for the same cost – not to revert Sprague to two-way, …

• Hired guard sees man remove campaign sign

  In Washington Voices on Page V8 Spokane Valley City Council candidate Dean Grafos got tired of having his campaign signs at 16th Avenue and Dishman-Mica Road disappear, so he hired a security guard to hide in …

• Cheney mulls school bond

  In Washington Voices on Page W1 The board of directors of Cheney Public Schools may decide in November to put a $79 million bond in front of voters as early as February to build two new …

• Free snacks, classes offered

  In Washington Voices on Page W1 Students at Cheney Middle School now have the opportunity to get free snacks and sandwiches as part of the new Kids Café. Presented through a partnership between Second Harvest Food …

• Latah Presbyterian to show off church

  In Washington Voices on Page W1 It looks more like a campground or a park, but hidden behind the trees in Latah Valley is a new church. Latah Valley Presbyterian Church, 202 E. Meadow Lane Road, …

• Warm September caps above-average summer

  In Washington Voices on Page W2 Few will argue that September was one of the most beautiful and pleasant late summer and early fall periods we’ve ever seen. As of Tuesday, prior to the big cool-down, …

• senior meals

  In Washington Voices on Page W2 For the week of Oct. 5-9 Monday – Option 1: Orange chicken, vegetable chow mein, steamed rice, dinner roll, mandarin oranges. Option 2: Bean soup, ham sandwich, vegetables, mandarin oranges.

• Sunset earns $25,000 grant

  In Washington Voices on Page W3 Students and teachers at Airway Heights’ Sunset Elementary School, 12824 W. 12th Street, will have some decisions to make soon. The school has received the Apple Award Achievement Grant from …

• Enrollment holds steady at Freeman, Liberty

  In Washington Voices on Page W3 The number of students enrolled at the Freeman and Liberty School districts is holding remarkably steady. Student numbers are crucial to districts. The state pays $5,000 for each full-time student, …

• Our health system beats others

  In Letters This morning I accompanied my wife to her appointment with the imaging center for some tests. I learned the tests would be done about two hours apart. “Drat! This is …

• Facts add to debate

  In Letters We have many choices in the USA! We can choose to be informed or uninformed about health care. It is fun to be uninformed. We can scream, brandish clenched fists, …

• Early stand favors Fagan

  In Letters Envision Spokane/Proposition 4 just might be the worst, most destructive idea ever to grace a ballot in the city of Spokane’s 128-year history. I thought it would be a good …