Stories for October 2, 2009

• Self-taught teen pilot may to be blame for stolen Cessna

  In City, Idaho A teen who authorities think taught himself how to fly may be responsible for the theft of a pricey private plane from the Boundary County Airport this week. A logger … 5

• N. Idaho woman mistakes own hearing aid for candy

  In Idaho Here’s a cautionary tale for those tempted to dip into the Halloween candy early. 3

• Field trip violated hospital policies, report says

    In City Eastern State Hospital staff members escorting a field trip to the Spokane County Interstate Fair asked administrators two times to call 911 when Phillip A. Paul escaped from the group … 4

• First North Idaho wolf kill reported

  In City, Idaho A wolf was shot in the Marble Creek area of the St. Joe River drainage Thursday during the opening day of wolf season in the Idaho Panhandle. 6

• Former director of UI research center to retire

  In Idaho Gary Maki, the former director of the University of Idaho’s Center for Advanced Microelectronics and Biomolecular Research who was demoted in 2007, is retiring.

• GAO suggests leaving more waste in Hanford tanks

  In Region The Government Accountability Office says the Energy Department should consider leaving more waste in underground tanks at the Hanford nuclear reservation.

• Rio de Janeiro wins right to host 2016 Olympics

  In Sports, Nation/World COPENHAGEN — The 2016 Olympics are going to Rio de Janeiro, putting the games in South America for the first time. 2

• City using crushed glass for road-building

  In City on Page A1 Until recently, empty bottles and jars had to be hauled hundreds of miles from Spokane to be transformed into recycled products. Glass collected at the curb was trucked to Calgary, … 5

• Economy faltering without stimulus

  In Nation/World on Page A1 The fragile economic recovery has relied heavily on government stimulus spending, but new data show that as the money runs out, a sustained rebound may be elusive. The dramatic decline …

• Stunned silence in Chicago after failed Olympic bid

  In Nation/World CHICAGO — The drama ended in stunned silence just as the party was supposed to start.

• Gibbs: Obama ’disappointed’ at losing Olympics

  In Sports, Nation/World President Barack Obama had a message Friday for the many people — including himself — who put “heart and soul” into Chicago’s losing bid for the 2016 Olympic Games: “A” …

• Iran OKs inspections

  In Nation/World on Page A1 GENEVA – The United States and Iran tentatively stepped back from looming confrontation on Thursday, reaching an agreement with other major powers that would greatly reduce Iran’s stockpile of low-enriched …

• Skeleton provides clues on humans

  In Nation/World on Page A1 WASHINGTON – Ardi lived 4.4 million years ago in the woodlands of East Africa. She spent most of her time in the trees. She stood about 4 feet tall, weighed …

• Letterman says he had affairs with female staff

  In Nation/World on Page A2 David Letterman acknowledged on Thursday’s show that he had sexual relationships with female employees and that someone tried to extort $2 million from him over the affairs. During the taping …

• Accuracy watch

  In Nation/World on Page A2 For 10-02-2009

• Cantwell health proposal advances

  In Nation/World on Page A3 WASHINGTON – Fearing a backlash, Democrats smoothed the impact of sweeping health care legislation on working-class families Thursday and steered President Barack Obama’s top domestic priority toward a crucial Senate …

• Hudson ‘miracle’ pilots reunite

  In Nation/World on Page A3 NEW YORK – “This is your captain, Chesley Sullenberger.” Passengers on two US Airways flights erupted in cheers when they heard those words from the cockpit Thursday.

• Smart tells of sexual abuse during months in captivity

  In Nation/World on Page A3 SALT LAKE CITY – For the first time since her 2002 abduction by a self-proclaimed religious prophet captured worldwide attention, Elizabeth Smart spoke publicly about her ordeal Thursday, testifying in …

• Jackson autopsy results revealed

  In Nation/World on Page A3 LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson’s outward appearance was marred when he died with puncture marks to his arms, surgical scars around his body and cosmetic tattoos on his lips and …

• Sumatra digs for survivors

  In Nation/World on Page A4 JAKARTA, Indonesia – A powerful earthquake on the Indonesian island of Sumatra has left a once-vibrant port city heaped with corpses sealed in canary-yellow bags as soldiers and rescue workers …

• Military help arrives for devastated Samoas

  In Nation/World on Page A4 APIA, Samoa – Convoys of military vehicles brought food, water and medicine to the tsunami-stricken Samoas on Thursday as victims wandered through what was left of their villages with tales …

• Counselor heading to disaster site

  In City on Page A4 A mental health counselor from Spokane will join the Red Cross disaster response team in American Samoa as it assesses the damage from Wednesday’s tsunami. As mental health manager, Lyle …

• World in brief: Al-Maliki unveils broad coalition

  In Nation/World on Page A4 Baghdad – The re-election strategy for Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki took shape Thursday as he unveiled a broad alliance for January’s parliamentary voting that includes prominent Sunni clans who …

• CdA coach sued over ball camp

  In City on Page A5 The baseball coach at Coeur d’Alene High School is accused of canceling a sports camp and keeping the money of four people who’d signed up. The Idaho attorney general’s office … 1

• The fun of killing bugs, without the mess

  In Business on Page A5 A Spokane Valley company that kills bugs with pesticide-free traps is now in the video game business. “BugFarm,” a DVD game released this week by Spokane Valley-based Sterling International Inc., …

• Flu is no excuse to stop learning

  In City on Page A5 Inland Northwest students who think coming down with the swine flu would mean a break from homework have to think again. Districts appear to be following the U.S. Department of …

• Region in brief: Fair attendance down

  In City on Page A5 Attendance at this year’s Spokane County Interstate Fair was down 6 percent from last year, but revenue was up, fair officials reported Thursday. Revenue from admissions sold at the gate … 1

• Idaho court sides with Hanks, Wilson

  In City on Page A6 BOISE – The Idaho Supreme Court has ruled that Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson can take the contractor of their high-end Sun Valley home back to arbitration over claims of …

• Haq trial delay denied

  In City on Page A6 Defense attorneys for accused Jewish Federation shooter Naveed Haq made an unsuccessful attempt to delay his second trial because of recent publicity surrounding the escape of a mentally ill patient …

• Man shot at wolves while flying overhead

  In City on Page A6 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 …

• Slow recovery forecast for state

  In City on Page A8 OLYMPIA – The good news for the state is that the recession is pretty much over. The bad news: It won’t seem like the recession is over until the middle …

• Reward offered for fugitive

  In City on Page A8 Crime Stoppers of the Inland Northwest is offering a cash reward for information that leads to the arrest of a 55-year-old woman wanted on drug charges. Melinda Ellen Brown has …

• Deputies shoot dog in I-90 traffic

  In City on Page A8 Kootenai County 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. Kootenai County sheriff’s Lt. …

• City expands conduct law

  In City on Page A10 EVERETT – The City Council voted Wednesday to extend its lewd conduct law to places with drive-up windows, such as espresso stands. Some at the meeting were upset the ordinance …

• Washington records

  In City on Page A10 Spokane County Marriage licenses

• United Coatings going south

  In Business on Page A12 Add United Coatings to the list of Spokane-area companies being relocated elsewhere. Officials from Quest Specialty Chemicals, which bought United Coatings in 2007, announced Thursday the operation will move to …

• Modern apartment units rising in Peaceful Valley

  In Business on Page A12 Spokane architect Chris Olson wasn’t afraid to try something different with his first residential apartment building. A principal with the Spokane firm nystrom olson collins, he’s a month from finishing …

• Fed caught up in power play

  In Nation/World on Page A12 WASHINGTON – The Federal Reserve has dramatically expanded its role in the economy over the past 18 months, and the Obama administration has proposed enhancing that authority as part of …

• Saturn of Spokane dealing with Penske sale collapse

  In Business on Page A12 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 …

• Business in brief: Spokane Airport saw drop in August traffic

  In Business on Page A12 Boardings at Spokane International Airport fell 12.3 percent in August compared with the same month last year, extending a trend triggered more than a year ago by the economic downturn …

• Bernanke weighs in on ‘super currency’

  In Business on Page A14 WASHINGTON – Russia and China are advocating the creation of a new super currency, which Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said Thursday would weaken the dollar if it were to be …

• Amy Goodman: Case crucial to future of books

  In Opinion on Page A15 A battle is raging over the future of books in the digital age and the role libraries will play. One case now before a U.S. federal court may, some say, …

• Editorial: Washington puts its best bid forward to Boeing

  In Opinion on Page A15 When Boeing spent $580 million in July to buy a South Carolina plant that makes parts for its 787 Dreamliner, quiet desperation spread throughout the state. Is this where the …

• UW’s Locker, Notre Dame’s Clausen share tales as QBs

  In Sports on Page B1 As a high school quarterback, he turned down USC’s Steve Sarkisian to accept an offer to attend a once-proud program that had fallen on hard times. He entered the college …

• John Blanchette: Win or lose, time for Tuel

  In Sports on Page B1 This is probably textbook “gotcha” journalism but, hey, I only know what the local football coach tells me. And on Thursday from the campus at Washington State University, Paul Wulff …

• Duck has bit of Coug in him

  In Sports on Page B1 PULLMAN – Carson York grew up a Cougars fan. In fact, the last time he saw Washington State play Oregon was in 2001, when the Ducks were en route to …

• Chiefs work to unlock combinations

  In Sports on Page B1 Hardy Sauter said his job doesn’t involve rocket science, but like all coaches part of his job involves chemistry. The Spokane Chiefs’ second-year coach tries to find player combinations that …

• Sports in brief: Friedrichs interim A.D. for Whits

  In Sports on Page B1 Colleges: Warren Friedrichs, one of Whitworth University’s longest-serving coaches, has been selected to lead the athletics department on an interim basis. Whitworth President Bill Robinson has selected Friedrichs to take …

• Johnson ponders

  In Sports on Page B2 Randy Johnson will take his time deciding whether to pitch next year. The 303-game winner said Thursday there’s no rush and said health and his ability to start again could …

• Scoreboard

  In Sports on Page B2 Baseball American League

• Newsmakers

  In Sports on Page B2 Left Veteran forward Brendan Shanahan left the New Jersey Devils after being told he would not be a part of their top three lines this season. Shanahan has 656 career …

• Sports in brief: Fever even series with Mercury

  In Sports on Page B2 WNBA: Tamika Catchings fell one rebound shy of the first triple-double in WNBA finals history and the Indiana Fever beat the Phoenix Mercury 93-84 on Thursday night in Phoenix, to …

• Today’s Best

  In Sports on Page B2 Garret Anderson Atlanta Braves outfielder got his 2,500th hit, the 89th player in MLB history to reach the mark.

• M’s Fister silences A’s

  In Sports on Page B3 SEATTLE – Mike Sweeney followed a two-out error with a tiebreaking two-run single in the fifth inning, and the Seattle Mariners beat the Oakland Athletics 4-2 Thursday night. Doug Fister …

• Rockies reach playoffs

  In Sports on Page B3 DENVER – It’s a Rocktober redux for the Colorado Rockies, who are back in the playoffs after a one-year hiatus. “It stings,” Troy Tulowitzki said as he squinted away the …

• Trojans take home 1st volleyball title

  In Sports on Page B4 The Post Falls volleyball team had just captured its first league championship in school history and the Trojans’ reactions were rather businesslike. Senior setter Jalana White insisted her team would …

• Vikings turn back Lake City

  In Sports on Page B4 Jordon Eborall can usually tell how well his Coeur d’Alene High boys soccer team is going to play during prematch warmups. The senior midfielder thought the Vikings might struggle Thursday …

• Zimmer caps busy season in Yakima

  In Sports on Page B4 Andrew Zimmer’s last year has been spent balancing the needs of a high school senior, preparing for his freshman year of college and switching between karting and late model commitments. …

• Hunting + fishing

  In Sports on Page B4 Fly fishing Amber Lake trout are holding deep, though there is a lot of evening activity on the surface. Try a gray Serendipity in front of the launch.

• Vandals’ O-line matures together

  In Sports on Page B5 MOSCOW, Idaho – A mere four Saturdays into the season, Dan Finn has gathered enough evidence to be certain of one thing. This is the finest batch of linemen he’s …

• Terps take plunge

  In Sports on Page B5 Previously winless Tulane’s shocking 42-32 win over McNeese State prompted another leadership change in the Bottom Ten, with Maryland taking over No. 1 from the Green Ripple. The plodding Terrapins …

• Prep roundup: Keiser helps CdA roll past Caldwell

  In Sports on Page B5 Zach Keiser ran for two touchdowns and returned an interception 24 yards for another score as Coeur d’Alene High rolled to a 38-13 non-conference football win over Caldwell on Thursday …

• Roundup: No. 1 NIC triumphs

  In Sports on Page B5 Sophomore Marketa Hanzlova had 16 kills and freshman Kaylee Ponce added 13 kills and nine digs to lift No. 1-ranked North Idaho College past College of Eastern Utah 25-15, 25-18, …

• On the Air

  In Sports on Page B6 For 10-02-2009

• Today’s menu

  In Sports on Page B6 For 10-02-2009

• Woody Harrelson’s ‘Zombieland’ brings the laughs

  In Features on Page C1 When Woody Harrelson received a copy of the screenplay for “Zombieland,” he stuffed it into his duffel bag of unread scripts and promptly forgot about it. Even after his agent …

• Canadian Brass turns blues

  In Features on Page C1 The Canadian Brass are like the Toscaninis of tubas, the Beatles of brass. They are, without a doubt, the best-known brass quintet in the world, renowned for their serious classical …

• The Slice: A quiz beyond that which is known to man

  In Features on Page C1 The first season of “The Twilight Zone” began on this date 50 years ago. In honor of that anniversary, I invite you to take The TZ True or False Quiz.

• Will it be Kate minus kids?

  In Features on Page C2 TLC has shut down filming of the children on “Jon & Kate Plus 8” after receiving a cease-and-desist order from their father. The network said production would remain suspended “pending …

• Speak to daughter about beau’s abuse

  In Features on Page C2 Dear Carolyn: Is there any way (other than videotaping their conversations) to explain to your 21-year-old daughter that you think her boyfriend is verbally abusive and manipulative? I don’t see …

• Horoscope

  In Features on Page C2 For 10-02-2009

• At a glance: ‘Toy Story/ Toy Story 2 3-D’

  New 3-D versions of the original films show as a double feature in advance of next summer’s “Toy Story 3.” Running time/rating:

• At a glance: ‘Zombieland’

  Survivors (Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg) of a zombie apocalypse join forces against the undead. Running time/rating: 1:21; R for horror violence/gore and language

• At a glance: ‘Capitalism: A Love Story’

  Michael Moore explores the economic meltdown and the bailout of private financial institutions. Running time/rating: 2:00; R for language

• At a glance: ‘It Might Get Loud’

  Documentary starring three generations of rock guitarists: Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White. Running time/rating: 1:37; PG for mild thematic elements, brief language and smoking

• At a glance: ‘Poor Again … Dagnabbit!’

  What: New comedy collaboration between author Patrick J. McManus and actor Tim Behrens, based on McManus’ Depression-era childhood in Sandpoint; benefit for the Lands Council. When: Saturday, 8 p.m.

• At a glance: ‘The Invention of Lying’

  In a land where falsehood is unknown, a writer (Ricky Gervais) learns to lie for personal gain. Running time/rating: 1:40; PG-13 for language including some sexual material and a drug …

• At a glance: ‘In the Mood’

  What: Touring swing-era musical revue created at the National Archives as part of the 50th anniversary commemoration of World War II. When: Sunday, 4 p.m.

• At a glance: ‘Whip It’

  A rebellious teenager (Ellen Page) from small-town Texas joins a roller-derby team in Drew Barrymore’s directing debut. Running time/rating: 1:51; PG-13 for sexual content including crude dialogue, language and drug …

• At a glance: Fall Visual Arts Tour

  What: Self-guided tour of nearly 50 exhibits throughout central Spokane, including Rick Singer’s “Spokane Musicians” photo show at the Chase Gallery in City Hall (The Dearly Departed, pictured). When: Today, …

• Rosewood Thieves headline The Blvd.

  In Features on Page C4 Erick Jordan doesn’t like to overthink things too much. Especially when it comes to making an album. The last time the lead singer for the Rosewood Thieves made an actual …

• Clubs

  In Features on Page C4 Among the acts at local venues over the coming week: 315 Martinis and Tapas Restaurant, Greenbriar Inn, 315 E. Wallace Ave., Coeur d’Alene: tonight- Saturday, Mark Holt (blues/jazz/Americana roots), 6:30 …

• Coming Up

  In Features on Page C4 Unless otherwise noted, tickets are available through TicketsWest (TW; 509-325-SEAT, 800-325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com) or Ticketmaster (TM; 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com). Prices do not include service charges. Tickets for events at the Martin Woldson …

• ‘Whip It’ soars on girl power

  In Features on Page C5 Drew Barrymore has forged a persona as both an actress and producer with movies that exude a playful sense of girl power. So it only makes sense that “Whip It,” …

• Honestly, ‘Lying’ just runs out of steam

  In Features on Page C5 “The Invention of Lying,” the new film from Ricky “The Office” Gervais, might be this year’s most subtly subversive comedy. It may well be the first mainstream atheism-based feature film, …

• Films

  In Features on Page C6 Capsule reviews with star ratings are written by reviewers for The Philadelphia Inquirer. Opening today:

• ‘Monsters vs. Aliens’ slick but lacks plot

  In Features on Page C7 ‘Monsters vs. Aliens’ This super-duper, 3-D deluxe extravaganza has bells and whistles, superb technical sophistication, dazzling visual effects, sound, fury and Reese Witherspoon. What it doesn’t have is heart.

• Palouse merits more respect

  In Letters A recent article on the Palouse River (“Cleanup of Palouse River murky,” Sept. 26) questioned the value of pollution cleanup, citing a lack of “recreational opportunities.”

• Proposition flawed, vague

  In Letters The Community Bill of Rights is flawed, unworkable and unconstitutional. The document states ideas but doesn’t address how to go about achieving them or how they will be paid for.

• Tea parties were riot-free

  In Letters During the “tea party” protest in Washington, D.C., and across the country, we were called un-American, racist, rednecks, etc. Yet, unlike the protesters in Pittsburgh protesting the G-20 summit, the …

• Allen’s approach good for city

  In Letters The choice to be made by voters in the Spokane City Council election for District 2 is fraught with lasting consequences for Spokane.