Stories for October 15, 2009

• Movie shot in CdA makes its Big Screen premiere

  In News Most people have memories of high school they would just as soon forget. Not Regina Crosby. The writer and director, now living in Los Angeles, used her four years of …

• Sterlings’ new execs say situation “manageable”

  In Business, City A day after Sterling Financial Corp.’s longtime leaders were ousted, the company’s new executives say they’re confident subsidiary Sterling Savings Bank can raise $300 million and meet other demands contained … 8

• Four adults die of apparent swine flu

  In City, Idaho Three more Spokane County residents have died from swine flu, and a death in North Idaho also is being investigated as a possible H1N1 case, public health officials announced Thursday. … 3

• Woman helps see attacker get life in prison

  In Idaho The 45-year-old rape victim walked to the witness box Thursday leaning on her cane. In a halting, slurred voice, she told the court that she was irreparably damaged by what … 2

• 93 will lose jobs when Idaho sawmill closes

  In Idaho A Naples, Idaho, sawmill employing 93 workers is being shuttered in December and its workers laid off indefinitely. 3

• Boy said to have floated off in balloon found safe

  In Nation/World A 6-year-old boy was found hiding in a cardboard box in his family’s garage attic Thursday after being feared aboard a homemade helium balloon that hurtled 50 miles through the … 2

• Court exempts Wash. state judiciary from disclosure

  In City The judiciary in Washington is exempt from public disclosure requirements under the state’s Public Records Act, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday, creating what a critic called a “huge black … 2

• Lawmakers seek to extend $8,000 tax credit

  In Nation/World Lawmakers are trying to extend and expand an $8,000 federal tax credit for first-time homebuyers, a stimulus-package tax break that many regard as a significant prop for the still-tottering economy.

• 9th Circuit lifts ban on release of R-71 petitions

  In City Washington’s secretary of state can release the names and addresses of people who signed petitions calling for a public vote on the state’s expanded benefits for domestic partners, a federal … 2

• Washington drivers letting $5 go to parks

  In City Many drivers renewing their license tabs are allowing $5 donations to go to Washington state parks. The state collected $1.4 million in September, the first month the opt-out system took …

• Idaho police seeking witnesses to late-night crash

  In Idaho Idaho State Police are asking for witnesses who may have seen a two-vehicle crash late Wednesday at U.S. Highway 95 and Dalton Avenue.

• Sun, high clouds replace rain for now

  In City, Idaho Drier weather today and Friday will give the Inland Northwest a break in a weather pattern that is likely to bring more wet Pacific storms through next week.

• Man robs Lindaman’s at closing

  In City Lindaman’s Gourmet-to-Go, 1235 S. Grand Blvd., was robbed Wednesday night as an employee was leaving to walk home about 10 p.m., Spokane police said. 5

• Bonner County police logs, Oct. 14-15

    In Idaho Read the Bonner County law enforcement log for Oct. 14 and Oct. 15, 2009.

• Dow tops 10,000

  In Nation/World on Page A1 NEW YORK – The Dow Jones industrial average barreled past the 10,000-point milestone for the first time in a year Wednesday, a testament to Wall Street’s powerful rebound from the …

• Sterling revamps executive lineup

  In Business on Page A1 Sterling Financial Corp. on Wednesday announced the appointment of a new executive team and the departures of longtime Chairman Harold Gilkey and Heidi Stanley, chairwoman of the subsidiary Sterling Savings … 3

• County seeks pay concessions from workers

  In City on Page A1 Spokane County could lay off as many as 250 employees next year to close a projected $10.5 million gap between expected tax collections and its current budget. County officials are … 5

• Payments to seniors won’t go up

  In Nation/World on Page A1 WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama on Wednesday attempted to pre-empt the announcement that Social Security recipients will not see an increase in their benefit checks for the first time in …

• Milestone raises hopes for investors

  In City on Page A1 The horse may be heading back to the barn. At least Bob Nelson might put it that way. Nelson, owner of Nelson Securities, said Wednesday’s news that the Dow Jones …

• DaVinci’s prints found on work

  In Nation/World on Page A2 TORONTO – Mona Lisa has something new to smile about. A portrait of a young woman thought to be created by a 19th century German artist and sold two years …

• Taxpayers reveal overseas accounts

  In Nation/World on Page A2 Fueled by a crackdown on the use of overseas bank accounts as tax havens, about 7,500 people have voluntarily disclosed such accounts to the Internal Revenue Service and agreed to …

• Health industry exemption decried

  In Nation/World on Page A3 WASHINGTON – Days after the insurance lobby began an aggressive campaign against a Senate plan to overhaul the nation’s health-care system, senior Democrats fired back, threatening Wednesday to revoke the …

• Mudslide threat eases as storm loses momentum

  In Nation/World on Page A3 LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, Calif. – A powerful fall storm packing strong winds and rain eased Wednesday without causing the widespread mudslides and debris flows that California residents had feared. The …

• Months after her rescue, kidnap victim shares story

  In Nation/World on Page A3 SAN FRANCISCO – Jaycee Dugard is emerging from obscurity after, police say, she spent 18 years as a captive in a sex offender’s yard, releasing the first photos of herself …

• Missile mishaps prompt dismissal

  In Nation/World on Page A3 BISMARCK, N.D. – The missile wing commander at North Dakota’s Minot Air Force Base was relieved of his command Wednesday after a series of missteps at the unit, including two … 2

• Nation in brief: Gay marriage ban case will go to trial

  In Nation/World on Page A3 San Francisco – A federal judge refused Wednesday to dismiss a constitutional challenge to California’s Proposition 8, ruling that a trial is necessary to resolve legal and factual disputes regarding …

• Pakistani police sites hit

  In Nation/World on Page A4 LAHORE, Pakistan – Teams of gunmen attacked three law enforcement facilities in Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore today, a major escalation in an audacious wave of terrorist strikes as this …

• As food prices rise, agriculture investment falls

  In Nation/World on Page A4 NAIROBI, Kenya – Parents in some of Africa’s poorest countries are cutting back on school, clothes and basic medical care just to give their children a meal once a day, …

• Ousted, serving presidents work on Zelaya’s return

  In Nation/World on Page A4 TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras – Negotiators reached a tentative agreement Wednesday on whether to return ousted President Manuel Zelaya to office, but both the deposed Honduran leader and the coup-installed president responded …

• North Korea warns South of naval clash

  In Nation/World on Page A4 SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea warned South Korea of a possible naval clash today, accusing Seoul of sending warships into its waters around their disputed western sea border. The …

• Idaho budget picture grim

  In Idaho on Page A5 BOISE – Idaho’s state budget news is bleak, lawmakers heard as they gathered Wednesday for the interim meeting of the Legislature’s joint budget committee. One in five Idaho school districts …

• Candidate completed probation

  In City on Page A5 A candidate for mayor of Post Falls served probation after a woman he worked with accused him of sexually assaulting her. The misdemeanor battery charge was dismissed after Steven De …

• Girls’ rapist receives 18-year prison term

  In City on Page A5 After listening to descriptions of the years of pain he inflicted on his victims, Robert J. Robel stood to face the judge who would send him to prison for what … 2

• Doug Clark: Maligned Yankees fans should stick together

  In City on Page A5 Ah, October – the most intolerant time of the year. If you’re a Yankees fan like me, that is. And if you are, do I have a deal for you.

• Region in brief: Youth coach wins scratch lottery

  In City on Page A7 Youth football coach Chris Bethely was on his way home from practice Monday when he stopped at the Albertsons store on Nevada Street at Lyons Avenue in Spokane. He purchased …

• Modest gains in retail

  In Business on Page A8 WASHINGTON – Auto sales dried up in September, but Americans spent more money on food, gas and furniture than they did in August, according to new government data – a …

• A strip reader that does it all

  In Business on Page A8 Spokane’s GenPrime team was looking for a device to use with a new product. The device – a lateral flow strip test reader – would be available for use with … 2

• Some options for delaying student loans

  In Business on Page A8 NEW YORK – You have a $120,000 college degree and no job. That won’t stop your student loan bills from arriving. The six-month grace period on student loans for the …

• Budget slows medical school

  In Business on Page A8 University of Washington President Mark Emmert said Spokane will have a four-year medical school “as soon as possible,” but told the annual meeting of Greater Spokane Inc. the state’s budget …

• Business in brief: Green named VP of telecom firm

  In Business on Page A8 Colorado telecommunications provider Zayo Enterprise Networks has launched a Northwest region and named Spokane executive Greg Green the area’s vice president. Zayo Group is the parent company of the Northwest …

• Kathleen Parker: Faces of change are female

  In Opinion on Page A11 As the Republican Party continues its pilgrimage through the desert, its leaders may be missing the oasis for the vale of tears. The answer to the party’s woes isn’t a …

• Endorsement: Wilhite has best vision for future of Valley

  In Opinion on Page A11 A quick glance at the candidates and their platforms suggests Spokane Valley City Councilwoman Diana Wilhite and her challenger, Brenda Grassel, might be interchangeable. Both of them are bright, business-friendly … 2

• Idaho records

  In City on Page A12 For 10-15-2009

• Washington records

  In City on Page A12 Spokane County Marriage licenses

• Idaho’s Akey voice of reason in wild and WACky season

  In Sports on Page B1 Five-and-one, perched atop the Western Athletic Conference standings, a first-time vote in a regular-season football poll and on the brink of bowl eligibility – the insanity continues at the University …

• Banged-up Cougars need bye

  In Sports on Page B1 PULLMAN – Washington State University is at the halfway point of its season. Six games down, six to go, split by maybe the most needed bye week in the school’s …

• Iupati living large in Idaho

  In Sports on Page B1 MOSCOW, Idaho – Mike Iupati wants to clear up one misconception right away: Back in American Samoa, most people aren’t huge. Quite the opposite, actually. They do hard, physical labor. …

• Pacelle’s HSUS again shows distasteful image to world

  In Outdoors on Page B1 Washington’s general deer hunting season opens Saturday. Thousands of photos will be snapped to preserve the memories of hard work, fabulous scenery, quality family time, good friends and, for perhaps … 2

• Sports in brief: Big Sky suspends Eastern’s Wilkins

  In Sports on Page B1 Football: The Big Sky Conference announced Wednesday that it has suspended Eastern Washington University senior linebacker Kyle Wilkins for a late hit in last Saturday’s 31-13 loss to Weber State. …

• Binghamton troubles mount

  In Sports on Page B2 BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – Binghamton basketball coach Kevin Broadus has been placed on an indefinite paid leave of absence. Interim athletic director James Norris said the decision announced Wednesday was reached …

• Newsmakers

  In Sports on Page B2 Fined Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown became the first major target in the NBA’s zero-tolerance policy toward criticizing its replacement referees. Brown was hit with $60,000 in fines on Wednesday …

• Today’s Best

  In Sports on Page B2 Ray Whitney Ex-Spokane Chief scored both goals for Carolina in a 3-2 shootout loss to Pittsburgh Penguins.

• Scoreboard

  In Sports on Page B2 Hockey NHL

• In brief: Late goal helps U.S. tie Costa Rica

  In Sports on Page B2 Men’s soccer: Jonathan Bornstein headed in a corner kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time, giving the United States a 2-2 tie against Costa Rica on Wednesday night in …

• Boise State inches closer to major bowl

  In Sports on Page B3 TULSA, Okla. – With No. 5 Boise State playing from behind for the first time this season, quarterback Kellen Moore was at his best. Moore threw two short touchdown passes … 1

• Eagles gear up for savvy Grizzlies

  In Sports on Page B3 The University of Montana doesn’t win every single one of the countless small battles that take place during the course of a college football game. But the Grizzlies always seem …

• Foster was one nobody wanted

  In Sports on Page B3 His instincts on Mason Foster’s potential had long since proven accurate. Still, as Al Avila, Foster’s high-school football coach watched his former player pull off the Miracle Heard Round Montlake …

• Hawks’ Lucas grieves

  In Sports on Page B3 RENTON, Wash. – Seahawks defensive back Ken Lucas is home in Mississippi to bury his father but will play on Sunday against Arizona. “He will absolutely play. But, (we’re) respecting … 1

• Pac-10 picks

  In Sports on Page B3 One bad bounce cost Arizona a win, and cost us a winning week. My guess is the pain was a lot more intense in Tucson than here. So now we …

• Volleyball: Improved Cougars regroup after 0-2 trip

  In Sports on Page B4 Washington State University second-year coach Andrew Palileo has overseen one of the biggest turnarounds in college volleyball. Even with last week’s 0-2 road trip, the Cougars have won 14 matches, …

• Prep soccer: Vikings, T-Wolves advance

  In Sports on Page B4 Idaho 5A soccer teams Coeur d’Alene and Lake City have advanced to a date Saturday for state tournament seeding. The Inland Empire League regular-season champion Vikings (9-5-3) eliminated Lewiston (4-7-5) …

• College roundup: UI women win again

  In Sports on Page B4 Kayla Mortellaro finished in second place and led the Idaho Vandals to their third team title in four tries this fall, a seven-stroke victory Wednesday at the Price’s Give ’Em …

• Sport change suits Shadle’s Chandler

  In Sports on Page B5 Success tends to follow wherever Chelsea Chandler travels. The Shadle Park athlete considers basketball her forte. As a sophomore, she was among the team scoring leaders when the Highlanders placed …

• Saxons edge Indians

  In Sports on Page B5 There was something for everyone when Ferris won the war and North Central’s Ben Johnston won the battle Wednesday to determine the Greater Spokane League boys cross country champion. Ferris’ …

• Washington preps: Giampietri likes CV’s late schedule

  In Sports on Page B5 While chatting with Rick Giampietri at Albi Stadium last week, he talked about the nature of Central Valley’s football schedule, which began favorably and ends with successive murderous games against …

• Idaho preps: Colleges land PF’s Loper, Reid

  In Sports on Page B5 Post Falls basketball standouts Katelyn Loper and Shawn Reid are headed east to play in college next year. Loper, a 5-foot-10 guard, is headed near the Big Apple and Reid, …

• On the air

  In Sports on Page B6 For 10-15-2009

• Today’s menu

  In Sports on Page B6 For 10-15-2009

• Dodgers rely on young stars

  In Sports on Page B7 It is easy to forget that there are two forms of improvement. In sports, the most obvious is external improvement, the addition of personnel to a roster in an attempt …

• UW’s Romar wary of hype

  In Sports on Page B7 SEATTLE – Lorenzo Romar has already warned his Washington Huskies: Don’t believe the hype. Washington is getting props from Maine to Maui as it gets ready to defend its Pac-10 …

• The Slice: As the leaves fall, they’ll be out in force

  In Features on Page C1 Coming soon … They might not be the most efficient laborers.

• Acclaimed pianist returns to perform with Gonzaga Symphony

  In Features on Page C1 The road to fame for classical musicians is marked by some standard mileposts: Begin your training very early, when you are 3 or 4. Win an international competition with its …

• Looks like it’ll be a dead heat

  In Features on Page C2 Michael Jackson has a chance to win artist of the year posthumously at the American Music Awards. The late pop superstar is among a diverse group of artists nominated for …

• Annie’s Mailbox: Mother’s right: Don’t chase him

  In Features on Page C2 Dear Annie: I’m a 14-year-old girl who is having relationship problems. My new boyfriend and I just hooked up over the weekend. “Carter” and I go to church together, and …

• Horoscope

  In Features on Page C2 For 10-15-2009

• 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.

• Stage listings

  In Features on Page C5 Music UI Faculty and Guest Recital - Vanessa Sielert, saxophone; and Jay Mauchley, piano. Today, 7:30 p.m., University of Idaho auditorium, 851 Campus Drive, Moscow. $5/adults, $3/seniors and students. (208) …

• Arts Calendar

  In Features on Page C5 Auditions “Lost Santa” – StageWest Community Theatre, Friday, 6-8 p.m., and Saturday, 3-5 p.m., 639 Elm St., Cheney. Needed: a Santa-type male, three men ages 30-55, two women ages 30-55, …

• Teacher’s fashions tap global market

  In Washington Voices on Page N1 Ronnie Ryno is a teacher, a mother of two, and a wife. Two years ago, she added a fourth element to her repertoire: fashion designer. “I was thinking about the …

• Plenty of fun activities on fall agenda

  In Washington Voices on Page N8 We were experiencing hot, dry summer weather, then cool, crisp fall nights and warm, sunny days delighted us – and then, all of a sudden, it’s winter! It seems far …

• Safeco donates $25,000 to charities

  In Washington Voices on Page N8 Safeco Insurance agents in the Spokane area are donating $25,000 to The Salvation Army and Second Harvest Inland Northwest. More than 70 independent agents raised the money during a summer …

• Volleyball game benefits food bank

  In Washington Voices on Page N14 On Oct. 6, Mt. Spokane High School held a Peanut Butter and Jelly Alumni Volleyball Game to benefit Mead Food Bank. With the help of the community, Mt. Spokane students …

• Trails to adventure

  In Washington Voices on Page S1 When it comes to cool jobs in Spokane, Peter Jantz pretty much has it made: He takes care of the Camp Sekani mountain bike park at the bottom of Beacon …

• Museum recounts prairie’s past

  In Washington Voices on Page S1 A typical farm museum is home to a collection of diesel-burning, gas-steaming and horse-powered pieces of farm equipment in various stages of working condition. Sometimes a few farm animals are …

• Senior theater group forges friendships

  In Washington Voices on Page S1 While entertaining audiences, theater has the power to illuminate life and relationships. But for the actors, it can also forge and strengthen relationships. At least that’s what it’s done for …

• neighborhood updates

  In Washington Voices on Page S2 •The East Central Neighborhood Council will meet Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. at the East Central Community Center, 500 S. Stone St. •The Administration Committee will meet Tuesday at 5 p.m. …

• Presbyterian church moving

  In Washington Voices on Page S6 Bethany Presbyterian Church, 301 S. Freya St., will celebrate its last worship service at its East Central location Sunday at 10:30 a.m. The Washington Department of Transportation bought the property …

• School seats contested in Freeman, Liberty

  In Washington Voices on Page S7 The Freeman and Liberty School Districts are a mix of contested and uncontested races in the ballots being mailed out this week for the November election. In Freeman the field …

• Hotel plaque honors poet

  In Washington Voices on Page S8 On a pillar inside the Sprague Avenue entrance of the Davenport Hotel is a plaque honoring a man who resided at the hotel for a portion of the five years …

• Whatever the origin, Indian summer means pleasant weather in early fall

  In Washington Voices on Page S10 Much of the Inland Northwest endured near-record or record cold last weekend. At the Spokane International Airport, the mercury dropped to 23 degrees on Saturday, which broke the record of …

• City OKs 2010 budget

  In Washington Voices on Page V1 Spokane Valley City Council members adopted a 2010 budget Tuesday and opposed a statewide initiative they felt would undermine future budgets. Both actions were unanimous despite some sympathetic rhetoric about …

• Big plans for a rocky site

  In Washington Voices on Page V1 Carl Guenzel has an explanation for the neat rows of perfectly symmetrical mounds that began popping up recently in a field east of Spokane Valley Mall. “Martians,” he said.

• Finding community in digital age

  In Washington Voices on Page V1 I don’t know much about art. To be honest, most of the art in my home was purchased at craft fairs or department stores. The rest of it was created …

• Candidates without opponents answer questions

  In Washington Voices on Page V1 Here is the final installment 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 …

• Valley Voice

  In Washington Voices on Page V2 Story ideas We want to expand our coverage of Valley neighborhoods and we need your help. Let us know when something interesting is happening in your neighborhood.

• Accuracy watch

  In Washington Voices on Page V2 For 10-15-2009

• EVSD board candidates state views

  In Washington Voices on Page V4 The race for the East Valley School Board is crowded this year as ballots begin to hit mailboxes this week. The seat being emptied with the retirement of longtime board …

• In brief: Ballet holding auditions for boys

  In Washington Voices on Page V4 SPOKANE VALLEY – Spokane Youth Ballet, located at the Academy of Dance, 14214 E. Sprague Ave., will hold auditions Oct. 23 at 6:15 p.m. for boys ages 10 to 15. …

• Family calendar

  In Washington Voices on Page V8 Today Spokane Valley Anime Club - For teens in grades six or above. Watch anime episodes, eat snacks and more. 4 p.m. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave., Spokane …

• Frankie

  In Washington Voices on Page V11 This young lady is absolutely stunning. She has cool green eyes and a warm tortoise-tabby colored coat that is very thick and plush. She is extremely friendly and always comes …

• Community services

  In Washington Voices on Page V11 Attendant Care Registry – Free service matching disabled adults and children with personal-care providers; sponsored by Coalition of Responsible Disabled; (509) 326-6355. Change Point/Displaced Homemaker Center – Ideal for women …

• Harmony in motion

  In Washington Voices on Page W1 Ten bands from Washington and one from Montana braved the cold last Saturday to show off their hard work this fall at the Pacific Northwest marching band competition at Joe …

• Two Cheney projects completed

  In Washington Voices on Page W1 The city of Cheney has been working on two major projects the past few years – the expansion of the wastewater treatment plant and building the new Cheney Industrial and …

• Twisted Sisters knitting for good

  In Washington Voices on Page W1 There is a group of women at the Cheney Care Center clacking their knitting needles together for a good cause. The Twisted Sisters knitting group meets about once a month. …

• Swanks offer thanks for kindnesses

  In Washington Voices on Page W2 A message from Drew Swank’s family … Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all the folks throughout the Inland Northwest and beyond who’ve so lovingly reached out …

• Senior meals

  In Washington Voices on Page W2 For the week of Oct. 19-23 Monday – Option 1: Braised beef tips, pasta, peas and carrots, fresh fruit, rye bread, tapioca pudding. Option 2: Deli sandwich, peas and carrots, …

• Letters

  In Washington Voices on Page W2 Bring salary ordinance to vote With the economy in horrible shape, are you getting a pay raise? Not if you are on Social Security. Mayor Pederson, the deputy mayor and …

• Quilt stitched with veterans in mind

  In Washington Voices on Page W3 The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 196 in Medical Lake is raffling off a quilt made by its members to benefit local veterans. The quilt has been displayed around the West …

• In brief: EWU Homecoming starts Monday

  In Washington Voices on Page W3 CHENEY – Eastern Washington University will celebrate Homecoming 2009 Monday through Oct. 24. The Homecoming Week Kickoff will be held at noon in the Pence Union Building. There will be …

• Volunteer

  In Washington Voices on Page W3 For 10-15-2009

• Find a spot to tuck away cannas, dahlias, begonias

  In Washington Voices on Page W4 Looks like we are going to end the gardening season in grand style this year. Three nights of 15-degree temperatures made sure of that. It is time to dig the …

• Council to examine builder’s bond ordinance

  In Washington Voices on Page W6 The Cheney City Council will take a look at making changes to an ordinance requiring developers to put up a bond to guarantee environmental mitigation, maintenance and monitoring on new …

• Fagan best qualified for 9th

  In Letters The voters in the 9th Legislative District face a difficult choice when it comes time to cast our ballots in the upcoming election. We must choose between two exceptional and …

• Heed military professionals

  In Letters Success in wartime depends on operations planned and implemented by experienced military commanders. In every war that political decisions have dictated terms, resources and ultimate win-or-lose tactics, we have been …

• Munson has record of success

  In Letters Seven years ago a group of seven citizens dedicated themselves to make the incorporation of Spokane Valley a success. Mayor Rich Munson was one of these citizens, turned public servant. …