Stories for October 16, 2009

• Canada schools Team USA

  In News, Sports First punch, counterpunch, combination. Whatever it threw, Team Canada delivered it with more dramatic effect Friday night, and as a result its 5-2 victory over the United States in front …

• Man accused in two homicides claims self-defense

  In City A Spokane man accused of shooting two men to death over a car trade says the slayings were in self-defense. Merle W. Harvey, 27, shot Jack T. Lamere, 41, and …

• More Wash. wildfires but fewer acres burned in 2009

  In Region The state Department of Natural Resources says firefighters fought more blazes on state-protected land this year, but fewer acres burned.

• Spokane police seize 40 pounds of pot, $70,000

  In City A huge marijuana bust this morning uncovered an international operation that shipped duffel bags of pot down the Kettle River, according to the Spokane Police Department. 8

• Early freeze puts winemakers in rush to crush

    In City Greg Lipsker, co-founder of Barrister Winery in Spokane, found himself in a cold vineyard near Pasco just after midnight Tuesday waiting to rescue wine grapes from last weekend’s freeze. 1

• Def Leppard concert canceled

  In Features Def Leppard has canceled its fall tour with Cheap Trick, including an Oct. 25 Spokane concert, because of “unforeseen personal matters.” 5

• Plan to reduce Idaho scholarships approved

  In Idaho The Idaho State Board of Education has approved a plan to cut a scholarship program designed to help high school graduates attend college by $100.

• Flooding from Naches landslide still a threat

  In Region Yakima County officials fear a temporary local road at the Naches landslide will be washed out this winter by a rising Naches River, isolating residents in the Nile Valley.

• Youth sports coach dies of flulike symptoms

  In Idaho Police say the autopsy of a 39-year-old youth sports coach who died suddenly this week showed that the Post Falls man had flulike symptoms.

• Bonner County police logs 10/15/2009

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

• More Idaho schools close because of flu

  In Idaho Some schools in Post Falls and Horseshoe Bend, near Boise, have canceled classes because of a flu outbreak.

• Sheriff: No indication balloon ordeal was hoax

  In Nation/World A Colorado official said Friday there’s no indication a family was carrying out a hoax when they reported their 6-year-old son was in a helium balloon that floated away from …

• Man steps in front of train in Post Falls

  In City, Idaho Traffic was backed up in Post Falls earlier this morning from when an unidentified man stepped in front of a moving train at a major railroad crossing, according to Idaho … 1

• Cloudy and mild today, rain Saturday

  In City, Idaho Clouds and mild temperatures today will provide a break in what’s expected to be a series of moist Pacific storms on Saturday through next week.

• Sterling execs hopeful

  In Business on Page A1 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 …

• More local swine flu deaths reported

  In City on Page A1 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. …

• District 2 race a tight one

  In City on Page A1 The fault line in the race for a City Council seat representing southern Spokane is at Palouse Highway and Regal Street. Last year, Councilman Mike Allen voted to change rules … 17

• Health care reform may penalize sloth

  In Nation/World on Page A1 WASHINGTON – Get in shape or pay a price. That is a message more Americans could hear if the health care reform legislation passed by the Senate finance and health …

• Q and A: Sterling’s next steps

  In City on Page A1 Q. What do regulators want Sterling Financial to do? A. The biggest requirement calls for the bank holding company to raise $300 million within 60 days. 1

• Father says ‘sorry I yelled’

  In Nation/World on Page A2 One minute, President Barack Obama was on the television, speaking about the rebirth of New Orleans, the usual array of citizenry behind him. In the next, he had been shoved …

• Karzai may face runoff election

  In Nation/World on Page A3 WASHINGTON – An investigation of allegedly fraudulent ballots in Afghanistan’s troubled election has reduced President Hamid Karzai’s portion of the vote to about 47 percent, an outcome that will trigger …

• Sweat lodge deaths scrutinized

  In Nation/World on Page A3 PRESCOTT, Ariz. – The deaths of two people during a sweat lodge ceremony led by self-help expert James Arthur Ray are being investigated as homicides, authorities said Thursday. Yavapai County …

• House panel OKs new derivatives trade rules

  In Nation/World on Page A3 WASHINGTON – The largely unregulated market of derivatives, which helped trigger the financial crisis, moved closer to federal oversight as a congressional committee Thursday voted to impose new rules on …

• Minnick welcomes complicated task

  In City on Page A3 WASHINGTON – Last spring, Walt Minnick was offered a chance few freshman congressmen get, to help shape what could be landmark legislation overhauling the nation’s financial regulations. The Idaho Democrat …

• Nation in brief: Tylenol may affect kids’ shots

  In Nation/World on Page A3 Giving babies Tylenol to prevent fever when they get childhood vaccinations may backfire and make the shots a little less effective, surprising new research suggests. It is the first major … 1

• Smoking bans cut all heart attacks

  In Nation/World on Page A4 Bans on smoking in public and in workplaces can sharply reduce the number of heart attacks among both smokers and nonsmokers, according to a report issued Thursday by the Institute …

• What to do if you get flu

  In City on Page A4 Q. If I get sick, when should I stay home and when should I go to the doctor or hospital? A. Doctors say if you have a typical range of …

• Care facilities face cuts

  In City on Page A7 Lakeland Village, the residential facility for the developmentally disabled at Medical Lake, would be phased out in eight years for all but the most acute-care patients under a cost-cutting plan …

• Film loosely based on writer’s youth in CdA

  In City on Page A7 Most people have memories of high school they would just as soon forget. Not Regina Crosby.

• Sandpoint byway erosion control draws EPA’s scrutiny, complaint

  In Idaho on Page A7 The Idaho Transportation Department is again in trouble with the federal regulators over faulty erosion controls at a U.S. Highway 95 construction project. An inspector with the U.S. Environmental Protection …

• Man gets life sentence for rape

  In City on Page A7 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 … 1

• Court OKs release of R-71 petitions

  In City on Page A8 SEATTLE – 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, …

• Yellowstone Park to limit snowmobilers

  In City on Page A8 CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The National Park Service has approved a plan to restrict snowmobile numbers in Yellowstone National Park to less than half of last winter’s limit. The park on …

• Police: Men used teen to lure victim

  In City on Page A8 Two men accused of using a teenage girl to lure a robbery victim spent the money on a shopping spree at a Spokane mall, court papers allege. The purchases helped …

• Court rules judiciary exempt from disclosure

  In City on Page A8 SEATTLE – 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 …

• Region in brief: Restaurant worker robbed at gunpoint

  In City on Page A8 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. The robber stepped out of a …

• Washington records

  In City on Page A9 Spokane County Marriage licenses

• Idaho records

  In City on Page A11 For 10-16-2009

• Foreclosures rise 5 percent in quarter

  In Business on Page A12 WASHINGTON – The number of households caught up in the foreclosure crisis rose more than 5 percent from summer to fall as a federal effort to assist struggling borrowers was … 1

• Renovators turn Helena into the Pearl on Adams

  In Business on Page A12 The Spokane Housing Authority’s long transformation of the former Helena Apartments is nearing completion. The building’s old name, associated with a dark moment in downtown Spokane history, has been scrubbed … 3

• Naples mill set to close

  In City on Page A12 A Naples, Idaho, sawmill employing 93 workers is expected to be shuttered in December and its workers laid off indefinitely. Welco Lumber Company USA, which makes cedar picket fence boards, …

• Google posts higher profit

  In Business on Page A12 SAN FRANCISCO – Google Inc. shifted into a higher gear in the third quarter and began to leave the recession behind as the 11-year-old Internet search leader recorded its biggest …

• Business in brief: White House says job data validates stimulus

  In Business on Page A12 Washington – Businesses reported creating or saving more than 30,000 jobs in the first months of President Barack Obama’s stimulus program, according to initial data released Thursday by a government …

• Amy Goodman: Military owes gays equality

  In Opinion on Page A15 Lt. Dan Choi doesn’t want to lie. Choi, an Iraq war veteran and a graduate of West Point, declared last March 19 on “The Rachel Maddow Show,” “I am gay.” … 3

• Robertson is best choice for Valley council

  In Opinion on Page A15 A bedroom community or an urban city? Seven years ago, Spokane Valley voters opted for the latter. Some residents have buyer’s remorse. Others never wanted incorporation, but a disincorporation effort … 1

• EWU’s Sherritt shines

  In Sports on Page B1 Sunday soreness is a simple fact of life for most college football players. But last Sunday’s soreness reached a new level for Eastern Washington University’s J.C. Sherritt, who found himself …

• Cougs go on display

  In Sports on Page B1 PULLMAN – It’s quite obvious things are different around the Washington State University men’s basketball program. Head coach Tony Bennett is gone to Virginia after three winning seasons, replaced by …

• USA, Canada continue heated hockey rivalry

  In Sports on Page B1 The women’s hockey contest between Team USA and Canada tonight at the Arena is technically an exhibition game. Don’t be fooled. These teams are considered the best in the world. …

• Phillies take Game 1

  In Sports on Page B1 LOS ANGELES – Brad Lidge and the Philadelphia Phillies picked up where they left off a year ago against the Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. Carlos Ruiz and …

• Sports in brief: Miller back with U.S. team

  In Sports on Page B1 After two years away, Bode Miller is back training with the U.S. Ski Team. The two-time World Cup overall champion said he’s happy to be skiing with the team again.

• Cincy wins with depth

  In Sports on Page B2 TAMPA, Fla. – Tony Pike threw two touchdown passes before spraining his left wrist and backup Zach Collaros ran 75 yards for a score to lead No. 8 Cincinnati to …

• Sports in brief: Johnson earns pole with best lap of season

  In Sports on Page B2 Auto racing: Jimmie Johnson is returning to his dominant ways at the perfect time. His latest accomplishment: the fastest qualifying lap of the NASCAR season. The three-time defending Sprint Cup …

• Today’s Best

  In Sports on Page B2 Alex Ovechkin Scored twice in a 28-second span of the second period to lead Capitals past San Jose.

• Scoreboard

  In Sports on Page B2 Baseball NLCS

• Newsmakers

  In Sports on Page B2 Sidelined United States soccer team defender Oguchi Onyewu has a torn tendon in his left knee, an injury that usually requires a recovery time of 3-4 months. The AC Milan …

• UW receiving corps has overcome injuries

  In Sports on Page B3 SEATTLE – One of the offensive stars of Saturday’s win over Arizona got hurt at a University of Washington football practice earlier this week, and the Huskies didn’t even blink. …

• UI’s Dickson picks right times

  In Sports on Page B3 MOSCOW, Idaho – JoJo Dickson was taking in the merry scene after Idaho’s home-opening win last month when San Diego State quarterback Ryan Lindley approached him. Lindley had a simple …

• Curry tattoos Hawks’ opponents

  In Sports on Page B3 RENTON, Wash. – Aaron Curry had the tattoos inked on opposite sides of his chest, which is fitting because they embody the two poles of his personality. “Off the field” …

• Sioux Falls has outgrown NAIA

  In Sports on Page B4 University of Sioux Falls football games have been so lopsided, even the athletic director’s wife tells him she can’t bear to watch. It’s not what you think: The Cougars, the …

• Titans upend LC

  In Sports on Page B4 University wasn’t ready to join the ranks of the in-betweens Thursday night. Aaron Gleason booted a 25-yard field goal with 3 seconds remaining to lift University to a 30-27, come-from-behind …

• San Francisco edges Zags

  In Sports on Page B4 The University of San Francisco, after dropping the first two games, used some outstanding defense and a match-high 20 kills from Sarah Mandala to claws it way back and beat …

• Prep roundup: Mt. Spokane rallies

  In Sports on Page B4 Visiting Mt. Spokane spotted East Valley a 2-0 lead Thursday night before roaring back to claim a 3-2 Greater Spokane League win over the Knights. The Wildcats (7-1 GSL) took …

• Knight takes on new role

  In Sports on Page B5 BRISTOL, Conn. – Bob Knight is moving to a bigger stage with ESPN. The network said Thursday the Hall of Fame coach will serve as the analyst for the weekly …

• Today’s menu

  In Sports on Page B7 For 10-16-2009

• On the air

  In Sports on Page B7 For 10-16-2009

• Hunting + fishing

  In Sports on Page B8 Fly fishing Several fly fishers were having a heyday catching Lake Roosevelt rainbows this week by launching their float tubes at Hawk Creek. They were using fast-sinking lines and muddler …

• Jonze focuses on childhood in ‘Where the Wild Things Are’

  In Features on Page C1 The promotional materials for Spike Jonze’s new film adaptation of “Where the Wild Things Are” kick off with this quote from the director: “I didn’t set out to make a …

• Ed Asner a perfect fit as FDR

  In Features on Page C1 Ed Asner may not be the first actor who springs to mind as a natural choice to play Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Roosevelt had a patrician, upper-class New York accent that …

• The Slice: Keeping it real in Spokane Valley

  In Features on Page C1 If Spokane Valley sometimes seems fuzzy about its own identity, maybe there’s a good reason. Perhaps it’s because no one ever took the time to spell out the essential differences …

• Brooks is bubbling back up

  In Features on Page C2 Garth Brooks is back. “We’re going to take the retirement roof off over our head, and I already feel taller,” the 47-year-old country superstar said Thursday.

• Ride out plan – see what happens

  In Features on Page C2 Dear Carolyn: I’m feeling completely torn in half. For the past three years, I’ve been dating a great guy. We’re in our mid-20s and have lived together for two of …

• Horoscope

  In Features on Page C2 For 10-16-2009

• On sale

  Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m. for a performance by Larry the Cable Guy, Dec. 6 at the Spokane Arena; $43.75, through TicketsWest outlets (509-325-SEAT, 800-325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com).

• Simone Dinnerstein

  What: Acclaimed New York pianist performs Mozart’s Piano Concerto in A major with the Gonzaga Symphony. When: Tonight at 7:30

• ‘The Stepfather’

  A young man (Penn Badgley) suspects that his mother’s new lover (Dylan Walsh) is up to no good. Running time/rating: 1:41; PG-13 for intense sequences of violence, disturbing images, mature …

• Ben Folds »

  What: Pop-rock pianist pairs with the Spokane Symphony as part of a tour with orchestras across the country. When: Sunday, 7:30 p.m.

• Debby Boone

  What: Pat Boone’s daughter pays tribute to her late mother-in-law, jazz singer Rosemary Clooney. When: Sunday, 3 p.m.

• Dan Cummins

  What: Local comedian teams with fellow funnyman Juston McKinney in a show to be taped for a Comedy Central TV special. When: Saturday, 7 p.m.

• At a glance: ‘Where the Wild Things Are’

  A mischievous boy (Max Records) enters a magical land and becomes King of All Wild Things. Running time/rating: 1:34; PG for mild thematic elements, some adventure action and brief language

• At a glance: ‘Paranormal Activity’

  A young couple sets up a video camera to catch the spirits haunting them in this “Blair Witch Project”-style horror film. Running time/rating: 1:39; R for language

• At a glance: ‘Law Abiding Citizen’

  A prosecutor (Jamie Foxx) is caught up in a vengeful prisoner’s (Gerard Butler) twisted scheme. Running time/rating: 1:48; R for strong bloody brutal violence and torture, a scene of rape, …

• Slipknot pushes metal’s envelope

  In Features on Page C4 Back in 1999, nu metal was the new metal. But it was a rather short-lived trend and many of the bands of that subgenre have since been washed away into … 1

• ‘Rat Pack’ impersonators hit INB

  In Features on Page C4 Most of us never got the chance to catch the famous “Summit at the Sands” nightclub act in 1960, featuring Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin and Joey Bishop. …

• Clubs

  In Features on Page C4 Arbor Crest Tasting Room, River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave.: today, Jerin Falkner and Jean Mann (original), 5 p.m. The Big Dipper, 171 S. Washington St.: Wednesday, The Hold …

• Coming up

  In Features on Page C4 Unless otherwise noted, tickets are available through TicketsWest (TW; 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 Theater …

• Foxx’s ‘Citizen’ awful, not lawful

  In Features on Page C5 “Law Abiding Citizen” is guilty of stupidity in the first degree. Part horror film, part thriller, it fantasizes about what a man with a little money and a 10-year passion …

• ‘Paranormal Activity’ fun, scary

  In Features on Page C5 Some movies are a more shared experience than others, and that’s certainly the case with “Paranormal Activity,” a micro-budget horror flick about things that go bump in the you-know-what in …

• Film events

  In Features on Page C5 “500 Days of Summer” – Offbeat romantic comedy about a woman who doesn’t believe true love exists, and the young man who falls for her. Rated PG-13. Today-Saturday, 5:30 and …

• FIlms

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

• ‘Drag’ satisfies horror fans

  In Features on Page C7 ‘Drag Me to Hell’ Sam Raimi’s return to horror filmmaking is a satisfying, terrifying old-fashioned thriller-chiller.

• Let young vets drink, carry

  In Letters My husband has just returned from Iraq after a yearlong deployment. The United States Army sent him to a hostile country and ordered him to carry around an M-4 and …

• Better Valley is the goal

  In Letters I have been seeing in articles and hearing that the candidates opposing some of the current Spokane Valley City Council members are in favor of disincorporating the city of Spokane …

• Tree hugger has doubts

  In Letters Linda Krogh (Letters, Oct. 3) says that merely taking a look at people who oppose Proposition 4 should be enough to convince you to support it. Well, here I am, …

• Petition secrecy endangers rights

  In Letters Imagine entering a business and spending your hard-earned cash on one of its products. Unbeknownst to you, the business owner is using the profit from your purchase to push forth …