Stories for October 22, 2009

• Mt. Spokane could face forfeit

  In Sports Mt. Spokane could forfeit last week’s 56-0 football win over East Valley for using an ineligible player for the last two plays. The Greater Spokane League championship couuld hang in … 1

• CV wins slowpitch title

  In Sports The Central Valley Bears came up with timely hits and held off a late rally in a 6-1 victory over the three-time defending champion University Titans to win the Greater …

• Sterling loss closes out the books on decade of expansion

  In Business Sterling Financial Corp. Thursday reported a huge third-quarter loss of $463.7 million, in the process closing out the books on almost a decade of acquisitions that made the Spokane institution …

• College fair draws hundreds in Spokane

  In City Hundreds of high school students considering their futures flooded the Spokane National College Fair at the Convention Center on Thursday. 2

• Dog shot with hunting arrow in north Spokane

  In City A national animal rights group is offering $2,500 for tips that help arrest the person responsible for shooting a dog with a hunting arrow.

• Pair arrested after downtown Spokane arson

    In City A man and a woman taken into custody during a downtown fire this morning are being charged with second-degree arson, fire officials said this afternoon. 1

• Wash. court reins in warrantless car searches

  In City The state Supreme Court says police were wrong to search a man’s car after arresting him at home, even though he was standing next to the car with his head … 5

• Group wants to hide donors in R-71 campaign

  In City A political action committee opposed to Washington state’s expanded partnerships for gay couples has sued in federal court, arguing it should be exempt from the state’s campaign finance laws. 15

• CDC: 1 in 5 kids had flu-like illness this month

  In Nation/World About 1 in 5 U.S. children had a flu-like illness earlier this month — and most of those cases likely were swine flu, according to a new government health survey. 4

• Drug raids targeting Mexican cartel nab 300-plus

  In City In the largest single strike at Mexican drug operations in the U.S., federal officials on Thursday announced the arrests of more than 300 people in raids across the country, including … 1

• Microsoft hopes for a fresh start with Windows 7

  In Business Microsoft Corp. put a new edition of Windows on sale Thursday, hoping for a fresh start after a bad reception for the previous version of the software that runs most …

• Man’s face slashed in early morning argument

  In City Spokane police are looking for a man who pulled a knife on an intoxicated man and slashed him across the face following an argument early this morning in the Logan …

• Cloudy today, rain Friday, nicer Saturday

  In City, Idaho Cloudy and cool weather today will follow Wednesday’s rainfall, but forecasters are predicting more rain on Friday and again later on Sunday.

• Swine flu spreads; patients stretch resources at hospitals

  In City on Page A1 Spokane is in the grip of a swine flu outbreak that has sickened thousands of people, swamped hospital emergency rooms and filled hospital beds with children and young adults. On …

• Taser warns of risk to heart

  In City on Page A1 Stun gun maker Taser International is advising police agencies across the nation to avoid aiming the devices at a suspect’s chest. The Arizona-based company says such action poses an “extremely … 5

• Sacred Heart’s CEO blasts Rockwood

  In City on Page A1 Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center’s chief executive charged Rockwood Clinic’s leaders with bad-faith dealings and ethical lapses the day after Rockwood stunned Spokane’s medical community by announcing it would align … 38

• Activists release new ACORN video

  In Nation/World on Page A2 WASHINGTON – Two conservative activists released a new undercover video targeting the community-organizing group ACORN on Wednesday, an attempt to reignite a simmering political controversy surrounding the Democratic-leaning organization. The …

• Clerk accused of stealing $1 million lottery prize

  In Nation/World on Page A2 AUSTIN, Texas – A 25-year-old convenience store clerk pocketed a customer’s $1 million winning lottery ticket, claimed the prize and skipped town, possibly back to his native Nepal, authorities said. …

• Accuracy watch

  In City on Page A2 For 10-22-2009

• Nation in brief: Authorities: Man tried to aid terror

  In Nation/World on Page A2 Boston – A Massachusetts man and two friends tried and failed to get into terrorist training camps and then plotted to kill two prominent U.S. politicians and randomly shoot people …

• Congress presses health insurers

  In Nation/World on Page A3 WASHINGTON – Efforts to strip the health insurance industry of key antitrust protections got significant boosts Wednesday, when a House of Representatives committee voted to end the 64-year-old exemption and …

• U.S. warns Japan against reneging on troop plans

  In Nation/World on Page A3 WASHINGTON – Worried about a new direction in Japan’s foreign policy, the Obama administration warned the Tokyo government Wednesday of serious consequences if it reneges on a military realignment plan …

• Death count reaches 33 in Rio drug war violence

  In Nation/World on Page A3 SAO PAULO – Rio de Janeiro police on Wednesday announced seven more deaths and 17 arrests as drug-fueled violence continued to sweep over parts of the city that this month …

• Iran-U.S. nuclear deal near approval

  In Nation/World on Page A3 BEIRUT – Deft diplomacy and regional security woes are driving Iran and the United States toward a deal on Iran’s nuclear program, experts say, illustrated by movement Wednesday in talks … 2

• Senate derails legislation to block fee cut to doctors

  In Nation/World on Page A3 WASHINGTON – With budget anxieties pervading the congressional health care debate, the Senate on Wednesday sidetracked popular legislation to increase Medicare payments to doctors by $250 billion over the next … 1

• World in brief: Hostage situation ends peacefully

  In Nation/World on Page A3 Edmonton, Alberta – A man who barricaded himself with eight hostages inside the Edmonton Workers’ Compensation building surrendered Wednesday night, 10 hours after the drama began. Edmonton police spokesman Dean …

• Eyewitness describes sweat lodge ceremony

  In Nation/World on Page A4 FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – More than 50 followers of spiritual guru James Arthur Ray had just endured five strenuous days of fasting, sleep-deprivation and mind-altering breathing exercises when he led them … 1

• Sculptor hopes MAC piece sparks cooperative feeling

  In City on Page A5 Walla Walla sculptor Brad Rude merges the bronze likenesses of a mule deer, coyote and owl, one on top of the other, in a new sculpture on the grounds of …

• Work on federal suit must wait, judge rules

  In City on Page A5 Most of the legal preparations for a federal lawsuit against the city over the death of Otto Zehm will be put on hold until the criminal trial against a Spokane … 1

• Spookane horrors on display all year

  In City on Page A5 I can’t believe how popular Halloween is getting. Seriously. Some people spend even more on fake cobwebs and rubber bats than I drop on Jack Daniels to get me through … 4

• In brief: Woman reports rape at survival center

  In City on Page A5 An employee at Fairchild Air Force Base’s Survival Training Center is accused of raping a woman in an interrogation room. Michael W. Fassbender, 32, was in Spokane County Jail on … 8

• Otter defends insurance costs

  In Idaho on Page A6 BOISE – Gov. Butch Otter is defending a move to increase health insurance costs sharply for part-time state employees, even though some will face premiums that exceed their take-home pay. …

• In brief: Meth distributor sentenced to 23 years

  In City on Page A6 A Spokane Valley man will spend 23 years in prison for helping run a meth ring that distributed more than 33 pounds of the drug, the U.S. attorney’s office for …

• Idaho records

  In City on Page A6 For 10-22-2009

• Washington Records

  In City on Page A6 Spokane County Marriage licenses

• Executive pay targeted

  In Business on Page A7 WASHINGTON – The Obama administration plans to significantly cut the pay of executives at the seven companies that have received the most bailout money, reacting to a growing outcry about …

• Boeing posts big loss in third-quarter earnings

  In Business on Page A7 Boeing’s ambitions seem to have outflown its abilities, as the company’s plans to reinvent the way jetliners are built keep faltering, forcing it to post a big loss in the …

• Dollar’s down, oil heads up

  In Business on Page A7 WASHINGTON – Hitting a 14-month low against the euro, the sinking dollar renewed concerns Wednesday about higher oil prices and other inflationary threats. Since early March, when the dollar hit …

• Airport board approves hangar deal

  In Business on Page A7 The Spokane Airport Board Wednesday approved a consolidated maintenance and painting hangar where as many as 130 workers could be employed in two years. The 37,800-square-foot hangar will be leased …

• Business in brief: Industry honors Rosauers CEO

  In Business on Page A7 The Washington Food Industry named Rosauers Supermarket CEO and President Jeff Philipps its 2009 Retailer of the Year. The group, based in Seattle, gave the honor to Philipps for sustaining …

• Legal pot has surprising allies

  In Opinion on Page A9 In an act of merciful sanity, the Obama administration has made good on its promise to stop interfering with states that allow the medical use of marijuana. Clink-clink, hear-hear, salud, … 5

• Editorial: Foundation helps comfort children who have cancer

  In Opinion on Page A9 In the national political arena, health care is about competing constituent interests, counting votes and wading through pages of statistical and fiscal analysis. On the fourth floor of Providence Sacred …

• WSU’s Jones, Montgomery heading back to Berkeley

  In Sports on Page B1 PULLMAN – It was supposed to be homecoming week. James Montgomery and Brandon Jones have looked forward to it for almost two years, Saturday’s visit to Berkeley. The California Bears. …

• UW proposes renewing series; GU says hold on

  In Sports on Page B1 A University of Washington proposal to resume the men’s basketball series with Gonzaga was met with a chilly reception from the Bulldogs. The Huskies proposed a three-game series, beginning next … 1

• Phillies repeat as N.L. champs

  In Sports on Page B1 PHILADELPHIA – Ryan Howard and the defending champs are back in the World Series – proving last year was no fluke and looking even more dangerous this time around. Jayson …

• Private landowners give lift to hunters

  In Outdoors on Page B1 Late summer through early fall is a humbling period for hunters as we endure the bittersweet ritual of asking for permission to hunt on private land. The effort is riddled …

• Sports in brief: GU women picked to win

  In Sports on Page B1 Women’s basketball: Coaches of Gonzaga’s rivals in the West Coast Conference unanimously agreed that the Bulldogs will capture their sixth straight regular-season championship. The Bulldogs were picked first on seven …

• SEC crew suspended

  In Sports on Page B2 BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Southeastern Conference has suspended officials from last weekend’s Arkansas-Florida game after the crew was involved in its second controversial call of the year. Referee Marc Curles’ …

• Newsmakers

  In Sports on Page B2 Signs Running back Ahman Green couldn’t hang up his helmet, not after the way things ended in Houston. Now Green is back with Green Bay, volunteering Wednesday to take a …

• Today’s Best

  In Sports on Page B2 Mikayla Anderson Scored three goals and added an assist to lead Mead to 4-2 road soccer win over Central Valley.

• Sports in brief: Glover wins PGA Grand Slam of Golf

  In Sports on Page B2 Golf: U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover brought a new set of irons to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf to start getting ready for next year, and it worked out …

• Scoreboard

  In Sports on Page B2 Baseball NLCS

• First-year functions

  In Sports on Page B3 SEATTLE – The two head coaches who will roam opposite sidelines this weekend, in the latest installment of the Pac-10’s biggest interstate rivalry, jumped in at different depths in the …

• Injuries eliminate premier matchup

  In Sports on Page B3 The much-anticipated cornerback-wide receiver matchup between Montana State’s Cory Nicol and Eastern Washington’s Aaron Boyce had the potential to be something special. But because of season-ending injuries suffered recently by …

• Pac-10 picks

  In Sports on Page B3 Finally, a good week. If only Washington’s defense had held Arizona State to a field goal, it would have been perfect. Of course, there’s a simple reason for our success. …

• Halliday’s season reaches new level

  In Sports on Page B4 Connor Halliday is missing one thing his dad has – a high school state football championship. OK, maybe two things. “I may have been faster than him,” said Duane Halliday, …

• Wildcats inch closer to GSL title

  In Sports on Page B4 Carissa Yedica tallied a goal and an assist and the Mt. Spokane Wildcats (12-1, 8-1) dominated the second half en route to a 3-0 victory over the visiting Ferris Saxons …

• Sandpoint leads state soccer field

  In Sports on Page B4 When it comes to boys soccer in Idaho, Sandpoint has been as good as any team in the state this decade regardless of classification. This year Sandpoint is seeking its …

• GSL benefits from split in classes

  In Sports on Page B4 The rest of the state apparently has discovered what the Greater Spokane League learned. A 4A-3A conference split is not all that bad. Because of the realization, University activities coordinator …

• Small feats

  In Sports on Page B5 Greater Spokane League smaller-school distance runners refused to take a back seat to those from larger schools during Wednesday’s District 8 4A-3A cross country meet. Shadle Park’s girls dominated their …

• Eagles take to road

  In Sports on Page B5 Eastern Washington University’s soccer team finds itself in a rare position and facing a difficult challenge as it heads into the final week of the regular season. The Eagles (6-6-2) …

• Zags roar back to tie Pilots

  In Sports on Page B5 Zach Smith scored in the 66th minute and the Gonzaga Bulldogs rallied to tie the visiting Portland Pilots 2-2 in a West Coast Conference men’s soccer match Wednesday. Ryan Luke …

• On the air

  In Sports on Page B6 For 10-22-2009

• Today’s menu

  In Sports on Page B6 For 10-22-2009

• Seattle takes long view

  In Sports on Page B7 RENTON, Wash. – The Seattle Seahawks know they have their doubters. Plenty of people have written them off after a 2-4 start. But after practicing for the last time before …

• Yankees sense Series

  In Sports on Page B7 ANAHEIM, Calif. – When Derek Jeter recalls the last time the New York Yankees got this close to the World Series, he gets chills down his spine that have nothing …

• Johjima cites playing time in decision to leave M’s

  In Sports on Page B7 Kenji Johjima said today in Japan that he left the Seattle Mariners because his playing time had been cut so severely. Johjima held a conference call with Japanese-speaking reporters – …

• UI’s Keo in trouble following altercation

  In Sports on Page B7 MOSCOW, Idaho – University of Idaho starting safety Shiloh Keo was cited for misdemeanor battery after an altercation Saturday night following the Vandals’ win over Hawaii. Keo, the Vandals’ leading …

• Interplayers staging Pulitzer-winning ‘Doubt’

  In Features on Page C1 The Pulitzer-winning play “Doubt: A Parable,” by John Patrick Shanley, is timely and pertinent for Inland Northwest audiences: It’s about a priest accused of sexually abusing a student. “Doubt” explores …

• The Slice: Family Truckster heading to Fargo?

  In Features on Page C1 The clerk helping Marcie Lund’s family with their passport paperwork was so serious he almost seemed grim. But he cracked a smile when 9-year-old Karstan piped up with, “Now we …

• Barrueco trades Lexus for symphony

  In Features on Page C1 Few classical musicians have achieved wide recognition from television commercials. But guitarist Manuel Barrueco has been seen – and heard – by more people in a TV ad for the …

• Stars go Poppins crazy

  In Features on Page C2 Even stars get star-struck. It happened Monday to Zoe Saldana, Katie Holmes and Renee Zellweger at Elle magazine’s Women in Hollywood tribute, where they were honored alongside legendary actress Julie …

• Annie’s Mailbox: Woman’s claim could ruin lives

  In Features on Page C2 Dear Annie: My old roommate from college is beginning to cause a huge problem. “Sandy” was promiscuous in school, and there were many nights I crashed on a neighbor’s couch …

• Horoscope

  In Features on Page C2 For 10-22-2009

• Arts Calendar

  In Features on Page C3 Auditions Spokane Youth Ballet Scholarship – For boys ages 10-15 interested in studying ballet, the scholarship will supply all training and performing fees for the 2009-2010 season. Come dressed in …

• 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 Events of particular interest are marked with a . For complete listings, see www.spokane7.com.

• ‘Xtreme’ equestrian course aims to take fear out of trails

    In Washington Voices on Page N1 For many equestrians, the height of horsey delight is a trail ride. Horse and rider enjoy expansive views, and the gentle plodding transports them far away from the daily training …

• Congregation moves uphill

  In Washington Voices on Page N1 It’s been there for 100 years and most people know it as “that church with the sign” that grabs motorists’ attention with its pointed messages. Bethany Presbyterian Church is moving …

• Student-made shirts help Nepalese girls

  In Washington Voices on Page N1 It may be only October, but many high school seniors, and even juniors, are hard at work on assignments that must be completed before they don their caps and gowns. …

• Rogers honors inductees

  In Washington Voices on Page N13 Three area residents and Rogers High School alumni were recently inducted into the Rogers Walk of Fame. The following are biographies of the 2009 inductees, Wayne D. Anderson, Wayne G. …

• Music event helps area Komen group

  In Washington Voices on Page N13 The fourth annual Think SWING! Jazz and Blues Festival will be Saturday at the Lincoln Center, 1316 N. Lincoln St., in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The three-session …

• Senior activities

  In Washington Voices on Page N14 For 10-22-2009

• Senior dancing

  In Washington Voices on Page N14 For 10-22-2009

• Offering comfort during cancer

  In Washington Voices on Page S1 October is breast cancer awareness month. But cancer survivors like Melody Biehl are always aware of the insidious disease that claims more than 40,000 women in the United States each …

• Joint service, festival at Bethlehem Lutheran

  In Washington Voices on Page S2 Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bethany Presbyterian Church and Emmanuel Metropolitan Community Church will present a Festival of the Reformation Joint Worship Service and Oktoberfest Celebration Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at Bethany …

• Fall is the time to plant garlic, tulips, move firs

  In Washington Voices on Page S2 Now that we are done with summer garden care, it’s time to think about fall chores. Mid-October is the perfect time to plant garlic for harvest in late July next …

• Veterans shelter celebrates anniversary

  In Washington Voices on Page S4 The Pioneer Victory House, 925 W. Broadway Ave., opened its doors a year ago to homeless veterans. Residents held a lunch to celebrate, honoring the volunteers and residents who have …

• Sky diver jumps for the cause

  In Washington Voices on Page S4 Flying, floating, falling. Sky diving isn’t quite any of those words while it is all of them. When Spangle resident Pat Menke jumps from an airplane and drops toward the …

• In brief: Used book sale Friday and Saturday

  In Washington Voices on Page S4 SPOKANE COUNTY – On Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Friends of the North Spokane County Library will have a semiannual used book sale at the …

• Coop converted into chick’s haven

  In Washington Voices on Page S6 Punkin the beagle exits the main house through a doggy door and trots across the yard on the path embedded with paving stones. She enters the coop, not to harass …

• Hope House luncheon on Oct. 30

  In Washington Voices on Page S6 The 11th annual Hope House luncheon on Oct. 30 will include local celebrities. The event at the DoubleTree Hotel, 322 N. Spokane Falls Court, will begin with wine tasting and …

• Somebody needs you

  In Washington Voices on Page S6 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 …

• In brief: Area women to be honored

  In Washington Voices on Page S8 RIVERSIDE – Six Spokane women are expected to be honored for service and leadership on Wednesday at the annual YWCA Women of Achievement benefit luncheon at the Spokane Convention Center …

• Senior meals

  In Washington Voices on Page S16 For the week of Oct. 26-30: Monday – Option 1: Polynesian pork, steamed rice, green beans, carrots, dinner roll, cookie. Option 2: Chicken sandwich, tomato basil soup, cookie.

• Seniors establish center

  In Washington Voices on Page V1 An after-school program at the Edgecliff Neighborhood Center may have died off from lack of funds, but something new is rising from the ashes. Organizers have launched the fledgling Edgecliff …

• Grafos’ business fined in 1983

  In Washington Voices on Page V1 Court records show Spokane Valley City Council candidate Dean Grafos admitted in 1983 that his mobile home business “knowingly and willfully” committed four federal felonies. Newspaper clippings about the court … 3

• Report praises police operation in Valley

  In Washington Voices on Page V1 Like an orchestra after a discordant warm-up, Spokane Valley’s police contract players began hitting the same notes at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. “Go figure,” Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich said …

• Jon and Kate minus one TV viewer

  In Washington Voices on Page V1 One can only hold one’s curmudgeon hormones in check for so long, so be forewarned, they’re surging today and I’m taking no prisoners. Proceed at your own risk. I so …

• Valley Odd Fellows time capsule opened at tea

  In Washington Voices on Page V2 There’s something magical about an afternoon of tea and history that transcends the norm. On Saturday, the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum once again transcended the norm by holding its fifth …

• In brief: Pink Night planned at Valley pub

  In Washington Voices on Page V4 SPOKANE VALLEY – The Spitfire Pub and Eatery, 6520 E. Trent Ave., is showing its support for Breast Cancer Awareness month with Pink Night on Friday, from 4 to 8 …

• Community services

  In Washington Voices on Page V4 Employment, Education and Training – For Spokane County residents who have been laid off from work or have low income; provided through Work Source at (509) 532-3140. Employment and Training …

• Volunteer

  In Washington Voices on Page V6 For 10-22-2009

• Teen comes up with solution

  In Washington Voices on Page V8 When 16-year-old Tasha Kelly-Schafnitz heard her friend’s mom had breast cancer, she felt bad. When she heard that a car wash benefit to help with medical expenses raised less than …

• River plan passes

  In Washington Voices on Page V15 The River District Specific Area Plan passed the Liberty Lake City Council Tuesday night after council member Neal Olander waged a futile, last-ditch campaign to increase park sizes in the …

• Family calendar

  In Washington Voices on Page V15 Today 2009 Fall National College Fair - Hours are 9 a.m.-noon and 6-8 p.m., Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., Hall A. Free. (509) 279-7000.

• Cheney candidates face off

  In Washington Voices on Page W1 Candidates running for mayor and City Council in Cheney had a chance to introduce themselves to the community and answer questions forum last week in the little theater at Cheney …

• Park named after teacher

  In Washington Voices on Page W1 The Airway Heights City Council unanimously approved a resolution Monday night to name the park in the Sunset Crossing development Cleveland Park, in honor of the late Sunset Elementary School …

• Charting trails to adventure

  In Washington Voices on Page W4 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 …

• Lottery Winners

  In Washington Voices on Page W4 Oct. 12-18 $50,000

• In brief: Equestrian team plans dinner

  In Washington Voices on Page W4 CHENEY – The Cheney High School Equestrian Team Spaghetti Feed and Kiddie Carnival will be at the Cheney Rodeo Grounds Clubhouse on Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. Carnival activities …

• Expect chills on Halloween as winter nears

  In Washington Voices on Page W5 As the fall continues to advance, the beauty of the Inland Northwest is enhanced by the tremendous autumn foliage. We will likely see the greatest display of color across the …

• Sweet Pea

  In Washington Voices on Page W7 Sweet Pea is true to her name. She is an absolute sweetie! She loves affection. She also loves to play. Her favorite game is tag. She is good on the …

• Welcome to Utopia

  In Letters OK, what is going on here? Who’s responsible for this insane document called Prop 4? How did a wish list for a Utopian society become a demand for that wish …

• Rights shouldn’t need votes

  In Letters I’ve recently become engaged to the love of my life. Unfortunately, as we are trying to celebrate our love and plan our wedding, our joy has been undercut by the …

• Another Eyman deception

  In Letters Election time approaches, and as usual Tim Eyman is offering another “free lunch” special: Initiative 1033. 3