Stories for October 29, 2009

• Cheney ghost story reaches centennial milestone

  In News If the ghost that haunted Elizabeth McLanahan at her Cheney home in 1909 is still around, he’s not doing much harm. Unless you’re concerned about needlessly depleting the water supply.

• Yankees tie series

  In Sports Mark Teixeira and Hideki Matsui hit solo homers off familiar foe Pedro Martinez, backing a sharp performance by A.J. Burnett and giving the Yankees a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia …

• Housing prisoners on the cheap

    In News, Idaho BOISE - Idaho’s maximum security prison marked its 20th anniversary on Thursday, with two of its units sitting vacant. It’s not that Idaho doesn’t have enough prisoners — it’s short … 6

• Spokane County fires racetrack operator

  In City Spokane County commissioners today fired the company they hired to operate the controversial Spokane County Raceway Park. 16

• Community college enrollment up across the nation

  In City The tradition of enrollment increases at community colleges during times of high unemployment rates is playing out across the nation as well as Inland Northwest. A record high of about …

• Regulators approve cut in Avista gas rates

  In City State energy regulators today approved Avista Corp. cutting its natural gas rates by more than 25 percent. 1

• Motorcyclist involved in crash identified

  In City The biker killed in a crash Wednesday had been a member of the Ghost Riders motorcycle gang and served time in prison for killing two people. 6

• New UW program clears way to 3-year degree

  In Region A new University of Washington program will clear the way to a three-year undergraduate degree for students who arrive on campus with 45 credits. 3

• Photo shows ATM burglar, police say

  In City Police hope someone recognizes a man captured on video who may be responsible for a series of ATM thefts.

• Three men questioned in string of armed robberies

  In City Three men arrested for an armed robbery Wednesday night are being questioned about a string of robberies in Spokane County in the last month.

• GU, WSU to host NCAA women’s tournament games

  In News, Sports The NCAA Women’s Basketball Committee has selected Gonzaga to host the first two rounds of the 2011 tournament at McCarthey Athletic Center with the regional finals the next weekend at … 2

• Bonner County police logs, Oct. 27-28

    In Idaho Read the Bonner County law enforcement log for Oct. 27 and Oct. 28, 2009.

• Jail lieutenants agree to contract concessions

  In City Spokane County jail lieutenants agreed to contract concessions wiping out their cost-of-living raises, overtime and comp time in 2010.

• Season’s first snow falling around region

  In City, Idaho National Weather Service forecasters are sticking with a prediction of snow today as a warm front off of the Pacific Ocean glides over colder air at ground level.

• Study: Washington state math test is tough

  In City Washington’s statewide math tests appear to be tougher than those in most other states, a national study revealed Thursday. 1

• Economy grows in 3Q, signals end of recession

  In Business, Nation/World The economy grew at a 3.5 percent pace in the third quarter, the best showing in two years, fueled by government-supported spending on cars and homes. It’s the strongest signal … 2

• Questions linger in disappearances

    In City on Page A1 The Spokane Street Motel stands as one of the last reminders of a hardworking couple who mysteriously vanished 25 years ago today. No tombstones, no urns and no memorial plaques … 1

• Boeing plant goes to S.C.

  In Business on Page A1 SEATTLE – Boeing Co. will open a second assembly line for its long-delayed 787 jetliner in South Carolina, expanding beyond its longtime manufacturing base in Washington state to take advantage …

• Pelosi set to unveil health bill

  In Nation/World on Page A1 WASHINGTON – House Democrats reached agreement Wednesday on key elements of a health care bill that would vastly alter America’s medical landscape, requiring virtually universal sign-ups and establishing a new … 2

• Distance no deterrent for Senate candidate

  In Idaho on Page A1 BOISE – When Idaho’s senior senator, Mike Crapo, last sought re-election, he made history by drawing no challenger on the ballot, just a write-in. This time, Crapo has drawn a …

• Senate likely to extend homebuyer credit

  In Nation/World on Page A2 WASHINGTON – Senators agreed Wednesday to extend a popular tax credit for first-time homebuyers and to offer a reduced credit to some repeat buyers. The tax credit provides up to …

• NASA successfully tests new type of moon rocket

  In Nation/World on Page A2 CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s newest rocket successfully completed a brief test flight Wednesday, the first step in a back-to-the-moon program that could yet be shelved by the White House. … 2

• Hate-crimes protection grows

  In Nation/World on Page A3 WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama on Wednesday signed the first major piece of federal gay rights legislation, a milestone that activists compared to the passage of 1960s civil rights legislation …

• Busy Pakistan market bombed

  In Nation/World on Page A3 ISLAMABAD – The deadliest bombing in Pakistan in two years quickly overshadowed Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s first official visit here Wednesday, drawing attention away from her goal of …

• Obama travels to base to receive fallen soldiers

  In Nation/World on Page A3 DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. – President Barack Obama made an overnight dash to Dover Air Force Base on Wednesday to honor the return of fallen soldiers, absorbing the ultimate …

• Bay Bridge closed by falling metal

  In Nation/World on Page A3 Five-thousand pounds of metal from the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge fell down on commuters Tuesday because vibrations, worsened by a wind storm, caused steel rods to break, a spokesman for …

• Swine flu surges on U.S. campuses

  In Nation/World on Page A3 Influenza-like illnesses on college campuses, generally presumed to be H1N1 flu, jumped 34 percent in the week ending Friday, according to data compiled by the American College Health Association. A …

• Nation in brief: Suspect killed in FBI shootout

  In Nation/World on Page A3 Detroit – Federal authorities on Wednesday arrested several members of a radical Sunni Islam group in the U.S., killing one of its leaders at a shootout in a Michigan warehouse, …

• Thieves smash, grab ATMs

  In City on Page A5 Brazen thieves are targeting cash machines at Spokane-area convenience stores, using stolen vehicles to bash through locked doors and storefronts to grab and loot the secured ATMs. The series of …

• Mayoral challengers focus on spending, jobs

  In City on Page A5 Three challengers seek to unseat mayors in Kootenai County’s two largest cities Nov. 3. In Coeur d’Alene, Joseph Kunka is attempting to prevent Sandi Bloem, the city’s first female mayor, …

• Memories fade after haunting disappearance 25 years ago

    In City on Page A5 It wasn’t the crime itself that moved me to write and record an original song about what happened at the Spokane Street Motel. Bloody murder, sad to say, is far …

• Region in brief: Mead student held in alleged threat

  In City on Page A5 A Mead High School junior faces a felony charge after allegedly jokingly telling a teacher Wednesday he was hired to kill her. The 16-year-old was booked into Spokane County Juvenile …

• Region in brief: Man gets 8 years for child porn

  In City on Page A6 A Coeur d’Alene man has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for downloading Internet videos of children being sexually abused. David R. Pierce, 62, also must serve 10 …

• Stimulus moving nation’s economy

  In Business on Page A7 WASHINGTON – The government is expected to report today that the U.S. economy resumed growing in the third quarter, which would mark an end to the worst economic contraction since …

• Costco stores to start accepting food stamps

  In Business on Page A7 PORTLAND – With many families suddenly struggling to feed themselves, the big warehouse clubs known for king-size packages of steak and jumbo boxes of Cheerios are increasingly competing with grocery … 1

• Raha: Washington state’s recovery is here

  In Business on Page A7 Washington’s top economic forecaster Wednesday said the recession is over, for now. Arun Raha, executive director of the Washington state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council, said a potential second “dip” …

• Avista reports higher third-quarter earnings

  In Business on Page A7 Avista Corp. Wednesday reported improved third-quarter earnings despite sharply lower revenues. The Spokane company earned $8.1 million, or 15 cents a share, based on operating revenues of $314.7 million. During … 1

• Business in brief: Itron reports loss

  In Business on Page A7 Liberty Lake energy meter and data company Itron Inc. posted a quarterly loss of $3 million, or 7 cents a share, compared to a profit of $5.6 million and 15 …

• Kathleen Parker: Give Obama some guy time

  In Opinion on Page A9 As if President Barack Obama didn’t have enough on his plate with health care and Afghanistan, he’s now faced with the problem that can’t be solved: women. Sorry, Mr. President, …

• Editorial: Tribal recognition process too cumbersome

  In Opinion on Page A9 Technically, the Little Shell Indian Tribe of Montana asked for federal recognition in 1978, the same year the U.S. Department of Interior adopted regulations governing the Federal Acknowledgement Process. But … 2

• Idaho records

  In City on Page A10 For 10-29-2009

• Phillies strike first

  In Sports on Page B1 NEW YORK – The ho-hum catch that tickled his teammates, the behind-the-back snag that looked so easy. Cliff Lee could have been clowning around with his kids. Hard to believe …

• Chiefs can’t keep up in loss

  In Sports on Page B1 This was the kind of game a team with high expectations can’t lose. Brandon, playing its fifth road game in eight days, came from behind to defeat the Spokane Chiefs …

• Speedy Coug Forzani learns as he goes

  In Sports on Page B1 PULLMAN – Johnny Forzani is living the American dream. Which is sort of funny, considering he’s Canadian.

• Sports in brief: Vobora back from suspension

  In Sports on Page B1 Football: St. Louis Rams linebacker David Vobora took the majority of snaps with the first string Wednesday in his first practice since a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance …

• Book offers new glimpse into Agassi

  In Sports on Page B2 So much of Andre Agassi’s life has been spent in the public eye – the various highs and lows, on and off the court, during his transformation from tennis brat …

• Newsmakers

  In Sports on Page B2 Suspended The Kansas City Chiefs suspended running back Larry Johnson until Nov. 9. The club is on its bye week, so Johnson will miss one game, at Jacksonville on Nov. …

• Scoreboard

  In Sports on Page B2 Baseball World Series

• Today’s Best

  In Sports on Page B2 Chase Utley Went 2 for 4 with a pair of solo home runs to lead Phillies past Yankees 6-1 in Game 1 of World Series.

• Sports in brief: Nuggets ride Anthony, Lawson to win

  In Sports on Page B2 Carmelo Anthony had a game-high 30 points and rookie Ty Lawson scored seven of his 17 points in a pivotal fourth-quarter run, lifting the Denver Nuggets to a 114-105 win …

• Packing to play Pack

  In Sports on Page B3 EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. – Before Brett Favre’s first preseason game with Minnesota, a meaningless performance featuring all of six snaps, he was nervous and nauseous. In the last hours before …

• Jones won’t play this year

  In Sports on Page B3 RENTON, Wash. – Never one to bask in attention, Walter Jones sat down in front of prying eyes and ears. And he sighed. “Oh, man,” the Seahawks’ six-time All-Pro left …

• Pac-10 picks

  In Sports on Page B3 We’re getting closer to respectability. But last week’s games seemed pretty straightforward. This week will be a tad tougher. The key game, of course, is in Eugene, Ore., where USC …

• Ibanez soaks it up

  In Sports on Page B4 NEW YORK – Raul Ibanez is determined to savor his first trip to the World Series after a career spent toiling quietly and productively for also-rans in Seattle and Kansas …

• Hey, she just had Phillies fever

  In Sports on Page B4 PHILADELPHIA – A Philadelphia woman charged with offering sex for World Series tickets said she’s embarrassed about her arrest, but did nothing wrong and is still hopeful of attending a …

• Old-school Pecka shows by example

  In Sports on Page B5 Jill Pecka, a four-year, two-sport athlete at Mead, considers herself old-fashioned. She loves watching old black-and-white movies and musicals. She knits and makes quilts. And she believes in the notion …

• Washington preps: Runners chart course for Pasco

  In Sports on Page B5 In many ways, these are the most important races of the season for area cross country runners. All the work and all the racing this fall has pointed state hopefuls …

• Preview: Idaho state volleyball

  In Sports on Page B5 5A Where: Lake City High School. When: Friday and Saturday. First-round matches: Match 1 – Eagle (29-3) vs. Madison (24-18), 8:30 a.m.; M2 – Post Falls (26-8) vs. Centennial (27-8), …

• Idaho preps: 5A football sets mark for zaniness

  In Sports on Page B5 Has 5A Inland Empire League football been unpredictable enough for you? We go into the final week of regular-season play with all four teams still alive for the two state …

• Today’s menu

  In Sports on Page B6 For 10-29-2009

• On the air

  In Sports on Page B6 For 10-29-2009

• EWU’s Hills stands tall

  In Sports on Page B7 Sometime after Eastern Washington University’s volleyball season ends, senior outside hitter Hayley Hills will formally take her place among the program’s all-time greats. On the wall of the team’s locker …

• PSU could outdraw ‘host’ Eagles

  In Sports on Page B7 Even though Saturday’s “Showdown on the Sound” in Seattle is considered a home game for Eastern Washington University, the Eagles could end up feeling like outsiders at Qwest Field. “I’m …

• Roundup: Top-seeded Mead sweeps U-Hi

  In Sports on Page B7 Alexis Olgard piled up 17 kills and six blocks to power the unbeaten and top-seeded Mead Panthers to a 25-12, 25-19, 25-11 sweep over the visiting and fourth-seeded University Titans …

• Spokane Opera beefs up for 25th season

  In Features on Page C1 The proverbial fat lady isn’t ready to sing for Spokane Opera quite yet. In anticipation of its 25th season next year, the local arts group is staging a Gala Concert …

• The Slice: Still got a ticket to ride

  In Features on Page C1 Slice readers have saved ticket stubs from Beatles concerts, World Series games and countless events here in Spokane. Tom Zysk made a collage from his collection.

• Performers from around the world converge on Fall Folk Festival

  In Features on Page C1 Every year, dozens of performers stream in to the Spokane Fall Folk Festival from California, Montana, British Columbia and, of course, Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Yet they represent farther-ranging folk … 1

• Give bad roomies deadline to move

  In Features on Page C2 Dear Annie: An acquaintance recently lost his job, and we invited him and his wife to move into our home on a temporary basis. We all agreed they would live …

• Never too rich or too dead

  In Features on Page C2 His new movie may have made $2.2 million on its opening night, but Michael Jackson isn’t the richest dead celebrity. That honor goes to French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, …

• Horoscope

  In Features on Page C2 For 10-29-2009

• Arts calendar

  In Features on Page C3 Auditions “Curtains” – Spokane Civic Theatre, Sunday-Monday, 6:30 p.m., Firth J. Chew Studio Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St. Needed: 12-15 men and 12-15 women. Auditioners will perform a verse and …

• 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.

• Skin irritants include fabrics

  In Features on Page C5 DEAR DR. GOTT: You recently published a letter from someone who wrote about a skin rash. The person had tried various creams, lotions and had been to several dermatologists for …

• Stage listings

  In Features on Page C5 Events of special interest are marked with a . For complete listings, see www.spokane7.com.

• Colder weather serves as a reminder to winterize roses

  In Washington Voices on Page N2 It’s quiet right now on Rose Hill in Manito Park. The recent cold finished off any remaining rose blooms and darkened some of the leaves. The plants are resting and …

• Letters

  In Washington Voices on Page N2 Cancer research support lopsided Just read Cindy Hval’s article about October being the designated month for breast cancer awareness (Voices, Oct. 22). I am married and have two young adult …

• Youth center plans craft fair Nov. 21

  In Washington Voices on Page N2 HILLYARD – The Northeast Youth Center will hold its annual craft fair on Nov. 21 at Hillyard Baptist Church, 2121 E. Wabash Ave. Craft vendors are needed. For more information, …

• Coop converted into chick’s haven

  In Washington Voices on Page N4 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 …

• More rainfall than snowfall could precipitate an icy winter

  In Washington Voices on Page N4 The cooler and wetter fall season has arrived. September was 4.7 degrees above normal levels at the Spokane International Airport. Only a half-inch of moisture fell, nearly three-tenths drier than …

• Veterans shelter celebrates anniversary

  In Washington Voices on Page N5 The Pioneer Victory House, 925 W. Broadway Ave., opened its doors a year ago to homeless veterans. Residents held a lunch recently to celebrate, honoring the volunteers and residents who …

• Rotary puts books into little hands

  In Washington Voices on Page N6 Book angels have been busy visiting students in grades K-2 in the Riverside, Deer Park, Mary Walker and Valley school districts. Recently, 957 students each received a new book, thanks …

• Pumpkin Pacer 5K will award top finishers, best costumes

  In Washington Voices on Page N6 Dress in your best costume and running shoes this Saturday for the first Pumpkin Pacer 5K run in Deer Park. The run will benefit both the Greenhouse and Loon Lake …

• Senior meals

  In Washington Voices on Page N6 For the week of Nov. 2-6 Monday – Option 1: Baked ham with pineapple, creamed potatoes, broccoli, fresh fruit, bread, cookie. Option 2: Baked potato casserole, broccoli, fresh fruit, bread, …

• G-Prep game to host children’s book drive

  In Washington Voices on Page N7 Football fans at Friday night’s Gonzaga Prep game will not only get to see a game, they’ll have the opportunity to score a two-for-one coupon at Triple Play Family Fun …

• Lottery winners

  In Washington Voices on Page N7 Oct.19-25 $10,000

• Senior activities

  In Washington Voices on Page N7 For 10-29-2009

• Retired officer honored for founding military showcase

  In Washington Voices on Page N10 The Downtown Exchange Club presented its 2009 Book of Golden Deeds Award to retired Navy Reserve Lt. Cmdr Bill Aller. Aller was honored Sept. 10 for his efforts in founding …

• Haunted House is sure to frighten

  In Washington Voices on Page N10 I hope you all had time to get things winterized because the nights are already frigid; about 10 degrees colder up here in the northeast county than in Spokane. It …

• New routes rile neighbor

  In Washington Voices on Page S1 When Spokane Transit Authority changed two westbound routes on Sept. 20, some Browne’s Addition residents were in for a surprise. After the old Browne’s Addition bus number 40 was eliminated, …

• Couple find comfort in friends during illness

  In Washington Voices on Page S1 Sean Stanelun was feeling sick. The owner of Manito Video Productions was at work shooting a wedding video, but wasn’t sure he could make it through the cutting of the … 1

• West Central works to spruce up

  In Washington Voices on Page S1 The city of Spokane and the West Central neighborhood are joining forces to encourage property owners to clean up the neighborhood. If the program is successful, it may be extended …

• Silent service still echoes after death

  In Washington Voices on Page S1 Skip Partridge didn’t say much. He couldn’t. A series of strokes had left him with aphasia, and finding the right words became an agonizing process, fraught with frustration. However, he …

• In brief: SCOPE treats children to safety lights

  In Washington Voices on Page S4 TRENTWOOD – On Halloween, Trentwood SCOPE will hand out 1,000 blinking lights to children and their parents to help keep them safe while they trick or treat. Safety patrols will …

• Volunteer

  In Washington Voices on Page S8 For 10-29-2009

• The Verve: A shrieking success

  In Washington Voices on Page S10 About a year ago, a couple of teenagers were listening to music. They began jotting down words they heard. “Shrieks” was a good word, so was “impaled” and Shrieks of …

• Some churches offer safe fun on Halloween

  In Washington Voices on Page S10 Several churches in the area will host safe and fun Halloween events this weekend. •CrossWind Church, 17302 N. Newport Highway, Mead, will present its third annual Harvest Party Saturday from …

• Somebody needs you

  In Washington Voices on Page S10 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 …

• Teen comes up with solution for cancer expenses

  In Washington Voices on Page S12 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 …

• Fiona

  In Washington Voices on Page S12 Fiona is an absolute love bug. She is about 6 years old. She is easy on the leash and enjoys her walks very much. She is good with cats and …

• East Valley revamps programs to keep students on track

  In Washington Voices on Page V1 Change is in the wind at East Valley as the district launches a full menu of new initiatives and programs despite being in the midst of a lean budget year. … 1

• War chests large and small

  In Washington Voices on Page V1 Dean Grafos so far has spent nearly $16,000 to win a seat on the Spokane Valley City Council, more than twice as much as any of the city’s other candidates. …

• Renewal urged on District Court contract

  In Washington Voices on Page V1 Spokane Valley City Council members enthusiastically received a consulting report Tuesday that recommended they maintain their contract with Spokane County District Court. Based on the report, it “looks like we …

• Accuracy watch

  In Washington Voices on Page V2 For 10-29-2009

• Shoreline plan process begins

  In Washington Voices on Page V4 Spokane Valley will take a first public step next Thursday toward writing its own shoreline regulations. Currently, the city uses a Spokane County “shoreline master program” that was adopted on …

• Family calendar

  In Washington Voices on Page V6 Today Toddler Storytime (North) - For children 18 months-3 years of age 10 a.m. North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road. Free. (509) 893-8350.

• Obstacles overcome

    In Washington Voices on Page V10 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 …

• Sign recalls ice age wonder

  In Washington Voices on Page V16 Usually when you come across a geologic or historic marker along a highway, there’s something actually to see there – a field where a battle took place, a mountain peak …

• Freeway displaces congregation

  In Washington Voices on Page V17 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 …

• Council decries I-1033

  In Washington Voices on Page W1 The Cheney City Council took time out of its meeting Tuesday to publicly oppose Initiative 1033, brought forth by Tim Eyman, which limits state, county and city governments by restricting …

• Cheney Museum settling in

  In Washington Voices on Page W1 It’s been almost a year of uncertainty, but the Cheney Historical Museum has moved into its new location at 420 First St. The museum lost its home last January after …

• 50 years have been golden for state worker

  In Washington Voices on Page W1 When Helen Barber got the news, she really couldn’t quite believe what she heard. “They told me I had worked 50 years as of October 17th, and I said, ‘What? …

• In brief: EWU, Kiwanis plan Halloween events

  In Washington Voices on Page W4 Eastern Washington University and the Cheney Kiwanis will host harvest tours and a Halloween carnival on Saturday, keeping kids safe and warm and giving them a place to have Halloween …

• Trio best for EV board

  In Letters As I end my tenure on the East Valley School District Board, it gives me the opportunity to reflect on the changes that have occurred during those 18 years. The …

• McLaughlin vindicated

  In Letters Spokane City Councilwoman Nancy McLaughlin’s up for re-election on Nov. 3 – and she definitely has my vote.

• Health care for all is theft

  In Letters I find it disturbing when some people, usually liberals, say we have a moral obligation to get everyone health care. And the way they think, or don’t think, is that …