Stories for October 31, 2009

• Holiday feel at folk festival

  In City Halloween mixed easily with the Fall Folk Festival Saturday at Spokane Community College.

• State, local issues drive Tuesday’s vote

  In City Washington voters who have yet to turn in their ballots – and based on the latest figures, that’s most of us – have some interesting choices to make between now … 7

• Notre Dame thumps WSU

  In Sports Golden Tate scored two touchdowns, including a spectacular grab of a desperation heave at the end of the first half, and No. 25 Notre Dame got it’s first easy win … 2

• Whitworth wins in double overtime

  In Sports Whitworth overcame a two-touchdown deficit in the second half, and Andy Largent’s 30-yard field goal in the second overtime was the difference in a 24-21 victory over Pacific Lutheran in …

• Vandals win a thriller

  In Sports Running back De’Maundray Woolridge ran for a 2-yard touchdown with 52 seconds left Saturday to boost Idaho to a 35-34 win over Louisiana Tech.

• Nichols, Johnson tie records in EWU romp

  In Sports Matt Nichols threw for 413 yards and four touchdowns and tied the school record for most touchdown passes in school history as Eastern Washington rolled past Portland State 47-10 on …

• City says Zehm 911 recording was mislabeled

      In City on Page A1 A woman describing Otto Zehm as “on something” to an emergency dispatcher can be heard on a video compilation released by police in October 2006, but not on an audio … 15

• County balks at case transfer

  In City on Page A1 The death penalty case against Christopher H. Devlin has turned into a disagreement over who should pay for his costly trial. Spokane County Superior Court Judge Jerome Leveque has twice … 2

• Rapid rise in casualties of Afghan war fills hospitals

  In Nation/World on Page A1 WASHINGTON – More than 1,000 American troops have been wounded in battle over the past three months in Afghanistan, accounting for one-fourth of all those injured in combat since the …

• Lotteries

  In Nation/World on Page A2 Friday’s Washington Daily Game: 9-6-9 Friday’s Washington Keno: 1-4-5-6-9-11-12-13-18-20- 29-30-34-37-41-48-52- 53-62-75

• Karzai opponent may pull out

  In Nation/World on Page A3 UNITED NATIONS – Talks between Afghan President Hamid Karzai and challenger Abdullah Abdullah have broken down, and Abdullah is likely to pull out of next week’s presidential runoff, a person …

• Cheney hazy on CIA leak

  In Nation/World on Page A3 WASHINGTON – Former Vice President Dick Cheney told the FBI in 2004 he had no idea who leaked to the news media that Valerie Plame, wife of a Bush administration …

• In brief: Search goes on for crew members

  In Nation/World on Page A3 SAN DIEGO – Investigators searched Friday for survivors of a midair collision – and tried to determine how crews on a Coast Guard aircraft on a rescue mission and a …

• Stimulus gets credit for jobs

  In Business on Page A6 WASHINGTON – Nearly 650,000 jobs have been saved or created under President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus plan, the government said Friday, and the White House declared the nation on track … 1

• Signs point to slow, weak recovery

  In Business on Page A6 WASHINGTON – Flat incomes suggest more weakness ahead in consumer spending, reinforcing concerns about a ho-hum holiday shopping season and a sluggish economic recovery. “This recovery is going to be …

• Local bank’s parent reports loss

  In Business on Page A6 Northwest Bancorporation on Friday reported a third-quarter loss driven by a substantial increase in provisions for future loan losses. Northwest, parent of Inland Northwest Bank, lost $611,000, or $804,000 for …

• In brief: Retailers sever ties over child labor

  In Business on Page A6 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Wal-Mart and two other top retailers said Friday they are suspending business with a large southwestern Michigan blueberry grower after investigators found children as young as …

• Officers shoot Valley man

  In City on Page B1 Police shot a Spokane Valley man they described as suicidal after he confronted two officers outside his home Friday. The 27-year-old man was hospitalized in serious condition Friday night, said …

• Predictions for a spooky Halloween

  In City on Page B1 What’s the scariest thing out there this Halloween? Vampires?

• SNAP offers help with heating bills

  In City on Page B1 Krista Barnes’ week began with a utility shutoff notice, but it ended with the promise of a better tomorrow for her and her two daughters. The Barnes family was one … 1

• In brief: County OKs wage freeze

  In City on Page B1 Spokane County is freezing wages for its non-union employees to help balance next year’s budget. County commissioners decided Thursday that workers not represented by a labor union, mostly management employees, … 2

• Gunshots hit DeFazio’s office

  In City on Page B2 EUGENE, Ore. – Three shots fired at a federal courthouse in Oregon late Wednesday or early Thursday hit windows in U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio’s office, while a fourth shot hit …

• Fake diplomas won’t cost jobs

  In City on Page B2 Eight Washington State Patrol troopers who used diplomas from fake schools to try to claim pay raises will be suspended but not fired. The State Patrol reversed itself Friday and … 2

• Women thwart pair of armed robbers

  In City on Page B2 Three women foiled two armed robberies within minutes of each other Thursday night in Coeur d’Alene when they challenged masked gunmen, according to police. In the first confrontation, a masked … 1

• Former Post Falls mayor, 97, dies

  In City on Page B3 A former mayor of Post Falls died Thursday night at age 97. Francis Wilhelm served one term, from 1976 to 1980, and lived in the city most of his life. …

• Following their campaigns’ cash

  In City on Page B3 Heading into the final weekend before the election, Spokane City Council candidates have raised about $188,000 for their campaigns. That’s more than the $125,000 candidates raised in 2007 – when …

• Idaho laying off state workers

  In Idaho on Page B3 BOISE – Dozens of Idaho state employees lost their jobs in the past month as a result of midyear state budget holdbacks imposed in late September. More cuts are coming. …

• Washington records

  In City on Page B3 Spokane County Marriage licenses

• Obama out of Bush excuses

  In Opinion on Page B4 WASHINGTON – Old Soviet joke: Moscow, 1953. Stalin calls in Khrushchev. 3

• Expect to bail out the FHA next

  In Opinion on Page B4 Exactly who made Bernadine Shimon think that she could buy a new house shortly after declaring bankruptcy and losing another home to foreclosure? The American taxpayer, that’s who. Without a … 1

• Vaccine may be tardy, but don’t skip inoculation

  In Opinion on Page B4 The relative paucity of H1N1 vaccine is confusing and frustrating. But the real danger is that it becomes discouraging. Public health officials, including those in Spokane and Kootenai counties, have …

• Man in failed jail deal tells court he’s broke

  In City on Page B6 BILLINGS – The California con man who failed in his bid to take over an empty Montana jail testified Friday he has no money, none of the corporate backing he … 1

• Idaho records

  In City on Page B6 For 10-31-2009

• Saxons hang on

  In Sports on Page C1 In the topsy-turvy world of Greater Spokane League football this season, it was only fitting that the league’s final game would boil down to a thrilling conclusion. Ferris turned away …

• ‘Papa Strip’ gets family reunion

  In Sports on Page C1 SAN ANTONIO – This day was a long time coming for Jason Stripling. A fifth-year senior, Stripling will line up tonight at the Will linebacker spot against Notre Dame in …

• Make room for ex-roomies

  In Sports on Page C1 PHILADELPHIA – Sitting in rocking chairs on the back porch, sipping beers, the three friends would talk about it: What if we could all play in the World Series someday? …

• Wildcats sew up GSL title

  In Sports on Page C1 Mt. Spokane polished off its first GSL regular-season football championship by defeating Rogers 56-0 Friday night at Albi Stadium. Colten Williams and Chase Naccarato scored three touchdowns apiece for the …

• Tigers spoilers once again, this time against Bullpups

  In Sports on Page C1 Gonzaga Prep stood poised, leading 20-14 and deep inside the red zone, to land the final blow in a typical Bullpups-Lewis and Clark matchup of historical football heavyweights. But once …

• Media select UConn as No. 1

  In Sports on Page C1 Women’s basketball: Connecticut picked up right where it left off last season: unanimous No. 1 in the women’s basketball poll. The Huskies received all 40 first-place votes Friday from a …

• Scoreboard

  In Sports on Page C2 Basketball NBA

• Today’s Best

  In Sports on Page C2 Rodney Stuckey Detroit Pistons point guard had 21 points and five rebounds in 91-83 loss to Oklahoma City.

• In brief: Durant pushes Thunder past Pistons

  In Sports on Page C2 NBA: Kevin Durant scored 11 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 91-83 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Friday night. …

• Newsmakers

  In Sports on Page C2 Hired The Seattle Mariners hired Mike Brumley as their new third-base coach, completing the team’s 2010 staff. He replaces Bruce Hines. Signed The San Francisco Giants signed infielder Freddy Sanchez …

• Quiet return

  In Sports on Page C3 RENTON, Wash. – Homecomings aren’t what they used to be for Julius Jones. Last year he had Seattle’s date against his former team circled and highlighted beginning seven months before …

• St. Maries rally stops 3-time champs

  In Sports on Page C3 St. Maries volleyball coach Missy Asbury didn’t need words to describe how her team rallied from a two-game deficit against three-time 3A Idaho state champion Sugar-Salem. Asbury pointed to her …

• North Idaho wins program’s 600th

  In Sports on Page C3 The North Idaho College wrestling team opened the 2009-2010 season with a bit of history, overmatching Montana State Northern 35-6 to earn the program’s 600th victory in Coeur d’Alene. The …

• Chiefs snap two-game skid

  In Sports on Page C3 KELOWNA, British Columbia – It was a happy homecoming for Kyle Beach, and the Spokane Chiefs enjoyed it, too. Beach returned to his hometown and joined with Tyler Johnson to …

• Indians fend off Knights

  In Sports on Page C4 The East Valley girls soccer team outshot North Central 22-3 in a 3A regional match, but ended up on the wrong end of a 2-1 score in a loser-out game …

• On the air

  In Sports on Page C4 For 10-31-2009

• Today’s menu

  In Sports on Page C4 For 10-31-2009

• S. Florida stops W. Va.

  In Sports on Page C5 TAMPA, Fla. – B.J. Daniels threw for 232 yards and three touchdowns, and South Florida rebounded from two subpar defensive performances to frustrate No. 20 West Virginia in a 30-19 …

• Eastern vs. Portland State

  In Sports on Page C5 KICKOFF: 1:05 p.m. at Seattle, Qwest Field Records: Portland State 2-6, 1-4 Big Sky; EWU 5-3, 4-2

• 3 Names to know

  In Sports on Page C5 Kyle Rudolph Notre Dame tight end The Cincinnati native started all 13 games as a freshman last year, catching 29 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns. The 6-foot-6, 260-pounder …

• PLU at Whitworth

  In Sports on Page C5 KICKOFF: 1 p.m., Pine Bowl Records: Whitworth 3-5, 1-3 NWC; PLU 2-4, 2-1

• Louisiana Tech at Idaho

  In Sports on Page C5 KICKOFF: 2 p.m. at Moscow, Idaho, Kibbie Dome Records: UI 6-2, 3-1 WAC; Louisiana Tech 3-4, 2-2

• Ferris, North Central dominate regional race

  In Sports on Page C6 Led by a trio of expected team title contenders, Greater Spokane League cross country teams were up to the challenge Friday at Wandermere Golf Course during the 4A-3A Eastern Regional …

• Lake City in

  In Sports on Page C7 LEWISTON – Three minutes, four plays, 21 points. That’s all it took for Lake City to turn a taut season football finale with Lewiston into a laugher. A dizzying sequence …

• Winning streak reaches 91

  In Sports on Page C7 SHATTUCK, Okla. – Quarterback Connor Babcock rushed for 162 yards and three touchdowns as Shattuck set a national 8-man high school football record with its 91st consecutive victory, defeating Goodwell …

• West Valley stands alone atop GNL

  In Sports on Page C7 Taking the road against Medical Lake, West Valley wrapped up the Great Northern League title with a 42-3 win Friday. The Eagles (9-0, 6-0) amassed 416 yards of total offense …

• Gorgeous gourds

  This year’s Halloween pumpkin coloring contest really had our young readers using their gourds. The almost 500 entries we received contained far more treats than tricks, including the nine winners …

• The Slice: Der Highlanders stick together

  In Features on Page E1 And a “Cougs” shirt shall bring us together. Spokane’s Megan Davis, who lives in Germany because that’s where her husband is stationed, was out walking when she saw a young …

• It’s hard to spook Snoop

  In Features on Page E2 It’s Halloween, so what’s scaring celebrities these days? •“If the snakes come in the room, Vivica is jetting onto the other side of the room, for sure,” says Vivica A. …

• In-laws’ kindness being exploited

  In Features on Page E2 Dear Annie: My husband’s parents are wonderful people in their late 70s, but I am concerned that their kindness is being abused by my brother-in-law, “Dan,” and his wife, “Jane.” …

• Horoscope

  In Features on Page E2 For 10-31-2009

• It’s a Wiccan New Year

  In Features on Page E3 This is a busy time for Wiccans as they prepare for the pagan New Year. Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”), which falls on Oct. 31, is the celebration of endings and beginnings …

• Halloween revelers aren’t the only ones wearing masks

  In Features on Page E3 This is not a column about Halloween. So I’ll waste no energy arguing whether Christians should put on masks tonight and, however giddy or gruesome, beg for candy.

• High-fiber diet clears tract

  In Features on Page E5 DEAR DR. GOTT: I am 80 years old. My doctor doesn’t seem too concerned that I’ve been diagnosed with diverticulosis involving the entire colon. How concerned should I be? Can …

• Halloween not everyone’s kind of fun

  In Features on Page E7 Carlee Smith is hardly in the no-fun category. She hosts a monthly girls’ night out at a bar in Portland, Ore., and co-runs a plus-size vintage boutique called Fat Fancy.

• Economic worries pummel stocks

  In Business on Page F1 NEW YORK – Grim signals about consumer spending ripped through the markets Friday, sending stocks tumbling as investors raced for safe havens. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index and the …

• ‘A little bit of everything’

  In Washington Voices on Page V1 What began as a need for space became a unique treasure trove of more than 100 years of American history and culture known as the Lost Dutchman Museum. Located on …

• City crafting new shoreline plan

  In Washington Voices on Page V1 A plan to develop new shoreline regulations in Spokane Valley generated little enthusiasm Tuesday among City Council members. Several members resented having to spend $150,000 of city money for a …

• Center caters to kids with health needs

  In Washington Voices on Page V1 A child care center that specializes in accommodating children with special health care needs has opened in Otis Orchards, helping fill a critical need. Smiling Faces Daycare was founded earlier …

• Sports

  In Washington Voices on Page V1 WV players grateful for bye week to heal

• In brief: Craft fair, bake sale will aid CV band

  In Washington Voices on Page V1 VERADALE – The Central Valley Band Boosters will have the annual arts and crafts fair and bake sale next weekend to raise money for the CVHS band and color guard. …

• Government almanac

  In Washington Voices on Page V2 Monday Millwood City Council – 7 p.m. at City Hall, 9103 E. Frederick Ave.

• calendar

  In Washington Voices on Page V2 For 10-31-2009

• Senior meals

  In Washington Voices on Page V2 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, …

• Holiday events and fundraisers highlight weekend

  In Washington Voices on Page V3 It’s all about community events this week at greater Spokane Valley churches as several host Halloween events and a few more get ready to launch the annual bazaar season next …

• Colder weather serves as a reminder to winterize roses

  In Washington Voices on Page V4 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 …

• Artist’s work incorporates plenty of play

  In Washington Voices on Page V6 Barbara Clark’s northwest Spokane home is a tribute to her creative and playful spirit. You cannot turn within its walls or on its grounds without being faced with evidence that …

• Museum recounts prairie’s past

  In Washington Voices on Page V6 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 …

• East Valley ‘Jurors’ to wrestle with doubt

  In Washington Voices on Page V8 Students at East Valley High School will present their fall play, “Twelve Angry Jurors,” beginning Thursday. The three-act play by Sherman L. Sergel is adapted from the television show by …

• Fire commissioners plan hearing on 2010 budget

  In Washington Voices on Page V8 Newman Lake Fire & Rescue commissioners will conduct a public hearing Monday on their proposed 2010 budget. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. at Station 1, 10236 N. West …

• Break gives EV a chance to rest up, get ready

  In Washington Voices on Page V9 Jackson Romney looked forward to waking up this morning. Not because it’s Halloween. Not because it’s a birthday or an anniversary.

• WV band director wins teacher of the year honors

  In Washington Voices on Page V9 West Valley High School band director Jim Loucks received a standing ovation from a room full of students, parents and teachers Wednesday when he was honored at the West Valley …

• Senior activities

  In Washington Voices on Page V9 For 10-31-2009

• Three homes burn in one day

  In Washington Voices on Page V10 Fires forced three Spokane Valley families out of their homes this week, but no one was seriously injured. Assistant Fire Marshal Bill Clifford said three adults and two children may …

• New routes rile neighbor

  In Washington Voices on Page V10 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, …

• volunteer

  In Washington Voices on Page V10 For 10-31-2009

• Grafos’ character maligned

  In Washington Voices I urge Spokane Valley voters to reject the character assassination directed toward Dean Grafos in the closing days of this election campaign. I am appalled and disappointed to learn that …

• Support successful cityhood

  In Washington Voices As the election of our new City Council members draws near, I feel compelled to write in and place some important facts before us all.

• Snow questions, no answers

  In Washington Voices Now that disincorporation has been taken off the table, it’s time to look at the quality services that the residents of Spokane Valley have lost. The No. 1 service that …

• Image crowds out reality

  In Washington Voices City politics have some feeling like they’re caught up in a bad Western. Oddly enough, our state is under what’s called Dillon Rule. Judge Dillon in 1886, distrusting local government, …

• Campaign pressure telling

  In Washington Voices If there is one good thing to come out of the Spokane Valley City Council races, let it be an affirmation on the part of citizens for an end to …

• Actions outweigh fliers

  In Letters A Realtor PAC in Olympia “cares enough” about Spokane to mail voters in District 2 an 8 1/2-by11-inch, $17,000-or-more flier asking that Mike Allen be elected to the Spokane City …

• Allen’s what city needs

  In Letters In response to Linda McHenry’s letter to the editor (Oct. 27), I am a local Realtor, born and raised in Spokane, and am proud to have my business in Spokane, …

• Snyder in Verner’s mold

  In Letters I am writing to urge you to vote for Jon Snyder for City Council, District 2.

• Don’t vote on fears

  In Letters As we drive around Spokane we see many signs to Reject Referendum 71.

• All people owed fairness

  In Letters People are not guaranteed rights because they are black or white.

• Library measure should pass

  In Letters The city of Post Falls accepted a signed petition to include on the Nov. 3 election ballot the issue of the consolidation of the Post Falls Library with the Kootenai-Shoshone …

• State takes too much

  In Letters The advertisement states, “Vote no on Tim Eyman’s 1033 Initiative. It could cost the state millions.”

• Tenants, beware of I-1033

  In Letters Anyone who rents their apartment or home should be especially concerned if Initiative 1033 passes. While renters do not pay property tax, I-1033 dictates that the sales taxes they pay …

• Goodlander a friend to seniors

  In Letters The Coeur d’Alene Senior Center serves many functions. Most obviously it provides meals and activities for our senior citizens. It is also the facility used for dinners, weddings and various …

• Reward reliable performance

  In Letters There is no sense in voting for “change” if the people in office are doing a good job. I think Larry Clark and Dennis Amende should stay where they are …

• ‘Rights’ measure misnamed

  In Letters The U.S. Bill of Rights preserves individual liberty by placing limits on government power. Envision Spokane’s so-called bill of rights does exactly the opposite. It empowers activist government at the …

• Businesses will flee

  In Letters Anyone voting for Proposition 4 because it “sounds good” is not educated on the implications if it passes. It’s very confusing in its wording of whose rights are being protected. …

• Existing rights sufficient

  In Letters Voting for Proposition 4 is coming up soon and it should not get passed. In the hard times that we are facing right now, why make the situation worse?

• Medicare value limited

  In Letters The federal government missed the mark by a mile for the cost of a health plan called Medicare. It is actually Mini-Care when a Medicare annuitant is an inpatient in …

• U.S. schools shine

  In Letters It may have escaped notice, but American students did a lot better than Cal Thomas’ eulogy (Oct. 27).

• Union faulted for Boeing move

  In Letters The selfish machinists union at Boeing Seattle got just what they deserve: no future jobs. The South Carolina Boeing people pledged not to strike and they got the big assembly …

• Clinic sale concern misleading

  In Letters On Oct. 21 this paper quoted the CEO of Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center as saying that “Providence will not sit back and allow (Rockwood and Deaconess) to disrupt patient … 2