Hilary Kraus

Feeling at home on a rink can only help a figure skater's confidence. But landing a double axel, holding a spiral for 3 seconds or executing a double-lutz, double-loop combination builds confidence.

The man outside Eagles Ice-A-Rena at dusk Thursday night was as enthusiastic as Dick Button. "You missed the best step sequence I've ever seen from a novice," he said to a friend who was returning to the Northwest Pacific U.S. Figure Skating Regional Championships. "It was as good as a senior skater's."

People of faith wondering about the "The DaVinci Code" can discuss the best-selling book and movie at this year's Greater Northwest Apologetics Team conference next Thursday through Oct. 15. The event, entitled "Truth, Lies and Confusion – Life Lessons with the DaVinci Code" is designed to engage people in various issues raised by the book and movie. It will feature six speakers. The conference is being organized by local pastors and a group called the Greater Northwest Apologetics Team, founded by the Rev. John Repsold of Fourth Memorial Church about two years ago. Apologetics is the branch of theology that deals with the defense and proof of Christianity.

When will Freya Avenue and Bernard Street be barrier-free and replaced with liberated drivers? Ken Brown, principal construction engineer of the street reconstruction and repaving project said the city expects Bernard to be done as early as next week. The more-complex Freya project should be finished in mid-October.

The 2006 inductees into the Rogers High School Walk of Fame have something more than their high school in common. All four are civic-minded, with years of giving time to the Spokane Chase Youth Commission or volunteering at Big Brothers and Sisters or Meals on Wheels. That generosity was one of the criteria when Donald "Don" Simonson, Henry "Hank" Coplen, Richard "Dick" Atwood and Richard "Rich" Tucker were selected by a committee of active alumni officers to join the 108 other Walk of Fame members.

Duncan, the black Russian terrier that caught the attention of local folks about a month ago, has gone international. But then again, a tug-at-your heart tale about a neglected, pockmarked pooch and an ailing man in need of a friend plays well in any country.

A sculpture of a city employee killed in a wastewater plant accident will be dedicated next week. Mike Cmos Jr. died in 2004 when the plant's sewage digesters overfilled and burst.

Seven years after Healing Rooms Ministries' first Spiritual Hunger Conference attracted 500 worshippers, founder and director Cal Pierce said he's expecting attendance to reach 2,800 at the eighth annual Spiritual Hunger Conference, Wednesday through next Saturday, at the new Group Health Exhibit Hall, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Speakers at this year's conference include Pierce, who founded the Christian-based ministry in July 1999; Bill Johnson of Bethel Church, Redding, Calif.; and Randy Clark of Global Awakening in St. Louis. Worship will be led by Heather Clark of Vancouver, B.C.

Mr. Freeze is coming to Spokane. Mike Clayton will create a sheet of ice at the Convention Center for the 2007 U.S. Figure Skating National Championships.

It's the 50th-reunion gathering that's become an annual party. And this year, the movers and shakers from Rogers High School's Class of 1948 have added a twist. They've invited their former teacher, Herman Sleizer, 98, who may be the last living instructor from the Class of 1948.

It's the 50th-reunion gathering that's become an annual party. And this year, the movers and shakers from Rogers High School's Class of 1948 have added a twist. They've invited their former teacher, Herman Sleizer, 98, who may be the last living instructor from the Class of 1948.

Seven years after Healing Rooms Ministries' first Spiritual Hunger Conference attracted 500 worshippers, founder and director Cal Pierce said he's expecting attendance to reach 2,800 at the eighth annual Spiritual Hunger Conference, Sept. 6-9 at the new Group Health Exhibit Hall, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Speakers at this year's conference include Pierce, who founded the Christian-based ministry in July 1999; Bill Johnson of Bethel Church, Redding, Calif.; and Randy Clark of Global Awakening in St. Louis. Worship will be led by Heather Clark of Vancouver, B.C.

There are nine houses on the 5500 block of East Commerce Avenue, and on Saturday afternoon a visitor to the neighborhood could count at least 12 dogs. Most appeared to be pit bull terriers or part pit bull."Beware of Dog" signs and decals were displayed on some doors. A chrome-plated hood ornament in the shape of a menacing-looking dog was mounted on a pickup parked curbside. Property lines were separated by chain-link fences. The day before, a boy who entered his girlfriend's house on this street was attacked and maimed by two pit bulls. Residents beat to death one of the dogs, and police shot the other.

Has it really been two years, five months and 21 days since city officials cheered and swigged champagne in celebration of Spokane winning the bid for the 2007 U.S. Figure Skating Championships? For Spokane promoters Barb Beddor and Toby Steward of Star USA, time has zipped by faster than Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto's ice dancing feet. Now, with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships five months away, the tireless twosome have unveiled another ticket-selling package.

Gary De Chenne of Deer Park should feel snubbed. He wasn't invited to compete in this week's summer X Games 12.