Best of the Northwest (10/15/04)

Just talked to Alice Rankin , Ron’s widow. She’s doing as well as can be expected after losing the love of her life. She told me that Ron’s heart was fine from the double bypass surgery. But he’d sprung a leak somewhere and bled to death internally. Otherwise, he had a few good years left in him. As far as funeral arrangements go … the church service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at the LDS church, 2:30 graveside at Forest Cemetery (with color guard and 21-gun salute from Spokane and “Amazing Grace” being played on the bagpipes) … viewing is at English Funeral Home on Fourth from 4 to 7 p.m. today.

1. For the Best of the Northwest ‘toon today, I have a twofer from The Argonaut staff: cartoonist Noah Kroese’s take on empty campaign promises here and Opinion Editor Sean Olson’s view of the same subject here .

2. Eric Devericks /Seattle Times has a priceless political ‘toon today, too, here .

3. “As part of an ‘October Plan’ to talk to individuals who may be considered a threat to the upcoming elections, the FBI is interviewing local members of the Muslim community,” according to The Daily Evergreen, here .

4. Three hundred gather at Anne Frank Memorial in Boise to show support for Muslims, according to The Idaho Statesman, here .

5. A federal judge has struck down the Clinton-era ban on snowmobiles in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, calling it a “prejudged, political” move, according to the AP, here .

6. IMHO-NW: Kay McFadden /Seattle Times ( TV lessons from debates ), Joel Connelly /P-I ( Energy alternatives ), Bill Virgin ( Too many statewide elected officials ), Jamie Kelly /Missoulian ( Mean-spirited Missoula ), and Danny Westneat ( Insecure on ferries ).

7. They’re at it again. At The Daily Evergreen, pro-Bush Christopher Del Beccaro and pro-Kerry Zack Hale argue for their candidates about guns and law & order here and here .

8. On a 7-2 vote, the Washington Supreme Court uphead the Evergreen State’s draconian — my word, not theirs — seatbelt law here . And the P-I sez that’s sensible here .