Huckleberries Best of the INorthwest — 3/24/08

Emily Shih, formerly Emily Hwaung, holds the note sent in a 1987 class project that was recently found in Alaska, On Friday, in Seattle. About 21 years passed between the time Shih put the message in a soda bottle and Merle Brandell, not pictured, picked it up on the beach. Story here . (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)

Spotlight: Composer Jim Cockey creates ‘An Idaho Symphony’ (with audio) here

1. Idaho: With a candidate for the U.S. Senate who’s legally changed his name to just “Pro-Life,” Idaho’s top election official is worried that voters might be confused – and vote for both “Pro-Life” and the candidate of their choice in the crowded race for retiring Sen. Larry Craig’s seat here /Spokesman-Review. Randy Stapilus’ view

2. Washington: Washington State University is getting ready to start building the first new dorms on the Pullman campus in 37 years, as part of a 10-year, $200 million plan to improve student housing here /Spokesman-Review.

3. Poll: 76% of 601 respondents to an Idaho Statesman poll believe convicted killer Claude Dallas walked out of prison rather than cut his way out in 1986, according to legend.

4. IMHO: Another assault on Idahoans’ initiative power /Jim Fisher, Lewiston Tribune; Grocery tax rebate finally a done deal /Moscow-Pullman Daily News; and UIdaho’s basketball hire is a do-over from 2006 /Dale Grummert, Lewiston Tribune.

5. Blogosphere: Why seniors won’t budge /Dogwalk Musings; Wolf advocates not satisfied with state recovery numbers /Rocky Barker; and Otter’s drug treatment puzzle /MountainGoat Report.

6. News Roundup: Child who was smothered to death gets head stone /KTVB; Outdoor Life ranks 5 Montana towns high for fishing /Missoulian; Billings City Hall window damaged by turkey /Billings Gazette; Gates’ $25M gift will help WSU fund global animal school /SR; and Washington, Idaho officers stipped of badges /SR.

Orbusmax Special : Hoax Craigslist ad costs man huge property loss here .