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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Rubik’s Cube feat likely sets record

A Pullman high school senior with a knack for solving puzzles appears to have broken a Rubik’s Cube world record.

Mats Johnson, who also is a Running Start student at Washington State University, unscrambled 64 Rubik’s Cubes in one hour Friday, smashing the existing record of 42, the university announced.

The effort was videotaped and will be submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records for certification.

Johnson unscrambled the cubes during an event at the WSU Visitor Center that was organized in accordance with rules supplied by Guinness. He plans to enroll at WSU in the fall and pursue a double major in math and engineering, the university said. He is the son of Carl and Janet Johnson, of Pullman.

Coeur d’Alene

Zagat survey raves about resort

The Coeur d’Alene Resort has been named one of the best vacation destinations in America by a respected travel and entertainment guide.

“You get sublime views and the best of all worlds at this little paradise of a resort that’s right on beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene,” New York-based Zagat writes in its 2009 Top U.S. Hotels, Resorts and Spas Survey. The resort scored a 27 out of 30 in the survey, which was based on comments of resort visitors who shared their experiences with Zagat.

“We’re proud of every accolade the Coeur d’Alene Resort receives, but this one from such a respected source is especially important,” said Jerry Jaeger, president and co-owner of Hagadone Hospitality, which owns and manages the resort. “It’s rewarding to hear what our guests themselves think of our beautiful town and amenities.”

BOISE

Soltman OK’d for Board of Education

Don Soltman, vice president of Kootenai Medical Center, has been unanimously confirmed to the Idaho state Board of Education, to which Gov. Butch Otter nominated him.

State Sen. John Goedde, R-Coeur d’Alene, told the Senate, “I’ve known Don for a number of years and I highly recommend this appointment.” He added, “Don’s due to retire in about six months, so he’ll have a lot of time to spend on this particular appointment.”

There was no debate in the Senate and no objection to the nomination.

Soltman is replacing Sue Thilo, of Coeur d’Alene, whose term on the state board expired and who urged Soltman to consider the post.

Spokane

Father, son held in Hastings robbery

A Spokane man and his son were arrested Wednesday on suspicion of armed robbery stemming from an April 4 incident at a South Hill store.

Bernard Robinson, 43, and Craig Kellerman, 19, were arrested after a brief foot pursuit by Spokane police officers Wednesday. The suspects allegedly stole large amounts of merchandise from the Hastings store at 2512 E. 29th Ave., and when approached by employees indicated they had a weapon, police said. Both fled in a vehicle and were later stopped by officers, but fled on foot.

On Wednesday, Kellerman ran from officers again during a traffic stop, but was found and arrested shortly after, officials said. Robinson was also arrested after a brief scuffle, in which he allegedly pushed an officer into a wall and down several stairs.

Father and son were booked into the Spokane County Jail on charges of first-degree armed robbery and armed burglary, and kidnapping, second-degree robbery and theft.

Robinson was also charged with third-degree assault.

Bonner County

Woman injured in U.S. 95 collision

A car and tractor-trailer collided on U.S. Highway 95 near Cocolalla Lake on Friday morning, injuring the car’s driver and slowing traffic for more than an hour, according to the Idaho State Police.

The 6:30 a.m. accident about eight miles south of Sandpoint sent the driver, Diana Anderson, 50, of Spirit Lake, to Bonner General Hospital.

State police said Anderson was headed north on the highway when she crossed the centerline, striking a tractor-trailer driven by Robert Utter, 59, of Moyie Springs. He was headed south and was not hurt. Anderson’s Buick went off the east shoulder.

Both drivers were wearing seat belts, police said.

OROFINO, Idaho

Tree crushes vehicle, killing two

Authorities say two North Idaho residents were killed when a tree fell from a hillside and landed on top of their vehicle.

Idaho State Police say Jessica N. Hosley, 25, and Lee Grant, 33, died Thursday night at the scene of the incident, which was triggered by a landslide along U.S. Highway 12. Hosley and Grant were both from Orofino.

Investigators say Grant was driving the sport utility vehicle west when the tree rolled down the hill and crushed the cab.

Police have not released any other details of the accident.

From staff and wire reports