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Stories for Saturday, November 07, 2009

Texas shooter hit two from region

George Stratton III, of Post Falls, ducked for cover after hearing a deafening spray of gunfire at the Soldier Readiness Center on Thursday at Fort Hood, Texas.

Jobless rate puts heat on Obama

WASHINGTON – The jump in the unemployment rate to 10.2 percent, reported Friday, suggests that the job market could take longer than expected to recover and deepens the pressure on President Barack Obama to come up with more immediate solutions.

Hasan extended courtesies, thanks

FORT HOOD, Texas – As if going off to war, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan cleaned out his apartment, gave leftover frozen broccoli to one neighbor and called another to thank him for his friendship – common courtesies and routines of the departing soldier. Instead, authorities say, he went on the killing spree that left 13 people dead.

Family man loved working at clinic

Family members of Michael Grant Cahill, a Spokane native killed at Fort Hood, Texas, on Thursday waited for hours after the shooting rampage with no word of his whereabouts.

Old drug may work on cancer

Research can be serendipitous. Sometimes doctors will stumble on an effective medication or they will find a drug they expected to work on one condition actually helps another.

Lotteries

Friday's Washington Daily Game: 5-5-6Friday's Washington Keno: 18-19- 20-21-27-30-31-34-39-44-45- 57-61-65-68-71-73-77-78-80

Health care hurdle cleared

WASHINGTON – Capping months of struggle, House Democrats cleared an abortion-related impasse blocking a vote on sweeping health care legislation late Friday and officials expressed optimism they had finally lined up the support needed to pass President Barack Obama's top domestic priority.

Florida gunman kills 1, injures 5

ORLANDO, Fla. – To those who lived near Jason Rodriguez, the unemployed man charged with shooting six people, killing one, in an Orlando high-rise building Friday, the warning signs were there.

Search for U.S. soldiers slowed by fierce firefight

KABUL, Afghanistan – More than 25 members of international and Afghan security forces were injured Friday in fierce fighting in northwest Afghanistan while carrying out a large-scale manhunt for two missing American soldiers, military officials said.

Brown insists on Afghan reforms

LONDON – Facing surging public opposition to the war in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Gordon Brown delivered a stinging rebuke Friday to the government in Kabul, threatening to withhold additional British troops if it did not act swiftly to combat widespread corruption.

'Too fat to kill' defense rejected

Hackensack, N.J. – A jury convicted a Florida man Friday of murdering his former son-in-law, rejecting the man's defense that he was too fat to have run up and down a flight of stairs to commit the crime and make a quick getaway.

They're ready to play

This holiday season's biggest entertainment blockbuster likely will be a sequel to a popular franchise, with jarring depictions of war and an intricate story of good vs. evil. It could easily rake in more than last year's record $155 million opening weekend for "The Dark Knight."

Idaho jobless rate at 8.9 percent

The unemployment rate in October rose to 8.9 percent in Idaho and 11.1 percent in Kootenai County. In some rural corners of North Idaho, one in five working-age persons is jobless.

Air travelers feeling squeeze

FORT WORTH, Texas – If your most recent flight felt crowded, it was.Most domestic airlines reported that the load factor – the percentage of seats filled – topped 80 percent for the third quarter as carriers cut flights out of their schedules. So though fewer passengers are flying these days, planes are fuller because fewer seats are available, industry analysts say.

Four banks closed, for '09 total of 119

Charlotte, N.C. – Regulators on Friday shut small banks in Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota and Missouri, bringing the number of bank failures this year to 119 amid the struggling economy and a cascade of defaults on loans.

Raze the Y, study says

A $17,000 study about the future of the former downtown YMCA has come to the same conclusion reached by the Spokane Park Board: The structure will become a strain on city resources unless it's torn down to become part of Riverfront Park.

Scam capitalizes on family bonds

As far as crime goes, there is low, there's downright dirty and then there's the grandparents scam.

Threat won't lead to Mead expulsion

Expulsion and a felony charge are no longer imminent for the Mead High School student who jokingly threatened to kill a teacher last week.

Keep it moderate, Mr. Niño

News item: A developing El Niño system in the Pacific could bring a milder winter to the Inland Northwest.

Murder-suicide suspected in deaths

Authorities are investigating what they believe is a murder-suicide after a couple were found dead in their Spokane Valley home Friday from apparent gunshot wounds.

Moms learn online tools at Microsoft

REDMOND, Wash. – Despite a sobering presentation about sexting and a Twitter promo from one of the world's most popular tweeters, the main message of the day at the first Wired Moms summit on Friday was pretty low tech: talk to your kids.

Man shoots cougar as it stalks his father

BILLINGS – A 41-year-old Florence, Mont., man shot and killed a young mountain lion after it stalked his father on a hunting trip near Boulder.

Settlement reached in bus death

BUTTE – A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit filed against Butte's Head Start program by the mother of a 3-year-old girl who died after being run over by a bus.

Biologists spot, tag migrating raptors

METHOW, Wash. – The instant a black dot appears on the horizon, someone calls out, "We've got a bird out there," and all chatter stops. The sound of a gentle wind pushing against the ridgetop is all that can be heard as wildlife biologists and visitors raise binoculars to their eyes to study the speck coming toward them.

Detectives shoot man sought in cop's slaying

SEATTLE – Police shot and wounded a man Friday sought in connection with the Halloween night killing of a Seattle police officer, just as a massive memorial service for the officer drew to a close.

Mom lost daughter, pleads for son

More than six months after losing her daughter in a motorcycle crash, a Spokane mother sobbed as she pleaded with a judge Friday to keep the driver – her son – out of prison.

Unmarked graves found in cemetery

HAILEY, Idaho – A survey of the Hailey Cemetery using ground-penetrating radar has found hundreds of unmarked graves.

McGinn widens lead in Seattle

SEATTLE – Environmentalist Mike McGinn has widened his lead over cell phone executive Joe Mallahan to 2,384 votes in the race for Seattle mayor.

Salmon deaths stay steady despite sea lions' removal

Killing or removing 25 California sea lions over the past two years has not reduced the toll on salmon at the base of Bonneville Dam in the Columbia River.

idaho records

Police blotter
Coeur d'Alene policeBarbara Fraley reported Friday the $4,500 theft of a 2000 Ford Taurus from the 200 block of N. 18th Street.

Power project collaborators pick Montana

BILLINGS – A Canadian transmission company and an Irish wind developer said Friday they are teaming up to pursue a central Montana power project that could result in at least $1 billion worth of new wind energy in the Great Falls area.

Washington records

Spokane County
Marriage licensesJustin F. Whiteman and Lisa M. Ferrara, both of Spokane.

Obama's '08 fluke is over

Sure, Election Day 2009 will scare moderate Democrats and make passage of Obamacare more difficult. Sure, it makes it easier for resurgent Republicans to raise money and recruit candidates for 2010. But the most important effect of Tuesday's elections is historical. It demolishes the great realignment myth of 2008.

Republicans' recipe for ruination

The Tea Party wing of the Republican Party had the perfect strategy for upstate New York's 23rd Congressional District:

New caucus right to help families of military

A couple of developments took shape last week that should be a boon to the families of military members. It's well-known that these families live somewhat nomadic lives, with the average stay of three years at a base before packing up and moving. About 800,000 service members move each year. And once they arrive, spouses need to apply for new driver's licenses, register to vote, get the kids enrolled in new schools and perform myriad other chores.

Anonymity fight not over

In the run-up to this week's election, there was considerable discussion about the lawsuit filed by Protect Marriage Washington (PMW) to maintain the anonymity of those who signed the petitions to place Referendum 71 – the referendum on Washington's domestic partnership law – on the ballot. A related issue that received far less attention was the committee's attempt to keep the identities of its financial donors confidential.

Letters

Real conservatives not foe
Pete Scobby (Letters, Nov. 3) rails against "conservatives" for a host of financial and governmental abuses including "stealing" his retirement funds with "deregulation of the financial industry." Rather than conservatives, the object of his scorn should be corporatists and crony capitalists of both parties in bed with Wall Street and others for their own mutual benefit.

Tuel knows a bit about Tucson

TUCSON, Ariz. – No, not everyone in Tucson is a University of Arizona fan.Jeff Tuel wasn't.

Wildcats get to the points

Sunnyside got swallowed up in a sea of Mt. Spokane blue.Swarms of blue-clad Wildcats overwhelmed the Grizzlies on both sides of the ball Friday night at Albi Stadium, leading to a 47-7 rout and berth next week in the first round of State 3A football. Mt. Spokane will play Hanford in the next round.

Gal's role includes winner; Chiefs' streak at three

KENT, Wash. – Kyle Beach. Mitch Wahl. James Reid.They have made headlines for the Spokane Chiefs early in this Western Hockey League season, and based on their performances Friday night in a 3-1 victory over the Seattle Thunderbirds before 4,025 in ShoWare Center, they were up for nomination again.

Vikings in 5A semis

Coeur d'Alene left no doubt which football team was better the second time around.The Vikings, losers of two straight to end the regular season, redeemed themselves with a 38-14 win over Lake City in a State 5A playoff opener Friday before an estimated crowd of 3,000 at LC.

Austin selects ex-Zag Brown

Men's basketball: Former Gonzaga player Ira Brown (pictured above) was selected as the 11th pick in the fourth round by the Austin Toros in the NBA Developmental League draft Thursday in Atlanta.

GSL 4A

Friday's play-in resultsSouthridge 14, Mead 10Ferris 21, Wenatchee 10

Phils stick with Lee

The Philadelphia Phillies have picked up Cliff Lee's $9 million option for 2010. The team announced the expected move Friday, two days after losing the World Series to the New York Yankees. Lee's contract expires after next season, though general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said the team is open to signing the star left-hander to a long-term deal. Lee, 31, was acquired from the Cleveland Indians on July 29 for four minor leaguers, and quickly became Philadelphia's ace. Lee posted a 3.39 ERA in 12 starts for the Phillies, then went 4-0 with a 1.56 mark in five postseason outings, including 2-0 in the World Series. Lee might command a deal similar to the seven-year, $161 million contract the Yankees gave C.C. Sabathia. – Associated Press

Life Is Sweet wins Ladies' Classic

Horse Racing: Life Is Sweet led a parade of long shots to the winner's circle at the Breeders' Cup on Friday, with the stablemate of Zenyatta scoring a 2 1/2 -length victory in the $2 million Ladies' Classic.

Newsmakers

Traded The Minnesota Twins acquired shortstop J.J. Hardy on Friday, sending speedy outfielder Carlos Gomez to the Milwaukee Brewers in a trade.

Scoreboard

Basketball
NBA
Orlando 110, Detroit 103
Indiana 102, Washington 86
Philadelphia 97, New Jersey 94
Charlotte 103, Atlanta 83
Phoenix 110, Boston 103
Miami 96, Denver 88
Milwaukee 87, Minnesota 72
Toronto 107, New Orleans 90
Cleveland 100, New York 91
Houston 105, Oklahoma City 94
L.A. Lakers 114, Memphis 98
Portland 96, San Antonio 84
L.A. Clippers 118, Golden State 90
Hockey
NHL

Today's Best

Rodney Stuckey
Detroit Pistons point guard had 20 points, five rebounds in 110-103 loss to Orlando.

Hornets owner ails

New Orleans Hornets owner George Shinn said Friday he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, but remains healthy and is optimistic that he will conquer the disease. A businessman from Kannapolis, N.C., the 68-year-old Shinn has been the owner of the team since he received an expansion franchise in Charlotte, N.C., in 1988. He moved the team to New Orleans in 2002, and worked with the NBA to provide the team with a temporary home in Oklahoma City for the 2005-06 season after floods from Hurricane Katrina nearly shut down the city for weeks and damaged the New Orleans Arena.

Eagles lose 2-1 in Sky semis

Brittney Doran's goal on a penalty kick in the 83rd minute cut the deficit for the Eastern Washington women's soccer team against Idaho State (10-7) to one, but the Eagles (7-9-2) saw their season end in the Big Sky Conference semifinals with a 2-1 loss Friday in Portland.

Great escape

RUSTON, La. – Just when Boise State looked vulnerable, Kellen Moore and the Broncos quickly reminded a national television audience why they've been unbeatable.

Shock, new league take shape

As Spokane continues forming its roster, the new arena football league it is joining is ironing out details for the 2010 season.

What's the fuss all about?

RENTON, Wash. – No one in Seattle will confuse T.J. Houshmandzadeh with Steve Largent.The outspoken Houshmandzadeh is "shocked" with the fuss being made in his first Seahawks season over his angry gestures and comments about not getting the ball enough, in a city where people are used to their star receivers being quiet yet productive – such as Largent.

Vandals sharp in exhibition

Idaho shot 55 percent from the floor and had four players in double figures to beat Saint Martin's 81-67 in a men's exhibition game in Moscow.

3 Names to know

VUNA TUIHALAMAKA Arizona linebacker
The middle linebacker is key in Mike Stoops' defensive schemes, and the 6-foot-2, 230-pound Tuihalamaka fits right in. Ranging from sideline to sideline, the Inglewood, Calif., native not only is key to Arizona's rushing defense (yielding 101.3 yards per game, second in the Pac-10) but also runs well enough to be a factor in pass defense as well.

tHIS & THAT Key facts about today's game

WSU will start its sixth different offensive line grouping today, with freshman Tyson Pencer back at left tackle. The other four started the season together. ... The Cougars brought five freshman defenders, who are redshirting, on their first trip. The group is expected to have an impact next season, so the coaching staff wanted to help them get acclimated to the road. There are three defensive backs – Nolan Washington, Anthony Carpenter and Casey Locker – and two defensive linemen – Jordan Pu'u Robinson and Justin Clayton. ... The last WSU win in this series was in 2004. That was its fourth consecutive against UA. ... The Wildcats are 14th in the nation in total offense and are tied with Stanford for the Pac-10 lead in time of possession. ... WSU has forced 20 turnovers this season, second most in the conference. But the Cougars' 22 

Idaho vs. Fresno State

KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m., Kibbie Dome in Moscow, IdahoRecords: FSU 5-3, 4-1 WAC; Idaho 7-2, 4-1

Whitworth at Lewis & Clark

KICKOFF: 1 p.m., Griswold Stadium, PortlandRecords: Whitworth 4-5, 2-3 NWC; Lewis & Clark 1-6, 0-4

Washington at UCLA

KICKOFF: 12:30 p.m., Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.Records: UW 3-5, 2-3 Pac-10; UCLA 3-5, 0-5

Hanford eliminates EV

RICHLAND – After scoring the first 21 points of the game, it looked like the East Valley Knights were going to roll over Hanford and move on to the State 3A football playoffs.

A perfect season for Colfax

Colfax came into the final week of the regular season with a game plan to hold down Jake Eichner of Lind-Ritzville. The Bulldogs (9-0, 4-0) succeeded in that task, holding Eichner to 94 yards rushing and 65 passing to help give them a 56-27 Northeast 2B victory against the visiting Broncos (4-4, 3-2).

Home sweet home

SANDPOINT – Home, home, Kibbie Dome. The saying became a rallying cry this week as the Sandpoint football team prepared to host its 4A state playoff opener against Middleton. The Bulldogs, who will host playoff games until the state championship game in the Kibbie Dome in Moscow if they win out, can now shorten the cheer after pounding the Middleton Vikings 30-0 Friday at Barlow Stadium.

Mead, Tigers sweep

Alexis Olgard had 13 kills and Kuulei Zalopany added 10 digs as the Mead Panthers swept Eisenhower 25-12, 25-16, 25-20 Friday in the first round of the 4A regional volleyball tournament at Mead High School.

Ferris breezes

WENATCHEE – The Ferris Saxons played like a team that's been to the state playoffs before. The Wenatchee Panthers just played like a team that wanted to get there.

Southridge keeps it simple, beats Mead

There was nothing particularly fancy about Southridge's offensive attack. Quarterback Stephen Garcia either handed it off to Dallin Palmer or he kept it.

Peak performances

Josiah Rhoades, CusickColten Williams, Mt. SpokaneSandpoint defenseNext week's big games
Rushed for three TDs, caught scoring pass and returned kickoff for score. Finished with 147 all-purpose yards

On the air

Today's TV highlights
Auto racing
6:30 a.m.Sprint Cup practiceSpeed
8 a.m.Sprint Cup "Happy Hour Series"Speed
9:45 a.m.Nationwide Series raceESPN2
5 p.m.World of Outlaws, tapeSpeed
Basketball
5 p.m.Charlotte at ChicagoWGN
Boxing
6:30 p.m.Jr. middleweights: Angulo vs. Yorgey;

Today's menu

Basketball
College men: CC Spokane at East Region Jamboree in Pasco (scrimmage), 10 a.m.

Teaching others to thrive

Liz Ulmen is an award-winning teacher for Spokane School District. Her students come to the Libby Center each day from all over the district to participate in Tessera, a program for gifted children.

The Ostrogoths would have some cool all-black uniforms

We have the Ferris High Saxons.And then there are the University of Idaho Vandals.So what other Germanic tribes could be turned into sports nicknames?

Are they barking up the wrong tree-hugger?

Thanks for killing the planet, dog owners.Well, that's a rough paraphrase of a New Zealand study that claims a medium-size dog leaves a larger ecological footprint than an SUV.

Deal with new wife to see Dad

Dear Annie: My parents divorced 18 years ago, and Dad has had numerous partners and wives since. Three months ago, Dad found out he had stage-four colon cancer. Two weeks after his diagnosis, he married "Sue."

Jacksons are in a family way

A reality show about the Jackson family will premiere Dec. 13 on A&E, with back-to-back hourlong episodes.

Horoscope

HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009: Avoid making much ado about nothing. Often this year, you feel like a sailboat in a windstorm. If single, you open new doors. If attached, the two of you will schedule some mini trips or one big vacation. You will recycle and become much closer. Cancer helps you see new vistas.

Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: A while ago, you had a column about many pets losing their homes in the foreclosure crisis, and how adopting one of these homeless pets could end up adding a very special member to your family.

Questionnaire tests consistency of one's beliefs

'Do You Think What You Think You Think?" That's the title of a philosophical quiz book that I recently finished.

Idaho Community events

This week
Venerable Thubten Chodron Presentation – American nun in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition presents "Does Your Happiness Really Depend on the State of the Economy?" Today, 10-11:45 a.m. and 1:15-3 p.m. at Life Center Therapies for Well Being, 1319 Government Way, Coeur d'Alene. A gift offering will be accepted. (208) 665-5862

'Sykes Show' debuts on Fox

"The Wanda Sykes Show" (11 p.m., Fox, TV-14) is a new weekly talk show from a veteran stand-up comedian who has had several HBO specials, her own Fox sitcom ("Wanda at Large") and a supporting role on the CBS comedy "The New Adventures of Old Christine."

Sasquatch festival tickets on sale today

We're barely into the winter holidays, but tickets to next Memorial Day weekend's Sasquatch Music Festival at The Gorge Amphitheatre go on sale today.

Births

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center
EMMALEE CHRISTINE LAUGHLIN - To Jessica and Travis Laughlin of Spokane. She weighed 8 lb. 11 oz. and was 21 inches long (Oct. 19).

Engagements

Todd-Pelsma
Bre Pelsma, Post Falls, and Karl Todd, Spokane, plan to marry Jan. 31 at Schweitzer Mountain Resort in Sandpoint.

Coumadin can irritate skin

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 78-year-old female. Eight months ago, I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. I was put on Coumadin, but take generic warfarin. Since the regimen began, I have itched all over, especially in body crevices. I have a number of lesions and, even as I write this, I have bandages on three areas of my torso trying to protect spots where the skin is raw from scratching because of the itch.

Movies

In Spokane
A SERIOUS MAN - River Park Square: 11:05 a.m., 1:40, 4:15, 7:10, 9:40.

Stocks edge up to end strong week

NEW YORK – Investors undaunted by a surprisingly weak jobs report found enough positive news to nudge stocks higher Friday.

Bible before school

Every Thursday, a group of Central Valley High School students shuffle into Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for Bible study before their school day begins.

New faces, new priorities

Spokane Valley voters didn't just speak Tuesday, they "shouted their wishes loud and clear," according to Councilman-elect Dean Grafos.

Dry cleaner offers 'gentler' service

It would seem unlikely for someone with asthma and sensitive skin to be in the dry cleaning business, but Sonja Zimmerman has found a way.

City Council won't meet on Tuesday

SPOKANE VALLEY – There will be no Spokane Valley City Council meeting Tuesday because most members will be attending a National League of Cities conference in San Antonio.

Fast facts

What: Sonja's Cleaner by Nature Where: 215 N. Sullivan Road

Week in review

Spokane Valley Fire – The proposed 2010 budget of $29.5 million was presented and next year's projects were discussed. The number of calls are down slightly over this time last year. The Commissioners will have a special meeting Monday at 5 p.m. to open rescue truck bids and a joint meeting with the Civil Service will follow at 6 p.m. (Source: Administrative director Debbie Cox)

Government almanac

Monday
Fire District 2 (Fairfield) – 7 p.m. at 17815 E. Truax Road.

CALENDAR

Today
Antique Collectible Show and Flea Market - Sponsored by Lewis Clark Trader. Hours are Friday, noon-7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, Broadway at Havana. $4. (208) 746-5555.

Sprague and Sullivan

The Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, 12114 E. Sprague Ave., is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for students and $4 for children 18 and younger. The museum is looking for volunteers, donations and historical photos. Contact the museum at (509) 922-4570 or visit the Web site www.valleyheritagecenter.org.

Season makes room for resourcefulness

There is something to be said for the hush in the garden after the killing frost. There are no more ripe tomatoes to keep track of. No more zucchini to bushwhack through to find the monster you missed. Just the twitter of finches and nuthatches as they clean out sunflower seeds and the smell of moist earth and leaves. Mother Earth and I are taking a deep breath together.

Senior meals

For the week of Nov. 9-13Monday – Option 1: Salmon loaf with dill sauce, mashed potatoes, orange glazed carrots, biscuit, fruit. Option 2: Beef stew, orange glazed carrots, biscuit, fruit.

Art of the moment

Susan Morrow creates art with untethered emotions. It's her second nature to brandish a paint brush, pencil or piece of chalk and capture the moment at the dinner table, on a camping trip or during a time of reflection. "I've always done it," she said, "I doodle the moment."

Community forums will focus on CV district facilities

Central Valley School District parents, residents and community members are invited to attend a Capital Facilities community forum Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. at North Pines Middle School, 701 N. Pines Road. It is the first of three forums scheduled to allow district patrons to give input on current and future school buildings and what the district should be doing in terms of repair, remodeling and new construction.

Post-flu Bears team rarin' to run

Dennis McGuire has spent the past couple months deeply involved with health care. The Central Valley High School girls cross-country coach has nursed his young athletes through a season-long outbreak of the flu that has tested his exceptionally deep roster.

Millwood council approves zoning, home-based business changes

The Millwood City Council unanimously approved three ordinances amending municipal code on land use, subdivisions and zoning on Monday night.

Community services

Money Management – Sponsored by Consumer Credit Counseling Service, second Tuesday of each month, 6:30-9 p.m., Teamsters Building basement, 1912 N. Division St.; call (509) 327-3777 to register.

Planning meeting has been canceled

SPOKANE VALLEY – Thursday's Spokane Valley Planning Commission meeting has been canceled for lack of business.

volunteer

SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. – Volunteers who are at least 15 years old are needed to help maintain a healthy and sanitary environment for SpokAnimal's cats. Includes assisting in cleaning litter pans, thoroughly disinfecting cages, feeding and taking time to hold, brush and play with the cats. Call Kandace Watkins, outreach and volunteer coordinator, at (509) 534-8133.

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