Columbia Gorge Hotel on Oregon’s Hood River to reopen

October 6th, 2009 Mich. 'Robin Hood' banker gets year in prisonDETROIT — A Michigan bank manager who insists she gave the $340,000 she stole over eight years to needy customers has been sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison. Patricia Keezer says the embezzling began in 2000, when she would give people $2,000 at a time for car repairs, mortgage payments and taxes.

October 2nd, 2009 Texas soldier pleads guilty in kidnapping hoaxFORT HOOD, Texas — A soldier accused of spinning a kidnapping hoax to cover his absence without leave from Fort Hood in Texas has pleaded guilty to desertion, making false official statements and obstruction of justice. Pfc. James Andrew Gonzalez pleaded guilty Friday in a Fort Hood military trial.

September 30th, 2009 Catwalk hikes planned for New River GorgeFAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — New River Gorge visitors will be able to walk directly across the canyon on a 30-inch-wide steel span 850 feet above the river starting in the spring.

September 21st, 2009 Foliage from the water: Viewing spots for boatersCHICAGO — If you enjoy fall foliage, consider doing some of your leaf-peeping from the water. The Chicago-based Discover Boating organization is recommending 10 places nationwide to see autumn colors by boat.

September 8th, 2009 San Francisco bridge to reopen; repairs completedSAN FRANCISCO — Transportation officials say the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge will reopen at the start of the workweek Tuesday after all. Randy Iwasaki (ee-wah-SAK-kee), director of the California Department of Transportation, said the bridge will open at 7 a.m.

August 14th, 2009 Colo. woman allegedly stole car with owner on hoodDENVER — Prosecutors are accusing a Denver woman of attempted first-degree murder for allegedly stealing a car and fleeing at speeds up to 50 mph — even after the owner hopped on the car's hood in a bid to stop her. Ryan Calles had stopped at a sandwich shop in Denver on Wednesday, and left his keys inside.

August 4th, 2009 Wyoming soda ash company announces layoffsGREEN RIVER, Wyo. — Another Wyoming soda ash producer is laying off employees because of the economic downturn.

August 4th, 2009 FBI investigator of civil rights era killings diesJACKSON, Miss. — Retired FBI agent Jim Ingram, who helped state and federal officials reopen long-dormant investigations of killings from Mississippi's violent civil rights era, has died.

July 24th, 2009 Texas soldier found unhurt charged with being AWOLMcALLEN, Texas — The Army has charged a Fort Hood-based soldier who was reported as a possible kidnap victim with being AWOL after he was found unharmed in a Texas border town. Pfc. James Andrew Gonzalez was taken into custody during a traffic stop in Laredo on Wednesday.

July 16th, 2009 Ilikai workers OK new contractHONOLULU — Union workers let go from their jobs at the Ilikai have ratified a new contract that will lead to the reopening of the iconic hotel in Waikiki. The outcome of Wednesday's vote was announced by union officials.

July 11th, 2009 Ilikai closes but will reopen with new union dealHONOLULU — A day after the iconic Ilikai hotel shut down, its new owner and a labor union say the Waikiki landmark will soon be back in business. Employees were downcast on their last day at work on Thursday, when hotel operations creased on order from New York-based iStar Financial Inc.

July 6th, 2009 Disney to reopen monorail after weekend deathLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Walt Disney World plans to reopen a monorail system that was shut down for more than a day after a train operator died in a crash.

June 23rd, 2009 Fort Hood soldier stabbed to death on Texas postFORT HOOD, Texas — The FBI says a soldier was stabbed to death at her Fort Hood home and her civilian ex-husband is being charged with murder. Fort Hood police found 26-year-old Sgt.

June 12th, 2009 Splashdown: SC man jumps off bridge to meet friendCOLUMBIA, S.C. — When drivers on a stretch of South Carolina interstate saw someone jump off a bridge, they called 911, fearing they were watching a suicide.

April 27th, 2009 Pack your bags, head for Portland's Rose FestivalTravel season is upon us and the Northwest is beckoning, especially that scenic area of Oregon where the Columbia River approaches the sea and the city of Portland offers hospitality and attractions that include the nation's largest rose show. Make your plans now and you could be in time for the Portland Rose Festival — www.rosefestival.org/ — a May 22-June 14 round of festivities that offers everything from inspiration for home rose gardeners to parades and a visit by U.S.