Itron Inc., the Liberty Lake-based maker of meter reading technology, posted fourth-quarter net income of $14.6 million, or 36 cents a diluted share, down compared with income of $23.8 million, or 60 cents a share, in the year-earlier period. For all of 2019, the company reported income of $49 million, or $1.23 a share, up from a loss of $99.3 million, or $2.53 a share, in 2018.

County CEO to retire

Spokane County CEO Gerry Gemmill plans to retire after 40 years with the county, and a national search for his replacement is underway. Gemmill’s last day as CEO will be June 30, although he has agreed to continue in the position throughout the hiring process, including a transition period, according to a press release issued by the county.

Brewpub changes hands

The Waddell’s Brewpub & Grille, at 6501 N. Cedar, in the Cedar Crossing development on Spokane’s North Side, closed for remodeling and is scheduled to reopen this week as 5 North Brewing Co., as the gastropub transitions toward full ownership by The Brumback Co., an affiliate of the company that developed the Cedar Crossing mixed-use center. The original Waddell’s Neighborhood Pub & Grille, on the South Hill, will continue to operate independently.

City dubbed bike friendly

Spokane was named a bronze-rated bicycle friendly community for the second time by the League of American Bicycles. The award recognizes the city’s ongoing improvements in conditions for bicycling though education, infrastructure, and pro-bicycling policies. Spokane first earned a bronze rating in 2014.

Spokane among ‘hottest markets’

Seattle-area real estate technology company Redfin named Spokane as one of the "four hottest markets for affordability-seeking homebuyers in the next decade." Other cities to make the list are Las Vegas, Charlotte, and Orlando.

Northeast initiative launched

Gonzaga University launched Opportunity Northeast, an initiative dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals, youth, and families in nine economically challenged neighborhoods in northeast Spokane. Gonzaga President Thayne McCulloh said the initiative represents a commitment by the university to work side by side with community partners and neighborhoods to address their broader priorities, particularly in the areas of health and education.

Coronavirus treated here

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, at the request of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will be monitoring and caring for five people who have tested positive for the 2019 novel coronavirus. Providence will work closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Washington state Department of Health, and Spokane Regional Health District while they are under isolation. Providence was selected because of its secured airborne infection isolation rooms, a specialized unit within the hospital.

FTC refund data released

New data released by the Federal Trade Commission shows that consumers throughout Washington received more than $2.7 million in refund checks from the FTC in 2019. The FTC returns money to consumers who have been harmed by illegal business practices, including identity theft, imposter scams, and credit bureau issues.