Latest News

Elmer Construction thrives in midsized-project niche

Contractor focuses on jobs generally under $3 million

July 20, 2017

J.W. Elmer Construction Co. has found its niche, and owner Rob Elmer says he's about as busy as he wants to be. The company specializes in commercial remodels, historical renovations, churches, medical offices, and multifamily housing, while focusing o

Youth refugee relocation program in Spokane sees gains

Group brings in 17 minors, with hopes to grow to 30

July 20, 2017

LeAnn Bjerken

Lutheran Community Services Northwest's Unaccompanied Refugee Minor program, which helps to resettle refugee youth who have been separated from parents or guardians, has grown again recently. Refugee foster parent recruiter Lisa Johnson says since Oct

Waterfront condominium building to be constructed in Sandpoint

$5 million project will have 13 units near Sand Creek

July 20, 2017

Mike McLean

A North Idaho development company says it will break ground in the fall on a $5 million-plus waterfront condominium project in the Sandpoint city center, about 70 miles northeast of Spokane. The project, Sandcreek Lofts at Sandpoint Marina, will include

Guest commentary: State's business rating carries big caveats

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July 20, 2017

Guest Commentary

Gov. Jay Inslee wasted no time churning out a press release touting CNBC's recent ranking of Washington as the No. 1 state for business.Â He vowed to continue pushing the policies he credits with pushing Washington to the top of list: 'My top priorit

Spokane Arena food court expansion gets underway

Overall, about $1.7 million in improvements on tap

July 20, 2017

The Spokane Public Facilities District has begun upgrading food service areas in the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, located at 720 W. Mallon, and expects to complete the work by this fall. Kevin Twohig, CEO of the facilities district, says the changes

The Journal's View: Inslee's tax-break veto is missed opportunit

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July 20, 2017

Staff Report

Washington state missed a prime opportunity to reduce the tax burden on manufacturers of all sizes when Gov. Jay Inslee vetoed a measure that would have lowered the business-and-occupation tax rate for that sector. State legislators from both sides of t

SNAP finding ways to tap interlinked areas of need

Organization offers more than 30 programs here

July 20, 2017

Treva Lind

For decades, Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners has helped people establish stability and self-reliance. Today, more than 30 SNAP programs support Spokane County and Eastern Washington residents. Broader than many people realize, those services range f

Dermatology clinic prepares for move to new location

Surgery center to offer outpatient procedures

July 20, 2017

Dermatology Specialists PLLC of Spokane is moving from the Providence Medical Center Building at 820 S. McClellan to 510 S. Cowley on Spokane's lower South Hill. Dermatology Specialists has been at its current location since 1987, says Charlie Reed, th

Valley library plans might receive new lease on life

City, district appear poised to extend facility agreement

July 20, 2017

LeAnn Bjerken

The Spokane County Library District and the city of Spokane Valley are set to amend and extend an agreement that would allow for the construction of a library at the northeast corner of Sprague Avenue and Herald Street, just across Sprague from the new Ci

Old Cheney High School converting to apartments

Historic structure will have 36 units for EWU students

July 20, 2017

Mike McLean

Seattle-based developers are repurposing the old Cheney High School building as rental housing, targeting Eastern Washington University students. The three-story building, at 520 Fourth in Cheney, near the eastern edge of the EWU Campus, will have 36 apa