Avista Energy, the energy-trading unit of Spokane-based Avista Corp., has paid a $741,000 settlement to resolve a 4-year-old dispute with Washington state over a $14.5 million business-and-occupation tax assessment, says Avista Corp. spokesman Hugh

The city of Spokane plans to turn about 20 acres of land just southeast of Ferris High School into wetlands with the intent of easing the vacant areas ground-water problems, creating a bird habitat, and educating high-school students.The city

The Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce, known for its annual trips to Washington, D.C., that enables business leaders here to lobby on defense, agricultural, and other issues, will send a second delegation there this year to focus solely on new a

Altons Tire Centers, the Spokane-based tire-sales and automotive-repair chain, plans to build a shop with 16 vehicle bays at the site of the former Longhorn Burger Stop at U.S. 2 and Hayford Road in Airway Heights. Company founder Duane Alton

Senske Lawn & Tree Care Inc., of Kennewick, Wash., has agreed to buy the former Fore Seasons Sports Dome site in Spokane Valley and plans to build a new facility there for its Spokane operation.The 4.25-acre site is located at 7115 E. Cataldo,

Avista Advantage, the Avista Corp. unit that manages utility bills for businesses with multiple sites, cut its losses sharply last year, and also built up its customer base substantially.The Spokane-based operation slashed its annual net loss 3

John and Shirley Glodt joke that theyd tell you the secret to their light, flaky pie crust, but then theyd have to kill you.Some appreciative customers, though, might fantasize that there would be worse things than being smothered to death

AmericanWest Bancorp., the Spokane-based parent of AmericanWest Bank, posted solid gains in deposits and loans last year and saw its assets crest the $1 billion mark.Separately, AmericanWest plans this year to open a branch office in Post to a

When Jerry Layman first became affiliated with Farmers & Merchants Bank, he had no idea that the Spokane institution one day would have $305 million in assetsor about $297 million more than when he began doing legal work for the bank.Layman,

A relatively new alternative to paper paychecks is being touted as a way to cut payroll-processing costs and to free employees who dont have checking accounts from high check-cashing fees.Called payroll cards, the devices appear to be gaining