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Country toned

November 7, 2013

The tractor tires stacked near the entrance to the big workout floor at the Farmgirlfit fitness center east of downtown Spokane are one of the first indicators that this isn't your typical gym. Also noticeable right away is the absence of the and a

Truck driver shortage raises pressure

Long-haul trucking companies having trouble filling positions

November 7, 2013

Katie Ross

A shortage of qualified truck drivers both here and across the U.S. is causing some companies to step up recruiting practices and refocus their attention on regional hauls. Mark Barnes, co-owner of Spokane-based Fast Way Freight Inc., says on

Hecla reports deeper loss

Earnings Report

October 24, 2013

Staff Report

Hecla Mining Co., of Coeur d'Alene, reported today a third-quarter net loss of $8.6 million, or 3 cents a basic share, compared with a loss of $1 million in the year-earlier period.The loss occurred as Hecla reported a 42 percent increase in to to

Red Lion Hotels posts increase in net income

Earnings Report

October 24, 2013

Staff Report

Red Lion Hotels Corp., of Spokane, reported today third-quarter net income of $1.2 million, or 6 cents a diluted share, compared with a net loss of $906,000, or 5 cents a share, in the year-earlier period.James P. Evans, Red Lion's interim and in

Itron posts loss for quarter

Earnings report

October 24, 2013

Staff Report

Itron Inc., the Liberty Lake-based maker of meter reading technology, reported this afternoon a third-quarter net loss of $7.3 million, or 19 cents a diluted share, compared with net income of $35.3 million, or 89 cents a share, in the year-earlier

Key Tronic's earnings decline

Earnings report

October 24, 2013

Staff Report

Key Tronic Corp., the Spokane Valley-based provider of electronic manufacturing services, announced this afternoon net income of $1.7 million, or 16 cents a diluted share, for its fiscal year 2014 first quarter ended Sept. 28, down from $3.7 or 35

Sterling's net income declines

Earnings report

October 24, 2013

Staff Report

Sterling Financial Corp., the Spokane-based parent of Sterling Bank, reported today third-quarter net income of $21 million, or 33 cents a diluted share, compared with $30.6 million, or 49 cents a share, in the year-earlier quarter.Greg Seibly, in

Panhandle State Bank parent posts jump in net

Earnings report

October 24, 2013

Staff Report

Intermountain Community Bancorp, the Sandpoint-based holding company for Intermountain Community Bank and Panhandle State Bank, reported this morning third-quarter net income of $1.5 million, or 23 cents per diluted share, up from income of or 5 a

Give generously, but understand tax implications first

Basic knowledge of rules can help donors develop clear philanthropic strategy

October 24, 2013

Val Perry

There are many options when it comes to charitable giving. With some advance planning, you can make a difference for a cause that's important to you. But before you dive in, make sure you have a clear strategy and understand the basic rules for

Tax experts plot strategies to soften blows of rate jump

Affordable Care Act said having sizable impact on taxpayers

October 24, 2013

Mike McLean

The largest year-over-year individual tax increases in at least a decade are in effect, and high-income earners who haven't planned for them might be in for a shock, tax preparers here say.Many middle-income taxpayers also might be surprised by