Special Report

Spokane homeowners leave money in bank for now

Observers say far more people tapped equity in Great Recession

August 13, 2020

Despite layoffs and wage reductions, industry observers say homeowners are avoiding using the equity in their homes during this challenging financial time. The mortgage data company Black Knight Inc. says Americans had $6.2 trillion in

Life insurance policy can be 'the last love letterâ€

Sufficient coverage can provide security for those left behind

July 30, 2020

Donald Morgan

Jim Lusk remembers going to the wake of one of his clients who had died after being hit by a truck. The client's widow pulled him aside and asked if she and her kids were going to be financially OK. 'I told her, 'We're going to pay off your

Some employers here make 401(k) adjustments

Study shows rising risk to post-work income due to virus outbreak

July 30, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Americans already were struggling to save for retirement, and the pandemic has only made the situation worse, reports show. Local industry observers say, however, some Spokane employers largely have stayed on track with retirement plans, while others

WSU to debut senior-living major

Private-sector investment, input led to new emphasis

July 30, 2020

Kevin Blocker

About a decade ago, some of the nation's leading senior care providers began reaching out to Washington State University's School of Hospitality Business Management about establishing academic courses in their field.

Driving retirement

While bus driving is popular among retirees, uncertainty over students' return may push seniors into other part-time jobs

July 30, 2020

Virginia Thomas

The most popular part-time job for retirees in Washington state is that of school bus driver, according to a report released last month by national life insurance agency Choice Mutual. But whether that job will remain in the top spot for retirees is hard

East Valley School District starts $1.2 million in security upgrades

Vestibules to be completed before start of school year

July 16, 2020

Virginia Thomas

The eight schools of East Valley School District are getting new secured entries, district superintendent Kelly Shea says. The new entries will prevent anyone who isn't a student or staff member from entering the building without speaking to someone

Barker Storage begins work on 10-acre storage facility

Project also includes spaces for boats, RVs

July 16, 2020

Kevin Blocker

A family-owned investment company is developing a storage unit business that also will allocate space for storing boats and recreational vehicles. Barker Storage LLC broke ground last week on its planned $5.5 million self-storage project to be located

StanCraft to add third hangar at its Cd'A jet center

$7.5M steel structure to be completed next year

July 16, 2020

Virginia Thomas

StanCraft Jet Center is expanding its ongoing development plans in North Idaho with the addition of a 57,200-square-foot hangar at Coeur d'Alene Airport-Pappy Boyington Field. Construction on the StanCraft Jet Center began last year. As previously

Western States Equipment plans Liberty Lake facility

Work expected to start soon, finish in 2022

July 16, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Boise, Idaho-based Western States Equipment Co. plans to build a 127,400-square-foot heavy equipment dealership in Liberty Lake, according to planning documents on file with the city. Site plans show the heavy equipment dealer is planning a four-building

Developer rebuilds Spokane Valley retail structure after fire

Rodda Paint in talks to move back to location

July 16, 2020

Kevin Blocker

Dolphin Enterprises LLC, a family-owned business of three generations, has started construction on a building at 6818 E. Sprague, in Spokane Valley, including a replacement structure for a paint store that was destroyed by a fire there in February 2019.