Government

Mixed export markets worry Washington's ag producers

International sales of apples could fall; wheat market likely to hold serve

July 2, 2020

Uncertainties in overseas markets due to COVID-19 will almost certainly put a dent in the sales of most Washington commodities abroad. An observer of the state's grain market thinks wheat exports will remain unchanged this year, while the head of the a

Excelsior to treat unwilling patients under Ricky's Law

Eight beds designated for involuntary care

July 2, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Spokane's Excelsior Youth Center is now prepared to treat minors who have been placed in inpatient treatment involuntarily for behavioral health and addiction issues.

A taxing season for Spokane CPAs

Tax preparers here stretched thin as extended deadline nears

July 2, 2020

Virginia Thomas

The federal tax filing deadline extension has created additional stress for Spokane accountants. As the new July 15 deadline approaches, many clients have put off filing until the last minute, and some CPAs here say that has created a bottleneck of work

Building code updates to encourage solar power

Changes part of push to eliminate fossil fuel use

June 18, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Washington state is now encouraging higher adoptions of solar energy systems in homebuilding as part of its drive to eliminate fossil fuel-generated electricity from the grid.

HUD awards $2.25 million in grants to INW tribes

Funds to repair houses, upgrade infrastructure

June 18, 2020

Natasha Nellis

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $2.25 million in Indian Community Development Block Grants to tribes in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Overall, tribes in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon received $6.9 million in grants.

Spokane County extends valuation deadline

Staff will use more time to explore virus effect

June 4, 2020

Kevin Blocker

Pointing to the crushing effect COVID-19 may be having property values-especially commercial properties that have lost rental income-the Spokane County Assessor's Office says valuation notices to property owners won't occur until August this year.

$760 million in labor income lost in Spokane County, analysis shows

Study factors an 11-week decline in county wages

June 4, 2020

Kevin Blocker

An economic analysis the first 11 weeks COVID-19 had on Spokane County starting in mid-March reveals a little more than 17,000 jobs lost and lost labor income of $760 million.

Office building, garage planned on county campus

Structure to be across Monroe from YMCA

June 4, 2020

Kevin Blocker

A $10 million office building is envisioned along the 900 block of north Monroe Street, north of downtown Spokane. Spokane-based architectural design firm Uptic Studios Inc. is the project architect.

Municipalities prep for revenue shortages

Tax revenue plummets after stores closures, consumers stay home

June 4, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Sales taxes traditionally have provided a relatively stable revenue source for states and local governments during previous economic downturns, but the toll the coronavirus pandemic is taking on the economy is different.