Government

Expiration of federal unemployment aid might cost employers

Some businesses said to hope change will lead people back to work

September 9, 2021

With the Sept. 4 expiration of federal pandemic unemployment assistance, employers may see higher unemployment insurance charges as more former employees transfer to regular unemployment benefits, according to the Washington state Employment Security

East Greenacres Irrigation District sees strong residential growth

Additional hires planned to accommodate demand

August 26, 2021

Kevin Blocker

Despite robust residential growth on the Rathdrum Prairie, the district manager for the East Greenacres Irrigation District remains optimistic about the district's capacity to oversee the distribution of water within its boundaries in future years.

Commerce programs expand in scope

Emphasis includes climate, environment

August 26, 2021

Lisa Brown

The new fiscal year is underway, and the Washington state Department of Commerce is ramping up our work strengthening communities with dozens of new programs, additional funding, and partnerships entrusted to us by the Legislature. Much of our work over

Drought spurs interest in low-water landscaping

Commercial, residential clients seek relief from water, maintenance costs

August 26, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Demand for low-water landscaping has increased significantly during an exceptionally dry and hot Inland Northwest summer, experts here say. Last month, the U.S. Drought Monitor placed the Spokane area in the most extreme category for drought, called D4

Coeur d'Alene Basin cleanup progresses

Focus is on containing contaminants, restoring wetlands for waterfowl with $24.7M in projects

August 26, 2021

Natasha Nellis

This year, the U.S. Environmental Agency, in partnership with the Coeur d'Alene Work Trust, plans to complete three construction projects throughout the Coeur d'Alene basin area and haul over 500 truckloads of historic mine waste-contaminated material

Tenant, landlord groups wait on new resolution system

Eviction bridge expiration looms, but mechanisms aren't in place in county yet for mandated dispute remedies

August 26, 2021

Virginia Thomas

New laws and an eviction moratorium bridge have created confusion, and more funding for rental assistance is needed, say both landlord and tenant group leaders here.

Private sector takes on public problems in Spokane

Dissatisfied with initial efforts from politicians, business, property owners push conversation on crime, vagrancy

August 26, 2021

Kevin Blocker

Last year, the Hutton Settlement began paying $3,000 a month for private security to protect its 20 Spokane-area commercial properties from graffiti, property damage, and theft.

Cheney lands $21.8 million loan for water reclamation

City hopes to fund most of the project with grants

August 12, 2021

Kevin Blocker

The city of Cheney recently secured a $21.8 million low-interest loan from the Washington state Department of Ecology as part of the city's continuing effort to reclaim water through the city's Wastewater Treatment and Reclamation Plant.

City to buy former White Elephant property in Valley

Site expected to serve future law enforcement needs

August 11, 2021

Mike McLean

The city of Spokane Valley will buy the former White Elephant retail store site located at 12614 E. Sprague for $2.2 million, with long-term plans to use the property for law enforcement needs, says Spokane Valley Mayor Ben Wick.

Clearing fuels from our forests urgently needed

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July 29, 2021

Don Brunell

Massive forest fires in western parts of our country are not only choking us with layers of thick smoke but are leaving behind millions of acres of scorched hillsides, ridges, and valleys. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, record wildfire seasons