Virginia Thomas

An avenue to improvement along Third

Activity may spark transformation in oft-downtrodden area

November 4, 2021

An increase in business interest and improvements along West Third Avenue downtown could signal the beginnings of additional developments in an area long affected by commercial vacancy, some familiar with the neighborhood say.

Natural 20 Brewing moves its taproom in Spokane Valley

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October 21, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Natural 20 Brewing Co. has moved its taproom to the former Cartridge World space at 13216 E. Sprague, in Spokane Valley. Owners Reece and Jackie Carlson, who are husband and wife, say brewing operations will be moved to their home's backyard brewing space

Little Noodle restaurant expands in Garland District

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October 21, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Little Noodle restaurant has expanded into permanent space at the former Honey Pig BBQ space at 713 W. Garland. Owner Kadra Deuber says Little Noodle initially opened one year ago and subleased from Honey Pig for part of the year, until the owner of

Intrinium rebrands its cybersecurity operations

TorchLight consulting, management to serve midsized, large clients

October 21, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Spokane Valley-based Intrinium Inc. has rebranded its cybersecurity services and plans to spin those services off into a company that focuses on providing cybersecurity measures for medium- and large-sized businesses. Nolan Garrett, founder, owner

Former HUD administrator joins Washington Trust Bank

Patterson to lead bank's livability initiatives here

October 21, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Washington Trust Bank has hired former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regional administrator Chris Patterson to serve in its newly established role of community solutions adviser. Patterson says that in this new role, he'll work with

Fruit-wine maker opens downtown tasting room

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October 21, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Two Winey Bitches tasting room offers an atypical wine experience, says general manager Eleacia Walser, as there are no grapes involved. All of the wines are made exclusively from other fruit. "We have everything from dessert-style wines to extra dry, so

Joya prepares for move to Spokane's University District next year

Nonprofit to expand work with INW universities once it's in its new building

October 21, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Joya Child & Family Development is preparing to move to a new facility next spring that executive director Colleen Fuchs says will increase the nonprofit's capacity significantly for community participation, programming, and university partnerships.

Battling Burnout at Inland Northwest hospitals

Employers offer stressed staff bonuses, counseling as measures to help

October 21, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Health care systems throughout the Inland Northwest are working against the effects of burnout on their staff, who continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Bryan Fix, chief human resources officer for the Washington and Montana regions for Providence

Cannabis sales in Spokane County jump 21% in fiscal '21

Countywide activity surpasses $160 million, recent report shows

October 21, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Sales of recreational cannabis in Spokane County increased 21% in fiscal year 2021, falling short of the aggressive surge the industry experienced in fiscal 2020. Data recently released by the Washington state Liquor and Cannabis Board shows $163.7