Virginia Thomas

Flexibility is key to school design in current environment

Hand hygiene stations are common feature now, Spokane architects say

November 19, 2020

Those involved in overseeing projects and creating designs for school buildings say adaptability and a focus on infrastructure such as ventilation are essential as more students return to in-person classes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

High Five: Big Spokane-area construction projects are on schedule

Five largest ongoing projects valued at total of $150M

November 19, 2020

Virginia Thomas

The five highest-value projects currently under construction in the Spokane area are all on track for their projected completion dates. Valued at a total of nearly $150 million, the top five projects include Shaw Middle School

Parting Thoughts with YMCA's Steve Tammaro

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November 19, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Steve Tammaro is retiring after more than eight years at the helm of YMCA of the Inland Northwest as the organization's president and CEO. Tammaro, 67, has spent more than 45 years with the YMCA in various locations. He started as a camp counselor

Pandemic hits female workforce most profoundly

Child care challenges among biggest factors

November 19, 2020

Virginia Thomas

A dearth of child care options and a high ratio of women in industries affected most by pandemic-related restrictions are contributing to a disproportionate share of women leaving the workforce, some employment observers here say.

Third-quarter bank earnings offer mixed bag

Some blame low interest rates for reduced income

November 5, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Some banks with a Spokane presence are reporting an increase in third-quarter net income due to strong mortgage production, while others posting a decline for the quarter point to lower interest income due to record-low interest rates as the reason.

Q&A with Team Pilates' Angelie Melzer

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November 5, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Angelie Melzer, owner of Team Pilates Barre & Yoga, says her life was forever changed by Pilates. The former professional ballet dancer says that she continued Pilates training throughout her ballet career, and opening her own studio for instructors

Spokane Community College offers Running Start For Careers

Students can earn diploma along with trade degree

November 5, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Spokane Community College has launched a program aimed at placing high school students on a path to a career in the trades and providing another workforce pipeline for local employers.

Payday lending loses favor among borrowers

Effects of pandemic might reverse trend, however

November 5, 2020

Virginia Thomas

The popularity of payday lending in Washington state has been decreasing steadily, according to data released in August from the Washington state Department of Financial Institutions' 2019 Payday Lending Report.

Design Source to relocate to larger building

Renovations to begin mid-2021; interior designer plans to move late that year

November 5, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Spokane-based interior design company Design Source Inc. plans next year to move to a new, larger location at 502 E. Fifth, east of downtown Spokane, after a renovation of the 4,500-square-foot structure.

Cannabis sales surge in Spokane County

Increase in activity here outpaces state as whole

November 5, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Fiscal 2020 was a banner year for cannabis sales in Spokane County, and retailers here say behavior changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic was the main driver of the increase.