Mike McLean

More vets rely on VA loan program

Lenders say advantages for veterans outshine other mortgage types as zero-down options dwindle

November 3, 2011

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs home-loan program is gaining in popularity among people eligible for it, mostly because it's one of few remaining options for zero-down-payment, fixed-rate mortgages, lenders here say.Jackie Cardle, real at

Enterprise rental outlet is being built

Vandervert set to complete chain's stand-alone facility along Sprague in December

November 3, 2011

Mike McLean

A Spokane development group says it has launched work on a commercial building that will house Enterprise Rent-A-Car Co.'s Spokane Valley outlet.The project at 7202 E. Sprague includes constructing a 2,100-square-foot, single-story structure, a

Medical marijuana backers to open educational facility

Pair to counsel patients on issues surrounding state's cannabis rules

November 3, 2011

Mike McLean

Two Spokane medical marijuana advocates, doing business as University of Spokamsterdam LLP, say they've leased space near downtown where they plan to base educational programs about using the drug in compliance with the state's Medical Use of of of

New frozen-yogurt concern opens shop, plans two more

Go Froyo to follow debut in Valley with North Side, Lincoln Heights outlets

November 3, 2011

Mike McLean

Go Froyo LLC, a new frozen-yogurt concern here, has opened its first outlet in Spokane Valley and plans to open two more in Spokane this fall and winter.Nancy Chen, who co-owns the company with business partner Tong Li, says the first Go Froyo a

Rendering courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Border Patrol gears up for larger stations

Spokane Sector projects valued at $48 million planned or under way

November 3, 2011

Mike McLean

Three construction projects valued at $45 million are under way in the Spokane Sector of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and another $3 million has been approved for the first phase of a fourth project, the federal agency says.Border Patrol

Pawn 1 Inc. making hay in downturn

New Boise-area outlets, strong same-store sales contribute revenue gains

November 3, 2011

Mike McLean

Spokane-based Pawn 1 Inc. has seen double-digit annual revenue growth in recent years, due to both a rise in existing store sales here and to its expansion into the Boise-area market, says Mark Lax, the company's president and majority owner.The

Tax-relief measures set to expire; big changes loom

This year's reprieve from major revisions said calm before reform

October 20, 2011

Mike McLean

Federal rules for the current tax year are loaded with reprieves and compromises on many of the measures that were up in the air at this time last year, although many of those concessions likely are temporary, tax planners here say.Expect big in

Medical Lake hospital plans upgrades worth $1.3 million

Psychiatric center seeks architect bids for projects that could start next year

October 20, 2011

Mike McLean

Eastern State Hospital, the state-run inpatient psychiatric facility at Medical Lake, has issued a request for qualifications for an architect to provide design services for two projects valued at a combined total of $1.3 million.Projects the of

Therapy prevails in stroke study

Doctors at Sacred Heart contribute to nationwide trial for device, treatment

October 20, 2011

Mike McLean

Initial findings of a nationwide trial in which Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children's Hospital participated show that certain stroke patients who received aggressive medical therapy had fewer subsequent strokes than patients who a in

Windermere broker buys out partners

October 20, 2011

Mike McLean

Real estate broker Joe Garst says he has bought out the minority interests in the Windermere franchise north of downtown and is now its sole owner.The franchise, which does business as Windermere Real Estate/City Group LLC, occupies about 4,000