LeAnn Bjerken

Quilting, yarn shop planned in Reardan

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March 1, 2018

Quilter and knitting enthusiast Geri Sauter says she plans to open a quilting and yarn shop this spring in Reardan, Wash., 25 miles east of Spokane. Sauter's new shop, to be named Stitch!, will be located in a 2,000-square-foot space at 243 W. Broadwa

Elliott's Urban Kitchen to open along Monroe

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March 1, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

Spokane chef Tony Elliott says he plans to open a new restaurant this month in Emerson-Garfield neighborhood, on the lower North Side. The restaurant, to be called Elliott's Urban Kitchen, will be located in the Lloyd Building at 2209 N. Monroe. The b

Mobilitie expands wireless capabilities in Spokane

Addition of small-cell units said to be prep for 5G tech

March 1, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

California-based wireless infrastructure provider Mobilitie LLC has recently begun to install what are called small-cell wireless antennas to utility poles in public-right of way in certain neighborhoods here. A privately-held company, Mobilitie funds,

$5 million renovation eyed at Cathedral Plaza

Project would update 150 units in 15-story apartment tower

March 1, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

Preliminary plans on file with the city of Spokane show $5 million in renovations are planned at the Cathedral Plaza apartments, located at 1120 W. Sprague downtown. The 15-story, 150-unit apartment building is managed by Catholic Charities of Spokane af

Hip, knee replacements refined at Valley Hospital

Facility receives advanced certification for joint program

March 1, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

Last month, MultiCare's Valley Hospital announced it had earned the Joint Commission's gold seal of approval for advanced certification for total hip and total knee replacement, an evaluation that requires impartial evidence of the quality of care, tr

Parrish & Grove Botanicals: Blossoming business

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March 1, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

Amanda Parrish and Chelsea Updegrove are friends, co-workers, and business co-owners who have been sharing their love of flowers and houseplants with the Spokane community for just over a year. The two women are what some might call peas in a pod, having

Pearson Packaging acquires robotics maker Flexicell

West Plains equipment manufacturer plans yearly acquisitions

March 1, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

Pearson Packaging Systems, the West Plains-based maker of packaging equipment, has acquired Virginia-based robotic system integrator and automation equipment manufacturer Flexicell Inc. Michael A. Senske, Pearson Packaging president and CEO, says the pur

How angel investors earn their wings

More than 100 individuals involved in Spokane group, but more are sought

February 15, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

In recent years, Spokane has seen a handful of local startup companies grow into successful ventures resulting in benefits for both their founding entrepreneurs as well as early investors. Those who follow news of startup successes may have wondered wh

Returning to work can prove to be challenging for retirees

Seniors advised to consider impacts on taxes, benefits

February 15, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

While most Inland Northwest seniors probably see retirement as a well-earned break from years of hard labor, some retirees find themselves re-entering the rat race. Some return to work out of necessity, while others choose to work simply to stay active

West Plains Chamber poised for growth

New exec hopes to grow membership, add value

February 15, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

Newly appointed West Plains Chamber of Commerce executive director Toby Broemmeling says the organization is in a position to expand its scope and membership, and he's ready to help guide it to the next level. 'In the last few years, chamber organiz