Alla Drokina

Before Alla started as a reporter with the Journal in 2019, she freelanced for The Pacific Northwest Inlander mostly covering culture and food. A breakfast enthusiast, she appreciates the simple things in life like cozy nooks, mystery podcasts, and 90s sitcoms.

Slight profitability projected for Pacific Northwest growers

Apple crops, wheat likely to produce small returns

April 25, 2019

Many in Pacific Northwest food and agricultural industries are facing a slightly profitable year, reports the Spokane-based Northwest Farm Credit Services.

Hidden Mother Brewery plans store

April 11, 2019

Alla Drokina

The Hidden Mother Brewery plans to move later this spring to a newly remodeled, 3,700-square-foot leased space at 1303 N. Washington from its current 650-square-foot space at a private residence in Liberty Lake. Michael Detar, owner of Hidden Mother, say

Wishing Tree Books takes root in Perry District

April 11, 2019

Alla Drokina

A new children's book store, Wishing Tree Books, is slated for a summer opening in Spokane's South Perry District. Owner Janelle Smith says it's been her dream since she was a teenager to open a book store like Wishing Tree. Smith previously had

Honey Pig BBQ planned for Garland District

April 11, 2019

Alla Drokina

Honey Pig BBQ, to be located at 713 W. Garland, is set to open in early May, says chef and co-owner Tony Ferrante. The restaurant will specialize in slow-smoked beef brisket, Ferrante says. Ferrante, who has owned Ferrante's Marketplace, in Spokane

Klundt|Hosmer starts digital-focused division

KlÃ¼ to conduct all client data analysis in-house

April 11, 2019

Alla Drokina

Spokane marketing and graphic design agency KlÃ¼ndt|Hosmer has launched new division called KlÃ¼, which will focus on the digital marketing side of the business. The KlÃ¼ division is comprised of a team of four, including two new hires, bringing

Rose Pointe Assisted Living plans $3 million in upgrades

Remodel of Valley facility set to start this summer

April 11, 2019

Alla Drokina

Rose Pointe Assisted Living, a care facility at 13013 E. Mission, will undergo a $3 million renovation project this summer that's expected to take two years. Jessica Yaeger, executive director at Rose Pointe, says she agreed to take on her current

PayTrace puts its focus on business merchants

Fintech company reports annual growth in activity

April 11, 2019

Alla Drokina

PayTrace Inc., a company specializing in payment processing software for businesses, processed 52 million transactions involving a total amount of over $31 billion in 2018. 'What our software does is help reduce those higher processing rates

Wagstaff expands in Spokane Valley

Maker of aluminum castings equipment increases its reach

April 11, 2019

Alla Drokina

Spokane Valley-based aluminum castings equipment manufacturer Wagstaff Inc. is adding a 55,900-square-foot building at its flagship facility at 3910 N. Flora Road, as the company anticipates market growth both domestically and abroad. The new building

Hope House to open in 2020

Organization hopes to break ground on four-story structure in the fall

March 28, 2019

Alla Drokina

Hope House, a women's shelter and low-income apartment complex that Volunteers of America Eastern Washington & Northern Idaho is developing, is expected to open next year on the western edge of downtown Spokane

Cheney High School expansion is underway

$30 million update expected to be completed in May 2020

March 28, 2019

Alla Drokina

Cheney High School, at 460 N. Sixth in Cheney, is undergoing a $30 million expansion project, says Robert W. Roettger, Cheney School District superintendent. The multiphase construction project, which was started last summer, will be completed around May