5 things to know about the Annual Manual
S o often, the news is dominated by crime, tragedy and political squabbling.
Sep 5, 2017
Annual Report
The past year has brought huge new developments — and a handful of controversies — to the Spokane area
NORTH MONROE STREET COST: $7.1 million
By Daniel Walters
Sep 5, 2017
Annual Report
Who is the fairest of them all? We pit the Gem State against the Evergreen State
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
By Daniel Walters
Sep 5, 2017
Annual Report
Meet the CEO of Greater Spokane Incorporated
Since February 2016, Todd Mielke has served as the CEO of Greater Spokane Incorporated, an organization that works to develop business in the region and connect people with resources and each other to strengthen the Inland Northwest. He offered some insight into trends affecting Spokane and the greater region, and why this area is looking good to employers and workers.
By Samantha Wohlfeil
Sep 5, 2017
Annual Report
Whether you need to report a pothole that's bordering on becoming a sinkhole or want to pop off to your local lawmaker, here are the numbers you need to make the call
To report a theft Spokane County Crime Check
456-2233
Sep 5, 2017
Annual Report
5 things to know about Spokane Transit Authority; plus, crackdown on drunk driving and the streets have eyes
5 things to know about the Spokane Transit Authority The Spokane Transit Authority's 10-year Moving Forward plan contains two dozen individual projects, too many to mention here.
By Mitch Ryals
Sep 5, 2017
Annual Report
Meet the new chief of the Multicare Health System's East Region
Dr. David O'Brien is the new chief executive for MultiCare Health System's East Region, and will lead the transition as MultiCare takes over Deaconess and Spokane Valley hospitals and Rockwood Clinic. O'Brien came to Spokane from Northern California, where he served in various leadership roles.
By Samantha Wohlfeil
Sep 5, 2017
Annual Report
A new behavioral health hospital will by ready in the fall of 2018
If a changing skyline signifies a thriving city, then count Spokane as flourishing. One of its most unheralded — yet greatly needed — projects is rising quickly at the corner of Fifth and Browne, beneath Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center's main campus.
Sep 5, 2017
Annual Report
5 things to know to buy a home now in the Inland Northwest
Find a local lender and get pre-approved. This is step one, no question, says Patrick Kendrick of Audubon Real Estate.
By Dan Nailen
Sep 5, 2017
Annual Report
20 nonprofit organizations that want your stuff
Feeling the need to purge some household items, but don't have the time or energy for a yard sale? Whether you're cleaning out the house before the holidays or delving into spring cleaning, these local charities will benefit from your excess stuff.
Sep 5, 2017
Annual Report
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Some regional places to go to the dark side
There is a common misconception that if the beer is dark in color, then it must be thick, heavy, and probably high in alcohol. While there are certainly dark beers that fit those criteria, the truth is you can't judge a beer by its color.
By Adam Boyd
Sep 5, 2017
Drink
Embrace the sweetness; plus, sour beers explained
Beer purists typically scoff at a brew that incorporates anything into its recipe besides water, malt, hops and yeast. So offer them a beer with fruit in it and you're bound to hear a speech on the German Beer Purity Law of 1516.
By Adam Boyd
Sep 5, 2017
Drink
Learn the skills to make a mean drink from the pros
After Spokane's favorite distillery opened the Dry Fly Tasting Room, it started imagining new ways to create excitement around craft liquor. Hence, Dry Fly's Cocktail College, the most inviting excuse to go back to school one could imagine.
Sep 5, 2017
Drink
Some local trends from one mighty mixologist
Crystal Bertholic is a mixologist with infinite pizazz. When she's not performing and producing burlesque shows with the Vaude Villains, Bertholic is bar manager at Ruins in Spokane, where her improvisational cocktails are a staple of the establishment's inventive style.
By Carrie Scozzaro
Sep 5, 2017
Drink
New products like fire tonic, chai and bitters are bursting onto the Inland Northwest scene
Mandala Chai What started as a small coffeehouse project is now Mandala Chai, Eastern Washington's first locally made chai concentrate.
By Brett Helmbrecht
Sep 5, 2017
Drink
Trends glimpsed from a local sommelier and venue manager
E ric Cook has worked at some of the region's most distinguished venues, including the Patsy Clark Mansion, Spokane Country Club, the Davenport Hotel, and Beverly's at the Coeur d'Alene Resort.
By Carrie Scozzaro
Sep 5, 2017
Drink
At Glass Gods, Tim Bohr combines glass and fire to create gorgeous pipes
A thick gout of blue-white fire jets out of a blowtorch, licking around the glass tube.
By Daniel Walters
Sep 5, 2017
Drink
Four of the best-selling vape pieces for pot smokers
Vuber Atlas: The biggest points in its favor are the lifetime battery warranty and relatively modest price. At about $70 for the battery, two "atomizers" (the mechanism that heats the THC concentrate), a charger, wax tool, wax container and carrying case, the Vuber Atlas is dependable and discreet.
By Mitch Ryals
Sep 5, 2017
Drink
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Spokane Public Schools' five comprehensive high schools all offer a slightly different flavor for parents to choose from
T hese days, the words "school choice" have become a springboard for a debate on education policy.
By Wilson Criscione
Sep 5, 2017
Education
An expert offers three elements impacting Spokane's community-college system
A s Chancellor of Community Colleges of Spokane since 2010, CHRISTINE JOHNSON oversees a system of thousands of students and employees between Spokane Falls and Spokane community colleges.
By Wilson Criscione
Sep 5, 2017
Education
As enrollment grows, area schools plan to solve the problem of overcrowding
I n 2003, Spokane Public Schools came up with a long-term plan to replace and modernize old schools.
By Wilson Criscione
Sep 5, 2017
Education
Meet the first dean of WSU's Spokane-based medical school
T he first 60 medical students started at Washington State University's Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine this fall.
By Daniel Walters
Sep 5, 2017
Education
More than 80,000 college students study within an 80-mile radius of Spokane, according to Greater Spokane Incorporated. Here's a glance at six of the universities serving these students and the region.
Eastern Washington University Total enrollment: 12,276
Sep 5, 2017
Education
While many of these private schools have preschools and other programs, this grid focuses on K-12. The information below was provided by the schools.
SCHOOL/SCHOOL OF THOUGHT/GRADES/ENROLLMENT/STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO/AVG CLASS SIZE/ TUITION/FINANCIAL AID?/PHONE All Saints Catholic School Catholic K-8 350 1:19 22 $6,045 Yes 534-1098
Sep 5, 2017
Education
While many of these private schools have preschools and other programs, this grid focuses on K-12. The information below was provided by the schools.
SCHOOL/SCHOOL OF THOUGHT/GRADES/ENROLLMENT/STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO/AVG CLASS SIZE/TUITION/FINANCIAL AID?/PHONE Christian Center School Christian K-12 175 1:12-15 12 $3,410-$3,980 Yes 208-772-7542
Sep 5, 2017
Education
A University of Idaho researcher is among scientists studying Greenland glaciers to figure out just how fast the world's sea levels might rise
In the next 85 years or so, scientists think sea levels will likely rise by another foot to 6 feet, says University of Idaho researcher Tim Bartholomaus. "That is a huge range," he says.
By Samantha Wohlfeil
Sep 5, 2017
Education
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Some of the hottest additions to our growing culinary scene
Eager to eat out someplace new, but can't seem to remember that place you've been meaning to try? Here are seven newcomers that should be on your must-try list:
By Chey Scott
Sep 5, 2017
Food & Restaurants
Homer Simpson's favorite food has a foothold in the Inland Northwest
Casual Friday Donuts The popular pit stop for classic treats like maple bars (a vegan version, too) and glazed rings is also renowned for their MOAD (Mother of All Donuts), glazed, layered croissant with chocolate and caramel drizzle (tip: it sells out).
Sep 5, 2017
Food & Restaurants
They're all heating up!
Meet four big-deal chefs who are challenging and changing the region's perspective on food, all while delighting diners' palates and receiving major accolades. Three of these four local chefs were named semifinalists for the prestigious James Beard Foundation's Best Chef award, and one has been a contestant on the hit series Top Chef.
By Chey Scott
Sep 5, 2017
Food & Restaurants
Finding the best burgers in the Inland Northwest
Wisconsinburger This Spokane favorite is inspired by mom-and-pop joints in Wisconsin, and it quickly made itself one of the Inland Northwest's best burger stops after opening.
Sep 5, 2017
Food & Restaurants
There's no place like home, especially when it comes to locally made sauces, mixes, dips and treats
Camelina Gold Cooking Oil The Greenwalt family has been farming near Ritzville for more than 110 years, but just recently started growing camelina to produce their popular cooking oil.
By Brett Helmbrecht
Sep 5, 2017
Food & Restaurants
Meet the CEO of Second Harvest food bank
Since Jason Clark took over as president and CEO of Second Harvest food bank about 15 years ago, he has overseen the distribution of hundreds of millions of pounds of food to people in need in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Second Harvest's main objective of feeding the hungry remains the same, but Clark has seen the operation change drastically.
By Forrest Holt
Sep 5, 2017
Food & Restaurants
Pizzas we see in our dreams
Bennidito's Pizza Check out the original location on Lincoln for the New York-style crust you know and love (the Maui Wowie, with mozzarella and fontina cheeses, prosciutto, pancetta, and pineapple).
Sep 5, 2017
Food & Restaurants
A guide to Inland Northwest restaurants leading the way into new tastes
VEGAN + VEGETARIAN You don't have to worry about getting the runaround for making special requests like subbing tofu for meat, or asking if the kitchen uses a separate grill for its non-meat dishes, as the following eateries have well-established reputations for catering to the growing number of diners nixing meat or animal products.
By Chey Scott
Sep 5, 2017
Food & Restaurants
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How to enjoy standup comedy in the Inland Northwest
In March 2016, Renee Fandt opened the Spokane Comedy Club with her husband Kevin Fandt and business partner and son Adam Norwest. Since that point, they've seen the comedy scene start to grow, and have brought plenty of laughter to the city where Renee and Kevin met.
By Samantha Wohlfeil
Sep 5, 2017
Nightlife & Bars
How to make the most of a trip to the casino
With the Spokane Tribe working on their own new $400 million casino, the Inland Northwest is poised to become even more of a gambling and gaming destination. The casino will join the Northern Quest Casino in Airway Heights, with the Coeur d'Alene Casino offering plenty of fun farther east.
By Tuck Clarry
Sep 5, 2017
Nightlife & Bars
The founder of the "Spokane Doesn't Suck" brand knows what he's talking about
When Derrick Oliver, aka D.O., isn't enjoying a drink on the patio at Perry Street Brewing, going to trivia at Iron Goat, or watching a musical at the INB Performing Arts Center, it's probably safe to say he's got some other event, show or gathering on his schedule that day. Many people know him as the founder of the Spokane Doesn't Suck brand, which he embodies with a packed social calendar.
By Samantha Wohlfeil
Sep 5, 2017
Nightlife & Bars
The pop-rock favorites play the Knitting Factory
The history of indie pop band the Shins is defined by plenty of behind-the-scenes turmoil. The group was formed two decades ago in Albuquerque, New Mexico, then a side project of songwriter James Mercer, and was later transplanted to Portland when Mercer realized the Shins had more commercial potential than his other band, Flake Music.
By Nathan Weinbender
Sep 5, 2017
Nightlife & Bars
Head to these events during the week to stay entertained until the weekend rolls around
When weeknight happy hour turns into dinner turns into a full night out at one of the Inland Northwest's many local bars and restaurants, don't get caught without your best trivia teammates or karaoke duet partners. Here, we highlight a variety of popular (and perhaps a few lesser-known) events to get you through the week until Friday night hits, which usually means lots of live music and other gatherings to fill your social calendar.
By Chey Scott
Sep 5, 2017
Nightlife & Bars
Some of the hardest-working musicians in the Inland Northwest, plus the venues to catch great live music
Sammy Eubanks There are a lot of blues guitarists in town — in fact, there are quite a few on this list — but Eubanks is certainly one of the best known and most active.
By Nathan Weinbender
Sep 5, 2017
Nightlife & Bars
Inlander readers' favorite spots to catch the big game, grab the mic or hit the dancefloor
Best Dance Club nYne
Sep 5, 2017
Nightlife & Bars
Music lovers have a lot of festival options in the Inland Northwest
Tinnabulation This year marks the first time the Tinnabulation Music Festival will take over Riverfront Park, so it remains to be seen how smoothly the operation runs.
By Nathan Weinbender
Sep 5, 2017
Nightlife & Bars
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If you've got the skills and the nerve, here are the runs most likely to have you shaking in your boots
The reality of a heart-pumping, badass ski run is in the eye of the beholder. It could be the first time venturing off-piste on a big powder day, taking an "experts-only chairlift" ride or stepping off a helicopter deep in the backcountry.
By Jen Forsyth
Sep 5, 2017
Outdoors & Recreation
Take advantage of the area's natural wonders, even indoors
Climbing as a sport has grown steadily in the U.S. since at least 2009. Competitive climbing has been added to the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, and last year, 27 new climbing gyms opened across the country.
By Mitch Ryals and Forrest Holt
Sep 5, 2017
Outdoors & Recreation
Take to the sky!
Some like to take in the Inland Northwest's views from a comfortable park bench. Others like to take them in while plummeting from 13,000 feet above the ground.
By Mitch Ryals
Sep 5, 2017
Outdoors & Recreation
An inside look at Hoopfest from the Zags' veteran
As a former Gonzaga basketball star, Matt Santangelo already had basketball in his blood before becoming executive director of Hoopfest in 2014. Here he offers an inside look at the tournament and organization that puts it on.
By Samantha Wohlfeil
Sep 5, 2017
Outdoors & Recreation
Wired up and flying
Adventure Dynamics Adventure Dynamics was way ahead of the ziplining trend, setting up shop more than 25 years ago with a primary goal of teaching teamwork and promoting individual development.
Sep 5, 2017
Outdoors & Recreation
Spokane classes bring posing to the water, the great outdoors... and the pub
When looking for yoga, you don't have to think of a studio or gym, and when you do, it can often be more creative and accessible than you think. Dozens of classes around Spokane offer students the chance to bend, stretch, pose and practice while outside, on the water, and even before drinking beer together.
By Samantha Wohlfeil
Sep 5, 2017
Outdoors & Recreation
How to answer the call of the wild in comfort
If you're in Spokane for any amount of time, you're bound to hear someone boast about the outdoor opportunities a car ride away. Be it the seven ski resorts within three hours' drive or the 76 lakes within one hours' drive, "limited options" doesn't quite qualify as an excuse.
By Tuck Clarry
Sep 5, 2017
Outdoors & Recreation
Ladies hoops takes over the Spokane Arena come spring 2018
Four of the Sweet Sixteen NCAA Division I women's basketball teams will face off in Spokane in 2018 to determine who will head to the Final Four in Columbus, Ohio. The University of Idaho will host the regional championships from March 23 through 26 at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.
Sep 5, 2017
Outdoors & Recreation
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The annual art fest celebrates 10 years
Since it was founded a decade ago, the arts organization Terrain has grown at a remarkable rate: What began as an annual evening of art and live music in downtown Spokane has grown in size every year and has spawned several other events, including the art marketplace Bazaar and Uncharted, a collaboration between local artists and the Spokane Symphony. This year marks Terrain's 10th anniversary, and several thousand people are expected to walk through the event's permanent gallery space at 304 W. Pacific on the evening of Oct. 6.
Sep 5, 2017
Arts & Entertainment
The Terrain cofounder has ideas on fostering a thriving art scene
Ginger Ewing is one of the founders of Terrain, a local arts organization that has hosted a popular one-night-only event for the past decade. She's also the mind behind Window Dressing, which has placed installations from local artists in abandoned storefronts.
By Nathan Weinbender
Sep 5, 2017
Arts & Entertainment
An incredible artistic collaboration
Melissa Cole and Ric Gendron have been staples of the regional art scene for years, though you wouldn't automatically expect them to be paired together in an exhibit: Gendron favors acrylics, while Cole works in mixed media, including glass, ceramics and metal. But in terms of the style and content of their work, Cole and Gendron actually have a lot in common, which you can see currently at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.
Sep 5, 2017
Arts & Entertainment
Opportunities to experience art abound in the Inland Northwest's galleries
Although there's always room for more and different kinds of art, the Inland Northwest is already rich with opportunities to experience art, especially during ArtWalk Fridays when venues can swell to include restaurants, coffee shops, even tattoo parlors. The region's colleges and universities elevate discussions of art in society by sharing work of students, faculty, visiting artists and, in the case of venerable institutions like Gonzaga University's JUNDT ART MUSEUM, pieces of their permanent collection.
By Carrie Scozzaro
Sep 5, 2017
Arts & Entertainment
The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture retells the epic yet familiar story from a passenger's point of view
What is it about the story of the RMS Titanic that continues to captivate audiences? It's not as if we don't know the story by now; the construction of its massive hull, supposedly impervious to the perils of the sea.
By Carrie Scozzaro
Sep 5, 2017
Arts & Entertainment
Here are a dozen reasons to put the remote down, get off the couch and enjoy being part of a live audience.
Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? The Bing's Stage to Screen series offers a great opportunity for local audiences to see nationally and internationally acclaimed performances of iconic works at a reasonable — well, almost shockingly low — price ($7-$13).
By E.J. Iannelli
Sep 5, 2017
Arts & Entertainment
Inlander readers have impeccable taste when it comes to the arts
Best Arts Festival Art on the Green
Sep 5, 2017
Arts & Entertainment
Sit, screen and see the world
Tri-Cities International Film Festival Taking place in Richland, this festival specifically focuses on low-budget, independently produced films that originate from all over the world.
Sep 5, 2017
Arts & Entertainment
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An expert shares how to look good in the Inland Northwest
Tattered upholstery and distressed wood were longtime staples of Celeste Shaw's personal style well before shabby chic and flea-market looks became popular decorating trends. Her knack for perfecting the style is showcased in her businesses: Chaps, a popular local restaurant, and Lucky Vintage and Pretty Things, a vintage retail shop.
By Blythe Thimsen
Sep 5, 2017
Shopping & Style
Gear up for playing outside
Whether you're looking to hike, bike, paddle, ski or board, these four local shops have the gear, and most important, the knowledgeable staff to get you going. Escape Outdoors
Sep 5, 2017
Shopping & Style
Finding treasures from the past
Echo Boutique Echo offers curated consignment at its best — carefully selected staples from cashmere sweaters to Chanel flats, all in pristine condition.
Sep 5, 2017
Shopping & Style
When you're ready for a new pair of glasses, these are the places to go
Blink Eyecare This newer South Hill shop has more than 800 frames to choose from.
By Brett Helmbrecht
Sep 5, 2017
Shopping & Style
Deck out your home with these alternatives to big-box stores
Ennis Fine Furniture Ennis has furnished some of the city's finest homes over the years, establishing itself as a resource for high-end traditional furnishings.
Sep 5, 2017
Shopping & Style
Nine shops with all the decorative accents necessary to make a house a home
1900 House and Home This Francophile's dream is tucked away in a warehouse district on Pacific and Browne in downtown Spokane.
Sep 5, 2017
Shopping & Style
Tips from a local wedding planner
Jessica English already planned and experienced her own wedding, but don't expect her to shut down the Pinterest boards, put away the lookbooks or stop tracking wedding trends anytime soon. Quite the opposite.
By Blythe Thimsen
Sep 5, 2017
Shopping & Style
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