Bert Caldwell

Energy conservation efforts by local governments and businesses could be an example for cities across the United States, Sen. Patty Murray said after a Wednesday briefing. Officials convened by Spokane Mayor Mary Verner discussed the early results of an energy audit program launched last spring, and pending changes in the city’s recycling program.

Top-to-bottom modernization and build-out projects worth about $7 million are under way at Deaconess Medical Center as the South Hill complex readies more space for Rockwood Clinic doctors and staff. In the basement of the Deaconess Health and Education Center, a 13,880-pound, $1.5 million MRI unit has replaced a smaller, less-powerful unit, Chief Operating Officer Greg Repetti said. Getting the smaller machine out and the larger unit in entailed the temporary removal of a portion of foundation wall, work that has blocked Fifth Avenue.

Outstanding conditions have brought an avalanche of skiers to Inland Northwest resorts, operators reported Monday. An early opening for most ski areas got the season off to a strong start, but skier belief that La Niña would again produce the heavy snows that carpeted slopes in 2008 had season pass sales schussing before the first flakes fell.

Tom Johnson becomes president and chief executive officer of Spokane Teachers Credit Union on Saturday. He succeeds Steve Dahlstrom, who has been with STCU for 30 years, the last 20 as its chief executive.