Week in Review

Top Story

Spokane attorney Steve Eugster filed suit over the sale of city-owned property on the north bank of the Spokane river to a private developer. Developer Don Barbieri paid $1 a square foot for the 10,000-square-foot parcel, which is adjacent to his upscale condominium project that’s currently under construction. Eugster alleges that the property is parkland and cannot be sold without a vote of the people. Spokane Mayor Jim West said the city disagrees that the sale was illegal, but said Barbieri might have “encroached” on the land. Barbieri’s attorney said the developer’s plans for the land were clear in the building permit approved by the city.

Tuesday

There’s a nationwide shortage of pharmacists, which has sparked fierce competition between employers for new pharmacy graduates as well as competition to get into college pharmacy programs.

“ Global energy needs will surge 50 percent by 2030 and prices will rise if capacity isn’t significantly increased, the International Energy Agency said.

Wednesday

Red Lion Hotels Corp. said it will close part of the historic Ridpath Hotel in downtown Spokane, including Ankeny’s Rooftop Restaurant. About 70 people will lose their jobs when most of the hotel’s annex is closed, including 77 guest rooms, meeting space and banquet halls. Spokane-based Red Lion listed the Ridpath for sale last fall for $20 million. The listing has been revised and Red Lion now will consider selling the hotel’s parts separately, with the annex priced at $3 million and the tower and east wing at $8 million.

“ The Bonneville Power Administration proposed adjustable wholesale power rates for the next three years, and the federal power marketing agency predicted the plan would lower average rates. But the proposal drew immediate criticism from BPA customers, who called on the agency to lower its rates, which were raised by about 50 percent during the Western energy crisis several years ago.

Thursday

In what preservation advocates called a “sad day for Spokane,” admirers of downtown’s historic Rookery Building lost their years-long fight to avoid the wrecking ball as developer Wendell Reugh began demolition. Reugh has hired the demolition company to tear down the building, along with the 1915 Mohawk Building. A parking lot will be paved over the site.

“ Kaiser Aluminum has signed a new supply contract with Airbus that stands to boost production at the Trentwood rolling mill in Spokane Valley. Though few details were disclosed, the deal follows Kaiser’s announcement last week of a $75 million capital investment project at Trentwood. The company will install machinery including a stretcher, furnaces, an inspection system and other equipment to produce heavy-gauge aluminum sheet.

“ Travelers at Spokane’s airport next year will be able to sample locally made pizza, beer and wine under a new contract. Spokane’s airport board approved a 12-year contract with HMSHost Corp. to operate food and beverage concessions. The airport expects that the deal will increase its food-and-beverage revenue by almost 30 percent next year. HMSHost plans to expand the current four food and beverage locations at the airport to 11 next year, according to airport officials.

Friday

The U.S. trade deficit soared to a record $66.1 billion in September as exports fell and the Gulf Coast hurricanes helped push America’s foreign oil bill to an all-time high. The increase gives critics ammunition to argue that President Bush’s trade policies are not working.

“Hoping to drum up more sales, more retailers are using generous promotions including free shipping to get holiday shoppers to open their wallets.