Week in review

Monday

Seeking new customers, about 25 Inland Northwest companies have created pages on popular social networking Web site MySpace.

Tuesday

Fees for lawyers and other professionals who have worked on Metropolitan Mortgage & Securities Co.’s bankruptcy case have topped $19 million. The complicated bankruptcy, filed two and a half years ago, has included 28 law firms, accountants, tax consultants, public relations companies and others. Investors last month received initial payouts from the bankruptcy of 6 cents to 9 cents on the dollar.

“Higher gas prices didn’t seem to affect summer tourism in the Inland Northwest. Demand for rooms was up 6 percent in Kootenai County and 2 percent in Spokane County.

Wednesday

Vaagen Bros. Lumber Inc. has purchased a competing sawmill in Usk, Wash., a move that will help both mills weather a period of low lumber prices, according to the companies’ officials.

Thursday

Davenport Hotel owner Walt Worthy said he feels like Star USA, the promoter of the upcoming U.S. Figure Skating Championships, hasn’t lived up to its part of a sponsorship deal, which was to include mentions of the hotel in promotional materials in exchange for free rooms and other services. Star USA officials say they have promoted the hotel.

“Steve & Barry’s, a retail chain specializing in value-priced college apparel and clothing, plans to open a nearly 70,000-square-foot store in the former Emporium location at NorthTown Mall.

Friday

Hundreds of former employee-owners of Tidyman’s LLC had their retirement funds zeroed out as the company dissolved and used all remaining cash assets to pay debts.

“Spokane-based AmericanWest Bancorp. has agreed to acquire Far West Bancorp., of Utah, in a $150 million cash-and-stock transaction.