Week in review

TUESDAY

Avista Utilities and a San Francisco startup plan to test a new solar power system in North Idaho that could help relieve peak summertime energy demand. The power system developed by GreenVolts Inc. tilts solar cells as they rotate around a circular track, capturing the sun’s rays more consistently than other systems, the company says.

WEDNESDAY

Faced with rising costs, employers are exploring alternative health insurance plans that meet routine and catastrophic needs but may provide less coverage for prescriptions, a new survey found. Spokane-area human resources managers heard the results from representatives of Mercer Health & Benefits.

THURSDAY

If Spokane County can remain in compliance with air quality standards for six more years, the emissions testing stations can be closed. When the first stations opened in 1985, the area had been repeatedly violating federal air quality standards.

“ Spokane International Airport will spend part of about $4.8 million in federal grant money on an apron and an emergency vehicle. The airport’s annual allotment of federal money comes from an 8 percent ticket sale tax.

FRIDAY

Empire Health Services, parent of Deaconess Medical Center and Valley Hospital & Medical Center, said it had signed a letter of intent to sell the hospitals to a subsidiary of Community Health Systems, Inc. of Franklin, Tenn. Community Health is the largest for-profit hospital system in the country.

“Seattle- based attorney-ranking Web site Avvo.com, which was launched last week, ended this week in court as two Seattle attorneys sued for damages, saying the ratings affect their ability to attract and retain clients. Avvo.com’s CEO responded that the information is accurate and meant to help consumers.