Week in review
TUESDAY
Local florists and other businesspeople are feeling the effects of a global helium shortage. The natural gas production byproduct is used in welding, magnetic resonance imaging and other industries.
“ The pending sale of a Coeur d’Alene-based police training-video company to Blackwater USA, under fire for its militaristic actions in Iraq, has hit a snag as the Iraqi government pursues the military contractor’s ouster. An executive of The Backup Training Corp. in North Idaho expressed hope the situation would subside so the sale can be completed.
WEDNESDAY
A Liberty Lake firm has developed MINDS-i, a new customizable construction toy similar to Legos and Erector sets. The new product will be unveiled at an international hobby fair in Chicago this week.
“ The Spokane Public Facilities District board has asked the Spokane City Council to condemn a half-block of property across from the INB Performing Arts Center. The district wants the block for parking and additional exhibit space and has hit an impasse in negotiations with property owner Glen Cloninger.
THURSDAY
Empire Health Services has reached a sales agreement with the nation’s largest for-profit hospital system. Community Health Systems of Tennessee will purchase the system that includes Deaconess Medical Center and Valley Hospital and Medical Center.
“ Despite record wheat prices, Gov. Chris Gregoire has requested that 10 Eastern Washington counties be declared federal disaster areas after recent drought and wildfires damaged crops. The declaration, if granted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, paves the way for farmers to receive federal low-interest loans.
“ Chrysler and the United Auto Workers union established a tentative contract, hours after workers went on strike and the same day General Motors workers ratified a separate contract.
FRIDAY
The Old Sandpoint High School is being renovated into the Sandpoint Business and Events Center, which will offer 16 office suites, a restaurant, theater space and two conference areas.