Although most of us have seen U-Haul trucks and trailers on the highway all of our lives, we probably haven’t ever considered the size of this company. According to its Web site, U-Haul has nearly 16,000 outlets in all 50 states and Canada.

And in Coeur d’Alene, it’s getting bigger. Storage units are a natural way for a “moving” company to expand, and that’s what is happening here. The company has about 70 storage units at its 750 W. Appleway facility, and it will be adding about 900 more. Construction will begin in the spring on the complex, which will have a variety of sizes and 24-hour access and security

We know U-Haul rents trucks and trailers, but the company also offers anything in moving supplies, including the physical help needed for nearly anything in the process, and trailer repair. The company’s story at www.uhaul.com is worth a read.

It began in 1945 when World War II personnel needed one-way rentals to return their families from the military bases to their hometowns. It started with a family moving from California to their home in Portland, which is where the company began. Its headquarters is now in Phoenix.

Offering everything U-Haul has and does except pickup truck rentals, the Coeur d’Alene outlet has six employees with Matthew Gibson as manager. Hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. most days and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Phone 667-5529.

Global Credit Union set for move

Speaking of moving, Global Credit Union will settle into its new Coeur d’Alene home in mid-January.

Its 17 employees will leave the 3,000 square feet it now leases at 245 W. Appleway for 7,000 square feet on two levels in the new building at 320 E. Neider Ave. (across from Costco). This includes five teller windows, two drive-through lanes and a 24-hour ATM. The lobby has marketing TVs and a fireplace. The lending department and offices are on the upper level.

“We want to make membership with us a pleasant experience for our customers,” said Randy Teall, vice-president of Idaho operations. About 9,500 square feet in the building remains available for lease. Contact Teall at 666-9418 or Keimle & Hagood Real Estate.

Versatile fly-fishing shop in Hayden

The Northwest Classic Tackle shop in Hayden offers much more than the basic fly-fishing equipment needs. Owner Bud Frasca also offers a guide service and classes in tying flies and fly casting.

And the word “classic” is in the name of the store for a reason: Antique and classic items related to fly-fishing are offered on the company’s Web site at www.northwestclassictackle.com.

It’s not just antique because Frasca’s an old guppy. It’s because he’s been in the business for 50 years. He worked in a fly-fishing shop in New York City at age 11. He and his family happened upon Lake Coeur d’Alene while vacationing in the Northwest and moved here in 1994 from Vacaville, Calif.

Located at 9751 Government Way, his store is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays and until 3:30 p.m. Saturdays (winter hours). Phone 772-0372.

This week’s tidbits

•Still boasting dough from scratch and high-quality ingredients, King Pizza at 1606 Fourth St., has new owners in Shaun Jensen and Deon Goodwin. New on the menu are smoked salmon and cream cheese and taco pizzas. Phone 765-5000.

•More and more readers are whining about music in restaurants being too loud and of the style suited for the young employees. You’re losing customers, eatery owners.

•Growing up in Montana, we talked about “back east,” which our ancestors left, and “out west,” the direction many of us headed. Maybe those folks originating from the West Coast said “back west” and “out east.” Hmmm. Don’t think so.

•Merry Christmas and safe driving, everyone.