As the northern half of the north Spokane freeway nears completion, state transportation officials say there is no clear route to financing the hugely expensive southern half. Nearly $600 million has been allocated so far, and the opening of the 5  1/2 miles from the Little Spokane River to Hillyard is expected early next spring.

Kootenai County Fire and Rescue in Post Falls is upgrading its training facility with the help of the railroad. On Sunday, a construction contractor and the fire department moved two used and decontaminated tank cars to the department’s training facility at 5271 E. Seltice Way.

Vern Ziegler was all smiles as he greeted old friends, mingled with longtime customers and talked about Ziggy’s beginnings at the Market Street store in Hillyard. The flagship home improvement store that opened in 1965 is closing on Nov. 20 to make way for the North Spokane Corridor.

Vern Ziegler was all smiles as he greeted old friends, mingled with long-time customers and talked about Ziggy’s beginnings at the Market Street store in Hillyard.

Construction of the North Spokane Corridor took a big jump forward in recent days with the installation of bridge girders at the future Wandermere interchange at U.S. Highway 395. The work comes as the project timeline nears the one-year mark until completion of the northern leg of the north-south freeway route.

He’s the incumbent. He’s his party’s whip in the state Senate. He has more campaign money and a diverse list of backers that includes unions and large businesses. But in his run for re-election, Democrat Chris Marr is the underdog. His opponent, Republican Michael Baumgartner, garnered more votes in the August primary, even though the business and military consultant was mostly unknown locally before he announced his candidacy shortly after moving to Spokane in January.

Washington state Sen. Chris Marr, a Democrat, and Republican challenger Michael Baumgartner discuss their positions on privatization of liquor sales and the state's ferry system.

Washington state Sen. Chris Marr, a Democrat, and Republican challenger Michael Baumgartner respond to the question, "Do you support Initiative 1098, which would create an income tax on individuals who earn at least $200,000 and lower the business and occupation tax and the state property tax?"

Washington state Sen. Chris Marr, a Democrat, and Republican challenger Michael Baumgartner respond to the question, "Would you support asking voters for a gas tax increase if it included money to extend the north Spokane freeway?"