The sentiment around the hiring center for the new Wal-Marts in Post Falls and Hayden is that three Wal-Marts in Kootenai County isn't a crowd.

Applicants cited the area's need for jobs, even though they're not high-paying ones. They do offer benefits after a waiting period. Applicants also liked that the company spurs on competition to keep prices low and that customers don't have to drive far. But we know there's two sides to the great Wal-Mart debate, including the possibility of driving out existing businesses and traditional heightened crime around the stores. The new Post Falls store opens Aug. 18 and Hayden mid-September. Is three a crowd? - Brian Walker