Preliminary stats may indicate improvement

Although not complete, the preliminary June figures imply some stability may be returning to the local real estate market. Overall, activity remains below last year. May's figures showed sales off 8 percent while June reflects a 9 percent decline, year over year. Still lagging, due in part to the loss of the tax credit and persistent unemployment, prices remain flat in the county. June statistics show the same 6 percent drop this year to date that was reported at the end of May. Cautious that we might have seen further decline, we are pleased to see no further price erosion in Kootenai County.

Commercial market may see some relief

Last week the president signed the $30 billion "Small Business Jobs Act" to aid small and medium businesses by providing funds for loans. Another portion of the measure provides tax relief to encourage job creation. The funds will be made available to community banks through the Small Business Administration (SBA) and provide guarantees to banks at 90 percent of the borrowed amount.

Reminders and reflections

As we near the end of another year we take this opportunity to remind you of some important changes with regard to real estate that may affect you or someone you know.

Otter seeks another term

Governor touts economy, tax, school progress

COEUR d'ALENE - Idaho Gov. Butch Otter on Wednesday made four stops statewide to make his re-election bid official.

Seattle boom can help

According to an article published by Forbes.com, Seattle was listed as one of the top 10 markets this year for construction. Forbes.com compiled its list of "Building Boom Towns" using statistics from Dodge Data Analytics to find the places where the most money has been spent on new construction from the start of 2014 through September. Construction included single-family home construction as well as multifamily, office space, retail space, warehouses, and other commercial spaces.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS: Halloween Trunk or Treat

Cash prizes will be awarded for the best decorated vehicle trunks at Flathead Valley Community College’s third annual Trunk or Treat event on Halloween. FVCC is seeking people to decorate their vehicle trunks and hand out treats to children during the event.

Alan Satterlee named director of North Valley Hospital foundation

Alan Satterlee has been named executive director of the North Valley Hospital Foundation, the fundraising arm of North Valley Hospital.

Will it take another 'Sputnik moment' to rejuvenate America's space program?

Lost in the news over the economic crisis in Europe and the debt ceiling debate in the United States was the unceremonious end of NASA's space shuttle program.

Opening up: Day arrives for end of pandemic-related restrictions imposed on businesses

OLYMPIA — Most of the COVID-19 restrictions that have been in place and modified several times since last spring were to be lifted in Washington state Wednesday at 12:01 a.m., meaning restaurants and bars and other businesses can resume full indoor occupancy levels and physical distancing requirements will be lifted.

Vaccine orders: Montana businesses are in an untenable position

Last week, President Biden announced the Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the coming weeks will issue an “emergency temporary standard” that will mandate all employers with 100 or more employees to require their workers be vaccinated or undergo weekly Covid testing.

Australia spy says interference poses unprecedented threat

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia faces an unprecedented threat from espionage and foreign interference but bans on such covert meddling are paying dividends, an Australian spymaster said.

Australia spy says interference poses unprecedented threat

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia faces an unprecedented threat from espionage and foreign interference but bans on such covert meddling are paying dividends, an Australian spymaster said.

Masks to be worn at all times in school, state says

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Amid questions over mask-wearing requirements in schools, Gov. Tom Wolf's administration is trying to make it clear that masks are to be worn practically at all times by students in school, drawing complaints that school leaders must again change their preparations.

Luxury vinyl tile provides everyday design with durability

(ARA) - Natural stone and ceramic tile floors have great design, architectural and sculptural qualities. But they can be expensive, hard to clean, cold to walk on and not very durable.

Germany, Britain call for 'green recovery' from pandemic

BERLIN (AP) — Germany and Britain said Monday that efforts to revive the global economy in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic must ensure a ‘green recovery' that helps the world tackle climate change.

Celtics coach: Empathy means more than basketball right now

BOSTON (AP) — Celtics coach Brad Stevens believes the best way he can be helpful to his players right now is by listening to them.

Celtics coach: Empathy means more than basketball right now

BOSTON (AP) — Celtics coach Brad Stevens believes the best way he can be helpful to his players right now is by listening to them.

Celtics coach: Empathy means more than basketball right now

BOSTON (AP) — Celtics coach Brad Stevens believes the best way he can be helpful to his players right now is by listening to them.

Bullpups place 10 of 16 wrestlers at districts

SANDPOINT — Lily DeAragon (104 pounds) pinned every one of her opponents to become the first girl to win a middle school District 1-2 title, and Colton Redding (137 pounds) avenged a loss to an opponent from earlier in the season en route to a title, leading a strong showing by the Sandpoint Middle School wrestlers at the recent district tournament.

Crespo not facing charges for alleged sex act

MIAMI - Authorities have reviewed evidence but have chosen not to file charges against Grammy Award-winner Elvis Crespo, who is accused of performing a sex act on an airplane en route from Houston to Miami.