Stubborn winter not slowing STEP construction

Old Man Winter has had his share of making life difficult for many in the region with doses of both bitter cold and significant dumps of snow.

But the Spokane Tribe of Indians seem to have danced around these potential roadblocks as they race to try to open the first phase of their Spokane Tribe Economic Project - STEP - on time this coming fall.

To passersby who drive along U.S. Highway 2, there might not seem to be much activity going on behind the line of construction equipment on the eventual 145-acre site, currently covered with fresh snow.

The fact that heavy equipment is sitting idle al...