Articles from the September 15, 2016 edition


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  • Making local history more current

    John McCallum, Editor|Updated Sep 15, 2016

    Joan Mamanakis is on a quest. The Cheney Historical Museum director wants to take history out of the confines of the downtown location and put it into the real world for everyone to experience. To do that, she has been busy using several Internet sites allowing users to link the past with the present. Mamanakis presented some of the work she has done on two of those sites - Historypin.org and TheClio.com - to the Cheney Historical Preservation Commission at its Sept. 1...

  • Clara Luce-Reynolds turns 100

    John McCallum, Editor|Updated Sep 15, 2016

    Tracy Gibbar said her grandmother, Clara Luce-Reynolds, has never had a large circle of friends, but instead enjoyed a "huge circle of family." "For her, it's always been about family," Gibbar said. That family consists of four daughters - Monta, Vivian (Viv), Dixie and Sharon - along with 12 grandchildren, of which Tracy is the youngest, 33 great-grandchildren and 21 great-great grandchildren. Many of those, and a small group of close family friends will be on hand this...

  • Myers property to get tenant

    John McCallum, Editor|Updated Sep 15, 2016

    The First Street location of what was formerly known as Myers Mobile Home Park may have a new tenant — and use. At its Sept. 13 regular meeting, the Cheney City Council unanimously agreed to a resolution entering into a 10-year lease agreement with Dow Excavating for use of the property as an expansion of the local landscaping and excavating company’s business. Dow has a 5 – 10 year window with which to exercise an option to purchase the property, meaning the company can’t make the purchase in the first five years of the lea...

  • Mildred M. (Milli) Thompson

    Updated Sep 15, 2016

    Mildred M. (Milli) Thompson, 86, passed away Aug. 31, 2016 in Sun City West, Ariz. She was born Dec. 24, 1929 in Watonga, Okla. to Ira and Rosie Wright. She attended schools both in Watonga, Ohio and Live Oak, Calif. Widowed from Carl V. Collins in 1956, Milli persevered through difficult times to obtain her bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Oregon and married Duane G. Thompson in 1958. She taught in Harrisburg and Springfield, Ore. before moving to Cheney... Full story

  • Donald Wayne Smith

    Updated Sep 15, 2016

    Donald Wayne Smith was born Sept. 5, 1929 to Jessie May and William Grover Smith of Joliet, Ill. He grew up the youngest of several brothers and sisters. Don considered his stepfather, Henry Fippinger, his true dad. Joining the Army Air Forces in January 1948, his military service brought him to Spokane and Fairchild Air Force Base. While stationed there he met the love of his life, Ruth. Their first date was at Fish Lake Resort near Cheney. Their courtship lasted three... Full story

  • Local restaurant offers up unexpected burger delight

    Updated Sep 15, 2016

    To those who know me, or read this paper, it is no secret that have I lived a million miles of memories on the road. So it may surprise you that the best burger I have had in quite some time, was in Cheney. The Top of the Line Restaurant provided me with a culinary delight. I met my friend Carl there for lunch before my latest winter sojourn to the central coast of California. The Hatch Pepper Cheese Burger was awesome. Every bite was juicy and perfect and hot in taste. Large patty sized just a little larger than a bun that...

  • Lucky to have good firefighters

    Updated Sep 15, 2016

    As rural residents and farmers and ranchers we are very fortunate to have dedicated and hard working firefighters from Spokane County District 3 and as residents near the Spokane-Whitman County line we have great support from St. John, Rosalia and Lamont fire districts. We would like to thank all of the fire departments and first responders who helped with our grain field and combine fire on Aug. 27. We especially want to thank the “Miller Boys” from Miller Land and Livestock, our good neighbors and friends who saw the smo...

  • Tom Hastings' views are anti-military

    Updated Sep 15, 2016

    Back on July 21, Tom Hastings’ commentary was a flame thrower aimed at Donald Trump and everything military. Last week his commentary railed at Republicans and their support of the military. He says the “Big Lie” is any Republican challenge to out-of-control Democrat spending. Really? Hastings is a propaganda machine perpetuating deception by sins of commission (misinformation) and omission (partial information) while demonizing his opposition (anyone supporting the military) by hurling unbridled invectives. Misin...

  • Learning a significant lesson in respect

    SAMANTHA GILLIHAN, Contributor|Updated Sep 15, 2016

    Editor’s note: The PACE (Partners Advancing Character Education) character trait for September is respect. A few weeks ago, my daughter received a lecture about showing more respect at home. It was not the first lecture of its kind. In true preteen style, it was met with an eye roll and a bored, “I know, I know …” It was a frustrating moment. With as many times as we had that same discussion, my repeated words were not sinking in. Then I asked myself to define respect. I had a jumble of ideas come to mind, but nothing...

  • It's National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, start listening

    AL STOVER, Staff Reporter|Updated Sep 15, 2016

    In trying to find a topic for this week’s column, I came across an image that was making the rounds on social media. The picture was of a person with the caption “Just found out there’s a number to the suicide hotline I can text now! Relieved because I’m better at texting than I am at talking. Press START to 741-741.” The image came from the Facebook page “Payton’s Pledge to Stop the Bullying,” which is a site dedicated to the memory of Payton Ruth Ann Anderson, who died in 2012 after a self-inflicting gunshot wound....

  • Education briefs

    STAFF AND NEWS REPORTS|Updated Sep 15, 2016

    Medical Lake School District Thoughtexchange conversation Medical Lake School District, in partnership with Re*Imagine Medical Lake and the city of Medical Lake, would like to invite parents and community members to participate in the next Thoughtexchange conversation. Through Sept. 25, the district is seeking input relating to creating a robust community to live, work and play. The district encourages participants to share their concerns, what they view as strengths and suggestions they may have to grow partnership in...

  • Grocery Outlet set to open doors in Airway Heights

    PAUL DELANEY, Staff Reporter|Updated Sep 15, 2016

    In a bygone time, the neighborhood grocery store with a familiar face behind the counter punching the keys on the cash register was the staple of Americana. The Grocery Outlet chain, which opens a new location at the end of this month at Hayford Crossing in Airway Heights, returns at least a portion of that way to buy groceries to the area, but it's all wrapped up in brand new packaging. The new grocery discounter plans a soft opening Thursday, Sept. 29 in the business...

  • Upcoming events allow businesses to connect with Eastern parents, students

    PAUL DELANEY, Staff Reporter|Updated Sep 15, 2016

    Eastern Washington University’s Homecoming Week, set for Oct. 2–9, has plenty of activities for students and residents of the community. But for visitors, particularly parents of EWU students, a new event is in the works for Friday, Oct. 7 with the Cheney Merchant’s Association presenting an information night taking place from 6–8 p.m. in Cheney Holiday Inn Express’s new banquet room. But it’s not just a sales pitch from CMA members who will be providing information...

  • Changeover to Yoke's Fresh Market begins

    PAUL DELANEY, Staff Reporter|Updated Sep 15, 2016

    The Sept. 11 ownership change of the Cheney Trading Company to a Yoke's Fresh Market was right on schedule. By Monday, Sept. 12, the signage on the store was in the process of being changed. That is just the first of a lengthy process where four former Trading Company stores - including at Qualchan, Spokane Valley and Post Falls, Idaho - will have substantial makeovers. "Rebranding the signs outside and inside will be a priority," John Orton, vice president of perishables and...

  • Cheney Public Schools opens facilities planning conversation

    Updated Sep 15, 2016

    An important part of facilities planning is gathering input from the community. In order to do so, Cheney Public Schools launched a Thoughtexchange process on Monday, Sept. 12. Any community member who elects to participate will have 10 days to comment on capital project scenarios. Following the initial 10-day period, the “Star” phase will open and provide community members with the opportunity to review the comments and opinions that are shared, plus support the opinions and thoughts that align with their thinking. Fin...

  • Ready for Kindergarten classes registration open

    Updated Sep 15, 2016

    The Reading Foundation and Cheney Public Schools are partnering up for Ready for Kindergarten classes. Registration for parents of children — birth through age 5 — is now available. Parents can visit the Cheney Public Schools website to download and complete the registration form. Classes are on the following days: ● Oct. 1 from 9:30-11 a.m., at Snowdon Elementary School. ● Oct. 8 from 9:30-11 a.m., at Sunset Elementary School. ● Oct. 15 from 9:30-11 a.m.. at Salnave Elementary School. For more information, contact kindergar...

  • Pendell begins second year as ML School District SRO

    AL STOVER, Staff Reporter|Updated Sep 15, 2016

    Medical Lake residents may notice a Spokane County Sheriff's vehicle outside of school buildings on weekdays. The vehicle belongs to Deputy Travis Pendell, who is starting his second year as the district's school resource officer. The district brought a resource officer on board last year. Prior to becoming the district's SRO, Pendell taught the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program in the county. Although Pendell lives in the Reardan-Edwall School District area, he has...

  • Sunset Elementary School gets gym upgrades

    John McCallum, Editor|Updated Sep 15, 2016

    Sunset Elementary School students were treated to a surprise at last Friday afternoon's assembly recognizing replacement work done over the summer at the school in Airway Heights - a surprise that was doubly exciting for one fifth-grader. Sunset Principal Ty McGregor told the students that the gym floor they were sitting on had been resurfaced over the summer. The $90,000 project, done by Northern Hardwoods, was one of several projects undertaken by the district's maintenance...

  • Randalls selected September Yard of the Month

    John McCallum|Updated Sep 15, 2016

    Tim and Jackie Randall's home at 1112 Gary St. is the Cheney Gardeners and Cheney Kiwanis Yard of the Month selection for September. The Randalls have been working on their yard since moving to the home in 1989. The latest addition is the installation of lava rock beds this summer in the front yard - where Tim Randall said he typically blows his snow in the winter. Pictured above left to right are Tim and Jackie Randall, Cheney Kiwanis representative Pat Isbell and Cheney...

  • News Briefs

    STAFF AND NEWS SOURCES|Updated Sep 15, 2016

    FROM STAFF AND NEWS SOURCES Spokane County Library offers fall programs for kids Spokane County Library District is presenting a series of fun fall programs for kids, “tweens” and teens with STEM educational activities, seasonal crafts and more. These programs are free and begin in October, run through December. The county’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs support kids heading back to school, with fun, educational activities and events. “Creative Inventions” (with a Makey Makey invention kit) take...

  • Bill and Curt's Hobbies is about giving back

    AL STOVER, Staff Reporter|Updated Sep 15, 2016

    Residents who frequently stop at local stores like Yoke's Fresh Market and Denny's Harvest Foods may notice some bird houses on the shelves for sale. What they may not know is these items are created by a couple of local veterans. Bill Bresnahan and Curt Boehm, of Bill and Curt's Hobbies, are retired veterans who specialize in woodworking and making crafts and sell them, along with Kirby Killman, who does the research and paperwork for the duo. They, along with Boehm's stepson...

  • Sterling-Moorman House receives Heritage Grant

    GRACE POHL, Staff Intern|Updated Sep 15, 2016

    The Sterling-Moorman House, located at Second and G streets in Cheney, has received a grant from the Spokane Preservation Advocates (SPA) to help bring handrails up to code on the newly rebuilt porch. The Heritage Grant application from the SPA awarded the house $625 to help support the cause. The house was built in Cheney in 1884 and was originally located at Fourth and G streets. It was relocated in September 2006 to its current location and is now listed on the Cheney...

  • AH Planning Commission workshop seeks city identity

    AL STOVER, Staff Reporter|Updated Sep 15, 2016

    Just what is the identity Airway Heights residents want for their city? That is what city staff, the Planning Commission and consultants were trying to get a sense of during a public workshop at the commission’s Sept. 7 meeting. Consultants from SPVV Architects and Studio Cascade presented concepts and designs for the U.S. Highway 2 Revitalization Project and 20-year land use plan update for residents, local business owners and residents to weigh in on. Staff and consultants previously conducted interviews with s...

  • A day of honor, and day to honor

    GRACE POHL|Updated Sep 15, 2016

    A member of the Combat Vet Riders motorcycle group salutes the niche at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake where urns containing the remains of 64 veterans were placed in a ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 13. The Combat Vet Riders brought urns containing the cremated remains of 50 unclaimed veterans to the cemetery for interment in a ride on Aug. 18....

  • New projects added to plan

    AL STOVER, Staff Reporter|Updated Sep 15, 2016

    In a special Sept. 6 meeting, the Airway Heights City Council passed a resolution that added a couple of key capacity-related elements to the city’s transportation improvement plan, specifically improvements at the U.S. Highway 2 Hayford and Craig road intersections. According to the resolution, the Craig Road improvements will cost an estimated $2.7 million. The Hayford Road intersection improvements, which include an additional south-bound left turn and east-bound right turn lanes, will cost an estimated $1.48 million. P...

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