Articles from the February 13, 2014 edition


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  • Joanna Williams named 2013 Medical Lake Senior Citizen of the Year

    AL STOVER, Staff Reporter|Updated Feb 18, 2014

    At noon, Joanna Williams was greeting guests at the door and having them sign in before they went to their tables. One hour later, she would in front of a podium to receive an honor that has been bestowed on a select group of people. Williams was named the 2013 Medical Lake Kiwanis Senior Citizen of the Year at the 30th annual Kiwanis Senior Citizen Valentine's Day Dinner, Feb. 8, at St. Anne's Parish Hall. She became the 32nd recipient of this award, which goes all the way...

  • Council advances marijuana ordinance

    John McCallum, Editor|Updated Feb 14, 2014

    Cheney’s City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to move the city’s interim marijuana facility zoning ordinance forward in the process that could result in it becoming law. The council approved Resolution E-196 that “adopts the legislative process” already established in the city’s municipal code for creating new regulations. In this case the new regulations are those developed in Ordinance W-18, put in place by the council in late November last year as emergency measures just in case the city should receive an applic...

  • Board of trustees begins search for next president

    Updated Feb 14, 2014

    The EWU Board of Trustees will not waste any time in looking for a replacement for President Rodolfo Arévalo, who is set to retire in the summer. In a statement, EWU board of trustees chair Pat Tanaka said that the board held in a special meeting, Feb. 6, where they decided they will “embark on a national search” to find Arévalo’s replacement. The board hopes to name the new president of EWU by July 15, the date Arévalo’s retirement is effective. Tanaka said the board will continue to keep the community informed and looks...

  • Hallett Elementary PTSO hosts annual carnival

    AL STOVER, Staff Reporter|Updated Feb 14, 2014

    The sound of laughter and happy screaming filled the Hallett Elementary school gym as children played carnival games such as Hole-N-One Golf, Ring Toss and Rad Racer skee ball. The Hallett Elementary PTSO held their annual Silent Auction and Carnival fundraiser, Feb. 8. According to PTSO president Alexis Gonzalez, preparation for the event began after students returned from winter break. Gonzalez collects donations from businesses and reaches out to classrooms to build themed...

  • License fees not good for Medical Lake

    Updated Feb 13, 2014

    Medical Lake now uses SCRAPS to handle pet license’s. For a neutered/spayed dog the price went from $10 to $25. That’s a little steep for people with multiple pets. Not a very good deal for the people of Medical Lake. Thanks. Jim Phelps Medical Lake...

  • 'Perfect Wedding' wraps up production

    Updated Feb 13, 2014

    Another successful StageWest Community Theatre production has come to a close. We had some good crowds for our production of “Perfect Wedding” by Robin Hawdon. There was a lot of laughter coming from the audiences. We would like to thank the congregation of Emmanuel Lutheran Church for the use of their building for all of our auditions, rehearsals and performances. We would also like to thank the people that came from all around the area to watch our production. We had people from Deer Park, Coeur d’Alene and several Red H...

  • What do coal and oil trains bring Cheney?

    Updated Feb 13, 2014

    How does Cheney benefit from coal and oil trains? Cleaner air? Not so much. Healthier population? Not so much. Quieter nights? Not so much. Safer and clearer intersections? Not so much. Priority passage for emergency vehicles? Not so much. Fewer fires? Not so much. Improved rail access for Amtrak and farm produce? Not so much. Increased security from derailments or spills? Not so much. Better fishing and outdoor recreation? Not so much. More economic development? How much? Increased revenue for Cheney? How much? More jobs...

  • Families can benefit from hosting exchange students

    Updated Feb 13, 2014

    Responsible parents looking for ways to supplement the educational and personal growth opportunities for their children should consider hosting a teenage exchange student for an academic semester or year. Children and adults alike by interacting on a daily basis with a new international family member, broaden their perspective on the world and discover new facts and ideas. NorthWest Student Exchange (NWSE) places international high school students with families all over the country. Exchange students add a dimension to the...

  • House bill would limit public's ability to be informed about public meetings

    John McCallum, Editor|Updated Feb 13, 2014

    Openness is important in maintaining public trust in our governmental organizations. Openness means access to what public officials do. It can be difficult, especially when it comes to obtaining records created by government. But openness also means notification, something a bill moving through the state House of Representatives would impede if it became law. The House Education Committee was scheduled to hear testimony today (Feb. 13) on HB 2319, a bill that would make it easier for school districts to publish notices of...

  • Bar's behavior unprofessional and unnecessary

    Updated Feb 13, 2014

    A new business has drawn the ire and eyes of many citizens in eastern Washington. Daiquiri Factory, a bar and grill that operates in downtown Spokane, revealed their drink menu that features a drink titled “Date Grape Kool Aid,” prior to its Feb. 1 opening. This has caused uproar from the community as protesters, many of whom are rape survivors, have been picketing the business since it opened. They say that the name is offensive, inappropriate and a reference to date rape. Jamie Pendleton, owner of the Daiquiri Factory, sai...

  • West Plains Briefs

    Updated Feb 13, 2014

    Libraries closed Presidents Day All Spokane County Library District facilities will be closed Monday, Feb. 17, to observe Presidents’ Day. Regular hours resume Tuesday, Feb. 18. District online services remain available 24/7. STCU Cheney blood drive The Spokane Teachers Credit Union’s Cheney branch is holding a blood drive to help the Inland Northwest Blood Center (INBC) on Friday, Feb. 28 from 1:15-5 p.m., at its location at 2718 First St. INBC needs an average of 200 blood donors every day to meet the needs of more tha...

  • Whitworth University students qualify for Laureate Society

    Updated Feb 13, 2014

    The following Whitworth University students have been named to the Whitworth University Laureate Society for fall semester 2013: Danielle Burris, Medical Lake and Donna Schrock, Medical Lake. The student(s) qualified for the academic honors society by maintaining a grade point average of at least 3.75 during the semester. Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60...

  • Cheney and Medical Lake residents make Dean's lists

    Updated Feb 13, 2014

    The following is a list of Cheney and Medical Lake high school alumni that have been named to their college academic performance lists. Creighton University:Teresa Jensen, Medical Lake. Gonzaga University: Caley Edwards, Medical Lake, Deanna Willman, Cheney and Mary Zakhiem, Airway Heights. Midland University:Adam Paulson, Medical Lake....

  • Cheney Middle School FLBA sends three to state conference

    Updated Feb 13, 2014

    The Cheney Middle School Future Business Leaders of America Club just completed competition in the 2014 North East Regional Winter Conference at the Eastpoint Church in Spokane Valley. The Cheney Middle School Club was able to acquire three spots for the state conference in Seattle, April 16-19. Hannah Spakousky placed first in Digital Design and Production and third in Public Speaking. Stephanie Assonken placed fith in Help Desk, and Alexander Brown and Anya Howko-Johnson placed third in Hospitality Management. Over 500...

  • Looking Back

    Updated Feb 13, 2014

    1 Years Ago Feb. 19, 2004 Medical Lake was turned down in its request to Spokane County for $10,000 in funding to assist with improvements to Coney Island Park. Cheney and Rogers High School engaged in their first-ever Golden Dipper Spirit Game in Cheney. Rogers lost the basketball games but won the spirit competition. The Eastern Washington men's basketball team's 91-81 victory over Northern Arizona earned the Eagles their first-ever Big Sky Conference regular season...

  • Cheney FBLA Club to head to state conference in April

    Updated Feb 13, 2014

    The Cheney Future Business Leaders of America just completed another very successful 2014 Northeast Regional Winter Conference at the Eastpoint Church in Spokane Valley. Cheney was able to qualify 56 of its 70 attending members in 85 different events for the state conference in Seattle, April 16-19. Of the 85 events Cheney placed in, 15 were first-place finishes and 16 were second-place finishes. Highlights for Cheney included: Sophomore Joe Riddle placing in six different...

  • Those small, short-lived but splendid snowflakes

    Dr. E. KIRSTEN PETERS, Contributor|Updated Feb 13, 2014

    Those of us living in the northern half of the country can be forgiven for being tired – at this stage of winter – of shoveling snow. I enjoy the brightness snow can bring to dark winter days, but I'm getting old enough that shoveling the walk in front of my house has very little appeal even though it's good for me to do some honest work before I head into my desk job. I've now hired a man to plow my driveway and I feel fortunate to have that service – even though it means...

  • What's Happening on the West Plains

    Updated Feb 13, 2014

    City of Cheney • Feb. 14, Baby Play and Learn Storytime (0 – 18 months), community library, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. • Feb. 14, StageWest auditions for spring play, Emmanuel Lutheran Fellowship Hall 7 – 8 p.m. • Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day Middle School Late Night, Wren Pierson Community Center, 7 – 11 p.m. • Feb. 15, StageWest auditions for spring play, Emmanuel Lutheran Fellowship Hall 1 – 2 p.m. • Feb. 17, LWR Quilters Group, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1 – 2 p.m. • Feb. 17, Al-Anon meeting, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 7 – 8 p....

  • GESCHKE, Bertie I. (Heng)

    Updated Feb 13, 2014

    GESCHKE, Bertie I. (Heng) Passed away on Friday Feb. 7, 2014 in Cheney, Wash. Bertie was born June 21, 1916, in Barnesville, Minn., to John and Elsie (Wilson) Heng. Upon graduating from school, Bertie moved to Yakima. On Aug. 31, 1940, Bertie was united in marriage to Ernest Geschke for 73 years. They had two children, Ernie and Janice. Bertie loved life, was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. Bertie and Ernest enjoyed spending the winter months in Sun City, Ariz. She...

  • Churches

    Updated Feb 13, 2014

    Emmanuel Lutheran Church Emmanuel Lutheran Church invites you to worship with us this Sunday, Feb. 16, as we celebrate the sixth Sunday after Epiphany at 10:30 a.m. Christian education for grade school through adult meets at 9 a.m. Fellowship hour follows the worship service. All are welcome and visitors are expected. StageWest Community Theater thanks Emmanuel Lutheran Church for graciously sharing their facility for StageWest’s winter production of “Perfect Wedding.” United Church of Christ Did the recent frigid weather kee...

  • Like it or not, America is addicted to drugs

    Updated Feb 13, 2014

    A and B are two individuals sitting in the mall arguing. A says,“America is addicted.” B counters, “What are you talking about? Not me, I’m not addicted.” A points a finger in B’s face, “Yes you are. Do you want to do without your coffee for breakfast?” B: “Coffee? Well, of course not. It helps me wake up. Lots of people depend on their coffee.” A: “Let’s dig deeper. Remember the Ambien you snuck into your pocket when the doctor--?” B: “Hey! You’re not being fair. I kinda crave the stuff, that’s all. What the doctor d...

  • Cheney commission begins hearing on Clay Street rezone

    John McCallum, Editor|Updated Feb 13, 2014

    Cheney’s Planning Commission opened a somewhat unusual public hearing Monday night on a proposed rezone that has some local residents not only frustrated about the proposal, but also that the area is even zoned the way it is in the first place. The city is considering a request to change the zoning of a land parcel adjacent to Centennial Park from R-3 multifamily residential to R-3H high density multifamily residential. The change would allow parcel owner Randy Gillingham to construct a 4,550-square-foot, 14-unit apartment b...

  • Historic Preservation Commission finally views bylaws

    John McCallum, Editor|Updated Feb 13, 2014

    The Cheney Historical Preservation Commission’s first meeting of 2014 featured a look at what might be considered a historical document – one most, if not all, of the members had never seen before. The commission is beginning the year with a review and update of its “Rules and Procedures for Meetings.” The 50-page document is essentially the commission’s bylaws, established when it was first set up by ordinance in 1988. The commission’s administrative secretary, Sue Beeman, said the procedures document didn’t even exist in el...

  • Local dentists provide free smiles for area students

    John McCallum, Editor|Updated Feb 13, 2014

    A pair of local dentist offices were filled with smiles last Friday, albeit smiles of the "Open wide" type. The office of doctors Marshall Gibbs and Bob Stockton, along with the Inland Center for Contemporary Dentistry office of doctors Richard Roccanova and Jacob Ridl, took part in the annual Give Kids a Smile Day by providing free dental services to students from Cheney School District. Twenty students, 10 from Cheney Middle School, nine from Westwood Middle School and one...

  • AH plans to talk STEP to Spokane

    AL STOVER, Staff Reporter|Updated Feb 13, 2014

    During the Feb. 10 Airway Heights City study session, Mayor Patrick Rushing announced that the Spokane City Council reversed their decision on the Spokane Tribe Economic Project (STEP). Rushing said he was requested to go to the Feb. 24 Spokane City Council meeting to answer questions on behalf of the city. Development Services Director Derrick Braaten asked if he should attend the meeting with Rushing and the mayor answered “the more the merrier.” Alternates to Ad Hoc committees Braaten brought up a proposal that would all...

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