Articles from the December 26, 2013 edition


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  • Up in smoke: Marijuana use rising among American teens

    stBy STEPHEN GRAY WALLACE MS Ed, Contributor|Updated Dec 30, 2013

    Not that it wasn’t predictable, but the federal government, fueled by new “Monitoring the Future” data collected by the University of Michigan on behalf of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), is reporting a rise in the illicit use of marijuana among high school students. Shocking. Did we really believe the loosening of restrictions on marijuana sales, possession, and use – including those related to “medicinal marijuana” – were to have no effect on those we have worked so hard to protect from the ravages of su...

  • Thank you Cheney for your generosity to our community's children.

    Updated Dec 30, 2013

    With your help, Christmas Gifts for Cheney Kids was able to provide gifts for 197 local children in 84 families, through Cheney Outreach. In addition to gifts and cash donated by local individuals and businesses, several organizations contributed. Special thanks to Spokane Valley Kiwanis for books from their Book Bank, RSVP Knitting Group for caps, gloves and blankets, a PEO group for gifts, and Zumiez for jackets, hoodies, blankets, socks, caps and gloves. Thanks also to major cash donors Thrivent Financial for Lutherans...

  • There's another train wreck headed for the White House

    MERRILL MATTHEW, Contributor|Updated Dec 30, 2013

    Do you think the Obamacare rollout raises important questions about government mandates, confusion, penalties and just how well bureaucrats can manage complicated issues? It’s not the only one. There are a number of similarities between Obamacare and an energy mandate known as the “renewable fuel standard.” Just consider: The federal government mandates consumers use both products (health insurance and renewable fuels), because the vast majority of people otherwise wouldn’t. It sets the guidelines for what must be used, a...

  • Some community resolutions for us all to ponder in 2014

    Updated Dec 30, 2013

    It’s that time of year again when we all make those New Year’s resolutions, most of which we have a hard time following through with. So instead of suggesting that you, our readers, quit smoking, lose weight, be better stewards of finances or an endless list of other “To-Do’s,” the Cheney Free Press editorial board thought we’d take a different approach. That would be a series things our community might consider to tackle in 2014. First off the challenge goes out to the city of Cheney, which should be resolute in 2014 to put...

  • Fouts, Schwekhardt sworn in at meeting

    Al Stover, Staff Reporter|Updated Dec 30, 2013

    Two new members of the Medical Lake School Board officially entered their positions at the regular board meeting, Dec. 17. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Directors Kelly Fouts and Peggy Schweikhardt took an oath of office and were sworn into their positions on the school board. Junior National Honor Society President Hanna Petek presented the board with the society’s fundraising idea “Cookies for Cancer.” The students will sell Valentine’s Day cookies and cancer awareness bracelets for $1 each. The proceeds from the fun...

  • Medical Lake Middle School announced their Students of the month for December.

    Updated Dec 30, 2013

    Students are selected by their teachers based on traits such as classroom participation, good citizenship, and exceptional improvement. Students include Savannah Dick, Nicole Ehr, Korynn Armendarez, Johnnie Dyson, Sam Parlotz and Luke Evenson....

  • Patterson Hall remodel near completion

    Kelsey Lavelle, Staff Intern|Updated Dec 30, 2013

    Only interior details and outdoor aesthetics are left for the Eastern Washington University remodel project that is in its third year of construction. Finally professors, students and administrators can see the goal line, the long awaited reopening of Patterson Hall will come just in time for winter quarter. "It sure looks good," Jim Moeller, senior project manager for Eastern Washington University said during a walkthrough of the building. Material and labor shortages,...

  • Updated Dec 27, 2013

  • What's Happening on the West Plains

    Updated Dec 27, 2013

    City of Cheney • Dec. 31 – Jan. 1, City office and libraries will be closed. • Jan. 2, Historic Preservation Commission will meet in the city council chambers, 5:15 to 7 p.m. • Jan. 2, Play and Learn Storytime (ages 3-5), community library, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. • Jan. 4, Let there be Legos, Lego build day at Cheney community library meeting room, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Jan. 8, School board meeting, CMS, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. City of Medical Lake • Dec. 31 – Jan. 1, City office and libraries will be closed. City of Airway... Full story

  • Are your contacts irritating your eyes?

    Dr SCOTT BORGHOLTHAUS, Contributor|Updated Dec 27, 2013

    Dessi: “Doctor said I needed these nifty colored glasses to hep wit my contacts; but I can’t tell if they’re the right size.” Mey: “Dessi, those are drinkin glasses; go back and get some seein glasses.” Often I see patients that say they can’t wear contacts any more due to irritation. In fact, this is one of the most common reasons for contact lens discontinuance nationwide, if not the world. The causes are varied, but often have some similarities. First, and possibly foremost, is the over wear of contacts. People assume...

  • Looking Back

    Updated Dec 27, 2013

    1 Years Ago Dec. 30, 2003 The focus of the Cheney Free Press this week was looking back at 2003's major events. Those included: •A summer wildfire that reached 1,000 acres in size threatened southern parts of Cheney •The death of Cheney High School graduate, astronaut Michael Anderson, who was on board the Space Shuttle Columbia that exploded in February, was memorialized with the naming of SR 904 as the Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson Memorial Highway. •Medical Lake High School's football team reached the State A playo...

  • New medications that may help people stay sober

    Dr E KIRSTEN PETERS, Contributor|Updated Dec 27, 2013

    Alcoholism runs in part of my family. I lost a grandfather to it, and a couple of others in the family have been affected by it to greater or lesser degrees. Perhaps something like that is true for you, or maybe you have a friend or coworker who wrestles with the malady. This is a challenging time of year for alcoholics trying to stay sober. New Year’s Eve alone can be a real test. But medical researchers are investigating new ways that doctors may be able to help people not drink. One method, recently written up by NPR’s “Sh...

  • Jeff Bjornberg

    Updated Dec 27, 2013

    Loving son, father and grandpa. Jeff passed away unexpectedly last week. He was born on Aug 6, 1959 to David and Veda Bjornberg. Jeff was a graduate of Moses Lake High School and went on to college at Spokane Community College where he graduated with his AA degree. Jeff enjoyed working with wood making custom tables and lamps. Jeff is survived by his son Chad Bjornberg and daughter Ashley Groat and twin grandkids, his parents David and Veda Bjornberg, sisters Mary Sprague,... Full story

  • County offices and courts close for New Year's Day

    Updated Dec 27, 2013

    All Spokane County offices, courts (Superior, District and Juvenile), Veterans Services and SCRAPS will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 1 in observance of the annual New Year’s Day holiday. Meanwhile, if looking for an unusual New Year’s resolution – consider adopting a family pet from Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS). From now through the end of the year, SCRAPS is waiving the pet adoption fee. SCRAPS’ regular business hours are Monday-Saturday from noon to 5:30 p.m. SCRAPS is located at 2521 N. Flor...

  • Remember that a pet for Christmas will become a pet for life

    CHRIS THOMAS, Washington News Service|Updated Dec 27, 2013

    SEATTLE - Waking up to find a puppy or a kitten under the tree on Christmas morning might be a child's dream, but experts caution parents to think far beyond the holidays when considering a new pet. K.C. Theisen, director of pet-care issues, Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), said bringing an animal into the family requires the same level of planning as any other addition, because this will likely be a 10- to 20-year commitment. "It's just a fact that small children...

  • A gift of blood during the holidays can be a lifesaver

    CHRIS THOMAS, Washington News Service|Updated Dec 27, 2013

    BSEATTLE - Blood donations tend to drop this time of year, so Washingtonians are being encouraged to stop by a blood center or blood drive over the holidays, to ensure that blood centers can continue to supply clinics and hospitals. According to David Leitch, director of donor and volunteer resources, Puget Sound Blood Center, it takes 900 people a day giving blood just to meet the Seattle area needs. Typically there are 15 or 20 blood drives a day at schools and businesses,...

  • Churches

    Updated Dec 27, 2013

    Emmanuel Lutheran Church Emmanuel Lutheran Church wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas. All are invited to attend our Lessons and Carols worship service this Sunday, Dec. 29 at 10:30 a.m. Join us as the lessons are read and favorite Christmas carols are sung. Fellowship follows the worship service....