Cheney Free Press -

TUMWATER – The state Department of Labor and Industries is proposing a 4.9% increase in the workers compensation tax effective Jan. 1. Director Joel Sacks said the tax increase is lower than what the agency expects to pay for... — Updated 9/28/2023

OTHELLO – A local man was arrested Thursday, Aug. 31, after allegedly attempting to light a trailer on fire. Isabel Junior Rocha III, 38, of Othello, was booked into the Franklin County Jail at about 6:53 a.m. Thursday, jail... — Updated 9/7/2023

SPOKANE – The Junior Livestock Show of Spokane has announced its meetings and auctions schedule, and changes being planned. The organization that allows aspiring young farmers to show and sell their animals will host its annual... — Updated 8/10/2023

CHENEY—Several Free Press Publishing staffers will receive Better Newspaper Contest awards in October. At the Cheney Free Press, graphic artist John Myers, sports journalist Paul Delaney and Owner/Publisher Roger Harnack will be... — Updated 8/3/2023

RITZVILLE — The Palouse Chapter of the Ice Age Flood Institute has a new secretary. Cecilia Cochran of Pomeroy was appointed to fill the vacancy, replacing LeeAnn Blankenship. The organization which promotes education on the... — Updated 2/23/2023

OLYMPIA — As workforce issues continue to garner local, state, and national attention, the state is one step closer to addressing critical shortages in nursing care. Legislation to enact the Interstate Nurse Licensure Compact... — Updated 2/23/2023

POMEROY — A 9th Legislative District representative has been selected to lead Republicans on the House Environment and Energy Committee. Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, represents Whitman, Adams, Lincoln and southern Spokane Counties,... — Updated 12/29/2022

POMEROY — A 9th Legislative District representative has been selected to lead Republicans on the House Environment and Energy Committee. Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, represents Whitman, Adams, Lincoln and southern Spokane Counties,... — Updated 12/22/2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of Wheat growers is surveying farmers to develop priorities to address in the next Farm Bill. The survey is designed to gather feedback from growers about what policies are most... — Updated 4/8/2022

RALSTON – Two Washington State Parks representatives will be in Ralston on Tuesday, March 15, to discuss opening a new trailhead for the Palouse to Cascade Trail. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., ranger Travis Gabriel and manager Audra Si... — Updated 3/10/2022

OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee is considering a measure that would make it illegal to sell, manufacture and distribution so-called “high-capacity” magazines for firearms in Washington state. Senate Bill 5078 passed the House,... — Updated 3/10/2022

OLYMPIA – The Super Bowl’s most valuable player, an Eastern Washington native, was celebrated in a Senate resolution this week. Cooper Kupp, a Yakima native and former Eastern Washington University football standout, was... — Updated 3/3/2022

OLYMPIA – The white sturgeon fishery opens Jan. 1 for some the lower Columbia River. Fishing for legal-size white sturgeon opens New Year’s Day in Bonneville Pool between Bonneville and The Dalles dams, The Dalles Pool between... — Updated 12/23/2021

OLYMPIA — The state Fish and Wildlife Commission may implement new firearms restrictions and hunting closures when it meets virtually Oct. 21-22. In addition, commissioners will discuss a new rule on importing and retaining dead... — Updated 10/21/2021

OTHELLO – The state Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking public input on a draft management plan for the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area in Adams and Grant counties. Comments will be accepted through Nov. 17. The plan will... — Updated 10/21/2021

OLYMPIA – State Department of Fish and Wildlife officials say they need to spend nearly $4 million in the next two years to protect pygmy rabbits and sage grouse from over development and wildfires in Eastern Washington. To that... — Updated 10/7/2021