Articles from the March 14, 2024 edition


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  • Cardinal track opens at Eisenhower

    PAUL DELANEY, Cheney Free Press|Updated Mar 15, 2024

    YAKIMA - The Medical Lake track team kicked off the 2024 season at the Eisenhower Jamboree on Saturday, March 9. Testing out the facility that will host the state 1A track meet in May, the Cardinals got notable performances including three first places. Chiche Okemgbo was first in the shot put and third in the discus. In a jamboree, competitors a limited to entry in two events. Freshman Autumn Trout won the 300 meters and was third in the 100. The Cardinal girls 4x400 team of Hazel Grubaugh, Maryna Bell, Hannah Luzier and...

  • Public Records

    Updated Mar 15, 2024

    AIRWAY HEIGHTS AIRWAY HEIGHTS — Police made the following arrest from March 1-7: March 1 Eileen A. Smith arrested in the 12800 block of West Highway 2 for third-degree theft. March 5 Austin A. Pickert arrested in the 12500 block of West Frank Street for fourth-degree assault-domestic violence. March 7 Yosten Gufsag arrested in the 14300 block of West Highway 2 for fourth-degree assault-domestic violence. Melissa L. Halvorson arrested in the 12500 block of West Sixth Avenue for fourth-degree assault-domestic violence. S...

  • Trump, Biden rematch looming

    ROGER HARNACK, Cheney Free Press|Updated Mar 15, 2024

    SPOKANE - Following the Tuesday, March 12, primary in Washington and other states, its appears that voters will see a rematch in the race for U.S. President. Both former President Republican Donald J. Trump and current Democrat President Joseph R. Biden Jr. secured enough support to become the presumptive nominees for their parties. In Washington state, 1.25 million voters cast ballots in the primary election. Trump received 442,048 votes statewide, or 73.8% of Republican...

  • State budget includes funds for 6th District projects

    Roger Harnack, Valley News Herald|Updated Mar 15, 2024

    SPOKANE — The state’s 2024-25 supplemental capital budget includes money to for several 6th Legislative District projects. “The additional money for transportation projects in this supplemental budget will positively impact the transportation system in our communities,” Rep. Mike Volz, R-Spokane, said. “For example, the project for Snowdon will improve safety for kids, which is always a priority.” The funds were part of the funding package introduced as Senate Bill 5949, which appropriated $1.33 billion for projects st...

  • Three injured in early morning shooting

    Valley News Herald|Updated Mar 15, 2024

    SPOKANE VALLEY — Five people were arrested on various charges are believed to be connected with a March 8 shooting that left three people wounded on Bowdish Avenue. At one location, three people were arrested about two hours after the shooting. Angela R. Ayers, 43, was arrested on multiple extraditable warrants from Bonner county, Idaho, and for being a fugitive from justice, records show. Zane M.R. Swartzenberger, 19, was arrested for carrying a firearm illegally. A 17-year-old boy, whom deputies have yet to identify p...

  • Purple Ribbon Banquet featured poignant speeches

    Clare McGraw, Cheney Free Press|Updated Mar 15, 2024

    SPOKANE VALLEY – The Women’s Healing and Empowerment Network, or WHEN, Purple Ribbon Banquet unfolded Sunday, March 10, at the Center Place Regional Event Center, highlighted by a keynote speaker from Airway Heights. The gala event focused on helping lift Spokane County residents out of abusive and addictive lifestyles. Despite facing health challenges, Jacob Powers’ message resonated through his wife Kim Powers, who delivered a poignant speech on his behalf. Drawing parallels between brokenness and resilience, she urged atte...

  • Young Cardinals ready for season

    PAUL DELANEY, Cheney Free Press|Updated Mar 15, 2024

    MEDICAL LAKE - Youth rarely serves a coach well at the time but tends to pay future dividends. Except, perhaps, for Medical Lake baseball Coach Austin Sharp, where the bulk of his 2024 team are young in years only. Sharp will confidently count on a collection of battle-tested underclassmen to carry a lot of the weight this year. Medical Lake finished last season as the Northeast A League's No. 6 - and last - seed in the playoffs. But behind the arm of Luke Dickey they got a...

  • State unveils pike "rapid response" plan

    Roger Harnack, Cheney Free Press|Updated Mar 15, 2024

    LAKE ROOSEVELT - The state Department of Fish and Wildlife has released a "rapid response" plan to take extraordinary measures to kill northern pike found in waterways like Lake Roosevelt. Released last week, the plan would allow state officials and tribes to draw down reservoirs, using Rotenone to poison the fish, netting and seining, quarantining waterways and more after declaring a northern pike emergency. State Aquatic Invasive Species Policy Coordinator Justin Bush...

  • Felon charged with two counts of unlawfully possessing firearms

    Clare McGraw, Valley Herald|Updated Mar 15, 2024

    SPOKANE VALLEY – Alan D. Kintner, aged 68, found himself in handcuffs following the development of probable cause implicating him in a recent burglary at a residence near West Crosscut Road and North Monroe Road on March 10. According to statements from the victim and property owner, she had permitted Kintner to reside in a camper on her property for several months. However, Kintner was forbidden from entering the victim’s residence. On February 21, when she returned to the property, she witnessed Kintner exiting her res...

  • Surplus equipment discussed

    Clare McGraw, Cheney Free Press|Updated Mar 15, 2024

    AIRWAY HEIGHTS — Proposed changes to the equipment surplus process were at the forefront of discussions during a recent City Council meeting. Council members highlighted the need for streamlining procedures to improve efficiency and transparency. Public Works Director Kevin Anderson outlined the rationale behind the proposed changes, stating: “Our current process for surplussing city equipment is convoluted and inefficient, particularly for low-value items. “We’re proposing a $25,000 limit to expedite the process and ensure b...

  • State budget includes $419,000 for Snowdon routes

    Roger Harnack, Cheney Free Press|Updated Mar 15, 2024

    CHENEY — The state’s 2024-25 supplemental capital budget includes money to improve traffic routes for students and families headed to Snowdon Elementary School. The budget earmarks $419,000 for improving transportation routes in and around the 6323 S. Holly Road school. “The additional money for transportation projects in this supplemental budget will positively impact the transportation system in our communities,” 6th Legislative District Rep. Mike Volz said. “For example, the project for Snowdon will improve safety fo...

  • Budget funds education, recovery and water projects

    Roger Harnack, Cheney Free Press|Updated Mar 15, 2024

    OLYMPIA — The state’s supplemental capital budget approved March 6 included funding for several 9th Legislative District projects. Several school districts were allocated funds from the modernization program, including LaCrosse, Palouse, Pomeroy, Steptoe and others. In Pullman, Washington State University also is allocated $10 million for anew digester for the Knott Dairy Center, which makes Cougar Gold cheese. The school will also get $3 million for an energy program. Eastern Washington University in Cheney also rec...

  • Women's Day flight takes off

    Clare McGraw, Cheney Free Press|Updated Mar 14, 2024

    FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE – The International Women's Day Incentive flight took off bright and early at 9:00 a.m. March 8, heading towards Northern California for a quick refuel. Guiding the journey was a KC-135 jet, with Christina May leading the charge as the spokeswoman for the day. "It's all about celebrating the invaluable contributions women make to the Air Force," May expressed warmly. Among the remarkable women aboard was Kortney James, a proud member of the SERE t...

  • Sheriff detectives investigate body found on Highway 27

    Clare McGraw, Valley Herald|Updated Mar 14, 2024

    SPOKANE VALLEY — Authorities from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office responded to a distress call regarding the discovery of a deceased man near the vicinity of Highway 27, situated north of East Barker Road, on March 11th. Upon arrival, deputies confirmed that the individual was deceased, determining that no medical intervention could have altered the outcome. Major Crimes Detectives were summoned to the scene to conduct a thorough investigation. Preliminary assessments by investigators do not suggest any indication of fou...

  • State of the garden

    Updated Mar 14, 2024

    March not only includes “Madness,” Unstable Weather and Good Intentions, attending to revitalization is necessary for success in our gardens. After the Easter Bunny has collected all the plastic and rotting eggs from last years hiding places, it is time to actively make improvements. Pruning shrubs and trees that haven’t budded or leaved out is a good first investment of time. Moss that has been happy under the cover of snow on turf grass all winter can be raked out or just left to dry in the sun. It is timely to addre...

  • Turnbull seeks volunteers to help with tree potting

    Updated Mar 14, 2024

    CHENEY — Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge is seeking volunteers to help with native tree potting during April. Beginning April 9, refuge staff will host tree-potting sessions every Tuesday and Thursday. Volunteers can spend a half-day or full-day potting trees such as aspen, hawthorn and cottonwood. Once rooted, the trees will be planted on the refuge and in nearby areas. Potting sessions are open to all ages, and large groups can participate. Participants should wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, officials said. They s...

  • Crossroads

    Vern Hopkins|Updated Mar 14, 2024

    A couple of years ago, on one of my not infrequent wanderings, I had been prowling the town of Great Falls, Montana, taking in sights and embracing the history. About the middle of the afternoon, I decided to press on. I didn’t have any particular destination in mind or any time schedule. I was like “the bear that went over the mountain to see what he could see.” A few miles outside of town, I came to a crossroad. There was a road sign with an arrow pointing to the town of Belt. That was an interesting sounding name and,...

  • Cheney's Skaff, McGee voted top GSL coaches

    PAUL DELANEY, Cheney Free Press|Updated Mar 14, 2024

    CHENEY - Cheney wrestling left Tacoma and Mat Classic IIIV a few weeks ago minus sought after state titles. However, they returned home to be honored in a memorable way, landing Greater Spokane League accolades with Coach-of-the-Year awards for both boys and girls - each a first-year head coach. Brian Skaff guided Cheney's boys to a 5-4 regular season record in GSL dual meets while Jeremy McGee took the reins of a new girls team that five of its members selected for...

  • Sports Briefs

    Updated Mar 14, 2024

    BASKETBALL Riley repeats as Coach of the Year FARMINGTON, Utah — After winning the outright regular season conference title for the second consecutive season, the Eastern Washington Eagles was recognized with several 2023-24 Big Sky Conference honors, as announced by the league office on March 7. EWU Honorees in 2023-24 Big Sky Men’s Basketball Awards • David Riley — Co-Coach of the Year • LeJuan Watts — Freshman of the Year (unanimous) • Cedric Coward — First Team All-Conference (unanimous) • Ethan Price — Second Team All...

  • Spring is sprouting

    Grant Griffith, Special to the Cheney Free Press|Updated Mar 14, 2024

    Sutton Griffith, 2, of Cheney, picked the first buttercup of the spring Saturday, March 9, during a hike with her father, Grant Giffith. The buttercup was growing off Long Road, near Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, and Williams and Badger lakes....

  • New law could allow part-time police

    Aspen Anderson, Washington State Journal|Updated Mar 14, 2024

    OLYMPIA — Washington state remains 51st in the nation for police officers per capita, and one answer to that problem might be allowing officers to work part-time. Senate Bill 5424, which awaits the governor’s signature to become law, would allow part-time police officers. And sponsor Sen. John Lovick, D-Mill Creek, said it would help bring more women into law enforcement. “The idea behind these flexible work schedules is intended to increase the diversity in Washington law enforcement, to increase the presence of femal...

  • Mixed results as session ends

    Updated Mar 14, 2024

    The 2024 legislative session is now in the history books. After 60 days, in which 201 House bills and 180 Senate bills passed the Legislature, we can report a mix of great successes and disappointments. We fought hard for public hearings on all six citizens’ initiatives to the Legislature. Closer to the end of the session, Democratic leaders in both the House and Senate reluctantly agreed to hear three of the measures but sent the other three initiatives to the November ballot. Public hearings were held on Initiative 2113, r...

  • Initiative gives more leeway on police pursuits

    Mary Murphy, Washington State Journal|Updated Mar 14, 2024

    OLYMPIA — Just three years after the Legislature implemented restrictions on police pursuits, lawmakers backtracked after an initiative received overwhelming voter support. The new rules on engaging in high-speed pursuits become law June 5. “As you know, the people of the state are suffering, increasing rates of crime, property, crime, violent crime,” said Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen. “When I talked to cops and sheriff’s deputies, they told me the one thing more than anything else that we need is the ability to chase bad peopl...

  • Write to the Point

    Updated Mar 14, 2024

    Congresswoman can influence Speaker Johnson Among Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers’s negative legacies she leaves, her most impactful may be on immigration. However, she still has time to improve that. Donald Trump cares nothing about our country, just his election. Accordingly, he recently ordered all Republicans to scuttle the bipartisan, long-negotiated Senate deal supporting Ukraine and limiting immigration that would be a victory for President Joe Biden. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, an election-denier, o...

  • Tree farms reduce greenhouse gases

    Updated Mar 14, 2024

    As climate change concerns grow, researchers are turning to family tree farmers for assistance. They have been helping for a century, but their efforts have gone unrecognized. The American Tree Farm program has emphasized sustainability and managing lands for water quality, wildlife, wood, and recreation. In recent years, it has included climate change. According to the American Forest Foundation, families and individuals collectively care for the largest portion of forests in the U.S., more than the government or...

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