Articles from the July 6, 2023 edition


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  • Little League state tourney set for ML

    Paul Delaney, Cheney Free Press|Updated Jul 6, 2023

    Holliday Field in Medical Lake will be hopping with activity next week. The home of Cardinal and American Legion baseball will now also be the site of the Washington Little League “Juniors” state tournament for eight days from July 15 through 22. Juniors Little League comprises players ages 12 - 14 years old.  Ten teams from across the state’s 13 districts will convene in the community with play to decide what state all-star team moves on to regional play in California. From t...

  • Parade to march through city

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Jul 6, 2023

    CHENEY - One of the biggest parts of rodeo weekend here is the community parade. This year, the parade will roll through town Saturday July 8. Parade Director Colbie Monter said the event has grown this year. "The biggest thing this year is we have over 20 vendors that will set up downtown," Monter said. "And they will be open at 9 a.m." She said that's over two hours before the parade starts so the community can browse the vendor tents in the cooler morning hours. Vendors wil...

  • Let 'er Buck! It's rodeo week

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Jul 6, 2023

    CHENEY – With rodeo weekend fast approaching, there are a few things to take note of prior to the event. The breakaway roping slack scheduled for July 7 has been updated to begin at 10 a.m. to accommodate the large number of contestants. Contestants in this event are asked to leave promptly afterwards to free up some parking spaces for the barrel racers. Contact the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association with any questions. There have also been some issues with tickets thi...

  • Starbucks shooter faces more charges

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Jul 6, 2023

    CHENEY – After being arrested in connection to a shooting at the Cheney Starbucks, a teacher from East Valley High School in Spokane Valley is accused of multiple crimes. Benjamin Hill, 41, was already facing an assault charge after Spokane police arrested him for shooting at his ex-wife’s car as she drove to work at Sacred Heart hospital in Spokane. That shooting happened May 18, 2023. Court records show investigators believe it wasn’t the first time Hill tried to shoot...

  • Inslee tours airport, cancels Airway Heights stop

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Jul 6, 2023

    SPOKANE - The Spokane International Airport Terminal Renovation and Expansion program is well under way, and essentially lines out the long-term goals for airport expansion. Governor Jay Inslee toured some of the ongoing construction at Spokane International Airport on Friday June 30. He also learned about the steps the airport is taking to accommodate the growth of the West Plains. "Washington's economy is firing on all cylinders," Inslee said. "The expansion at Spokane...

  • Cheney couple killed in Pasco-area crash

    Roger Harnack, Cheney Free Press|Updated Jul 6, 2023

    PASCO - An elderly Cheney couple was killed in a crash on U.S. Highway 395 north of the city Tuesday, June 27. Jerry L. Bowes, 73, and wife Debora L. Bowes, 66, both of Cheney, were pronounced dead at the scene at 2:57 p.m. about 4 miles north of the city, the Washington State Patrol reported. The couple was southbound near Milepost 30 in a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado towing a 2016 travel trailer at the time of the crash, the patrol reported. Jerry Bowes, the driver, attempted...

  • Police chief to hold public forum

    Cheney Free Press|Updated Jul 6, 2023

    CHENEY — Interim Police Chief Rick Beghtol will hold a public forum at the Wren Pierson Center on July 12 between 6 and 7 p.m. “We are going to give a statement about what the department is doing and the changes we’ve gone through; what led up to those changes, etc. I want to address questions about certain things the public may be interested in,” Beghtol said. Beghtol said that he wants to clear up certain rumors and give the public a chance to reconnect with the department, hopefully to reestablish a clear line of communica...

  • Sidewalk makeover

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Jul 6, 2023

    Customers of the Cheney Post Office at 224 2nd. St. will now be able to get in and out a bit easier because they just had all of the concrete and sidewalks redone....

  • West Plains Police News

    Updated Jul 6, 2023

    The following incidents were reported by the Eastern Washington University Police between June 19-21 June 21 Suspicious circumstance. Pearce Hall. June 23 Agency assist. Medical transport. The following incidents were reported by the Medical Lake police between June 23- June 23 Traffic stop between North Stanley Street / East Barker Street. Prowler check at 1386 S. LeFevre St. Traffic stop between North LeFevre Street / North Jefferson Road. Traffic stop between West Fancher Road / South Fancher Conn Road. Traffic stop at 232...

  • Airmen rescue seaplane pilot

    Cheney Free Press|Updated Jul 6, 2023

    FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE — Airmen of the 92nd Air Refueling Squadron rescued the pilot of an overturned seaplane at Clear Lake Resort, Washington, on June 23. MSgt Mathew Ohle, senior enlisted leader; MSgt Jesse Wright, squadron operations superintendent, and his wife Kerry; and TSgt Nathaniel Perry, noncommissioned officer in charge of standards and evaluations, and his wife Sandra were boating at a squadron lake party when they witnessed a seaplane flip upside down while attempting to land. “I was driving the boat,” said Pe...

  • Council approves library roof

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Jul 6, 2023

    MEDICAL LAKE – After some trouble with the initial effort to replace the roof, another work estimate has been accepted by city council. The city has been discussing an estimate from All Terrain Roofing, LLC out of Spokane according to Public Works Director Scott Duncan. They presented an estimate April 30 and is priced at $39,204. The measure was voted through during the June 20 council session after a brief presentation by Duncan. The contract is to remove the old roofing a...

  • Suspect wanted in attempted abduction

    Cheney Free Press|Updated Jul 6, 2023

    SPOKANE - Detectives are looking for a suspect that was involved in an attempted child abduction that took place Thursday, June 29 around 8 p.m. According to a statement from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, a 12-year-old girl reported that a man in a dark car grabbed her while she was riding her bike on S. Abbot Rd. The suspect reportedly drove north on Abbott to W. Thorpe before turning east. Records show the suspect traveled south along Highway 195 to the Cheney Spokane Road interchange before stopping and pushing t...

  • Our state's fireworks law needs updating

    Roger Harnack|Updated Jul 6, 2023

    Like most Americans, I enjoy watching – and lighting – fireworks on Independence Day. America’s “birthday” should stand out among all national holidays. And the colorful, aerial explosions showcase the freedom and independence for which the U.S. stands. But why then do only tribes have the ability to sell the “good” fireworks – you know: firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, mortars and more. There’s nothing magical about the imaginary line on a map suggesting firewo...

  • Resident concerned over street cameras

    Lucas Walsh, Cheney Free Press|Updated Jul 6, 2023

    CHENEY — A Cheney resident voiced concerns about the potential purchase of street cameras for the city at a regular meeting of the City Council on June 27. During the citizen comments section of the council meeting Corinna Donnerberg said that she is concerned about the potential installation and use of license plate reading cameras. “I am concerned about the constitutionality of these cameras and about the potential for misuse and harm to the community members,” Donnerberg sa...

  • Red Tape Shackling America's Manufacturers

    Don C. Brunell|Updated Jul 6, 2023

    Until President Biden signed the Chips and Science Act (CSA) last year, companies, such as Intel and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), looked elsewhere to build plants costing well over $20 billion each. Biden’s pitch to taxpayers was ultramodern manufacturers of miniature computer chips used in our sophisticated weapons, advanced manufacturing, cars and trucks, and high-tech equipment needed to move back to the U.S A. Congress responded and passed CSA s...

  • Gary Leroy Descombaz

    Updated Jul 6, 2023

    Gary Leroy Descombaz Sept. 23, 1939 – June 18, 2023 Gary Leroy Descombaz was born in Pierre, S.D. September 23, 1939 and went home to be with the Lord on June 18, 2023. He was a beloved husband, brother, dad, and papa and will be missed dearly. His family takes comfort in knowing that he is now free of pain and in the arms of his Savior. He was married to his darling wife, Pauline for 52 years and together they raised a blended family. They joined daughter Roxanne Wright, s... Full story

  • School choice growing

    Liv Finne|Updated Jul 6, 2023

    School choice is on the rise across the nation.  Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, just announced his support for Lifeline scholarships, a state voucher program that will allow students to use public funds to attend a private school of their choice. If enacted, his bill will help families assigned by local officials to the lowest-performing public schools because these families will be able to choose a better alternative for their children. Governor S...

  • Rick Prentice

    Updated Jul 6, 2023

    Rick Prentice Jan.17, 1955 – June 24, 2021 Rick Prentice, aka the master fisherman of Fish Lake just outside of Cheney, Wash., passed away on June 24th, 2021, at the age of 66 from pancreatic cancer. Rick was quite the character - he was creative, kind, generous, and funny around family and his fishing buddies. He had a great sense of humor and was always cracking jokes. He was also a maintenance worker at Spokane Airport, where he made sure the planes could take off and l... Full story

  • Yolanda "Carol" Sanders

    Updated Jul 6, 2023

    Yolanda “Carol” Sanders May 8, 1953 – March 21, 2023 Yolanda “Carol” Sanders, of Cheney, Wash., passed away surrounded by friends and family on March 21, 2023, in Minneapolis, Minn., from complications with cancer. Carol was born on May 8, 1953, in Burlington, Wash., to Joyce and Lawrence Adamek. She was a graduate of Burlington-Edison High School in 1971, and was the third of four siblings, including two older sisters and a younger brother. Carol was born and raised in wester... Full story

  • Gardening by Osmosis

    Margaret A. Swenson|Updated Jul 6, 2023

    Many counties in the Inland Northwest prohibit or discourage the sale or use of fireworks. July gardens, however, still explode in color. Red California fuchsia cascades from hanging baskets and walls, the Pow Wow series, echinacea, invite pollinators to their launching pads. Speaking of California, bright orange California poppies open their throats to many species of bees as morning sun teases their petals. Cobalt blue Veronica dazzle the beholder as their blossoms reach for the sun. Green flower heads of Autumn Joy Sedum...

  • Birrieria Tijuana opens

    Lucas Walsh, Cheney Free Press|Updated Jul 6, 2023

    CHENEY - A new authentic Mexican restaurant is open in Cheney. The newest location of the Birrieria Tijuana chain of restaurants has opened at 1204 First St. "I started this brand with three of my best friends." Birrieria Tijuana owner and founder Fredy Zavala said. "My goal is to treat our customers like more than just customers. We want them to have an authentic 'Tijuana' experience." In an effort to diversify his locations, Zavala chose Cheney because of the community and...

  • Keep cool at the parade

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Jul 6, 2023

    CHENEY – Riding into rodeo weekend it is important to remember to keep cool according to Tim Steiner from the Cheney Masonic Lodge. He said the Masons of Cheney will be out during the rodeo parade on July 8, and they will provide free bottles of water to passersby at 106 College Ave. Steiner said the temps are supposed to be in the 90’s and the water will be available starting at 10 a.m. He also said this is a great way for the group to get involved in community events. The...

  • Clear Lake and other fires under control

    Lucas Walsh, Cheney Free Press|Updated Jul 6, 2023

    MEDICAL LAKE — Fire teams from Fire Districts 3, 10, and 8, along with firefighters from the Airway Heights, Spokane, and Fairchild Air Force Base fire response teams quelled a bush fire on the west side of Clear Lake, south of Medical Lake on July 2. At about 7 p.m. crews arrived to contain the fire and evacuations were put in place for the surrounding area. At about 8 p.m. it was announced that air resources had arrived to deploy fire suppressants. The Air Attack P...

  • Coach of Year goes to Eric Basurto; Volunteer honor to Rob Beamer

    Paul Delaney, Cheney Free Press|Updated Jul 6, 2023

    Two members of the West Plains Little League were singled out for their contributions to coaching and the organization as a whole in the group's 20th anniversary season - 2023. The 2023 Coach of the Year award to Eric Basurto – "COACH E" - the Tee Ball coach for the Marlins. He became the latest WPLL coach to receive the Brad Barsness award. Garnering the honor as Volunteer of the year was a person whose roots go back to the early years of WPLL, Rob Beamer. He was selected t...

  • Rough time at Wood Bat for Cannons

    Paul Delaney|Updated Jul 6, 2023

    The week's results left the Cannons with a 22-10 overall record, 12-0 in league play and regular season champs. Spokane has four wins in its past 10 games. "I learned that we're gonna' have to get guys ready to step up and play some important roles going forward with our injuries," head coach Austin Sharp wrote in a text message. "We still have a lot of weapons on this team, we pitched well all year and I am excited to see these guys come playoff time," he added. Cannons 2, Pu...

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