Articles from the December 7, 2023 edition


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  • Committee for Support of Good Schools looks towards winter

    Clare McGraw, Cheney Free Press|Updated Jan 5, 2024

    CHENEY – In a spirited virtual meeting held on November 27, the Committee for the Support of Good Schools, spearheaded by dedicated members, laid out an ambitious plan to propel their mission forward. “We’ve fundraised $10,000 dollars but we’ve already spent $9,000” revealed Zachary Zorrozua, highlighting the committee budget. Gene Sementi, superintendent of West Valley Public Schools, injected optimism into the conversation,“We have a check from Rite Aid that’s worth $3,000 dollars.” Discussions veered towards outreach strat...

  • Mechanical Engineering Expo showcases local ingenuity

    Clare McGraw, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 28, 2023

    CHENEY – Students at Eastern Washington University’s ME/MET Fall Quarter Capstone Expo unveiled a series of groundbreaking projects that melded engineering prowess with real-world applications. From an automatic golf ball tee-up system to an ultralight coffee press and a motor rocket launch pad, these innovative projects displayed the culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and interdisciplinary learning. Cooper Harris, a 21-year-old mechanical engineering student, spearheaded the development of the “Easy Tee,...

  • Eastern Washington University wins beer competition

    Clare McGraw, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 28, 2023

    CHENEY – In a groundbreaking collaboration between Eastern Washington University and No-Li Brewhouse, a group of students has achieved a historic victory at the Asia International Beer Competition in Singapore. The triumph marks the first time an American university has claimed top honors in an international beer competition. John Bryant, beer industry executive and co-owner of No-Li Brewery, shared insights into the creation of the award-winning dubbel Belgian Ale. In collaboration with EWU students, the brewery embraced t...

  • Students can travel abroad

    Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 7, 2023

    CHENEY – The Washington State University 4-H program is offering several student travel opportunities abroad next summer. Interested students can apply to go to: Costa Rica, from June 20 through July 19. Students must be ages 15-18. Japan, from July 10 to Aug. 9, for students ages 12-18; and June 12-Aug. 9, for students ages 15-18. South Korea, from July 16 to Aug. 15. Students must ages 12-17. Taiwan, from July 16 to Aug. 15. Students must be ages 12-18. Norway, from June 20 to July 15. Students must be ages 15-18. A...

  • Pills found in bust

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 7, 2023

    AIRWAY HEIGHTS – One person was arrested during what authorities believe was a drug deal in the parking lot of the Northern Quest Resort and Casino. According to reports, over 18,000 pills of different colors, and believed to contain fentanyl were found and seized. Officers also found approximately one pound of methamphetamine, other drugs and an undisclosed amount of cash. According to Kalispel Tribal Police, casino agents were made aware of a potential drug deal in the parking lot. One person, who’s name has not yet bee...

  • CHS girls wrestling grows

    Paul Delaney, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 7, 2023

    To say that Cheney girls’ wrestling has come a long way in a year would be the understatement of understatements. When freshman Jalisca Holmgren signed up a year ago she was one of six, but as it turned out she was one of one both when the season started and ended. Holmgren, however, loved her experience — which included a trip to state, a first — so much that she became the program’s pied piper. Today there are 10 girls who have their own coach. “It’s just been cool to see wh...

  • Sports Briefs

    Updated Dec 7, 2023

    BASKETBALL Eagles women bounce Boise State CHENEY — The Eastern Washington women did not lest the disappointment of a narrow loss to Gonzaga get in the way of bouncing back and adding to their win column with a 5-2 record. The Eagles had a possible winning 3-point shot deflect away Nov. 29 in an 82-80 loss to the local rival Bulldogs but rolled over Boise State of the Mountain West Conference 64-43 Dec. 3 at Reese Court. Aaliyah Alexander was the team’s top scorer with 14 points against BSU handing them just a second los...

  • Cheney wrestlers medal at ML Scramble

    Paul Delaney, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 7, 2023

    CHENEY - Cheney wrestling's first match was a short road trip to compete in the Medical Lake Scramble, Dec. 2. The Blackhawks finished in seventh place with 97 points behind champion Lewis and Clark taking home the team title with 160. Sixteen wrestlers competed for the Blackhawks and four finished in the medal rounds. They included Aiden Carr second at 120 pounds and Chazz Gray at 285, both earning runner-up finishes. Wyatt Wells at 175 was third while Mason Bridges was...

  • Airway Heights WinterFest delights

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 7, 2023

    AIRWAY HEIGHTS - The annual Airway Heights WinterFest, organized by Airway Heights Parks and Recreation, kicked off on December 1 and 2, transforming the snowy landscape into a festive winter wonderland for local residents. On the evening of December 1, the community gathered to brave the winter chill and partake in the cherished tradition of the annual tree lighting and fireworks show. Against the backdrop of falling snowflakes, families watched in awe as the towering...

  • Weather impacts traffic

    Clare McGraw, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 7, 2023

    SPOKANE – The recent weather has impacted the region's traffic, and recent heavy snowfall has given way to rain and warmer temperatures for this week. According to Steven Van Horn, a general forecaster at the Spokane branch of the National Weather Service, their initial focus was on the snowfall. Reports indicated a substantial accumulation of 6-8 inches in the Cheney and Airway Heights vicinity. Residents are advised to be mindful of the altered terrain and potential h...

  • Euclid Bridge re-opens after four years

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 7, 2023

    AIRWAY HEIGHTS - After nearly four years of closure for repairs, the Euclid Bridge near Airway Heights reopened its lanes to the public on a chilly morning, November 29. Dozens of eager residents and curious onlookers gathered to witness the unveiling of the restored bridge and learn about the extensive repairs and upgrades that have taken place. The ambitious project, with a total cost of $3,652,000, was a collaborative effort between multiple agencies. Representatives from...

  • Cheney council hears department budgets

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 7, 2023

    CHENEY – Budget presentations from different city departments were heard during the Nov. 14 council session. Public Works Director Todd Ableman broke down the budgets for different areas in public works. For the department wide application of enterprise funds were named, Ableman shared that they are working with $30,695,100, and that 65 % of that is applied to wastewater. 14 % goes to water, nine percent for solid waste, and another nine percent goes into transportation. The a...

  • Resident concerned with police social media post

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 7, 2023

    CHENEY – A local woman shared concerns of personal privacy with city council during the Nov. 28 meeting, and she was referring to a video posted to the Cheney Police Department social media page. The video posted Nov. 13 shows body cam footage of police providing Narcan to an individual (who is blurred in the video) having an overdose on Nov. 7 at approximately 3:50 a.m. Narcan is a medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. The individual was saved in t...

  • West Plains Police News

    Updated Dec 7, 2023

    Airway Heights November 23 Chancie K Foley was arrested on the 12500 block West of 6th Avenue for Assault in the Fourth Degree Domestic Violence with a Weapon. November 24 Kenneth W Simpson was arrested on the 12900 block West of Second Avenue for Assault in the Fourth Degree Domestic Violence. November 29 Cody J Clark was arrested on the 1200 block South of Hayford Road for Making a False Statement to a Public Servant. Carissa RP Gamber was arrested West of 6th Avenue and South of Solar Street for Driving While License...

  • Airway Heights receives grants for improving transportation, policing

    Clare McGraw, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 7, 2023

    In a recent meeting on Monday, December 4, 2023, the Airway Heights City Council took significant strides in fortifying community initiatives through approved grant funding and a generous donation. Heather Trautman, the principal planner, announced the green light for a $200,000 grant earmarked for 6th Avenue and hinted at the possibility of securing an additional $2 million for a transportation project. She expressed optimism, stating, “We’ve gotten a grant for 6th avenue for...

  • Spokane Transit Authority has plans for Cheney

    Clare McGraw, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 7, 2023

    SPOKANE – As the Spokane Transit Authority continues its efforts to enhance public transportation in the region, we had the opportunity to speak with Cindy Cortwright, Chief Communications Officer. She provided insights into the ongoing project to install new bus stops and shelters along Route 6 in Cheney, aiming to improve the overall rider experience and accessibility, with a completion target set for the end of this year. Cindy Cortwright stated, “Construction is well und...

  • Finding the Power for Future Griswold Christmas Lightshows

    Don Brunell|Updated Dec 7, 2023

    It is that time of year when people put up their outside holiday lights and displays. Judging from our neighborhood they are decorating more than usual. In our country 90 percent of individuals say they plan to celebrate the holidays this year. Total retail sales between Thanksgiving and Christmas are projected to reach $957 billion. The setting for the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is reminiscent of bedecked suburban communities. Clark Griswold decorates every foot o...

  • Obesity isn't from lack of medications

    John Myers|Updated Dec 7, 2023

    Antidiabetic medications have been given a lot of attention lately. In the Age of Information, some subjects take over every screen, while others gather dust in the basement. The Human Genome Project got plenty of attention in the 1990s. It captured our imagination - the thought of unveiling the blueprints for life. Unwinding the DNA. Hope for humanity and our many ailments seemed within reach. Born with bad genes? We’ll be able to fix that soon. So far, the Project yielded few answers and left us with many new questions. M...

  • Strategic plan initiated

    Clare McGraw, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 7, 2023

    AIRWAY HEIGHTS – City Manager Albert Tripp presented a comprehensive vision for the city’s development, marked by a strategic approach towards congressional engagement, during a Nov. 20 City Council meeting. Tripp’s proposal involves direct application to Congress for legislative appropriations, with a particular emphasis on four key projects. Notably, childcare and renovations to the 1149 S. Garfield Road building stand out as pivotal components of the city’s propose...

  • Airway Heights passes fiscal resolutions for 2024

    Clare McGraw, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 7, 2023

    During the Airway Heights City Council meeting on Monday, December 4, 2023, the focus shifted to critical fiscal matters as the council addressed proposed ordinances and resolutions. City Finance Director Stanley Schubert and City Manager Albert Tripp provided insights into forthcoming changes, ranging from salary increases and the hiring of additional firefighters to improvements in customer service. Tripp highlighted, “This proposed ordinance seeks to hire two additional f...

  • Airway Heights passes infrastructure projects

    Clare McGraw, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 7, 2023

    Airway Heights is gearing up for a series of transformative infrastructure projects, as discussed in the recent City Council meeting on Monday, December 4, 2023. Public Works Director Kevin Anderson took the floor, outlining crucial developments that encompassed engineering work orders, roadway improvements, and a strategic water reclamation initiative on 6th Avenue. The City Council overwhelmingly passed proposals facilitating the extension of contracts and the authorization...

  • Writer's Workshop

    Lisa Conger|Updated Dec 7, 2023

    A pen scratches along the light lines of notebook paper. Silence. Scribbling. Silence. At the last moment, the rhythm of writing takes over, and the real work begins. Meanwhile, as the sun was setting over the western horizon and at the last moment dropping quickly into the ocean, the sun was also rising somewhere on the other side of the earth. Did the colors of the sunrise match those of the sunset? At the last moment dawn broke open night’s diminishing grip. The ying and yang of day and night across the globe. At the last...

  • Team Fairchild Demonstrates Readiness During Titan Fury

    Special to the Free Press|Updated Dec 7, 2023

    FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE – Airmen assigned to the 92nd and the 141st Air Refueling Wings conducted the Titan Fury 24-1 exercise Nov. 13-17. Airmen demonstrated how support activities contribute to mobilizing KC-135 Stratotankers quickly if called upon. “It’s critically important that Fairchild Air Force Base conducts exercises like this for one reason only, and that’s deterrence,” said Lt. Col. William Dowd, 97th Air Refueling Squadron commander. “We have to send a clear message to our adversaries and allies alike that...

  • Gardening By Osmosis

    Updated Dec 7, 2023

    I couldn’t stand it another day. As soon as the snowplow had cleared my driveway I was out of my cave and on to the plant store. There were Nurseries still open with enticing displays of gifts for gardeners but I was interested in being in the midst of live plants. Entering the growing section I filled my lungs with a hearty portion of oxygen. The colors of exotic plants excited my senses. I had no idea there were so many varieties and colors of ‘Christmas Cactus.’ I had a magenta one at home but here there were white, red,...

  • Cheney High School Craft Fair attracts local artisans

    Clare McGraw, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 7, 2023

    CHENEY – On Dec. 2, Cheney High School was buzzing with creativity and community spirit as local artisans gathered for the annual Craft Fair. From Lila Rose hair clips to simmer kits and handmade earrings, the event showcased a diverse range of talents. Let’s meet some of the crafters who added their unique touch to this vibrant event. Julie Robinson, a familiar face at the Craft Fair, showcased her Lila Rose hair clips. Made from piano wire, these clips are not only ben...

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