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AIRWAY HEIGHTS – A man wanted for allegedly abducting a woman from a home here was apprehended and booked into the Spokane County Jail on Tuesday evening, April 30. Joseph Parisian, 51, was being detained without bail in the jail on a U.S. Marshall's Office hold at press time. Parisian was the subject of a two-day manhunt inconnection with the alleged kidnapping of Amanda Pakootas, 38, who was reported missing April 27. Airway Heights police said she was located safely in t...
CHENEY - Following an extensive interview process, Sara McKennon has been chosen as the next principal of Sunset Elementary School, pending board approval. The selection comes after a rigorous evaluation involving various stakeholders, including district administrators, staff and students. Superintendent Ben Ferney expressed satisfaction with the outcome. "The pool of candidates for the Sunset principal position was strong, and Sara rose to the top throughout the interview...
SPOKANE — Political hopefuls can officially file for office next week to compete in the August primary election. Candidate filing opens at 8 a.m. Monday, May 6, and continues until Friday, May 10. Depending on the office being sought, candidates will be able to file with Spokane County or the state; candidate may be done in person or online. Fees may also be paid in person or online. The Top 2 candidates in each race advance to the November general election. Congressional District No. 5, where incumbent Republican Cathy M...
The annual Red-White game at Eastern Washington University on April 26 provided fans with a spring glimpse of what's to come next fall when the Eagles take to Roos Field. The defense started with a 31-point lead, and ultimately won, 41-20. Above, quarterback Kekoa Visperas puts his feet to work signaling a first down. At right, under pressure by Trevor Thurman,Visperas launches the ball downfield. The Eagles will open the 2024 season Aug. 29 against Monmouth University of New...
CHENEY – A break—in reported to the Police Department on April 27 has local officials asking questions. The caller reported an intruder in their home in the 200 block of North 11th Street, prompting a swift response, police said. Upon reaching the scene, police found the door ajar and heard cries from inside. Identifying themselves as law enforcement, they entered the residence, police said. Inside, they found only the caller, who declined help from the authorities, records show. Due to minor injuries sustained by the cal...
CHENEY – The School Board deliberated last Wednesday on facilities planning in anticipation of reintroducing a bond initiative next year to finance the construction of two new elementary schools. In the Feb. 13 special election, the district’s initial bond proposal fell short of the required 60% majority vote for approval. Superintendent Ben Ferney set the stage for the discussion, outlining the district’s commitment to strategic planning and introducing Phil Crocker, who led the planning process for the original bond initi...
Dozens of area residents and children turned out Saturday, April 27, to participate in the St. John Community Fair. Above left, Rhett Sterman leads his bovine during the PeeWee showing, and was later crowned PeeWee Beef Grand Champion. At right, Ellie Schlomer and mother show a goat during the PeeWee showingsand was crowned Reserve Champion....
Cheney CHENEY – Cheney police reported the following calls for service from April 22 – 28: April 22 Cheney police department and Cheney fire department responded to the location of a deceased subject at 300 block of Erie St. Nothing suspicious was located at the scene. Case is open pending results from the Medical Examiner. Cheney police department and Cheney fire department responded to the location of a deceased subject at 1700 block of 4th St. Deceased was released to a funeral home. Fraud reported at 1000 block of 4th...
CHENEY – At the City Council meeting held last Tuesday, April 23, city administrator Mark Schuller addressed the urgent need to renew the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) levy, which is set to expire this year. The resolution passed unanimously. The current levy, in its sixth year, provides essential funding for emergency medical personnel, amounting to $0.50 per $1,000 assessed valuation. The proposed renewal Levy, if approved, will span from 2025 to 2030. The primary election to decide on this crucial measure is slated f...
CHENEY – During the City Council meeting April 23, the council unanimously approved an ordinance amending Title 21 of the Municipal Code concerning in-fill development standards and dimensional adjustments. The ordinance also updates zoning regulations for business park and light industrial zones. Public Works Director Todd Ableman outlined the proposed amendments, emphasizing the need to align zoning code with the comprehensive plan and accommodate the evolving needs of the community. Among the proposed changes was the a...
CHENEY – In the latest school district board meeting held on April 24, the spotlight fell on the Financial and Enrollment Report presented by Jamie Reed, the Financial Director of the district. The report shed light on the fiscal landscape and enrollment trends impacting the district’s budgetary considerations. One of the central points highlighted in the report was the stability of the fund balance, which remained unchanged. However, the impending budget for the upcoming year poses a challenge, with projections ind...
CHENEY — As spring blooms across Cheney, the Future Farmers of America (FFA) club at Cheney High School prepares to host its annual plant sale, offering a vibrant array of flowers and vegetables grown by students. Scheduled for May 9th and 10th from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Cheney High School’s Greenhouse, and May 15th and 16th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the sale presents an opportunity for the community to support local agriculture while adding beauty to their homes and gar...
CHENEY – Council members unanimously approved Resolution F—242, which pertained to the submission of a grant application to the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation druing an April 23 meeting. The grant aims to support efforts in preserving city historic and cultural resources. “This money could help us update Cheney’s historic preservation ordinance and integrate preservation strategies into our Comprehensive Plan,” Public Works Director Todd Ableman said. Councilman Paul Schmidt expressed...
SPOKANE — The Spokane County Library District is opening May programs with a Star Wars theme. Star Wars Jedi Academy invites youngsters to try out galactic activities and show off themed costumes. Families and kids can flex their building skills during LEGO Free Play and learn more STEAM during Take It Apart, Build It, Rock Garden Painting Party and Creating Rubber Band Racers. Teens can design Star Wars Temporary Tattoo-ines and learn about Documentary Filmmaking. If Star Wars is too far out of this world for you, the l...
TYLER - A wind turbine corporation has been acquiring land leases across southern Spokane County from the Tyler area to Fairfield. Over the last five months, Cordelio Development Holdings LLC of Toronto, Canada, has acquired 20 leases across southern Spokane, northern Whitman and eastern Lincoln Counties. The purchases include parcels near Cheney, Fairfield, Latah, Waverly and Tyler, according to county records. Details of some of the purchased tracts have yet to be made...
DEEP CREEK—The Spokane Hutterian Brethren figured most of their seed potatoes were going to go to waste after their main customers in the Columbia Basin cut their contracts by 40%. So, Hutterians dumped the spuds in a West Sprague Road field. Instead, a video posted online by Denise Bennett of Reardan alerted locals to the free spuds. And it has brought thousands to pick up their share of potatoes from the hundreds of tons that have already been dumped. “I guess people are...
OLYMPIA — The state Department of Ecology has declared a statewide drought emergency for everywhere except cities with large storage basins. The drought update was issued Friday, April 19, with the agency predicting a warm, dry spring. According to the agency, the weather forecast will leave many watershed statewide with low water. The declaration allows state agencies to provide drought-related assistance in a more timely manner. Gov. Jay Inslee calked up this year’s forecast drought to global warming. “As our climate conti...
CHENEY – A motorist is facing multiple charges following an April 4 pursuit and disposal of a firearm at a school. Jakob D. Petitto, 30, was arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail on cahrges of attempting to elude, second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, driving with a suspended license and being a fugitive from justice related to the out-of-state warrant. Petitto has five previous felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm, records s...
Airway Heights AIRWAY HEIGHTSS — Police arrested the following individuals between April 13-20: April 13 Katelynn D. Ulrich arrested for third-degree theft-shoplifting in the 12800 block of West Highway 2. Tonya M. Stevens arrested for first-degree criminal trespassing in the 14300 block of West Highway 2. April 17 Robert B. Don arrested for violation of a protection order in the 13600 block of West Sixth Avenue. Cheney CHENEY — The Police Deparment reported the following calls for service from April 14-21: April 14 Unattende...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The Police Department has acquired multiple K9 units on behalf of the Washington State Department of Corrections. The acquisition, discussed April 18 at the Plains Safety Alliance meeting, marks an advancement in the department’s crisis response capabilities, officials said. “I want to highlight what makes this dog different,” co-responder Jenny Mandin said. “She’s there to be crisis response.” Unlike traditional German Shepherds commonly seen in law enforcement, crisis response dogs are selected and...
MEDICAL LAKE – During the April 16 City Council meeting, Finance Director Koss Ronhault presented a comprehensive budget report for the first quarter of the year. Ronhault provided insights into the financial report, emphasizing the meticulous process of reviewing financial statements and ensuring compliance. “We have controls in place, secondary reviews of journal entries, reconciliation procedures, a lot of practices that weren’t in place,” he said. Ronhault highlighted efforts to rectify deficiencies identified in the 2022...
CHENEY – City officials are calling the April 13 Medication Take Back Event a success. More than 70 pounds of unused, outdated medications were collected, officials said. The event proved to be a resounding success according to Jessica Deutsch, the Community Coalition Coordinator for Talk2HealthyChoices. The organization was among the participants, which also included local police, fire and other emergency responders. Hundreds of community members participated in the event, c...
City seeks $2 million in funds AIRWAY HEIGHTS – At the recent West Plains Safety Alliance meeting, discussions centered around the proposed construction of Bezos Academy, a childcare center. The Police Department’s Alise Mnati expressed gratitude for the letters of support received for the project. Mnati said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Shoreline, requested $2 million in funding for the project through the Community Development Block Grant program. Mnati noted the insufficient availability of childcare facilities in the region, par...
CHENEY — Andy LaBolle, the owner of West Plains Roasters, made a generous gesture at the City Council meeting April 9 by presenting a donation totaling $18,500 to Cheney Cupboard. Expressing his fondness for the community, LaBolle shared, “My wife and I love Cheney.” He highlighted the support received from 53 sponsors, primarily local businesses spanning from Cheney and Airway Heights to Coeur d’Alene. The donation stemmed from a charity poker event hosted by West Plains Roasters on April 2 and 3, drawing in 65 attende...
CHENEY — The Planning Commission met on Monday, April 8, to address the complexities surrounding construction and non-city-owned features in the right-of-way. City Administrator Mark Schuller led the presentation, highlighting the need for clarifying and simplifying regulations. Currently, these features are regulated under either a license or a permit, creating challenges for both applicants and city staff. “With five different chapters governing today, every project may have to obtain multiple permits for a scope of wor...
