Opinion
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 2979
Public safety is paramount
Various surveys conducted around the state over the last year continue to show that public safety is high on the list of concerns for the average Washingtonian. It doesn’t matter if it’s someone living in downtown Bellevue or... — Updated 2/2/2023
Cap-and-trade driving gas price hike
Why are WA gas prices rising while prices in other states remain same? I’ll tell you why: Gov. Jay Inslee’s environmental laws, approved by legislative Democrats two years ago. You’ll recall that earlier I wrote about... — Updated 2/2/2023
Bills will destroy single-family neighborhoods
Washington State House Bill 1110 and Senate Bill 5190 are identical and are on track for approval. They will destroy city residential zoning codes statewide. This appears to cancel out planning authority and resident input at the c... — Updated 2/2/2023
Political parties lack ethical candidates
When Americans go to the polls, we most often don’t know who or what we are voting for. We have little knowledge of candidates or of history, problems our founding fathers and mothers did not have. Our ancestors read serious... — Updated 2/2/2023
By Schoesler: Address school maintainance
For the fifth straight year, I’ve introduced a bill that aims to help school districts in Washington address their building-maintenance needs. Senate Bill 5403 would allow school districts to create a “depreciation subfund... — Updated 1/26/2023
Rep. Schmick bill helps level playing field
Washington state has high tax rates — gas, property, you name it. Government agencies billions of tax dollars annually from residents and businesses here. So why then are... — Updated 1/26/2023
Questions should be asked about WARNS survey
WARNS. Interesting acronym for a survey being pushed by the state Department of Education, Washington State University and public schools statewide. The Washington Assessment of... — Updated 1/26/2023
West Plains Police News
The following incidents were reported by Cheney police between Jan. 9-15 Jan. 9 Third-degree theft. 100 Block College Ave. Stolen: wallet containing WADL, credit/debits cards, misc. ID cards, $130 cash Warrant arrest. Cottonwood,... — Updated 1/19/2023
False spring? Maybe not this time
You’ve heard it said in the Pacific Northwest that, during the winter, we see a long stretch of bleak weather followed by a temporary rise in temperatures around mid-January, a ... — Updated 1/19/2023
Poor now?
The legislative session is in full swing, which means a lot of lawmakers are interested in picking winners and losers. Instead of creating equal opportunities, an equality of outcome is being sought. The Washington Future Fund,... — Updated 1/19/2023
Back in Olympia
We are back at the state Capitol for the 2023 legislative session, which began Jan. 9 and is set to last 105 days, ending April 23. After being forced to endure a virtual legislative session in 2021 and last year due to... — Updated 1/19/2023
Schoesler: Fuel price rising
CHENEY — A local lawmaker says two environmental laws from the Democratic-controlled Legislature and Gov. Jay Inslee that took effect Jan. 1 are already causing a fuel price increase. Republican Sen. Mark Schoesler or... — Updated 1/12/2023
European Data Centers Looking to Capture Heat
Coupled with the rapid growth of data centers we rely upon for internet service and information storage is an increased demand for electricity to power millions of computers and coo... — Updated 1/12/2023
Time to change other Washington
It is time to change the way things are done in our nation’s capital---the “Other Washington!” The year-end Christmas dash to pass a $1.7 trillion spending monstrosity is the straw breaking the camel’s back. It is a... — Updated 1/6/2023
Police chief Rick Bechtel talks new years resolutions and happiness
For many, the new year brings with it a mix of complex emotions, desires, speculations, hopes, and plans. For Rick Bechtel, interim police chief at the Cheney PD, new years doesn... — Updated 1/6/2023
Audit recommendations still not being followed
The Washington State Auditor has completed a performance audit of the Employment Security Department and has found the agency still has not corrected its systemic performance and fraud problems uncovered during the COVID-19... — Updated 1/6/2023
Energy: All-of-the-above needed
Looking ahead to 2023 one of the most significant shifts America needs is to return to an “All of the Above” strategy which expands our energy options rather than further... — Updated 12/29/2022
Onward and Upward
As the dawn of a new year approaches, it is important to pause and take stock of ourselves, and of the many mercies and comforts we enjoy. After all, “Gratitude,” Cicero said,... — Updated 12/29/2022
Mental strength before anything else
A strong mind and body are crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I learned that while recently completing basic training for the U.S. Army at Fort Sill, Okla. I was never a... — Updated 12/29/2022
Americans need a new political party
Throughout history, there have been two political parties — one for the people, and one for the aristocracy. At times, the party for the people has been snuffed out. This is one of those times. The “Democrat/RINO” party and... — Updated 12/29/2022
Veterans' Wreaths Spread Across America
The Holiday Season is an especially difficult time for anyone grieving lost loved ones. Evergreen wreaths placed on veterans’ graves across America help to ease that pain. More... — Updated 12/22/2022
Christmas magic alive and well
As a youngster, I looked forward to Christmas. I loved the food, the traditions and especially the presents — what kid doesn’t? In high school and college, the luster subsided.... — Updated 12/22/2022
Expanded Panama Canal Challenges Washington Ports
The $5.4 billion expansion of the Panama Canal is paying off for East Coast and Gulf of Mexico seaports. It is putting pressure on the Pacific Ocean-based terminals to be more competitive. The enlarged waterway opened in June 2016... — Updated 12/16/2022
State should simplify some regulations
Former state senator and current state Director of Commerce Lisa Brown rightly describes the difficulties a small business startup faces in Washington. Brown says the state Department of Commerce is helping small business owners... — Updated 12/16/2022
Last Cheney G.A.R. member dies
Cheney Free Press Dec. 9, 1932 Lucas Walsh The G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) was a men’s organization composed of veterans of the Union Army who fought in the American Civil War. Like many cities across the United States... — Updated 12/8/2022
