Local man joins Cheney news team

CHENEY – A local photographer has been hired as a reporter at the Cheney Free Press.

Matthew O. Stephens, 39, of Cheney, will be covering the cities of Medical Lake and Airway Heights for the Cheney Free Press.

"Matthews photography skills will bring a much-needed facelift to the newspaper," Publisher Roger Harnack said. "And his local knowledge will be an asset for both the newspaper and readers."

Pursuing a lifelong passion of working with his camera and informing people, Stephens has already hit the ground running, having covered news in Cheney and Medical Lake, and photographing high school sports teams and Webb's Slough spring boat racing in St. John.

He replaces Riley Kankelberg on the West Plains beats; Kankelberg recently completed her internship and returned to Western Washington,

Stephens has an associate degree in applied sciences in journalism, and a bachelor of arts in journalism/history.

He is also a small business owner, as he runs Matthew O. Stephens Photography locally.

Stephens also brings a knowledge of digital and social media to the newspaper.

He said he has a deep appreciation for the outdoors and Pacific Northwest, and it can be realized when reading his blog at http://www.onthetrailofadventure.com.

This site features many of his landscape and wildlife photos while describing the areas he visits. Through these experiences he encourages people to get out and responsibly enjoy the surrounding land.

Having worked in the area as a photographer for several years, Stephens has found a comfortable niche in event photography, as well.

Covering proceedings such as graduations at Gonzaga University and University of Idaho helped develop his enthusiasm for photographing formal affairs, he said.

Stephens really enjoys music also, and he blends those passions as an active concert photographer for many local and regional bands. Being involved with local musicians has allowed him to participate in the recording and production of music videos for some of the groups.

He is active with non-profits in the area, and really enjoys helping support animals and shelters, he said

Stephens and his wife, Sarah, love living in Cheney, as the small-town aesthetics really appeal to the couple, they said.

The community is also very close to several natural areas, which is another major reason the family is excited to live here.

Their youngest daughter, Rosalyn, 14, will be attending her first year in high school this year.

Matthew O. Stephens can be reached at reporter2@cheneyfreepress.com.