March 23, 2026
March 23, 2026
SPRAGUE — A Sprague-Lamont High School teacher is being held in the Lincoln County Jail accused of having an illegal sexual relationship with one of her students. Madeline Marie Gregory Scoon, 29, of Cheney, appeared before Lincoln County District Court Judge Dan B. Johnson on Tuesday, March 17, for her first appearance on charges of first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes. At press time, a time and day for formal...
SPRAGUE - A local teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a teenage student pleaded not guilty Thursday and was released on reduced bail. Madeline Marie Gregory Scoon, 29, of Cheney, was arraigned on charges of first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor and communication with a minor for immoral purposes. She will face trial at 9 a.m. June 17; a 10:30 a.m. readiness hearing is set for May 26. Court records show Gregory, the teacher's maiden name, has been...
CHENEY – A 19-year-old woman was arrested earlier this month after Eastern Washington University police say she used a debit card and campus identification card belonging to another person for unauthorized purchases. According to the Eastern Washington University Police Department, the incident occurred March 6. Police reported that Layla N. Dennis, 19, was arrested in connection with the case and booked into the Spokane County Jail. Authorities said Dennis allegedly found a wallet belonging to another individual and then...
ROCKFORD — While Whitman County prepares to write regulations restricting the size and scope of commercial solar arrays, a nearby Spokane County city is already in the sights of developers. On March 11, the state Department of Commerce announced it would provide $16.8 million for 22 projects, including a potential solar array near Rockford. Commerce officials confirmed Tuesday the state is awarding $23,500 to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe of Idaho to study development of a commercial solar array to power its casino and golf...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The following arrests were made between March 10 – 15: March 10 Kevin T. Nelson was arrested near the 1500 block of Lyons Road for operating a vehicle with a suspended license and failure to transfer title within 45 days (2026-84003482) Officer Patterson. Joann E. Sivard was arrested near the 1500 block of Lyons Road for fugitive from justice (2026-84003482) Officer Clizer. Junior Lather was arrested near the 1500 block of U.S. Highway 2 for operating a vehicle with a suspended license (2026-84003482)...
CHENEY – The following calls for service were recorded by the Eastern Washington University Police Department from March 10 – 14: March 10 Berit G. Blankenship, 19, was arrested for a bomb threat on the 900 block of Elm Street. March 11 Domestic violence argument reported on the 900 block of Washington Street. March 12 Theft reported on the 600 block of Quad Lane. March 14 Liquor violation reported on the 1100 block of Elm Street. Liquor violation reported on the 900 block of Elm Street. Liquor violation reported on the...
OTHELLO – An Eastern Washington University graduate with a distinguished law enforcement career has been appointed assistant police chief. Brent McFarlane's appointment was announced last week. McFarlane has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Eastern. He began his law enforcement career with the state Department of Corrections, where he worked seven years until joining the Umatilla, Ore., tribal police. For the last 12 years, he has been a member of the local...
SPOKANE – The Spokane County PFAS Task Force continues working with local, state and federal partners to address contamination concerns affecting the West Plains community. County officials said the task force has been holding monthly meetings at the Spokane County Sheriff’s Training Center to coordinate response efforts. According to the county, the Spokane Regional Health District has hired community “navigators” who will soon begin outreach and data collection related to PFAS contamination concerns. Spokane...
CHENEY — The Police Department responded to the following calls for service from March 9-15: March 9 Suspicious person in the 2200 block of First Street. Juvenile runaway in the 400 block of North Fourth Street. Reckless driver in the 2600 block of First Street. Two injury crashes near State Route 904 and Betz Road and in the 11000 block of West Deno Road. Domestic standby in the 100 block of I Street. Domestic standby in the 200 block of Gregory Drive. Parking violation in the 800 block of Second Street. Vehicle theft in...
Eastern student arrested in theft CHENEY – A 19-year-old woman was arrested earlier this month after Eastern Washington University police say she used a debit card and campus identification card belonging to another person for unauthorized purchases. According to the Eastern Washington University Police Department, the incident occurred March 6. Police reported that Layla N. Dennis, 19, was arrested in connection with the case and booked into the Spokane County Jail. Authorities said Dennis allegedly found a wallet...
GEIGER HEIGHTS – Spokane County officials will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Camas Park later this spring. The event is scheduled for May 21 at 11 a.m. and will mark the official opening of the park. County officials are encouraging community members to attend the event. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by...
CHENEY – Residents and businesses may notice a difference in water quality and appearance this month as the city continues flushing water lines. Crews began flushing the system March 2, city officials reported. The work is expected to continue through June as the city clears mineral buildup. The process involves pushing water through the pipes at higher flow rates to remove accumulated minerals and sediment, officials said. Flushing the entire system at once is more efficient and cost-effective. The city warned that the...
MEDICAL LAKE – The following calls for service were recorded by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office from March 10 – 16: March 10 1:22 a.m. – Crisis call at the 600 block of S. Lefevre Street. 8:19 a.m. – Crisis call at the 600 block of N. Martin Street. 8:29 a.m. – Welfare check at the 700 block of E. Kathy Lee Avenue. 8:46 a.m. – Assault at the 1000 block of E. Lake Street. 10:50 a.m. – Domestic violence order of protection violation at the 1000 block of N. Stanley Street. 10:52 a.m. – Domestic violence...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The City Council approved a series of contracts and policy measures Monday, including a pay increase for the city’s public defender, a new records management system and steps toward creating an Aquifer Protection Area. The council unanimously approved a salary adjustment for the city public defender position, increasing compensation from approximately $108,000 to a proposed range up to $130,000. City Manager Albert Tripp said the adjustment is needed to remain competitive amid a regional shortage of...
SPOKANE – A sidewalk project along Aero Road has received funding from the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board. Officials said the board awarded $368,000 through its Complete Streets and Active Transportation Program to help improve pedestrian safety in the area. The total cost of the project is estimated at about $798,000. The project will fill sidewalk gaps along a section of Aero Road by adding six-foot sidewalks, curb and gutter improvements, and a 10-foot swale. The work is intended to reduce conflicts...
TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. military officials are asking media outlets to avoid reporting details about a recent KC-135 aircraft incident in the Middle East while investigators work to determine what happened and families are notified. In a March 14 statement, U.S. Central Command spokesman U.S. Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins said officials are continuing to investigate the incident and asked reporters to allow the military time to complete its formal notification process. “Out of respect for our Gold Star families, we ask for media...
CHENEY - The City Council unanimously confirmed Christopher Oakes as the city's new chief of police during its March 10 meeting. Oakes, who has served with the Cheney Police Department for 15 years, has been acting interim chief without the official title since 2022. Mayor Elsa Martin said Oakes' long record of public service made him a strong choice. After the unanimous vote, attendees in the council chambers applauded as Oakes was sworn in. Oakes took an oath to uphold the...
2026 NCAA Tournament bracket strategy: Tips and trends to help you win your pool One of the country’s favorite traditions in sports is back at last. The 68-team 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket is set, and tens of millions will fill out their own brackets in the coming days, chasing bragging rights and the near-impossible perfect bracket across 67 games. With upsets on tap, Cinderellas emerging, and blue-blood programs chasing another national title, everyone is searching for...
CHENEY - Sydney Thornton had what was probably a tough choice to make March 7. The 13-year-old youth Colfax wrestler could have stayed home to remember her older brother, Corey Jr., who passed away at age 20 on that date in 2022. Or, as she did, Sydney, chose to honor his memory in the place that feels most like home - a wrestling mat at a Little Guys Wrestling League tournament. The day is naturally one that has remained tender and emotional for the entire Thornton family....
CHENEY - Not only did the Cheney girls wrestling team land a Greater Spokane League regular season championship but they made a haul with post-season honors. Head coach Jeremy McGee provided a snapshot of his team's efforts throughout the 2025-26 season. Wrestler of the Year Jalisca Homgren (125) Greater Spokane League Wrestler of the Year Jalisca Homgren is the base on which the Cheney program has been built. She was there in the beginning and became a four-time state...
MEDICAL LAKE - As he approaches the 2026 track and field season, Cardinals head coach Gene Blankenship is not his usual out on the edge boastful self. Now in his 15th season heading the track program at Medical Lake, Blankenship, who doubles in the fall as cross country coach, is both wary and cautious. "First of all, our numbers are down," Blankenship said. "We actually have 20 girls and 30 boys on the roster, but we've been averaging maybe 41-42 kids at practice right now....
MEDICAL LAKE — Three Cardinal wrestlers are being recognized for their seasons. Among the top All-Northeast A league wrestlers from Medical Lake are: First Team James Oliver, senior James Oliver came into the season off a third-place state tournament finish his junior year, reported his coach, Garrett Raulston. Oliver recorded over 30 wins this season and only losing to three opponents who all were returning state champs. He finished the season taking third at state at 126 pounds. Oliver is a leader in the room and...
Full disclosure here, this might not be considered a sports column. But to cover that base this story has its beginnings with a sporting event — that a mere 18,262 and 1/2 days ago. Or in more simple numbers, 50 years, and now two days ago by the time you might likely read this. To some readers of the Cheney Free Press, perhaps you’re saying, “Haven’t I read this before?” And yes, you might have in a March 2014 edition? This version is similar, but a bit different, however! There’s no Irish ties story. Back on...
CHENEY – About 200 people filled the Cheney Congregational Church Monday evening as an intercollegiate choir performed a program centered on artificial intelligence and modern life. The performance featured songs exploring themes of technology, data privacy and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping human experience. The choir was directed by Kristina Ploeger-Hekmatpanah, director of choral activities and undergraduate music education coordinator at Eastern...
