Articles written by Allan Gainer


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  • Good Grief Cheney students perform Charlie Brown

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 18, 2024

    CHENEY – The high school's drama class brought laughter and heartfelt applause to the audience last week with their performance of the timeless holiday tale, A Charlie Brown Christmas, in the school theater. The production opened with Charlie Brown, played by Robbie Little, sitting on a bench with Linus, portrayed by Alexx Ward. The two engaged in their iconic discussion about the true meaning of Christmas, setting the stage for the beloved story. Shortly after, Charlie B...

  • Cheney man opens beard company

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 18, 2024

    CHENEY – Scott Brewster recently took over as owner of Wild West Beard Co. and plans on expanding both market share and products. Not only will he have his products online, but he is looking at venturing into retail locations in the local area and eventually expand in other states. He also is about to launch two platinum oils. Brewster has a simple yet powerful philosophy: "Different for a reason." At the heart of his business is a commitment to all-natural, handmade beard o...

  • Rusty water fix gets $150k approval

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 18, 2024

    CHENEY – At their Dec. 10 meeting, city council approved the city’s final budget for 2025, totaling $81.526 million. The meeting also addressed several pressing issues, including funding for a water hydrant flushing program aimed at tackling the city’s long-standing rusty water problem. After a 25-minute discussion, the council approved $150,000 for a 14-week water flushing program. However, council members expressed concerns about its success, as similar initiatives have been attempted before. “Cheney has had the rusty w...

  • FBLA spreads holiday cheer

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 17, 2024

    CHENEY – The high school's Future Business Leaders of America club distributed more than 800 gifts to 200 indigent families Dec. 13 at the high school. In the weeks leading up to the event, chapter members placed donation boxes at businesses across the area, collecting clothing, toys and essentials for children and families. Led by chapter President Rylan Rajewski, students partnered with the community outreach center, five local businesses in Cheney and Airway Heights, and s...

  • Driver killed in fiery tanker crash

    Allan Gainer and Clare McGraw, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 12, 2024

    CHENEY – A semi-tanker crash on Interstate 90 claimed the life of a driver last Thursday morning at 8:18 a.m. According to the Washington State Patrol's report, the vehicle slipped on the ice and rolled over prior to catching on fire at milepost 266, five miles west of Cheney. Washington State Department of Transportation closed I-90 in both directions between the Salnave exit (MP 264) and the Four Lakes exit (MP 271) as vehicles took alternate routes through Medical Lake, C...

  • Holiday Hoopla takes over in Cheney

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 12, 2024

    CHENEY – The festive spirit filled Cheney's downtown on Dec. 6 as the city celebrated its annual Holiday Hoopla, signaling the start of the holiday season. Sponsored by the Cheney Members Association, the event transformed the downtown corridor into a hub of cheer, featuring open businesses, activities for children, and a grand finale tree lighting ceremony. At 7:45 p.m., hundreds of residents gathered near the city library for the much-anticipated tree lighting. Mayor C...

  • Former longtime Cheney mayor dies

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 12, 2024

    CHENEY – William Thomas (Tom) Trulove, a transformative figure in Cheney's history and an economist, passed away on Dec. 2 at the age of 81. Trulove, who served as Cheney's mayor for five terms, dedicated his life to public service and the betterment of his community. His tenure in public office spanned decades, including roles on the city council and planning board, as well as leadership positions on county and statewide boards. Trulove first made history in 1978 when he b...

  • USPS announces holiday shipping deadlines

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 12, 2024

    CHENEY – The U.S. Postal Service has released its guidelines for ensuring packages and mail reach their destinations by Dec. 25. Customers are encouraged to plan ahead and follow these suggested mailing deadlines: • Dec. 16: Ground shipping to Alaska and Hawaii. • Dec. 18: Ground shipping for the lower 48 states and first-class mail (letters and cards). • Dec. 19: Priority Mail service for the lower 48 states. • Dec. 20: Priority Mail Express service to Alaska and Hawaii. • Dec. 21: Priority Mail Express service for the low...

  • Cheney High School FBLA spreads holiday cheer through community fundraising

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 12, 2024

    CHENEY – The Future Business Leaders of America chapter at Cheney High School is rallying the community to help those in need this holiday season by collecting funds and gifts. Club members have set up donation boxes at businesses across the West Plains, encouraging contributions of clothes, toys, and other items for children and families in need. The club will be distributing the gifts, clothing and other items on Friday from 4 – 7 p.m. Last year, club president Rylan Raj...

  • Public Records

    Allan Gainer and Clare McGraw, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 12, 2024

    Airway Heights AIRWAY HEIGHTS — The Police Department reported the following arrests from Dec. 2 - 5: Dec. 2 Zachary M. Hicks was arrested on South King Street and West 3rd Avenue for driving without an ignition interlock device. Dec. 3 Cheyanne R. Cooper was arrested for third-degree assault on the 13600 block of West 6th Avenue. Dec. 4 Ervin C. Scolnic was arrested for driving under the influence on the 14300 block of West Highway 2. Dec. 5 Zachary M. Hicks was arrested for second-degree assault and two counts of f...

  • What's Happening, West Plains?

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 12, 2024

    Santa’s ride through Cheney CHENEY – Santa will be joining the firefighters this year for their annual Local 1919 Candy Cane Ride through Cheney this Saturday starting at 4:30 p.m. Santa along with the firefighters will be handing out candy with holiday music filling the neighborhood streets. You can visit the city’s web site to see the map with approximate times. Pictures with Santa will begin at 8 p.m. at Safeway complex. Orchestra Holiday Fundraiser CHENEY – The high school is hosting an orchestra holiday fundrai...

  • Semi-tanker overturns and catches fire on I-90, resulting in fatality

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 5, 2024

    CLEAR LAKE – An accident occurred at 9:30 a.m. on Interstate 90 near the Salnave exit when a semi-tanker rolled over and caught fire, claiming one life. The Washington State Department of Transportation closed I-90 in both directions between the Salnave exit (264) and the Four Lakes exit (271). Traffic was rerouted through Medical Lake, Cheney, and surrounding side roads. The overturned semi blocked both lanes of the freeway. Emergency crews, including Washington State P...

  • Dow's festive lights dazzle Cheney

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 5, 2024

    CHENEY – As part of preparations for the city's Holiday Hoopla this Friday, the team at Dow's Excavation Inc. decorated the holiday tree on Nov. 25, marking their second year of involvement. Owner Wayne Dow said this year's decorations include festive holiday bulbs alongside the traditional lights, bringing an extra touch to the tree. "We wanted to go beyond just lights and add something special," Dow said, expressing gratitude to Steven Jeffries of SunBelt Rentals for d...

  • Council considers budgeting for rusty water fix

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 5, 2024

    CHENEY—On Nov. 26, the city council advanced its proposed $81.5 million budget for 2025, setting it up for final approval after a public hearing on Dec. 10. Following nearly four hours of discussion, council member Vincent Barthels introduced a new budget consideration: addressing the city’s water system’s high iron content. The council agreed to evaluate the potential costs of flushing the water system to improve quality. If included, this initiative would increase the 2025 budget further. The proposed 2025 budget refle...

  • Local business owner returns with Cheney Auto Care

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 5, 2024

    CHENEY – Local business owner opens Cheney Auto Care, 107 H St., last month in the downtown area. Chris Gallagher, owner of Cheney Auto Care, open a complete auto care business after a five-year absence from Cheney. Gallagher returns back into the auto repair industry, bringing his expertise and passion for car care to the area. Gallagher's journey with auto repair in Cheney began in 1997 when he opened his first garage, now the site of Basin Feed. After a decade, he r...

  • School board OKs policy changes, budget

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 5, 2024

    MEDICAL LAKE – At its Nov. 26 meeting, the School District Board approved the final financial report for the 2023-24 school year, which detailed expenditures of nearly $32 million. The board also addressed various items, including adjustments to competitive bid thresholds, propane contracts, and accommodating eighth-grade athletes for high school basketball. Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, Chad Moss, presented the financial summary: • General Fund: Revenues totaled $30,970,937, while expenses reached $31,2...

  • What's Happening, West Plains?

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 5, 2024

    Blackhawk Boosters craft fair CHENEY – The Cheney Blackhawk Booster Club is hosting the annual booster craft fair on Saturday at the high school, 460 N. 6th Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be activities and craft vendors. Cheney Comprehensive Plan Open House CHENEY – City of Cheney is hosting a comprehensive plan open house on Dec. 9 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the city’s utility building, 112 Anderson Road. A comprehensive plan is also known as a master plan or general plan for the city. This plan is a strategic document to...

  • Back in the Day

    Allan Gainer|Updated Dec 5, 2024

    1 years ago Dec 4, 2014 With no public comment received, Cheney City Council closed its 2015 budget hearing and proceeded to unanimously adopt the city’s just over $23.37 million budget. Stage West Community Theater hosted “It’s a Wonderful Life” by taking the audience back in time to the radio station SWCT for the classic Christmas radio drama. News of groundbreaking on a proposed $26 million shuttle loading grain terminal near Four Lakes Nov. 14, surprised City of Cheney officials – and they are hoping project proponent...

  • Medical Lake event to honor heroes

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 5, 2024

    MEDICAL LAKE – The State Veterans Cemetery at Medical Lake will host its annual Veterans Holiday Remembrance ceremony on Saturday, December 14, at 12 p.m. Following a brief ceremony, attendees are invited to place holiday boughs on grave sites to honor the memory of veterans. The cemetery, located at 21702 W. Espanola Road, will provide the boughs for the event. The State Veterans Cemetery offers burial services for eligible U.S. veterans who have received an honorable or general discharge. These services extend to their depe...

  • Winter Festival brings holiday cheer

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Nov 26, 2024

    MEDICAL LAKE – The annual Winter Festival is set for noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 14 downtown, offering a day of festive activities for the whole community. This year's event introduces new features, Festival Director Kylie Stein said. "We're adding a tree sale, chainsaw carving at Sun West Automotives, pony rides, and an expanded Elf Village with more houses," Stein said. Last year, the Elf Village had only two houses due to damage caused by fire. "Thanks to dedicated volunteers, w...

  • Woman arrested after ramming cop car

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Nov 26, 2024

    AIRWAY HEIGHTS – A local woman is in jail after allegedly ramming a patrol car several times Nov. 18 and attempting to flee police in a stolen vehicle. Sadie Marie Brown, 30, is being held on $6,000 bail in the Spokane County Jail. She was initially facing charges of possession of stolen motor vehicle, attempting to elude police, first- and third-degree malicious mischief, obstructing a public official, intimidating a public servant, making a false statement, third-degree theft and possession of a controlled substance on N...

  • Cheney considers $81.5 million budget

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Nov 26, 2024

    CHENEY – The City Council approved on first readiung a proposed $81.5 million budget for 2025 and tackled a packed agenda during its Nov. 12 meeting. Council members were scheduled to discuss the budget again Nov. 26; due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the newspaper went to press before meeting time. The budget largely reflects funding for projects, including the purple pipe initiative and pool construction, according to City Finance Director Cindy Niemeier. In addition to budget discussions, the city is set to raise its u...

  • Infected horses euthanized

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Nov 26, 2024

    CHENEY – The equine community is reeling after two horses were euthanized over the weekend of Nov. 16-17 due to a neuropathogenic strain of Equine Herpes Virus, also known as Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy. The contagious and often fatal disease has prompted the state Department of Agriculture to issue a warning to local horse owners. Both affected horses had been at J Spear Arena in recent weeks, a facility that frequently hosts events such as team roping competitions. The arena has since been quarantined and t...

  • Vision Haus celebrates 13 years

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Nov 26, 2024

    CHENEY – Vision Haus is marking its 13th anniversary this month, celebrating over a decade of providing eye care to the Cheney community. Founded in 2011 by optometrist Dr. Scott E. Borgholthaus and his wife, Jeannette Borgholthaus, the business at 1867 First St. was inspired by an unexpected visit here. “The first time we came here was for our son’s relay race at the state championship at Roos Field,” Jeannette recalled. “That’s when we realized there wasn’t an eye doctor in this town. It’s a pretty big place, with a c...

  • Community Events

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Nov 26, 2024

    Annual Turkey Trot set to run CHENEY – The 17th Annual Turkey Trot takes place on Nov. 28 at the high school, 460 N. 6th Street at 9:00 a.m. This event is open to Thanksgiving Day walkers, runners and your dog, too. You can receive a ticket for drawings to win a turkey and other prizes. Portion of the race fee will be donated to Cheney food bank. WinterFest 2024 looms AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The city hosts their annual WinterFest by ringing in the holiday season with family, friends and neighbors for 2024. On Dec. 6 from 6:00 to...

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