Articles written by Allan Gainer


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  • Double-decker buses coming to Cheney

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Jan 8, 2025

    SPOKANE – Cheney will soon become the first area in the region to see double-decker buses on its streets. Spokane Transit Authority (STA) announced on December 20 that the first two double-decker buses will begin serving routes 66 and 6 in the second half of this year. Route 66 provides a direct connection between Spokane and Eastern Washington University, while Route 6 primarily serves the Cheney area. The transit authority confirmed that an additional five double-decker buses will arrive in February and are expected to b...

  • Driver in fatal I-90 semi-tanker crash identified

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Jan 7, 2025

    SPOKANE – Authorities have identified the victim of the semi-tanker crash on Interstate 90 near the Salnave exit as Roberto Martinez, 51. The Spokane County Medical Examiner confirmed the identity on Dec. 18, although the cause and manner of death remain under investigation. Kimberly Martinez, Roberto's wife of five years, suspected her husband was the driver involved in the fiery crash but had to endure weeks of uncertainty before confirmation. Kimberly described Roberto a...

  • 2024 year in review

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Jan 5, 2025

    CHENEY – As 2024 comes to a close, our community reflects on the events that have shaped life on the West Plains. From natural disasters to political milestones, these stories have defined our year. Tyler fire devastates community On July 26, the Tyler Fire scorched 252 acres, destroying several homes and threatening the town. Crews from the Washington Department of Natural Resources, Spokane County Fire Districts 3 and 10, and regional partners worked tirelessly, aided by h...

  • Good Grief Cheney students perform Charlie Brown

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Jan 5, 2025

    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...

  • FBLA spreads holiday cheer

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Jan 5, 2025

    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...

  • Certified site boosts Spokane logistics hub

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 30, 2024

    AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The Spokane International Airport Rail-Truck Transload Center has achieved a significant milestone by being designated as a Certified Site by Burlington Northern Santa Fee Railway, as announced Dec. 17. This certification is part of railroad’s Site Certification Program, which identifies prime rail-served locations and evaluates them against ten economic development criteria to ensure readiness and minimize risks for potential customers. Ezra Eckhardt, Chair of the Spokane Airport Board, expressed gratitude f...

  • News Briefs

    Allan Gainer and Clare McGraw, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 30, 2024

    County democrats elect 2025 leaders SPOKANE — The Spokane County Democratic Central Committee elected new leadership for 2025. In a Dec. 19 release, Democrats nammed Naida Spencer as chairwoman, Kris Neely as vice chairwoman, Bettie Kibala as deputy vice chairwoman, and Bernadine Bank and Schade Maghan as state committee members. “I believe in uniting the diverse perspectives within our party and empowering committees to drive decision-making,” Spencer said in the announcement. “Together, we will champion core Democra...

  • Wrong-way crash leaves one dead

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 23, 2024

    CHENEY – A tragic wrong-way collision on Interstate 90 near the Amazon warehouse resulted in one fatality and two injuries late Monday night, Dec. 18. The Washington State Patrol reported that Carol G. Johnson, 81, of Medical Lake, was driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of the freeway when her 2007 Chevrolet Aveo collided head-on with a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado. The Silverado was being driven by Sherman J. Reese, 68, of Deer Park. Reese was with Stacy A. Reese, 57, as she was a passenger in the Silverado. The crash o...

  • Two killed in Highway 2 crash after tree falls

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 23, 2024

    AIRWAY HEIGHTS – Two people lost their lives in an accident on Highway 2 east of Airway Heights early morning, Dec. 18. A tree fell across the highway, striking their eastbound box truck and causing it to veer off the road. The Washington State Patrol reported that the incident occurred at 6:27 a.m. Both the driver and passenger were pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest the tree, located on airport property, may have fallen due to severe weather conditions. The National Weather Service had i...

  • Cheney issues reminder about winter snow parking rules

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 23, 2024

    CHENEY – The City of Cheney is reminding residents of parking regulations during snow periods to ensure efficient snow removal and safer streets for all. When two or more inches of snow accumulate on city streets, and until the snow is cleared, vehicles may not be parked on any street or city right-of-way between midnight and 6 a.m. In the central business district, the restricted hours are between 3 and 6 a.m. Mayor Chris Grover emphasized the importance of planning ahead, especially during the holiday season, saying, ...

  • Public Records

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 23, 2024

    Medical Lake MEDICAL LAKE — The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls for service from Nov. XX-XX: Dec. 11 9:33 a.m. – Medical Call on 1451 W Maple St. 9:43 a.m. – Suspicious Vehicle on 320 E. Norma Lee Ave. 12:46 p.m. – Medical Call on 420 E. Jim Darby Dr. 3:02 p.m. – Reckless driving on 1010 E. Lake St. 3:51 p.m. – Vehicle Blocking on N. Minnie St./W. Brooks Rd. 9:11 p.m. – Medical Call on 124 N. Hallett St. Dec. 12 8:22 a.m. – SCOPE needed on 124 S. LeFevre St. 8:43 a.m. – Wellfare check on 1...

  • Cheney engages with comp clan update

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 23, 2024

    CHENEY – On Dec. 9, the city hosted an open house for its 2017-2037 Comprehensive Plan Update, an initiative mandated by Washington State’s Growth Management Act. This act requires cities to craft long-term plans to manage population growth, shaping their 20-year vision with goals, policies, and actionable steps. This plan serves as a guiding document for local officials and staff, influencing daily decision-making processes. A key aspect of the update process is incorporating community input to refine the city’s futur...

  • Local masons provide funds to local orgs

    ALLAN GAINER, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 23, 2024

    CHENEY – Masonic Temple Lodge No. 42 provided support to five local organizations through donations, recently. The lodge donated to $905 to Cancer Can’t, $1,000 to Feed Spokane, $500 to Christ Kitchen, $200 to Second Harvest Inland Northwest and $300 to KREM Cares Tom’s Turkey Drive. Where each organization received matching funds from Washington Masonic Services, an organization that offers to assist masons and others in need, focusing on aging in place and securing resources for basic essentials. According to Becky Van K...

  • Back in the Day

    Allan Gainer, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 23, 2024

    1 years ago Dec 11, 2014 After serving 12 years as Medical Lake Councilmember, Brenda Redell resigned from city council due to moving outside city limits. Medical Lake volunteers counted 86 deer in one hour, Saturday evening while likely more will come into the city. Members of the Citizens Deer Advisory Committee went around four routes, recording any deer they saw. Defense set the tone early in last Saturday’s Football Championship Subdivision Playoff game between No. 5-ranked Eastern Washington University and No. 12 -...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

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