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  • City moves transportation ordinance forward

    Matthew Stephens, Valley Herald|Updated Oct 26, 2023

    SPOKANE VALLEY – The city has been discussing a transportation benefit district for quite some time, and Deputy City Manager Erik Lamb brought the second reading of ordinance 23-018 on Oct. 24, which was passed by council. Lamb also asked for consensus on setting a public hearing, and that passed with five council members voting for it, and two voting in opposition. Council woman Laura Padden and council woman Brandi Peetz did not vote in favor of the ordinance during the s...

  • Valley slowpitch teams finish strong

    Matthew Stephens, Valley Herald|Updated Oct 26, 2023

    SPOKANE VALLEY – High School sports are moving quickly into the post season, and the slow pitch softball teams from Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake have solidified their rankings this year. The Greater Spokane League has a few teams performing well out of Spokane Valley, and the University Titans are sitting in the top ranked spot in the league 3A division. The Titans won the league championship after beating Mount Spokane 12-5 on Oct. 20. It’s the first district title for...

  • Valley soccer teams eyeing playoffs

    Matthew Stephens, Valley Herald|Updated Oct 26, 2023

    SPOKANE VALLEY – With playoff soccer already underway, a couple of Spokane Valley teams are already in the postseason mindset. The Greater Spokane League 2A division had the West Valley Eagles winning the championship this season, and moving right into a top playoff spot. The Eagles finished their regular season with a 5-0 shutout win over Clarkston Oct. 19, and went undefeated 16-0 on the year. The East Valley Knights finished third in the division, with 10 wins and six l...

  • Regional training facility now open

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Oct 26, 2023

    SPOKANE COUNTY – A first of its kind partnership in the nation that has been years in the making has finally been completed, and over 100 people gathered for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new facility on the West Plains. The resulting law enforcement and military training facility was built as a joint effort between the Spokane County Sheriff's Office and Fairchild Air Force Base. Spokane County officials say the cost of building the center was about $41 m...

  • General cleanup beginning at pool

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Oct 26, 2023

    CHENEY – Fencing and dumpsters are in place at the city pool as general cleanup is set to begin according to City Administrator Mark Schuller. “Right now it’s just city staff going in and doing some cleanup,” Schuller said. “They are removing lighter debris right now.” “We will be looking into bids for complete demolition shortly.” Contractor bids may be taken as early as next week according to Schuller, but the actual work timeline will depend on other things. Schulle...

  • Tyler Grange #610 sets record

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Oct 26, 2023

    TYLER - The Tyler Grange #610 marked a historic achievement on October 21 as they celebrated their annual harvest feast and fundraiser auction. This year’s event proved to be a resounding success, raising a staggering $6,500 according to Glen Dean, spokesperson for the group. This is the most money the group has raised so far in their 60-year history of holding the banquet. Some of the auction items surprised guests and organizers, as a single huckleberry pie was auctioned o...

  • Community Briefs

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Oct 20, 2023

    Local Church hosting craft fair CHENEY – The Cheney Church of the Nazarene will be holding their annual craft fair on Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 338 W. Betz. The fair was stopped for a couple of years due to COVID, and this will be the second fair since the pandemic. According to organizers they had a huge turnout last year and hope to bring in more guests this year. Admission is free, and they will have nearly 40 vendors on site with a variety of goods, crafts and f...

  • Ridgeline overpowers Titans, 55-7

    Matthew Stephens, Valley Herald|Updated Oct 19, 2023

    LIBERTY LAKE – The Ridgeline Falcons found themselves flying into the record books on Oct. 13, as they set a new program record for points scored in a game during the 55-7 onslaught they brought against the Titans of University High School. Granted, the school is new so the program is very young, but the record is set nonetheless. They will move into a playoff spot with the win, and have seemingly overwhelmed other district teams like Central Valley and University. Some e...

  • New manager joins Turnbull

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Oct 19, 2023

    CHENEY – One of the area’s most popular recreational spots has a new manager. Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge brought on Cassie Roeder as the new Refuge Manager, and Deputy Project Leader for the entire complex. The entire Inland Northwest National Refuge Complex includes Turnbull, Little Pend O’Reille National Wildlife Refuge and Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. On Saturday, Oct. 14 she met with members of the non-profit Friends of Turnbull, and told them about curre...

  • Long term recovery efforts discussed

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Oct 19, 2023

    SPOKANE – Long term recovery efforts are still in question for the fire victims of the Gray Fire, and a couple dozen people met at the Red Cross, 315 W. Nora, on Oct. 12 to discuss current allocations and potential options moving forward. They were joined by Washington Governor Jay Inslee. Inslee said he and his team visited the meeting to see if there is any other way in which the state can help, and to see if current efforts are being coordinated adequately. He also said t...

  • Grants awarded by department of commerce

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Oct 19, 2023

    OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Commerce recently announced $850,000 in grants to four projects that support efforts to develop beneficial uses for industrial waste. The Industrial Symbiosis Program is only in its second year, and funded projects range from research and development to implementation. “Industrial symbiosis is one tool from a set of forward-looking ideas and applications demonstrating that growth does not have to equal waste,” said Commerce Director...

  • Local artist closing studio

    Matthew Stephens, Valley Herald|Updated Oct 19, 2023

    CHENEY – An internationally known sculptor will be closing his studio soon as he prepares to move to Wenatchee. He also has a project in the works that would bring a piece of his art to Liberty Lake, but market pressure and material expenses make these projects difficult. Warrington explained it is affecting his ability to land current jobs. "I have a potential client in Liberty Lake that is looking at a large bronze sculpture install," Warrington said. "Well, I just c...

  • Unable to survive in wild

    Matthew Stephens|Updated Oct 19, 2023

    SPOKANE VALLEY – A Spokane Valley educational facility, the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center is asking for the public's help in finding a missing Great Horned Owl. Marcus was last seen around Pasadena Park Elementary near Argonne and Upriver Drive on Oct. 14. The owl was being handled by caretakers when he escaped and flew away. He is imprinted on humans, meaning he relies on people for feedings and general care. Marcus is in danger for several reasons according to the c...

  • West Valley looking for state title

    Matthew Stephens, Valley Herald|Updated Oct 19, 2023

    SPOKANE VALLEY – The West Valley Eagles are running a very strong program this year, and currently sitting as the number one team in the state. According to Head Coach C.C. Collins the team is looking for a strong postseason run, and the team is currently undefeated at 15-0. They have been in the top two spots all year long, and now look to enter the state competition as the number one seed. The Eagles went undefeated through the regular season last year also, but then they l...

  • Socktober dash planned

    Matthew Stephens, Valley Herald|Updated Oct 19, 2023

    SPOKANE VALLEY – Grab your crazy socks and join in on the sixth annual Socktober Dash. The fun run will take place Oct. 21 at 9 a.m. in Mirabeau Park. There will be a 10k run and a 5k run will start 10 minutes later. Funds from the run will go to helping the Teen and Kid Closet. That group works to help thousands of youth that are in less fortunate circumstances. The group is also accepting donations of unopened sock and underwear as well. For the runners, prizes will be g...

  • October

    Matthew Stephens|Updated Oct 12, 2023

    The Ridgeline soccer players wore pink jerseys in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Two players took flowers to breast cancer survivors in the stands before the game started....

  • Sergeant on leave after use of force allegations

    Matthew Stephens, Valley Herald|Updated Oct 12, 2023

    SPOKANE VALLEY - Spokane County Sheriff Nowels was made aware of allegations of excessive use of force by Sergeant Clay Hilton on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. The following day Hilton was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. “Allegations of misconduct by law enforcement are very concerning to our community and myself. That is why I immediately asked the Spokane Police Department to investigate the actions of the Sergeant independently,” Nowels said in a pre...

  • Second public hearing on 2024 budget held

    Matthew Stephens, Valley Herald|Updated Oct 12, 2023

    SPOKANE VALLEY – On Oct. 10, city council discussed the 2024 budget again and council is scheduled to adopt the budget on Nov. 21, 2023. This was their fifth meeting for budget talks. Council will have met on eight separate occasions during the talks, including three public hearings to gather input from residents. The 2024 recurring revenue estimate of $62,316,100 is $5,897,200 or 10.45% greater than the 2023 budget of $56,418,900. The 2024 recurring expenditure proposal of $...

  • City holds open house and ribbon cutting

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Oct 12, 2023

    AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The bond recently passed by Airway Heights voters was celebrated with an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony held in the new building at 1149 S. Garfield Rd. that will potentially hold multiple city services. City leaders each took the chance to speak to the large crowd that filled what will become the new fire station and city building. City Manager Albert Tripp welcomed and thanked everyone for coming to the event, as this is one of the biggest issues t...

  • Parent shares COVID concerns

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Oct 12, 2023

    CHENEY – As reports COVID cases increase, the effect that could have on local schools has parents concerned. According to the state Department of Health, statistics show that 4%t of hospitalizations between Sept. 24-30 were COVID-related. This has some people questioning what will happen. Teresa Laher shared some thoughts during the Sept. 27 School Board meeting. Laher said she and her family are worried that restrictions may cause more harm than good. “We have a son who is...

  • City looking to crack down on nuisance properties

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Oct 12, 2023

    AIRWAY HEIGHTS – Airway Heights police are dealing with nuisance properties throughout the community, and during the Oct. 9 city council meeting Chief Brad Richmond asked council to consider making stricter penalties for properties that repeatedly violate city code. Richmond said the issue is an ongoing issue, but the method for dealing with the problem is less than adequate. Several residents attended the meeting, and shared similar concerns during the public comment p...

  • Damaged trees continue to be problematic

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Oct 12, 2023

    MEDICAL LAKE - Damaged trees continue to be a major topic of conversation as residents and fire victims continue recovering from the Gray Fire. Thousands of trees were cut down by fire fighters and utility workers during the Gray Fire response according to a recent press release from the city. Removal and disposal of the trees has been problematic as well, and that is because of the large amount of burned and downed trees. According to the press release, the city, Avista, and...

  • City holds open house and ribbon cutting

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Oct 12, 2023

    AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The bond recently passed by Airway Heights voters was celebrated with an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony held in the new building at 1149 S. Garfield Rd. that will potentially hold multiple city services. City leaders each took the chance to speak to the large crowd that filled what will become the new fire station and city building. City Manager Albert Tripp welcomed and thanked everyone for coming to the event, as this is one of the biggest issues t...

  • Cheney Depot to become eatery?

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Oct 5, 2023

    CHENEY – The Cheney Depot is undergoing a serious overhaul now that it has been moved. According to Susan Beeman with the Cheney Depot Society, the group has been working on remodeling the inside of the facility, and the plans may surprise some residents. "People may wonder what's going on with the depot," Beeman said. "It has been sitting and it may not look like much is being done, but there is a lot of work going on inside the building." She said project architect Terry M...

  • High schools celebrating homecoming

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Oct 5, 2023

    CHENEY – One thing that always follows the onset of fall is that area high schools celebrate their homecoming festivities. Cheney High School has already started its celebration; students have been celebrating with hall decorations and several dress-up days through the week. General homecoming royalty will be announced Friday, Oct. 6, during the pep rally. Winners of the royalty court will be announced during halftime of the homecoming football game against Ridgeline on F...

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