Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 47
CHENEY - When it rained it poured, literally and figuratively in Eastern Washington's Big Sky Conference football game Nov. 4 against Cal Poly. On a day where Cheney experienced over a half inch of rain, the Eagles scored in bursts, rolling over the Mustangs 48-13, led by former Eagles' head coach Paul Wulff. It took just a handful of touches of the ball by Eastern to build a 14-0 lead in the first 2 minutes, 44 seconds. Michael Wortham returned the opening kickoff 86 yards...
MEDICAL LAKE – The Medical Lake Gray Fire, which blazed through 10,000 acres of land and destroyed 240 homes on August 18, 2023, left a trail of devastation in its wake. In the aftermath of the Gray Fire, a dedicated group of volunteers has united to assist homeowners in clearing the debris, making way for the reconstruction of their homes. Mayor Terri Cooper, who was actively coordinating volunteers at the parking lot of Medical Lake High School, revealed the collaborative ef...
OLYMPIA… Sen. Mark Schoesler is encouraging teenagers in the 9th Legislative District to apply to become a Senate page during the upcoming 2024 legislative session in Olympia. Schoesler, R-Ritzville, is allowed to sponsor several students as pages during the 60-day session, which starts Jan. 8 and ends March 7. “Being a page during a legislative session is a great way to see the state Legislature in action and learn how it functions,” said Schoesler. “Pages have a chance to meet and work with other pages from around the sta...
CHENEY – After more than five decades of serving the Cheney community, Hilton Real Estate has decided to close its doors according to owner Jerry Hilton. Hilton, 73, and his son, Dan Hilton, 48, a city council member, said a lot of thought went into the decision. “My father, Earl Hilton, bought the business from Victor Wilson Real Estate in 1966, and renamed it Earl Hilton Real Estate,” Jerry Hilton said. “Operating in Cheney, the business began with a mission to serve t...
While the last veterans who survived the “surprise” Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor are dwindling rapidly, we cannot let their sacrifices and the memories of that horrific day which propelled America into World War II fade into history. On December 7, 1941, 350 Japanese aircraft descended on Honolulu’s military installations in two shocking waves. More than 2,400 Americans were killed, and 21 ships were sunk or damaged. Our Veterans who fought and won WWII are now 90 or older...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS - The West Plains Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Best of the West Awards gala on the evening of November 1, bringing together hundreds of area residents at the Northern Quest Resort and Casino. The event, a showcase of community, bravery, and the triumph over adversity, is a time-honored tradition that typically raises funds for the chamber’s activities. However, this year’s gala took on a special significance as it channeled its resources into sup...
Like many businesses across Eastern Washington, Free Press Publishing is going to winter hours. Effective Nov. 8, our Whitman County Gazette office will resume Wednesday closures through cold-weather months. And beginning Nov. 10, our Cheney Free Press office will be closed Fridays. Our Lincoln County Record-Times and Ritzville Adams County Journal offices are already closed Fridays. Closing our offices one day a week for the winter doesn’t mean you have any less news coverage. (Our reporters will still be working as news hap...
CHENEY - Nick Johnson, the owner of Inland Ale Works, embarked on his brewing journey over three decades ago when he first dabbled in home brewing. Today, he's the sole proprietor and operator of Inland Ale Works, a local brewery that he founded three years ago. Johnson's deep-rooted passion for brewing has been a driving force throughout his life. Johnson's journey into the world of brewing began 33 years ago, and it's been marked by an enduring love for the craft. He said...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS - Chris Bornhoft, the force behind Bornhoft Commercial, has been awarded the prestigious West Plains Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year Award. An honor that recognizes his outstanding contributions to the local business community. Bornhoft and his wife Marianne have been the driving a lot of projects in the region. While he predominantly oversees commercial ventures, his wife’s expertise lies in the realm of residential development. Together, t...
In a recent community meeting held in the West Plains area, various individuals and organizations gathered to discuss initiatives and collaborative efforts aimed at quelling human trafficking, youth substance use, and domestic violence. The meeting touched upon several areas, including education, community safety, social services, and support for those affected by the Gray Fire. Mark Losh, the CEO of the West Plains Chamber of Commerce kicked off the meeting by revealing...
SPOKANE COUNTY - Representative Mike Volz and Representative Suzanne Schmidt are proposing legislation for the upcoming 2024 legislative session to make building homes after wildfires easier. The two state representatives represent th 6th and 4th legislative districts. Districts 6 and 4 include areas that suffered by the Grey Fire and the Oregon Road Fire. Many residents who lost their homes and facing the realization new state building regulations mean more time and money goes into building homes. In many cases, citizens...
CHENEY - In the heart of West Plains, an agricultural resurgence is taking place, driven by a dedicated group of people committed to nurturing the next generation of farmers and innovators. The West Plains Ag Boosters, a non-profit organization, have been sowing the seeds of generosity and support for over a decade. Their Annual Benefit Dinner and Auction is not just a fundraiser but a celebration of the crucial role agriculture plays in our society. The West Plains Ag...
The Cheney High School Marching Band and Color Guard celebrated a remarkable victory at the Harvest Festival of Bands on October 21, securing 2nd Place in their division and a coveted Best Visual Award. The win is a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and musical excellence according to Band Director Joshua Wisswell. Wisswell emphasized their strong, supportive, and collaborative culture, both on and off the field. “Off the field, we are a close-knit group that s...
Soil, like children, needs to be fed. It matters what you give them for their health. The soil needs nutrients. Organic material improves the quality and productivity of the soil. Soil doesn’t like compounds that include pesticides and herbicides or animal fats. They make the soil sick. If your plants seemed to lack vigor this summer, most likely is was due to your soil being infertile. Your soil is resting in the winter. However, you may apply organic (animal) manure in winter unless runoff from your garden could find its w...
CHENEY – The Cheney Lions Club is looking to expand their attendance. The group meets the second Tuesday of each month at El Rodeo Restaurant, 505 2nd St. They are looking for people with fresh ideas on how to engage with and help the local community, and dinner is free for those in attendance....
CHENEY – In a heartwarming display of community service, Cheney High School students from the Key Club and Honor Society recently came together for their eighth annual "rake away" event. This initiative, which takes place once a year in the first week of November, involves students raking leaves for residents in their neighborhood. The positive impact of their actions on the community is evident from the words of a 78-year-old resident who shared her experience of w...
The Writers Workshop began as a non-credited course through the Community Colleges of Spokane Institute for Extended Learning. The course changed to the ACT 2 Program to encourage seniors over the age of 50 to participate in classes. This course was designed for those who want to write memoirs, stories, essays or poetry. Members share their work, weekly. Discussion and thoughtful, considerate, feedback is encouraged. Lisa Conger, the third course facilitator, acquired the position in 2000. After Fall quarter, 2019, the...
CHENEY, WA - Bi-Mart has been named the “Cheney Business of the Year” in the prestigious West Plains Chamber Best of the West Awards on Nov. 1. This award serves as a testament to the hard work and commitment of the team behind the Cheney store, led by the dedicated manager, Nelson Lund. Lund, who has been an integral part of the Cheney store for over seven and a half years, expressed his gratitude and pride in the recognition. He attributes the store’s success to an incre...
Redemption Church stands as a symbol of faith, resilience, and community service. Established nearly a century ago, this church has been on a remarkable journey, leaving a lasting impact on the community it calls home according to Pastor Nick Hawkins. The West Plains Chamber of Commerce has named them as the Non-Profit of the Year, recognizing their dutiful contributions. Pastor Nick Hawkins explains that Redemption Church had its humble beginnings when two dedicated women emb...
MEDICAL LAKE - A picturesque community nestled in the heart of Washington State, is home to a thriving local business that's making a significant impact, and the West Plains Chamber of Commerce recognized their efforts by presenting the company with the Medical Lake business of the Year Award on Nov. 1. Dirt Worx, a company specializing in heavy equipment operation and earthmoving services, received the award, and it was in large part due to the volunteer work the owner has...
PASCO - The Medical Lake girls cross country team finished fourth in the state 2A meet Saturday, Nov. 4 at Sun Willows Golf Course. It's a spot lower than their 2022 finish. Meanwhile, the boys equaled their ninth-place from a year ago. But that did not deter Coach Gene Blankenship from being pleased with what transpired in a crazy season that began under the pall of the tragedy and devastation of the Gray Fire, Aug. 18. "I was pretty pleased, I was hoping the girls could get...
SPOKANE – The Liberty (Spangle) Lancers were able to top the Brewster Bears in four sets during the 2B volleyball crossover at Mead High School on Saturday. In a highly competitive matchup, the Lancers took the first set 25-22 in a back-and-forth game. Liberty was also able to take the second set 25-15, creating some breathing room. The Bears wouldn't back down, and battled back to take the third set 25-20. The Lancers were now up 2-1, and refused to let the Bears catch up. B...
CHENEY — The Walla Walla Blue Devils made the most of their two-and-one-half hour, 140-mile journey to Tom Oswald Field, Nov. 2. In a cross-over football game between a pair of winless programs played on a soggy field and with fog making visibility a challenge, Walla Walla went home with a 42-13 win largely fueled by its passing attack. The Blue Devils (1-9) from the Mid-Columbia Conference got a six-touchdown performance from quarterback Rayden Reibel as he completed 1...
LEAVENWORTH - Medical Lake football brought some sunshine into a dull and dreary day Saturday, Nov. 4. The Cardinals (1-9) snapped a 24-game losing streak and rewarded second-year head coach Nick Puzycki with his first victory, 22-6, in a season-ending crossover game against the Cascade Kodiaks (0-10). "Oh, yeah, definitely," was the Cardinal coach's reply when asked if a big weight had been lifted. "The guys played well." The Cardinals made the best of the moment following...
FOOTBALL Johnson named Co-Defensive Player of Week CHENEY — Eastern Washington defensive end Da’Marcus Johnson was named Big Sky Co-Defensive Player of the Week on Nov. 6. Johnson made the first of several game-changing defensive plays for the Eagles on Saturday against the Cal Poly Mustangs, sacking quarterback Sam Huard and stripping the ball to secure the one of three Eastern takeaways in their 48-13 win. The Fresno State transfer added another forced fumble late in the game, tacking on 5 tackles and a quarterback hur...
