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Cheney School District has a unique identity because of its diversity. A university town serves as its anchor supported by yet another small town with its commercial/manufacturing weight. We extend to Eagle Ridge, slide over Four Lakes and down Interstate 90 and fence in Medical Lake. It is an amazing footprint that eventually feeds all upcoming ninth-graders into the high school. District information states that passing the new bond will expand the high school to house 1,600 students. This will serve us, it says, until...
This is turning out to be a busy year for Cheney’s Snow Angels. In 2012, City Councilman John Taves saw a need and organized a small band of volunteers to shovel or snowblow sidewalks and driveways for residents who are unable to clear their own snow. The number of volunteers varies from year to year and this winter there are seven — Martin Seedorf, Duane Issac, Tom Whitfield, John Taves, Bill Nation, Anton Stout and Joseph Aginen. If you are unable to manage the snow on your sidewalk or driveway, you may contact Taves at...
The Cheney School District has chosen to go for round three of the bond proposal vote. In 2015, the voters rejected the $44.8 million bond twice. I have pleaded with the school board, at their meetings, to come up with a lower bond amount and only go for the needs not all the wants. Instead, they have pushed the amount from the previous $44.8 million to now $52 million. This is a new tax, and since it is an unlimited general obligation bond, it is like a new mortgage on our property. Even those who rent pay through their...
I have been a school and department secretary for Cheney Public Schools for 17 years, and I am writing in support of the proposed bond being put to voters Feb. 14, 2017. Enrollment is increasing. Our district resides in some of the fastest growing areas of Spokane County. As citizens of these communities, it is important to step up and invest in the education of our children. By providing safe, modern facilities, and a learning atmosphere of innovation and creativity, our students will be better prepared to face the...
It wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to deem the state legislative session getting underway this week as the “Education Legislature.” Education will be front and center, particularly how best to fund it and hence live up to the directives of the Washington Supreme Court and this state’s constitution to make basic education our top priority. While that is a complex task, it shouldn’t be as difficult as legislators and others are making it out to be. So far, to meet the requirements of the court’s 2012 McCleary decision, t...
By JOHN McCALLUM Editor For the second time in about six months, I’ve been saved by a young girl. In August, I wrote about a recent mission trip to Guatemala, of trying to hike into a village during a rainstorm along narrow, muddy, slick footpaths in fading daylight and feeling lost. Of being prevented from becoming lost by a 10-year-old girl who appeared out of the rain and fog of my glasses to guide me along the path to the house I was seeking. The girl was Rebecca Ico, granddaughter of Julian Ico. Julian often a...
The number of police officers shot and killed last year rose dramatically. So did the number of assaults on cops and the stress under which they work. That trend ought to concern every American because violence impacts our neighborhoods, schools and where we work and shop. Ask any realtor and they will tell you that safe streets and good schools are top of the mind among renters and home buyers. “Officers Down,” the group sponsoring the national law enforcement memorial, rep...
We want to thank everyone who has supported Feed Medical Lake in 2016 whether by donation or participation. Feed Medical Lake is a vital program for the community of Medical Lake and nearby communities. Supper is served the second Monday of each month from 5–6 p.m. with groceries distributed at 4:15 p.m. Lunch is served the fourth Monday of each month from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Take out available at all meals. Groceries and meals are free, and no proof of income is required. Everyone is welcome to attend these meals — a...
The Cheney School District has chosen to go for round three of the bond proposal vote. In 2015, the voters rejected the $44.8 million bond twice. I have pleaded with the school board, at their meetings, to come up with a lower bond amount and only go for the needs not all the wants. Instead, they have pushed the amount from the previous $44.8 million to now $52 million. This is a new tax, and since it is an unlimited general obligation bond, it is like a new mortgage on our property. Even those who rent pay through their rent...
What is it about winter and impaired judgment? First off, it generally has little to do with too much spiked eggnog punch like that Clark Griswold wolfed down while surrounded by a house filled with dysfunctional family members in the movie classic, “Christmas Vacation.” Now the acronym DWI — driving while intoxicated and the term many of us grew up with has given way to DUI, driving under the influence — is ripe for a rebrand. DWI from now on ought to signify: Driving...
One thing is certain — 2017 will be an interesting year for journalism. In fact, it will be interesting for media in general. And, that might not be limited to just 2017, but 2018, 2019 and on. Nationally, we are all aware of the challenges to news organizations. The term “fake news” has been kicked around so much, it’s beginning to take on other forms than what was originally referenced. That early focus was on websites that were blatantly making things up, and could be disproved through facts of all shapes and sizes....
By DON C. BRUNELL Contributor As 2017 approaches, it is fascinating to look back at the vast changes in our lives over the last century and then imagine where we may be headed in the next 25 years. It is hard to picture that in the year 1900, more than 100,000 horses were in New York City. However, in 1917 the final horse-drawn carts, cabs and carriages left the city to be replaced by trucks, cars and buses. Henry Ford had perfected the “horseless carriage.” The Economist, a London-based magazine, highlighted the tra...
Stopping at Napa Auto Parts a couple weeks ago, Bob and I were discussing the passing of Ronnie McKinley. Bob shared in all his years, he never waited on a nicer customer. Ron Schmitt was at the counter too and added his "two bits" saying in all his years he never heard Ronnie say anything bad about anyone. We all three agreed there was no nicer man in our community as we mourned his loss. You see Ron McKinley set the bar for kindness as a neighbor and a friend. We live a...
The article “Airway heights gets $2.3 million transportation grant,” (CFP 12/08/16) seems benign enough, but a more substance discussion of state money lies behind it. In this divisive political time, it can be rather difficult to have an actual discussion on the merits of any infrastructure plan. Do we raise money via a gas tax and increase tab fees, do we let private companies take control and create tolls on all our roads, or do we just scrap improvements altogether? It is apparent that this loop project for our area needs...
Note: This column contains sensitive information about the existence of Santa Claus. Adults should silently read this piece in the presence of young children. In the last couple of weeks, some parents have probably had their children ask them that one question that is difficult to answer. No, not “where do babies come from?” This question pertains to the holidays, specifically one of its most famous icons. “Is Santa Claus real?” During Christmas time, the image of Santa Claus is everywhere. He’s on food labels, toy packaging...
For years at about this time of year, the Cheney Free Press has encouraged readers to make sure to do what they can to help those in the West Plains community who might be in search of food, gifts for Christmas and any number of other needs. There are always many more in need than the available resources can serve. Recently, a number of staff members have led by example by working with different programs such as Cheney Outreach and Toys for Tots; just two of untold numbers of examples of those who try to lend a helping hand....
Why have many American workers abandoned the Democratic Party? During the last 50 years, Republicans have systematically weakened the unions, historically a Democratic Party base. This has led to members’ distrust of union leadership and of its endorsement of Democratic candidates. Union membership among workers has dwindled from 1-in-3 in 1960 to 1-in-10 today. Yet Democrats have failed to successfully oppose Republicans’ weakening of unions. Additionally, Republican policies promoting extreme wealth inequality have als...
StageWest Community Theatre has finished our last performance for the 2016 year. We had a great run with “The Littlest Angel” from the book by Charles Tazwell and O’Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi” both adapted by first time director Judy Gross. We would like to thank the members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church for their very generous donation of the use of the building for our auditions, rehearsals and performances. We would also like to thank the following people: Mike Hartman for once again catering a very delicious meal at our...
An incident occurred the other day that got me thinking about this time of year. Walking into a grocery store last Saturday, I encountered a Salvation Army red kettle bell-ringer standing outside the entrance in the cold and snow, trying best to stay warm while doing his job. As I approached, he greeted us with a cheerful, if somewhat numb “Happy Holidays.” My response was immediate. I replied, “Happy Holidays,” and added “to you as well.” I’m not particular about holiday greetings, other than I appreciate it that someone is...
While unemployment numbers continue to drop, there is a statistic outside the official figures creating concern — people who have stopped looking for work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the official unemployment rate is currently 4.6 percent. That’s the lowest since August 2007, just before the start of the Great Recession. Not included in this, however, is the estimated 7 million men ages 25 to 54 who have dropped out of the workforce. They don’t have a job, and aren’t looking for one. It’s a disturbin...
I am writing today in regards to the article “Cheney adopts one year union contract,” Dec. 1. I wonder, with the war on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), what are the far reaching implications, considering that our local eight-person union was affected just one month after this divisive election? Could instability of the ACA have a much larger impact than people realize? The Cadillac plans are basically a government subsidy that gives the option to employers to offer a “luxury” plan that covers more medical costs than other plan...
Attention all alienated grandparents in Washington state: after working very hard for many months, it’s possible that the grandparents visitation rights statewide Legislative Initiative 877, Children Need Grandparents, may fall short of the required signatures by the Dec. 20 deadline. If you signed this initiative we thank you and ask you to get involved in this next step. Don’t get discouraged because the next step for the restoration of grandparents visitation rights law, was discussed and decided on at the Nov. 15 wor...
I am responding to Mr. (Bill) Johns’ comments that Cheney High School does not “need” an auditorium. (Cheney Free Press, Nov. 24) I think Mr. Johns must not have any idea what the “needs” of drama, choir and band programs are. I volunteered to help last year with a CHS drama production and was able to see first-hand how difficult it is for our students to practice and perform. The kids painted sets in the hall — to hang in an auditorium they couldn’t rehearse in. They couldn’t fit the entire cast on the practice stage so bloc...
If you have ever ordered clothing, jewelry, gifts or any other merchandise by phone, computer, or mail chances are those items were delivered straight to your home. Most deliveries do not require a signature and are generally left at your front door even if no one is home to accept them. These packages will quickly catch the eye of “porch pirates,” and offer thieves that opportunity they are looking for to make an easy score. Thieves, looking to steal your packages will follow or watch for UPS, Fed Ex, U.S. Mail and oth...
Tis the season of giving. We’re all familiar with the practice of gift giving over this holiday season. There is also the aspect of charitable giving. In fact, many charitable organizations and non-profits look to this time of year for help strengthening their financial and other coffers. For some, the holidays are the time of year that accounts for much of their budget for the next year. Those who are able to give often do so more generously during this holiday season. As an example, the fifth-annual Giving Tuesday saw a r...
