Al Stover returns to Cheney, signs as reporter with Cheney Free Press

My name is Al Stover, and I am the new staff reporter with the Cheney Free Press.

I recently moved back from wolf Point, Mont., a small town in the northeast part of the state that 's known for hosting the Wild Horse Stampede Rodeo every year and not much else. I was previously the editor of "The Herald-News," which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. My coverage at The Herald-News, mainly consisted of news and sports.

After an 18-hour train ride that included delays due to winds almost knocking the cars off of the tracks and sheriff's officers escorting a man off of the train, I arrived back in Spokane, Dec. 15 and started this job the next day.

My beats at the Free Press will include news and education in both Airway Heights and Medical Lake. I will also be covering Cheney High School sports, specifically wrestling and boys swimming.

Although I have only been working for the Free Press for a week, I have ties to the community. I am a proud graduate of Eastern Washington University, Class of 2013, and spent two years as a section editor at The Easterner.

In my youth, I attended Cheney Middle School, Cheney High School and Sunset Elementary. When I arrived in Airway Heights to cover the city council meeting, I was taken aback at how much the area has changed over the years.

In my spare time - if such a thing exists - I am the editor for "Cage Pages," which is a mixed martial arts blog. I also operate blogs relating to combat sports and beer.

I am excited to be working at the Free Press and having the opportunity to further my career and live out my dream while still getting a chance to be close to my family and friends.

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].