Cheney Merchants Association head senses the struggle

CHENEY — Among the hats that Doug LaBar wears, along with that of owner of Mason Jar, is captain — well president — of the Cheney Merchants Association.

While LaBar has his finger directly on the pulse of his own business, he’s also observing from a distance, those in Cheney. While he offered no specifics, one can speculate based on Mason Jar’s performance.

If they mirror the challenges he’s faced, and many do, business is down. In LaBar’s case that number is 30%, which on the surface could be linked to a lack of student population.

However, LaBar said there’s a more significant metric and dem...