The Water Front
Cheney’s new Police Chief brings stability to the role
By Nina Culver Stream contributor
The Cheney City Council voted unanimously in March to confirm Mayor Elsa Martin’s appointment of Chris Oakes to become the police department’s first permanent police chief in years. Oakes had been serving as the city’s interim police chief since March 2025.
Oakes has been with the Cheney Police Department since 2011, when he started as an unpaid reserve officer.
Oakes said that when he was growing up in Tacoma, he never considered becoming a police officer. “In my mind, all law enforcement did was write tickets,” he said.
After graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Army and served for four years. After he was discharged, Oakes found himself directionless. “I didn’t really know what I wanted to do post Army,” he said.
He had a friend who worked for the Cheney Police Department who invited him to come over for a visit. He did a few ride alongs and found himself hooked. He realized that the job was about much more than writing tickets. “It was a pursuit with a K9 track,” he said. “That’s what kind of got me.”
He moved to Spokane, but there weren’t any openings in the department. He used his GI Bill benefits to attend classes at Spokane Falls Community College, earning an associate’s degree. A reserve officer position opened up in Cheney and Oakes took it, attending the reserve officer academy to earn a limited commission as a police officer.
He transitioned to a part-time paid position, then full-time. “They couldn’t keep me away,” he said. “I got to know the culture of policing. You can do a lot for the community.
You can do a lot for people. I always wanted to serve.”
Longtime Police Chief John Hensley stepped down in 2022 and was replaced by interim police chief Rick Beghtol, who resigned in February 2025 because of declining health. When Beghtol stepped down, Oakes was serving as the department’s only lieutenant. “It’s our number two, essentially, of the department,” he said. “I was willing to step up until they found someone.”
Oakes said he applied for the permanent position last year after discussing it with his family. However, former Mayor Chris Grover never selected a new chief. When Martin took office in January, the application process was restarted and Oakes applied again, going through multiple interviews, public panels and community meetings before being selected for the role.
Oakes said the previous year had been difficult because the city didn’t hire a lieutenant to fill his old role, so he was filling the positions of interim chief and lieutenant at the same
time. After he was sworn in as the permanent chief, he was able to name an acting lieutenant to relieve some of those duties. “Being in this role fulltime has been amazing,” he said.
Oakes said he wasn’t the only one in the department struggling over the last year. “It’s been somewhat of an unstable feeling,” he said. “Our last permanent chief ended abruptly and our last interim ended abruptly.”
Since he was sworn in, Oakes has been making small changes to the department’s headquarters, a plain, unassuming building. He’s been working to make the lobby feel more comfortable and less industrial, adding a coffee cart and hanging photographs on canvas that he paid for out of his own pocket.
He also has plans to work with the local middle school to have students paint murals on the outside of the building, giving each group of students a section of wall to paint. The wall is long enough that the project should last several years, Oakes said. “It’s just a reminder that we’re a part of the community,” he said.
He's also in the midst of rearranging desks to build a conference room to use for meetings and officer briefings. “We’ve never had a conference room with a door on it,” he said. “When I interviewed as a reserve officer, I interviewed in the break room, in the kitchen.”
The other key issue Oakes wants to address is staffing. The department is funded for 19 officers, including himself, but currently only has 15. Oakes said his officers are working a lot of overtime to fill the gaps and he not only wants to fill the vacant positions, he plans to ask the city council for additional funding for more officers.
“We have a two officer minimum and we’re rarely above that,” he said. Based on population, the city should have more officers, Oakes said. According to FBI data, the national average is 2.4 officers per 1,000 in population and Oakes said his department is well below that. The city’s web site identifies the city’s population as 11,070, which would mean a department of 22 officers to meet the threshold of two officers per 1,000 in population.
The Eastern Washington University campus is also inside the city limits and Oakes said that while the university has its own officers, Cheney police are still responsible for investigating crimes involving students that occur off-campus.
Oakes said it can be hard to find good officers for the department partly because it’s small and candidates for the job have to be able and willing to do everything. “You have to be good at a lot of things,” he said. “I want cops who can go respond to a burglary in progress and then go to a community event.”
Oakes said he’s grateful to have a “phenomenal” team of officers backing him up as he takes his new position, a position he hopes to be in for at least another decade until he retires. “I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon,” he said. “I think there’s a lot of work to be done.”
Q: What first interested you in enlisting in the Army?
A. I always wanted to serve. Once
Photo by Nina Culver
Chris Oakes, who joined the Cheney Police Department in 2011 and has served as Interim Police Chief since March 2025, was recently appointed as the department’s newest Chief of Police.
Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
A. My favorite part of the job is being able to truly help people. As a police officer, you have a unique position, where you have the ability to make a change in a person's life almost immediately. Additionally, I love coming to work and interacting with my team. I believe the Cheney Police Department has some of the best police officers I have ever met. Watching the amazing work they do each and every day makes me very proud to be a part of this department.
Q: What do you see as the key policing challenges in Cheney?
A. Some of the challenges are obviously staffing. The calls for service we are routinely going on are becoming more and more complex in nature, requiring a great deal of resources. We rely on our regional partners frequently. Despite these challenges, I am proud to say, our service to our citizens remain top notch.
OF RECORDS
Public Notice of Destruction of Special Education Records
Notice is hereby given that the Cheney Public Schools (the “District”) intends to destroy the special education records of students who were born on or before December 31, 1997 and have separated from all special education programs in the District.
In accordance with WAC 392-172A-05235 and the Washington State Public Schools (K-12) Records Retention Schedule (December 2025), the maintaining of records relating to an individual student’s eligibility and enrollment in a special education program is only required for six (6) years after the student’s separation from the program, and thereafter will be destroyed. These records include, but are not limited to, psychological and IQ test results, eligibility decision documentation, evaluation and other reports, Individualized Education Programs, and related correspondence/communications. After six years, these records are no longer useful to the District, but they may be needed by students or parents/guardians to establish eligibility for certain adult benefits, e.g., social security, and parents/guardians or adult students should ensure that they possess the necessary documentation, or request copies of certain records from the District before they are destroyed. These records will be destroyed unless the adult student (18 years old) or legal guardian notifies the District otherwise on or before July 1, 2026. Appropriate requesters may obtain a copy of these records, with proof of identification, in writing or in person at the following address: Cheney Public Schools Attn: Student Support Services
12414 S. Andrus Road Cheney, WA 99004
Phone: 509-559-4526 or 509-559-4507
If no student or legal guardian responds to this public notice, the District will assume consent to destroy these records after July 1, 2026. WAC 392-172A-05235 Destruction of Special Educational records.
(1) Each school district shall inform parents and adult students when personally identifiable information collected, maintained, or used in compliance with this chapter is no longer needed to provide educational services to the student, or is no longer required to be retained under state or federal law. State procedures for school district records retention are published by the Secretary of State, Division of Archives and Records Management, and specify the length of time that education records must be retained.
(2) The information shall thereafter be destroyed at the request of the parent or adult student. However, a permanent record of a student’s name, address, and phone number, his or her grades, attendance record, classes attended, grade level completed and year completed may be maintained without time limitation.
Q: How would you describe your leadership philosophy?
A. Servant leadership. I serve the citizens of Cheney and the members of my team. This allows me to develop relationships and make my team’s growth and development a priority.
Q: What advice do you have for teens/young adults considering a career as a police officer?
A. Start interacting with as many people as you can. The obvious answer is before you make any decision which might prohibit you from passing a background check, think about your future and plan ahead. There are a lot of programs that can assist with your understanding and education in criminal justice so I would encourage young adults to seek those out and take advantage. Furthermore, I would also encourage young people to serve. The military is a great way to learn about people and learn about yourself.
Q: What are your favorite things to do in your down time?
A. Spending time with my friends and family is one of my favorite things to do. I also love to travel.
AH council warns county about housing allocation inaccuracies
By John McCallum Stream contributor
The City Council unanimously approved sending a letter to Spokane County Commissioners requesting modification of a county resolution incorporating incorrect data tables in supporting documentation for the countywide Comprehensive Plan update process.
The error could cost Airway Heights and other cities and towns in the county time in meeting state-mandated deadlines for submitting updated comprehensive plans and have financial implications as well. If not corrected, jurisdictions would have to spend more money changing plans that utilize correct data and could become ineligible to receive grants and loans from the state.
The resolution, adopted in January 2025, incorporates a specific methodology for determining housing allocations provided by the state Department of Commerce known as “Housing for All Planning Tool.” County planners elected to use one of three methods, “A-Prime,” instead of establishing a methodology unique to the county, which it could have done but elected not to because of time constraints.
At issue is data table labeled “Housing Allocation Numbers (Corrected)” supplied along with the resolution. County planning staff have told local jurisdictions information in the table does not reflect correct numbers as understood by all jurisdictions.
“Understanding that Resolution 2025-0033 adopted the correct Method “A-Prime” and the appropriate inputs and outputs the City of Airway Heights proceeded to prepare its Comprehensive Plan based
upon the Method “A-Prime” and the table that should have been included in Resolution 2025-0033,” the city’s letter to the county states. “However, the City recently received a letter threatening a potential appeal of the City’s 2026 Comprehensive Plan. This, in turn, has caused delays in the adoption and processing of the Plan.”
To remedy the situation, Airway Heights is requesting commissioners amend the resolution quickly to correct the supporting documentation data “relating to the incomebased housing allocations to jurisdictions consistent with the attachment to this letter.” Not doing so could have an impact on Airway Heights’ housing allocations, including what is allocated for emergency housing needs.
“If the data output is not corrected immediately, the City may be forced to further delay its adoption, which could impact the City’s GMA compliance, and ultimately lead the City to consider damages against Spokane County due to lack of action,” the letter states.
Airway Heights principal planner Heather Trautman told the council at its May 4 meeting that housing allocations based on income often don’t include people in low income brackets.
The city has already received over $500,000 in state grant funding to assist it with the comprehensive plan update — including $400,000 for work on a new Resiliency and Green House Gas Emission Reductions Elements (sustainability) chapter and a $50,000 grant for the Missing Middle Housing chapter that will provide housing policy development.
“Unfortunately, small towns did not receive the lion’s share of the grant funds from the state,” she added. “Many of the small towns only received a small portion of the actual costs to update comprehensive planning. We are required to bear the burden of the costs of the comprehensive plans ourselves and whatever means that we had as other communities have had to do as well.”
Council approves
development regulations contract
At the May 4 meeting the council also approved a contract with Community Frameworks for work updating its development regulations — work required as part of the Comprehensive Plan update and implementation process and per state planning legislation.
The $80,000 contract will address updates to the city’s zoning map as well as Title 17 (Zoning) and Title 16 (Subdivisions) of the Airway Heights Municipal Code. Also updated will be specific chapters addressing 13 other elements such as affordable housing, parking flexibility, religious organization housing shelter, licensed childcare and household occupancy limits.
“The reason is we have less than six months to get those adopted,” Trautman said of the need for the contract.
Funding for the Community Frameworks contract will come from the Solid Waste Management Fund, part of the Street Fund. As part of the contract, council approved a budget amendment transferring the money from the Street Fund to the General Fund to use by the Planning Department.
To date, the city has received about $90,000 of the $215,669 Street Fund budget amount for 2026. To backfill it until additional revenue is received, the budget amendment moved $90,000 from the Real Estate Excise Tax 2 (REET 2) fund to the Street Fund to “support REET 2 approved street projects to be completed in 2026.”
Council adopts arterial maintenance program
At the April 20 meeting, the council approved the second reading and adoption of an ordinance amending the city’s municipal code to establish an arterial maintenance program. The council held a first reading of the ordinance at its April 6 meeting.
Public Works Director Katherine Miller told council on April 6 that the program was needed partly because several recent projects — such as the improvements to the 10th and 6th Avenue corridors — were funded by grants that require such a
program. The city also felt it imperative to establish a program and define responsibilities for maintenance of items such as landscaping, trees and drainage because of the high-dollar amounts invested in improving arterial corridors.
Under the city’s current Municipal Code, property owners are responsible for maintaining landscaping up to the curb. The approved ordinance would shift responsibility for maintenance from the sidewalk to the curb to the city, with property owners responsible for maintenance from the backside of the sidewalk to the property line.
The requirement is only for arterials improved by the city and would be paid for out of Transportation Benefit District funds.
Council takes Sekani Park property off market — again
For the second time in six years the city has decided to not sell property it purchased in the Sekani Park development. The property was originally purchased for $100,000 from Granite Investments, LLC in 2015 with the possibility of being developed into a park, but after strong opposition from the neighborhood, the city decided to sell it in 2019.
In 2020, the city received a $250,00 offer to purchase the property, contingent upon the buyer being able to obtain a building permit for a planned office building on the site. The site was subsequently identified as a potential location for a future fire station, and the offer to sell was rescinded in February 2021.
In April 2024, the city again decided to place the property for sale after public testimony to the Park Board indicated residents felt it would be used as a homeless camp. Parks and Recreation Director JC Kennedy told the council at the April 20, 2026, meeting the city still needed additional public park space, especially in the east / northeast portion of Airway Heights, after which the council voted 6-1 — Councilwoman Jennifer Morton voting nay — to remove the property from the market.
SkyFest 2026 Returns to Fairchild Air Force Base
Stream news sources
The roar of jet engines, the sight of precision aerial maneuvers overhead, and the excitement of thousands of spectators gathered together will once again fill the skies over the West Plains as SkyFest 2026 returns to Fairchild Air Force Base on June 6-7.
Recognized as the premier Inland Northwest air show and open house, SkyFest offers communities throughout Eastern Washington, North Idaho, and beyond a rare opportunity to witness the incredible capabilities of the United States military directly from the flightline. More than just an air show, SkyFest serves as a celebration of aviation, military service, and the long-standing partnership between Fairchild Air Force Base and the Spokane region.
This year’s event carries even greater significance as the 141st Air National Guard celebrates 100 years of aviation history and service. Organizers say the milestone is an opportunity to honor a century of dedication while thanking the Spokane community for generations of continued support of Fairchild and the military members who serve there.
“SkyFest is more than entertainment,” organizers shared. “It is an opportunity for our communities to connect with the men and women behind the mission and experience the professionalism, innovation, and teamwork that make the United States Air Force the greatest in the world.”
A Tradition Decades in the Making
The roots of SkyFest stretch back to the 1950s, when Fairchild Air Force Base first began inviting the public onto the installation for open houses, aircraft displays, and flyovers. For decades, those events were known as Armed Forces Open House celebrations and became a highly anticipated annual tradition for families throughout the region.
In the late 1990s, the event
U.S. Air Force Maj. Taylor “FEMA” Hiester, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performs aerial maneuvers in an F-16C Fighting Falcon during an air show. The F-16, a multi-role fighter aircraft capable of both air-toair and air-to-ground combat, demonstrates its versatility through dynamic aerial maneuvers during the demonstrations.
evolved into what is now known as SkyFest, growing into one of the Inland Northwest’s largest and most celebrated military events.
Over the years, SkyFest has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors who have come to witness aerial demonstrations, explore aircraft up close, and learn more about the mission of Fairchild Air Force Base.
While aviation remains at the center of the experience, organizers emphasize that SkyFest represents something much larger than an air show alone.
“What people see at SkyFest is more than just aircraft demonstrations,” organizers explained. “It’s a connection between service and community.”
That connection has defined Fairchild Air Force Base since its very beginning.
Fairchild was built in 1941 through the support and commitment of the Spokane
community, and that partnership remains deeply woven into the fabric of the Inland Northwest today. Base leaders frequently describe the relationship between Fairchild and the surrounding region as an “indivisible alliance,” one built on mutual respect, support, and shared purpose.
The Spokane community continues to provide critical support that allows Fairchild airmen and their families to focus on their mission of defending the nation.
A Critical Mission
Fairchild Air Force Base plays a vital role in national defense and global operations. As one of only three “Super Tanker” wings in the United States Air Force, Fairchild’s mission and capabilities are unmatched in scale.
The base supports worldwide air refueling operations, mobility missions, survival training, and rapid global response efforts that impact military operations across the globe.
That mission will be on full display during SkyFest 2026.
Visitors attending the event will have the opportunity to witness military aircraft demonstrations, meet service members, and gain a firsthand appreciation for the training, teamwork, and technology that support the Air Force mission every day.
Featured Aerial Performances
One of the biggest highlights of SkyFest 2026 will be its impressive lineup of aerial entertainment acts and military demonstrations.
Scheduled featured acts include:
• F-16 Viper Demonstration Team
• Patriots Jet Demonstration Team
• Red Bull Vehicle to Plane Transfer
• KC-135 Fini Flight
• D-Day Demonstration
The F-16 Viper Demonstration
Photo by U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steven Cardo
Team is expected to deliver one of the weekend’s most thrilling performances, showcasing the speed, agility, and combat capabilities of one of the Air Force’s premier fighter aircraft.
The Patriots Jet Demonstration Team will bring precision formation flying and aerobatic maneuvers that have made them a crowd favorite at air shows nationwide.
Attendees can also look forward to the Red Bull Vehicle to Plane Transfer, an adrenaline-filled demonstration that combines aviation and motorsports in a spectacular stunt performance.
Another highlight of the event will be the KC-135 Fini Flight, recognizing the legacy and service of one of the Air Force’s most important aircraft. The D-Day Demonstration will also honor military history and the courage of those who served during one of the defining moments of World War II.
Entertainment for the Entire Family
Beyond the skies, SkyFest 2026 will feature a wide range of ground entertainment and interactive activities designed for all ages.
Static aircraft displays will allow visitors to walk alongside military aircraft and explore aviation
COVER STORY
technology up close. Guests will have opportunities to interact with pilots, maintainers, and crews while learning more about the roles they perform.
Families can also enjoy:
• The STEAM Hangar, featuring science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics activities
• The Spokane Motor Pool
• A dedicated Kid Zone with family-friendly entertainment and activities
Organizers say the event is designed to inspire future generations while offering educational opportunities that highlight careers in aviation, engineering, and military service.
For many children attending SkyFest, the event becomes a defining memory that sparks an interest in aviation or public service.
Celebrating Community and Service
One of the most meaningful aspects of SkyFest is the opportunity for military personnel and the community to connect face-to-face.
Military families stationed at Fairchild often describe the Inland Northwest as one of the most supportive communities in the
U.S. Air Force Patriots Jet Team aircraft fly in tight formation trailing colored smoke. The demonstration highlights precision flying and coordination during aerial performances.
country. SkyFest allows service members to thank the region for that support while giving residents a deeper understanding of Fairchild’s mission and impact.
Event Leadership
SkyFest 2026 is being led by a dedicated team of organizers committed to delivering a memorable and safe experience for visitors.
Air show staff includes:
• Air Show Director: Major
Karianne Ernisse
• Director of Aerial Events: Captain Pablo Frias
• Director of Ground Operations: Captain Jessie Reeves
Their leadership and coordination help bring together the complex logistics, performances, exhibits, and safety operations required to host one of the region’s largest military events.
Looking Ahead to SkyFest 2026
As excitement builds for the June 6-7 event, organizers say SkyFest 2026 will continue the tradition of celebrating aviation excellence while honoring the enduring partnership between Fairchild Air Force Base and the Inland Northwest community.
Whether attending for the aerial demonstrations, military displays, educational exhibits, or family activities, visitors can expect a weekend filled with excitement, inspiration, and pride.
Most importantly, SkyFest serves as a reminder of the shared bond between Fairchild and the community that has supported it for more than 80 years.
From thrilling aircraft performances to moments of reflection and appreciation, SkyFest 2026 promises to once again unite the Inland Northwest in celebration of aviation, service, and community. Go to fairchildskyfest.com for ticket prices, schedule of events and more information.
Photo by U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew Arachikavitz
Attendees observe air acts during the Fairchild SkyFest 2024 airshow. During the event there were performances by the A-10 Thunderbolt II Demonstration team, Wings of Blue parachute team, UH-1N Huey and various other aerial acts, as well as static displays.
Photo by U.S. Air Force photo by Dennis Santarinala
Medical Lake talks Housing, Grants, and Bans Drugs
By Ben Wick Stream Publisher
Code Enforcement Update
61 cases were opened in the first quarter of 2026. 10 if those cases ended up with violation letters. The city is continuing to focus on voluntary compliance before escalating to formal enforcement actions. However “If I am the nice guy and call them before issuing a letter sometimes comes back to bite me” explained Dave Yuhas, Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Medical Lake. Noting that it is the issuance of the violation letter that starts the formal 30-day legal clock.
Mr. Yuhas also updated the Council on his self-initiated project of looking into businesses licenses but only had time for reviewing seven businesses. He found that four businesses had proper licenses and three were no longer in business but hadn’t updated their google business listings.
While the Code Enforcement Position works 24 hours per week, he noted that he had used the 100 certified letter mail slips and recently had to buy more from the post office, and encouraged the council and residents “If you see something, say something” we are here to help make our city a better place.
Grant Applications Update
City Administrator Sonny Weathers noted there have been some success and some challenges. The city had applied for $7.4 million for a Disaster Recovery Grant with the Federal Economic Development Administration but heard that that particular program typically looks for one specific project vs a multielement project. Administrator Weathers shared that after meeting with the Economic Development Administrations regional office the city is re-evaluating and redesigning its approach before resubmitting.
On a positive notes, the City has been awarded $15,000 from the Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA) to support improvements on the Fox Hollow Trail so that project will be moving
forward into implementation. It was also noted that the City submitted a $131,000 grant to resurfacing the Fox Hollow Trail to the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) program. Also City Administrator Weathers noted that they heard from Congressman Baumgartner’s office that the Medical Lake City Hall Public Safety Infrastructure Modernization project was one of the congressman’s two projects that is advancing through the House appropriations process.
“We are excited to share this news and that city staff and lobbyists will likely travel to Washington DC in late October or early November to help reinforce the request”
Comprehensive Plan Discussion
Senior Planner Elisa Rodriguez presented Part 2 of the draft Comprehensive Plan. Part 2 included six major chapters including Land Use, Mobility, Capital Facilities, Parks, Natural Environment, and Climate Resiliency. Each focusing on the physical framework that will guide Medical Lake’s growth over the next 20 years.
Ms. Rodriguez shared that Part 3 (‘The Future’) will be available in June after which both the Planning Commission and the City Council will hold public hearings on the proposed plan. “The plan will also be posted online for public comment” added Rodriguez.
Specialized Housing
The city is required under new state laws to allow certain types of specialized housing which includes: Emergency shelters, Safe parking sites, Encampments, Transitional housing, Permanent supportive housing, Affordable housing. City Senior Planner Elisa Rodriguez shared that the city can’t prohibit these uses, but it can set reasonable standards.
Councilmember Lorin RayAbbott shared concerns around about having a low-income housing complex in Medical Lake or even in the field next to her house.
Mayor Cooper, shared “by adopting these local standards gives the city more control than doing nothing. As drafted, each project will come before council individually, with public input and case-specific MOUs.” Cooper continued to share how the city had previously successfully pushed back on the City of Spokane’s attempt to site a shelter in Medical Lake without services.
Ms. Rodriguez also shared that the proposed code was reviewed by the cities legal team and “the proposed code gives the city the maximum control legally allowed.”
Waterfront Park Land Transfer MOU
Medical Lake has used the Waterfront Park property since 1967, when the City entered a 55-year lease with the State for a total of $250. When the lease expired in 2022, DSHS who owns the land indicated it would move to a market-rate lease (~$47,000/year). This prompted negotiations, during which both parties agreed that permanent City ownership was the best long-term solution. The state legislature ultimately authorized a direct government-to-government transfer rather than a purchase.
The City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding formalizes the framework for transferring state owned shoreline property to the City of Medical Lake for public outdoor recreation in perpetuity, as directed by the Washington State Legislature in SSB 5195 (2025). The MOU does not transfer ownership by itself; instead, it outlines the roles, responsibilities, and process that will lead to a future legal transfer.
The agreement identifies that the state will transfer the land including parcel 1-4192.0001 and a portion of parcel 0-4241.0006 (bounded by Fancher Rd and Pine St) as well as an easement along the western edge of Medical Lake.
With discussion around the desire to clarify what is going to be included in the trail easement the council unanimously approved the MOU to move the process forward for the transfer of the land identified.
Kratom
Kratom, as defined in the city ordinance, is a psychoactive substance derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, containing alkaloids such as mitragynine and 7 hydroxymitragynine that act on opioid receptors and can produce stimulant effects at low doses and opioid like sedative effects at higher doses. Unfortunately, kratom is not regulated or approved by the FDA, and commercially available products often vary widely in potency, purity, and formulation, sometimes containing synthetic or enhanced derivatives. It highlights
growing public health concerns— including poison control reports, accidental child exposures, and the absence of child resistant packaging or age restrictions—along with the fact that kratom is commonly sold in convenience store / retail settings with youth appealing packaging.
Councilmember Spears, shared a story about seeing a Kratom discussion on a Cable TV show over the weekend and shared that he was for the proposed ban and suggested that the City also stay on top of other potential drugs that are coming in when this drug comes off the shelves.
After discussion around implementation timeline, it was described as a 30-day notification for businesses to come into compliance with the ordinance. The ordinance was approved unanimously.
Water Line Replacement Project
City staff and E&H Engineering while doing the Stormwater Mitigation project this year they identified several spider-line water connections in poor condition that require frequent repairs.
Spider-lines are small branch water lines that extend from a main line, often running behind or between properties. Their irregular layout make them difficult to locate, repair, and maintain.
City staff recommend starting design work for a proposed 2027 Staples Water Line Replacement project. Staff showed a map of the existing waterlines between Martin St and Jefferson St, south of Brooks Road and north of 4th St.
Project design is estimated to cost $48,000 and includes engineering, design, and mapping. Approving the agreement would require a budget amendment to the Water – Restricted Fund (402), reducing the fund’s estimated 2026 ending balance from $579,689 to $531,689.
The total agreement with E&H Engineering is $89,000, with $41,000 of that amount to be spent in future budget years when construction Phases I and II begin.
The total construction cost is estimated at $533,000. Construction would be completed in two phases, allowing the City to spread the work over multiple years as funding becomes available.
The council approved the budget amendment and the contract with E&H Engineering unanimously.
By John McCallum Stream contributor
CHENEY Baseball
Cardinals softball, soccer to state, Cheney, ML track and field gear for districts
Cheney and Medical Lake spring sports teams have wrapped up their respective league regular season schedules — with some headed into the postseason.
Cheney ended a disappointing season at 1-17 in the Greater Spokane League, 1-20 overall. The Blackhawks snapped their 17-game, season-opening losing streak with a 1-0 win over Shadle Park on April 28, getting an RBI single from Nolan McKinnon to score Camden Gerard in the third inning for the game’s only run. Christopher Wilson got the win, striking out nine and giving up just on hit to the Highlanders.
Boys soccer
The Blackhawks missed the playoffs, going 0-9 in the GSL and 2-12 overall. Cheney’s wins came against West Valley March 23 and Medical Lake April 7 before finishing the season with a six-game losing streak.
Fastpitch softball
Cheney finished the regular season third among GSL 3A teams, behind University and overall league-winner Mt. Spokane. The Blackhawks put together a pair of win-streaks in April, beginning with a four-game streak that started with a 14-12 win over 4A Mead on April 14 and included victories over Central Valley, Gonzaga Prep and Shadle Park.
The streak ended with an 11-1
Track and field
loss to Mt. Spokane on April 24, and after an 8-0 set back to Moses Lake, Cheney then rattled off wins over Ferris, Lewis and Clark and Ridgeline to close the league season at 13-5.
Seeded fifth in the District 6 playoffs, the Blackhawks couldn’t quite find the magic, losing 11-6 to fourth-seeded Hermiston and then being eliminated 4-3 by eighthseeded Shadle Park on May 8. Cheney finished the 2026 season 13-8 overall.
Both Cheney boys and girls teams have a number of athletes ranked in the District 6 top 10 in just about every track and field event — with 4A/3A sub-districts coming May 13 and 15 and District championships May 21-22. Both post-season meets are at Central Valley High School.
Top five rankings on the track for the boys have Andrew Houndonoug third in the 100-meter dash. In the 1,600-meter run, Carter Ward is fourth.
Junior Colton Hallett leads District 6 runners in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 38.79 seconds, with senior teammate Mason Stinson right behind him in second at 39.08. In the 100-meter hurdles, Hallett is second at 14.51, 9/100ths of second behind Central Valley’s DuShawn Johns at 14.42, with Stinson sitting fifth at 15.11.
In the field, Jackson Randall and Wiens lead the district in the javelin and high jump respectively. Randall is first with a throw of 184 feet, 8 inches while Wiens leads with a jump of 6 feet, 8 inches.
Senior Juleon Horyst is fifth in the high jump while Xander Hagan is fourth in the long jump.
Alisa Messing continues to lead District 6 girls in the 100 and 200 sprints. The sophomore is first in the 100 with a time of 12.24 and first in the 200 in 24.96, running second in the 400 by 2/100ths of a second to Ridgeline’s Kali Rothrock.
Messing’s time in the 200 is second-best in 3A state this season, 13/100ths of a second behind Mercer Island’s Lauren Balousek.
Messing’s teammate Allie Burton is fifth in District 6 in the 200. Senior Natalie Richards and sophomore Aniyah Hagan are 1-2 in the 100 hurdles, with Richards first in 15.36 and Hagan right behind at 15.82. Hagan is also second in the 300 hurdles in 46.86.
In the field, Delia Keller is second in the pole vault at 11 feet. Sophomore Georgia Ajenifuja is fourth in the both the shot put and discus, with Allie Saccomanno and Sami Lopez third and fifth in the javelin.
Burton is third in the high jump with April Passey third in the triple jump and fifth in the long jump.
MEDICAL LAKE Baseball
The Cardinals finished the NEA regular season at 5-4, third place and faced second-place Colville in a three-game series May 9 and 12 to determine who would advance to face No. 1 seed Lakeside – who swept No. 4 Riverside 2-0 in that three-game series – in the District 6 title game May 16 at Shadle Park High School.
Medical Lake defeated the Crimson Hawks in game one 3-2, with Dylan Harris driving in two runs and scoring another on a 4 for 4 day that included a double and three stolen bases. AJ Michaud struck out 10 Colville hitters while giving up four hits and one earned run in the complete game win.
Needing one more win to advance to the title game, the Cardinals wouldn’t quite close the deal. Colville rallied from a 3-1 deficit in game two with three runs in the bottom of the sixth for the 4-3 win. In the deciding game on May 12, the Crimson Hawks took a 4-1 lead with two runs in the bottom of the fifth and held off a Medical Lake rally for the 4-2 win, ending the Cardinals season at 14-9 overall.
Boys soccer
The Cardinals continued their playoff run with a 3-1 win over second-seeded Colville on May 12 at Spokane Falls Community College. The win gives third-seeded Medical Lake the 1A District 6 title
and automatic berth to the state tournament.
Opening rounds begin May 1920, with the Cardinals (3-2 NEA, 8-81 overall) awaiting their matchup. Colville and Lakeside played each other on May 16 for the final NEA berth to state.
According to information from the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), the last time Medical Lake boys soccer made an appearance in a state tournament was in 2008-2009 when they competed at the 2A classification.
The Cardinals beat Toppenish 1-0 in an opening round game before being eliminated by Prosser 2-0 in the quarterfinals.
Fastpitch softball
The Cardinals clinched a NEA league title with a 6-3 win over second-seeded Lakeside on May 9 at Whitworth University, opening a 4-0 lead with three runs in the fourth inning and holding off the Eagles rally in the top of the seventh. Isabel Barry struck out 14 while hitting a triple, scoring three runs and three stolen bases offensively in Medical Lake’s win.
The Cardinals, 6-3 NEA, 11-7 overall and ranked 10th in the state by the WIAA’s May 11 poll, advanced to the District 5/6 tournament as the ninth seed and await results of three games between District 5 teams to see who they will face in their attempt to advance to the 1A state tournament.
Second-seeded Royal was to face fifth-seed Kiona-Benton while thirdseed Chelan took on fourth-seed Cashmere, both games May 13. The winners advance to a game later that day, with the loser facing Medical Lake and the winner Lakeside on May 16.
Both winners of that game advance to state.
Track and field
The Cardinal boys finished the NEA season at 2-1, losing only to Lakeside in the season’s final dual meet. The Medical Lake girls went
Brought
Dig into a summer of reading and discovery!
• Dinosaur Discovery Fun with writer Kelly Milner Halls
• Prehistoric Creatures (That Aren’t Dinosaurs)
• Camp Read-a-Rama
No bones about it, this summer is going to be ext-roar-dinary!
All events and activities are free at SCLD libraries. June–August scld.org
The Pointe
About and for West Plains area seniors
Mural Unveiled at Cheney’s Veterans Memorial Park
By Ben Wick Stream Publisher
With a desire to provide more workforce development opportunities for students, Communities in Schools of Northeast Washington, Workforce Development Coordinator Alyssa Gonzalez heard about the idea of murals as a workforce development opportunity from the Nevada affiliate while attending a leadership development seminar.
“I remember hearing about the possibility of doing a mural and saying to myself. I want to bring that to Cheney” Ms. Gonzalez explained at the murals unveiling on Saturday May 9th.
Gonzalez shared the idea with
her former classmate and project coordinator for the Cheney Heart and Soul Project, Mackenzie Hilzendeger, who mentioned that the Cheney Merchants Association was looking for ways to bring more art into Cheney.
“After the Cheney Merchants Association Meeting, we partnered together to see who was going to engage the community, the students, and businesses,” said Ms. Gonzalez.
Gonzalez who had already been engaging in the local school district, engaged with the Cheney Art Club helping coordinate industry / career professionals from Craft Cupboard and Signature Touch Window Painting to share with the students, how to take it from a passion to a career.
“I wanted to engage students that are already into their passion. With a club of 20 students, 6 students really came forward to make the project come together”
Taking shape in March the six students from the Cheney Art Club including Mary Mong, Kate Encore, Daunte Raymond, Kaycee Curley, began meeting weekly to put the
project together.
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“We designed it together, planned where it was going to be together, presented it to the parks board. Each student even came up with a budget for the project and how to apply for grant funding,” explained Ms. Gonzalez “they learned how to bring ideas that they may have, but with no funding, into reality.”
Thanks to Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU) who funded the $1,000 project, which ultimately was scaled down to about $500 in expenses. The project was able to come to life without impacting other projects that Communities in Schools is doing.
Alyssa described the design process with the students talking about “How do we tie in the Veterans Memorial aspects of the park while celebrating Cheney community. Rolling hills, Wheat fields, sunsets. The beautiful background of Cheney.”
After getting approval from the Cheney Parks Board, targeting an unveiling at May Fest, the students working with the industry professionals completed the mural
in about a week noted Ms. Gonzalez
Christine Babcock a member of the Cheney Park Board commented at the unveiling “I love the fact that we had community members who painted it and community members who wanted to help organize a project like this, I want to see more of these around Cheney.”
Mayor Elsa Martin also commended the project team at the unveiling “I want to say a big thank you to those who made this project happen, I love that all of the partners who helped make this project happen have their name on it and encourage all of us to say thank you when we see them.”
Even Congressman Michael Baumbgartner stopped by the murals unveiling to congratulate the students and the Cheney Community for a great project.
As for what is next, Ms. Gonzalez suggested that they are hoping to get another mural happening soon. “DC [Dan Curley, the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Cheney] has got us looking at Salnave Park next, but the Plan is to potentially produce a project twice a year, with support. We want to showcase more students and get more students connected to our community.”
Expanding on the support needed, Ms. Gonzalez shares “In order to keep projects like this moving forward we need community support, to provide additional spaces for art, as well as continued donations to help provide supplies for the students.”
For those interested in supporting additional mural projects, Alyssa can be reached at agonzalez@cisnew. org or donations can be submitted via the Communities in Schools of Northeast Washington website [cisney.ciswa.org], designating ‘Cheney Murals.’
As for the work force development, Sierra Athos, owner of Signature Touch Window Painting who was helping the students with the project, was already engaging a few students at the unveiling to potentially bring on with her company for the summer to help on other projects.
Photo by Ben Wick
Community members stand aside the completed mural at Veterans Memorial Park in Cheney. Back row from left to right; Congressman Michael Baumgartner, Cheney Mayor Elsa Barton, Sierra Athos, Alyssa Gonzalez, Mackenzie Hilzendeger, a community member, and Cheney Park and Rec Director Dan Curley. Front row from left to right; Kate Encore, Mary Mong, and Kaycee Curley.
Empowering Women Leadership Awards to Honor Local Leaders
Splash news sources
The inaugural Empowering Women Leadership Awards will take place April 30, 2026, at the Centerplace Regional Event Center in Spokane Valley. The sold-out event will recognize 350 attendees and honor women demonstrating leadership, integrity, vision, and service across five categories: Community, Government, Non-Profit, Young Professional, and Business.
The WOMAN PANEL, founded by Bonnie Quinn, has hosted educational and discussionbased events in Spokane for several years, focusing on key issues like business, healthcare, and public policy while encouraging open dialogue and community engagement.
Washington Policy Center, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to free-market solutions, partners on the series to promote conversation and leadership development. “We’re excited to bring together so many accomplished women and create meaningful dialogue,” said Jill Olson, WPC Young Professionals director.
Learn more at WashingtonPolicy.org or contact jolson@ washingtonpolicy.org
Suzanne Schmidt, Winner 2026 Government Leader Award
Suzanne rose up in leadership within the trade industry through Associated Building and Contractors, ABC. As the executive director of ABC, Suzanne was able to see firsthand how government policies were driving up inflation and construction costs. These policies recklessly hurt efficient, responsible development. Her knowledge and conviction about what’s wrong with government led her to run for office. Once in office, she became one of the first freshmen in history to be appointed as the ranking member of Labor & Workplace Standards, Transportation Committee, Transportation Budget Cabinet, and the Education & Workforce Development Committee. During her first term in office, Suzanne’s leadership has led to 8 bills being passed. Suzanne sees that we are facing unprecedented inflation, high crime rates, and continual government overreach. This has led Suzanne to focus on lowering taxes to make life more affordable and on protecting our communities. She also works on holding the state government and the governor accountable. Suzanne leads with passion, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serve others. Her leadership reflects both strength and heart. Suzanne advocates for all of Spokane, addressing affordable building, housing, homelessness, drug use, reducing taxes, and limiting government overreach.
Jill Olson, Winner 2026 Young Professionals Leader Award
Jill Olson is currently the director of Young Professionals for the Washington Policy Center. Jill is a rockstar young professional herself, yet leads with humility and grace. She is the obvious winner of this award due to her passion for truth, freedom, and love for her community. Jill is actively involved in local non-profits, leading other young people to care about what is important. Additionally, she also represents many local individuals running for office. Always passionate about elections, Jill puts her whole heart and energy into every campaign she works on. Thank you, Jill Olson, for all you do to support Free Market Principles in our community.
Christine Quinn, winner of 2026 Community Leadership Award!
Christine is a great community organizer and the founder of “SOS-Save Our Spokane” which has advocated for policies that preserve our downtown business core and addresses crime and homelessness. “SOS--Save our Spokane” has been a voice of courage and conviction. Christine has been relentlessly seeking the truth, which has helped expose failed government policies and push others to actively petition and show up at City Council to testify and take action.
Katy Bruya, Winner 2026 Business Leader Award
Katy Bruya! Katy is a wife and mother who has risen to Senior Vice President & Chief HR Officer at Washington Trust Bank. Chris Patterson, who worked with Katy stated, “Katy’s heart, drive, intelligence and love for the Spokane Region were evident to me on a daily basis. She taught me to think in many different ways to help the bigger picture here in Spokane.” The reason Katy is deserving of this award is that not only does she have integrity and conviction, but she has demonstrated service and courage in her leadership of “Hello For Good” to address the crisis in downtown Spokane. “Hello for Good” was the first non-profit organization led by Katy, supported by community businesses, and primarily funded by Washington Trust Bank. She was willing to honestly address the crisis in downtown Spokane and go against the overwhelming narrative to speak courageously about the drug addiction crisis, crime, and the dangers to our city. Without the courage to speak truth, with compassion, there is no hope for this problem in Spokane. Thank you, Katy Bruya, for using your leadership and being the first to honestly address this devastating crisis in our community.
Lisa Saddler, winner of our 2026 Non-Profit Leadership Award!
Lisa is executive director of a local non-profit called Ascenda, which has little name awareness but great impact on lives in Spokane. They are providing a model that is privately funded, serving Spokane’s underprivileged, saving lives and families, and being cited as a “good neighbor” by local residents. Ascenda provides low-income housing and a structured living environment for persons recovering from drugs and alcohol. The organization assists 50-60 individuals and families with housing and other resources to fulfill its mission of providing low-income, structured housing and recovery. Privately funded, passionately managed, and under the radar in terms of name awareness, we are overjoyed to acknowledge executive director Lisa Saddler for her passion and drive to make a difference in Spokane. Her non-profit Ascenda has been helping people go from addiction to empowerment for more than two decades.
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SPORTS SUPPLY
Continued from page 9
1-2, knocking off Riverside in the second meet of the season.
Both Cardinal teams have several athletes ranked in the District 6 top 10 in their events. Several of them hold positions in the top five
The boys are led on the track by Aiden Murillo. The junior has the season’s top time in the 800-meter run at 2:00.19.
Murillo is second in the 400 behind Lakeside’s Brody Doran and is fifth in the 200. Steve Shotts is third in the 800 while Ryzick Iglesias is fifth in the 400 and 800.
Medical Lake is showing a big presence in the distance events, with Mercury Bergquist, Shotts and Murillo ranked 2-3-4 respectively. In the 3,200, the Cardinals hold the 4-8 slots, led by Bergquist in fourth and Erik Moon in fifth. Logan Bradley is fifth in the 300 hurdles.
In the field, Chuks Okemgbo is fourth in the high jump, with Kaeden Kelso fifth in the triple jump.
The Cardinal girls are led by Aniela Daniels, who holds the top District 6 times this year in the 100 and 200 at 12.52 and 25.84 respectively. The sophomore is fourth in 1A state in both events.
Freshman Aya McNeill is third in District 6 in the 400, with Daniels fifth. McNeill and junior Autumn Trout are 2-3 in the 800 run.
McNeill is first in the 1,600 with a time of 5:23.04, with Trout fourth and Allison Appel fifth. Appel is third in the 3,200, with Feodora Lalicker fifth while Makalia McKenney is second in the 100 hurdles with a time of 16:43, a mark that also ranks her seventh in 1A state.
In the field events, Dylan Stoltz is second in the high jump at 5 feet even, with Appel third in the shot put, Julie Smith fourth in the javelin and McNeill fourth in the triple jump.
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Free, online, self-paced, accredited high school diploma program offered by the library
By Stacey Goddard, librarian Spokane County Library District (SCLD)
Not everyone is able to make it through the traditional education system to graduation. There are countless reasons someone may decide to leave school before earning their high school diploma—perhaps to take care of a sick parent, help support younger siblings, or to work full time to support themselves.
Whatever the reason, today there are options available for earning a high school diploma, no matter how old you are or when you last worked on a school assignment.
One of those options is an accredited educational program offered by the library, called “Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School.”
Excel provides an opportunity for individuals in the library’s service area, who are at least 21 years old, to complete their high school education and earn their diploma from an accredited program.
Participants have 24 months to complete the course work, but many students graduate in 6 to 9 months. Many participants are working full time, raising children, caring for aging parents, or some combination of the three.
The program takes place entirely online. This includes all lectures, assignments, quizzes, and tests. Participants can complete the course work at the times that work best for them and their busy lives. This is called asynchronous learning, meaning that there are no set times when a student needs to be online to complete any of the work.
Excel also has a robust support system. Enrolled participants are assigned a success coach, get help ordering transcripts and transferring credits, get free tutoring support, and more. Excel also offers help for English-language learners (ELL) and other accessibility tools to help students.
Since SCLD launched this program in the fall of 2023, six participants graduated and earned their high school diploma. Currently another six students are enrolled, two of whom are on track to graduate before summer. I’m excited that the library can offer this educational pathway for earning a high school diploma and proud that we are helping people in our community attain their educational and career goals.
Excel Adult High School is free to all applicants who are accepted into the program (funding is provided by SCLD). To be successful, applicants
will need to be self-motivated, have good time-management skills, and be comfortable with technology.
Applicants must meet initial requirements to apply. These requirements include residing in SCLD’s service area, which is Spokane County excluding the incorporated cities of Liberty Lake and Spokane. Additionally, applicants must have successfully completed 8th grade and be 21 years of age or older.
To start the application process, visit the Excel Adult High School website at https://excelhighschool. org/library/scld. Once there, click on the “Get Started” button.
Next, applicants are invited to complete an online prerequisite course within two weeks. This course gives the applicant an opportunity to see if online learning is a good fit.
Anyone who does not have access to a computer or mobile device with internet access can reserve a computer at any of our 10 SCLD libraries. Visit scld.org/reserve-acomputer, or call 509.893.8400 if you need assistance.
Passing the prerequisite course advances applicants to the next step: a one-on-one interview with a librarian. Then, based on the outcome of the interview, the applicant may be invited to enroll in Excel Adult High School.
If Excel Adult High School sounds like a good fit for you, I encourage you to learn more and begin the application process!
