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Articles written by Matthew Stephens


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  • Low snowpack could bring water deficit

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Jan 25, 2024

    DAVENPORT – The current water supply outlook for Washington is an early assessment, but it shows little snowpack through December. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting Program hydrologist Matt Warbritton, the snowpack is significantly lower-than-average, but overall precipitation is only slightly below average, thanks to December rainfall. Because of the strong El Nino events this year, t...

  • New state laws take effect

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Jan 11, 2024

    OLYMPIA – While another increase to minimum wage is weighing on the mind of most business managers and owners, there is a list of other laws that went into effect Jan. 1, 2024. State legislature passed over 450 bills in 2023, many of which became active law in July, but many were slated to start Jan. 1. Some notable changes include some further regulations on gun ownership. The new Washington State law requires gun buyers to undergo a background check and then go through a 10-day waiting period before finalizing any p...

  • Ford rider hurt in Deep Creek crash

    Matthew Stephens, Cheney Free Press|Updated Aug 31, 2023

    MEDICAL LAKE - One man was sent to the hospital when his motorcycle slammed into the side of a truck that was crossing U.S. Highway 2 near Deep Creek Friday, Aug. 25. A 1989 Toyota pickup driven by 72-year-old Steve Landt of Reardan was traveling southbound on Brooks Road and attempted to cross the highway, according to a State Patrol press release. Landt allegedly pulled out in front of a motorcycle driven by 49-year-old Sean McCormick of Ford. He was charged with failure to...

  • Lawmakers, Inslee at odds over gas prices

    Matthew Stephens, The Record-Times|Updated Jul 27, 2023

    POMEROY — Eastern Washington lawmakers are taking issue with a move by Gov. Jay Inslee to blame oil companies for skyrocketing fuel prices. Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, said inflated fuel prices are not because of big oil, but because of “big government gouging Washingtonians.” Her comments followed a July 20 gubernatorial press conference on why Washington has the highest prices for gasoline in the nation. As of press time Tuesday, July 25, Washington had the highest average price for regular gasoline at $4.86 per gallo...

  • Sprague alumni band is old-school cool

    Matthew Stephens, The Record-Times|Updated Jun 15, 2023

    SPRAGUE - The Rusty Vikings will be bringing old school rock 'n' roll music to Medical Lake to play at Founders Day for the first time Friday, June 16. Formed in Sprague, they have deep ties to the area. The Rusty Vikings band comprises four Sprague High School alums who attended between 1967-1970, including keyboardist Roger Shawgo, bass guitarist Dick Sharp, drummer Jim Cree and guitarist Kevin Gaffney. "Being small-town folks, we appreciate the rich history of eastern...