Cheney August Overview
Hi, everyone. It's been a rough start to August for our region, with the Spokane Complex Fire displacing so many people under evacuation notices. While the fire didn't head toward Cheney this time, it has still touched us closely. Our own Cheney first responders have been called in to help, and so many of us have been offering support to family, friends, and colleagues in Spokane who've been evacuated, afraid for their lives and homes, worried about missing pets, and anxious to learn whether their neighborhoods survived and when (or if) they can safely return.
To everyone who has been impacted: my heart goes out to you. And to all our local, regional, and national first responders working to protect our communities, "thank you for your service" feels like far too small a phrase for the depth of gratitude we all feel for what you're doing to keep us safe. 💙🧑🚒👮♀️❤️
I still want to give you a quick overview of what's happening in Cheney this month. You can find more in the August Cheney Connections newsletter, which comes with your paper utility bill and is also available on the Cheney City Website.
August 4 | Primary Election Day
Ballots were due back by 8pm on the 4th. I hope everyone had a chance to get their vote in! Results are rolling in with the first batch posted right after elections closed, and then next batches will be at 5pm daily through this week and then a final tally once all ballots are counted. You can see them on the Spokane County Elections website.
August 4 from 6-8pm | National Night Out – CANCELLED
Cheney Aquatic Center
Our Cheney Police Department were organizing a local National Night Out event at our Aquatic Center. Unfortunately, due to the poor smokey conditions and all our first responders being busy with the regional fires, this event was cancelled. They are hoping to find a new date to reschedule it to though so keep an eye out for that.
August 5 at 12pm | CMA Community Meeting
Wren Pierson Center
Cheney Members Association is back for their monthly series of community meetings at lunch on the first Wednesday of the month. This is open to the public and is a great opportunity to hear what's going on in Cheney.
August 5 - 7 from 1-4pm | Free Ice Skating
EWU URC Ice Rink, 1007 Elm St
Our friends at EWU have generously recreated the ice rink we normally only see during winter and opened it up to the community to give everyone a space to recreate indoors away from the smoke this week. Great opportunity to bring kids and family who may be currently displaced from the wildfires.
August 6 at 5:30pm | Historic Preservation Commission
Utility Building
Monthly Historic Preservation Commission meeting. They meet on the first Thursday of each month at 5:30pm. The agenda should be posted to the Agenda Center ahead of the meeting. The meeting is currently posted to the City Calendar with the Zoom information for folks to attend virtually if preferred.
August 8 from 9-1pm | Cheney Farmers Market
Veterans Memorial Park
The local Farmers Market meets twice a month in Veterans Memorial Park. They have lots of great local vendors and live music.
August 10 at 1pm | Civil Service Commission
City Hall - Council Chambers
The Civil Service Commission oversees hiring, firing, and promotions within our Police and Fire Departments to ensure equity and fairness. Earlier this year, Council passed an ordinance expanding the Commission from 3 to 5 members. We are still looking to fill the two new vacant seats. If you're interested in serving, please reach out!
No agenda is posted yet for this month's meeting, so check the Agenda Center as this date gets closer for more details.
August 10 at 6pm | Planning Commission
City Hall - Council Chambers
The Planning Commission meets the second Monday of each month and they have been hard at work on Cheney's Comprehensive Plan this year.
Their agenda isn't posted yet but you can watch for it to post to the Agenda Center and the City Calendar. Generally you can find more of the packet information on the Calendar.
August 11 at 6pm | City Council
City Hall - Council Chambers
City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month for their regular meetings. Agendas are posted to the Agenda Center the Thursday before the meeting and include Zoom information for folks to attend virtually if preferred.
August 12 at 6pm | Park Board
Wren Pierson Center
Cheney Park Board currently meets every other month on the second Wednesday. The agenda will be posted ahead of time to the Agenda Center.
August 17 at 5:30pm | Cheney Monday Night Dinners
Salnave Park
Cheney Monday Night Dinners hosts a monthly community potluck dinner. They are holding their events in the park for the summer and it is open to everyone.
August 22 from 9-1pm | Cheney Farmers Market
Veterans Memorial Park
The local Farmers Market meets twice a month in Veterans Memorial Park. They have lots of great local vendors and live music.
August 22 from TBD | Cheney Coffee with Council
Veterans Memorial Park
This plan is still coming together but City Council is working to organize another Coffee with Council event at the Cheney Farmers Market. Stay tuned for more details as they develop!
August 24 | Last Pool Day
Cheney Aquatic Center
The last day of the pool season for Cheney Aquatic Center is the day before school starts back up. Be sure to fit in all your fun swim days beforehand!
August 25 | First Day of School
Cheney School District
Cheney kids are back in school! Check out the Cheney School District's calendar for full list of important school dates.
August 25 at 6pm | City Council
City Hall - Council Chambers
City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month for their regular meetings. Agendas are posted to the Agenda Center the Thursday before the meeting and include Zoom information for folks to attend virtually if preferred.
August 31 at 5:30pm | Feed Cheney
Veterans Memorial Park
Feed Cheney is a community run organization designed to provide a free meal to anyone in need, no questions asked, and to create space to build community. They generally meet on the last Monday night of the month at Wren Pierson. Through the summer they have been doing sack meals in the park and will be there again this month in Veterans Memorial Park. A rotation of a local community resource is always there as well for folks to connect with as well.
Stay safe out there, everyone!