Starbucks to open in Cheney

Starbucks is steaming into the West Plains.

The coffee shop will open in the Cheney Plaza at First Street and Betz Road in Cheney Plaza.

The first full day of ordering double-tall nonfat, half-caf lattes or caramel mocha fraps will be Friday.

For those who can’t wait that long, an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for today from 4 to 6 p.m. Free coffee and treats will be served.

The store also will have a drive-through window.

Tri-Cites native Eric Newell will manage the Cheney Starbucks, returning to the area after managing a Starbucks in Kansas City. Newell said he is hoping Starbucks will open other stores in the West Plains.

Starbucks will be accepting donations at the open house for Hurricane Katrina victims who are attending school at Eastern Washington University.

Also new in Cheney

The Dollar Tree Store opened in September at Paradise Center, 2424 First St., one block from Cheney Plaza. The store is 10,000 square feet, stocked with brand names such as Reynolds Wrap, Breck for Kids, Hershey’s Chocolate, Aim toothpaste, Play-Doh, Frito-Lay chips, Heinz ketchup and 3M Scotch tape.

The company is the nation’s largest $1 discount variety store.