Cheney City Council member McKeehan dies

Cheney City Councilman Mike McKeehan died suddenly at home on Thursday. He was 67. Serving on the Cheney City Council since 1998, McKeehan also served as mayor pro tem since 2010. “Mike was a very positive force in our community and a pleasure to work with,” said Mayor Tom Trulove in a statement. “Few have devoted more of their lives to public service or cared more about their community.” During a 25-year career in the Cheney School District, McKeehan taught at Salnave, Reid and Betz elementary schools as well as Cheney Middle School. He also served as Cheney Education Association union president and coached track and cross country teams at the middle school, according to a news release from the city of Cheney. The cause of death was not released. City Administrator Arlene Fisher said city leaders have not yet discussed when and how a replacement will be selected for McKeehan’s council seat. McKeehan is survived by his wife Judy, four children and 12 grandchildren. Memorial services will be Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 460 N. Fifth St., Cheney.