The desolation of the virus

An issue currently in my community while living in Cheney that I see every day is how the COVID-19 pandemic has really affected the university and the community of Cheney. At first it just seemed like, Oh, everyone is just gone for the summer and we all will be back in the fall, but that is not the case.

I can relate to the small-business side of things with this whole pandemic happening since I work at The Mason Jar, which is a very small but well-known business here in Cheney. It is very scary as a co-worker hearing that, let alone as a business owner.

Because we are all in a pandemic, I truly believe that by reopening the businesses it will help fund the ever-so-small city once again. The community has been suffering here in Cheney since the start of the pandemic. As you drive down First Street you will see all of the empty buildings that once were full of students and locals.

The city of Cheney is so much more than just a community and school. Cheney is a family who shovels each other’s driveways when it snows, a family who stands as one to take care of each other, a family who waves to each other no matter knowing each other or not.

Easton Ayers

Cheney