Looking Back

10 Years Ago Jan. 18, 2007 A new liquor store opened its doors in Airway Heights on U.S. Highway 2 next to the Starbucks. Kevin and Kelly Osterberger, who also ran the Conoco West gas station, were the new owners. The closing of the Medical Lake Cenex gasoline station forced both the city and school district to seek new alternative sources for their diesel fuel. After several years of no changes in entrance fees, Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge was proposing to increase the cost of the annual pass. 20 Years Ago Jan. 23, 1997 Nearly $5,000 had been reported stolen from the Reid Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) bank account. Eastern Washington University assistant professor and the PTO treasurer, Jeffery Hanks, 34, had been accused of the crime. Ice fishing became possible at Silver Lake and there was a constant group of fishermen at the lake. The ice was about 12-inches thick for the fisherman to drill a hole and stand in the cold, waiting for the fish to bite. The Medical Lake boys basketball team was leading the Northeast A League at 6-1, with a 12-1 overall record. 30 Years Ago Jan. 22, 1987 Cheney High School was believed to be one of only two high schools in the state using the popular, but expensive, Lotus software. The software united spreadsheets, databases and graphics in one integrated package. Students at both Blair and Medical Lake elementary schools enjoyed the music of the Spokane Symphony Orchestra. Members of the Cheney Girl Scout Troop 213 paid a visit to the Cheney Fire Department to take a first-aid class from firefighter Gary Anderson. 40 Years Ago Jan. 27, 1977 Two people were injured and taken to Deaconess Hospital after being involved in a head-on collision approximately six miles east of Cheney on State Route 904. Marilyn L. Virgin, 26, and Kim C. Babb, 29, were both involved. Virgin was cited for negligent driving by the Washington State Patrol at the scene. The Cheney Blackhawk girls basketball team was named the 1977 Frontier League Champions. Medical Lake High School student body officers for the 1977-78 school year were officially elected. They were president Kent Bowman, vice president Mike Johnson, secretary Diane Brennan, treasurer Laurie Sanders and sergeant at arms Rupert Robbins.