Looking Back

10 Years Ago

July 3, 2008

The Eastern Washington University board of trustees passed the university’s 2008-2009 fiscal budget. The document achieves a milestone by topping the $200 million mark for the first time at $200,800,484 — about $562,200 less than the draft proposal presented at the trustees’ previous meeting.

Medical Lake Food Bank was offering chances to buy fresh produce and opportunities for local families on limited incomes to “stretch” their food dollars by eating healthy and saving money with two summer cooking classes.

Medical Lake’s new business, Tea Scents and More, featured a limited line of aromatherapy merchandise including custom pillar candles from Salty City Candle Co., herbal teas, bath soaks and more.

20 Years Ago

July 9, 1998

Cheney Police Chief Jerry Gardener and Gary Hartford of the Cheney Fire Department accompanied a host of other Spokane regional political and emergency leaders to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster preparedness school in Mouth Weather, Va. They received accolades from FEMA staff for their performance during training exercises.

The fountain, stream and paver-lined pathways were all in place at Eastern Washington. The work on the $2.2 million beautification project began last fall and was winding down. According to EWU’s director of facilities planning, Rich Gibb, the project was about 99 percent complete.

Cheney Track Club athletes headed to Pullman for the Inland Northwest Age Group Championships. Competing at the Washington State University campus, the local club’s efforts were highlighted by the youth division girls who placed third.

30 Years Ago

July 7, 1988

The lawsuit filed against the city of Cheney by a group of angry neighbors disgruntled at the city’s intended fourth leg addition to the State Route 904/Cheney-Spokane Road intersection was dropped, according to attorneys representing the city. Citizens were concerned that the city hadn’t followed an environmental checklist in the process of the project.

Cheney native Launi Meili continued her quest to represent the country in the 1998 Summer Olympics Games, having been selected as one of the 85 shooters qualified to gain a position on the United States’ shooting team.

Medical Lake built a sign to announce the status of the city’s community ambulance drive. Their goal was to raise the cost of a new ambulance purchased by members of the community.

40 Years Ago

July 6, 1978

Cheney City Councilman Ray Hamel had a surprise announcement at council as he said he would not be a candidate for re-election, a post he had filled since 1973.

After listening for months to special interest groups on what the city should do with the Wren Pierson Building, city staff were now asking the public for its input.

Nearly 1,000 people gathered on the streets of Cheney to watch what had been billed as the best Rodeo Parade the city has ever seen.

50 Years Ago

July 4, 1968

Dr. William Tavenner announced formation of a partnership with a former WSU classmate and revealed plans for a veterinary clinic near his Cheney home.

The last threads of tape were removed, clearing the way for a proposed college-owned elementary school on Seventh Street in Cheney.

Four Cheney swimmers who participated in the Pasco swim meet came away with nine first places, one second place, two fourths and one sixth place. Ken Radon took first in six events: 200 free, 100 fly, 200 back, 100 free, 10 back and 400 free.