Looking Back

10 Years Ago

June 24, 2004

One of the worst kept secrets in area politics was no more as Ninth District Rep. Mark Schoesler (R-Ritzville) announced his intention to seek the senate seat vacated by Larry Sheahan.

A 29-year-old patient at Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake was reportedly raped by a nurse at the facility.

Ryan Gray, a 2002 Cheney High graduate, recently won the national collegiate bareback riding championship, riding for Odessa College in Texas in competition at Casper, Wyo.

Longtime West Plains resident and former city Parks and Recreation director Timm Shepard was honored for his years of service to the city of Medical Lake by being named grand marshal of the Founder’s Day Parade.

20 Years Ago

June 23, 1994

Cheney resident Anita Linder, 39, was among those killed in a shooting rampage by former Airman Dean Melberg at the Fairchild Air Force Base hospital which ultimately left five dead and wounded 21.

Medical Lake’s 22nd annual Founder’s Day celebration was termed a success despite the fact that it rained most of the day.

Cheney’s AA American Legion baseball team completed a 3-0 week and remained among the league leaders. Coach Rick Urdahl singled out the efforts of Cameron Carstenson in crafting the win streak.

30 Years Ago

June 21, 1984

Crop dusting pilot Del Macy walked away from a crash near Hayford Road, his third such incident in 13 years in the business.

Amber-area rancher Nelson Cordill Sr. was named as the grand marshal of the Cheney Rodeo parade.

Cheney trapshooter Gerald Larson was named to the Washington State Trapshooter Association’s Hall of Fame.

Eastern Washington University had started its application process to join the Big Sky Conference, athletics director Ron Raver reported. The application would be reviewed in December.

40 Years Ago

June 27, 1974

Local gasoline station owners were concerned at the future of their businesses following the last year that saw the price of gas increase 18 cents.

Medical Lake Mayor Fritz Gilbreth announced the city would begin rationing water.

50 Years Ago

June 19 1964

Roy Miller, a Cheney-area rancher, was named to fill a seat on the Cheney School Board left vacant following the recent resignation by E.H. Wagoner.

Preliminary planning for a new high school in Cheney capable of housing nearly 600 students began at a recent meeting of the school board. A bond election to approve funding was set for September.