Looking Back

10 Years Ago

Nov. 9, 2006

The Cheney Planning Department’s updating of the city’s comprehensive plan revealed some inconsistencies between zoning codes and land uses.

Medical Lake School District developed its first official strategic plan for its science department to implement a research-based program under the Washington State Leadership and Assistance for Science Education, Reform (LASER).

The Cheney Blackhawks defeated the Medical Lake Cardinals 37-6 in the annual rivalry game. Cheney’s Jesus Fregoso averaged nearly 20 yards per carry against the Cardinals.

20 Years Ago

Nov. 14, 1996

Cheney had the best representation in Washington during the election, with a 67.5 percent voting turnout rate. About 55 percent of eligible voters turned out in the state of Washington. About 48 percent of Cheney voted for Bill Clinton while 37 percent voted for the Bob Dole/Jack Kemp campaign.

Cheney Care Center was cited 30 times for violations in a state evaluation. The violations ranged from not providing medicine for residents who refused to take it, to not taking proper measures to control infection.

Medical Lake football made it four wins in their last five games with a 53-0 throttling of Kettle Falls to conclude their season.

30 Years Ago

Nov. 13, 1986

The Cheney voters approved a library bond which would provide half the cost of a new building. The bond provided $275,000 and passed with a 78 percent vote.

Edward William Sonneborn III, a graduate from Medical Lake High School, pledged to one of the 24 fraternities at Washington State University.

The freshman/sophomore football team completed one of the best seasons in history at Medical Lake High School. They went undefeated in seven games.

40 Years Ago

Nov. 11, 1976

Cheney Fire Chief Tony Singleton was reinstated in his position with the city of Cheney with full pay.

The new Cheney Junior High School was finished on North Sixth Street and Betz Road. Students were able to move into the new structure in fall quarter of 1977, being Cheney’s most modern and efficient addition to the district’s educational facilities.

Eastern Washington State College Recreation students stocked up the shelves of the Cheney Food Bank at the fire station with over 100 cans of food collected as admission to the recent Cheney Haunted House.

50 Years Ago

Nov. 17, 1966

The heavy cross-state traffic that had traversed Cheney’s main business street for many years ceased with an opening of the new 17-mile freeway link on Interstate 90 from Four Lakes to Fishtrap.

Don Britts, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Baker, was the first place winner of the local conversation speech contest. Second place went to Ken Dobbins and Jim Labish took third.

The Medical Lake ambulance fund fell short of its expectations, but through the generosity of certain people in town, the ambulance soon made its way from Portland.