Looking Back

10 Years Ago

Oct. 8, 2009

The Medical Lake City Council passed a resolution opposing the closure of the Pine Lodge Corrections Center for Women that employed approximately 650 union members.

As district enrollment increased, the Cheney School District launched a campaign to build two new middle schools. Enrollment increases forced 20 percent of students to be taught in portable classrooms.

The Blackhawks blanked the Pullman Greyhounds 12-0 on the road with an opportunistic offense and a solid defense backed by a good kicking game.

20 Years Ago

Oct. 7, 1999

A fire that started near the Nature Trail behind Medical Lake Middle School and east of Hearthstone Apartment burned five acres and threatened surrounding homes.

Cheney council members received a chilly reception to their proposal to raise the real estate excise tax in the city by one-quarter of a percent.

The Medical Lake volleyball squad remained “red hot” after sealing a three-game winning streak in a three set win against Chewelah.

30 Years Ago

Oct. 12. 1989

The Cheney City Council held a public meeting regarding sewer system improvement options. The only certainty was that whichever was chosen would cost between $13 – 18.5 million.

Dr. B. Dell Felder was named as new Eastern Washington University president. She was the 24 th president of the university after the resignation of Dr. Alexander Schilt.

In Looking Back 50 years to Oct. 13, 1939, college president Dr. R. E. Tieje told the Chamber of Commerce, “the community of Cheney profits by having her the best possible college, and the college profits from the best possible community.”

40 Years Ago

Oct. 11, 1979

A UFO siting was reported near Cheney after a brilliant, mysterious object sailed over the Pacific Northwest. Several county law officers went to the Cheney Free Press office to share their stories. The North American Air Defense Command concluded the UFO was the remains of an incoming Soviet rocket.

The first amendment to the Medical Lake comprehensive plan since it was adopted in 1975 was discussed by the City Council that would increase dwelling density in the south area of the city from three to four dwellings per acre.

The Cardinal football team surprised East Valley with a 12-8 victory over their traditional rivals. It was their first win of the season.

50 Years Ago

Oct. 9, 1969

Gordon Young of Cheney was chosen as the Jaycee of the Month for September. Young served as chairman of the course in which 24 young nimrods received certificates.

Eastern Washington State College faculty and students formed a campus committee to join the national movement for a war moratorium on Vietnam ahead of a nationwide day of protest against deaths that will occur if the conflict continues.

Safeway advertised a boneless chuck roast for 78-cents-per-pound. Canned chunk tuna was on sale for 25-cents for a 6 1/2 oz. can.

Rose Hutchinson of Medical Lake returned from a weeks vacation in Santa Ana where she visited her nephew. She visited the Los Angeles County Fair, the Wax Museum and Bower Museum. Hutchinson was also given a surprise birthday party while visiting.