Looking Back

10 Years Ago

Feb. 18, 2010

The Cheney Park Board discussed citizen-suggested options for a new community center to replace the one destroyed by winter storms in December 2008, including rebuilding the Wren Pierson Building at its current site between 3rd and 4th streets or at the 50-acre park on Betz Road.

The Medical Lake School District began making plans to sell construction bonds now that its $15.6 million bond was well on its way to approval by voters.

Eastern Washington University’s men’s basketball team earned a rare home sweep of the Montana schools to halt a seven-game losing skid, including a 69-68 nail-biter over the red hot Grizzlies.

20 Years Ag

Feb. 17, 2000

Mayor Amy Jo Sooy said the departure of parks and recreation director Bob Hudson after 24 years with the department will spur the beginning of a review of the department to see if changes can be made to its structure.

Medical Lake saw a 44 percent drop in fire calls in 1999, according to a report released by the city’s fire department.

Eleven local wrestlers earned trips to Mat Classic XI at the Tacoma Dome Feb. 18-19, including six from Medical Lake, including regional champions Jonny Varona, Andy Denson, Josh Cruger and Aaron Gomez.

30 Years Ago

Feb. 22, 1990

Cheney and Eastern Washington University officials began looking for alternatives for child care services due to the YMCA announcing it will discontinue its program effective June 30.

Medical Lake’s Helen Christy heard the introduction for the Kiwanis senior citizen of the year selection and realized they were talking about her. Christy was presented with the award at the annual Kiwanis Valentine’s Day dinner on Feb. 10.

Four Cheney swimmers, Jon Grafious, James Odle, Jim Brychell and Adric Arndt, qualified for state competition in Seattle Feb. 23-24. The four will make up the 200-meter relay team, with Grafious, Brychell and Arndt swimming individual events.

40 Years Ago

Feb. 28, 1980

Between 50-60 Cheney-area residents attended a meeting at the high school to express concerns about a Spokane County plan to designate land east and southeast of Interstate 90 at the Medical Lake interchange as commercial.

Plans were underway to gather memorabilia and locate a volunteer curator for a Fairchild Air Force Base Heritage Museum, according to project officer Lt. Col. Paul C. Patrick.

Twelve members of the Medical Lake Chamber of Commerce voted Feb. 21 to continue the organization even though its president, Ian Cunningham, questioned whether it could survive.

The Blackhawks boys basketball team claimed its first Frontier League title with a 60-45 win over Colville, led in scoring by Rick Bates, who was 10 of 14 from the floor.