Looking Back

10 Years Ago

Aug. 19, 2004

The Cheney City Council approved a resolution that supported the designation of the proposed Ice Age Floods National Geological Trail.

Students crossing the streets around Cheney and Eastern Washington University would hopefully be safer in the future as the city of Cheney secured over $30,000 to install better crosswalks.

EWU rewarded fifth-year athletic director Scott Barnes with a renegotiated contract that provided him with a $15,000 salary increase to $125,000 per year. With the new deal, Barnes officially withdrew his name from consideration for a job at Northern Illinois University where he was a finalist.

20 Years Ago

Aug. 18, 1994

The Cheney Fire Department authorized use of a pumper truck and crew to assist members from Spokane County Fire District No. 3 fighting the massive 125,000-acre Tyee wildfire near Chelan, Wash.

Kevin Hanson was sworn in as the newest member of the Cheney City Council by city finance director Grant Murie.

Cheney High School's Tom Stralser was named Outstanding Biology Teacher in the state of Washington by the National Association of Biology Teachers.

30 Years Ago

Aug. 16, 1984

Cheney's Sutton Park became the new home of the former gazebo from Fort George Wright. The structure was a replica of a bandstand that originated at Fort Sherman in Coeur d'Alene and later stood at the Spokane army post from 1933-1947.

The decision to be part of the Spokane County Solid Waste Management Plan would be made by the Cheney City Council. The council had until Aug. 31 to make a decision.

EWU was preparing to open fall camp for its first season as an NCAA Division 1-AA football school as head coach Dick Zornes was set to welcome 106 athletes for Eastern's 75th season of football.

40 Years Ago

Aug. 22, 1974

Spiraling inflation rates of 12-15 percent were keeping area school district officials hopping as they tried to keep budgets in line with earlier projections.

The Medical Lake City Council Chambers were packed with people who wanted to speak against a proposed Sept. 17 street bond improvement ballot measure.

Three-a-day workouts were to begin Sept. 5 for Eastern Washington State College's football team, head coach John Massengale announced. The Eagles opener was Sept. 21 at Portland State.

50 Years Ago

Aug. 14, 1964

A three-step program designed to guide the development of school facilities over the next three years was approved by the Cheney School Board. The school board approved putting a $500,000 bond and a $179,000 levy on the Sept. 15 special election.

A Montana traffic accident took the life of 17-year-old Cheney High School student Paul Morin.

Diana Gooley scored the only first place finish for the Eastern Washington Recreation Association swim team in competition at Moses Lake, Wash.

Looking back with the Cheney Historical Museum

One hundred years ago on August 15, 1914, the Panama Canal opened for traffic. The man-made waterway significantly shortened the shipping time for good from the east coast and Europe to those in the west. Learn more about our area’s history at http://www.cheneymuseum.org.