Looking Back

10 Years Ago

Aug. 26, 2004

The Cheney City Council approved the initial reading of an ordinance that would establish a new youth commission to act as an advisory voice to city government.

Two veteran City Council members have thrown their hats into the ring to become the next mayor of Medical Lake. Terry Harland, an 18-year veteran on the council and Laura Parsons, who has seven years on the council, were seeking the seat left by the resignation of Jim Hill.

The Cheney Blackhawks’ football team was preparing for play in the Greater Spokane League by playing against familiar faces like Clarkston, East Valley and West Valley who were part of a 3A division in the 14-team league.

20 Years Ago

Aug. 25, 1994

David Turner, from Seattle, won the 14th annual Troika Triathlon at Medical Lake in a time of 4 hours, 6.47 minutes. The event consisted of a 1.2-mile swim, 58-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run.

Cheney’s new water well was passing all the tests by producing flows of 1,100 gallons per minute, 425 gpm better than before.

Medical Lake was announced as the new home for a McDonald’s Express, a smaller version of the regular restaurant, according to owner Mark Ray. The eatery would be located at Medical Lake Plaza.

30 Years Ago

Aug. 23, 1984

Warm, dry weather has been a big help in making this year’s wheat harvest a good one with yields being between 60-75 bushels per acre, Cheney Grain Growers manager Gordon Young said.

A fire in a Volkswagen bus along Interstate 90 ignited surrounding grass in an adjacent pasture as well as a stack of abut 30 power poles belonging to Inland Power and Light.

Cheney’s new volleyball coach, Pam McKinzie, a former Montana State player and Mead High School assistant coach, was preparing to begin camp for the Blackhawks.

Football coach Tom Oswald was looking to replace All-State running back Mike Bunting as he welcomed 65 athletes to his preseason camp.

50 Years Ago

Aug. 21, 1964

The grain harvest that was expected to have yields of 50-60 bushels per acre was actually producing 40-50 and was interrupted by rain. A Cheney Grain Growers spokesperson, Elmer Luiten, said it would take about three days for the ground to dry before harvest could resume.

New Cheney Superintendent of Schools, William Riggs, wrote an open letter to the residents of the community urging them to support a vote to approve a bond that would pay for building a new high school.

Cheney High School’s football team, under new head coach Jim Hatch, announced a nine-game schedule with home games against Dayton, East Valley, Colville and Colfax, as well as two road games at Medical Lake.