Looking Back

10 Years Ago

Sept. 16, 2004

A fire apparently started by some joyriding teens burned about 130 acres of wheat stubble west of the Eastern Washington University campus behind Woodward Field.

Councilman D.C. “Terry” Harland, 84, was appointed to fill the vacant position of Medical Lake mayor, replacing Jim Hill.

Cheney ran its Greater Spokane League football record to 2-0 following a convincing 35-3 win over West Valley. Running back Brett Igbinoba led Cheney with 173 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

20 Years Ago

Sept. 15, 1994

Groundbreaking for a new elementary school in Medical Lake was expected to begin in 7-10 days, following the awarding of a contract to Lydig Construction.

Medical Lake city employees voted to become part of a union, the City Council learned at its weekly meeting.

Eastern Washington scored its most points in 20 years in a 61-7 shellacking of visiting Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. EWU quarterback Todd Bernett threw for 343 yards and three touchdowns while wide receiver Jason Anderson scored three times.

30 Years Ago

Sept. 13, 1984

A large crowd of EWU faculty was expected to be on hand at the annual Cheney Chamber of Commerce breakfast at Tawanka Commons to hear Washington state Rep. Helen Sommers speak on the proposed merger of EWU and Washington State University.

Washington Gov. John Spellman made a visit to Cheney, meeting with about 30 local business and government leaders at the offices of the Cheney Free Press.

The Eastern football team was seeking its seventh-straight victory when they hosted Montana State at Joe Albi Stadium in Spokane.

40 Years Ago

Sept. 19, 1974

A fire caused by a faulty heater destroyed portions of the Tyler grocery store, gas station and post office. The store was closed for only a short time but the post office may not reopen.

An estimated 6,450 students were expected to be on campus as Eastern Washington State College prepared to open for the fall term.

The Medical Lake High School football team was looking to extend their string of shutouts to three as they prepared to face West Valley on the road for the Frontier League opener for both teams. The Cardinals beat Mead 13-0 and Deer Park 37-0 in their two previous games.

50 Years Ago

Sept. 19, 1964

On a vote of 1,085-602, Cheney voters approved a $500,000 bond issue that would fund construction of a new high school. A one-year maintenance and operations levy also passed 1,032-630.

The Washington Water Power Company was recently granted a franchise by the Cheney City Council to bring natural gas into the city.

Medical Lake defeated visiting Cheney 13-7 in the season opening football game. Cardinal touchdowns came from Al Werth and Mike Shankel while Mike Liddel scored for the Blackhawks.