Looking Back

10 Years Ago

Dec. 6, 2007

Medical Lake’s John Aiken tried his second run at state governor’s office. His first campaign took place in 2004.

The Inland Northwest Partners honored Cheney for its planned research and industrial park that would create 400 jobs and $64 million in capital investment.

After three years, Rick Olsen stepped down as Medical Lake’s football coach.

20 Years Ago

Dec. 11, 1997

There was a unanimous disapproval vote from members of the Eastern Washington University board of trustees to one senator’s suggestion to merge EWU with Washington State University.

After enduring a salary and wage freeze imposed upon them by the Cheney City Council, the city’s department heads unionized. The rest of the city’s non-union employees joined them.

Nance Van Winckle, a professor in the EWU graduate creative writing program, was awarded a $5,000 literary fellowship from Washington state’s Artist Trust.

30 Years Ago

Dec. 10, 1987

Preparation of the site for the new Cheney community library began. There was a deadline set for buying a personalized brick to go into the new building.

The Washington Air National Guard Refueling Wing headquartered at Fairchild Air Force Base took first place in a worldwide Strategic Air Command competition.

Nicholas Evans, a Blair Elementary School sixth grader, sang for the crowd that gathered in Fairchild’s chapel for the lighting of the Christmas tree. Evans, a part of Blair’s Choralaires and a bell choir performed during the ceremony.

40 Years Ago

Dec. 8, 1977

Matt Haugen of Cheney was representing the Cheney Track Club at the National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships.

Although he didn’t become mayor until Jan. 1, Mayor-elect Tom Trulove had already started getting involved. The reason was to avoid any unpleasant surprises following New Years Day.

The only certain thing about Cheney’s 1978 budget was that hikes for certain utilities were probable.

50 Years Ago

Dec. 7, 1967

Eastern Washington State College’s planned $1.33 million new classroom building was named after Don S. Patterson, who retired as EWSC president.

With three scoring in double figures, the Cheney Blackhawks basketball team put down the Colfax Bulldogs 60-52. Senior guard Les Harris put in 14 points to lead the scoring, with Gary Sooy and Timm Shepard adding 13 and 12.

Dr. and Mrs. Gamon presented a film, “Bennies and Goof Balls” at Emmanuel Lutheran Church.