Looking Back

10 Years Ago

Nov. 13, 2008

Cold, damp weather caused a demand increase on Cheney’s electrical power system and resulted in a citywide power outage.

The Cheney High School mock election results predicted the outcome of the upcoming general election in which Barack Obama was elected president.

Eastern Washington University hosted information technology students as part of an international programming competition called “Battle of the Brains.”

20 Years Ago

Nov. 5, 1998

Cheney police were concerned about a lack of “rape prevention educaiton” among young university students following two date-rape incidents in a month in the Greek Row area of town.

The Medical Lake Planning Department finalized plans to expand the trail system in and around the city.

A local group spearheaded efforts to prepare for January 1, 2000, also known as Y2K.

30 Years Ago

Nov. 10, 1988

Centennial events began in Cheney, marking the beginning of a year-long celebration of Washington’s statehood.

Eastern Washington University hosted “Jazzarama ‘88,” a vocal jazz festival competition for more than 400 high school and junior college students from all over the region.

Dr. Maria Peck, an associate professor of social work at Eastern Washington University, presented a talk entitled, “Women and Aging.”

40 Years Ago

Nov. 9, 1978

A windstorm was so strong that it knocked over an electrical wire south of Cheney, killing several cows due to calve and causing more than $3,000 in damages.

The U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare investigated Eastern Washington University’s disbursment of athletic financial aid following complaints from two other state universities. School officials said the complaints were due to “professional jealousy.”

After more than a year of effort from the Cheney School District, a public hearing was scheduled for the annexation of the junior high school to the city of Cheney.

50 Years Ago

Nov. 14, 1968

The Owl Pharmacy in Cheney celebrated its first anniversary in its building by hosting an appreciation sale.

Cheney was named the most rapidly growing city in the state. This caused some concern with the City Council as members worried about the strain this would place on the city budget.

A large farm machinery plant on 15 acres opened five miles west of Spokane on Highway 2, costing about $200,000.