Looking Back

10 Years Ago

Dec. 4, 2008

The Cheney City Council trimmed almost $7 million from 2009’s annual budget, about $6.5 million of which came from Public Works Department funds.

The Cheney Free Press introduced Airway Heights’ new K9 officer, a German shepard and black lab mix named Austin. It was the first time the Airway Heights Police Department had employed a K9 unit.

Early snowfall had local drivers planning for icy winter conditions.

20 Years Ago

Dec. 3, 1998

A home-monitoring program for DUI offenders was introduced in Medical Lake. While the program could be used for people convicted of other charges, it was aimed at curbing drunk driving. Those being monitored were required to pay for the program themselves.

Local businesses were urged to deck the halls for Cheney’s second annual Christmas Decorating Contest.

Four Medical Lake High School students placed 9th at the national FFA convention in Kansas City, MO. The students earned about $600 each in scholarships.

30 Years Ago

Dec. 8, 1988

In a survey of more than 100 people, the majority of Cheney residents said they would participate in an intensive recycling program, and volunteers set out to make the program a reality.

Adult classes in general education, typing and keyboarding, conversational Spanish, photography, high school completion and several other subjects began to be offered at Cheney High School.

Eastern Washington University participated in the country’s first-ever comprehensive study of farm-related injuries. According to a 1988 statistic from the National Safety Council, about 1,600 people per year died in farming accidents, while another 160,000 were disabled.

40 Years Ago

Nov. 23, 1978

Three visitors to Eastern Washington University’s Pierce Hall were fined more than $600 each and given a 90-day suspended jail sentence for spraying fire extinguishers in the dorms and a number of other rooms. The three were not EWU students, but were visiting a friend who was not involved in the stunt.

After a yearlong effort by the Cheney School District about 160 acres of land were officially annexed and became part of the city of Cheney.

A pair of hit and run suspects that caused $700 in damages were sought by the Cheney Police Department and put in custody after leaving a note on the damaged vehicle that read, “Your neighbor thinks we are leaving our phone number — fooled them, sorry.” The neighbor was able to give police the pair’s license plate number, which led to their arrest.

50 Years Ago

Dec. 6, 1968

Cheney’s community Christmas tree had to be put up late due to the 30-foot tree being stolen and damaged.

Twenty-two Geiger Heights Junior High girls formed a Y-Teen club for educational, recreational activities and advertised for advisors.

The local Postmaster asked residents to tie their Christmas cards in bundles and separate them based on where they would be delivered to expedite mail service.