Looking Back

10 Years Ago

Jan. 1, 2009

Speculation arose that the Pine Lodge Correctional Center for Women in Medical Lake might close in 2010 due to budget restrictions.

Cheney City Council considered leasing some of the city’s unused communication and data lines to Windsor Elementary to help get the school on the district’s network.

Cheney’s mayor and city staff declared a state of emergency due to snowfall to protect residents and help with snow removal.

20 Years Ago

Dec. 31, 1998

Employees in Cheney received a 2.5 percent cost of living increase. The city also adjusted salary scales for several positions in the city based on a recent Associated Industries survey.

A new access dockvalued at more than $4,500. was planned for the west side of Medical Lake.

Students at Sunset Elementary collected food for local food banks, holding competitions between classes to see who could collect the most canned or boxed food.

30 Years Ago

Dec. 29, 1988

The Cheney City Council formalized the city’s 1989 operating budget after a long discussion about city garbage disposal and the hiring of an economic development specialist.

Eastern Washington University’s Spokane Business Incubator more than doubled the number of businesses operating out of its offices in less than one year.

The City of Medical Lake drafted a letter to the Washington State Department of Corrections requesting another officer be trained for the city’s police department to alleviate stress on local law enforcement.

40 Years Ago

Dec. 28, 1978

A local family of five’s home was burned to the ground after firefighters struggled to get to the historic two-story “Conley House” due to drifted snow and slick roads.

Eastern Washington University offered classes in therapeutic recreation to prepare students to work with disabled people. The class provided recreational programs for clients between the ages of 18 and 60.

The Cheney Parks and Recreation Department hosted a disco for high school students at City Hall, complete with music, flashing lights and four DJs.

50 Years Ago

Dec. 26, 1968

Work progressed rapidly on the Medical Clinic and Student Health Center being constructed by two local doctors in Cheney. The building was set to open in January of 1969.

The Tilicum Historical Museum located in the old junior high building held an open house that featured a tour of exhibits, a dance troop performance and a silver tea.

The Cheney High School student body donated $100 to the Cheney Community Service Council for families in need in the district.