Looking Back

10 Years Ago

March 26, 2008

A lack of renovation funding and a failure to reach a maintenance and operations agreement led Eastern Washington University and the Cheney School District to consider closing Reid Elementary, a 50-year-old school.

The Cheney library began offering an online tutoring service called Live Homework Help, allowing students and tutors to keep in contact via instant messaging.

Cheney sought to formalize its banner policy, setting fees for advertising on local light poles.

20 Years Ago

April 1, 1999

Eastern Washington University officials met with Spokane County prosecutors to pursue a campus rape case, convinced that the local legal system had dropped the ball by dismissing the charges against the 18-year-old alleged rapist.

As a result of a changing, high-tech industry, local employer Johnson Matthey Electronics notified Cheney workers of a possible workforce reduction.

The Cheney High School soccer team celebrated its first win of the season with a 4-2 non-league victory against Medical Lake.

30 Years Ago

March 30, 1989

Cheney’s annual Easter egg hunt at Salnave Park featured 3,000 eggs — and the Easter bunny. Special golden eggs sent five children home with an Easter-themed gift basket.

The West Plains community was invited to a series of meetings detailing how AIDS curriculum would be taught in Cheney’s public schools.

Tabitha Bly of Cheney was chosen to represent the state at the fourth International Winter Special Olympic Games hosted in Reno, Nev. and Lake Tahoe, Calif. Bly, 17, competed in the 300-meter and 500-meter speed skating events.

40 Years Ago

March 29, 1979

Police investigated a burglary of Eastern Washington University’s Showalter Hall, during which between $30 – $50 and several beef and pepperoni sticks were taken.

Nearly 1,000 runners of all ages signed up for the Only Fools Run at Midnight run in Medical Lake.

Residents began to notice potholes showing up all over Cheney on city streets and rural roads. City officials said temporary patching jobs were being done as time permitted.

50 Years Ago

March 27, 1969

The Medical Lake School Board met and accepted several year-end resignations, including those of a head cook and several elementary school teachers.

A new type of skid-resistant pavement to minimize traffic accidents was being tested in seven states, including Washington. This information was presented at a Washington State University conference.

All farmers engaged in hop or fruit tree farming were required to open accounts with the U.S. Department of Labor to ensure proper medical aid payroll deductions for employees.