Looking Back

10 Years Ago

July 2, 2009

The Eastern Washington University board of trustees approved the university’s first ever-biennial budget that included a total of $26 million in reductions over two years along with a 14 percent resident and 5 percent out-of-state tuition increase.

Dry conditions were projected to be above normal with significant fire danger in areas of Eastern Washington.

There were 785 fireworks-related injuries and fires reported to the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office in 2008 by fire departments and hospitals. Of those, 518 were fires and 267 injuries.

20 Years Ago

July 1, 1999

The “Concert in the Park” series, a summertime tradition in Cheney, made a return.

The Eastern Washington University board of trustees approved an operating budget of $106 million for the 1999-2000 academic year, including a 3 percent tuition increase.

A Medical Lake doctor called the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office about a patient who he believed was suicidal.

30 Years Ago

June 29, 1989

Cheney’s official population was pegged at 7,630, an increase of 80 people from the previous year.

The State Department of Transportation awarded a $1.145 million contract to Acme Concrete in Spokane to resurface a segment of Highway 902 near Medical Lake.

Founder’s Day activities the previous weekend brought hundreds of people together in Medical Lake to recognize the city’s 117 years of history.

40 Years Ago

July 5, 1979

Farmers met in Cheney with county extension agents to discuss a “spotty” infestations of grasshoppers.

With the gas situation tight and no let-up in sight, the Medical Lake School Board cut back on fuel consumption to avoid problems in the coming school year.

Sherm Blake, who operated the Book and Brush in Cheney with his wife, Ellen, expanded his photography business.

50 Years Ago

July 3, 1969

Skip Duty said that seating for about 2,000 at the Cheney Rodeo grounds would be ready for the big event the following weekend.

The Medical Lake School Board met and several new persons were hired for the coming school year.

Mr. and Mrs. D. McDaniels and Mr. and Mrs. B. Knight were guests at the Robert DeViney home. All were missionaries from Japan who just arrived in the States on leave.