Looking Back

10 Years Ago July 16, 2009

The Cheney Police Department saw the lazy days of summer become a reality as the department’s reports dropped 46 percent.

The city of Cheney moved closer to resolving a decades-old court case when resident Thomas Myers sought a case review from the state Supreme Court. The case stemmed from two properties Myers surrendered to the city while the city deferred jail time and $840,000 in fines stemming from code violations. If Myers lost the appeal, the properties would go to the city.

The Summerhawks A classification team dropped a doubleheader against South leader Ferris High School.

20 Years Ago July 8, 1999

The century-old Heglar House on C Street in Cheney was at risk of demolition if the city did not hear a plan to move it by the fall.

Local sports camps geared up for summer, including Cheney High School’s volleyball camp and Medical Lake High School’s football camp.

The American International Student Exchange sought families in the West Plains willing to host foreign exchange students.

30 Years Ago July 13, 1989

Local fire departments tallied up the damages and injuries caused by July 4 fireworks. The Cheney Fire Department had one serious incident when the Talsman Apartments sustained nearly $100,000 in damages due to “a youngster playing with fireworks” setting a shrub on fire.

The City Council debated whether elected leaders like the mayor and council member should be compensated more for their time. The city paid $550 per month to the mayor and $250 per month to council members.

The Cheney Police Department set its annual auction for July 29. Items to be auctioned included more than 20 bicycles, sporting goods, calculators and 19 umbrellas.

40 Years Ago July 12, 1979

The local Postmaster warned residents that as of July 15, they would not be allowed to mail letters smaller than three and a half inches high and five inches long because they would not be accepted by the post office.

The Inland Empire Solar Energy Association hosted a panel discussion on “Earth Sheltered Housing” and its relationship with passive solar energy.

The local wheat crop was hurt by a dry spell, suffering from the parched conditions.

50 Years Ago July 10, 1969

The Cheney Rodeo Association staged its second annual rodeo.

The Cheney Free Press listed local teens who had found summer jobs in the area, including Peggy Bedient, who worked 3:30 p.m.– midnight processing eggs at Western Poultry.

Eastern Washington State College’s Board of Trustees approved the institution of a dental hygiene program.