Looking Back

10 Years Ago

Sept. 24, 2009

The Cheney City Council approved a 5,000 square foot utility building expansion that included new office space, conference rooms and a reception area. The cost was estimated at just over $1 million.

A Medical Lake mayoral race between Laura Parsons and incumbent John Higgins was heating up. Parsons said she would bring more business and community development to the city, while Higgins was focused on improved emergency services and downtown commerce.

The Medical Lake Cardinals football team powered past the Lakeside Eagles 32-20 on the feet of 6-foot, 190-pound back Ben Powers, who ran for 193 yards on 36 carries, three touchdowns and a fumble recovery on an on-side kick, giving the Cardinals a 2-1 record before facing a well-stocked Cheney team at home.

20 Years Ago

Sept. 23, 1999

Cheney’s Showies Tavern owner Tom Showalter offered a $20 bounty to his bartenders for each underage drinker they catch in an attempt to discourage underage patrons from using fake or borrowed identification.

The Medical Lake City Council discussed the impacts of Initiative 695, better known as the “$30 license tab” initiative. They were concerned about the impact to the city if the initiative were to pass.

EWU dorms, in a reversal of fortune after dorm popularity plummeted, filled up again, complete with record numbers and a waiting list due to an increase in enrollment.

30 Years Ago

Sept. 28, 1989

Wayne Brokaw was appointed as the new director of the Cheney Chamber of Commerce, bringing a background primarily based on employee relations. He replaced Dale Lamphere.

Several EWU professors benefited from access to Bitnet, an international computer network linking higher education and research organizations all over the world.

A drug abuse video called “Get Involved Before Your Kids Do,” was scheduled in Medical Lake. The video was aimed at educating adults on substance abuse problem among children.

40 Years Ago

Sept. 27, 1979

Development in Cheney continued at a steady pace with the addition of 32 new homes to-date. City Administrator Bob Filson noted that Cheney, Medical Lake and Airway Heights were online for a major population boom in the next decade.

Medical Lake joined forces with Eastern Washington University to conduct a bicycle study aimed at determining the best locations for bicycle paths in the city.

The Cheney Blackhawks where 1-1 after beating the Colville Indians football team 14-0. The Hawk’s defense completely thwarted every Indians drive, keeping their deepest offensive penetration into Hawks to the 35-yard line.

50 Years Ago

Sept. 25, 1969

Jerry Flikke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Flikke of Cheney, was awarded the Bronze Star for action in Vietnam.

Marshall Webb was elected and served as caucus chairman at a caucus meeting that attracted 125 attendees, considered a good turnout for Medical Lake.

The Medical Lake School Board hired two more teachers due to an increase in student enrollment. The board also approved a $6-per-month pay raise for employees.

Vicky’s Malt Shop at 401 1st St., advertised a choice 10 oz. rib steak with tossed salad, French bread and coffee for $2.25 along with free tickets to a Spokane Shocker’s football game for kids as long as they last.