1983

Debra Jacobs and her children are held for ransom in their Sunnyland home.

Steve Calvert wins the first state championship in the history of District 50 when he wins the pole vault in boys track.

WHIP (Washington Helps Its People) was organized to assist Washingtonians in the economic climate of the early 1980s.  Donna Meldahl and Dixon Turnbull were elected co-chairs at initial meetings.  The first location was the store room of the Herbst Company on North Main Street.

During the 1983-84 season, Ed Foster became the first Black varsity boys basketball player in WCHS history, appearing in one game as a freshman.

The town rallies behind the WCHS football team as they finish 2nd in state.

La Gondola Spaghetti House opened in the old Speedway station at 1006 Peoria Street.