Sept. 14, 1972
Harold (Jack) Roberts, his granddaughter Yvonne Slack (visiting from Walnut Creek, Calif.), and Ray Riggs left Sweet Home for a pack-in fishing trip near Detroit Lake. When they returned they found a small fire burning near a stump.
There, east of Tombstone Pass near Highway 20, the three fought fire for an hour before help arrived from nearby Iron Mountain Lookout Station.
A grateful Forest Service offered pay, which was refused. The three later received a letter of appreciation and a citation for Outstanding Achievement in Forest Fire Prevention through personal action.
The Conservative Baptist Association of Oregon is developing a year-round church camp at Tadmor, which the church purchased in 1967. The 187-acre camp serves all CBA Oregon congregations, and members refer to it as “Tadmor on the mountain.”
This was the first year the new Forum was used, an open auditorium with heavy beamed supports and elliptical roof seating 1,000 persons.
This weekend, CBA members using the camp pledged enough funds to begin immediate work on construction of a lake. A chapel, gymnasium, and large multi-purpose lodge with fireplaces and tables for 100 people are also planned.
The Rio Theatre is in the final stages of interior remodeling in the theatre portion of the building, with a new projector screen and curtains, painting of the floor and new aisle carpets. G.W. Gessler owns both the Rio on Main Street and the old Roxy building on Long Street.
Sept. 10, 1997
An anonymous do-gooder has been mailing cards written in purple ink to people graduating high school and celebrating a birthday or anniversary. Numerous persons reported receiving the cards, which included $5 to $100 in cash and a purple feather. The thoughtful gift has many people scratching their heads but appreciating the act of kindness.
When Officer James Welch attempted to pull Shawn Stanley Pruitt over for minor traffic violations after pulling onto Highway 20 from Circle K, Pruitt accelerated and headed east.
Sgt. George Dominy said he was observed weaving in and out of traffic and running three cars off the road, one of which was a deputy in a plain vehicle.
Pruitt’s motor started burning out at about Clark Mill Road and was “really smoking” by they time it reached Canyon Creek Road. That’s when Pruitt jumped from his moving vehicle into the brush. Officers said the pursuit went in excess of 100 mph. He was wanted on seven warrants.
Police Officer Rich Culley, a 10-year veteran of Sweet Home, was promoted to Sergeant. He was the field training officer for nine years, and served as the range officer for five or six years.
Culley also initiated the bicycle program in 1993, which is his proudest accomplishment that allows officers to navigate events and keep an eye on nighttime activity.