Dec. 16, 1971
Tree branches, garbage cans and debris littered streets here last week following a strong evening wind.
No damage was reported, although several power lines were downed by falling tree limbs. Gusts of wind were estimated at 35-40 mph.
After Pacific Power employees repaired a line in Cascadia that was downed from fallen fir tree limbs, the same phase was knocked out twice more during the night. Power was out in Sweet Home on 47th Avenue for about two hours when falling limbs shorted out a power conductor, and another conductor required repairs to restore power to the north side of Long Street, across from Hawthorne School.
Linn County deputy sheriffs are investigating burglaries reported over the weekend. Elizabeth Cramlet, on Ames Creek Road, told officers the family home was entered by someone who took a combination refrigerator-freezer and a dinette chair.
A portable television set was reported stolen from the home of Calvin Kirk on Gooch Lane, and Bob Walker on 12th Avenue told police that someone took a circular saw and saber saw from his vacant house while it is being remodeled.
The Sweet Home City Council granted free parking on downtown streets for the next two weeks. The vote for free parking as an “action in the spirit of the season” was unanimously approved by the council although it will mean the loss of some $200 in revenue and fines.
“The people of Sweet Home look forward to this custom which has been carried out for a number of years,” said Mayor Ed Buhn. “And it is an incentive for them to shop in our city.”
Not far east of Foster, along Highway 20, a sign announces: “Flies – Buck and Iris’ Studio.” In a small A-frame house tucked against a hill, Buck and Iris Bruckbauer make their home, and among their belongings are flies of all sizes made by Buck.
He ties flies for fishermen, many of which are made-to-order for use in certain rivers and streams. Being an expert at his craft, his flies are not inexpensive. And now Buck is sharing his craft by writing booklets for a correspondence course in fly-tying.
The course, titled “Flyco,” is being backed by sportsmen and businessmen of the mid-valley, and will be advertised nationally.
Dec. 11, 1996
For Pastor Al Jensen, clowning around is serious business. He donned his clown outfit in a special service at Fir Lawn Lutheran Church, carrying on the old tradition of delivering his message through mime and symbolism.
Clowns have been used throughout history to deliver messages, even as a means to keep congregations awake since the 10th and 11th centuries. Clowns would often come up through trap doors in the floor of a sanctuary during a worship service for that purpose. In North America, the clown has surfaced in churches only since the 1960s.
Jensen said the clown symbolizes 1 Corinthians, where Christians are counted as fools for Christ. Clowns are people who make mistakes and are humble, he said. Jensen used props to creatively present a silent sermon, receive the offering and share communion.
Equipment mobilization is underway to begin construction of an additional 96 beds at the Linn County Jail. The expansion project is necessitated by the passage of Senate Bill 1145 which requires that state prisoners whose sentences are 12 months or less be remanded to the county of their residence.
Frank Thompson was discharged from his position as a public works supervisor following an investigation by the city. He was fired for official misconduct by “violating city personnel policies relating to misuse of city property,” Dave Kinney, city manager pro tem, said.
A search warrant at his home turned up one pound of dried marijuana, $700, 14 firearms, scales, packaging materials, drug records, evidence of drug use, evidence of marijuana cultivation, evidence of methamphetamine use, and property suspected of being stolen. Found property possibly belonging to the city included a machine for making keys along with blank keys.
Thompson was charged with possession of a controlled substance, delivery of a controlled substance, manufacturing of a controlled substance, and third-degree theft at the Linn County Jail after turning himself in.