The New Era - All about Sweet Home since 1929

For Donna Short, taking a photograph helps her be present in the moment and really see what she's seeing. "It's a way to see more intently. Even if I never do anything with that picture ever again,...

If Dawn Mitchell, co-director at the Sweet Home Senior Center, could take time away from her busy schedule to participate in one of the center's activities, she would try the glass fusing workshop....

John and Jane Suh spent their entire lives in cities, but for the past year have been enjoying the relaxing benefits of rural, small-town life. The pair acquired Mr. Lucky's Deli, 1207 Long, and...

Jon West, owner of West's Tree Farm on Berlin Road, finds social media and the Internet can be a double-edged sword for his Christmas tree business. On one hand, he said, many of his customers find...

As a storyteller and eight-year volunteer on the South Willamette Valley Honor Flight, Leigh Matthews Bock has found "the perfect marriage" through her new project at the Majestic Theatre in...

When Henry Wolthuis retired from his dentistry practice in Sweet Home in 2014, he found himself waking up with little to do. "I probably did a lot of sitting around," he said, as if recalling a former...

Editor's note: The New Era's policy is to not promote individuals on our staff in our news coverage unless there's more to the story than just their involvement. That is the case here. This story is a...

What started out as a means to keep Terry Lahodny's pets safe and teach his grandchildren a lesson has turned into an attraction that draws people from all over to see the mock western town he's...

In the early mornings, while most people are still asleep or just beginning to wake up, Ken Bronson will be listening to the patter of his feet on the ground, or the quiet splash of water as his arms...

Of The New Era There's an old Scout song and a movie about Steamboat Bill, but this is a story about Steamboat Phil, who went to Foster Lake to see if his old craft could ride the waves still. Phil...

Some people are so married to something that the phrase, "It's in their blood," rings true for them. That could be said of Howard Crover, who's likely got splinters and fuel in his blood because he's...

More people are stepping into the public sphere as Phase 1 of Gov. Kate Brown's reopening plan for Oregon gains momentum, but if you do, the Jolly Stitchers at the Senior Center have you covered....

In the aftermath of the ice storm of 2017, Dennis Eggers set to work cutting up and moving 20 of the cedar trees he and his wife lost that winter. Little did he know, his effort would set into motion...

While much of its senior clientele is sheltering-in-place due to coronavirus restrictions, Meals on Wheels continues to provide meals three days a week, just in a little different format. Meals...

The new facility for Samaritan Treatment and Recovery Services, at 111 N. Main, at the intersection with Tangent Street in Lebanon, is complete and nearly ready for occupancy, except for a few obstacl...

Though the 72nd annual Sweet Home Gem and Mineral Show had to be canceled due to the COVID-19 lockdown, that hasn't cooled local rockhounds' ardor for minerals. Ed Anderson, president of the Sweet Hom...

For someone who teaches Tai Chi and Qigong, Jim Adamik was surprised to find his patience running thin last week, in the days after his two dogs went missing. "I'm usually a calm, peaceful, get-along-...

Pam Walker would tell you she started her athletic career when she was in the third grade, while she attended Holley Elementary. "I was out there runnin' around on the playground and was discovered...

Outdoor School providers from across Oregon converged at Camp Tadmor in late January to build opportunities for improvement of Outdoor School programs through the Oregon State University Extension...

Like many kids growing up in impoverished circumstances, Ray Maynard had to use his imagination and a little ingenuity to stay entertained. The only things he played with were things he could make,...

Timber Unity members are warming up their trucks for another rally at the capitol on Thursday, Feb. 6, to put pressure on the legislature regarding a successor to House Bill 2020 that is expected to b...

Edward "Ted" Stilson has one of those stories that perhaps only a few others in the world's history can claim as their own. While fighting in World War II, a small Bible in the left breast pocket of...

The holiday season is a time for inspiration, and inspiration can come in many forms. For Trisha Van Eck, it was the Hallmark movie "Operation Christmas," a story about a single mother who did...

What does a long-distance runner squirrel away in his pack before setting off on a two-day run? For Trevor Spangle, it's Oreos, Top Ramen, Chef Boyardee ravioli, gels and chews. "Lots of sugar, lots...