April 20, 1950
Henry Clay Tollett, 55, one of two holdup men who in 1947 robbed the Bank of Sweet Home of $57,000, has been placed on the FBI’s list of the nation’s 10 most wanted fugitives. Tollett escaped from the McNeil Island federal prison in Washington last November, where he was serving 25 years for the robbery and another bank robbery in Oakland, Ore.
S.B. Lewis, general manager of Willamette National Lumber announced the installation of an electric steam turbine generator at the Foster operation that will turn sawdust into electric energy. The machine will use surplus sawdust and hog fuel that, a few years prior, would have been burned in a waste burner. They made the investment to “not only make full use of all usable wood, but because we believe that private industry, with its big stake in the future of this region, should provide all possible electric energy to supply expanding industrial and residential needs.”
The fire department responded to two calls this week. Melvin Bunch’s four-room cottage (owned by W.C. Tabler) located a mile north behind Foster Cafe caught fire when an oil stove exploded as it was being lighted. The other fire, of undetermined origin, demolished the barn of Roy Holcomb.
April 17, 1975
Tomco Inc. won its fight for a septic tank permit but then halted the construction of its multi-million dollar facility at Green River Road because of the county’s “complete lack of cooperation.” President Amos Horner was outraged at the rising costs of obtaining the permit and the following roadblock that the drain field would have to be located a thousand feet from the septic tank. Expecting more roadblocks and costs, he’s looking elsewhere for his plant.
Al Severson served as auctioneer at the Sweet Home Ministerial Association’s “Hunger Auction.” The event, a rummage sale and a bazaar sale raised more than $4,000 for the starving people in Africa, India and Bangladesh.
A cash register stolen from Mollie’s Bakery had been dumped in the Lester Shingle Co. mill pond and was later recovered by police using heavy duty magnets. Two people were arrested in connection with the theft.
April 19, 2000
The City Council is considering alternatives to the sewer and water rate increase recommended by a consulting firm. The firm recommended additional staff, rate increases and a 5% rate of return – an additional charge that can be used in other areas of the city. City staff proposed using the rate of return to help in sewer and water projects, and the public works director said the firm’s recommendations would make the water and wastewater facilities self-supporting, but one councilmember said much of the increase would essentially only just pay for extra employees. The council was split on the decision and is considering other options.