Dec. 28, 1950
Donn Bonham, former editor of The New Era, is now in Korea with the marines. Encamped near Pusan with a marine replacement unit, Bonham is a member of a four-man rifle team after being with the historic records section of a headquarters unit. He reports the spirits of the men in his outfit were high, despite being short of food, water and simple conveniences.
Santa was the most popular man in town when an estimated 2,500 youngsters and adults were there to greet his arrival in a bright red fire engine. He passed out packages of fruit, nuts and candy in front of the city’s big Christmas tree on M Street, and found time for an occasional chat with big-eyed children or to voice his disapproval at youngsters who accepted second and third helpings.
Dec. 24, 1975
An overestimation of beginning cash balances in the general and public works funds will leave the city about $70,000 short at the end of the fiscal year. The auditors had projected more money for the year than was actually being received, so they told the council the city will have to cut back on expenditures in order to avoid getting into a big hole. The city manager recommended eliminating the purchase of a police car, laying off a public works employee, cutting extra labor and reducing purchases of materials and supplies.
Big Red (Santa) and the Dogbite Fairies (presumably elves) from the high school spread cheer throughout town by handing out candy canes and greeting people on the streets. The people behind the merry costumes were never identified.
Dec. 27. 2000
A woman was injured after falling 20 feet inside a Willamette Industries warehouse at the north end of 24th Avenue. Police were investigating several burglaries and searching for a suspect who was said to be living in the warehouse. While searching in the middle of the night, the woman was seen on top of a 20-foot stack of cardboard. Further searching revealed a tent and, later, the woman who had fallen down a crevice between stacks. She was treated at the hospital.
Volunteers planted “Celebration Trees” at the Jim Riggs Community Center in honor of Jim Riggs, Gloria Riggs, Frances Hughes, Winnie and Guy Mansperger, Catherine Skiens and Larry Blem.
The owners of the Mountain House Country Restaurant said goodbye to their customers after 10 years in business. They mentioned finances as a reason, and said they believe if someone could renovate the building into a more tourist-attractive destination, it could really flourish.