Dec. 6, 1973
Some 400 people joined the Elks for its mortgage burning celebration. Presiding over the event was Merle Ream, who was exalted ruler when the new lodge building was finished in 1963. The burning of the mortgage was presided over by present Exalted Ruler Bob Reynolds. Lodge officers each burned a portion of the mortgage.
Residents got an example of what a real energy crisis might bring after a switch serving Willamette Industries sawmill blew out. In the late afternoon, electricity to some 4,000 customers served by Pacific Power & Light went out. The Willamette switch, which services both the mill and homes adjacent to it, was not picked up by the system until three hours later. Many residents phoned friends and neighbors, tying up phone lines. Traffic lights went out, forcing police to direct traffic, and services at the water and wastewater treatment plants came to a halt.
Dec. 9, 1998
The Planning Commission gave its approval of a conditional use permit for Rite Aid to construct a drive-through pharmacy in Sweet Home. It would be part of a tentatively proposed 16,708 square foot drug store at the corner of 12th Avenue and Main Street. The development would extend from 12th Avenue on the west and Nandina Street on the north, with an estimated cost of $3 million.
Ambassadors Parade Director Ozzie Shaw sustained minor injuries after he was hit by a vehicle prior to the Christmas Parade Saturday morning. On Long Street, in the staging area in front of the School District office, Shaw was struck by a vehicle driven by Lois Streeter, 77. The streets in the parade staging area have never been officially closed during the annual parade, but drivers are asked to use caution. Police Chief Bob Burford said Streeter was driving very slow, trying to watch out for people. The city will probably look at changing parade conditions to restrict access to the parade area in future years.