Feb. 8, 1951
Brilliant light flashes in the sky were observed in the east and resembled lightning, according to electrical reactions on radios. One argument that the flashes were lightning was offered by some local citizens. Although not exactly scientific, China pheasant roosters were crowing at the time, as they are known to do when there is lightning.
The Jaycees during a meeting committed to publicize this year’s Frontier Days by selling swatches, or cloth patches, in hopes they will be worn by many. They also discussed the Lebanon-Sweet Home stag party to be held at Melody Lane. Entertainment, games and refreshments will be offered.
Prospects for settlement of the railroad strike are on the horizon as rail movements in Sweet Home are soon expected. A spokesman on the matter also spiked rumors that local trainmen contracted the “walkoff sickness” and left their jobs. He said no one left, but that “the place seemed deserted because there wasn’t much to do.”
A special delegation of two dozen parents asked the school board to use a $1,800 fund allocated last year to finance the services of a public school nurse. A Linn County school nurse said they are needed for periodic health exams, prevention and correction of physical defects, observation for signs of communicable diseases and other adverse conditions, immediate needed care, improvement of personnel health, re-admittance of kids who were ill, and teaching the importance of cleanliness.
Feb. 5, 1976
The first annual Winter Arts Festival, sponsored by Business and Professional Women and held at the high school, will be themed “Nostalgia – 200 years.” It’s being held during the weekend of George Washington’s birthday as a salute, in part, to the bicentennial year. It will include a flea mart, performing arts and talent show competition with 21 variety acts, and art and craft exhibits.
Snow play activities such as sledding on inner tubes and sleds will be banned effective immediately at Hoodoo Ski Bowl. That’s because “the situation has gotten out of control,” with a number of injuries occurring each weekend, which include broken bones, internal injuries and lower back injuries.
Efforts to renovate, reorganize and institute the Sweet Home Teen Community Center, 1256 Main St., continue as new leadership turns it into a nonprofit organization, adds more activities, initiates $1/monthly membership dues, and asks for more volunteers.
Feb. 7, 2001
The Linn County Board of Commissioners approved a two-year mass-gathering permit for the Foster Mud Flat Races’ successor, the Santiam Mountain Mud Festival at 41176 Skyline Road. It is expected to draw 3,000 participants this year. Neighbors are concerned about erosion, access, noise pollution, compacted soil, runoff problems, illegal camping and partying, trespassing, “unsavory people,” and effect on animals and water.
Honored at this year’s Chamber awards are: Glenda Hopkins (BPW Woman of the Year), Todd Gestrin (Jr. First Citizen), Mollie Andrews (First Citizen) and Carla Healy (Distinguished Citizen). The President’s Club honored Jesse Barr, Dennis Speck, Sylvia Stock, Richard Lillich, Mary Mansfield and Jim Melcher as “Very Important People.”