Feb. 7, 1974
Sentry Electronics Inc. on Pleasant Valley Road has begun producing automatic smoke and gas detection units. Kenneth G. White Sr., president of the new corporation as well as White’s Electronics, said insurance companies are enthusiastic about the product that can detect fire, flammable atmosphere, carbon monoxide and natural gas leaks. White plans to manufacture the detection devices for use in mobile homes.
Unique educational experiences are happening at Cascadia School with HELP (Hedlund Exploratory Learning Program). Under the school district’s special services program, Norman Hedlund motivates students to learn through a one-on-one relationship over a period of three weeks for third to sixth graders. Limited to 12-15 students at a time, Hedlund can better observe and give immediate referral to meet each student’s need.
Santiam Meat Packers is under new ownership by Darold Smith, who is under a five-year lease with an option to buy. Smith, who’s worked in Stanton’s Slaughterhouse, Cottonwoods, had been looking to buy for a long time, and signed the lease two days after hearing about the opportunity.
Feb. 10, 1999
Through the efforts of sophomore Ann Ross, the high school will form an equestrian club. She originally pursued the creation of an equestrian sports team, but school officials were concerned about liability issues and the fact the OSAA does not sanction it as a sport. The club will operate within the Oregon High School Equestrian Athletic program, and will represent Sweet Home during the equestrian sports season, which includes three meets (one of which is a state tournament).
The school district banned possession of laser pointers by students while on school property or at school-sponsored events. Supt. Bill Hampton said laser pointers are becoming more popular as the cost of them declines. He said they are often used by students being obnoxious during activities and assemblies.
A new tradition started at the high school which involves “talent and guys strutting their stuff on the runway.” High school reporter Lindsey Hampton said the Mr. Husky Pageant honors the most interesting male student and involves the boys competing in five areas: casual wear, swimwear, formal wear, an interview and the talent portion.
Former junior high special-ed teacher Judy Maniates filed a $3.6 million lawsuit against the school district over an alleged breach of contract and discrimination based on a report to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, her disability and retaliation for initiating a civil proceeding. She alleges she developed a health condition related to working conditions and contacted OSHA, to which the school district retaliated and resulted in her disability. A compensation claim was settled, but Maniates alleges the district caused further harm that prevented her from being hired by the Lebanon School District.