Jan. 25, 1951
A rodent control consultant reported to the Linn County health office that very little rat evidence was found in Sweet Home’s business section, but evidence was observed in the city dump. He noted “garbage storage and collection is far from satisfactory,” with less than half the city receiving garbage service and “refuse was observed in all sections of the city.” He urged the city to improve storage, collection and disposal of refuse here.
A total of 528 arrests resulting in 226 days in jail and $6,737 in collected fines was reported for 1950. Felonies included eight burglaries, seven larcenies, six auto larcenies, three forgeries, two assault and robbery, one obtaining money by false pretence (check), one rape and one sodomy.
The four-hour City Council meeting was devoted mostly to discussions about sewer projects, one of which is a proposal for sewer installation on both sides of Ames Creek south of Long Street and extending east from the Ames Creek bridge to a point almost behind the Bohemian Club.
Jan. 22, 1976
An auction benefitting the Ambulance Fund netted $3,325 from the sale of old hospital equipment and parking meters, which were the most popular lots for sale. The oldest, one-cent meters sold first at $50 apiece, and sale prices for each meter continued to drop until all 50 were sold. As a result, the city will be able to buy at least one life pack for ambulance use.
A 700-pound dumpster was reported missing from Truax Service (890 Main St.) until it was later found in Ames Creek due to someone having pushed it into the water. It was noted that the dumpster could have floated all the way to Albany if the water was higher.
Jan. 24, 2001
Shawn Severns, of Sweet Home, walked away with $50,000 from “Powerball: The Game Show” after placing first on the program. Contestants come from the 10 states where the scratch-off version is played. Bored one day, Severns gathered his loser tickets and mailed them in for a chance at the TV game. His wife, Firiel, chewed him out for using the last of their stamps.
The SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) program is taking off in Sweet Home as volunteers sign up to read to students on a weekly basis. The program targets kids who have low self-esteem or difficulty reading.