Aug. 1, 1974
Senator Mark Hatfield met with a small group of people at Mollie’s Bakery and told them the federal government’s failure to reforest its land is a “scandal.” It was estimated the US Forest Service cut – but not reforested – 3.3 million acres of land. Hatfield has been working with Congress and the Forest Service to help fund reforestation efforts, but obstacles have delayed the work.
A lightning storm early Monday morning started three small fires within the Linn County Fire Patrol district. The fires, all contained within a quarter of an acre, were on US Creek in the upper Calapooia, at Moss Butte in the Little Wiley Creek area, and north of the Longbow Forest Service Camp off Highway 20. There were numerous other lightning strikes during the storm, but they did not ignite the trees they hit.
School District 55 Supt. Joey Acaiturri said he’s hearing rumors people are concerned that the high school renovation will not be ready in time for the next school year, but he assured readers all will be well. While the District did not anticipate the entire renovation to be completed at the end of summer, the new science-library wing being constructed will be done, and the new gym and shower facilities may also be ready.
Aug. 4, 1999
Jim Riggs, a highly-popular retired teacher and “civic cheerleader” passed away from a heart attack while fishing with his friend Bob Waibel. The two had split locations while fishing Parks Creek near Lava Lake, one of Riggs’ favorite fishing spots. Waibel said it had been a perfect day despite not catching much fish. The weather was warm, the scenery was beautiful, and the pair had seen two herds of elk and deer. After Riggs did not return, a search ensued and he was found when National Guard members spotted his body from a helicopter.
Owners of 28,900 acres of private and public forest land near Thomas Creek are cooperating on a gate closure program after a recreationist-caused fire last fall burned 70 acres of 10-year-old reprod timber. The closure has rankled some members of the public who for decades have used the roads and lands within the closure’s boundaries. As many as 10-20 cars can be seen during a hot day at a popular swimming hole, hiking space and target shooting area. A fire investigator’s best guess is the fire was caused by a bullet.