March 29, 1973
A burning conveyor belt flashed through the power house at Willamette Industries’ Foster Division, spreading sparks along its path and starting several small spot fires.
Sparks from the boiler stacks apparently landed on the belt (not in operation at the time) and the fire burned it in two. It was wind that blew sparks from the boiler down toward the belt.
School district voters will cast their ballots on a $3.3 million tax levy to balance the district’s 1973/74 general fund budget.
The district has no tax base, so the entire levy must be approved by the voters. The tax levy is up 8.5% from the current year, but the general fund budget is up 5.8%, which is the smallest budget increase in nine years.
The City Council adopted a recommendation by the Public Safety Committee, which had proposed painting center turn lanes on Highway 20 from 18th Avenue to Clark Mill Road.
The committee recommended the center turn lanes east of 24th Avenue to Clark Mill Road, and refuge left turn lanes installed west of 24th Avenue in order to allow street parking for homes and businesses along that area.
More than 5,000 visitors attended the 25th annual Rock and Gem Show.
Two locals won awards in the competitive entries. They were Dan Lorimor for faceting in the advanced group, and Robert McGuinness for his novice lapidary display.
April 1, 1998
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints opened its new Family History Center where genealogists can research their family tree.
Volunteer Betty Young approached the church about opening it after she realized how many Sweet Home residents were traveling to a similar facility in Lebanon. The center includes film readers, a microfiche scanner, computer and printer.
The Sweet Home Rock and Mineral Society celebrated its 50th anniversary by honoring Lester Muntz, the last living charter member of the club.
The club also held its 50th Rock and Gem Show.
Among the vendors were Pat and Evelyn Brennan, who demonstrated glass beadmaking to the delight of youngsters who attended the show.
A total of 1,317 people (not including children) visited the show this year.
A computer kiosk at USA Mini Mart in the BP Station was installed to inform customers about job openings available locally, statewide and nationally. It also contains information about state government jobs, some federal opportunities and career information.