May 4, 1972
David and Bridget Cooper will assume ownership and management of The New Era after buying the paper from John and David Nelson, and Connie Johnson, who’ve owned the paper since 1970.
Cooper leaves his job as news editor of the Daily Astorian, but he edited The New Era from 1958 to 1961.
The Coopers were active in many civic organizations while living in Sweet Home, and his wife also instructed the women’s swim team. They have already bought a home in Sweet Home for the new job, and will bring with them their three children, Cathy, Christy and Cindy.
Gary Dunaway, 8, escaped serious injury when he was struck by a car on Long Street.
The driver, Aladean L. Hopkins, was traveling west when the boy darted into the roadway. Her car skidded several feet as she attempted to avoid the kid, and was apparently nearly stopped when the car struck him.
Dunaway was heading to the playground at Hawthorne Elementary when the accident occured. Dunaway was treated for head lacerations and released from Lebanon Community Hospital.
“Moonlight Madness” will take over at a special evening sale planned by the Sweet Home East Linn Chamber of Commerce Retail Trades Comittee. Nightwear (pajamas, nightshirts, etc.) will be the mode of dress for sales clerks at participating stores. Shoppers will be offered a selection of bargain buys during the sale from 6 to 10 p.m.
Linn County deputy sheriffs are investigating vandalism and burglary reported in the area. Damage at the airfield owned by Dr. Robert Langmack was estimated at $1,150 when vandals broke about 23 runway lights and stole a number of colored lenses. Tomco Forest Industries reported someone broke into their office and took a cash box containing $10 in currency and a $15 check.
April 10, 1997
Rolf Anderson was elected president of the Sweet Home Economic Development Group, succeeding Bill Westphal.
Anderson is ranger for the Sweet Home Ranger District. His first priority is to get the Oregon Jamboree out of debt. He also intends to pull together under the SHEDG umbrella the many groups working for economic diversification and development, keep the momentum of community spirit moving forward, and build a stronger link with the forest resources east of Sweet Home.
The City Council added five applicants to its list of finalists for the open city manager position, but two withdrew when notified they were being considered for employment.
Nolan Young of Reedsport wanted at least a $50,000 salary to start, but the city is only offering $38,000 to $43,000, and Mark Gervasi of McMinnville was already hired in Tillamook.
The City raised $11,000 auctioning off surplus city equipment, unclaimed property and 1,200 t-shirts that were seized from a fraud investigation. A tip lead police to discover someone selling counterfeit brand-name shirts, and the seller turned over their rights to the property in a plea bargain.
Police considered destroying the shirts, but decided it best to sell them to help recoup the cost to taxpayers for the investigation of the fraud. Buyers at the auction were informed the shirts were counterfeit, and they were limited on the amount they could purchase.
Sweet Home Municipal Court Judge Jad Lemhouse requested a raise for his services. He currently receives $1,084 for 30 hours of service, but Lemhouse said he works more than 30 hours and the pay returns to him less than that paid to attorneys appointed to indigent defendants. He requested $1,750 for 35 hours. Court revenues increased recently with automation of many court collection routines, allowing the court to collect more of its outstanding accounts receivable.
Holley Christian Community Church completed its remodel making room for an additional 40 people. For 120 years the church remained the same size, allowing enough room for about 90 persons, but slow and steady growth made services “comfortably full.” The remodel cost $56,000 and includes requirements for the Americans with Disabilities Act with handicapped-accessible bathrooms and wheelchair ramps.