Oct. 19, 1972
A memorial fund has been established to erect a memorial fleur-de-lis fountain in honor of Roy Clover, the police chief who recently died from a heart attack.
The fountain will be installed in the small city park at First Avenue and Osage Street. The cost is expected to be between $2,000 and $3,000.
Sgt. Chuck Smith was appointed police chief, succeeding the late Roy Clover who died unexpectedly. Smith has been an officer for 16 years. He is president of the chamber of commerce as well as of the Kiwanis Club, and a member of the Elks Lodge.
Six-year-old Warren Epperson died after being struck by a vehicle as he attempted to cross Hwy. 20.
The accident occurred at 6:40 p.m. about three miles west of Sweet Home when the youth darted in front of a car. Deputies said the child had apparently been playing with three other children in an empty building on the south side of the highway.
One child had crossed the road and Warren started to follow when he was struck.
Oct. 15, 1997
Sweet Home police are exploring options in regard to the 911 emergency dispatch system after an emergency call was delayed by busy circuits.
A resident called to report her husband was having chest pains and difficulty breathing. Central dispatch twice attempted to transfer the call to Sweet Home ambulance, and the caller could hear a recording stating “all circuits are busy.”
A third attempt was successful, but the delay by then lasted two to four minutes. The police chief said he’s heard of this happening before and was advised it was due to heavy Internet use.
PTI Communications is working on setting up a dedicated line for Internet users.
Friends of Zack Morris, 15, who died from complications caused by cancer, planted a tree in his memory in the quad at the high school.
Those participating in the ceremony each had an opportunity to place dirt around the flowering crab apple tree, and students were invited to bury letters, poetry or photos with the tree.
Friends described Morris as one who didn’t back down, one who had a great smile and good sense of humor, and a friend with a good heart. Jessica Peterson noted his oversized pants which had to be tied on, and the pant legs had to be lifted up so he could walk.
The City of Sweet Home is nearing completion of an abatement project to clean up more than 50 properties in the neighborhood bounded by Tamarack Street and the South Santiam River, and 18th and 22nd avenues.
Normally the city receives a call about an ordinance violation and responds by sending a letter to the homeowner, but another violation down the street may go overlooked. City staff walked through this neighborhood and personally spoke with the homeowners to address violations that could be a danger to health and safety.
The Sweet Home Economic Development Group board of directors agreed to end the contract with Jamboree event manager Laura Church based on a mutual agreement. SHEDG President Rolf Anderson said communication between Church and the Jamboree management team was poor, which was causing a deterioration in team work.