Sept. 5, 1974
The new sewage treatment plant is expected to go online by October. A majority of the $1.2 million project has been completed, which includes an aerobic digester, clarifiers, chlorine contact chamber, aeration basin and outfall pipe. Work began on the plant last October. The new facility replaces the current system, which was built in 1946 (and improved in 1964) on Pleasant Valley Road adjacent to the South Santiam River and Ames Creek. The old system could handle about two million gallons a day while this new one can handle 3.5 million, which is expected to meet demand for the next 20 years.
A total of 55 gallons of bright blue paint has rejuvenated the exterior and interior of Terry Lanes Bowling Alley. Owner-Manager Ken Bates said the job has been completed just in time for the fall league season, adding that the lanes and approaches also received a fresh coat of finish.
High school students were forced to stay home from school after a fire and power failure both occurred about the same time. An employee of Hardwood Floors suffered burns on his arms and face when a fire broke out in a balcony of the old gymnasium. Immediately after the fire, another one broke out in one of the new transformers at the rear of the new gymnasium. The cause of the fires is unknown. Students were evacuated and remained home the next day, as well, due to power shortage caused by fire.
Franny’s Home Furnishings was the object of a safe-cracking attempt. One or more persons forced their way into the store by breaking a window on the alley side of the building with two rocks. An electric drill saw and hacksaw were found on the premises. The would-be safe-cracker cut through both door hinges with the hacksaw before attempting to drill through the dial without success. During the process, an alarm went off.
Sept. 8, 1999
Linn County is asking for public input regarding a proposed daytime curfew for persons under the age of 18. Public hearings on the matter have not been well-attended, making it hard to gauge a proper opinion from residents, but some have expressed “very, very strong opinions,” according to Sheriff Dave Burright. The proposal was made by Burright and Oregon State Lt. Andy Olson who said they have juvenile issues and concerns, such as welfare of children and truancy.
Safeway has plans to tear down its existing building and construct a new 42,000 square foot grocery store. The proposal still needs to go through a public hearing for an amendment to the comprehensive plan, zoning map change and variance. The buildings housing Santiam Drug Store and the other businesses located on the property will remain in the first phase, while the Safeway and former Sprouse Reitz buildings will come down. The second phase would remove the remaining buildings except for the American Family Video.