
A Flame to Remember
Friends and family of Mariah gathered together on Saturday, Jan. 25, at Northside Park to hold a vigil for the 29-year-old who was found dead in her Sweet Home home on July 18, 2024. Initially viewed as a possible suicide, an investigation led police to charge Mariah’s boyfriend with murder. During the vigil, friends and family shared memories they have with Mariah, and spoke out against domestic violence. Jerod L. Norman, 40, is being held without bail on charges of second degree murder and first degree abuse of a corpse.
Clayton Homes Donation to Christmas Store

Sweet Home Kids Free Christmas Store Director Nancy Patton, with microphone, speaks during a check presentation by Clayton Homes of Albany recently. Clayton donated $1,000 to the Free Christmas Store, which is held each year on the first Saturday of December and gives children ages 2 through 17 an opportunity to shop for gifts for the family they live with — for free. Also pictured are, from left, Matt Bixby of Clayton Homes, Larry Patton, Tyson Patton and on far right, Ashley Patton. Clayton’s donation will go toward the purchase of new items for the store event, which will be held for the 11th year this December. A bingo fund-raiser for the event will be held at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at RezRock, 1621 53rd Ave. Cost is $15 for four Bingo cards. For more information in sponsoring, donating, volunteering or more about the store, contact Nancy at (541) 409-4276.