The New Era - All about Sweet Home since 1929

New Linn County Parks & Recreation Director Stacey Whaley and her predecessor Brian Carroll share a love of the outdoors dating back to family backpacking trips, his on the east coast and hers 3,000 miles away on the west coast.

Whaley, 47, has been hired to succeed Carroll, who retired at the end of December after 25 years heading up Linn County Parks. The move was announced last week.

"The selection committee unanimously supported Stacey's application, even though we had a number of great applicants including several internal candidates," Linn County Administrative Officer Darrin Lan...