Willamina
Willamina, OR · Municipal
Statesman Journal
The tragic end of Salem's most famous hotel
The Marion Hotel was built in 1870 at the southeast corner of Commercial and Ferry streets in downtown Salem and hailed as the largest and finest hotel north of San Francisco. It soon became the center of social, cultural and political activities, perhaps best known as the unofficial second capitol. More deals were reportedly struck and laws shaped in its back rooms and basement lounge than in the official chambers of state government. The hotel’s storied history ended in tragedy 55 years ago, when a pre-dawn fire Nov. 12, 1971, destroyed the four-story brick building and left the grand old showplace a smoking heap of blackened brick and twisted metal. By then, the hotel complex had grown to cover the entire block, and local firefighters considered the 101-year-old portion a firetrap. “We knew it was going to happen someday — it was just predicting the exact time,” the Salem fire chief told a Capital Journal reporter. “It was the kind of thing firemen took bets on.” Marion Hotel had high-end amenities such as speaking tubes Salem’s most famous hotel opened as The Chemeketa House on the day after Christmas in 1870. The glitzy opening-night dinner featured a speech by then-Gov.
Oregon Capital Chronicle
Statesman Journal
Salem interested in buying Walling Pond but can't study it for months
The city of Salem is interested in buying Walling Pond for a future park but says it can't study the idea seriously for at least six months. Supporters worry the southeast Salem property could sell first, costing the community a beloved fishing hole and natural habitat at risk. "My greatest concern is that by the time the city is ready to fully evaluate this opportunity, it may no longer be available," said Leanna Heiman, who first pitched the idea to the Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in September. Heiman provided testimony at the board's Nov. 12 meeting, where city staff also provided a written update on local parks projects. Walling Pond was No. 4 on the 15-item list. "Staff have begun reviewing potential acquisition of the Walling Pond property," the report says. "This assessment is currently in the queue behind several other park acquisition opportunities and related issues requiring staff analysis. Staff anticipate being able to take a more comprehensive look at the Walling Pond opportunity in approximately 6–9 months, as capacity allows and other pending acquisition-related work progresses." Former gravel pit transforms into popular fishing hole Walling Pond is privately owned but has been open to the public
oregoncoastbreakingnews.com
Yahoo!
Oregon Humane offers veterans $75 off pet adoptions as more than 100 animals seek homes
In honor of veterans and military members, Oregon Humane said there will be an adoption special starting on Veterans Day. From Wednesday, Nov. 11, to Sunday, Nov. 15, adoption fees will be reduced by $75 for any one animal at Oregon Humane's Portland and Salem campuses, thanks to a grant from the Sundt Foundation.
oregoncoastbreakingnews.com
Statesman Journal
Veterans Day F-15 flyovers planned across 8 Oregon cities. See list
The 142nd Wing out of Portland Air National Guard Base will conduct Veterans Day flyovers for ceremonies Nov. 11 at locations throughout Oregon, including Salem and Albany . The Oregon Military Department did not specify designated times in its late-afternoon Nov. 10 press release, but the Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony is at 11 a.m. in front of the Oregon State Capitol in Salem, and the 75th Annual Linn County Veterans Day Parade begins at 11:11 a.m. in downtown Albany. “The 142nd Wing proudly honors Veterans Day with F-15 flybys across Oregon, recognizing the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans and their families," said Chief Master Sgt. Charles Trinchitella, 142nd Wing Command Chief. "These flights reflect our gratitude for those who served before us and our ongoing commitment to defending the Pacific Northwest and upholding the freedoms they fought to secure.” Flyovers will be conducted over the following locations between 10:50 a.m and 12:50 p.m., according to the press release: Hillsboro Salem Albany Roseburg Bend Pendleton The Dalles Hollywood Neighborhood, Portland All passes will be approximately 1,000 feet above ground level and about 350 mph airspeed, according to the press release. Flights could be canceled or times changed due to
asumag.com
Statesman Journal
philomathnews.com
Saalsaa named grand marshal for Philomath Parade of Lights
Philomath City Councilor Rich Saalsaa will lead this year’s Philomath Parade of Lights as grand marshal. The council chose Saalsaa, a retired Philomath Fire and Rescue deputy chief, at its Nov. 9 meeting. The vote was 6-0 with Saalsaa abstaining. The parade is in its fourth year and is...