Lebanon Walgreens

The story: A Walgreens drugstore is being constructed in Lebanon on the east end of Highway 20 across from Wal-Mart.

The latest: Construction has begun on the approximately 15,000-square-foot store and is expected to wrap up in September. The site will include a drug store, drive-through pharmacy, food mart, one-hour photo processor and almost six dozen parking spaces. Walgreens is expected to hire 30 to 45 employees.

Jennifer Moody

ALS patient

The story: About three months ago, Joshua Mack of Albany was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease. The progressive neurodegenerative disease affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and eventually leads to death. Mack, 26, has had three close family members die from the disease.

The latest: An event for Joshua at Lucky Larry's Lounge on June 11 raised $2,900, which is going toward medical expenses, said his aunt Terri Thorpe. She said her nephew continues to show symptoms of the disease. Another fundraiser - a silent auction and free barbecue lunch - will be from noon to 6 p.m. July 31 at the RE/MAX Integrity parking lot, 2910 Santiam Highway S.E. in Albany. The menu includes drinks and hamburgers and hot dogs with the trimmings.

Cathy Ingalls

School board opening

The story: The Lebanon School Board is seeking a replacement for Chairwoman Sherrie Sprenger, who resigned June 30 to concentrate on her campaign for state representative. Sprenger represented Zone 1, the Lacomb area. Applicants must reside in voting precincts 35, 51, 66, 79E or 104 and must have lived within the school district for at least one year.

The latest: One person has applied so far: Russ McUne, a physician. The deadline to apply is July 18, and interviews will be conducted at the board's Aug. 4 meeting. The person appointed will serve through June 30, 2009.

Jennifer Moody

Children's clinic

The story: The Mid-Valley Children's Clinic, 734 Elm Street S.W., began renovations for an 800 square foot, $500,000 expansion in October of 2007. Plans called for connecting two side-by-side buildings and adding doctor's offices, exam rooms and a more spacious reception area. The expansion was to help keep up with a patient list that was growing at a rate of nearly 100 per month. The expansion plan also called for the addition of two new pediatricians to its six-person staff.

The latest: The clinic unveiled its newly redesigned facility on June 19 in front of a group of 50 staff members and community partners. A ribbon-cutting ceremony featured David Triebes, CEO, and Albany Mayor Dan Bedore. Bedore announced that he will donate all funds he raises at the Timber Carnival dunk tank this weekend to the clinic.

Steve Lathrop

Albany group home

The story: Linn County commissioners did not sign a contract as planned with Shangri-La Corp. to compensate the company for startup costs for a planned group home in Albany, declaring it would take no action until a good neighborhood agreement has been signed. At issue: language that specifically prohibited the placement of forensic patients or those with a history of sexual offenses.

The latest: According to Linn County Board of Commissioners Chairman Roger Nyquist, the state this week agreed to include the language in its contract with the county - which is legally binding - making the inclusion of the language in the "good neighbor agreement" unnecessary as the good neighbor agreement is not legally binding. "I think it resolves the issue, for today at least," he said. Representing the neighborhood, Carol Mahr said she will not celebrate until she sees the words on paper. "I've gotten a bit skeptical as the process moves forward," she said.

AnneMarie Knepper

Elected relatives

The story: Lebanon voters in May affirmed and clarified a portion of the city's charter that prohibits people from being elected to city office if they are related to a city employee or a current elected official.

The latest: Applicants who want to run this fall for three open council positions or the position of mayor must make an appointment with City Clerk Linda Kaser and affirm, in writing, that they are not related to anyone who might have registered to run before them. Kaser said Thursday no one has yet applied. The deadline is Aug. 15.

Jennifer Moody