Posted: Saturday, November 22, 2008 10:00 pm
Twin Oaks cemetery
The story: The Albany graveyard and mausoleum is in foreclosure and under state review as its current and former owner sue each other over unfunded liabilities and an in-default promissory note. Meanwhile, multiple preneed clients continue to go without headstones and other products because monies they paid in advance have disappeared.
The latest: Examiners from the Department of Consumer and Business Services' Divison of Finance and Corporate Securities continue to sort through Twin Oaks' books. The DFCS plans to withhold comment at least until it determines what its next step will be. Lebanon attorney Tre Kennedy, who represents current Twin Oaks operator Mike Terwilliger, says he's obtained some state documents via a public records request but hasn't had a chance to review them yet.
Steve Lundeberg
Helping Hands effort
The story: Albany Helping Hands homeless shelter in September announced a campaign "Build Hope for the Homeless" to raise $400,000 to match an offer by an anonymous donor. The donor gave $150,000 up front and stipulated that the total $400,000 gift would be forthcoming only if the shelter raised a matching amount. Money was to go toward paying off construction debt and two mortgages, establishing a maintenance fund and repaying two loans from the city of Albany. Helping Hands, 619 Ninth Ave. S.E., is a faith-based organization that offers housing, meals and support services to people in need.
The latest: The "Build Hope for the Homeless" campaign has brought in $14,000. John Donovan, the shelter's development director, said the group has also received commitments from other donors for matching funds. "We hope we will continue to get more and more matching dollars from large and small givers," he said this week. Anyone interested in giving to Helping Hands can call Donovan at 928-0931 or 974-6709.
Carrie Petersen
Concrete batch plant
The story: The Corvallis-based Green & White Rock Products Inc. planned to put a portable concrete batch plant at the former American Cemwood property, 34th Avenue and Pacific Boulevard. The company wanted to be in Albany because it was making more and more deliveries to Albany, Lebanon, Sweet Home and the surrounding communities.
The latest: The plant's machinery was delivered to the site about a month ago, said General Manager Bob Hogensen. The plant was assembled last week. Now the company is waiting to hook up to the city's water and sewer lines, and power is supposed to be available around the first of next month, he said. "We'll be up and running shortly after that," Hogensen said.
Cathy Ingalls
Harrisburg library
The story: The city of Harrisburg was in talks to purchase a historic home on North Seventh Street with plans to use it as a city library. A conditional use permit was required to move forward on the project as the lot is zoned residential.
The latest: The conditional use permit was approved unanimously by the Harrisburg Planning Commission Tuesday. No one at the meeting spoke against it, but several people spoke in favor, said City Manager Bruce Cleeton. Up next for the project: A Dec. 10 City Council meeting, at which the council will likely recommend signing the closing documents for the purchase of the house.
AnneMarie Knepper
Education contracts
The story: Contract negotiations were interrupted for teachers in Sweet Home and classified employees in Lebanon when a union within the Oregon Education Association went on strike earlier this year.
The latest: Lebanon negotiators are working with a state mediator to come to agreement. The classified union rejected the district's most recent offer, proposed Thursday, and another mediation session has been scheduled for Dec. 8. In Sweet Home, bargaining teams will meet Monday to continue talks. Superintendent Larry Horton said tentative agreement has been reached on more than half of the articles, and more may be realized on Monday. In both districts, officials say salary and health insurance benefits are largest questions as the economy continues to sour.
Jennifer Moody
LBCC science building
The story: Linn-Benton Community College broke ground for construction on a new science building at a ceremony on campus on Oct. 15. The $8.3 million, two-story building was announced as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver project highlighted by several innovative environmental features. The lead architect is Don Johnson of D.J. Architecture in Albany. T. Gerding Construction is contractor for the first phase of the project.
The latest: Crews are concentrating on underground work at this time and that is likely to continue through the first week or more of December, according to Kevin Nicholson, construction manager. Nicholson said the project is on schedule. Foundation footings, conduits and piping are being completed. He said that the next step would be to install rebar and begin pouring slab for the building.
Steve Lathrop
Dual language plan
The story: Greater Albany Public Schools is exploring the creation of an optional dual-language immersion program, which would have students learn in English for part of the school day and in another language - likely Spanish - for the rest.
The latest: A report from the dual language committee on the feasibility of beginning such a program will be a part of Monday's meeting of the Albany School Board, which starts at 7 p.m. at the district office, 718 Seventh Ave. S.W.
Jennifer Moody