Editor’s note: News Trackers is a new occasional feature where we revisit stories we've already covered with the latest developments. Here's what's new on three recent stories.
Safety event draws attention
The story: The Highway 20 Safety Coalition, formed by Blodgett-area resident Michelle Flamez after watching the aftermath of a fatal 2024 crash, held its “Safe Driving Every Day” event Aug. 29 at Ellmaker State Wayside, featuring Oregon Impact’s Mobile Educational Crash Car Trailer and safety resources (“Highway 20 safety event set for Saturday near Blodgett,” Aug. 25).
The latest: Organizer Michelle Flamez estimates roughly 50 travelers, including children, stopped by the event. Every car that pulled in got a look at the crash trailer, which tells the story of a specific highway fatality. Many visitors thanked organizers for hosting the event, and several shared their own experiences as crash victims, including one traveler who described a near miss on the way to the rest stop. A Benton County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped by, and a radar trailer set up ahead of the event remained in place as of Monday afternoon. Volunteers handed out lemonade, bumper stickers and free safety items, and organizers said they received donations that will go toward purchasing more bumper stickers. East Lincoln County Fire and Rescue from Eddyville and Blodgett-Summit Rural Fire both sent representatives.
First steps, first proclamation
The story: Philomath City Councilor Rich Saalsaa, 68, and naturopathic doctor Dennis Godby, 70, set out from Bozeman, Montana, on Aug. 24 on the final leg of Godby’s five-year, 3,450-mile Walk USA for Health Equity campaign — a 760-mile trek to Seattle meant to draw attention to how factors like ZIP code, income, education and access to health care shape a person’s health (“Retired deputy fire chief, now city councilor, to take 760-mile walk,” Aug. 7).
The latest: Saalsaa and Godby began their trek at Bozeman City Hall the morning of Aug. 24, joined by two naturopathic doctors and two city staff members for a ceremonial first mile alongside Dr. Megan Danz. Local television news interviewed both men before they set off. They covered 22 miles that first day, finishing just past Manhattan, Montana. The pair are averaging 22 to 26 miles a day depending on terrain. The walk quickly drew official recognition. On Aug. 27, Helena Mayor Emily Dean issued a proclamation on the steps of the City-County Building marking Health Equity Week and the Walk USA for Health Equity initiative. Saalsaa and Godby met with Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis on Tuesday, where she issued a similar proclamation.
Grange Day tops $3,200
The story: Marys River Grange’s annual Amazing Grange Day rummage sale, a pay-what-you-want fundraiser that has powered kitchen remodel work and other hall upgrades for eight years running, was held Aug. 22 at the Grange Hall (“Amazing Grange Day fundraiser returns Saturday,” Aug. 19).
The latest: More than 225 people turned out to shop with proceeds topping $3,200, money that will go toward continued upgrades and maintenance of the Grange Hall. Since 2018, Amazing Grange Day funds have paid for a new roof, a wood furnace replacement, foundation repairs, a remodel of the Junior Hall and now the kitchen. Leftover rummage sale items were donated to several local organizations, including St. Vincent de Paul in Corvallis, Habitat for Humanity, Philomath Community Services, Heartland Humane Society and the Philomath Lions Club.