Good Morning, South Metro. It was 103 years ago this month that three Oregon brothers decided to rob a train carrying gold through the Siskiyou Mountains. Their brilliant plan involved dynamite, a mail car, and apparently no understanding of how explosives work. They used WAY too much, blew up the mail car, and escaped without a penny. What followed was a four-year international manhunt. #WhatCouldGoWrong
Coming up in today’s South Metro Weekly:
🏣 Do you know of any open buildings in Canby?
💘 Mom and Dad can drop off the kids in Sherwood tomorrow night.
🫢 And, get muddy for a great cause in Tualatin!
Thanks so much for being a part of South Metro Weekly. Let me know what “good news stories” are happening in our community. Just reply to this email. I read every single response.
On to the weekend!
-Scott & Family
👏 West Linn Detective Earns Recognition for Cracking Major Theft Case
West Linn Police Chief Oddis Rollins and Detective Karni Petit; Courtesy West Linn Police
Sometimes a routine investigation turns into something much bigger. And sometimes, a little extra detective work makes all the difference.
That's exactly what happened in West Linn, where Detective Karni Petit recently earned a formal Letter of Commendation for her work uncovering a major criminal operation.
What started as a routine mail theft investigation ultimately exposed a much larger case involving forgery and identity theft.
Rather than stopping with the initial crime, Petit kept digging, following evidence that eventually led to additional criminal charges.
Working alongside the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, her investigation resulted in a conviction and a sentence of 24 months in prison.
The West Linn Police Department praised Petit's persistence, attention to detail, and dedication to holding those responsible accountable.
It's the kind of police work most of us never see. No flashing lights or dramatic chase scenes. Just patience, careful investigation, and a determination to see the case through.
Congratulations, Detective Petit! A well-deserved recognition for work that helps keep our community safe.
🥫 Canby's Food Bank Is Searching for a Permanent Home
Imagine needing a little help putting food on the table, only to find yourself standing outside in the pouring rain to get it.
That's one of the challenges facing Bridging Cultures, a Canby nonprofit feeding local families while searching for a permanent home.
And with demand for food assistance climbing, the need is becoming urgent.
The organization currently distributes food at Zoar Lutheran Church, but without a dedicated facility, it's had to cut distribution from three days a week to just Wednesdays.
Meanwhile, demand has skyrocketed. Last September, the food bank recorded about 385 visits. That eventually grew to nearly 2,000 monthly visits before distribution was reduced.
Even now, roughly 1,200 visits happen each month.
Executive Director Sarah Rodriguez says the organization hopes to find a safe, accessible building with room to store food and serve families indoors, especially with winter approaching.
The nonprofit is also looking for additional volunteer drivers to help transport donated food.
For now, Bridging Cultures continues doing what it can with the space it has, while hoping a more permanent solution is just around the corner.
🍎 Teachers, Here's $1,000 to Bring Your Big Ideas to Life! The Maps Community Foundation is offering $50,000 in grants to K–12 educators, with individual awards of $1,000 to help make classroom dreams a reality. From special projects and field trips to school clubs and creative learning experiences, the money can help teachers do a little extra for their students. Teachers in Marion and Polk counties, plus Wilsonville, Oregon City, Astoria, and Seaside, can apply through October 31. Sometimes a little money makes a big difference!
🎨 A Little Extra Love for Our Local Arts Scene! The Oregon Arts Commission is handing out more than $1.3 million to 317 arts organizations statewide, and several South Metro favorites made the list! Broadway Rose Theatre in Tigard received $10,000, while Lakewood Theatre Company in Lake Oswego and West Linn's Youth Music Project each received $8,000. Other winners include Northwest Dance Theatre ($2,500), Tualatin Valley Symphony ($1,000), and Clackamas County Arts Alliance ($5,000). More good news for the arts in our backyard!
🍂 Sherwood's Got a Lot of Leaves to Deal With! Fortunately, the city's annual leaf pickup program returns this Monday and runs through December 18. Public Works crews will collect leaves from neighborhood streets, giving residents one less fall chore to worry about. Just rake your leaves into piles along the street (not on the sidewalk), and make sure you know your neighborhood's scheduled pickup days. The city is divided into three collection areas, with two rounds of pickups planned. Check the city's schedule before you start raking!
🎭 Lake Oswego's Theater Is Getting Ready for a Big Birthday! The Lakewood Theatre Company is celebrating 75 years of live theater in 2027–28, and the building itself will turn 100! To get ready, the company is giving its longtime home a facelift, with exterior repairs, fresh paint, new carpeting, updated lighting, and other improvements. Recent upgrades include new heating and cooling systems and renovated seating. After nearly a century, this local landmark is getting some well-deserved TLC before the big celebration!
🚲 E-Bikes and E-Scooters Are Getting People Talking in Tualatin! With more electric bikes and scooters zipping around town, a local safety coalition wants to hear what residents think. The Tualatin E-Bike Safety Coalition is hosting a community listening session next Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Hazelbrook Middle School. The goal is to hear concerns, discuss safety, and explore ways to keep riders and pedestrians safe. Whether you ride one or dodge them on the sidewalk, your perspective is welcome!
🏆 One of Tualatin's Own Is Getting Some Well-Deserved Recognition! City Manager Sherilyn Lombos has received the prestigious Herman Kehrli Award from the League of Oregon Cities, recognizing her more than 20 years of leadership and service. Lombos, who's also the longest-serving city manager in Washington County, received the honor last Friday at a statewide conference in Salem. The award celebrates people who've made a lasting difference in their communities. And this time, one of those people is right here in our own backyard. Way to make Tualatin proud, Sherilyn!
🦫 Halloween Is Going to Get a Little Muddy in Tigard! Tualatin Riverkeepers is putting a spooky spin on habitat restoration on Halloween, Saturday, October 31! Volunteers will spend the morning removing invasive weeds and planting native vegetation near a beaver pond, helping improve wildlife habitat and water quality. Beaver costumes are encouraged, although you'll probably want something you don't mind getting dirty. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with tools, snacks, coffee, and instructions provided.
🍻 Twelve Years of Beers! Oregon City Brewing is celebrating its 12th anniversary Saturday with a daylong party at its original location on Washington Street. Expect beer and merchandise specials, some special kegs from the cellar, and four live bands starting at 3:30 p.m. The lineup includes Dogheart, Lucas Benoit, Suntex, and Night Heron. Not bad for a brewery that started in a garage and grew into a local favorite. Here's to another dozen years of cold ones!
Okay, I will admit this one isn’t “on the nightstand,” yet. But it’s in the mail thanks to Amazon Prime. Lol.
John Grisham is one of the best writers today and brings an authentic style and voice to every story.
A honeymoon in Paris. A mysterious kidnapping. And a newlywed couple caught in a nightmare neither saw coming.
John Grisham’s latest New York Times bestseller, The French Illusion, follows Paul and Chelsea Tanner as their dream honeymoon takes a terrifying turn. Soon, the FBI, CIA, and French intelligence are racing to unravel a mystery that goes far deeper than anyone imagined.
And Amazon has a couple of deals worth checking out! Right now, eligible purchases may qualify for 50% off one item when you buy two, plus an offer for 90 days of Amazon Music free with purchase. Restrictions apply.
🎈 - family-friendly event
💲 - ticket or purchase required
🎵 - includes live music
😋 - there will be food
🎈💲 Kids (Parents) Night Out: Fairy Gardens & Slime
The Hot Spot, Sherwood | Tomorrow Night | 5:30–7:30 PM | $40
Parents, need a couple of hours to yourselves? Drop the kids off for an evening of creativity, fairy gardens, and wonderfully gooey slime! Kids ages 6–13 will enjoy hands-on art activities while you enjoy a little grown-up time. Two hours of fun for them, two hours of freedom for you. Everybody wins!
🎈😋 Harvest Festival 2026
Murase Plaza, Wilsonville | Saturday, 10 AM–1 PM | Free
Fall fun for the whole family! Come in costume and enjoy music, free pumpkins, horse-drawn carriage rides, craft vendors, and face painting. The pumpkins are grown right here in Wilsonville at Frog Pond Farms! Parking is limited, so organizers recommend dropping off family members at Murase Plaza and parking at the library or community center.
🎈 Lake Oswego Fire Station Open House
South Shore Fire Station, Lake Oswego | Saturday, 10 AM–2 PM | Free
Ever wondered what it's like behind the doors of a fire station? Here's your chance! Bring the kids to meet local firefighters, get an up-close look at the fire engines, and pick up some practical fire safety tips. It's the final open house in Lake Oswego's October series, so don't miss your chance to check out the trucks and meet the people who help keep our community safe!
🎈 Lake Oswego Kids Clothing & Gear Swap
Lakeridge High School, Lake Oswego | Saturday, 8 AM–2 PM | Free
Kids outgrown their clothes, toys, or books? Give them a second life while finding some new-to-you treasures! Bring gently used children's items to Friday's donation drop-off from 3–6 p.m., then come back Saturday to shop the swap. A $25 donation is suggested to fill a bag. There will also be story time, kids' activities, and hands-on learning. A great way to save money, reduce waste, and help local families!
🎈😋 Gile Group Fall Festival
Living Savior Lutheran Church, Tualatin | Saturday, 4:30–6:30 PM | FREE
Grab your costumes and bring the whole family for an evening of fall fun! Enjoy trunk-or-treating, pumpkin bowling, face painting, and plenty of Halloween spirit. There will also be donuts, cider, and a festive photo spot to capture those adorable (or terrifying) costumes. Grown-ups are encouraged to dress up too, so don't let the kids have all the fun!
💲🎵 Mom Prom 2026
The Lake Theater & Cafe, Lake Oswego | Saturday, 6–9 PM | $50
Dust off that old prom dress (or find something fabulous) and get ready for a night of dancing, nostalgia, and making new friends! Dress in the style of your favorite decade and dance the night away to classic prom hits. Your $50 ticket includes one drink, with proceeds benefiting Dress for Success. No awkward teenage dates required!
🎈💲😋 Conquer the Maze, Lead a Llama & Pick a Pumpkin!
Frog Pond Farm, Wilsonville | Sunday, 9 AM–5 PM | $16+
Spend your Sunday getting into the fall spirit with llamas, pumpkins, and plenty of family fun! Explore the corn maze, conquer the bounce park, enjoy face painting, meet farm animals, and grab a bite from local food vendors.
THANKS!
A final thought...
"It is not about you. The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness."
True significance begins when we flip the script from personal comfort to collective impact. When we stop asking "What can I get out of today?" and start asking "What can I contribute to the whole?", daily routines transform into a lasting legacy.
Shifting our focus to the larger ecosystem around us does more than just help others. It grounds our own lives in a mission that outlasts our individual stories.
Have a great weekend!
