Stories from surrounding communities, closest first.
Madras Pioneer · Jefferson, OR
Nearby: Jefferson, ORThe Jefferson County School District’s dual language program is now in its third school year working in both the Madras and Buff elementary schools. Now, administrators are thinking about how to expand the program for middle school students. How the program changed Originally, Mariposa Dual Language School, housed at the Jefferson County Middle, was used to give students who speak both English and Spanish as a first language access to instruction in both languages. Half the school day was taught in Spanish and the other half in English. After two years, the program expanded into the two elementary schools. Sandra Ruiz teaches a second grade class in the dual-language program at Buff Elementary School and she sees the current dual-language program having an academic benefit to students regardless of their first language. Ruiz said that students can struggle initially, but they do on average eventually surpass their peers who are not in dual-language programs in test scores.
Madras Pioneer · Jefferson, OR
Nearby: Jefferson, ORSHERIFF LOG Log items are charges, not convictions. November 2 Deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) contacted and arrested Andrew Adams, 39, of Madras, for an active warrant. November 3 A deputy with the JCSO took a report of a theft at a property east of Madras in Jefferson County. November 4 A JCSO deputy conducted a traffic stop on Southwest Jericho Lane. After investigation, the driver, Christopher Lafontaine, 43, of Culver, was arrested for driving under the influence of intoxicants and reckless driving. A deputy with the JCSO conducted a traffic stop in the city of Madras. After investigation, Tyler Comish, 20, of Madras, was arrested for driving while suspended misdemeanor. November 5 A JCSO deputy conducted a traffic stop on Highway 361 near Southwest Loafers Lane. During the investigation, the driver, Anthony Cortazar, 52, of Warm Springs, was arrested on an outstanding warrant.
Madras Pioneer · Jefferson, OR
Nearby: Jefferson, ORA man with a pellet gun caused Jefferson County schools to go into a secure status on Nov. 6. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said that a man was reported to be walking in Madras around 7:30 a.m. that morning and possibly carrying a firearm near local schools. Out of caution, local Madras and Bridges high schools and Madras and Buff elementary schools were placed in a secure status while the sheriff’s office and Oregon State Police responded to investigate. That status was lifted later that morning. There was no shooting at any school in Jefferson County, and no shots fired. Law enforcement contacted an individual matching the reported description and investigated the circumstances of the report, including searching the area for a possible firearm. “We understand that situations involving our schools create significant concern for parents and our community,” Sheriff Jason Pollock said as the investigation was ongoing.
Wilsonvile Spokesman · Independence, OR
Nearby: Independence, ORTo be honest, the Wilsonville volleyball team didn’t get everything it wanted from the Class 5A state tournament. That said, the Wildcats couldn’t have asked for anything more from their 2026 season. No. 5 Wilsonville, the Greater Metro Conference champion, won its way back to the 5A tournament for the eighth straight year, and while the Wildcats lost both their matches at state, they left 2026 with nothing but appreciation for their accomplishments. The 5A state tournament was held Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6-7, at Central High School in Independence. The quotes and the stats “There were some doubts going into it, but we pushed each point to our full potential,” said Wilsonville junior libero Jesse Bambach, who led her team with 40 digs at state. “I’m super proud of how we played and end of this season.” “We came out strong in both of our [matches] this tournament,” said Wildcat senior outside hitter Teagan Hamilton, the GMC Player of the Year.
Sandy Post · Salem, OR
Nearby: Salem, ORBids due: December 10, 2026 @ 9:00 AM Bid Closing for the projects identified below will be at 9:00:00 a.m. on the 10th day of December, 2026. Bid Opening will be at the Oregon Department of Transportation, 355 Capitol Street NE, Salem, Oregon, beginning at 9:00:00 a.m. on the day of Bid Closing. Bids will be received by BJ McCartney, Construction Contracts Manager. • Submit electronic bids, on-line, through Bid Express® (www.bidx.com) before 9:00:00 a.m. on the day of Bid Closing. Submit paper bids to BJ McCartney, Construction Contracts Manager: • Before 9:00:00 a.m. on the day of Bid Closing.
Sandy Post · Salem, OR
Nearby: Salem, ORBids due: December 17, 2026 @ 9:00 AM Bid Closing for the projects identified below will be at 9:00:00 a.m. on the 17th day of December, 2026. Bid Opening will be at the Oregon Department of Transportation, 355 Capitol Street NE, Salem, Oregon, beginning at 9:00:00 a.m. on the day of Bid Closing. Bids will be received by BJ McCartney, Construction Contracts Manager. • Submit electronic bids, on-line, through Bid Express® (www.bidx.com) before 9:00:00 a.m. on the day of Bid Closing. Submit paper bids to BJ McCartney, Construction Contracts Manager: • Before 9:00:00 a.m. on the day of Bid Closing.
Woodburn Independent · Salem, OR
Nearby: Salem, ORMayor Keyser named to OMA board slot The Oregon Mayors Association (OMA) selected new officers and board members for 2027 during its annual membership meeting at the League of Oregon Cities (LOC) 101st Annual Conference earlier this month in Salem, and Molalla’s mayor was one of the choices. Scott Keyser was named one of six to the board of directors spots. “I’m absolutely honored to represent mayors of the state and be a resources for them when it’s needed,” said Keyser. The purpose of the OMA is to increase the knowledge and skills of Oregon mayors and make a strong, collective effort to influence state programs and legislation. OMA is an affiliate organization of the League of Oregon Cities. Corthell tabbed for regional group’s board During its annual membership meeting earlier this month, the Oregon City/County Management Association (OCCMA) elected new officers and board members, including a Molalla representative.
The Michigan Daily · Eugene, OR
Nearby: Eugene, ORBoth the Michigan football team and No. 16 Oregon have had somewhat-parallel seasons, having not met the high expectations they came into the season with. But while the Ducks have taken a step forward as of late, the Wolverines are coming off their worst loss of the season. This week, Michigan is headed to Eugene for the first time in over twenty years, for its second matchup with Oregon since the Big Ten expansion. There’s no shortage of gravitas surrounding the matchup, especially given recent events on the Wolverines’ side. After a loss to Big Ten cellar-dweller and in-state rival Michigan State last week, Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham fired offensive coordinator Jason Beck and tapped Jim Harding as the Wolverines’ interim offensive coordinator. Whittingham put himself back in the headlines Monday with comments about the cost of the Ducks’ roster, which Oregon coach Dan Lanning quipped back at.
Post-Bulletin · Eugene, OR
Nearby: Eugene, ORADAMS — The best Class 1A 800-meters runner over the last two years has made his decision. Grand Meadow/LeRoy-Ostrander/Kingsland/Southland star Tate Goergen — among the two best 800 runners ever from southeastern Minnesota —- has chosen Kansas State as his future college. He will receive a full-ride scholarship and signed his College National Letter of Intent today. The Southland senior verbally said yes to the Wildcats on Sunday, Nov. 1, after the Kansas State University coaches paid him a home visit. Goergen, who earlier had visited the Kansas State campus and met with its track and field coaches, made his declaration on the spot to close that home visit. He put it in writing today. He’s thrilled with his choice. Goergen had also seriously considered the University of Nebraska and the University of Iowa. But Manhattan, Kansas, and all that the Kansas State track and field program, school and community had to offer was too much to pass up.
Forest Grove News Times · Eugene, OR
Nearby: Eugene, ORIt had been three years since the Jesuit girls had claimed a state cross country title, but that changed this past weekend when the Crusaders got back atop the podium at the 2026 State Cross Country Championships held on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Lane Community College in Eugene. “I feel so good about how we ran,” Jesuit’s Elizabeth Welsh told the OSAAtoday’s John Guenther. “We’ve really learned how to race well as a team.” Welsh was Jesuit’s highest individual finisher, running the 5K course in 18:21.5. She preceded teammates: Anya Augustine who was ninth (18:40.4); Quinn Hanley who was 10th (18:56.6); Alana Barker who was 14th (19:12.2); Maeve O’Scannlain who was 16th (19:16.0); Anna Williams who was 30th (19:38.2); and Kate Zeidlhack who was 32nd (19:39.6).
