Stories from surrounding communities, closest first.
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.
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.
Source Weekly · Corvallis, OR
Nearby: Corvallis, ORIn this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Dave Metzger, Film Composer, Arranger and Orchestrator. Originally from Corvallis, Oregon, Dave shares his journey from a self taught young musician to a celebrated career in film and Broadway. His credits include Frozen, Moana, The Lion King, Wish and Mufasa: The Lion King, along with collaborations with artists including Elton John, Phil Collins, Lin Manuel Miranda and Hans Zimmer. The conversation explores creativity, persistence, mentorship, and the path from Oregon to some of the world’s most recognizable entertainment projects. Dave reflects on the relationships, opportunities and hard work that shaped his career, while offering insight into the process of creating music for film and theater and the impact those stories and scores can have on audiences in Central Oregon and beyond. LISTEN NOW WATCH NOW
The Bulletin · Corvallis, OR
Nearby: Corvallis, ORThe nation’s leading passer is staying in Corvallis. Oregon State quarterback Braden Atkinson has re-signed with the Beavers for the 2027 season, a source with knowledge of the matter confirmed to The Oregonian/OregonLive. ESPN first reported the news. Atkinson’s return, which has been negotiated for several weeks, comes 18 days after receiver Jesse Legree announced he was re-signing with OSU and gives the Beavers two critical pieces to build around in JaMarcus Shephard’s second season. Atkinson and Legree each signed with Nike’s Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program last week, the first two OSU athletes to do so. Atkinson is completing 65.8% of his passes for 3,169 yards with 25 touchdowns and three interceptions this season. He’s also rushed for two scores and caught a touchdown. Oregon State (5-4, 3-2 Pac-12) vs. No. 17 Boise State (8-1, 5-0) When: Saturday, 3 p.m. Where: Albertsons Stadium; Boise, Idaho Betting line: Boise State by 10.5 TV: USA Network
Woodburn Independent · Silverton, OR
Nearby: Silverton, ORAn area holiday tradition, the Silverton Christmas Market returns in November to spark the holiday spirit in young and old alike. The market runs Nov. 20 through Dec. 31 at the Oregon Garden in Silverton. The Silverton Christmas Market features two million twinkling Christmas lights, a German-inspired artisan vendor market, visits from Santa, ice skating, snowless tubing, cozy fire pits, live music, festive food & drink and more. This festive event annually brings holiday cheer to the Willamette Valley. Here’s a quick look at what’s happening. One thing to note, this is a cashless event. All vendors and food booths accept credit or debit cards. German Vendor Market Shop local vendors for handmade gifts, candles, ornaments, puzzles, and more. Silverton Christmas Market’s many unique offerings include tempting local food and drink, fresh baked goods and treats, and Glühwein, a traditional German hot spiced wine.
Woodburn Independent · Silverton, OR
Nearby: Silverton, ORAn area holiday tradition, the Silverton Christmas Market returns in November to spark the holiday spirit in young and old alike. The market runs Nov. 20 through Dec. 31, from 5 to 9 p.m., at the Oregon Gardens in Silverton and features two million twinkling Christmas lights, a German-inspired artisan vendor market, visits from Santa, ice skating, snowless tubing, cozy fire pits, live music, festive food and drink, and more. This festive event annually brings holiday cheer to the Willamette Valley. Here’s a quick look at what’s happening. One thing to note, this is a cashless event. All vendors and food booths accept credit or debit cards. German Vendor Market Shop local vendors for handmade gifts, candles, ornaments, puzzles, and more. Silverton Christmas Market’s many unique offerings include tempting local food and drink, fresh baked goods and treats, and Glühwein, a traditional German hot spiced wine.
Molalla Pioneer / Herald Pioneer · McMinnville, OR
Nearby: McMinnville, ORLocal conventional wisdom thought this year’s Ward 3 city council race in McMinnville would have a conventional outcome. The probable winner would be Carson Benner, an uncontroversial incumbent, a centrist and long-time school board member active in many local civic groups. His main challenger appeared to be Realtor Katie Russ, backed by political heavyweights on the right and by the county Republican Party. Her main chance to succeed would come if the Benner vote was diminished by the less-connected third candidate, Richard Smith Savage, backed by the Democratic Socialists of America. The conventional wisdom was wrong. Russ has taken a distinct third place, and in voting tallies as of the evening of Nov. 11, Savage, the Democratic Socialist — an identification he doesn’t highlight on his website but has in news reports — had a slight lead over Benner for the one competitive McMinnville council seat.
