Stories from surrounding communities, closest first.

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.

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.

Woodburn Independent · Woodburn, OR
Nearby: Woodburn, ORThe November “Who’s on Third” Community Concert will feature local singer/songwriter Joni Harms. Harms is known for writing most of her own songs, enjoying the process of writing about rodeo, cowboys, and the ranch way of living. However, she also notes that her favorite kind of songs to write are ballads or story songs. For this concert she has promised to share some new, recently created, songs with us; along with many of her favorite standards. For November, the concert will be Saturday, Nov. 21, from 3-4 p.m. at the Woodburn United Methodist Church at 700 N. Cascade Dr., in Woodburn. As usual admission will be by freewill offering, taken at the entrance. All money collected goes to pay for future concerts and concert expenses.

Woodburn Independent · Woodburn, OR
Nearby: Woodburn, ORWoodburn’s annual Love Santa program is gearing up and sign-ups have opened. Families that need a little help this holiday season can sign up from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Woodburn Public Library. Other sign-up days are Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon, and Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the library. Note: Online signups are not an option. Families must bring proof of Woodburn address (Oregon Health Plan ID, utility bill, etc.). This ID will be checked before entering sign-ups. For more information, email to [email protected]. To learn more about donating or volunteering, go to lovesantainc.org or Facebook.com/lovesantainc, or call Ben at 503-951-1048 or Jenny at 360-980-4412. Distribution of food boxes and toys will be on a Saturday in mid-December at Woodburn High School.