Dec 28 2020 thru Jan 3 2021

The Keizertimes Publisher gives his thoughts on the hope that 2021 will bring.

FEMA has begun the construction of a site that will provide temporary housing units to qualified survivor families. The new Mill City site will is expected to hold up to 16 housing units.

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the majority of sporting events throughout 2020, there were still several notable sports stories involving the city of Keizer.

The beginning of 2020 feels like a lifetime ago — maybe several depending on the day. Aside from a pandemic that turned the world upside down, there was other news. We've picked some of the highlights from the past year that are worth remembering one way or another.

Earlier this month, McNary senior Ashley Hawley received the MVP attorney award while competing with the McNary High School mock trial team at the University of Oregon’s virtual Duckpond Showdown Invitational, which featured more than 400 students from over a dozen schools.

Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth, said he's concerned about the posture Satya Chandragiri, the school board chair, has taken toward the public. Evans is sponsoring legislation that would give state government a bigger say in the district. Chandragiri said there is a misunderstanding between the two and his changes are intended to facilitate dialogue.

Between the harsh weather and the pandemic, ARCHES has had their hands full caring for those experiencing homelessness. Keizertimes Managing Editor Eric Howald spent a day in the field with ARCHES to get a closer look on how deep the homeless problem runs in Salem-Keizer.

Since Mayor Cathy Clark suggested making city staffing – both succession and capacity – a priority as part of the council’s goals, code enforcement needs have kept rearing their heads in public meetings.

Quintro has served with the Keizer Police Department for two years.

After his company, XX Artists, raked over $1 million in revenue in 2019, 2011 McNary grad Kyle Kuhns ended 2020 by being named to the Forbes Top 30 under 30 list of entrepreneurs who are transforming marketing and advertising.

The City of Keizer is updating its Parks Master Plan and residents are encouraged to fill out an online survey that will inform how local parks are developed into the future.

Keizer resident Martin Doerfler wrote to the editor to express his feelings about Rep. Bill Post's reprimand of the proud boys, challenge to the national election and promotion of the maskless Santa event.

The Keizertimes is excited to announce our new series "Behind the Badge". The goal of this series is to put a face to the title "First Responders". Our first feature is Officer Jennifer Starns from the Keizer Police Department.

Local members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated more than 1,000 toys to the Salvation Army during Project Rescue Christmas 2020 this year.

An in-container composting business may take up residence near Volcanoes Stadium, but any sort of deal is still a way off. The council approved moving forward at its Dec. 7 meeting and the planning commission will likely begin its discussions at its Jan. 13 meeting.

It’s the second delay for the playground redux, the contractor had to move the start date because the canyon wildfires delayed other projects.

Michelle Paslay, the founder of Capitol Senior Services, raised the money to buy presents for the memory care unit at the Village at Keizer Ridge by returning cans and bottles.

Keizertimes Publisher Lyndon Zaitz reflects on the service of outgoing councilors Kim Freeman and Marlene Parsons.