Author: Charles Glenn

Walsh gets another shot at state senate

Keizer voters won’t be able to cast a ballot for Woodburn Mayor Eric Swenson in the upcoming November election for the Oregon Senate District 11 seat because he pulled out of the race in June. His replacement, local attorney Richard Walsh, was on the primary ballot in May, however – finishing[Read More…]

New STEM program focuses on equity, diversity

Equity Splash is a youth-focused non-profit organization with a charter to help “dismantle and disrupt structural racism in American society through leadership development and advocacy.” The group will launch a new science and cultural youth program, the Zenzele Learning Center on Saturday, July 2 at the Salem Kroc Center. “Black[Read More…]

New neighborhood association seeking volunteers

Longtime Keizer residents will usually agree with the sentiment that the community is a “city of neighborhoods,” and the active engagement of the local neighborhood associations has long been the backbone of Keizer’s commitment to volunteering and community service. As the city grows, new neighborhoods form and seek to participate.[Read More…]

Salem Hospital adds 150 beds

Despite the pandemic, rising prices, and an era in which large construction project cost overruns are more common than not, Salem Health was able to complete a 150-bed, five-floor tower expansion and modernization project, and a variety of other upgrades to different parts of the facility, on time and on[Read More…]

Dobbs decision rocks nation, ripples spread in Oregon

On the morning of June 24, the United States Supreme Court passed down a decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization which removed the federal protection women have had since 1973 to make their own reproductive choices. Anti-abortion activists all over the country are celebrating on social media, news[Read More…]

Right of way ordinance under review

The term “right of way,” isn’t just for motorists and sailors. It’s actually a type of easement, but for the purposes of city government, a right of way allows anyone to pass through a portion of property as if it were publicly-owned.   In commerce and utilities, the principle works in[Read More…]

Herrera surprised by award at council meeting

City Councilor Roland Herrera, center, poses with Ramiro “RJ” Navarro during his award presentation at a City Council meeting, June 21. Local activist and Democratic nominee for state legislature Ramiro Navarro led a group of Keizer residents and local volunteers in honoring City Councilor Roland Herrera in a surprise ceremony[Read More…]

One-time assistance payments begin distribution soon

As per House Bill 4157, the Oregon Department of Revenue will begin sending out one-time assistance payments to Oregon households beginning the week of June 20-24. According to a media release by the ODR, qualifying households must have received the earned-income tax credit from their 2020 filing and must have[Read More…]

City Council approves new committee volunteers

Earlier this month, the Volunteer Coordinating Committee met to review and interview applicants for two committee vacancies and a youth councilor position. Nominations were accepted and announced at the June 21 City Council meeting. The council unanimously accepted the committee’s recommendation for four appointments.  For the 2022-2023 school year, Angelica Sarmiento-Avendano[Read More…]