Here’s the latest from Keizertimes

Good morning.

Another wildland firefighter from Keizer is in the news.

We told you recently about the death in Montana of one Keizer firefighter working for a private contractor.

We’d like to tell you more about the second man but secrecy is in place.

That 23-year-old was taken into custody in Washington state by federal immigration officials. According to his lawyers and state officials, he was working on a major wildfire when his crew was suddenly assigned to cut logs into firewood.

The lawyers say he was being considered for special immigration status after helping federal officials years ago in a criminal case.

But they won’t say who he is. They won’t share the federal case information, which would be public information. They want to protect his privacy.

Meantime, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is staying equally mum. The officials went silent but only after first put out a press release about the matter. They won’t identify someone taken into custody by federal agents – and provide no reason for the secrecy.

At Keizertimes, we work hard to get to facts and truth. What’s been offered so far has been second-hand information.

Government in the dark isn’t good government. Citizens ultimately are supposed to be in charge of those doing the governing. That duty is hard for voters – and reporters – to execute when federal authorities cloak the truth. And his attorneys making the case a public cause don’t help their effort by cherry picking what they will and won’t say.

Immigration matters are a flash point in Oregon and in the country. Our duty is not to pick sides but get you the facts. Rest assured, we’ll keep pressing for the information you deserve.

At Keizertimes, our team can keep providing unmatched coverage for one reason: Community support. That comes from subscriptions and from business support with advertising. Keep Keizertimes strong!. Signing up for a digital subscription is easy and secure. Please do so if you haven’t already – it’s only $10 a month. Want to advertise? Call Robin Barney at 503-390-1051.

Reach out to me directly at [email protected] if you have story ideas, questions or suggestions. Thanks for reading Keizertimes!

-Les Zaitz, editor

keizertimes.com
Legislators to take up funding request for new Keizer station 
Keizer’s state representative is pushing a funding request of nearly $800,000 before the Legislature to start work on a new public safety building in the Keizer area. The Keizer Fire…
11 Feb 2026
keizertimes.com
Legislators to take up funding request for new Keizer station 
Keizer’s state representative is pushing a funding request of nearly $800,000 before the Legislature to start work on a new public safety building in the Keizer area. The Keizer Fire…
11 Feb 2026
keizertimes.com
Keizer will join in Feb. 14 statehood celebration at Capitol
The Keizer Heritage Museum will offer exhibits and more at “Oregon’s Anniversary of Statehood” on Feb. 14 at the Oregon Capitol in Salem.
12 Feb 2026
keizertimes.com
Keizer will join in Feb. 14 statehood celebration at Capitol
The Keizer Heritage Museum will offer exhibits and more at “Oregon’s Anniversary of Statehood” on Feb. 14 at the Oregon Capitol in Salem.
12 Feb 2026
keizertimes.com
Wilco sees opportunity with expansion into Keizer
One retail chain’s disappointment in Keizer is providing an opportunity for another. Wilco, the Silverton-based farmers cooperative, this spring will take over the location that has been home since 2019…
12 Feb 2026
keizertimes.com
Wilco sees opportunity with expansion into Keizer
One retail chain’s disappointment in Keizer is providing an opportunity for another. Wilco, the Silverton-based farmers cooperative, this spring will take over the location that has been home since 2019…
12 Feb 2026
keizertimes.com
2 men shot at Keizer Station, delivery truck struck in later gunfire
Keizer Station was the scene of multiple shootings from late Monday, Feb. 9, into early Tuesday, Feb. 10. Two men were treated for gunshots and a delivery driver had to…
10 Feb 2026
keizertimes.com
2 men shot at Keizer Station, delivery truck struck in later gunfire
Keizer Station was the scene of multiple shootings from late Monday, Feb. 9, into early Tuesday, Feb. 10. Two men were treated for gunshots and a delivery driver had to…
10 Feb 2026
keizertimes.com
Keizer Chamber of Commerce hires Clem as new exec
Dan Clem comes to the post with years of experience in government and nonprofit leadership in the Salem area. He succeeds interim director Shaney Starr.
11 Feb 2026
keizertimes.com
Keizer Chamber of Commerce hires Clem as new exec
Dan Clem comes to the post with years of experience in government and nonprofit leadership in the Salem area. He succeeds interim director Shaney Starr.
11 Feb 2026
keizertimes.com
Keizer Homegrown Theatre to perform ‘Love Letters’ over Valentine’s weekend
Keizerites can watch three local couples perform the play “Love Letters” this weekend in a live performance by Keizer Homegrown Theatre.
10 Feb 2026
keizertimes.com
Keizer Homegrown Theatre to perform ‘Love Letters’ over Valentine’s weekend
Keizerites can watch three local couples perform the play “Love Letters” this weekend in a live performance by Keizer Homegrown Theatre.
10 Feb 2026
keizertimes.com
Photo gallery: Gold Star Families Memorial dedicated in Keizer
Nearly 300 people gathered under rainy skies in Keizer on Feb. 7 to honor the memory of those lost in military service and the sacrifices of their Gold Star families.
10 Feb 2026
keizertimes.com
Photo gallery: Gold Star Families Memorial dedicated in Keizer
Nearly 300 people gathered under rainy skies in Keizer on Feb. 7 to honor the memory of those lost in military service and the sacrifices of their Gold Star families.
10 Feb 2026
keizertimes.com
SPECIAL REPORT: Reading a deepening challenge at Keizer Elementary
Keizer Elementary School students posted the largest decrease in state reading exam scores last year out of Keizer’s six elementary schools.
11 Feb 2026
keizertimes.com
SPECIAL REPORT: Reading a deepening challenge at Keizer Elementary
Keizer Elementary School students posted the largest decrease in state reading exam scores last year out of Keizer’s six elementary schools.
11 Feb 2026
keizertimes.com
Salem panel focuses on causes, remedies for local students’ lagging reading skills
In a town hall held by Salem Reporter, educators parsed the problems contributing to low reading skills in Salem-Keizer students, and touched on the training changes in the works.
8 Feb 2026
keizertimes.com
Salem panel focuses on causes, remedies for local students’ lagging reading skills
In a town hall held by Salem Reporter, educators parsed the problems contributing to low reading skills in Salem-Keizer students, and touched on the training changes in the works.
8 Feb 2026
keizertimes.com
McNary wrestlers prepare for regional meets as dual season ends
SPORTS: Chayo Palomo wins 100th victory in South Salem wrestling match. District competition looms on Friday, Feb. 13.
10 Feb 2026
keizertimes.com
McNary wrestlers prepare for regional meets as dual season ends
SPORTS: Chayo Palomo wins 100th victory in South Salem wrestling match. District competition looms on Friday, Feb. 13.
10 Feb 2026
keizertimes.com
The latest: McNARY SPORTS SCORES AND SCHEDULES
Get the latest scores and the schedule for competition for McNary’s winter sports teams – basketball, wrestling and swimming.
10 Feb 2026
keizertimes.com
The latest: McNARY SPORTS SCORES AND SCHEDULES
Get the latest scores and the schedule for competition for McNary’s winter sports teams – basketball, wrestling and swimming.
10 Feb 2026

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