Local banker expresses optimism on economy to chamber crowd
Chris Hemmings told guests at the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Forum Lunch that despite high fuel prices and weather concerns, he’s “optimistic” about the…
LATEST NEWS
Every Democratic governor in the U.S. outperformed Kamala Harris—except one
Oregonians voted more red in the governor’s race than they did in the 2024 presidential election. By Khushboo Rathore Gov. Tina Kotek didn’t catch the Democratic “blue wave” that rolled…
Lebanon’s jail levy fails, Sweet Home elects Sanchez mayor
By Sarah Brown Of The New Era Lebanon residents gave a big thumbs-down to reopening the Lebanon Municipal Jail in the Nov. 3 election. An $8.3 million levy that would have reopened and…
Commissioners hear report on Juvenile Department activities
By Alex Paul Linn County Communications The Linn County Juvenile Department works with as many as 150 young people every school year through its Early Intervention Program, Probation Officer…
Sodaville maintains stance on water bill dispute
Following its regular meeting on Oct. 15, the Sodaville City Council held a follow-up work session on Thursday, Oct. 29, to discuss a resident’s water bill dispute and plans for a revived…
New county Treasurer, Budget Officer sworn in
By Alex Paul Linn County Communications Jennifer Stanaway was sworn in Thursday, Oct. 29, as the new Linn County Treasurer and Budget Officer by Commissioner Roger Nyquist at a ceremony in the…
Sweet Home contracts with law firm for general city work
The City Council approved a contract with a law firm during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The city’s former attorney, Blair Larsen, resigned on Aug. 28. Following a July 14 work…
SPORTS
SH girls seventh in first state XC appearance since 2013
Sweet Home’s girls, in their first appearance at the state cross-country championships since 2013, tied for seventh at Lane Community College Saturday, Nov. 7. On a wet course and battling…
Eagles finish sixth in first state XC appearance since ‘17
In their first return to the state cross-country championships since 2017, East Linn Christian’s girls finished sixth Saturday, Nov. 7, in the 1A/2A race at Lane Community College. Sophomore…
Scio volleyball player Addison Storms earns opportunity to compete in Italy
Scio High School junior Addison Storms is preparing to take her game overseas and compete against international athletes at one of Europe’s oldest youth volleyball tournaments after…
East Linn girls win district, SH qualifies for XC state
East Linn’s girls won the Special District 2 cross-country championship Thursday, Oct. 29, with 47 points, ahead of Regis (50), Crosshill Christian (56), Kennedy (58), Central Linn (70) and…
COMMUNITY
Martin Spencer Griffith
Martin Griffith Jan. 10, 1939 – October 25, 2026 Martin Spencer Griffith, our beloved husband and father, known to family and friends as “Marty,” died Oct. 25, 2026, in Salem. Marty was in a…
Rita Jo Follett
Rita Follett Oct. 22, 1961 – Oct. 28, 2026 Rita Jo Follett, 65, of Sweet Home, passed away Oct. 28, 2026. She was born Oct. 22, 1961, to Laura Jean (Teaurralt) and Joseph Denver Casey in…
Delbert M. Langdon
Delbert Langdon Aug. 6, 1935 – Oct. 26, 2026 Delbert M. Langdon, 91, of Sweet Home, passed away Oct. 26, 2026. He was born Aug. 6, 1935, to Viola (Croshaw) and Manley Langdon in Salem.…
OPINION
SH Council changes bring new abilities
Editor: The election of a new mayor and three City Council members in Sweet Home will have a big effect on our future. There are problems that have been put on hold for too long,…
Tax credit, double impact for cultural donations
Editor: Those who donate to good causes at the end of each year should consider the Oregon Cultural Trust. This program, unique to Oregon, lets you double the impact of your donation…
FROM OUR FILES
From Our Files: Nov. 11, 2026
Nov. 15, 1951 A well-intentioned Sweet Home newcomer, Allen Garnet Tate, turned himself in, confessing – out of fear immigration authorities would get him – that he made illegal entry into the United…
From Our Files: Nov. 4, 2026
Nov. 8, 1951 Ralph “Swede” Johnson, parttime Sweet Home resident living currently in Nevada, was held up by officials as an example of how not to construct living quarters. He owns 18 rental dwellings…
OREGON JOURNALISM PROJECT (OJP)
SPOTLIGHT: Sarah Emmans
A public finance expert considers the way forward for Oregon after the Nov. 3 blue wave. By OJP Staff In the wake of the Nov. 3 election, and as Oregon begins to grapple with the impact of…
Affording basic needs is difficult for many Oregon households
ALICE, an economic hardship measure, indicates that in some parts of the state, more than half of households face choices between food and rent. By Khushboo Rathore Oregon Journalism Project…
Kotek takes commanding lead over Drazan in early election returns
The governor appears poised to overcome a low popularity rating in a rematch of 2022 nominees. By Nigel Jaquiss and Grace Benninghoff Oregon Journalism Project The mood Tuesday night at the…