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
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…
Al Severson named grand marshal of parade
Al Severson, who announced the Albany Veterans Day Parade for 31 years, won’t be behind the mic for this year’s event. But Severson, 75, is suffering health problems and will not be able to…
It’s official: Samaritan now part of MultiCare Health
Samaritan Health Services officially joined MultiCare Health System Sunday, Nov. 1, in a move that the now-combined organizations say will strengthen health services across the mid-Willamette…
SPORTS
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…
Warriors end girls soccer season with 1-0 loss to West Albany
Above, Lebanon’s Heather Savedra sends the ball past the Bulldogs’ Maddie Christensen in the Warriors’ final game of the season Tuesday, Oct. 27. West Albany won 1-0 in the…
Huskies enter football playoffs at 9-0, to face North Valley Friday
By Ryker Burr For The New Era Sweet Home became the second team in the school’s history to go undefeated in the regular season, notching its ninth-consecutive win of the year at South Umpqua,…
East Linn’s volleyball season ends at Portland Christian
East Linn Christian finished its season Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Portland Christian in the first round of the 2A girls state volleyball playoffs. Against the Royals, who were undefeated in the…
COMMUNITY
Trick or Treat’ers Head Downtown
Kids of all ages from Lebanon, left, and Sweet Home, above, turned out en masse for their respective Halloween celebrations over the weekend. At left, Megan Lofton and her son Jaxon, 3, work…
Local veteran rises in Honor Flight organization
George Dominy has never participated in an Honor Flight as a veteran honoree – per se. But he’s been on plenty as a veteran, nonetheless. He’s played a variety of roles in shepherding…
American Legion Post 51 celebrates 100 years of service in Lebanon
As American Legion Post 51 marks 100 years, it continues to serve veterans, their families, and the Lebanon community as a gathering place rooted in patriotism, volunteerism, and service.…
OPINION
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…
Disappointed? Step up instead
Editor: Your Oct. 27 report that Sweet Home’s Singing Christmas Tree will not perform this December is sad news for people who have made it part of their Christmas. Traditions…
FROM OUR FILES
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…
From Our Files: Oct. 28, 2026
Nov. 1, 1951 This year’s goal for the Community Chest drive is $5,565.70, almost half of which would benefit the Boy Scout troops in the area. Proceeds will also support the public library, city…
OREGON JOURNALISM PROJECT (OJP)
Cashing In on Oregon school kids
Oregon sends hundreds of millions of dollars to for-profit online schools with poor graduation rates and little oversight. By James Neff Oregon Journalism Project This investigation is the…
In apparent conflict with its mission and history, ACLU takes sides in Oregon governor’s race
The civil rights group says it is nonpartisan and doesn’t get involved in candidate races but is spending heavily to support Kotek. By Nigel Jaquiss Oregon Journalism Project You can tell the…
Bend school shooter’s mother twice accused of assault but never convicted
A conviction would have made it illegal for her to purchase the shotgun her son later used. By Grace Benninghoff Oregon Journalism Project In the week since the mass shooting that…