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
Lebanon man killed in motorcycle crash
A Lebanon man was killed in a single-vehicle accident near Lebanon on Thursday, Nov. 5. Oregon State Police responded to a call about the accident at approximately 10:55 p.m. The preliminary…
Commissioners fund farmers markets, sell Lebanon property
By Alex Paul Linn County Communications Linn County Commissioners Roger Nyquist, Sherrie Sprenger and Will Tucker made quick work of agenda items at their Tuesday, Nov. 3, meeting. The…
Sweet Home man waives right to jury trial in Mariah King case
A Sweet Home man who is nearing his trial date in a murder charge recently waived his right to a jury trial. Jerod L. Norman, 42, was indicted with second-degree murder and first-degree abuse…
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…
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 years of…
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
Scene Around Town: Nov. 11, 2026
Sankey Bandstand Addition Celebrated Sweet Home citizens and public officials gather Nov. 2 to celebrate the completion of the new bandstand at Sankey Park. At left, Mayor Susan Coleman and…
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…
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…