Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

Your Tuesday evening update on Salem news

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Good evening, Salem.

In a few years, a new animal will be part of the Riverfront Carousel to honor Willamette University.

Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

The university announced last week that Willamette’s mascot, Blitz the bearcat, will be brought to life to join the carousel’s other creatures, which include horses and a unicorn with braces. Two alums from the class of 1978 are leading the project and raised funding for it with support from their former peers, according to the university’s statement.

Local artists are expected to take up to two years working on the new bearcat figure before it joins the carousel in June 2029. The animal will be based on a sketch by artist Donna Miller. See the sketch below:

Blitz the bearcat will also be brought to special events at Willamette University.

“We’re excited for Willamette University’s mascot to join our Riverfront Carousel herd,” Marie Bradford-Blevins, the carousel’s executive director, said in Willamette’s statement. “Like all of our figures, we know Blitz the Bearcat will inspire fun and imagination for generations to come.”

Here’s some of today’s news. Head to our website anytime for the latest in Salem.

www.salemreporter.com

County officials certify Vega Ward 6 winner, say November runoff likely for Ward 8

County officials declared Betsy Vega the winner of the Salem City Council race for Ward 6, representing northeast Salem. City officials will decide in the coming weeks whether she was…

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5 things to do in Salem this week: Make Music Day, Juneteenth celebrations, Superhero Run

Events in Salem this week include the city’s annual Make Music Day, two Juneteenth celebrations near downtown and a Riverfront Park fun run where participants of all ages can dress…

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COLUMN: Will Medicare counselors ask for personal information?

Jim Sellers, former Oregon journalist and state agency employee, writes a regular column to help thousands in Salem deal with the confusing world of Medicare and federal benefits. In this…

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PHOTO GALLERY: Salem Pride parade, block party draws thousands

See photos from the Salem Capital Pride parade and block party on Saturday, June 13. The popular event brought live performances and free activities to the heart of downtown Salem.u0026hellip;

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READERS REACT: “Wonderful reporting on a wonderful event, thanks to you Hailey and Judson Middle School.” – Sharon D. on Hailey Cook’s photo gallery of a south Salem middle school’s multicultural assembly.

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