Your Friday evening update on Salem news
Good evening, Salem.
The Oregon Legislature is debating weighty issues about the state’s future. But Senators also took some time this week to honor a retired lawmaker and Salem resident turned fish carver.
Gene Derfler received special recognition in the Oregon Senate Monday as Senate President Rob Wagner unveiled one of Derfler’s salmon carvings, which will live on the landing outside the Senate chamber.
Derfler served as a state representative from 1998 to 1994 and a member of the Oregon State Senate from 1994 to 2002, including a brief stint as Senate President. It’s an era he called “BC” – “before Courtney,” referring to Sen. Peter Courtney, the longest-serving Senate President in state history.
Derfler told the assembled lawmakers that his wood carving hobby is proof that there’s life after politics.
You can read more about Derfler’s wood carving for another community project benefitting local kids in our story below.
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Retired Oregon legislator Gene Derfler is part of a team of Capitol Manor woodworkers who have crafted thousands of toy trucks for kids in the Salem area.
9 Feb 2024
salemreporter.com
Retired Oregon legislator Gene Derfler is part of a team of Capitol Manor woodworkers who have crafted thousands of toy trucks for kids in the Salem area.
9 Feb 2024
salemreporter.com
Attorneys for DEA agent Samuel Landis argue his criminal case belongs in federal court, where he can seek immunity. They said the Oregon Department of Justice is wrongly seeking to…
9 Feb 2024
salemreporter.com
Attorneys for DEA agent Samuel Landis argue his criminal case belongs in federal court, where he can seek immunity. They said the Oregon Department of Justice is wrongly seeking to…
9 Feb 2024
salemreporter.com
You can celebrate Valentine’s Day in Salem this weekend with unique events including an aerial and pole dance performance – no partner required.
8 Feb 2024
salemreporter.com
You can celebrate Valentine’s Day in Salem this weekend with unique events including an aerial and pole dance performance – no partner required.
8 Feb 2024
salemreporter.com
A driver fatally struck a pedestrian Thursday evening east of the intersection of Southeast Mission Street and Hawthorne Avenue. David H. Stockam, 51, of Salem, was found dead at the…
9 Feb 2024
salemreporter.com
A driver fatally struck a pedestrian Thursday evening east of the intersection of Southeast Mission Street and Hawthorne Avenue. David H. Stockam, 51, of Salem, was found dead at the…
9 Feb 2024
FREE TICKETS – TOWN HALL ON GUN VIOLENCE
Salem Reporter’s Town Hall on Gun Violence will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Elsinore.
The Town Hall planned in January was canceled because of weather. This is free and open to the public but you will need a ticket.
At the Town Hall, experts will share the facts about surging gun violence in the community. This powerful program will pull back the curtains on this safety threat – and share how you can make a difference. This is a place for you as a citizen to help solve a community challenge.
The team at Salem Reporter invites you to join us for an extraordinary evening.
DATE/TIME: 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15. Doors open at 5 p.m.
LOCATION: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. S.E.
FREE TICKETS: Available online
LEARN MORE: Editor’s note
QUESTIONS: Email Editor Les Zaitz – [email protected].
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