By Les Zaitz - Salem Reporter
Les Zaitz is editor and owner of Salem Reporter. He co-founded the news organization in 2018. He has been a journalist in Oregon for more than 50 years in both daily and community newspapers and digital news services. He is nationally recognized for his commitment to local journalism.
Legislator swears contract covers his private work but ‘no record exists’
Greg Smith. a state representative from Heppner, repeatedly said under oath that his company had a contract for his publicly-financed work on the Treasure Valley Reload Center in Nyssa. The Malheur County Development Corp. said no such document exists.
‘Visionary’ Tulsa school leader hired as Salem-Keizer superintendent
She grew up in Oregon, ran track in high school, and now will run the state's second-largest school district. The Salem-Keizer School Board announced Tuesday, March 7, that it has hired Andrea Castaneda of Tulsa, Oklahoma to be the next superintendent.
School district’s new superintendent follows a line that dates to 1899
The Salem-Keizer School Board is scheduled to meet in open session at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, to announce its hiring of a new superintendent. The meeting will be broadcast by Capital Community Media and carried on Youtube.
Decades of Dodge under the Withnell name end, Roberson acquires franchise
One long-time auto dealership family sells out to another as Dodge franchise in Salem shifts. The dealership has been operating out of its south Salem location since 1963.
Police say teen arrested for taking gun, knife into South Salem High School
A teen took a loaded gun into South Salem High School on Wednesday, March 1, and was subsequently arrested by police. A tipster alerted police to a social media video.
With snowy weather rolling in, Salem school officials shifted from pause to closed
The decisions came close, first to delay the open of schools in Salem and Keizer and then to close them. Officials at the Salem-Keizer School District explain the behind-the-scenes work leading to the decisions on Tuesday, Feb. 28.
Students ready for auto body career – with a surprise gift of required tools
The auto body program at the Salem-Keizer School District provides real-world experience. Now, three students have tools to launch their careers.
Solar project will cut Salem nonprofit’s costs, serve as an example
Catholic Community Services will be adding a solar array to its Salem headquarters, cutting power costs and freeing up money for services.
Local trumpeters, Thomas Lauderdale and ice cream – all free in Salem on Monday
A packed program is scheduled at the Elsinore Theatre on Monday, Feb. 27, in a free public event to launch the Oregon Arts and Culture Caucus. An ensemble of five high school trumpet players from the Salem area will be among the performers.
School board down to 3 finalists for Salem’s next superintendent
A search for the next superintendent of the Salem-Keizer School District is in its final stages. School board members have narrowed the pool to three finalists and expect to name their hire in the next two weeks.