Les Zaitz
Les Zaitz is editor and CEO of Salem Reporter. He co-founded the news organization in 2018. He has been a journalist in Oregon for nearly 50 years in both daily and community newspapers and digital news services. He is nationally recognized for his commitment to local journalism.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Salem Reporter adds new family plan, group access benefits
EDITOR'S NOTE: Salem Reporter is rolling out several improvements to its subscription system. That includes a new family plan, a 2-person account, and a way for businesses and government agencies to manage several accounts in one place.
Three young boys ‘fine’ after their attempted murder
Three young boys poisoned by carbon monoxide are recovering, according to their father. Their Keizer mother has been charged with attempted murder at their home on Saturday, June 6.
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3 Salem men accused in February Keizer Station shooting
A group of Salem men have been charged for firing at least 39 shots into a passenger vehicle with a family inside. According to a police affidavit, they thought the vehicle carried people they were having a confrontation with.
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Keizer council calls for police fee hikes in July, January
Keizer homeowners would pay $10.62 a month to fund the city's police department under a plan unanimously supported by city councilors.
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Parks board: Plan for some type of facility at Keizer Rapids – but preserve the green
Residents stressed the need to maintain the natural qualities of the park, keeping any development limited to the 20% envisioned when the master plan was created.
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Keizer Sen. Kim Thatcher’s ‘cool adventure’ coming to close
In 2026 Kim Thatcher wraps up 20-plus years as a legislator representing Keizer, first as a state representative and now a senator. Her Senate district includes north Salem.
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Possible measles exposure reported at 2 Keizer businesses
People who visited two Keizer businesses the afternoon of Monday, March 30, may have been exposed to measles, the Oregon Health Authority said.
-Solar Nails, 4910 River Rd. N., 12-4:15 p.m.
-Pho Keizer, 3400 River Rd. N., 2:30-5:30 p.m.
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Keizer businesses would see jump in police fees under city plan
Keizer city councilors agreed the city needs to raise utility fees to cover a city budget cap and maintain police services.
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Soraida Cross, Keizer city councilor, admits ethics violation, faces fine
Keizer City Councilor Soraida Cross has conceded she illegally used her public position to try evading a criminal citation, but claimed she didn't intend to violate state law.
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More rural Republicans call on Smith to resign House seat
Republicans in rural Sherman County say “enough is enough” and that state Rep. Greg Smith should resign. House Republican leaders have given him $5,000 for his reelection campaign and Smith said state troopers are backing his return for another term.