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.
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.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
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.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
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.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
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.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
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.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
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.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
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.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
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.
Salem father among 2 shot at Keizer Station Monday
Keizer Station was the scene of multiple shootings from late Monday, Feb. 9, into early Tuesday, Feb. 10. Two men were treated for gunshots and a delivery driver had to take refuge in a closed restaurant in an unrelated shooting in Keizer Station.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
Keizer leaders eye property tax hike to fund police staffing
If the Keizer City Council approves, the city could put a five-year property tax increase on the November 2026 ballot to support current police staffing.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.