By Salem Reporter
Council carves out greater independence for Oregon’s records advocate
SALEM — A state council formed to improve Oregonians’ access to government records has endorsed a slate of reforms to make the state’s public records advocate more independent from political influence. The council met Tuesday to hash out the proposed…
Salem’s Gerry Frank offers key to long life: Eat chocolate
Gerry Frank celebrates his 96th birthday with friends – and chocolate cake – in an event at the Oregon Historical Society (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter) Gerry Frank says that he will see you at his 97th birthday if…
16-year-old driver killed in rollover crash Saturday
One 16-year-old girl is dead and another is injured after the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer they drove rolled over Saturday night, police said Monday. Oregon State Police said the incident occurred around 8 p.m. as the girls drove north on Highway…
Crowd gathers at governor’s home to support Oregon Capitol projects
First Gentleman Dan Little greets guests at the Oregon State Capitol Foundation reception at Mahonia Hall. (Joel Zak/Special to Salem Reporter) Nestled in South Salem’s Fairmont Hill is the lovely Mahonia Hall, which is the official residence for the governor. …
For Oregon universities, threat of strike evaporates with union deal
SALEM — A looming strike by thousands of workers at Oregon’s seven public universities has been avoided after the workers settled with management early Saturday morning. The two-year contract was settled during talks at the Oregon Institute of Technology campus…
On Salem Reporter anniversary, columnist explains interest in sharing with the Salem community
Mary Louise VanNatta, Salem Reporter columnist Growing up in the public relations business, I have been around a lot of journalists. I’ve known Les Zaitz for a number of years and when I heard he was starting an online news…
Once a foster child, Maryland leader takes on troubled Oregon program
SALEM — Adopted out of foster care as a baby, Rebecca Jones Gaston will now oversee the welfare of thousands of Oregon kids in similar situations. Jones Gaston was born in Minnesota and raised in Iowa. After an East Coast…
Oregon’s transportation agency gets new boss who knows commuters’ woes
Kris Strickler is being promoted to run the Oregon Transportation Department. He has billions to spend and thousands of employees to manage while addressing outside critics. (Claire Withycombe/Oregon Capital Bureau) SALEM — Oregonians fuming over stalled freeway traffic have a…
In Salem exhibit, Oregon artists take different approaches to ‘What Needs to be Said’
The opening of “What Needs to Be Said” at the Hallie Ford Museum. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter) Willamette University’s Hallie Ford Museum of Art opened to the public in 1998 and still serves as one of our best…
Brown drops special session on Oregon death penalty law
Gov. Kate Brown at a Willamette Women Democrats meeting Sept. 12 in Lake Oswego. (Sam Stites/Pamplin Media Group) SALEM – Gov. Kate Brown will not call a special session to change a controversial bill limiting the state’s death penalty before…