Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

Your Monday evening update on Salem news

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Good evening, Salem.

George Puentes, 76, a long-time Salem business executive and civic leader, died Friday, Oct. 13. 

Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

Puentes is well-known as the founder of Don Pancho Authentic Mexican Foods, producing millions of tortillas as its Salem plant. 

A philanthropist, he also served on the board of a host of local organizations. 

He died at his home in Hailey, Idaho.  

Salem Reporter is preparing a full report that we expect to publish Tuesday. Please send any memories you have to Editor Les Zaitz at [email protected].

Also, a mea culpa: Friday’s evening email referred to the weekend’s solar eclipse as “annual,” meaning yearly, rather than “annular,” meaning ring-shaped. We at Salem Reporter know the difference and blame our brain’s Friday afternoon autocorrect for the error. Thanks to the diligent readers who pointed it out.

Here’s more of today’s news. Catch all of our latest reports on our website anytime.

Warming shelters to rely on volunteers to keep people sheltered on freezing nights
The Salem Warming Network is seeking volunteers to help run warming shelters during the winter after seeing a substantial budget reduction. A volunteer event at the YMCA on Tuesday, Oct.…
Warming shelters to rely on volunteers to keep people sheltered on freezing nights
The Salem Warming Network is seeking volunteers to help run warming shelters during the winter after seeing a substantial budget reduction. A volunteer event at the YMCA on Tuesday, Oct.…
Driver fatally strikes Aurora man crossing I-5 on foot
Police say a pedestrian, 52-year-old Arnulfo A. Chavez of Aurora, was crossing Interstate 5 when the driver of a Honda CRV traveling south struck and killed him.
Driver fatally strikes Aurora man crossing I-5 on foot
Police say a pedestrian, 52-year-old Arnulfo A. Chavez of Aurora, was crossing Interstate 5 when the driver of a Honda CRV traveling south struck and killed him.
Oregon lawmakers prep to tackle drug addiction in 2024 session 
A new committee will meet next week for the first time as lawmakers start to look for solutions to Oregon’s drug addiction crisis.
Oregon lawmakers prep to tackle drug addiction in 2024 session 
A new committee will meet next week for the first time as lawmakers start to look for solutions to Oregon’s drug addiction crisis.
Salem student joins international group of Scholastic Kid Reporters
Owen Marksbury, 10, is one of 28 students across the world who will be writing “news for kids, by kids” this school year. He plans to cover topics including climate…
Salem student joins international group of Scholastic Kid Reporters
Owen Marksbury, 10, is one of 28 students across the world who will be writing “news for kids, by kids” this school year. He plans to cover topics including climate…

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