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COUNTY ELECTIONS: Polk County commissioner candidates list rural broadband and safer roads as priorities

Polk County Courthouse (Courtesy of Jolene Guzman/Polk Itemizer-Observer) Salem Reporter wanted to know what issues were top of mind for the candidates seeking a position as Polk County commissioner. We provided each candidate written questions intended to elicit their understanding of challenges the county faces and how they would overcome[Read More…]

Lawsuit accuses Chemeketa Community College of violating students’ free-speech rights

Chemeketa Community College (File/Salem Reporter) Chemeketa Community College violated the constitutional rights of a pro-life student group by only allowing its members to distribute pamphlets, flyers and other materials in small “speech zones,” a lawsuit alleges. The complaint was filed on March 5 in U.S. District Court in Eugene on[Read More…]

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With highest COVID-19 rate in the state, Marion County wants to start reopening businesses

Center 50+, a city-run senior center, closed on Monday, March 16 . (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) Marion County says it is ready to start lifting restrictions intended to slow the spread of COVID-19. But the county’s plan, released Wednesday, will face its first test when it’s sent to the governor’s office[Read More…]

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Steve Betschart, 71, retired Dallas High School teacher, remembered for legacy of service and faith

Steve and Jenni Betschart in 2016 (Courtesy/Jenni Betschart) Steve Betschart could make friends and strangers cry with a few notes from his bugle. Betschart, 71, was an accomplished musician, playing trumpet in high school band and later accompanying services at Salem First Church of the Nazarene. Whether they knew him[Read More…]