Welcome to MidValley Local News

The City of Independence announced several changes to community areas in its proposed budget for 2025 and 2026. Early bird vendor pricing for the 2025 Independence Day Celebration ends soon. Hundreds of quilts will be on display at MidValley Quilt Guild’s annual show. And weekday Salem Community Markets are open. Learn more! By Rachel Hughes.

This story is sponsored by Fastsigns of Salem.

After playing professional basketball overseas for nearly a decade, Robert Upshaw III brings his international experience to the Salem Capitals. Upshaws says the team stands out in its commitment to community involvement. By Rachel Hughes.

This story is sponsored by Fastsigns of Salem.

The City of Woodburn will host a railroad safety event. The Salem Public Library invites you on a summer library adventure. Are you looking for Mother’s Day activities? Travel Salem has suggestions. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes.

This story is sponsored by The Physical Therapy Project.

Salem-Keizer Safe Routes to School organizes events like the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. Its mission is to make walking, biking, and public transit safe for youth or anyone with places to go. By Rob Saffeels.

This story is sponsored by Physical Therapy Project.

Chicks, tractors, and pony rides return to the Oregon State Fairgrounds for the 38th Annual Oregon Ag Fest. Learn where you can watch sheep sheared, wool spun, and fabric woven in Willamette this May. The South Central Association of Neighbors and Highland Neighbors Association seek volunteers and clothing for their kids clothing swap. Governor Tina Kotek’s emergency homelessness response plan exceeded goals. Find out more! By Rachel Hughes.

This story is sponsored by Fastsigns of Salem.

From welding to making lattes, youth in the Marion County Juvenile Department are gaining real-world job skills through alternative programs like the Fresh Start Market. See how Marion County is redefining rehabilitation, one skill at a time, and how you can get involved. By Rachel Hughes.

This story is sponsored by The Physical Therapy Project. 

The City of Salem implements changes downtown. Learn what to expect. The City of Woodburn and Woodburn Proud invite residents to participate in a community clean-up day. How many wild plants and animals can you spot in three days? Learn how you can be a citizen scientist! Burgerville Salem rescheduled its grand opening. And the Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce has a new event planned for women. Watch for details! By Rachel Hughes.

This story is sponsored by FastSigns.

The hunt is on! Find out where to search for eggs this Easter weekend. Love is in the air this April as two wedding shows bring inspiration to MidValley couples. Watch for details! Learn about the newest Burgerville location. And April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Look for a new event to support prevention efforts, hosted by CASA. By Rachel Hughes.

This story is sponsored by The Physical Therapy Project.

It’s time to stand up and be heard! Oregon’s giving you a chance to testify on legislation. Salem’s premiere pop culture and comics event will be at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Salem Art Fair and Festival is accepting applications. Watch for details! And find out who will be the keynote speaker at Western Oregon University’s fourth annual Hispanic Serving Institutions Conference. By Rachel Hughes.  

This story is sponsored by Physical Therapy Project. 

What kind of impact can one organization have on multiple cities? The Monmouth Independence Chamber CEO, Mackenzie Newland explains.

Randy Jones creates vibrantly colorful murals, paintings, and, of course, t-shirts, under the name of Jonezy Artwork. You can see them in businesses around town, online or at his studio in downtown Salem. But try to describe his style? Well, let’s just say you have to see for yourself. By Rob Saffeels, Deborah Uroda.

This story is sponsored by FastSigns.

The City of Salem seeks photo submissions for the 2025 Water Quality Report Cover. Watch for submission details! Student artists from three counties display their work at a public exhibit. Learn more to plan your visit! Due to several years of critical staffing shortages, the City of Toledo decides to contract for emergency dispatch services. Find out more about the change. Then, learn who was named Salem’s interim city manager. By Rachel Hughes.

This story is sponsored by FastSigns.

RiverCity Rock Star Academy is a school for all ages and levels of experience. The staff of passionate, community-oriented instructors explain what this organization means to the Salem community. By Robert Saffeels & Zach Marqua.

This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS of Salem.

Do you have a question for the mayor? The Monmouth and Independence mayors are accepting questions from the public to address during their speeches later this month. Learn how you can submit your questions. The City of Salem reports no major waste in the budget but noted room for improvement in other areas. Then, kick off spring with the Salem Saturday Market and Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. Find out more! By Rachel Hughes.

This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS of Salem.

You may have seen these Salem residents jogging along the Riverfront City Park. They’re members of the Salem Run Club and they’re looking to grow their community. By Zach Marqua & Robert Saffeels.

This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS of Salem.

The Sprague High School Men’s Varsity Basketball team plays high-level basketball that deserves more media attention, especially if players are to continue their basketball careers after high school. By Rob Saffeels & Zach Marqua.

This story is sponsored by The Physical Therapy Project.

Salem’s May 2025 ballot will contain a newly-proposed tax; here’s what taxpayers need to know. Stayton students can pretend they’re in charge by participating in the “If I Were Mayor” contest. The Stayton City Council offers community improvement grants. Watch for details! Spring performances include Corban University’s production of Good Wives and Pentacle Theatre’s production of the musical Big Fish. Find out when! By Rachel Hughes. 

This story is sponsored by FastSigns.

Celebrate International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8, with a day full of activities, including an educational event, an afternoon of painting, and an evening of shopping. Plus, don’t miss one of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce’s biggest events of the year happening the same day—stay tuned for details on how to attend! Looking ahead, welcome spring and immerse yourself in Japanese culture at Cherry Blossom Day at the Capitol on Saturday, March 15. By Rachel Hughes.

This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS of Salem, OR

Salem will host several upcoming events, including the Salem Poetry Festival from Feb. 27 to Mar. 1 and “Mardi Gras at the Masquerade,” a mystery fundraiser by the West Salem Rotary Club. Mayor Julie Hoy will deliver the 2025 State of the City Address on Mar. 5 at the Salem Convention Center. Additionally, the Oregon State Government AI Advisory Council approved an AI action plan focused on privacy, oversight, and workforce training.

This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Salem, OR