Finding the Missing Link Between Education and Employment

A replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. will come to Independence this September. Wine enthusiasts are invited to get their feet wet at Willamette Valley Vineyards‘ Annual Grape Stomp and Harvest Celebration. And Forge Fest Northwest invites community members to try their hands at forging to support therapy for veterans. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes. 

This story is sponsored by Brew Coffee and Tap House and The Physical Therapy Project. 

A local couple revives community foot-racing culture in Salem with a new event. The Willamette Heritage Center receives $750,000 from the State of Oregon to preserve Salem’s heritage. And the City of Salem invites residents to comment on the Salem zoning code. By Rachel Hughes.

This story is sponsored by Keizer Salem Area Senior Center and Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce.

The City of Aumsville Corn Festival returns on Saturday, August 16. Tree climbers from across the globe gather in Sublimity this August. Find out more! And the B-17 Alliance Foundation brings historic aircraft and World World II-themed events to Salem. By Rachel Hughes. 

This story is sponsored by The Sippery Coffee Co. and Mega Foods. 

Learn about the Willamette Valley environment and enjoy family-friendly activities at the Englewood Forest Festival. The City of Woodburn’s Fiesta Mexicana returns for its 61st year. The City of Independence encourages residents to stay informed about public hearings, policy changes, and other government functions that may affect their lives. And expect traffic delays on 15th Street NE in Salem. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes. 

This story is sponsored by Fastsigns of Salem and Brew Coffee and Tap House. 

Salem’s soccer club offers programs for kids of all skill levels from 3-18. Registration for fall programs closes next month. By Connor Shreve. 

This story is sponsored by Mega Foods and The Physical Therapy Project. 

Connect with neighbors and local law enforcement to build safer communities on National Night Out. Movies in the Park are back at Riverfront Park in Salem. Watch for the lineup! Paid street parking is now required in downtown Salem. Find out more! By Rachel Hughes.

This story is sponsored by Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce and The Sippery Coffee Co..

Since first planting vines in 1983, Willamette Valley Vineyards has grown into one of Oregon’s most prolific wine producers. Illahe Vineyards plans to nearly double growth with the addition of 80,000 acres of vineyard space to its Mount Pisgah Polk County location. By Connor Shreve.  

This story is sponsored by Fastsigns and Brew Coffee and Tap House. 

EZ Orchards’ Shortcake Stand is open for business, selling sweet treats through the end of summer. The family-run farm brings produce, events, and agricultural education to the Salem community. By Rachel Hughes. 

This story is sponsored by The Sippery Coffee Co. and Fastsigns of Salem. 

Hoopla brings the basketball court to the streets of Salem with tournaments outside the Capitol. SummerFest comes to Stayton. Construction crews improve Geer Park and the Salem Civic Center. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes.

This story is sponsored by Mega Foods and Keizer Salem Area Senior Center.

The non-profit organization Salem for Refugees will add amenities like community room and athletic space as the Mid-Valley refugee population grows. By Connor Shreve.  

This story is sponsored by The Sippery Coffee Company and Monmouth Independence Chamber of Commerce. 

Celebrate Independence Day in Salem. Learn where to see and buy fireworks. The Salem-Keizer School District adopted an increased budget for the 2025-26 academic year. Music in the Park returns to Woodburn and Monmouth. By Rachel Hughes.

This story is sponsored by Brew Coffee and Tap House and Keizer Salem Area Senior Center.

Silverton’s Silver Falls Coffee Company started in 2009 with humble goals. Now in nearly 200 grocery stores across Oregon, owners are eying more expansion. By Connor Shreve.

This story is sponsored by FastSigns.

Victims from a stabbing at the United Gospel Mission remain in stable condition. Get your running shoes and cape ready for CASA of Marion County’s fun run fundraiser. River’s Edge Summer Series returns with movies and music in the park. And, the City of Salem tests soil and groundwater after discovering traces of per- and polyfluoroalkyl. By Rachel Hughes.  

This story is sponsored by Brew Coffee and Tap House and The Physical Therapy Project. 

The Salem Bicycle Club leads group bike rides and advocates for area bike issues. Second-year President Tim Newman invites new riders to join the club. By Connor Shreve. 

This story is sponsored by The Physical Therapy Project. 

Honor Juneteenth with a history walk and community celebration. Sample local drinks and support a nonprofit at Garten Services’ Sip & Stroll Salem. Find out more! By Rachel Hughes. 

This story is sponsored by Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce and Mega Foods.  

How do high schools equip students for success after graduation? Whether students want to continue their education or enter the workforce, the Career Technical Education Center in Salem reimagines high school to fill the gap between education and employment. By Rachel Hughes. 

This story is sponsored by Brew Coffee and Tap House and Keizer Salem Area Senior Center. 

The votes are in for Salem’s local option levy. Watch for results! The American Cancer Society’s relay to celebrate survivors comes to MidValley this June. A new book pedaler comes to Independence. Find out more! By Rachel Hughes.

This story is sponsored by The Sippery Coffee Co. and Fastsigns of Salem.

False rumors have exploded on social media regarding the Sunday, June 1, mass-stabbing incident at the Union Gospel Men’s Mission that wounded 12, including two staff members. Executive Director Craig Smith posted a statement on the mission’s website to clarify events as they occurred at the mission’s front entrance.

According to the Salem Police incident report, emergency responders were called to the Union Gospel Mission at 777 Commercial St. NE after reports that a man was stabbing at people with an eight-inch knife. The incident started in the mission’s lobby at about 7 p.m. as guests signed in for a night’s stay at the homeless shelter. The suspect continued the spree onto the street, where police stopped him and secured the knife.

Twelve people were injured, including five who were hospitalized at Salem Health with serious injuries. One, a staff member, remained in the hospital as of Wednesday night. A second hospitalized staff member was later released.

The suspect, Tony Latrell Williams, 42, of Bend, OR, was arrested and initially charged with assault. Court records indicate that Williams has a history of mental illness and previous knife attacks.

Director of Community Outreach Mark Hunter said that “God has made his presence known” in the community’s outpouring of support.

In his video statement posted the following morning, Smith said the suspect’s actions appeared to be random and not attributable to any staff actions. Watch his complete statement for more information.

To offer your support, visit ugmsalem.org.

In just its third season, Oregon’s only semi-professional football team has built a championship caliber roster. This season, the Dallas-based squad hopes to improve on its semi-finals loss in 2024. By Connor Shreve.

This story is sponsored by The Physical Therapy Project and Monmouth – Independence Chamber of Commerce.

The City of Independence invites residents to learn about the Parks Master Plan at an open house. The Oregon Humane Society’s Doggie Dash returns to Salem. And the McGilchrist Complete Street Project causes road closures through 2025. By Rachel Hughes.  

This story is sponsored by Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce and Mega Foods.