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MidValley Local News is dedicated to providing relevant,
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PAST MIDVALLEY LOCAL NEWS STORIES

May 29, 2025

Salem Community Markets Grow into 27th Year

Weekly markets are located at Salem Hospital, Chemeketa Community College, West Salem and Downtown. By Connor Shreve.

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

May 22, 2025

Borrow a Life Jacket at Riverview Park

The City of Independence promotes water safety with new kiosks. The City of Salem encourages photographers to capture local history for a chance to win prizes. Family Building Blocks invites you to a two-night fundraising event. And it’s time for spring cleaning! Learn about Salem’s community garage sale. By Rachel Hughes.  

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

May 21, 2025

Students Set Sights on Summer Salary 

Dozens of volunteers conducted more than a thousand mock interviews with more than 350 Salem Keizer Public Schools students at Chemeketa Community College. By Connor Shreve.  

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

May 16, 2025

Stayton High School Connects Community

Stayton High School students celebrate increased fundraising for Make A Wish, new partnership with Regis High School. By Connor Shreve.  

This story is sponsored by The Physical Therapy Project. 

May 14, 2025

Warriors Volleyball Players Weather Any Storm

Coach Stephens and Player Megan Dennis of Corban University’s Beach Volleyball give us a look under the hood of this team of Warriors to see what keeps them running in rain or hail. By Gemma LaVerne.

This story is sponsored by Physical Therapy Project.

May 8, 2025

Independence Proposes Property and Service Cuts in 2025 Budget

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.

May 7, 2025

Salem Capitals: Bringing Community On and Off the Court

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.

May 2, 2025

A Novel Adventure Awaits at the Salem Library

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.

April 30, 2025

Safer Streets for School-Aged Pedestrians

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.

April 24, 2025

Chicks, Tractors, and Pony Rides Return to Oregon Fairgrounds

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.

April 23, 2025

A Fresh Start for Teen Offenders

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. 

April 18, 2025

Salem to Launch Paid Parking Downtown in July

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.

April 11, 2025

The Hunt Is On! Under Trees or Underwater?

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.

April 3, 2025

Comic Art Expo Brings Cosplay, Photo Ops, and More

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. 

April 2, 2025

Monmouth Independence Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Community

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

March 28, 2025

Salem Artist’s Work Defies Description, but Well Loved

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.

March 25, 2025

Salem Seeks Photo for Water Report Cover

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.

March 20, 2025

Salem School Teaches Students to Rock

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.

March 13, 2025

Tulip Festival Set to Bloom March 21

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.

March 12, 2025

Salem Run Club Wants You to Join the Fun

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.