Local banker expresses optimism on economy to chamber crowd
Chris Hemmings told guests at the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Forum Lunch that despite high fuel prices and weather concerns, he’s “optimistic” about the…
November 3, 2026
LATEST NEWS
Commissioners hear report on Juvenile Department activities
By Alex Paul Linn County Communications The Linn County Juvenile Department works with as many as 150 young people every school year through its Early Intervention Program, Probation Officer…
November 3, 2026
Sodaville maintains stance on water bill dispute
Following its regular meeting on Oct. 15, the Sodaville City Council held a follow-up work session on Thursday, Oct. 29, to discuss a resident’s water bill dispute and plans for a revived…
November 3, 2026
New county Treasurer, Budget Officer sworn in
By Alex Paul Linn County Communications Jennifer Stanaway was sworn in Thursday, Oct. 29, as the new Linn County Treasurer and Budget Officer by Commissioner Roger Nyquist at a ceremony in the…
November 3, 2026
Sweet Home contracts with law firm for general city work
The City Council approved a contract with a law firm during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The city’s former attorney, Blair Larsen, resigned on Aug. 28. Following a July 14 work…
November 3, 2026
Al Severson named grand marshal of parade
Al Severson, who announced the Albany Veterans Day Parade for 31 years, won’t be behind the mic for this year’s event. But Severson, 75, is suffering health problems and will not be able to…
November 3, 2026
It’s official: Samaritan now part of MultiCare Health
Samaritan Health Services officially joined MultiCare Health System Sunday, Nov. 1, in a move that the now-combined organizations say will strengthen health services across the mid-Willamette…
November 3, 2026
COMMUNITY
Trick or Treat’ers Head Downtown
Kids of all ages from Lebanon, left, and Sweet Home, above, turned out en masse for their respective Halloween celebrations over the weekend. At left, Megan Lofton and her son Jaxon, 3, work…
November 3, 2026
Local veteran rises in Honor Flight organization
George Dominy has never participated in an Honor Flight as a veteran honoree – per se. But he’s been on plenty as a veteran, nonetheless. He’s played a variety of roles in shepherding…
November 3, 2026
American Legion Post 51 celebrates 100 years of service in Lebanon
As American Legion Post 51 marks 100 years, it continues to serve veterans, their families, and the Lebanon community as a gathering place rooted in patriotism, volunteerism, and service.…
November 3, 2026
Linn County Oregon Veterans Day Parade celebrates 75th year
Albany’s parade, historically been the largest Veterans Day Parade west of the Mississippi and the third-largest in the United States, began in 1951 when local ex-Marine Jim Barrett and the…
November 3, 2026
SMART Reading Calls for Lebanon Volunteers
Lebanon elementary students are in need of adults willing to read to them. As the SMART Reading program celebrates its 35th year of supporting child literacy in Oregon, the nonprofit…
November 3, 2026
SCHOOL NEWS
LHS Hall of Fame highlights worldwide impact of alumni
When former Lebanon High School teacher Lynden Brown and former assistant principal Ed Sansom kept hearing students say “We’re just Lebanon” more than a decade ago, they decided it was time…
October 27, 2026
Capital campaign launching to build new Lebanon stadium
By Zane Cox For The New Era The Lebanon School District and the Lebanon High School Athletic Booster Club are launching a $3 million capital campaign to build a new grandstand at the high…
October 27, 2026
SH School Board OKs compliance, ponders pool bleachers
At its Oct. 12 meeting, the Sweet Home School District Board approved its annual state compliance report, got a financial update that included a $91,500 career education grant, and listened to…
October 20, 2026
Lebanon school board reviews state test scores, staffing and facility needs
The Lebanon Community School District school board reviewed declining test scores, staffing needs and aging school facilities during its Oct. 8 meeting, and discussed improving student…
October 13, 2026
OPINION
Tax credit, double impact for cultural donations
Editor: Those who donate to good causes at the end of each year should consider the Oregon Cultural Trust. This program, unique to Oregon, lets you double the impact of your donation at no…
November 3, 2026
Disappointed? Step up instead
Editor: Your Oct. 27 report that Sweet Home’s Singing Christmas Tree will not perform this December is sad news for people who have made it part of their Christmas. Traditions depend on…
November 3, 2026
Multiple topics on the table
Editor: I know there are a lot of letters and comments going out regarding who to vote for and that’s good; people are using their freedom of speech and right to vote. I have gotten to…
October 27, 2026
SH ‘fortunate’ to have Coleman
Editor: As your former state representative and current county commissioner, I see firsthand how much a city’s mayor shapes what happens in a community. Sweet Home has been fortunate to…
October 27, 2026
New rule endangering Americans’ healthcare
Editor: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has a dangerous new rule beginning Oct. 22 that will threaten the healthcare of millions of Americans. The rule, “Indefinite Suspension…
October 20, 2026