Lebanon kicks up heels at Strawberry Festival
The 117th annual Lebanon Strawberry Festival’s “Strawberry Nights” drew hundreds, if not thousands, to the city for the four-day event that included a few new items…
LATEST NEWS
Death at Linn County Jail spurs pursuit for answers
A Sweet Home man was found dead in his cell at Linn County Jail last month and his family is waiting for answers. On May 4 at 11:50 a.m., Sweet Home police officers arrested Dustin Kyle…
Linn County prosecutor recognized for helping victims
By Alex Paul Linn County Communications Senior Deputy District Attorney Ani Yardumian has devoted her entire career as a prosecuting attorney to helping the most vulnerable victims of society…
Commissioners get report on Santiam Canyon fire recovery
By Alex Paul Linn County Communications Santiam Disaster Services of Santiam Hospital & Clinics has assisted 1,221 families who were affected by the devastating Beachie Creek/Lionshead fires…
North River traffic to be curtailed during construction projects
Through traffic on North River Drive will be curtailed and, in one section, shut down this summer for two construction projects intended to improve the road and solve problems between…
Commissioner, Sheriff cover variety of topics at town hall meeting
Linn County Commissioner Sherrie Sprenger and Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan held a town hall meeting May 27 to provide general information about current work in the county. Topics…
Chief: Lebanon Fire District brings value to city despite light staffing
Lebanon Fire District brings value to businesses and the community. That’s the message Fire Chief John Tacy wanted listeners to hear during a forum lunch hosted by the Lebanon Chamber of…
COMMUNITY
Best in the West Triathlon brings 800-plus athletes to Sweet Home
The Best in the West Triathlon races returned to Sweet Home for the 16th year last weekend, as a total of 825 competitors hit the water, the roads and the trails in a kaleidoscope of events. .…
‘Wildfire Ready’ in East Linn County
Under the peaceful woods at Sankey Park on May 30, representatives from fire agencies and other organizations held a Wildfire Ready event, providing information and tips on wildfire…
Events: June 10, 2026
Upcoming City Meetings These are regularly-scheduled meetings. Sometimes the dates or times are changed due to schedule conflicts among members, work session additions, holidays, etc. Last…
Lebanon Garden Club offers free street trees
As summer temperatures rise, the Lebanon Garden Club seeks to expand the cooling tree canopy over our sidewalks and streets. During the past two years, the club has bought street trees for…
Portland runner wins Strawberry 5K
Lebanon’s Strawberry Festival 5K and mile drew more than 800 runners and walkers Saturday, June 6, as out-of-town visitors ran away from the home crowd to win the annual race. Cameron Peshon…
SCHOOL NEWS
SHHS graduation highlights graduates, alumni achievements
By Satina Tolman For The New Era One hundred eighty-four graduating seniors filed onto Husky Field beneath a blanket of clouds that threatened rain Friday evening. Though the breeze carried a…
LHS grads value character, staying true to self
Lebanon High School graduated 272 students during the Class of 2026 commencement ceremonies on Tuesday, June 2. The 12 valedictorians who spoke at the graduation ceremony focused on themes of…
East Linn Christian graduates 23
East Linn Christian Academy graduated 23 students during its commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 6. Above, members from the Class of 2026 exit the commencement ceremony with one last…
Sweet Home FFA presents annual awards
Sweet Home High School FFA members hold awards they received at the FFA Banquet held May 20. Senior Award winners were as follows: Growth Award, Ella Forum; Attitude Award, Natalie Conn; I…
LBCC announces 2026 graduating class
Linn-Benton Community College will hold its 57th commencement ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11, on the Albany campus. The class of 2026 features 807 candidates for graduation and LBCC…
OPINION
Remembering the Cost of Freedom: A Memorial Day poem
By Satina Tolman For many, Memorial Day now marks the start of summer days, Of crowded camps and barbecue smoke drifting through the haze. Storefront windows flash their signs in bold and…
A Memoir: Everyone has to Go
By Xander Eddings Everyone knows the pain of losing someone. The agonizing, harrowing, gut-wrenching pain as you watch a person drift away, leaving you feeling empty again. How your chest…
Dear Editor: Thoughts of love in the springtime
Editor: “’Tis spring, and a young man’s fancy turns to…” you know, luv. “Oh, my heart races every time I see her/him!” “If she/he would be mine, wouldn’t everyone envy me!” “We’d go to my…
Dear Editor: Urban renewal has pros, cons
Editor: I lived in suburban Clackamas County 32 years before moving to Linn County. For much of that time the county was a hotbed of population growth, planning fiascos, and speculation. As…
Dear Editor: Grant opportunity may not be there later
Editor: As you may be aware in the last 5 years our school district has been systematically updating our schools. In the process they have been fiscally responsible and have done an amazing…