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…
LATEST NEWS
Proposed Lebanon ordinance would bill some landlords for utilities
The Lebanon City Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 4, during which time they approved a renegotiated contract for building services, heard a request for funds to support the…
Lebanon man killed in motorcycle crash
A Lebanon man was killed in a single-vehicle accident near Lebanon on Thursday, Nov. 5. Oregon State Police responded to a call about the accident at approximately 10:55 p.m. The preliminary…
Commissioners fund farmers markets, sell Lebanon property
By Alex Paul Linn County Communications Linn County Commissioners Roger Nyquist, Sherrie Sprenger and Will Tucker made quick work of agenda items at their Tuesday, Nov. 3, meeting. The…
Sweet Home man waives right to jury trial in Mariah King case
A Sweet Home man who is nearing his trial date in a murder charge recently waived his right to a jury trial. Jerod L. Norman, 42, was indicted with second-degree murder and first-degree abuse…
Every Democratic governor in the U.S. outperformed Kamala Harris—except one
Oregonians voted more red in the governor’s race than they did in the 2024 presidential election. By Khushboo Rathore Gov. Tina Kotek didn’t catch the Democratic “blue wave” that rolled over…
Lebanon’s jail levy fails, Sweet Home elects Sanchez mayor
By Sarah Brown Of The New Era Lebanon residents gave a big thumbs-down to reopening the Lebanon Municipal Jail in the Nov. 3 election. An $8.3 million levy that would have reopened and…
COMMUNITY
Scene Around Town: Nov. 11, 2026
Sankey Bandstand Addition Celebrated Sweet Home citizens and public officials gather Nov. 2 to celebrate the completion of the new bandstand at Sankey Park. At left, Mayor Susan Coleman and…
Martin Spencer Griffith
Martin Griffith Jan. 10, 1939 – October 25, 2026 Martin Spencer Griffith, our beloved husband and father, known to family and friends as “Marty,” died Oct. 25, 2026, in Salem. Marty was in a…
Rita Jo Follett
Rita Follett Oct. 22, 1961 – Oct. 28, 2026 Rita Jo Follett, 65, of Sweet Home, passed away Oct. 28, 2026. She was born Oct. 22, 1961, to Laura Jean (Teaurralt) and Joseph Denver Casey in…
Delbert M. Langdon
Delbert Langdon Aug. 6, 1935 – Oct. 26, 2026 Delbert M. Langdon, 91, of Sweet Home, passed away Oct. 26, 2026. He was born Aug. 6, 1935, to Viola (Croshaw) and Manley Langdon in Salem.…
David Ralph Van Epps
David Van Epps May 31, 1959 – Nov. 2, 2026 David Ralph Van Epps, 67, of Sweet Home, passed away Nov. 2, 2026. He was born May 31, 1959, in Lebanon to Sandra Evelyn (Jones) and…
SCHOOL NEWS
SHHS National Honor Society 2026 Inductees
Khrystoffer Domingo Khrystoffer, 18, is the son of Melody and Thomas Andersen. A senior, he is maintaining a 4.00 GPA. He plans to major in computer engineering at either the University of…
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…
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…
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…
OPINION
SH Council changes bring new abilities
Editor: The election of a new mayor and three City Council members in Sweet Home will have a big effect on our future. There are problems that have been put on hold for too long, including…
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…
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 people…
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 know…
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 have…