New wildland firefighters get test at live fire exercise
The forest just north of Foster Lake came alive Friday, June 26, as 200 wildland firefighters completed their final day of training for the 2026 Mid-Willamette Valley…
LATEST NEWS
Lebanon council hashes out source of matching grant funds for library
In an effort to increase its odds of winning a grant for the expansion of the Lebanon Public Library, the City Council committed funds toward a matching amount during a special meeting on…
Three fires squeeze LFD
Lebanon Fire District crews responded over a 24-hour period, starting Wednesday evening, to three significant fire incidents. The first fire was dispatched as a first-alarm incident and was…
Impasse between agencies, Dad Bod owners results in closure
Chris Millard stood in the parking lot of what arguably was one of the most successful start-ups in recent Sweet Home history: Dad Bod Detailing. He was clearly disgusted, as had been…
Former CenturyTel building could become apartments
A developer may be turning a long-vacated building in downtown Lebanon, often referred to as the “old CenturyTel building,” into residential space. The Lebanon Planning Commission held a…
ODF: Entire state now in fire season
As of June 15, all Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) districts are in fire season. This means that to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires, fire restrictions may be in place where you…
Caleb Gay takes helm as Sodaville’s new mayor
Sodaville Mayor Brian Lewis formally resigned during the City Council’s meeting on Thursday, June 19, marking his last day in office. Reading from a prepared statement, Lewis expressed his…
COMMUNITY
Man drowns after diving into Blue Pool
A Kansas man died Friday evening after jumping into the water at Blue Pool, the Linn County Sheriff’s Officer reported. Linn County Undersheriff Micah Smith said that at 8:47 pm. Friday, Linn…
‘Flamingos’ instructor loves teaching water aerobics at pool
By Satina Tolman For The New Era When a flock of pink flamingos marches down Main Street during this year’s Sportsman Holiday Parade, spectators may see a cheerful group promoting the Sweet…
Local Semiquincentennial celebrations planned
So… How to celebrate the Big One – America’s 250th? Fourth of July events in Linn County range from a serious reading of the Declaration of Independence, the document that got us started down…
Scene Around Town: July 1, 2026
Overturned in the Narrows Oregon State Police responded to a single non-injury crash involving a grey CMV, above, on US-20 near milepost 26 on Tuesday, June 23. According to OSP, shortly after…
The meaning of ‘All men are created equal’
By Lewis Waha America turns 250 this year. That’s not counting from Lexington and Concord in 1775. Or from Britain recognizing our independence in 1783. Nor from our Constitution’s drafting…
SCHOOL NEWS
SH School Board finalizes bond election results
Sweet Home School Board members, in a special meeting Monday, June 22, declared the results of the May 19 election in which voters passed a $40 million general obligation bond to fund school…
From boardroom to podium: Pickles and Weber leave legacy at Lebanon High School
When Addy Pickles and Cade Weber crossed the stage as members of Lebanon High School’s (LHS) Class of 2026 earlier this month, they left behind more than academic and athletic…
SH School Board finalizes bond election results
Sweet Home School Board members, in a special meeting Monday, June 22, declared the results of the May 19 election in which voters passed a $40 million general obligation bond to fund school…
SH Junior High Field Day
Sweet Home Junior High ended its school year June 11 with its annual Tiger Olympics, which was, well, pretty epic this year. The event pits homeroom classes against each other in various…
SH School Board approves principal’s resignation
The resignation of Oak Heights Elementary Principal Todd Barrett and questions surrounding the district’s personnel investigation process drew some major discussion during the Sweet Home…
OPINION
Dear Editor: Results of May 19 election are telling
Editor: The results of the May 19 election told us more than all of the polls and news reports. Record-breaking turnout in many counties was driven by the referendum on gas taxes and fees, and…
Opinion: IP 28 would harm state
Editor’s note: Efforts to get Initiative Petition 28, also known as the “Peace Act, a proposed ballot initiative aimed at the November 2026 ballot that would effectively criminalize hunting,…
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…