Salem-Keizer teachers travel, inspire over winter break Published 4:24 p.m. PT Jan. 6, 2017 | Updated 4:04 p.m. PT Jan. 8, 2017 It took Joshua Beckett eight months to create his own Chewbacca costume out of synthetic hair and a mesh suit. Why was he building his own Chewbacca costume, you might ask? Beckett, an instructionalContinue reading "Salem-Keizer teachers travel, inspire over winter break"

A look ahead at 2017's top education topics Published 7:19 p.m. PT Dec. 27, 2016 | Updated 11:00 a.m. PT Dec. 28, 2016 Money, facilities, and legislation will be the focus in 2017 education stories. Salem-Keizer completes work for 2008 construction bond Voters in the Salem-Keizer School District passed a $242.1 million bond in 2008. Salem-Keizer district stillContinue reading "A look ahead at 2017’s top education topics"

Catalog of Giving: gifts for women in transition 5:08 p.m. PT Dec. 23, 2016 Lisa Bennett got involved with Shelly's House after a conversation with one of the nonprofit's volunteers. She was told by Sonia Hoyt, chairwoman of the board, the organization helps "the unloved ones." This struck a chord with Bennett. Shelly's House provides transitional housing for femaleContinue reading "Catalog of Giving: gifts for women in transition"

Salem to get 9 foot Menorah 4:39 p.m. PT Dec. 23, 2016 Nine feet tall, seven feet wide and weighing in at 250 pounds — Salem just got its own public menorah. Cities across the country and world have public menorah's displayed during Hanukkah, including one outside the White House in D.C. and the largest menorah displayedContinue reading "Salem to get 9 foot Menorah"

Student safety highlights task force work Published 8:15 p.m. PT Dec. 19, 2016 | Updated 8:50 a.m. PT Dec. 20, 2016 Community members and Salem-Keizer School District officials are working to address safety, security and enrollment growth in local schools. The district's Citizens Facilities Task Force discussed these topics at its meeting Monday night. The nearly 20-personContinue reading "Student safety highlights task force work"

Catalog of Giving: Keizer library receives kids books 6:55 p.m. PST December 16, 2016 Children’s books, Spanish-language books and large print books were the three wish-list items the Keizer Community Library submitted to the Catalog of Giving. This week, one of those wishes came true when a woman from Salem donated 29 hard-bound children's books to the library,Continue reading "Catalog of Giving: Keizer library receives kids books"

5 things we learned from the 2016 snowstorm 5:02 p.m. PST December 16, 2016 When snow falls in Salem, it's typically just decorative. So when more than a dusting falls, it's a treat and time to play. And boy, oh boy, do we like the snow. Sure, we hated the lines and hours of trafficContinue reading "5 things we learned from the 2016 snowstorm"

Community to district: take bold post-election stance 8:48 p.m. PST December 14, 2016 Dozens of parents, students and educators are calling on the Salem-Keizer School District to protect students from discrimination. Tuesday evening, 17 people gave testimony to a packed district school board meeting about alleged harassment and bullying occurring in local schools, arguing it has increasedContinue reading "Community to district: take bold post-election stance"

Stories of immigration: the lure and trials of coming to the U.S. 2:17 p.m. PST December 12, 2016 Growing up in Mexico, Maria Guadalupe Mendoza had no plans to leave. She had a job she enjoyed with an automotive company and most of her family was there. It was her home. But Mendoza's world changed whenContinue reading "Stories of immigration: the lure and trials of coming to the U.S."

ABLE Savings Plan provides savings for disabled families 6:11 p.m. PST December 6, 2016 Medications, a wheelchair, legal fees and special parking permits are a few of many things someone with a disability may have to pay for on a regular basis. The expenses can pile up quickly. Individuals and families with special needs have hadContinue reading "ABLE Savings Plan provides savings for disabled families"