University students face food insecurity 8:58 p.m. PST December 2, 2016 Imagine having to decide between paying for a course textbook or your next meal. Situations like that are becoming more common for students in higher education. "I had a student come in ... who hadn't seen vegetables for three years," said Grecia Garcia, who helps oversee the ChemeketaContinue reading "University students face food insecurity"

#GivingTuesday a success 7:47 p.m. PST November 30, 2016 Tuesday was Giving Tuesday, the post-Thanksgiving day to give to nonprofits and organization in the community. And give people did. Nationally, there was a 20 percent increase in online giving on Tuesday compared to 2015, according to software company Blackbaud Inc. These online donations totaled more than $47.7 millionContinue reading "#GivingTuesday a success"

Community tackles issues facing Salem refugees 5:40 p.m. PST November 29, 2016 Anya and Doug Holcomb have spent most of their adult lives traveling the world to help refugees. And after years of living abroad, the two have returned to Anya's home of Salem at a time when their skills could be most utilized. Since February, about 98 refugeesContinue reading "Community tackles issues facing Salem refugees"

Salem-Keizer School District creates task force to address overcrowding 9 a.m. PST November 29, 2016 In the next twenty years, the Salem-Keizer School District is expected to grow to nearly 46,666 students. With enrollment and local population increasing, the district has to confront a growing need for space. To address this, district Superintendent Christy Perry formed the Citizens FacilitiesContinue reading "Salem-Keizer School District creates task force to address overcrowding"

Central students serve senior citizens holiday meal 11:46 a.m. PST November 25, 2016 Thanksgiving can be a time to gather with friends and family. But for some people, that isn’t always an option. About 25 years ago, a student at Central High School in Independence realized some senior citizens might not have anyone to spendContinue reading "Central students serve senior citizens holiday meal"

Catalog of Giving begins 10:53 a.m. PST November 25, 2016 Dear Reader, If you're anything like me, this time of year comes with excitement, love and a growing addiction to peppermint hot chocolate. But perhaps the most important thing the holiday season has to offer is the promise of giving to those in need. ForContinue reading "Catalog of Giving begins"

Angels help children who are victims of crime 8:37 p.m. PST November 22, 2016 After years of working as a prosecutor, Shannon Kmetic was faced with handling perhaps the worst child sexual abuse case in her career. Kmetic's case against a man who had repeatedly raped his daughter throughout her childhood was successful. He wasContinue reading "Angels help children who are victims of crime"

More students becoming homeless, third year in a row 5:53 p.m. PST November 22, 2016 For the third year in a row, Oregon’s population of homeless students is up from the previous year, reaching a level now exceeding that seen during the recession. New data collected by the Oregon Department of Education shows 21,340 students, or 3.7 percent ofContinue reading "More students becoming homeless, third year in a row"

District encourages inclusion during Trump transition 5:32 p.m. PST November 22, 2016 At least two local school districts have encouraged their staff to facilitate open and supportive conversations with students while reacting to the new President-elect. These messages came after a handful of protests and rallies occurred across the country — including in Portland, WoodburnContinue reading "District encourages inclusion during Trump transition"

Students suspended after threats at pro-Trump rally 9:22 a.m. PST November 14, 2016 Two students from Silverton High School have been suspended, accused of intimidating and threatening behavior at a pro-Trump demonstration at the school on Tuesday. Before classes and during both the school's lunches, 30 to 40 students gathered on and around their trucks,Continue reading "Students suspended after threats at pro-Trump rally"