Oregon State Police seek public’s help identifying theft suspect in Marion County
Oregon – The Oregon State Police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a theft at the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem. According to OSP, the theft occurred in the early morning hours of Thursday, December 18, 2025. The suspect stole...
More men file suit against OYA over alleged abuse from former doctor
Another 14 men have filed a lawsuit against the Oregon Youth Authority, accusing the agency of ignoring repeated claims that a longtime physician at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn was sexually abusing incarcerated youth. At least 82 individuals in 11 lawsuits have now filed claims against OYA in...
Recent Heavy Rainfall Results in Sewer Overflow to Willamette River, Little Pudding River, Multiple...
SALEM, Ore. — Recent rainfall combined with saturated ground conditions resulted in the City of Salem overflowing diluted untreated sewage into the Willamette River. The discharge took place in the 100 block of Union Street NE. The overflow began at about 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18 and was stopped at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 19. About...
Boil water notice issued in Sheridan
A boil water notice has been issued for the city of Sheridan due to a main pipe bursting on Friday. It comes after the region was hit hard this week by severe weather. City officials say the notice will remain in effect at least through Monday. For now, residents are...
Yamhill County, OR – Police Alert: 52-Year-Old Man Found Dead in Floodwaters
Country Herald is Local News, Independent Pulse. Covering breaking local news, sports, lifestyle and events. Yamhill County, OR – A 52-year-old man from Amity died Saturday morning after his vehicle was swept away by floodwaters in rural Yamhill County, according to the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies...
On schedule: Bryant Park turns into a pond
It would not be late December if Albany’s Bryant Park was not at least partially under water. On a brief bike ride along the riverfront Saturday, the day before the start of winter, I noticed the usual for this time of year, as these pictures demonstrate. Elsewhere in the...
Level 1 Flood Alert Issued for Parts of Salem as Creeks Rise and Impacts...
Salem emergency officials have issued a Level 1 “Be Ready” flood alert for multiple areas of the city as persistent rainfall continues to swell creeks and strain local infrastructure. The alert, announced by Salem’s Emergency Management Department, signals that residents in affected areas should prepare for possible...
Owner of unlicensed waste pit near Aurora argues it is farm use
The owner of an unlicensed waste pit on a farm outside of Aurora argued that she had done nothing wrong and that the waste accepted for a fee from industrial vacuum excavation companies for about three months in 2023 and into 2024 is farm use. Marion County hearings officer Jill Foster heard arguments on Dec. 18...
Salem Isn’t the Center of American Witchcraft — These Towns Are
Witches aren’t just in Salem anymore. Each year, millions of tourists pour into Salem dressed in pointy hats and black garb, hoping to get a glimpse of real witches—or at least pretend to be one for a day. And while the proclaimed Witch City has plenty of parades, events, and metaphysical shops, it’s hardly the...
Benton County preparing for potential floods
Benton County officials are urging residents to stay prepared for rapidly changing flood conditions, with several roads closed and sandbag stations available, though current water levels are lower than in past major floods.
