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Since 1987, the U.S. has recognized March as Women’s History Month. Proponents for the designation say that the month gives people the time to recognize the achievements and contributions of women throughout history.  One avenue for learning about women’s history in Polk County is the Polk County Historical Society and Museum. The historical society has records that go back to some of the earliest Oregon Trail travelers in the 1840s, according to Diane Weaver, a long-time vol

When you visit a dental office, you reasonably assume your insurance will function the way it was described when you signed up. If a procedure is listed as covered in the insurance handbook, you expect it to be paid according to the stated terms. Unfortunately, that is not always what happens. From a dental office perspective, insurance claim denials — even when coverage appears clearly outlined — have become a persistent and frustrating problem. Dentists are often portrayed

Most West Salem residents have been there, creeping along in a slow yet persistent parade of cars and trucks along Wallace Road. Each vehicle is among tens of thousands that move on this primary road each day. For commuters heading northwest toward McMinnville, Newberg, and Yamhill County, it’s a delay both coming and going to work. For West Salem residents, it’s an orderly constant that ebbs and flows based on the time of day. Kevin Hottmann understands. As Salem’s traffic e

I am a word person. In my definition of this term, it means I am attuned to and fascinated with the meaning, use, and implication of words. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that when I came of AARP age, I started looking for synonyms for “old.” I was less than thrilled to be called a “senior citizen” (although I am happy to accept the discounts attached to the term). To me, it seemed a bit condescending and placating in its application, akin to being patted on the head for hav

After years of serving men across the region, Quali-T Men’s Health is proud to announce its rebrand to Quali-T Hormone Optimization , reflecting an important expansion: comprehensive hormone replacement therapy (HRT) services for women. The new name represents a broader mission — helping both men and women restore hormonal balance, improve quality of life, and age with strength and vitality. What Is Female Hormone Replacement Therapy? Female HRT is a medical treatment designe

The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing considering a levy for future Polk County Fairgrounds operations. Bazaars, shows, 4-H club, the fair, and more could disappear from Polk County unless funding is found for the fairgrounds. The Polk County Board of Commissioners met Wednesday, February 11, for their regular meeting during which they held a public hearing considering an advisory question about a levy for the fairgrounds, and to hear other ideas on how to keep the

Christy and Wayne Miller craft their two most important relationships – the one with each other, and the one with Odd Moe’s – by using the same ingredient: integrity.  Of course, they are more humble than that.  “We’re just two people that make lots of pizzas,” Christy said, laughing.  Pizzas that are made with fresh dough that’s never frozen; with local produce (when available) that are chopped by hand; patented, secret red and white garlic sauces. Even the cheese they use i

Adobe Restaurant and Bar, a relatively new establishment located at the corner of State and High streets, features Latin-inspired cuisine, using fresh ingredients to create memorable dishes that capture the essence of Latin flavors. They consider themselves a fine-dining establishment, with a menu crafted with passion. They are open every day from 4 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on Fridays they don’t close until midnight. For weekend brunch, they open at 10:00 a.m.  Reservations are

UPDATE: February 13thSALEM, Ore. — Daniel Ray Myers, 62, of Salem, was located by California Highway Patrol on February 12, 2026, at approximately 8:00 p.m. in the Buttonwillow area near Bakersfield, California.    On February 10, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., a 31-year-old woman reported that Myers drove her to a secluded location in West Salem and attempted to sexually assault her in his vehicle. The woman reported that when she resisted, Myers stabbed her multiple time

Enlighten Healing Collective  invites participants to enjoy a peaceful and creative evening with local artist Elisa Mack for the Winter Zen Paint with Watercolor workshop March 27.    Held at the Collective’s West Salem location, the March theme, “Emerging from Winter,” offers an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with your creativity in a welcoming, relaxed environment.    When: Thursday, March 27 — 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Where: Enlighten Healing Collective, 13

The Lady Titans are hard at play on a Wednesday evening in the West Salem High School gym. Only 24 hours after another win, the varsity girls basketball team is at it again, this time competing against a bunch of boys. The school’s boys junior varsity basketball team scrimmages against the varsity girls on occasion, and a bystander can see no side has a clear advantage. Every shot is challenged; every move is defended. Girls Coach Justin Duke likes what he sees. Confidence bu

Pentacle Theatre is thrilled to announce open auditions for " The Lost Virginity Tour," directed by Karen  McCarty. Auditions are on Saturday, February 21st at Pentacle Theatre's downtown office.  When: Saturday, February 21st - starting promptly at 1:00p.m.  Where: P entacle Theatre - Downtown Office  (197 Liberty St. SE) in downtown Salem.  The story:  Four women living in an Arizona retirement community, Happy Trails Senior Resort Living, meet weekly for  their Happy Trail

Every year since 2017, Salem Reads: One Book, One Community, a program through the Salem Public Library, has created a city-wide book club. Throughout the month of February, the library and other partners will host discussions and events, centered around the themes of this year’s book: Remarkably Bright Creatures , a novel by Shelby Van Pelt.  This year, for the first time since 2020, the author will be making an in-person appearance in Salem. Van Pelt will be present for two

Place of birth: Medford, OR How long on in West Salem: Since March 2024 If you were not brought here as a child, what brought you to the area: Transferred from Manager of Les Schwab in Fresno, CA to Manager of West Salem Les Schwab Movie/and or Musical: Anything Mel Brooks Actress and Actor: Jim Carrey             TV show: Ted Lasso Book: How to Win Friends and Influence People         Type of music: I listen to it all         Food: Classic Burger and Fries           

Winter greetings! It is that time of year that some put their golf clubs away, while others keep them active. Winter is a good time to reflect on your golf process and evaluate what worked well and what you want to work on for next year.  I recently took a position with Corban University as an Assistant Golf coach, focusing on golf instruction. Interacting with college students has been a great learning experience, and reinforces what I already know – but also reveals new thi

Seems like we’ve had a spurt of new French restaurants in the Salem area. My latest discovery is Clink! Located on the 2d floor of The Forge, Suite 230, 285 Liberty St. NE. It opened last fall and has taken its rightful place among the finest eateries in Salem. It is open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sunday from 4 p.m. through 7 p.m.  They do a fine brunch on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. Reservations are recomme

Steve Anderson lives his life by the philosophy that one should be a good steward of the environment.   A Salem, Ore., native and Land Use Chair of the West Salem Neighborhood Association (WSNA) for the past 13 years, you could say that Steve Anderson is a household name. You could also say that you don’t have to look very hard to see that Anderson’s life has been shaped around identifying problems and solutions concerning the environment, and giving a voice to those who don’

Neighbors, Lights, and Life-Saving Plans We held our first general meeting of the year on January 10th at Roth’s Event Center in West Salem. With a great turnout of 47 people, the morning was filled with shared learning and neighborly support. One highlight was a "show-and-tell" from Mel Ito of Salemtowne, who shared some battery-powered task lights he discovered. These are practical tools that make a world of difference during a power outage, or if we’re called to work a nig

As I was standing at my kitchen sink, hand-washing and drying my dishes, I was thinking about my topic for this article. Kaity and I agreed that perhaps changes I have seen in my 84 years might be of interest or amusement to some of you West Salem residents. A sink full of soapy dishwater is one of those changes. I remember, as a teen, standing at the sink washing the dinner dishes with my brother beside me drying. Wonder of all wonders, we had a hand-held sprayer to do the r

Hormonal changes are a natural part of a woman’s life, but when key hormones decline or fall out of balance, the impact can be profound. From persistent fatigue and mood changes to sleep disruption and weight gain, hormone deficiencies often affect far more than many women realize. At Quali-T Hormone Optimization (Formerly Quali-T Men’s Health), we are proud to now offer female hormone replacement therapy (HRT) locally at our Eugene office, with virtual care available across