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By Dan Shryock, The West Side Newspaper Highway 22, a popular route from Salem to the Oregon Coast, will be slowing down beginning in 2027, if only for a moment. A traffic roundabout will be built next year at the Kings Valley Highway junction three miles west of Rickreall, and

By Jennifer Halley, the West Side Newspaper The Polk County Fair ran from August 5 to 8, and saw 16,550 people wander through the fairgrounds during the course of the four-day event.  Fair Manager Tina Andersen said attendance was down by about 20% due to the smoke and

Free Chamber Music Concerts Return in the Fall Camerata Musica returns for its 50th season this fall. To celebrate 50 years of providing free chamber music in Salem, there will be special concerts. Check the website for updates, news and the performance schedule for the next season: https://cameratamusicasalem.org/

By Tim Banick, For The West Side Newspaper Hope you had a great summer and July 4th experience. This was an interesting summer, filled with fun, family, some golf, and recovery from golf-related aches and pains.  As we get older, staying in playing shape is a part of golf.

By Jules Rogers, The West Side Newspaper A retired Salem-Keizer elementary school teacher, Ginny Ryan, is now a debut author. Ryan’s new educational children’s book “Zoo Tracks” is intended to encourage children’s curiosity, imagination, and love of learning. It was published in April 2026. “Zoo Tracks”

Name: Emma Kraft Saldivar Place of birth: Salem, OR How long in West Salem: I was born and raised in West Salem (attended Myers, Walker and West High), then moved to Los Angeles for college. After graduating, I traveled for a bit and then lived in Portland for a handful

By Julie Oakes, The West Side Newspaper EVENT: Spring Valley Fire District’s First Annual Community Appreciation Open House WHAT: Free hot dogs, drinks and treats with the firefighters; kids’ activities; fire truck tours. WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday Sept. 12 WHERE: 2750 Zena Road, Lincoln