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Statesman Journal
Man who led Salem gang and sold drugs, guns to feds sentenced to prison
A 29-year-old Beaverton man who sold guns and drugs to federal agents was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Nov. 5 for charges including trafficking firearms and controlled substances. Christopher Hermens, who lives in Beaverton, pleaded guilty to transferring firearms to another person. Authorities say he led the Varrio Catorce Norteño gang in Salem. Judge Adrienne Nelson also sentenced Hermens to three years of supervised release and he agreed to forfeit guns and other property connected to his crimes. Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, said Hermens was "leveraging gang ties and criminal associates to expand his illegal activities." The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated members of the gang in the Salem area in July 2023, according to court documents. During their investigation, undercover agents purchased firearms and controlled substances from Hermens and people with whom he was associated. Hermans sold five guns and an ounce of cocaine on Jan. 23, 2025 two guns, two pounds of marijuana and 32 grams of fentanyl on Feb. 6, 2025 and coordinated the sale of 122 grams of fentanyl on Feb. 27. When police raided his home in July 2025, they found 19 guns. Hermans
hoodline.com
loggerathletics.com
takemetotn.com
Oregonians Stand in the Rain for This Barbecue Joint’s Brisket, and Even Texans Approve
Some people drive from Portland to West Salem just for lunch, and they do it on purpose. The prize is brisket, cut thick and served with the fat left on, from a counter-serve spot most folks almost drive right past. The man behind it hails from Texas, and he has been known to wear an Astros hat while checking on tables.
Statesman Journal
willametteheritage.org
Salem-Keizer Junior High/Middle School Publications at the WHC
The Willamette Heritage Center cares for many publications from Junior High and later Middle Schools in the Salem-Keizer School District. This page provides an overview of materials held by center for reference purposes. Access to these publications is available through the Willamette Heritage Center Research Library. This guide is limited to Yearbooks and School Newspapers or Magazines published by the student body for students grades 6-8.
Statesman Journal
Salem artist, business owner keeps creativity local
This is part of a weekly series introducing readers to individuals who are passionate about our Mid-Valley community. Jessica Ramey didn't get her Barbie Dreamhouse as a child, but that didn't stop her from building one herself. She spent her childhood tugging items from the trash to transform them into her own miniature world. Ramey bent pencil tops into canned goods and fashioned miniature grocery bags for her dolls made with plastic film from cigarette packs. “I was just always a weird kid that loved making things,” Ramey, 48, of Salem, said. “Sometimes the best art comes from the most humble materials." Ramey made her art through imagination. An athletic child with recurring knee injuries, she found art a creative outlet not limited by her physical abilities. Now, she’s made art and connection her life’s purpose. As owner of Art Department in downtown Salem, she supplies local art materials, teaches classes and holds interactive community events. Where art meets community Ramey's professional creative journey began at the University of Oregon, where she earned a Fine Arts degree and met her husband, Jason Ramey, in the dorms. After graduating in 2001, the two started a family. Ramey worked as a pro
familydestinationsguide.com
This Historic Oregon Hospital Is Where One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest Was Filmed
Some buildings just have a story written all over them, and the Oregon State Hospital in Salem has enough story to fill several libraries, one Oscar-winning film, and at least a few very long dinner conversations. The OSH Museum of Mental Health sits right inside this landmark building, and it’s...
Chronicle
Chauffeur who stole $34M earns commercial driver’s license in prison — and thinks it should set him free
The private chauffeur who was sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison for stealing $34 million from Oregon-based publisher Win McCormack is making his third bid for early release — this time pointing to a commercial driver’s license he recently earned behind bars. In early August, Sergey...
kykn.com
Keizer approves nearly $1.4 million for Verda Lane sidewalk project
KEIZER, Ore. — The Keizer City Council has approved a request to redirect nearly $1.4 million in transportation funding toward a sidewalk project along Verda Lane. The council voted unanimously 6-0 during its November 2 meeting to approve redirecting $1,393,229 for the project. Councilor Soraida Cross was absent. The...
willametteheritage.org
Salem Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps provide a snapshot in time for cityscapes. Created to help fire insurance companies assess rates for their policy holders, these detailed maps describe streets, buildings and waterways and can provide a great visual for how properties have changed over time. Symbols and color coding provide details of building construction (pink for brick, yellow for wood). The company would even send stickers to map holders to update their maps to reflect changes to the landscape.
kptv.com
Sprague claims 6A girls volleyball crown, 1st for Salem schools
FOREST GROVE Ore. (KPTV) - It was championship Saturday for Oregon high schoolers in cross country and volleyball. FOX 12’s Nick Krupke reports from the 6A girls volleyball title match, in which Westview and Sprague both competed to raise the first big blue OSAA trophy in program history in Forest Grove. In the end, Sprague claimed the crown - the first school from Salem to win it all.