Marion
Marion, OR · LATEST NEWS
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
rightnoworegon.com
The Mary Sue
College athlete held hostage by brother, then Oregon police allegedly shot him after mistaking him for his sibling, ‘You shot the wrong guy’
A college student in Oregon claimed he was shot five times by police after he fled from his drug-impaired brother, who was allegedly holding him at knife point. Maverick Lyon has since filed a lawsuit against the police department; he has alleged negligence and excessive force. On January 5, Maverick, 21, was allegedly held at […]
hoodline.com
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...
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...
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
philomathnews.com
Statesman Journal
Voters paid for school improvements. Salem-Keizer wants to close them
Salem-Keizer voters approved a $620 million bond measure in 2018 to address overcrowded schools, improve building safety, and expand educational opportunities across one of Oregon's largest school districts. Eight years later, the district is considering closing six elementary schools , including several that received bond-funded improvements. For families who remember the 2018 campaign, the closures have them questioning whether they'll support another construction bond. "There are many of us who believe that if this continues, the district is on a path to the following outcomes: drop in elementary achievement scores, a failed bond, a broken relationship with the community," parent Nick Sayen said at a recent school board meeting . The 2018 measure, known as Measure 24-429, funded renovations and expansions throughout Salem-Keizer Public Schools. Projects included improvements to classrooms, labs, cafeterias, security systems and aging infrastructure. It was the largest bond effort in district history and, at the time, the third-largest bond measure in Oregon. Voters narrowly approved it , with 53% voting in favor and 47% opposed. "I am very pleased that the citizens of Salem and Keizer continue to support the schools and trust the district to use the money wisely and as promised," said then-school board
hereisoregon.com
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...
loggerathletics.com
familydestinationsguide.com
Fill An Entire Bag Of Books For Under $20 At This Dreamy Oregon Bookstore
Some places exist purely to make you happy, and Browsers’ Bookstore in Albany, Oregon is one of those places, except it also makes your wallet happy, which is honestly the rarer achievement. That combination is worth driving for. The moment you walk through the door, something shifts. It’s hard...