Luis Ramirez
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New Salem-Keizer Superintendent Brings Changes to the District
Salem-Keizer introduced new superintendent Andrea Castaneda this summer and she’s quickly made an impression on the community.
Within her first 100 days in office, her focus was on board relations, teaching and learning, student and community engagement and operations, safety, and finance.
Dr. Satya Chandragiri was the first person of color to be sel…
Salem Airport will have Commercial Flights beginning in October
Commercial flights will soon make their way back to the Salem Municipal Airport (SLE) for the first time since 2008.
Avelo Airlines will be operating out of McNary Field and will be offering nonstop service from Salem to Las Vegas and Burbank, Calif., which is located in Los Angeles County.
Beginning on October 5, Avelo will operate two non-stop flight…
Salem Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Awards Showcases the Growing Community
Several businesses were honored at the Salem Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Awards.
One of the highlights of the event was the Salem Capitals being named the New Business of the Year after a successful foray into professional sports.
The Capitals are a local professional basketball team in the TBL (The Basketball League) and recently wr…
Withnell Dodge/Ram Sells Dealership to Roberson Motors Inc.
SALEM- The Withnell Dodge/Ram car dealership at 2650 Commercial Street SE has closed and is changing owners effective March 1, 2023.
The dealership has been in the Salem community since 1980 but will be replaced by Roberson Motors.
A Facebook post by owner David Withnell alerted followers of the impending sale of the business.
“This was in the works for a little while as it takes a long time for these things to transpire,” owner Da…
Valiant the Sandwich Moves Sandwich Shop to the Heart of Downtown
SALEM- Valiant the Sandwich opened their new location downtown after opening up during the pandemic and developing a cult following.
Their new space is located at 477 Court St. NE, Salem, OR 97301.
Owner Joshua St. James was born and raised in the Salem area and has worked in the food industry for several years. In 2018, Avid Cider hired him to r…

Las Cuatas Lokas Uses Social Media to Grow Business
The business started as a love for Mexican candy and an effort to replicate a recipe before blowing up on social media amongst the backdrop of the pandemic.
Las Cuatas Lokas, which means The Crazy Twins in Spanish, was started by 13-year-old twins in Salem. They were fans of Pica Pica and wanted to find a way to create their own recipe.
“They wanted …
Fuego Latin Club Opens Up in Keizer
KEIZER- The Mid-Willamette area is now the home to its first Latin dance club as Fuego Latin Club (3393 River Rd. N, Keizer) opened their doors in October.
Fuego Latin Club is the brainchild of Jose Luis Pantaleon, a local entrepreneur who owns a staffing company named Agri-Staff in addition to the club.
He’d previously owned Area 51 bar and grill in…
Salem/Keizer Non-Profit Christmas Initiatives
CAPITAL FC Capital FC had their annual CFC Soccer Ball Auction and Benefit on November 19, which helped raise money to support scholarships for their youth-based programs. “We raised more than ever, and this will allow us to continue to provide quality programming and scholarships to the nearly 40% of our kids that receive financial assistance to participate,ââ¦
The Withnell Family YMCA Opens Their Doors
SALEM- After waiting for almost four years, the newly remodeled YMCA opened in downtown Salem on October 20. The Salem Withnell Family YMCA is now a 51,000-square-foot flagship building in the heart of the city. Construction began in 2020 where the former building was located.
“We’re excited to see all our past members come back and see how many n…