Willamette Wake Up

Indy Central is a new segment on Willamette Wake Up. Join Dana Sharman for in depth conversations with community leaders in the City of Independence. This week City Manager Kenna West talks about her background & horses; then, covers how residents shape the city’s growth, plans for a regional water treatment plant, and the work of maintaining Independence’s water and sewer infrastructure. 

Special Local Election Wrap Up Show with Melanie Zermer, Jane Titchenal and Dana Sharman. These community journalists followed some local elections, and will share observations and unofficial results from the cities of Salem, Keizer, Independence, Monmouth & Dallas, plus Marion & Polk Counties. 

Willamette Block Party talks with Jeff Ballard, owner of Automate and Dominate, about his business and the importance of mentorship; then, reflects on the changes happening in Salem. 

Elephant in the Room talks with Mason Levitt, with Beyond Toxics, about his research on the hazards of gas stoves for both the environment and people;and, how to make the switch to electric appliances.

Salem Keizer School District announced 6 elementary school closures, including Cummings Elementary in Keizer, Oregon. Girlypop Politics talks with Kevin Jackson, parent and now community advocate, about the impact these closures will have and the importance of fighting for a shared value.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Find out how the Center for Hope & Safety in the Salem Area serves survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking with Executive Director, Ashley Carson Cottingham.

Find out what's new at Quiltopia 2026 with event organizers Cindy Condon & Jayne Downing. And, how this iconic quilt show supports Helping Hands Resources, a Salem area nonprofit serving people barely making ends meet, and offering opportunities for all of us to support our community.

Local Elections. Meet candidates running for Keizer City Council & Mayor with excerpts from a recent candidate forum hosted by Keizer Neighborhood Associations at the Keizer Event Center. 

In this episode of "Policy for the People", they explore Oregon’s affordability crisis through the experience of a single mother of four who works full time for the state, and relies on food pantries. Then, Kathy Lara of the Oregon Center for Public Policy discusses her research showing that many Oregon jobs simply don't pay enough to support a family. 

Local Election Coverage Fall 2026.  Doug Dailey moved to Dallas 10 years ago. He talks about the challenges & opportunities facing the City of Dallas Oregon, and why he is prepared to serve the residents in this city of 18,000 and the seat of Polk County.

Local Election Coverage Fall 2026.  Shelby Alexander, a fairly new Dallas resident, talks about the challenges & opportunities facing the City of Dallas Oregon, and why she is prepared to serve the residents in this city of 18,000 and the seat of Polk County.

Local Election Coverage Fall 2026.  David Shein, current city councilor running for re-election, talks about the challenges & opportunities facing the City of Dallas Oregon, and why he is prepared to serve the residents in this city of 18,000 and the seat of Polk County.

Local Election Coverage Fall 2026.  Larry Briggs, current city councilor running for re-election, talks about the challenges & opportunities facing the City of Dallas Oregon, and why he is prepared to serve the residents in this city of 18,000 and the seat of Polk County.

Marion County Clerk Bill Burgess joins Ken Adams to discuss the election process in Marion County.  They delve into procedures that keep voter information accurate and prevent fraud, why mailing ballots take longer now, value of drop boxes, recent threats to election officials and some Oregon history about who had the right to vote.

Conservation Spotlight talks with Nikita Vincent about natural and working lands, climate solutions and workforce development. Hear about Nikita’s work with Oregon’s Natural & Working Lands Advisory Committee and a new Oregon conservation program at Clackamas Community College.

A report from the October 17th No Kings Rally in Salem Oregon. 

Monmouth Monthly talks with Emily McNulty, Monmouth Main Street Coordinator & Monmouth Business Association Board Member, about two upcoming events in October - MI Town Halloween and Making Spirits Bright.

Policy for the People talks with Katie Bergh, a Senior Policy Analyst with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, on how loss of food assistance through SNAP is setting the stage for much greater levels of hunger and suffering throughout Oregon and our nation. 

Elephant in the Room talks with Britney VanCritters with the Oregon League of Conservation Voters about the organization's mission and how they vet candidates for endorsement.

Local Elections Coverage talks with Micki Varney, candidate for Ward 8 City Council and Virginia Stapleton, candidate for State Senate District 11. They participated in a "Braver Angels-style" of conversation where they share their values and approach to governing to reduce polarization.  All candidates in these races were invited.

Local Elections Coverage with Marion County Commission Candidates Kevin Cameron, Sara Duncan and Maria Hinojos Pressey. They participated in a "Braver Angels-style" conversation that focuses on values and depolarizing dialogue to better hear each other, with co-hosts Melanie Zermer & Jeff Spitzer.  All candidates in these races were invited. 

Girlypop Politics talks with Salem Keizer Schools Superintendent Andrea Castañeda about the district's new reading curriculum. They discuss the benefits of "Into Reading," how the district has been preparing teachers to teach it, and best ways parents can help their children be better readers.

Find out how "Salem Rolls Forward", led by high school students Saili & Emma, would provide an accessible playground feature for kids in wheelchairs at a local park in Salem.  Learn how the project originated and how the community can help make it happen.

Hear from leaders in the City of Independence about the journey that led the city to close parks in September, even after passing a fee increase in June to keep them open, and how voters in November will have a say in the matter. Listen to the conversation with Mayor Kate Schwarzler, City Manager Kenna West and Andrea Van Heeswyk with Friends of Community Parks.

Conservation Spotlight explores "Connected Habitat," a new program through Polk Soil & Water Conservation District, aimed at anyone who wants to create a better habitat for wildlife - from backyards to farms to forests. Guests Jessica Wright and Izzy Mason, with the Polk SWCD tells you how to get started.