By CRAIG MURPHY Of the Keizertimes The search for new soccer fields in Keizer continues. While the non-profit organization 25 fields for Oregon is still working on plans for a 25-field complex east of city limits, the Keizer Soccer Club (KSC) is looking to build three fields at city parks. Jim Parent spoke to members [...]

By CRAIG MURPHY Of the Keizertimes The need hasn’t stopped. As such, plans are moving forward to expand Simonka Place, the Union Gospel Mission (UGM) shelter at 5119 River Road N that serves homeless women and children. Simonka Place has a capacity of 50 beds. Since January 2012, the facility has been averaging more than [...]

By CRAIG MURPHY Of the Keizertimes Keizer Hospitality Inc., doing business as the Keizer Renaissance Inn, filed for bankruptcy with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Oregon last month. Paul Plunk, general manager for Renaissance Inn since 2004, confirmed the news. “There was a Chapter 11 filed,” Plunk said. “That is the [...]

By CRAIG MURPHY Of the Keizertimes There are some positions Keizer city leaders would love to fill. A preliminary glimpse at the 2013-14 budget at a Keizer Long Range Planning Task Force meeting Monday evening showed there could be the budget to fill positions. But the uncertainty is if there would be the revenue stream [...]

  By CRAIG MURPHY Of the Keizertimes Several names were suggested Tuesday, but one clearly stood out. Members of the Keizer Parks and Recreation Advisory Board held a public hearing for the naming of the small park at Keizer Station. One suggestion was to honor Marie Dorian, an early area settler who helped many immigrants [...]

By CRAIG MURPHY Of the Keizertimes The quest for political allies continues for the directors of 25 fields for Oregon. Carrie Cool, executive director of the non-profit organization looking to build 25 soccer and lacrosse fields just outside of Keizer next year, spoke to the Keizer City Council Monday evening along with Ken Sandblast, secretary [...]

  By CRAIG MURPHY Of the Keizertimes Laura Ayers does more than just give food at the Keizer Community Food Bank each Thursday. Whenever she spots a child in line, the 83-year-old Laura becomes something of a child herself as she sneaks over to a bag and pulls out a stuffed animal. “Most of the [...]

By CRAIG MURPHY Of the Keizertimes Emily Engel usually doesn’t have to go far to see family. Engel, owner of American Country Mercantile at 8030 Wheatland Road N. in Keizer, is surrounded by family at the craft consignment shop she took over two years ago. “My mom helps me, my dad helps me and my [...]

By CRAIG MURPHY Of the Keizertimes If you shop at the new M.Y.R. Boutique on Chemawa Road, plan to stop by in the late afternoon or evening. It’s not that owner Maritza Yazmin Ramirez loves to sleep in. During the day, Maritza goes to classes before working at her shop from 4 to 8 p.m. [...]

By CRAIG MURPHY Of the Keizertimes Come July, Keizer Station will have a new first: a sit-down restaurant. Company officials have confirmed the Outback Steakhouse under construction should be open sometime that month. Jon Lakefish, director of Franchise Marketing for Evergreen Restaurant Group, said an exact opening date isn’t known yet. “The opening date is [...]