Indy News Tram

this WEEK'S STORIes, February 27, 2026

Pictured: Polk County Fairgrounds, in need of a November levy; The Independence Hotel (inset), impacted by a state-wide drop in tourism. Left inset is City Councilor Dawn Roden (City photo).

At an Independence City Council work session Tuesday night, City Councilor Dawn Roden asked a question that's been posed by residents recently, as inflation keeps its grip on prices and the city continues to grapple with severe financial strain. ...Continued

Pictured: The walkway from the corner of C and Main Streets, which serves the Ovenbird Bakery, which has outdoor seating.

New Independence sidewalk rules would place more legal responsibility on downtown merchants to keep walkways clear – and when ...Continued

Pictured: The Panther cheerleaders, who have become school champions for character and spirit, as well as athletic prowess (Submitted photo, M. Smith).

Central High’s cheer squad is on a hot streak – and it has no intention of cooling down. ...Continued

last WEEK'S STORIes, February 20, 2026

Pictured: A blob with the name of "Transportation funding gap" in the style of the 1958 movie

A 1958 horror movie I wasn’t allowed to see until I became a teen with my own ticket-buying power is playing out in the state legislature. Only the popcorn is missing.

Or so it seems to me. It’s called “The Blob.” ...Continued

Pictured: A bar graph showing an apparent pattern of comebacks in fentanyl use (Illustration: Hospital Association of Oregon)

A few weeks ago, the Independence Police Department located a man who hadn’t registered as a sex offender. ...Continued

Pictured: CHS player, Lucas Haines, in action; Inset of top scoring Jack Holestine, whose injury benched him (Photos by Lance Masterson)

Central’s boys varsity basketball team keeps winning, even while one of its leaders watches from the bench. ...Continued