Jason Fields Files to Run for Yamhill County Commissioner
YAMHILL COUNTY, Ore. — Jason Fields, a Newberg small business owner and a director of the Chehalem Parks and Recreation Board, has officially filed to run for Yamhill County commissioner. He is seeking the seat currently held by Commissioner Mary Starrett, who is leaving office after reaching the county’s three-term limit.
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Fields, who serves on the Yamhill County Budget Committee and the CPRD board, praised Starrett’s years of service.
“Mary Starrett has set a high bar,” Fields said in a press release announcing his candidacy. “Her commitment to standing strong for the people of this county, even under pressure, has left a legacy of courage and consistency that I deeply respect.”
Raised in northeast Portland, Fields said his early life was marked by poverty and time in Oregon’s foster care system. He built a career in auto repair and later in manufacturing, founding a company that ships custom automotive parts worldwide.
In his campaign announcement, Fields highlighted priorities including protecting rural values, supporting law enforcement, promoting transparency in county spending, and investing in infrastructure and vocational opportunities for youth. He also said he will advocate for trauma-informed policies and expanded support for foster children and families.
“This campaign is about protecting what makes Yamhill County strong: faith, family, freedom, and community,” Fields said.
More information about his campaign is available at www.fieldsforyc.com.
Applications Open for Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards
NEWBERG, Ore. — Women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families can now apply for the Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women.
The Chehalem Valley club will award three local recipients with cash grants ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. The first-place recipient will advance to the Soroptimist regional level, where awards of up to $5,000 are available. Finalists at the international level can receive $10,000.
Applications are open through Nov. 15 and can be found at www.sicv.org or by contacting Ruth Stokesbary at rstokesbary@gmail.com or 503-550-0014.
The Live Your Dream Awards help women offset education-related expenses such as tuition, books, childcare and transportation. Since the program’s launch in 1972, more than $40 million has been awarded to tens of thousands of women worldwide.
Soroptimist International of the Americas provides more than $3 million in awards each year. The Chehalem Valley club is part of the global volunteer organization, which works to improve access to education and training for women and girls.
Newberg Seeks Volunteers for Boards and Committees
NEWBERG, Ore. — The city of Newberg is now accepting applications for volunteer positions on its boards and committees. Vacancies will begin in January 2026.
Volunteers play a key role in shaping city programs and policies, representing community needs and values, according to a press release from the city. People of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply. Most openings occur each fall.
Applications are available online at the city’s Boards and Commissions page. Questions can be sent to cityrecorder@newbergoregon.gov.
Residents who are unable to serve but want to stay involved can attend public meetings, share information about volunteer opportunities, or post recruitment materials in their neighborhoods.
Vote for Oregon’s Coolest Product of 2025
NEWBERG, Ore. — Voting is now open for the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Oregon, hosted by Oregon Business & Industry.
The first bracket of voting runs through noon on Sept. 22. Subsequent brackets are Sept. 23–29, Sept. 30–Oct. 6, and Oct. 7–17. Winners will be announced Oct. 22 at the Vision Oregon event, with results published the following day.
The top 16 products include two from Newberg-based manufacturers: Adec’s 500 Pro Dental Delivery System and Kratos Fly Fitness’ Quest Station Flywheel Trainer. Other products in the running include Garmin flight navigators, Deschutes Brewery Black Butte Porter, Tillamook cheese, and Pendleton blankets.
Voting and more information are available on the Here is Oregon website.
