NEWBERG, Ore. — Newsberg was founded on the idea that a local media outlet serves the community by answering its questions, and this year’s top stories proved that model is the model people want. This year, Newsberg readers flocked to stories about new businesses, sudden closures, long-rumored changes, and the occasional curveball that demanded quick, clear reporting.
Here’s a breakdown of Newsberg’s top stories of 2025 by pageviews at the top, featuring all the stories you read most. Then stay for the editor’s picks, containing stories that may not have topped the traffic charts, but best reflect the kind of community-centered reporting we loved sinking our teeth into this year.
Read our 2025 recap HERE.
Top Stories of 2025 (by pageviews)
Hawaiian Bros to Replace Former Round Table Pizza
Published by Eric McCarthy on June 3, 2025
Who would have thought a story about a new fast-casual restaurant would be the most widely shared story of the year? This piece, sniffed out by GFU student Eric McCarthy, took our top spot after the highly visible building was demolished along Oregon Highway 99W. As of late 2025, construction appears nearly complete, with the restaurant expected to open in early 2026.
Bronco Kelly’s Prepares to Open in the Former Ruddick/Wood
Published by Branden Andersen on August 19, 2025
This one was less of a surprise. After sitting vacant for much of the year, Bronco Kelly’s raised a banner and immediately drew community interest in a new cowboy bar coming to town. Just a few short months later — and after a full remodel — the bar opened and quickly became a late-night hot spot for those looking to add a little yee to their haw. Fun fact: I was the bar’s very first customer after spotting the flipped-open sign while delivering newspapers.
NDPD Confirms ICE Presence in Newberg
Published by Branden Andersen on June 12, 2025
Part of Newsberg’s role is keeping an ear to the ground — understanding what the community wants to know and sorting fact from rumor. In this case, we received an early-morning tip that Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, was in town and had detained two individuals. Through confirmation from local authorities, we were able to provide clarity during a particularly murky and tense moment.
What’s Going On at Newberg’s Shari’s?
Published by Branden Andersen on October 14, 2025
Another example of answering community questions. I kept seeing the same posts in local Facebook groups: “What’s happening at the Shari’s?” or “I heard X business is going in there.” So I decided to get to the bottom of it. Spoiler alert: Nothing is happening, and the property remains for lease. But I did get to dig up some Shari’s history, which was a fun bonus.
Dundee Bistro Closes After 26 Years
Published by Branden Andersen on December 2, 2025
Published relatively late in the year, this story quickly climbed the leaderboard as readers shared it to express condolences for the longtime Willamette Valley staple, which quietly closed without much explanation.
Editor’s Picks: Top Stories of 2025
The Last Year at Renne — Newberg Old Fashioned Festival 2025
Published by Branden Andersen on July 22, 2025
A big part of this job is record-keeping — preserving local history. With construction looming at Renne Field, questions abound about the future of the Newberg Old Fashioned Festival. Because the signature fireworks show has traditionally taken place on the grass field — soon to be artificial turf — it’s clear the event cannot continue there in its current form. I was honored to document what may have been the festival’s final year at that historic location.
Climate Shifts Could Reshape Oregon’s Pinot Noir Industry
Published by Branden Andersen on November 18, 2025
I received a tip about a report examining how a warming climate could affect the region’s wine industry. To better understand the implications, I reviewed 70 years of climate data focused on the Willamette Valley’s signature grape: Pinot Noir. After chasing the story for about six months and meeting fascinating people across the industry, I published one of my longest pieces of the year. It was later picked up by Oregon Public Broadcasting and mentioned in the Los Angeles Times.
Tasting Room Taxis: Mayor Rosacker’s Weekend Behind the Wheel
Published by Branden Andersen on February 25, 2025
This remains one of my favorite stories and a great example of what makes small-town reporting special. After learning about transportation challenges facing the wine industry, Newberg Mayor Bill Rosacker signed up to drive for Uber to better understand why the city lacks drivers. That experiment eventually led him to start a taxi company. He later told Newsberg he planned to transition it into a wine tour transportation business after the traditional taxi model proved unsustainable.
Newberg’s Aging Parks Need Maintenance Upgrades
Published by Jules Rogers on September 9, 2025
This was a strong find by Jules Rogers as she established the Chehalem Park and Recreation District beat. During a board meeting, she learned that several local parks were rapidly aging and in need of maintenance, repair or replacement — some already more than 20 years old.
City Signs Contract to Secure City Manager Through 2034
Published by Branden Andersen on October 21, 2025
Newberg City Manager Will Worthey is as notoriously Scottish as he is wary of having his picture taken. After he signed a contract that could carry him into retirement, I used the opportunity to dig into his story and explore what he hopes to accomplish before the contract ends in 2035.
City Council Votes to Sell Downtown Newberg Butler Property
Published by Branden Andersen on December 2, 2025
This storyline stretched across the entire year and will continue into 2026, as the property is poised for sale and development. If you’ve been following Newsberg for a while, you know I love a good long-running storyline (see also: the Memorial Park redwood tree). This one went from “for sale” to “maybe sold,” to “not sold,” to “remarketed,” to “sold.” Given the property’s prominent location, it will likely remain an important reference point — forever remembered by some as “the lot with the mouse.”
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