Our History
Founded in 1888 by Albert B. Cavender and Arthur S. McDonald, The Brownsville Times quickly became a cornerstone of community life, building a circulation of 700 readers within its first two years. Over the decades, the newspaper passed through many dedicated hands — from Fred M. Brown, who ran the paper for 25 years, to a series of passionate owners including Jesse R. Hinman, A. L. Bostwick, Glenn W. Loomis, A. M. Byrd, Miles E. Taylor, Leo E. Giles, John L. Roberts, Chester “Chet” L. Harding, Ralph E. Sand, Don Ware, and Vance and Holly Parrish.
Through changes in ownership and the tides of history, The Brownsville Times remained a trusted voice for local news, celebrating the stories and milestones of our town for more than 135 years.
After publishing its final issue in December 2024, a group of community members came together with a shared vision: to preserve and revive The Brownsville Times for future generations. In 2025, a nonprofit was formed to relaunch the newspaper, fueled by the support of readers, advertisers, and volunteers who believe in the enduring value of local journalism.
Today, we honor our rich past as we build a bright new future — one story at a time.
Board Member Biographies
Sharon Banks – Chair
Sharon is a retired CFO and CEO with a long career serving government agencies and nonprofit organizations. She earned a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Oregon and served 26 years in the Oregon National Guard, where she honed her leadership skills and deepened her commitment to public service. Sharon is the First Vice Commander of the American Legion in Brownsville and serves on the board of Sharing Hands, continuing her advocacy for veterans and families in need. She and her husband, Woody, have four children and enjoy life on their tree farm with their husky, Eva, and two lively chickens, Elvis and Ginger.
Don Andrews – Vice Chair
Don grew up in Colorado and Washington before serving four years in the U.S. Air Force. He earned his law degree from Willamette University in 1966 and spent 18 years practicing in Salem and Portland. During that time, he also served as State Director for Oregon YMCA Youth & Government and later became a full-time Program Director for the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette. Don moved to Brownsville in 1992 to lead Sharing Hands, the city’s human services agency, where he served until his 80th birthday in 2018. He has also contributed to the community as a member of the Planning Commission, Budget Committee, and Volunteer Fire Department.
Anne Clarke – Treasurer
Anne holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing and has additional training as a Horticultural Therapist, Master Gardener, and Master Composter/Recycler. Anne spent several years living and working in Kenya, East Africa, where she served as a Peace Corps advisor and later managed a kennel and vegetable export business. After returning to the U.S., she held a variety of roles in education, healthcare, and community programming in Florida, Idaho, and Washington, including producing a school newsletter for over 600 families. A fifth-generation Oregonian with deep roots in the Willamette Valley, Anne now calls Brownsville her home and brings a lifelong commitment to education, sustainability, and community engagement.
Sandra Saltzer – Secretary
Sandy is a registered nurse with a background in surgical care and leadership, having served as Director of Surgery at both Sacred Heart in Eugene and the University of Washington. She has participated in numerous humanitarian missions, most recently in Syria and Ukraine. A Brownsville resident for the past eight years, Sandy is active in civic life as a member of the Library Board, a volunteer with the Red Cross and the Oregon Guardianship Program, and the bookstore manager at the Linn County Museum. She is passionate about the role a local newspaper plays in keeping the community informed and connected.
At-Large Board Member Biographies
Jeff Brown – Ad Sales Manager
Jeff is a retired sales and management professional with a long-standing commitment to community service. He has been actively involved in several nonprofit organizations, including the Lions Club and the American Legion, reflecting his dedication to civic engagement and improving the lives of those around him. Jeff is also passionate about local journalism and plays a key role in helping to revive The Brownsville Times, recognizing the essential role a community newspaper plays in keeping residents informed and connected. He and his wife enjoy traveling and have spent time exploring both the US and destinations abroad.
Donald Lyon is a retired international photography tour operator who spent more than 40 years leading small group adventures worldwide. Since retiring to a small town and a large garden 15 years ago, he has found joy in community service. Don serves on the Calapooia Food Alliance and the Thompson’s Mills Preservation Society boards and volunteers as a Linn County Master Gardener. He believes a strong community newspaper is the “secret sauce” that keeps Brownsville vibrant and connected, not just a bedroom community.
Daniel R. Murphy holds a B.S. from Oregon State University and a J.D. from Willamette University College of Law. He operated a private law practice in Lebanon from 1981 to 1989, then served as Deputy District Attorney for Linn County until 1994. From 1994 to 2018, he was a Circuit Court Judge for Linn County. After retiring from the bench, he wrote part-time for The Times from 2019 to 2024. Daniel is also a Linn County Master Gardener, a tour guide at the Moyer House, and serves on the boards of both the Linn County Museum Friends and the Linn County Museum Trust. He believes a free and independent press is vital to both democracy and small communities and serves on The Brownsville Times board in support of that ideal.
Editor/Publisher
Mikayle Stole is a seasoned creative professional with over 35 years of experience in graphic design, marketing, and photography. She has led marketing departments in both nonprofit and corporate settings and worked with clients across sectors, including higher education, local government, and small business. Mikayle is the founder of SeenEugene, an online photojournalism project, and currently serves as publisher of The Brownsville Times, where she is leading the paper’s revival with a focus on community storytelling and historical preservation. She is a Springfield Rotarian and has served on the boards of the Shelton McMurphey Johnson House Museum and the Springfield Farmers Market. Mikayle lives in Brownsville with her family and is deeply committed to civic engagement and inclusive storytelling.
Photographer & Videographer, Political Cartoonist
Steve Brenner began his career with the U.S. Forest Service as a surveyor before transitioning into computer work in Eugene. In 1994, he joined Eugene’s first internet service provider and spent more than three years collaborating with the White Bird Clinic on the Lane County Social Service Directory. After building his home in Brownsville in 2000, Steve became deeply involved in the community as a city councilor, co-founder of the Calapooia Food Alliance, and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. He has a focused interest in metaphysical research and leads a monthly dream group exploring the symbolic language of dreams. Organic gardening and lifelong curiosity continue to shape his daily life and values.
