Joe Siess

Salem

Reporter at Salem Reporter

Local government reporter @salemreporter : send tips 👉 [email protected], 503-335-7790📞

Articles

Committee unanimously passes new budget restoring city jobs, services

1 week ago | salemreporter.com | Joe Siess

Splash pads will go on as scheduled this summer and the public library will stay open longer after the city budget committee voted unanimously Wednesday evening to approve an updated budget proposal likely to go into effect in July. The passage of the updated budget, which factors in new revenue from a property tax increase approved by voters last week, was met with applause, and budget committee members seemed relieved and were able to conclude their meeting within about an hour.
City investigates toxic “forever chemicals” found in soil samples taken at Salem airport

1 week ago | salemreporter.com | Joe Siess

The city of Salem has hired an environmental consultant to investigate the presence of toxic chemicals found in soil samples at the Salem – Willamette Valley Airport in locations that have been used for firefighting foam testing and training. The investigation began after traces of PFAS, toxic chemicals known as “forever chemicals,” turned up in soil samples taken from a development site on the south end of the airport in October 2024, a city press release from May 20 said.
Salem City Council passes utility bill fee increase to take effect July 1

1 week ago | salemreporter.com | Joe Siess

Salem city councilors on Tuesday voted to raise a monthly fee on residents’ utility bills alongside an increase in other city fees like those charged to reserve parks or get a hot air balloon permit. That came after an unsuccessful effort by Councilor Deanna Gwyn to exempt the “operations fee” on utility bills, which most councilors rejected given that it would increase the city’s already multi-million dollar general fund deficit by another $370,000.
Vang on top in Ward 6 race as preliminary election results come in - Salem Reporter

2 weeks ago | salemreporter.com | Joe Siess

As of 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Mai Vang is leading the Salem City Council race for Ward 6 representing northeast Salem by 35 votes, preliminary election results from the Marion County Clerk’s Office showed. So far, Vang has received 191 votes in the low-turnout race. Deanna Garcia has earned 156 votes, while Logan Lor has received 84, according to the preliminary results. A second ballot drop is expected between 9 p.m. and midnight.
Ride of Silence event will honor cyclists injured or killed on bikes in Salem - Salem Reporter

2 weeks ago | salemreporter.com | Joe Siess

Bicyclists in Salem are encouraged to ride out Wednesday evening to honor fellow cyclists who have gotten hurt or killed riding bikes on Salem’s roads and beyond. The annual Ride of Silence takes place all over the world and starts in Salem at 7 p.m. on May 21, a press release from Salem Bike Vision said. Attendees will meet at 6 p.m. at the Red Lot at 1128 Marion Street N.E. prior to the 8-mile bike ride to tell stories about people they knew who have been injured or killed in cycling collisions.
Newly-formed PAC jumps into Salem council race as election winds down

3 weeks ago | salemreporter.com | Joe Siess

Dru Draper says his days-old political action committee has jumped into Salem’s contested council race to make it more fair. But the candidate supposedly benefitting from the late spending smells a political trick. And so do others watching the three-way race for a seat on the Salem City Council representing northeast Salem. The candidates include Deanna Garcia, Mai Vang and Logan Lor, and voters in Ward 6 will decide who will represent them come Election Day – Tuesday, May 20.
Salem budget committee recommends city spending, cuts for 2026 - Salem Reporter

4 weeks ago | salemreporter.com | Joe Siess

The interim city manager’s proposed budget scenario which drastically cuts city services is one step closer to becoming a reality after the city’s budget committee voted to move it forward Wednesday night. The proposed budget would cut library hours roughly in half, turn off water fountains and splash pads at city parks, reduce parks maintenance and recreation staff by 30%, and cut two part-time staff members at Center 50+.
Salem artist crafts quilt to commemorate migrant deaths in Arizona desert

1 month ago | salemreporter.com | Joe Siess

A local quilt artist named Glenda Mah is joining an art initiative 18 years in the making documenting migrants who perished along the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona by creating quilts using scraps from their discarded clothing. The project started in Tucson, Arizona in 2007 when a group of artists used the discarded clothing of migrants crossing the Sonoran Desert to create quilts as a way to commemorate those who died in pursuit of a better life in America.
Salem residents urge city to cancel Avelo contract over deportation flights - Salem Reporter

1 month ago | salemreporter.com | Joe Siess

Some Salem residents are pushing the city to end its contract with Avelo Airlines after the budget airline currently flying out of Salem’s airport announced it had contracted with the federal government to assist with deportation flights. The news prompted the Salem Democratic Socialists of America, a local chapter of the largest socialist organization in the United States, to organize a protest near the airport Sunday as a way to bring awareness and pressure the city.
Voters to pick from 3 to fill city council vacancy - Salem Reporter

1 month ago | salemreporter.com | Joe Siess

Three candidates are asking voters in Salem’s Ward 6 for a chance to represent them on the Salem City Council in the election on May 20. The council seat, vacated by Mayor Julie Hoy earlier this year, covers the northeastern section of town including parts of the North Lancaster Neighborhood Association, the North East Salem Community Association, and the East Lancaster Neighborhood Association.