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Public camping and homelessness in Salem remain among the top issues on the minds of residents – and government officials.

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Discussions picked up earlier this year about cleanliness and the impacts of unsheltered homelessness in downtown Salem. Now, local officials are turning their attention to Wallace Marine Park.

The West Salem park has long been a home of last resort for people with no other place to go. It hosts a large encampment. And though it’s located in Polk County, Marion County leaders are now setting their sights on a joint effort to address camping and conditions there.

Reporter Abbey McDonald has spent the past few weeks talking to city and county officials, park residents, law enforcement and groups who regularly work with residents to get a picture of the park’s current condition. Her detailed report is below.

Head to our website anytime for the latest in Salem local news.  

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For the first time, Marion County, Polk County and the city of Salem are meeting to discuss a joint plan to address camping at Wallace Marine Park. Though the park…

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A vehicle hit Ethan Alekseyenko, 21, of Salem, as he was crossing Southeast Commercial Street late Saturday night, according to the Salem Police Department. Alekseyenko later died from his injuries.

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On our “Coffee Break” podcast with What’s Happening Salem, we talk about this week’s biggest news, including the contract dispute that could leave thousands of Salem residents insured through the…

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Events in Salem this week are focused on bringing in the holiday season. Aside from a holiday market and festive lights at Powerland Heritage Park, Salem Cinema is hosting anu0026hellip;

Theatre 33 Willamette University Holiday Shorts Salem Oregon

Here’s some of today’s news. Catch our latest deadlines on our website here.

SEE LOCAL EVENTS: Our new events calendar lets you browse what’s happening in Salem – completely free. Want to submit an upcoming event? You can do that here.

TIP US TO NEWS: We welcome your tips about possible Salem stories – a community event, a local resident doing something extraordinary, a government action that needs investigating. Send your information, ideas or questions by email to our editor, Les Zaitz, at [email protected].

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