Nov 30 2020 thru Dec 6 2020

The Salem Housing Authority works hard to find housing to those in need, but sometimes they can’t find the people they’re trying to get off the streets. Betty Jordan is bridging the gap to connect with those needing services by visiting the camps around Salem.

Working with the area's workforce development agency, Polk County opened up applications for its $1.25 million share of money made available to prop up businesses affected by the pandemic. County Commissioner Craig Pope said while county leaders hope the money will bridge short-term gaps, they realize it "will not heal the wounds that are widespread in our county."

Oregon now expects to receive 147,000 doses of two Covid vaccines in December, which will go first to health care workers treating Covid patients.

The Oregon Employment Department reports a Covid outbreak and progress on extra payments. PCUN seeks to help businesses in marginalized communities. The lines are drawn in an upcoming battle over alcohol taxes.

Angela Maxwell will return to Bend after walking more than 20,000 miles across four continents, raising money for an organization that supports sex trafficking victims.

Lags in the Oregon Health Authority’s database for tracking Covid infections have slowed investigations into new Covid cases in Marion and Polk counties, meaning people exposed to Covid may not find out as quickly. State officials said a recent fix should help.

After seeing visitors decline because of the pandemic, the storied theme park south of Salem warned it wouldn't open again without help. Fans of the park stepped up and its grateful owners say they'll be back next spring.

Marion and Polk counties, along with much of the state, have been placed in the "extreme" risk category for Covid transmissions. Residents can eat outdoors at a restaurant, but many restrictions remain in place while Covid is widespread.

A proposal from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department would allow state parks to charge between $0 and $15 for a reservation, instead of the standard $8, and set their own windows for reservations.

Selma Pierce was walking with a family member when she stepped into the road Tuesday evening and was hit and killed by an SUV in west Salem. There has been an outpouring of support for her family from across Oregon.

The Marion County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday created a new grant program to help prop up leisure and hospitality businesses affected by the most recent shutdown order. Applications are expected to go up Thursday and checks need to go out by the year's end.

About 13,000 local families are seeking help at food pantries each month, prompting the food share to buy more refrigerated storage space and vehicles for distribution.

Efforts to reduce U.S. gun violence are largely framed around homicides and mass shootings, so gun owners and non-gun owners alike often are surprised to learn that most U.S. gun deaths are suicides. In Oregon, a new effort is underway to bring gun rights groups, veterans and health workers together to reduce suicides by firearm.

Pierce, 66, a retired dentist, had twice run for the Oregon House District 20 seat and worked with Oregon Mission of Mercy, a free dental clinic for underserved populations.

The city is collecting responses from the community on how Salem can become more resilient to climate change through Dec. 11.

In addition to decking downtown with LED lights, the Salem Main Street Association hired a group of high school students to paint images and scenes of holiday celebrations from different cultures and parts of the world.

Government shutdowns, fires, and Covd-19 have all impacted this downtown Salem business. But the three owners plan to continue making lemonade out of lemons, while serving authentic food and beer at the same time.

Kristen Grainger and the band True North came out with a new album in June. The title track garnered the singer a second-place win at the USA Songwriting Competition.

Garten Services’ household recycling operations remain closed after a Nov. 10 fire seriously damaged the equipment used to sort items. Plant workers suspect a stray battery or propane tank sparked the blaze.

In addition to giving out breakfasts and lunches at schools, the Salem-Keizer School District has local bus drivers taking about 5,000 meals daily to apartment complexes, grocery store parking lots and other spots for kids who live too far away from a school to walk.

State economists say the coronavirus is leaving an uneven impact on employers and jobs across Oregon. Some sectors such as homebuilding are strong but consumer businesses such as restaurants need public confidence before they can return to full strength, a recent state report says.

A big retailer isn't expected to occupy the property. With incentives from the city, it's instead likely to be redeveloped with a mix of housing and retail. Unlike other large properties, it's expected to sell relatively quickly.

Jim Sellers, former Oregon journalist and state agency employee, writes a regular column to help thousands in Salem deal with the confusing world of Medicare and federal benefits. He's available to answer your questions.