Abbey McDonald
Abbey McDonald joined the Salem Reporter in 2022. She previously worked as the business reporter at The Astorian, where she covered labor issues, health care and social services. A University of Oregon grad, she has also reported for the Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review and Willamette Week.
What’s showing at Salem galleries, museums in September
Exhibits in Salem this month include landscapes from local wineries, a celebration of Indigenous artists in the Pacific Northwest and meditations on the self. It’s also the last month to visit Salem on the Edge downtown before it closes.
Latter-day Saints bring haircuts to Salem family micro shelters
A community-organized event brought haircuts to over a dozen kids, teens and moms at Church at the Park’s family micro shelter site. The event sold out an Amazon wish list of hair care supplies for the families in less than a day.
Salemites take home dozens of blue ribbons at the Oregon State Fair
An optometrist who keeps bees behind his practice, a 4-year-old with a green thumb and a couple who’ve been married for 58 years are among Salem’s first-place winners at the Oregon State Fair this year.
Church at the Park to expand adult micro shelter site
Salem’s oldest micro shelter site, Village of Hope, plans to soon add 40 beds and pave sidewalks to accommodate unsheltered people over age 55 in Salem.
Simonka Place renovation will add space for 11 homeless women, children
Renovations to the Simonka Place women’s shelter will add more space and repair a deteriorating building. Marion County approved $1.4 million in federal funds for the project earlier this month.
Marion County sees most measles cases in over 50 years
Marion County has recorded 20 cases of measles so far this year, according to Oregon Health Authority data. It’s the most the county has seen since 1973.
Salem events from Aug. 22-28: State fair, Let’s Dance
Events in Salem this week include the opening night of ”Clue” at the Pentacle, zucchini races and the last Movie in the Park of the summer.
Man dies after July stabbing at Wallace Marine Park
19-year-old Riley John Adams died in the hospital Monday. He had been stabbed multiple times at Wallace Marine Park early in the morning on July 27, according to Salem police who are investigating the incident as a homicide.
St. Joseph’s arsonist sentenced to prison one year after fire
Billy J. Sweeten has been sentenced to over three years in prison for intentionally lighting a recycling bin on fire which climbed up the walls of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church last August. The church saw extensive damage, and repairs are still underway.
Salem blood cancer patients, caregivers launch support group
A new monthly peer support group will give hematologic cancer patients and caregivers a community to talk about mental health challenges and navigating treatment.