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.
Shelter builders, fire heroes, rose tenders among city-honored volunteers for 2023
Salem’s annual volunteer award ceremony on Monday, Oct. 16, recognized community members who fought fires, tended roses and educated their neighbors on local history.
Warming shelters to rely on volunteers to keep people sheltered on freezing nights
The Salem Warming Network is seeking volunteers to help run warming shelters during the winter after seeing a substantial budget reduction. A volunteer event at the YMCA on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 6 p.m. will share information about how to get involved.
UPDATE: Councilors move forward changes to make single-room housing easier to build
During their Monday, Oct. 9 meeting, the Salem City Council moved plans to allow single-room housing in more areas and changes to west Salem streets forward to a public hearing.
Salem insurance agent loses license following identity theft conviction
Insurance agent Tricia Klock lost her insurance agent license last month, after being convicted of four counts of identity theft, and falsely representing insurance policies and coverage.
ART: October’s artist exhibitions in Salem
Opportunities to see art in Salem this month include open hours at a home studio, a celebration of quinceañeras and work by Indigenous printmakers.
PHOTOS: Salem unveils new $39 million public works building
The new 50,000 square foot building brings Public Works staff out of a 1950s-era building and into an earthquake-safe space.
With fanfare, Salem’s first commercial flight in over a decade takes off for Vegas
A jet full of travelers and local dignitaries departed Salem Municipal Airport on Avelo Airlines Flight 220 Thursday morning following a years-long effort to return commercial air service to the city.
Clowns, jumpscares return for 36th year of Nightmare Factory at Oregon School for the Deaf
Oregon School for the Deaf’s “Nightmare Factory” haunted house returns, bringing scares and building community connections. The endeavor funds school improvements and student trips, including a visit to Knott’s Scary Farm to learn how to act from the pros.
UPDATE: Cherriots board approves 2% raise for general manager
Cherriots’ board approved an update to its equity guidelines and a raise for General Manager Allan Pollock during its Sept. 28 meeting.
READER SURVEY: Most Salemites willing to pay more taxes, want cuts to vacant city jobs
Over 400 people responded to Salem Reporter’s survey, sharing their concerns about the community and what they would do to address the city’s budget issues.