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.
YOUR GOVERNMENT: Cherriots to add 10 more electric buses
During its meeting on Thursday, Jan. 25, the Cherriots board approved purchases for ten electric buses and seven compressed natural gas paratransit buses.
Library staffing, budget concerns close the book on 50-year-old delivery program
Since 1972, volunteers with “Operation Bookshelf” have been bringing a stack of personalized books to homebound and disabled people throughout Salem. The library closed the program in December due to staff workload and budget concerns
EVENTS: A slew of concerts, First Taste Oregon and roller derby
This weekend in Salem, choose from a slate of comedians, enjoy jazz music or learn about regional history.
UPDATE: Council approves upgrades to problem intersection
During their meeting on Monday, Jan. 22, the Salem City Council approved upgrades to the intersection at Liberty Road South and Davis Road South, near Crossler Middle School. They also approved moving forward with renovations to the Willamette University baseball field, which won’t use city money but is located in Bush’s Pasture Park.
Meet the team tasked with fixing the city’s revenue issues
The Salem City Council approved 25 people and two alternates to its revenue task force on Monday, Jan. 22. The team will make recommendations for new money sources to support city services.
After resident concerns, Church at the Park will insulate water pipes, prioritize bathroom access in future storms
City Manager Keith Stahley said the city’s homelessness liaison would be part of future emergency management meetings ahead of extreme weather events to alert city leaders to potential challenges facing homeless service providers.
Pentacle Theatre looks forward to 70th season opener
If road conditions allow, the Pentacle Theatre will launch its 70th season with the comedy Brighton Beach Memoirs this weekend. It’s the 50th play directed by Jo Dodge, and the acting debut for longtime volunteer Beverly Freitas.
Residents say they face ‘public health crisis’ at Salem micro shelter not readied for icy weather
Residents at Salem’s Village of Hope micro shelter site have gone nearly three days without running water when pipes froze during the winter weather, and said management failed to shovel snow so people using wheelchairs and walkers can reach the bathrooms.
Salem won’t have its annual homeless count this year
The Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance has decided not to do a Point-in-Time Count of unsheltered people this year, and hopes it can develop it into a less invasive system of collecting and managing data about people who are homeless in Salem.
WEATHER: Freezing temperatures linger Sunday; Salem-Keizer cancels school Monday, Tuesday
Salem saw one of its coldest days since 1990 on Saturday, and freezing temperatures mean the snow and ice will likely remain through at least Tuesday.