Three months after the first commercial flight in over a decade took off from the Salem Municipal Airport, Avelo Airlines said most flights have been over 80% full. The airline hasn’t tapped a pool of money the city set aside to guarantee revenues.
Abbey McDonald
Eco-Earth sculpture continues to deteriorate as fundraising efforts lag
The Salem Parks Foundation remains short of its fundraising goal to restore the Eco-Earth Globe at Riverfront Park. President Carol Snyder hopes legislative funds and continued community support can fund the project in the next few years.
UPDATE: City Council sets goals for 2024
During their meeting on Monday, Jan. 8, councilors heard an update about the city’s team that will seek money to maintain services, which had 160 community applicants. They also approved an alternate contracting method for major projects.
Salem saw a drier 2023 with May, August heat records
In Salem, long stretches of hot weather broke heat records in 2023. It was the hottest May yet for the city, and August tied for first with 2017, according to the National Weather Service’s year in review.
Kotek praises Salem’s homeless response in Chamber speech
Gov. Tina Kotek spoke to the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Monday in her first public appearance of the year, reiterating her support for a state payment to support city emergency services.
CULTURE: January’s art, history exhibitions and events
Galleries in Salem this month are showcasing self-taught artists, expert weavers and neon works by mixed-media artist Willem Volkersz who will give a public lecture at Willamette University on Jan. 20.
Independence couple welcomes Salem’s first baby of 2024
Baby Broden Culpepper was born at Salem Hospital 40 seconds after midnight on New Year’s Day, making him likely the first baby born in the state in 2024.
In lawsuit, 911 dispatcher alleges Salem wouldn’t reschedule job exam so she could testify against abuser
An emergency dispatcher is suing the city of Salem and her supervisor, alleging that they would not accommodate her scheduled court testimony against her accused rapist and intimidated her for speaking to coworkers about the issue.
TOP STORIES: Haunted houses, glass birds and taxes
Community Reporter Abbey McDonald shares her favorite Salem stories from this year.
After ordeal, new parents look forward to New Year as a family
Jessica Warren was 25 weeks pregnant in October when abdominal pain sent her to the emergency room at Salem Hospital. She ended up on a helicopter to OHSU, and later welcomed her son into the world weighing just over 2 pounds.
