Polk County has stripped the treasurer of duties, leaving the role little more than a figurehead while unelected county officials handle county finances, according to a lawsuit filed by Treasurer Steve Milligan. He says that’s not how Oregon law works.
Ardeshir Tabrizian
YOUR GOVERNMENT: Marion County commissioners approve extended contract for addiction treatment
Commissioners on Wednesday unanimously accepted state money for addiction treatment and services intended to remove barriers to housing. The extended contract with the Oregon Health Authority adds $4.67 million and lasts through June 2025.
Police identify Salem man who officers fatally shot near Four Corners Friday
Three police officers shot and killed Justin Jordan, 32, of Salem, after he pointed a pistol at several people Friday morning, fired at a vehicle and then aimed at police, according to a news release. Officers found two 9mm pistols by his side.
Secrecy surrounds case of DEA agent charged for Salem cyclist’s death
An agent of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration charged in a fatal cyclist collision was expected to request that he be allowed to possess guns in early October. He was also granted a request to travel out of state while facing the criminal charge.
Man sentenced to 20 years for killing 2 in 2021 Salem cantina shooting
Prosecutors say Nivardo Ramirez-Monge shot Jose Arrevalo following an altercation in the bathroom at the Capital Cantina in northeast Salem. An uninvolved bystander, Erlin Rivas-Lopez, was also shot and killed.
Mayor plans to convene leaders to address Salem’s gun violence
At a joint session Monday with the Salem City Council, Marion County Board of Commissioners and Salem-Keizer School District, Marion County Sheriff Nick Hunter said the same surge in shootings seen in Salem is likely happening in unincorporated areas east of the city.
Teen, 15, found dead in car was shot, Salem police say
Salem police are investigating a homicide after finding the body of a 15-year-old boy in a parked car on Northeast Evergreen Avenue Nov. 6. They declined to identify the victim.
Cutting Salem gun violence will take shift in police tactics, researchers say
Local officials are scheduled to get a public briefing Monday on a new report outlining escalating gun violence in Salem. Researchers recommended focused community intervention on those most at risk to be shooters or gunshot victims.
UPDATE: State police car spins, crashes after being rammed by driver on I-5
An Oregon State Police lieutenant tried to pull over a driver on Interstate 5 Friday morning who then rammed the patrol car from behind and fled before being arrested, the agency announced. The lieutenant suffered minor injuries.
Marion County opens new $16.5 million Health and Human Services building
Marion County officials say a newly built Health and Human Services building is a one-time investment that could help save hundreds of thousands in annual costs for space currently leased in offices scattered throughout Salem.