Ardeshir Tabrizian
Ardeshir Tabrizian has covered the justice system and public safety for Salem Reporter since September 2021. As an Oregon native, his award-winning watchdog journalism has traversed the state. He has done reporting for The Oregonian, Eugene Weekly and Malheur Enterprise.
Salem architectural designer dies crash in Polk County
Alejandro Zukowski, 63, of Salem, was a passenger when he was killed in a three-vehicle collision on Oct. 28 at the intersection of Highway 22 and Perrydale Road. He founded Master Woodworks, a Salem design firm.
NW Natural rates to increase by an average $4 per month starting Nov. 1
State utility regulators announced that NW Natural’s average bill for residential customers will go up by 4.5% in November. That reflects a larger rate increase offset by a decrease in the actual cost of gas.
Salem on the Edge to reopen downtown under new ownership
Anna Davis and Eric Frey bonded over wanting to showcase the work of local artists. Three years into their friendship, they’ve taken over as the new owners of Salem on the Edge. The downtown gallery, which closed last month, reopens on Friday.
Salem man gets 2.5 years for defrauding elderly man, mail theft charge dropped
Federal prosecutors say that Ross Sierzega used an 85-year-old man’s debit card to steal $16,000 out of a Salem ATM. As part of a plea deal, charges alleging he stole from a Keizer mailbox three times were dismissed.
Salem homeowners see moderate tax increases, rise in property values slowing
Homeowners in Salem on average will pay about $120 more in property taxes this year. Home values previously skyrocketed until around 2022, but that rise has since slowed down.
New Marion County team resolving crisis calls, but numbers remain low
A new civilian Marion County team has resolved nearly all crisis incidents they’ve been called to without police. But officials say more public awareness and an improved system would allow them to help more people.
Man sentenced for escaping from Salem prison, robbing elderly woman
Joe Smallwood-Sain was sentenced to nearly six years in prison for escaping from a Salem prison in April 2023 and robbing an elderly woman in a downtown parking garage.
After suing Polk County, treasurer seeks reelection against challenger focused on fiscal oversight
Polk County Treasurer Steve Milligan last year sued his employer, saying the county illegally stripped the treasurer of duties spelled out in state law. Challenger Chris Patoine said the suit was a waste of money and wants to bring a watchdog approach to the role.
Rejaian challenges incumbent Hunter for Marion County sheriff
The race for Marion County sheriff has been uncontested since 1998. Sheriff Nick Hunter is being challenged in the November election by one of his own deputies,Stacy Rejaian.
Meet the 2 Salem attorneys who want to be Marion County’s next judge
Two Salem attorneys with varied experience are running for a seat on the Marion County bench. David Carlson works on wills, trusts, probate and guardianship. Michelle Vlach-Ing is a criminal defense attorney, parenting time coordinator and pro tem city judge.