Joe Siess
Joe Siess is a reporter for Salem Reporter. Joe joined Salem Reporter in 2024 and primarily covers city and county government but loves surprises. Joe previously reported for the Redmond Spokesman, the Bulletin in Bend, Klamath Falls Herald and News and the Malheur Enterprise. He was born in Independence, MO, where the Oregon Trail officially starts, and grew up in the Kansas City area.
Salem city councilors to hear auditing update Monday
The Salem City Council will hear an update Monday on the city’s performance auditing program as part of its efforts to reduce cost and improve efficiency. A recently completed performance audit on the Urban Renewal Agency found the agency lacks a strategic plan to guide future endeavors and is ineffective in communicating its value to the public.
Community support for preserving Salem library comes into focus during budget meeting
Budget committee members on Wednesday expressed concerns that deep cuts to Salem’s library and other services would hit low-income residents hardest, but city officials say there are no good alternatives without raising taxes.
City council approves $200,000 settlement for man after sewage floods home
Salem City Councilors unanimously approved a settlement with Elias Villegas after several inches of sewer water flooded his home after a sewer back-up in December.
Salem chamber comes out in support of city property tax increase
The Salem Chamber of Commerce announced its support over the weekend for a 5-year property tax levy to help pay for city services including parks and recreation, the public library and Center 50+. Chamber leaders said they supported the measure to preserve public safety services.
World-famous conservationist Jane Goodall brings hope to Salem
Iconic conservationist Jane Goodall spread a message of hope during a speech Thursday evening at Salem’s Elsinore Theater. After telling her inspiring life story to the packed theater, she shared her four reasons for hope and answered questions from the audience during an intimate fireside chat.
Four upcoming budget committee meetings provide public chance to weigh in on cuts
Next Wednesday the Salem city budget committee will reconvene at 6 p.m. in the city council chambers to resume budget discussions in preparation for the next fiscal year. The city of Salem released its 2026 budget plan on April 9 which proposed significant reductions to staff and services primarily affecting the public library, city parks and recreation, and Center 50+.
Proposed city budget closes West Salem library, shuts off splash pads at parks
The 2026 budget released by the city of Salem Wednesday reduces the Salem Public Library’s staff by more than half and cuts main branch hours down to 20 per week. The sweeping budget cuts also include the elimination of 30% of city park maintenance and recreation staff and the elimination of youth summer programs.
Salem’s Chinese community remembers ancestors during annual Qingming Festival
Members of Salem’s Chinese community gathered at Salem Pioneer Cemetery for an annual Qingming Festival Saturday to honor ancestors and usher in the spring season.
UPDATE: Salem protesters join in national demonstrations opposing Trump, Musk actions
Streets near the Capitol were lined with protesters Saturday, April 5, in an orchestrated nationwide demonstration against President Donald Trump and businessman Elon Musk. Similar "Hands Off" demonstrations took place in cities across Oregon and the country.
Volunteers wary of new company performing city of Salem background checks
City volunteers are concerned about a new company contracted to perform background checks, leading some to choose not to volunteer. While the city said it only requires an identity and address verification, and a nationwide criminal search to be eligible to serve, the company, Verified First, asks volunteers to sign a waiver authorizing certain invasive investigatory techniques.