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 budget committee recommends city spending, cuts for 2026
The Salem budget committee recommended a budget for 2026 which will drastically reduce services at the library, parks and recreation, and Center 50+ if voters reject a property tax increase on May 20. If the levy passes, the budget committee will meet to discuss an updated budget scenario factoring in new revenue.
Salem artist crafts quilt to commemorate migrant deaths in Arizona desert
Glenda Mah, a Salem quilt artist, will display her latest piece commemorating 159 migrants who died in the Sonoran Desert crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona at the Morningside United Methodist Church. The quilt will be shown at the entrance of the church May 11-25 before it will be taken to the Arizona History Museum in Tucson.
Salem residents urge city to cancel Avelo contract over deportation flights
A weekend protest and a petition called on the city of Salem to cancel its contract with Avelo Airlines, the only commercial carrier serving the city airport. The city doesn’t pay Avelo directly, but the airline’s operations are subsidized through a federal grant and private donations.
Voters to pick from 3 to fill city council vacancy
Three candidates compete in the May 20 election for Mayor Julie Hoy’s former Ward 6 seat on the Salem City Council representing northeast Salem. They include Deanna Garcia, North Lancaster Neighborhood Association chair, correctional officer Logan Lor and Mai Vang, a Salem family law attorney.
City council approves raising pay for two city positions to attract qualified candidates
Salem city councilors voted in favor of raising pay for two city positions during a city council meeting Monday night. The city council also decided to delay the vote on taking a position on Senate Bill 1067, which would give cities more autonomy over solid waste management.
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.