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.
Fantasy-themed combat tournament for charity to fill Woodmansee Park Saturday
The Salem chapter of Amtgard, an international live action role playing combat society, is collecting toys for a fire department Toys for Tots event during its tournament Saturday, Dec. 6.
5 takeaways about Salem’s emergency declaration in response to ICE activities
Salem leaders have no plans to dedicate money toward supporting families affected by immigration arrests and deportations, a step some other Oregon cities have taken in recent weeks.
Sybil’s Omelettes surprises guests with free meals during annual Pay-It-Forward Day
Sybil’s Omelettes raised more than $4,500 for Marion Polk Food Share through an annual tradition near Thanksgiving where guests receive a free meal and are encouraged to donate instead of paying for food.
Salem’s new city manager plays a unifying role during tumultuous times
As a child, Krishna Namburi's father urged her to go into civil service, even nicknaming her "the city manager." After 25 years working for Salem in technology and leadership roles, she's stepped into the job with approach driven by data and building consensus at City Hall.
Salem city councilors to vote Monday on declaring state of emergency over ICE activity
A city emergency declaration would allow Salem to work with community groups for outreach and communication with people affected by ICE activity.
City council moves toward declaring state of emergency over increased ICE arrests
More than 200 people packed into Monday’s city council meeting, with many offering emotional testimony about the impact of immigration arrests on their families, friends and peers. Salem city councilors split 6-3 on taking steps toward a declaration of emergency.
City leaders get to work charting Salem’s course ahead for the next five years
Salem city councilors held a work session on Monday night to begin setting goals and priorities, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and developing a mission statement and vision that will guide Salem services.
City’s new lien forgiveness program expected to give derelict properties a second chance
A new city program will forgive liens and penalties for blighted and derelict properties in Salem, a move intended to make it easier for people to fix up vacant or damaged structures.
In response to government shutdown, Oregon utility companies give struggling families a break
A letter from State Sen. Deb Patterson and 17 other lawmakers prompted regional utility providers like Pacific Power, Portland General Electric and NW Natural to forgo utility shutoffs for low-income customers through the end of the year.
City, county donate to Marion Polk Food Share as it sees record-high need
An immediate crisis of delayed food benefits is over, but the leader of Salem’s food bank said he expects to see more people needing help soon as federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid take effect.