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.
Commissioners poised to support Salem Fire mental health crisis response team pilot
Marion County Commissioners signaled Tuesday that they will financially support a six-month pilot program with the Salem Fire Department to put a crisis response team on the streets of downtown Salem to deal with mental health related emergency calls.
Months of private counseling between Julie Hoy and former city manager preceded his abrupt resignation
Documents obtained from the Oregon Government Ethics Commission showed that Council President Linda Nishioka told ethics investigators that Salem Mayor Julie Hoy desired former Salem City Manager Keith Stahley’s ouster long before she lied to force his removal. Nishioka told investigators Hoy was prepared to do anything to get rid of him.
Lord’s Cupboard food pantry in south Salem sees more people in need
The Lord’s Cupboard, a food pantry at the Trinity United Methodist Church at 590 Elma Avenue S.E., has seen an increase in people coming to feed themselves and their families as the federal government shutdown stretches into its second month.
Salem city councilors accept a largely anonymous donation to pay for more police
Salem city councilors voted 6-3 in favor of accepting a largely anonymous $180,000 gift from mostly unidentified Salem businesses to help support two more police officers for the city’s Homelessness Services Team.
UPDATE: Salem city councilors accept private funds to pay for two police officers
Salem city councilors will consider accepting $180,000 in private funds on Monday to pay for two new police officers to bolster the police department’s Homelessness Services Team. Councilors will also consider a contract with newly-appointed Salem City Manager Krishna Namburi that would pay her $305,000 annually.
Fire department response times will get worse as call volume continues to rise, chief says
Salem Fire Chief David Gerboth provided Salem city councilors with an overview of the Salem Fire Department on Monday night during a council work session. Gerboth updated councilors on the status of the department’s new ambulance service, and also discussed the fact that as call volumes continue to increase while staffing remains stagnant, response times will continue to get worse.
Pension rates, salary increases will continue to stretch city budget, leaders say
The Salem Budget Committee convened on Wednesday to begin its work both fine tuning city services and planning for savings and revenue down the line. Salem services are in good shape now following a property tax increase in May, but structural problems remain.
Salem police investigate report of man brandishing gun at No Kings protesters
A Salem woman said she saw a man in a pickup truck block an intersection where protesters were crossing the street near the Oregon Capitol Saturday before brandishing a handgun.
Salem protesters join in as millions across U.S. raise voices, signs against Trump
In a peaceful rally, protesters by the thousands flocked to central Salem on Saturday, Oct. 18. They came with signs, bullhorns and cartoon costumes to object to conduct of the Trump administration.
Salem No Kings rally draws thousands to oppose Trump
Joining protests across the country, people jammed the Capitol Mall in Salem on Saturday, Oct. 18, in a No Kings demonstration.