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.
County, city leaders join downtown business owners for safety, livability discussion Wednesday
A panel hosted by the Salem Main Street Association brings Mayor Julie Hoy, Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson and others to talk about collaborating on mitigating safety and livability issues downtown and also about how city parking revenue could be used to benefit downtown businesses.
Survey finds seven in 10 of Salem’s unhoused experience discrimination regularly
An annual community belonging survey conducted by students at Western Oregon University in partnership with the Salem Human Rights Commission found about half of residents surveyed felt a sense of community in Salem.
Salem business owner accused of exposing himself to woman, shooting at her fleeing vehicle
Police arrested Jeffrey Holland, 53, the owner of a boat upholstery shop, early Wednesday on accusations of unlawful use of a weapon.
Julie Hoy says she opposes transportation package after signing city letter in support
About a month after signing a letter on behalf of the Salem City Council in support of a $4.3 billion state transportation proposal, Salem Mayor Julie Hoy said in a new letter to lawmakers that she’s personally opposed to the package. The proposal, which still needs to clear the Oregon Senate, would raise Oregon’s gas tax and vehicle registration fees to pay for infrastructure upgrades, and road and bridge maintenance.
Haunted house extravaganza planned for state fairgrounds this October
For the first time, the Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center will hold a “Scare at the Fair” event, which includes four haunted houses and attractions such as carnival rides, festive food, seasonal vendors and roaming actors ready to scare you into the Halloween spirit.
Salem city councilors will get updated on fall 2026 drawdown of Detroit Reservoir
Salem city councilors on Monday will hear an update on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ pending deep drawdown of Detroit Reservoir slated for fall 2026. The drawdown is meant to improve fish survival, but it will likely temporarily incapacitate the city’s drinking water system.
City leaders outline plan to expand police homeless service team, deploy mental health responders
Early plans to address safety and livability concerns in Salem hinge on upcoming deliberations among the city’s budget committee slated to begin taking place next month. On Wednesday Salem city councilors discussed progress on those plans to address petty crime, increasing behavioral health assistance and improving cleanliness downtown and in northeast Salem.
Salem city councilors hope to leverage temporary financial stability for the long term
Despite more money coming into city coffers from a property tax increase, new paid parking and the end of two Urban Renewal Areas, the city is still on a direct course for a budget deficit in its general fund by 2030. City councilors discussed Monday how to prioritize programs and services with limited resources to minimize future financial risk.
920 gallons of raw sewage spilled into Claggett Creek following blockage
On Sunday evening, about 920 gallons of raw sewage spilled into Claggett Creek near 1860 Hawthorne Ave. N.E. The spill was caused by a blockage which city crews quickly removed.
Salem Art Fair & Festival brings art, dance to Bush’s Pasture Park
The Salem Art Fair & Festival got underway on Friday at Bush’s Pasture Park with a wide variety of artists showcasing their work, plus local food, and music. The event runs through Sunday and includes several cultural events including live music and a children's parade.