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 Fire Department took medic calls to boost revenues according to Falck legal filing
A new legal filing in Marion County Circuit Court claimed the Salem Fire Department took medical calls to boost its own revenues while cutting out Falck Northwest, the private company tasked with providing ambulance service in Salem. The company also said the city's attempt to seek $7 million for calls the fire agency had already billed for was 'double dipping.'
Councilor Vanessa Nordyke will challenge Mayor Julie Hoy in 2026 city election
Salem City Councilor Vanessa Nordyke has filed to run for mayor, challenging Julie Hoy, who’s seeking a second term. Nordyke announced her campaign on Thursday and said if she becomes mayor she will prioritize Salem’s most vulnerable and will conduct city business with more transparency and ethical conduct.
Salem city councilors hope businesses, organizations will pay for commercial air subsidies
Most Salem city councilors indicated Monday they’re unwilling to spend city funds to subsidize a new commercial airline. They’re asking city employees to seek out options for private or other government funding.
Santiam Bicycle, a fixture in Salem’s cycling community, closes shop downtown
Santiam Bicycle, a bicycle shop that has operated downtown for decades, announced in a Sept. 2 Facebook post it is permanently closed. The shop cited online shopping and big box stores as contributing factors to the closure. The shop sold bikes and offered repairs, but also served Salem’s cycling community by supporting local bike trails and putting together group rides.
Council report says $3 million minimum needed to lure new airline to Salem
Salem city councilors will discuss Monday what it will take to bring a new commercial airline to town following the departure of Avelo Airlines in July.
Salem city councilors support transportation bill while Marion County commissioners oppose it
Salem Mayor Julie Hoy sent a letter of support for a new $4.3 billion transportation bill to the Legislature’s transportation funding committee on behalf of the Salem City Council, saying increases in taxes and fees are needed to address rising road maintenance costs for Salem.
Paid parking in downtown Salem is a moneymaker. Businesses wonder what’s next.
The first month of downtown Salem’s new paid parking program brought in around double what city officials expected, and nearly as much as an annual parking tax on downtown businesses brought in last year.
City seeking volunteers to make sure levy dollars are spent properly
The city of Salem is seeking community members to join a committee tasked with overseeing a property tax increase accepted by voters in May to help pay for the library, parks and recreation and Center 50+.
Salem moves toward creating new Hispanic Advisory Commission
Business and community leader Jonathan Castro Monroy pushed the city of Salem to consider a Hispanic Advisory Commission, which he said would act as a bridge between Salem’s “two worlds.”
Council discusses balancing access, ecological preservation at Bush’s Pasture Park
Salem city councilors on Monday discussed changes to an existing no-mow program at Bush’s Pasture Park designed to preserve the park's majestic white oak trees while continuing to provide safe picnicking areas for visitors. The council voted 5-3 to send the matter to the Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.