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.
UPDATED: City councilors vote to consider joining state energy program
Salem city councilors voted Monday in favor of looking into a state energy program that would provide long-term financing to property owners for efficiency upgrades.
Homeless advocates tell city leaders more toilets, trash cans would improve livability
Advocates for Salem’s homeless population said basic amenities would go a long way toward improving cleanliness. However, city councilors said it is easier said than done to find funding for those services and such amenities could enable the homeless.
Salem councilors want more information before they authorize subsidies for new airline
Salem city councilors discussed the future of commercial air service on Monday before voting unanimously to direct city staff to gather more information on what is needed to seal a deal with a new carrier. Councilors will revisit the topic at a meeting on Sept. 8 which provides more time to engage with airlines and determine options.
Dozens gather at Rogue Salem Public House to drink beer supporting veterans
Veterans from multiple generations and branches of the military gathered at the Rogue Salem Public House Friday evening to drink a special beer brewed using donated ingredients in support of Courtney Place Veterans Housing.
Salem city councilors to discuss future of commercial air service Monday night
Salem city councilors will discuss commercial air service as Travel Salem courts multiple airlines in an effort to bring flights back to Salem following Avelo Airline’s departure earlier this month. Avelo ended its service on Aug. 10 after less than two years flying out of Salem - Willamette Valley Airport.
Hunter Communications expands its fiber internet into Salem
An Oregon company aims to give Salem another choice for internet service by the end of the year in a market dominated by Xfinity.
Homeless advocates say mayor’s rhetoric during council meeting was “inflammatory”
Salem Mayor Julie Hoy said during an Aug. 11 meeting that placing more public restrooms downtown is not a viable solution to perceived unsanitary conditions because people have ‘firebombed’ them in the past. Salem police said they had one record of a fire reported in a portable toilet in Marion Square Park last year, which was out when officers arrived.
UPDATED: Council, city leaders will evaluate interim city manager
Council President Linda Nishioka said she hopes to appoint Krishna Namburi as Salem's permanent city manager.
Salem under extreme heat warning until 10 p.m. Tuesday
The National Weather Service office in Portland has issued an extreme heat warning for the Central Willamette Valley with temperatures expected to hit 101 degrees on Monday and Tuesday with overnight lows in the 60s. The warning expires at 10 p.m. on Tuesday night and the ARCHES Day Center cooling shelter in Salem will be open from noon to 7 p.m. on Monday to provide relief for houseless residents.
City wants ambulance service to pay overtime costs already covered by others
The city of Salem on July 1 took over ambulance service. That same day, it sued ambulance company Falck Northwest on a variety of claims. They included seeking nearly $7 million for fines the city had elected not to impose over three years. The city also wants money for contract violations it had once said wouldn’t be penalized.