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.
Marion Berries advance to playoffs after first, fun-filled season
The Marion Berries, Salem’s new summer collegiate baseball team, finished its inaugural season Wednesday and has advanced to the West Coast League playoffs. The team is the 17th member of the league and will face off against the Portland Pickles at home Friday night.
Salem neighborhoods will be abuzz Tuesday night with National Night Out events
National Night Out, a community-building event typically held on the first Tuesday in August, will bring communities in neighborhoods across Salem together for block parties and other smaller gatherings. This year, city officials including Mayor Julie Hoy and a team from the Salem police and fire departments will be in attendance.
City councilors told they can resume attending neighborhood association meetings
Salem city councilors feel more at ease but still hope for more clarity on state public meetings law after the Oregon Government Ethics Commission issued new guidelines Friday.
Salem will speed up water system upgrades to prepare for Detroit Reservoir drawdown
Salem city councilors unanimously authorized a state of emergency Monday night over a deep drawdown of the Detroit Reservoir scheduled for next year which is expected to render Salem’s current drinking water system inoperable.
Travel Salem working with new airline with hopes of resuming commercial air service
Travel Salem is currently negotiating with a new airline and raising money for a revenue guarantee of $1 to $3 million. City councilors on Monday gave little indication of how they’re leaning on approving a new agreement.
Salem city councilors discuss Avelo, public meetings law and city drinking water Monday
Salem city councilors will discuss new public meetings requirements and Avelo Airlines’ departure on Monday at an upcoming city council meeting. The council will also consider declaring a state of emergency over a planned 2026 drawdown of Detroit Reservoir meant to improve fish passage.
Salem councilors staying mum in instances, fearing ethics trouble
Salem city officials are temporarily avoiding neighborhood association meetings and other engagements out of fear they might inadvertently participate in illegal serial communications. The concern stems from a recent Oregon Government Ethics Commission training that left councilors uncertain about the rules. The state agency says it will clarify matters soon.
City councilors consider pairing mental health professionals with emergency responders
Salem city councilors weighed the costs and benefits of creating a program pairing mental health specialists with first responders to answer mental health and homelessness related calls. Such a program would help free up strained police and fire resources currently burdened by numerous mental health related calls, department leadership said.
UPDATED: Council votes to authorize recycling program, funds for contamination study
Salem city councilors on Monday approved an agreement allowing the city to collect more types of plastic for recycling, and a study of so-called “forever chemicals” in wastewater treatment.
As businesses call for fixes to clean up downtown, some say the problem is more complex
In the wake of a mass stabbing at Salem’s largest homeless shelter, discussions over public safety downtown have transformed into complaints about the visible impacts of unsheltered homelessness and mental illness.