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.
Claiming ambulance hours fell short, city lawsuit seeks millions from Falck
The city of Salem is seeking at least $6.9 million in damages from its former ambulance provider, Falck, alleging the company breached its contract by failing to deploy enough ambulances.
Micronesian Islander Community breaks grounds on new affordable apartment building
A new apartment complex in the Highland neighborhood called Voyagers Village will be decked out in Micronesian art and will include a community center for Salem’s Micronesian Islander community.
What to do in Salem from July 3-8: Independence Day, baseball, and a silent disco
This month starts off jam-packed with local events including a silent disco, a cornhole tournament, and local baseball with the Marion Berries.
Two private mail businesses could close after USPS cancels contracts
The Mail Depot in south Salem has operated under a contract with the U.S. Postal Service since 1988 allowing it to provide mail services to residents. The agency is ending its contract Sept. 30.
New staff sworn in as Salem Fire takes over ambulance service July 1
Fifty new ambulance workers for Salem Fire were sworn in during a ceremony Friday as hundreds of the new recruits’ friends and family members looked on.
Concern, confusion as Salem rolls out paid downtown parking
Despite new parking signs indicating pay-to-park with 12-hour limits downtown, visitors can still park for 3 hours for free until the city’s new parking program goes live on July 10.
Councilors won’t act on Avelo contract, saying it’s financially risky
Dozens of people came to Monday’s Salem City Council meeting to urge counselors to cut ties with Avelo Airlines after the budget airline announced last month it was assisting the federal government’s deportation efforts. City councilors also approved the 2026 budget, parking fees for businesses, and postponed a discussion on public safety downtown to a work session on July 21.
City says canceling Avelo contract would cost $1.2 million
Activists in Salem continue to pressure city officials to cancel a contract with Avelo Airlines after the budget airline announced last month that it was assisting with deportation flights. Tonight, city council will discuss the financial and legal feasibility of such a move which would likely result in the city paying damages to Avelo along with other financial ramifications.
Salem city councilors vote Monday on levy oversight committee, budget
Salem City Councilors on Monday are set to approve the city’s budget and a five-year plan for construction and repairs to city facilities, roads and parks.
Responding to business owners, council to discuss expanding police, medical service downtown
Salem city councilors will consider a new downtown public safety report on June 23 centered around plans to increase police and fire services to deal with crime and cleanliness issues downtown. The report comes after downtown business owners called for more policing in the city’s core, citing a perception of Salem’s downtown being unsafe and overrun by homelessness.