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.
State investigator concludes Salem council discussed manager’s ouster out of public view
An investigator for the Oregon Government Ethics Commission said it appears Salem Mayor Julie Hoy and city councilors participated in an illegal serial meeting leading up to the departure of the city manager in February. The information comes from a preliminary review that resulted in an ethics commission vote to open a formal investigation.
Work to strengthen four Salem bridges underway through November
Southbound lanes for Northeast Liberty Street are closed over the Mill Creek bridge just north of the Salem Police Department headquarters as crews work on a bridge improvement.
UPDATE: Protesters swarm to downtown Salem to join “No Kings” demonstration
A crowd estimated to be as many as 5,000 people converged along both sides of Northeast Center Street near the Capitol for a raucous display of defiance in the face of what many said they believe is the erosion of democracy itself. The protest was in tandem with protests in major cities and towns across the nation on President Donald Trump's 79th birthday and a major military parade in Washington, D.C.
Ethics commission votes to investigate Salem mayor, councilors over possibly unethical communications
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission will proceed with an investigation into Salem Mayor Julie Hoy and all seven members of the Salem City Council to determine if the body engaged in serial communications leading up to the abrupt resignation of former Salem City Manager Keith Stahley in February.
Mayor Julie Hoy wants more police downtown after stabbings at Union Gospel Mission
Salem Mayor Julie Hoy said she will direct Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack to produce a report on how his department could increase police patrols downtown in the wake of the mass stabbing at Union Gospel Mission on June 1. The request comes as downtown business owners call on the city to do more to address homelessness, safety and cleanliness.
City council restores some funding for safe parking program
Salem city councilors put $50,000 in city money for a Church at the Park program that gives homeless people places to sleep in vehicles, take showers, and connect with case workers to find jobs, housing and apply for health care.
Oregon Veterans of Foreign Wars moves headquarters to Salem
Oregon's Veterans of Foreign Wars held a ribbon cutting and open house on Friday for a new headquarters on Southeast Liberty Street in Salem after nearly 40 years in Portland.
52-year-old Salem pedestrian hit and killed by vehicle on Northeast Silverton Road
Michael Martinez, a 52-year-old Salem man, was hit and killed by a vehicle Sunday night at around 10 p.m., according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Police provided no details about the circumstances of the crash.
CLASS OF 2025: McKay grad says math is his end all be all
Edgar Duran Alvarez developed a passion for mathematics during his time at McKay High School where he succeeded in Advanced Placement calculus. He credited his teacher, Emily York, who pushed him toward an award from the Optimist Club of Salem and 12 college credits.
Salem city council to hold hearing on updated budget proposal, vote on new paid parking system
Salem City Councilors will hold a public hearing on Monday for the city’s 2026 budget, which has added jobs back to run city services like the library, parks and recreation and Center 50+.