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.
Proposed city budget closes West Salem library, shuts off splash pads at parks
The 2026 budget released by the city of Salem Wednesday reduces the Salem Public Library’s staff by more than half and cuts main branch hours down to 20 per week. The sweeping budget cuts also include the elimination of 30% of city park maintenance and recreation staff and the elimination of youth summer programs.
Salem’s Chinese community remembers ancestors during annual Qingming Festival
Members of Salem’s Chinese community gathered at Salem Pioneer Cemetery for an annual Qingming Festival Saturday to honor ancestors and usher in the spring season.
UPDATE: Salem protesters join in national demonstrations opposing Trump, Musk actions
Streets near the Capitol were lined with protesters Saturday, April 5, in an orchestrated nationwide demonstration against President Donald Trump and businessman Elon Musk. Similar "Hands Off" demonstrations took place in cities across Oregon and the country.
Volunteers wary of new company performing city of Salem background checks
City volunteers are concerned about a new company contracted to perform background checks, leading some to choose not to volunteer. While the city said it only requires an identity and address verification, and a nationwide criminal search to be eligible to serve, the company, Verified First, asks volunteers to sign a waiver authorizing certain invasive investigatory techniques.
City eliminates deputy city manager position, curtails travel and other spending
The city of Salem will eliminate the deputy city manager position to save money after Deputy City Manager Scott Archer leaves his post on April 11. The move is part of a series of cost-cutting measures taken by the city in February which include slashing overtime with the exception of meeting staffing requirements, reducing supply purchases and reviewing vacant job positions prior to hiring.
City to test interconnected Salem-Keizer drinking water systems starting Friday
The city of Salem said in a release that it will begin testing the interconnected Salem-Keizer drinking water systems starting Friday through Monday. Some residents, mainly those in West Salem, will notice slight changes to the taste, color and odor of their drinking water during the testing period, the city said.
Two cousins canoe 1,300 miles on Columbia River in new documentary screening Saturday
“Columbia River Canoe Project” will screen Saturday, March 29, at Salem Cinema, taking the viewer on a 1,300-mile canoe journey down the Columbia River from Butte to the Pacific Ocean. The screening starts at 5:30 p.m. and is followed by a Q&A session with canoer and one of the film’s creators, Robert Lester.
Records reveal Nishioka wanted to sue Hoy after Stahley resigned
Public records obtained by Salem Reporter pull back the curtain on events transpiring in the immediate aftermath of former Salem City Manager Keith Stahely’s abrupt resignation on Sunday, Feb. 9. Records revealed that Council President Linda Nishoika wanted to sue Mayor Julie Hoy and felt “used” and “gaslit,” after she was led to believe the majority of the city council wanted Stahley gone.
Federal budget cuts to prevent CASA of Marion County from serving dozens of foster kids
Federal budget cuts have slashed about $85,000 from CASA of Marion County, a nonprofit organization that advocates for children in foster care. The money would have allowed the program to expand to help dozens of kids in foster care who have been abused or neglected by providing court appointed volunteers who advocate on their behalf.
Cherry City Bagels to debut fresh boiled bagels at Beehive Station
A new food cart called Cherry City Bagels at the Beehive Station Food Truck Pod is set to debut its fresh traditional bagels and spreads at a grand opening event on Saturday. Cherry City is the newest addition to Salem’s fledgling local bagel scene.