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.
Z.E.U.S.: Turner eighth grader picks winning name for Salem’s electric street sweeper
The people have spoken and Z.E.U.S — short for Zero Emission Utility Sweeper — will be the official name of the city’s new electric street sweeper. An eighth grader named Zaidee Salazar from Cascade Junior High school in Turner made the suggestion, which won a public poll last week.
Salem budget committee directs city leaders to prioritize fire, police, library and homeless outreach team
The Salem Public Library drew community support as Salem city councilors and other budget committee members weigh how to balance the city’s 2025 budget, which is facing a $18 million deficit.
Turner woman with spinal injury travels the world running marathons
A Turner woman who lost mobility in her leg from the knee down after a motor scooter crash recently ran her 24th marathon in Norway. A special Swedish-made leg brace made it possible for her to run again, and now she travels the world running marathons. Now, she has her sights set on Antarctica where she plans to run a marathon across ice and snow.
Councilors Hoy and Gwyn publicly censured for vote on land use appeal
Salem city councilors voted 6-2 on Tuesday to publicly censure Councilors Julie Hoy and Deanna Gwyn for participating in a land use decision involving a major campaign donor. The measure was pushed by Mayor Chris Hoy, who lost his reelection race against Hoy.
Chew-Vac-Uh or Sweep Force One? Finalist names for the city’s new electric street sweeper are in
The city got almost 650 name suggestions in October for its new electric street sweeper — roughly 10% of them “Sweepy McSweepface.” Residents have the chance to vote on the top five suggestions until Nov. 15, and the winner will be announced Nov. 18
UPDATED: City council raises utility rates, approves $18k pay increase for city manager
Utility rates for water, stormwater and sewage will increase by about $5 a month for the average Salem home in 2025. Councilor Julie Hoy, the mayor-elect, cast the sole vote against the increase.
Two city councilors who didn’t recuse themselves in land use decision could be publicly censured
Mayor Chris Hoy is proposing a censure of City Councilors Julie Hoy and Deanna Gwyn at the Salem City Council’s meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The mayor is acting after the two councilors failed to recuse themselves from a land use decision involving a Salem developer and major political donor.
Salem faces deep budget cuts in 2025. Here’s what to know about the process.
Balancing Salem’s budget for 2025 will be a months-long process that almost certainly requires deep cuts. City councilors and Salem’s budget committee said the challenge ahead will include gauging its priorities on city services and including community input when it comes time to make reductions.
Families remember departed loved ones as Salem cemetery celebrates Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos brought vibrant festivities to Restlawn Memory Gardens and Funeral Home at 201 North Oak Grove Road on Friday evening with food stalls serving tamales and champurrado, face painting, and live music.
Salem faces grim financial future with forecasted $18 million budget shortfall next year
Salem’s budget committee met Wednesday to begin a months-long process figuring out how to balance the city’s budget. It will almost certainly mean deep cuts to city services in 2025.