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.
Library advocates push for property tax increase to restore Salem library hours
Fund Our Libraries Now, a local Salem group working to get a local option levy on the May 2025 ballot to help support the public library system, floats three possible scenarios for city council to consider
Police leaders say body, car cameras are helping solve crimes
Cameras are now worn by all Salem police officers interacting with the public and are mounted on 60 police vehicles. Chief Trevor Womack says they’re helping police identify vehicles and reducing complaints.
Meet the Salemites who will guide library services, review police
City councilors appointed new members to city police review and library advisory boards Monday.
Salem Hospital locked down Sunday after man pointed handgun at security guard
Police arrested a 35-year-old Salem man Sunday afternoon following a menacing incident at Salem Hospital.
PHOTOS: Englewood Forest Festival fills park with culture, art, and laughter
From laughing yogis to a hissing cockroach and zucchini races, Saturday's Englewood Forest Festival had something for every visitor.
Salem’s lost historic buildings star in new Willamette Heritage Center exhibit
“History in Rubble” opens Friday at Willamette Heritage Center and highlights dozens of Salem's lost historic buildings built between the 1850s and 1940s.
Solar projects on Salem-area farms get federal backing
Nearly $4 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will fund solar infrastructure in Marion and Polk counties including a 12-acre solar array on Zena Road.
Worker put at risk of falling off roof leads to $90,000 state penalty against roofing supplier
ABC Supply Co. Inc. of Wisconsin was cited by Oregon OSHA for repeatedly subjecting employees to falling hazards at a Salem worksite. The agency fined the company $92,226, and the company has appealed.
Bridgetown Conservatory to launch musical theatre programs in Salem
The Portland-based Bridgetown Conservatory of Musical Theater expands into Salem to fill the void left by the closure of Enlightened Theatrics.
Two Salem men sentenced to decades in prison for child sex abuse
Timothy M. Shewell and Randy L. Salas were recently convicted of child sex abuse in unrelated cases. A judge this week sentenced Shewell to 25 years in prison and Salas to 37.5 years.