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.
Salem factory will start producing humanoid robots by the end of the year
Agility Robotics, a Corvallis-based company co-founded by an OSU professor, will begin producing humanoid robots that will work alongside humans performing repetitive and sometimes dangerous tasks.
Salemites walk peacefully through North Lancaster neighborhood to build connections, curb violence
As the city’s Community Violence Reduction Initiative shifts into action, a number of community faith groups and nonprofits have banded together to start community peace walks in Salem.
City gets new fire chief as Niblock retires after a 20-year career in Salem
Salem’s longtime fire chief, Mike Niblock, will retire on Sept. 20. Stepping up to take his place is Dave Gerboth, assistant fire chief at the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.
Salem woman killed by SUV remembered as generous, living a “hard, yet wonderful life”
Teresita Millard was hit by a driver in an SUV on Aug. 14 while crossing Northeast Lancaster Drive at Northeast Wolverine Street. Her niece told Salem Reporter her aunt lived a full life and spent a lot of it caring for others.
Council advances plan to poll community on possible property tax increase
Salem city councilors unanimously voted to authorize the city manager’s office to poll likely voters. The plan also calls for a performance audit to find ways to save money on city services.
After listening for months, city sets to work on anti-violence strategy
With the conclusion of the city’s Community Violence Reduction Initiative listening sessions, city officials say they are hiring a coordinator. The position is seen as vital to turn ideas into action to reduce gun violence in Salem.
City council discusses possible next steps to address budgetary shortfalls
Salem city councilors discussed next steps in addressing the city’s looming budget crisis - including polling likely voters to identify community priorities and conducting a review of the city’s financial forecast
Police continue to investigate death of 67-year-old pedestrian
Teresita Telesfora Millard, 67, of Salem, died at a hospital in Salem Saturday after she was hit by an SUV four days earlier, according to Salem police.
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.