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.
Gardens, alleys and Salem streets fill with songs for Make Music Day
Performances for the annual June 21 celebration of music kicked off across Salem Friday morning with rock ‘n’ roll, ukulele and visitors who traveled to enjoy the scene.
Council to approve city budget, vote on agreement with Willamette University to expand baseball field
Salem’s city council on Monday will take up the renewal of an agreement between the city and Willamette University, which is collaborating with a for-profit summer baseball league to expand John Lewis Field. The plan has drawn objections from some neighbors.
Salem events from June 20-27: Make Music Day, cats and tacos, Buddhist wisdom
Summer weather is here and Salem has plenty to offer, with a performance by Tibetan monks, Make Music Day and junior roller derby playoffs over the next week.
RAM Restaurant & Brewery abruptly closes, searches for new location
After 52 years, the RAM Restaurant & Brewery at 515 12th St. S.E. closed its doors Tuesday, but the restaurant’s owners said they are looking for a new location.
Health officials confirm three measles cases with links to Marion County
Three people are confirmed to have measles cases connected to Marion County, according to the Oregon Health Authority and Marion County Health & Human Services
Local educators, student athletes honored at the Beacon awards on Thursday
A dozen coaches and educators in the Salem-Keizer School District received Beacon awards for their impact on local high school athletics and the community. Twenty-one student athletes were also recognized for their achievements.
Salem hosts national belly dancing competition at the Grand this weekend
A local professional belly dancer is getting ready to put on the Belly Dancer USA 2024 competition at the Grand Theater on Saturday and Sunday.
Make Music Day is back in Salem with another lineup of musical offerings
On Friday, June 21, the longest day of the year, Salem will once again transform into a musical paradise where community and art thrive.
Salem will continue youth, homeless outreach programs using opioid settlement money
Three city jobs that were slated for cuts will be retained into 2025 thanks to money from a settlement from a class action lawsuit against opioid retailers and manufacturers.
UPDATED: Council approves $6.3 million police union contract, votes to change the name of Salem’s airport
City councilors will consider renaming Salem's airport the Willamette Valley Airport for better marketing, and will vote on a contract giving Salem police officers a 9% raise in July.