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.
CITY MEETING: Fire report says new crisis response team frees up resources, reduces emergency room visits
Salem city councilors will get an update on the Salem Fire Department’s new REACH team, which pairs a mental health specialist with medical workers to address nonemergency mental health calls. Councilors will also receive an annual report from Travel Salem, and the latest police crime data.
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Salem Airbnbs could get more expensive as city eyes expanding tourism fee
Dozens of short-term rental operators came out against a city proposal to charge them a fee to fund Travel Salem’s tourism promotion work, submitting written testimony ahead of Monday’s council meeting.
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Organizations plan to ensure some city social services funds help families impacted by ICE
The city of Salem split up its new one-time $200,000 social services fund between four local nonprofits and organizations in an effort to maximize the impact on vulnerable community members.
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5 things to do in Salem this week: Choral music, seed swap, Saturday Market returns
Events in Salem this week include the reopening of the Salem Saturday Market, a play about chemist and physicist Marie Curie at the Keizer Homegrown Theater, and singing performances for Women’s History Month .
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Updates on Willamette baseball field renovations, food share move, Dollar General warehouse
Renovations are nearly complete on Willamette University's baseball field, which will also be used by local schools.
Salem Reporter is returning to that and other past stories this month to provide brief updates.
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Cherriots receives $3 million federal grant for long-delayed south Salem transit center
Cherriots General Manager Allan Pollock said the transit district is still negotiating to acquire land for the South Salem Transit Center and estimated completion to be at least two years out.
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Salem councilors support law change so they can talk outside of public view
Salem city councilors approved council legislative priorities Monday which include a bill that would change prohibitions within state public meetings law against serial communications.
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CITY MEETING: Salem city councilors approve funding for new opioid treatment program
Excerpt: Salem city councilors on Monday authorized the use of $250,000 in opioid settlement funding for an opioid treatment and recovery program at Redwood Crossings. Councilors also authorized legislative priorities for 2026 and got updated on the deep drawdown of the Detroit Reservoir.
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CITY MEETING: Salem city councilors to consider authorizing new opioid treatment program
Salem city councilors on Monday will consider authorizing the use of $250,000 in opioid settlement funding for an opioid treatment and recovery program at Redwood Crossings. Councilors will also get updated on the deep drawdown of the Detroit Reservoir.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
Salem residents are starting to feel safer, view the city as more livable, survey finds
A survey conducted this month showed overall improvements in residents’ perceptions of safety and livability. The results come after the city began a pilot program in January aimed at improving cleanliness and mitigating issues associated with unsheltered homelessness downtown and in northeast Salem.
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