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.
Incredible Hulk dazzles fans at Radar Toys in Salem
Legendary bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno, who played in the Incredible Hulk television series hung out with his fans Friday afternoon at Salem’s Radar Toys. The line was out the door by the time Ferrigno showed up shortly before 3 p.m. and his fans were excited to see him.
BlondZee’s Restaurant serves hundreds on Thanksgiving Day
Dozens of volunteers at BlondZee’s Restaurant in Salem spent their Thanksgiving loading up free plates of turkey and mashed potatoes with gravy for anybody who wanted a meal and some holiday cheer. The restaurant has dished out its Thanksgiving special in Salem since the early 1970s.
Salem’s first year of commercial air service brought $19 million to local economy, consultant says
Salem's first year of commercial air service brought roughly 55,000 passengers to Salem. But the city lost about $480,000 on airport operations because of increased staffing required.
Salem City Council votes to study property tax levy to fund parks, library, Center 50+
Salem city councilors directed city staff to move forward with a plan to put a five-year levy on the May 2025 ballot to help fund parks, the library and Center 50+. Councilors will discuss whether to ask voters for more money during a Jan. 21 work session.
Despite poor polls, Salem council may explore property tax increase to fund library, parks
Salem city councilors on Monday will decide whether to ask city employees to study a property tax levy for the May 2025 ballot. If they move forward, the council would discuss the possibility in January.
Indigo Wellness Center celebrates 20 years in Salem
Zohra Campbell, a licensed chiropractor started Indigo Wellness Center in 2004 to take a holistic approach to healing people’s bodies. She’s since helped instruct other yoga teachers and wellness practitioners across Salem.
Ballooning retirement costs a major contribution to Salem’s budget crisis
The city of Salem expects to spend about $11 million more next year on pension obligations after a state rate increase.
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.