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.
Electric bills won’t go up until April, Salem residents will pay more in 2026 for other utilities
A new law prohibits utilities regulated by the Oregon Public Utility Commission from increasing rates for residential users until April 1. Salem Electric is planning a spring increase, while Portland General Electric rates will be determined by the state commission in March.
Salem council convenes special meeting to discuss convicted murderer’s appointment to police review board
Salem City Councilor Mai Vang said she will not be intimidated or pressured into changing her vote on the reappointment of convicted murderer Kyle Hedquist to the Salem Police Review Board after receiving threats and harassment. Councilors are having a separate meeting to discuss the issue due to safety concerns, city officials said.
TSA pulls out of Salem airport as new commercial airline has yet to materialize
The Salem - Willamette Valley Airport is no longer regulated and inspected by the Transportation Security Administration after the city missed its November deadline to secure a new commercial airline to operate out of Salem.
What books, movies, and things people in Salem loved checking out in 2025
Salem residents checked out 1.5 million books, movies and things this year, according to data from the Salem Public Library, up from about 1 million in 2024.
Ethics commission said Bethell’s vote benefitted her son’s employer
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission found that Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell likely violated Oregon law when she voted to amend contracts with a company that employs her son. The agreements increased the company’s budget by about $2 million for a water project.
TOP STORIES: Salem’s city manager, ethics, breakdancing game technician
Reporter Joe Siess shares his favorite Salem stories from 2025.
Christmas Eve wind storm fizzles out
The National Weather Service says drier, calmer weather is in store for Christmas through the weekend
After pressure from public safety unions, Nordyke asks council to reconsider police board appointment
Councilor Vanessa Nordyke, who’s running for mayor, said she’s changed her mind about two board and commission appointments for Kyle Hedquist, who was convicted in the 1994 aggravated murder of a teenager and now advocates for criminal justice improvements.
UPDATE: City lifts evacuation notice as Salem creeks recede
As of Friday night, Salem's creeks have settled down and a level 1 evacuation notice has been lifted after high water closed streets and parks in Salem on Friday.
UPDATE: Mill Creek floodwater closes roads, dozens without power Friday afternoon
UPDATE: The level 1 flood evacuation, warning residents near Mill and Pringle creeks to be ready to evacuate, remained active as of Friday afternoon. Several southeast Salem roads are closed, and CASA of Marion County seeks volunteers to help manage a flooded basement.