Rachel Alexander
Rachel Alexander is Salem Reporter’s managing editor. She joined Salem Reporter when it was founded in 2018 and covers education, economic development and a little bit of everything else. She’s been a journalist in Oregon and Washington for over a decade and is a past president of Oregon's Society of Professional Journalists chapter. Outside of work, you can often find her gardening or with her nose buried in a book.
No suspected measles cases in Salem following local exposure
Two weeks after a traveler contagious with measles visited several locations in Salem, there are no local suspected cases of the disease, health officials say. The Marion County Health Department is continuing to investigate after a contagious person from Illinois…
Ken Jundt, banker, family man and volunteer, honored as Salem First Citizen
Ken Jundt stands in his office in front of photos of his grandchildren. (Caleb Wolf/Special to Salem Reporter) Ken Jundt’s second-floor office at Columbia Bank is littered with plaques recognizing the many community groups he’s volunteered with during his 30…
Harassment complaint in theatre department sparks student activism at Willamette University
Michelle Hicks, left, and Ericka Bryan, members of Willamette University’s STEAM Collective, talk at The Bistro on campus. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) A harassment complaint in the Willamette University theatre department has evolved into spreading concerns from students about on-campus bias…
Salem Methodist churches will continue welcoming LGBTQ clergy, performing same-sex marriages
An altar decorated to welcome LGBTQ people to services at Morningside United Methodist Church on March 4, 2019 (Courtesy/Wendy Woodworth) Clergy at Salem’s United Methodist churches say they will continue to marry same-sex couples and ordain LGBTQ clergy in spite…
Health officials monitoring measles exposure sites in Salem
A person contagious with measles visited multiple locations in Salem from Feb. 18 to 22, local health officials said Friday. The Marion County Health Department is working with Oregon Health Authority to notify people who may have been exposed. Most…
Yellow bracelets and blue mats: an evening at a Salem warming center
Lead volunteer Russ Lipetzky, left, jokes with warming center guest Ckierra McKenzie. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) “Anybody else need a bag?” Russ Lipetzky walked along a line of several dozen people gathered outside the basement entrance to First Presbyterian Church Wednesday…
PHOTO GALLERY: On a freezing Salem night, volunteers help shelter dozens at First Presbyterian Church
Volunteers at First Presbyterian Church prepare bags to store belongings overnight for warming shelter guests. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) With temperatures below freezing Wednesday night, people lined up by the dozens to get inside First Presbyterian Church. The church basement serves…
Salem warming centers short on volunteers to shelter people from snow
People cross the street in downtown Salem during following a snowstorm on Feb. 5, 2019 (Caleb Wolf/Special to Salem Reporter) At least ten homeless people seeking shelter from the snow Tuesday night were turned away from Salem warming shelters because…
AGENDA: Chemeketa board to consider tuition increase
Update: Due to snow, the board has changed its meeting time to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27. Chemeketa Community College board members will consider a tuition increase for the 2019-20 school year at a meeting Wednesday. College administrators proposed raising…
Center for Hope and Safety building pet shelter for people fleeing domestic violence
Jayne Downing, left, executive director of the Center for Hope and Safety, and advocate Steven Broncheau, look over plans for the Safe Paws Pet Shelter. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Last year, Jayne Downing fielded a call at her Salem office from…