By Salem Reporter
As civics education declines in Oregon, nonprofits and a state office try to fill the gap
(Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons) As a social studies teacher at Amity Middle School, it falls on Jeff Geissler to teach students the importance of voting, paying taxes and how their government works. Now in his fourth year teaching social studies, Geissler recalls…
Editor’s column: Salem Reporter needs you
The Salem Reporter staff in the office. From left: Rachel Alexander, Jake Thomas, Saphara Harrell and Troy Brynelson. (Claire Withycombe/Oregon Capital Bureau) My inbox and social media feeds almost daily pile up with accounts about the fate of news in…
How one Salem nonprofit feeds hungry people and cuts down on food waste
When volunteers from Salem Harvest go to collect excess produce, it’s a big communal event. (Courtesy/Salem Harvest). Elise Bauman remembers the field of green beans that would have gone to waste. During the summer of 2011, a processing plant rejected…
Judge drops charges against man arrested last year for alleged attack in Minto-Brown Island Park
David Belluno (Booking photo). A man accused of attempting to kidnap and rape a woman at knifepoint in Salem’s Minto-Brown Island Park has had all charges dropped by a Marion County Circuit Court judge who found he wasn’t fit for…
A small nonprofit is trying to help lawyers become more scientifically literate — and keep innocent people out of prison.
The work that occurs in crime labs can determine if someone goes to prison or walks free. (Courtesy/ Oregon State Police) When Janis Puracal began reviewing evidence used to convict Nicholas McGuffin of killing his girlfriend, she recalled how it…
Selma Pierce takes another run at House seat held by Paul Evans
Selma Pierce, candidate for House District 20. (Courtesy of Selma Pierce). Republican Selma Pierce has announced that she’s seeking a rematch against state Rep. Paul Evans, a Monmouth Democrat. The 2018 race between Pierce and Evans to represent the House…
New plan to clamp Oregon’s industrial emissions spares rural areas
SALEM — The environmental plan that launched a thousand logging trucks is getting a makeover in the Oregon Senate. Private negotiations among state senators have led to a new legislative concept. It’s the skeleton of what could be a new…
Across Oregon, legislators are leaving to pursue new careers or escape Capitol ‘rancor’
SALEM — Legislators who have played key roles in Oregon public policy in recent years are heading for the exit. Rep. Mitch Greenlick, D-Portland, might author another book. Sen. Laurie Monnes Anderson, D-Gresham, is yearning for some “alone time.” Sen.…
Salem Health opening its largest clinic yet in Woodburn
A new Salem Health clinic opens January 2020 in Woodburn (Courtesy/Salem Health) Woodburn residents will soon have a new option for medical care when a new Salem Health clinic and urgent care facility opens in January. The Salem-based healthcare provider…
As House issues articles of impeachment, Salem’s member of Congress indicates he’s on board
Congressman Kurt Schrader (Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons) Citing a “great risk” to the country, Congressman Kurt Schrader, a Democrat who represents the Salem area, said it’s time to impeach President Donald Trump. Schrader’s announcement, which came in the form of a statement,…