Saphara Harrell - Salem Reporter
Artist says new sculpture at Salem police station represents justice and harmony
The “Equitas” sculpture by Blessing Hancock outside of the Salem Police Department on Friday, Dec. 18. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) What Blessing Hancock loves most about public art pieces is their ability to surprise people. When people pass Salem’s new police…
Salem’s unsheltered people to get new boots, backpacks during Christmas event
Church at the Park is serving hot meals and giving out gifts to Salem’s sheltered people for 12 days starting Christmas Day. (Courtesy/ Church at the Park) For the 12 days following Christmas, some of Salem’s unsheltered people will get…
Homeless campers flooded out of Cascades Gateway after heavy rain
Flooding at Cascades Gateway Park on Dec. 21. (Courtesy/ Jean Hendron) Update 12/22 at 9 a.m.: ARCHES moved 40 households into a hotel for a week to move out of the flooded area. Original post below: Dozens of people experiencing…
‘I do not condone nor support racist speech.’ Salem’s new police chief speaks to police thinking ahead of planned rally
Salem’s police chief Trevor Womack. (Courtesy/Trevor Womack) Salem’s new police chief publicly condemned racism and white supremacy in a statement posted to Facebook Friday afternoon and explained how the department views its role in responding to public demonstrations ahead of…
Salem man charged with attempted murder in November shooting
Salem police arrested a Salem man Thursday in connection with a November shooting in east Salem that sent a man to the hospital. Kevin Joel Garcia, 18, faces charges of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault and unlawful use of a…
City survey seeks management recommendations for Salem’s historic park
An oak tree casts a long, early morning shadow across a field of camas root in bloom at Bush’s Pasture Park in Salem. (Ron Cooper/Salem Reporter) Salem wants the community’s help to plan for the future of one of its…
Salvation Army seeks more bell ringers for Red Kettle fundraiser
Elias Garcia, Bianca Mendoza and Elias Markham raise money for Red Kettle Campaign. (Courtesy/Quinton Markham) Cheryll Grear spends the final weeks of the year singing acapella versions of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and other holiday jingles as she…
Marion and Polk counties to remain under strict Covid rules through the end of the year
Gov. Kate Brown and chief of staff Nik Blosser listen in during a phone call with Vice President Mike Pence and other governors on Monday, April 20. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Daily life won’t change this year for locals in Marion…
Seniors stay with family, in motels after fire damages low-income housing complex
Robert Lindsey Tower (Courtesy/Salem Housing Authority) The seniors displaced by a Sunday fire at a low-income housing building are staying with family or in a motel while the Salem Housing Authority works to determine what repairs are needed. Fourteen people…
To spread holiday cheer, Salem police will deliver toys to kids in need this week
A room at the Salem police station is filled with toys for the annual toy drive. (Courtesy/ Salem Police Department) A room inside the Salem police station is filled with shelves full of Legos, baby Yodas and stuffed animals as…