Saphara Harrell - Salem Reporter
Polk County wants to open despite virus infections in neighboring areas
Polk County Courthouse (Courtesy of Jolene Guzman/Polk Itemizer-Observer) Polk County is getting in line for permission to return businesses to fuller operations later this week, submitting to Gov. Kate Brown its plan to restore the economy while protecting people from…
Despite current restrictions, Salem gym moves ahead with blood drive
Michele Vanderyacht donates blood at each of Epic Fitness’ blood drives. (Courtesy/ Michele Vanderyacht) Michele Vanderyacht was preparing for Epic Fitness’ 27th blood drive when the coronavirus pandemic hit. With the gym closed on March 21, Vanderyacht was unsure the…
COUNTY ELECTIONS: Polk County commissioner candidates list rural broadband and safer roads as priorities
Polk County Courthouse (Courtesy of Jolene Guzman/Polk Itemizer-Observer) Salem Reporter wanted to know what issues were top of mind for the candidates seeking a position as Polk County commissioner. We provided each candidate written questions intended to elicit their understanding…
Drop in child abuse hotline calls masks continuing trauma for Salem kids
A garden at Liberty House, a child abuse assessment center serving Marion and Polk Counties. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Alison Kelley worries the coronavirus is putting additional stress on struggling families in ways that are leading to child abuse that is…
COUNTY ELECTIONS: Marion County commissioner candidates cite emergency preparedness, economic recovery as top issues facing the area
Marion County building in downtown Salem (Caleb Wolf/Special to Salem Reporter) Salem Reporter wanted to know what issues were top of mind for the candidates seeking election as Marion County commissioner. We provided each candidate written questions intended to elicit…
CITY ELECTIONS: Mayor lists Salem’s housing assistance program as need in his bid for a third term
Current Mayor Chuck Bennett (left) is running against Brooke Jackson (right) in the upcoming election. Salem Reporter wanted to know what issues were top of mind for this year’s crop of candidates for Salem City Council. We provided each candidate…
CITY ELECTIONS: In south Salem ward, candidates list economic recovery from COVID as defining issue
Reid Sund (left) and Vanessa Nordyke (right) are running to represent Ward 7 in south Salem. Salem Reporter wanted to know what issues were top of mind for this year’s crop of candidates for Salem City Council. We provided each…
Standing together, often without masks, protestors in Salem demand Oregon drop virus restrictions
Demonstrators gathered at the Capitol during a rally in support of reopening Oregon and relaxing social distancing measures on Saturday, May 2. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Hundreds of Oregonians gathered at the Capitol Saturday to protest restrictions intended to slow the…
CITY ELECTIONS: In northeast Salem ward, candidates want stronger voice for constituents
Hollie Oakes-Miller (left) is running against Jose Gonzalez (right) to represent Ward 5 on Salem City Council. Salem Reporter wanted to know what issues were top of mind for this year’s crop of candidates for Salem City Council. We provided…
CITY ELECTIONS: In southeast Salem ward, council candidates want improved infrastructure
Trevor Phillips (left) is running against incumbent Brad Nanke (right) to represent southeast Salem. Salem Reporter wanted to know what issues were top of mind for this year’s crop of candidates for Salem City Council. We provided each candidate written…