Troy Brynelson - Salem Reporter
Salem moves to dismantle, replace commission overseeing federal dollars
Salem City Hall (Salem Reporter files) The city of Salem is moving to shut down a commission tasked with earmarking millions of federal dollars after it unraveled amid potential conflicts of interest. The Salem City Council Monday night agreed with…
Neighbors prevail over Costco after years-long push for south Salem project
City planner Aaron Panko speaks at Salem City Council Monday night. Public testimony lasted nearly three hours in the debate over whether to approve a shopping center in South Salem. (Troy Brynelson/Salem Reporter) Determined Salem neighbors fought the $100 billion…
Costco, shopping center to go before Salem City Council on Monday
Oregon white oaks pictured in September at the proposed site of the Kuebler Gateway Shopping Center. (Troy Brynelson/Salem Reporter files) Monday night could be check out time for a proposed shopping center in South Salem that’s drawn objections from neighbors.…
Ex-Dallas councilor known for intolerant statements now a finalist for Polk commissioner
The Polk County Courthouse. (Courtesy of Janet Guzman/Polk County Itemizer-Observer) UPDATE 10:50 a.m. Dec. 5: Micky Garus was not appointed Polk County Commissioner. Commissioners unanimously chose Lyle Mordhorst, a manager at Les Schwab and former president of the West Salem…
Business group hopes to court commercial airliners in spring
A plane idles at Salem Municipal Airport, in front of Salem Air Services. (Troy Brynelson/Salem Reporter files) A local group working to revive commercial flights out of the Salem Municipal Airport says it hopes to start courting an airliner in…
City of Salem moves toward tax and fee increases to address budget woes
Salem City Hall (Salem Reporter files) Updated: This story was updated at 4 p.m. with additional details about the fees and charges. City of Salem officials will consider new taxes and fees as a solution to a potential $6 million…
Polk County interviewing new commissioner candidates ahead of Wheeler’s sudden retirement
Jennifer Wheeler, pictured in her office in Dallas on Wednesday, is retiring early after a recent policy change at the Public Employees Retirement System. Her last day is Dec. 31. (Troy Brynelson/Salem Reporter) A change in Polk County Commissioner Jennifer…
Residents fear Salem Public Library’s new policy could purge books
Salem Public Library is changing how it manages its collections, but observers worry it might go too far and end up dramatically shedding the number of books available to local readers. Concerns surfaced last week across social media and local…
Third bridge’s fate delayed again
Residents gave public testimony for two hours at Salem City Council on Monday. Councilors ultimately voted to host a work session and postpone a motion that would have renewed momentum for the Salem River Crossing. (Troy Brynelson/Salem Reporter) The Salem City…
OLCC moves to stop sales for controversial California winemaker
UPDATE: This story was updated at 6 p.m. with additional details from the state. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission has accused a California winemaker of illegally selling its wine in Oregon and is proposing to revoke its state certificate, a…