Category City News
Salem shootings doubled, teen violence tripled in recent years, report finds
At least half of Salem shootings over five years involved gang members as victims, suspects or both, according to a newly released report.
Meanwhile, the number of teens arrested for serious assaults has tripled since 2020.
UPDATE: Councilors approve higher garbage rates
During their Monday, Nov. 13, meeting, the Salem City Council approved higher garbage collection rates as requested by the Mid-Valley Garbage and Recycling Association. They also opted to postpone their vote on state lobbying priorities and approved a police settlement.
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: What’s happening around Salem neighborhoods in November
Salem's neighborhood associations bring you the latest on a bike drive in Highland, the proposed Meyer Farm development and work to clean up syringes from the Willamette River.
Young adult shelter makes plans for commercial kitchen
With a commercial kitchen planned to open next fall, Church at the Park hopes to bring its food services in-house and provide young shelter residents with commercial food training to bolster their resumes.
Fired Salem police sergeant fighting loss of license resigns from new Aumsville job
Jeffrey Keniston resigned on Oct. 5 from the Aumsville Police Department after state officials found he used his authority to gain a sexual relationship with a domestic violence victim while employed by Salem. He is still challenging the revocation of his police license.
Readers share what they intended with their votes on Salem’s payroll tax
Salem residents decisively rejected a payroll tax Tuesday, with 82% of those who cast ballots voting no. About 20 readers explained their votes to Salem Reporter, with many who rejected the tax saying they want a less complicated or more equitable way for the city to close its budget gap.
Jury awards more than $3 million to Salem man falsely arrested by an officer who used excessive force
A jury found Salem Officer David S. Baker used excessive force in violation of Christopher Garza’s civil rights and committed battery and false arrest under state law.
Salem reaches $95,000 settlement in lawsuit over 2018 arrest
Salem officials reached a settlement with Jose Carmona-Perez nearly four years after he sued the city, alleging police officers tackled and struck him on the ground during an arrest. The Salem City Council will vote Monday on the settlement.
Salem City Council talks lessons learned from payroll tax
82% of Salem voters rejected the city’s payroll tax Tuesday night. Salem city councilors address two questions: What is the message from Salem citizens you see in the results? And, how will you act on that understanding?