Category City News
Salem lands federal grant to help attract commercial air service
The $850,000 from the Department of Transportation can be used for revenue guarantees for airlines and marketing of local flights, but leaves unresolved the issue of how the city would pay for major terminal upgrades and ongoing staffing needed to support flights.
Southeast Commercial site chosen as potential south Salem transit center
Salem’s transit agency is hoping a largely vacant piece of land on Southeast Commercial Street will be the city’s next transit hub. The Salem Area Mass Transit District’s Board of Directors last week voted to move forward with an environmental study of the site at…
Salem councilors want air service back, but who pays remains unclear
One commercial airline, Aha!, wrote a letter to the TSA in March expressing interest in serving Salem with a 50-seat plane. But a recent assessment by the agency found that would require a minimum $3.9 million in renovations.
At the Capitol, a bilingual ranger hopes to inspire visitors
John Graham patrols one of Oregon’s smallest state parks, sharing state history and tending the grass and flowers.
AGENDA: Marion County commissioners consider ordinance leaving psilocybin ban up to voters
The Marion County Board of Commissioners meets Wednesday to consider an ordinance that would allow residents to vote on banning psilocybin manufacturing and service centers in unincorporated areas of the county. AGENDA The board will consider adopting an ordinance that would refer to voters a…
Cascades Gateway Park to reopen Monday, a year after city officially ended sanctioned homeless camping
A portion of Salem’s Cascades Gateway Park will reopen Monday after an end to city-sanctioned homeless camping prompted a nearly year-long closure for cleanup. The park has been closed to the public since Aug. 19, 2021. The city’s parks department had hoped to reopen earlier,…
Salem Hospital begins ambulance diversion plan in effort to keep beds available
For the first time in over a decade, Salem Hospital will turn away some ambulances when its beds are full, sending patients with non-life threatening problems to other hospitals for care. The hospital announced changes to its divert policy this week, saying diverting ambulances will…
Salem utility bills will increase about $5 monthly for homeowners in 2023
City utility rates will increase about 5% for most homeowners in 2023 (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Salem homeowners can expect to pay about $5 more per month for city water and utilities starting in January. The Salem City Council on Monday unanimously approved a utility rate…
Salem’s next pilots, truck drivers to benefit from workforce grants
A Chemeketa truck driving student gets pointers on inspecting a trailer. The college’s program is set to expand with free slots for 30 students thanks to a state workforce training grant. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) When an influx of Afghan refugees began arriving in Salem last…