Category City News
Salem City Council approves temporary managed camp for unsheltered people on Portland Road
The Salem City Council on Monday approved a resolution which created a managed camp on Portland Road. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) Expect to see a row of small, white buildings when traveling on Portland Road in the coming weeks. It’s the city’s latest effort to address…
SALEM ECONOMIC INDEX: Problems in the housing and labor market, but good news elsewhere
Handyman Jason Beals runs new computer cable at Cheers, a sports bar at 3404 Commercial St. S.E. in Salem as the business prepares on Thursday, May 14, 2020, to meet new requirements for video poker operations. Salem-area restaurants and bars remain on hold for providing…
How the pandemic is frustrating Salem library patrons
Angela Rodman holds her daughter, Harper, 3, while teaching a geography lesson to her older children, Bennett, 9, left, and Ainsleigh, 7, during homeschooling on Friday, March 12, 2020. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) In recent months, Angela Rodman has driven 30 minutes from Salem to libraries…
Local governments in Salem area prepare for unexpected $115 million infusion of federal cash
The floodgates on the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act have been lifted and Marion and Polk counties are expecting money to begin pouring in. Local governments will soon find themselves flush with cash they were unsure would be approved just a few months ago.…
Adapting to pandemic’s disruption, Q’s Corner Barbershop remains a community hub in Salem
Quandray Robertson, owner of Q’s Corner Barbershop, poses for a portrait in the attached boxing gym on Friday, March 12, 2020. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) A year ago, Quandray Robertson was left with a big empty space he didn’t know what to do with. Before the…
Salem Cinema reopens again. But other movie theaters remain dark
Salem Cinema will have reduced seating capacity going forward due to social distancing. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Loretta Miles looks back at the reopening of Salem Cinema last fall as a “dress rehearsal.” Miles, who has owned the arthouse theater since 1990, will open again to…
With the clock ticking on an eviction timebomb, the Oregon Legislature considers additional protections for renters
Flags are flown at half-staff at the Oregon State Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 24 to remember the 500,000 Americans who have died of Covid. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Jimmy Jones, the executive director of the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, is in a race to get…
Mayor points to city efforts to reduce homelessness in annual address
Salem Mayor Chuck Bennett films a video acceptance for a literacy award on Thursday, April 9. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Salem has emerged from a year of fire, ice, pandemic and protest with much to be proud of, Mayor Chuck Bennett told residents during his State…
City survey finds residents support sustainable parks maintenance, efforts to address affordable housing gaps
Salem City Hall. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Salem residents think identifying gaps in affordable housing and opening a sobering center would be helpful to addressing key issues identified in a strategic plan update the Salem City Council will vote on Monday, according to a recent survey.…