Category City News
COLUMN: What the local economy might bring in 2021
The employment picture in the Salem area during the pandemic has differed by sector. (Pam Ferrara) As the new year begins, let’s look back at the Salem economy since the pandemic began and then ahead to see how and when a return to normal might…
New year, new trees at Salem Civic Center
The Salem Civic Center is getting new life as the city plants 30 native and ornamental trees starting next month after removing unhealthy trees from Peace Plaza and along Liberty Street. The Civic Center is home to city council chambers and many city offices. Milan…
PHOTOS: Preparing for the big one, Salem Public Library continues with renovations
New energy efficient and seismically resilient windows are replacing the old 1970s aluminum storefront windows. (Courtesy/City of Salem) The Salem Public Library is undergoing a seismic upgrade that’s set to be complete by next summer. The construction is intended to make the building safer in…
BUSINESS ROUNDUP: Legislature gets ready for business, employment rate unfrozen, SEDCOR award, no tax penalties
Chris McLaughlin, manager at The Gallon House in Silverton, mixes a drink for a patron on Thursday, Sept. 10. Operating on limited hours with the only two employees still in town, The Gallon House intended to remain open until an evacuation order came through. (Amanda…
Marion County small businesses can apply for a second round of grants
Marion County building. (Caleb Wolf/Special to Salem Reporter) Marion County is acting quickly to push out a second round of grants intended to help small businesses struggling with the pandemic after receiving fewer applications for the funding than it initially anticipated. Now, the county…
Bars and restaurants open for outdoor service, but wonder if it will be enough
Christopher Holland, owner of Taproot Lounge and Cafe, puts out patio furniture on Thursday, Dec. 10. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) On a cool, sunny day in December, Divine Distillers had its first customers in weeks. Pam Vorachek, a distiller and special projects director at Divine Distillers,…
AGENDA: Urban Renewal Agency board to get update on cleanup, wetland mitigation and other projects
The Saffron Supply Co. building, which the city of Salem officially acquired March 2019. The retailer has operated out of the building since 1935. (Troy Brynelson/Salem Reporter) The board for Salem’s Urban Renewal Agency on Monday will review $372,725 worth of purchases made by the…
Pandemic rules and smoke have meant a rough year for Oregon wineries
Pat Dudley, co-owner at Bethel Heights Vineyard, stands in the barrel cellar on Monday, November 23. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) With a shelf full of empty wine glasses behind her, Pat Dudley sat at a table in the deserted tasting room at Bethel Heights Vineyard on…
BUSINESS ROUNDUP: Economy talk, new market opens, Facebook gets sued and fire rebuilding relief
The U.S. Post Office location in Gates was destroyed in the wildfires. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) There’s a lot going on business. To help keep you up to speed, the Salem Reporter has launched a semi-regular roundup of business-related items that includes new business openings, locations,…