Category City News
As Salem looks to address vulnerabilities brought on by climate change, state releases grim report
Situated on an island in the middle of the North Santiam River near Stayton, the Geren Island Water Treatment Facility faces unprecedented challenges in providing clean water to Salem users. (Ron Cooper/Salem Reporter) As Salem enters the preliminary stages of creating a climate action plan,…
GUEST COLUMN: As unemployment drops, women are also dropping out of the labor force
A graph showing the rises and falls of female labor participation in the U.S. and Oregon (Pamela Ferrara) The unemployment rate for the Salem area declined by a percentage point in October from 7.8% to 6.8%. Most of the area’s unemployed are low-wage workers previously…
Despite the pandemic, Oregonians keep starting businesses
Clayton Riley holds ranunculuses, one type of flower offered at Flowers in the Alley, his new downtown Salem flower shop. (Jake Thomas/Salem Reporter) Even with clamps on the economy because of the pandemic, Oregonians are still starting businesses. In October, the state recorded 6,647 new…
With online auctions and an outpouring of support, Enchanted Forest will open for another season
Roger Tofte, creator of Enchanted Forest, stands in Tofteville Western Town on Tuesday, October 27. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Enchanted Forest will remain in business after raising over $360,000 from fans of the storied amusement park located just south of Salem. In October, Enchanted Forest warned…
Where do you see Salem in 30 years? Salem’s climate task force wants to know
A tree in Minto-Brown Island Park on a foggy morning. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) Salem wants to know how you think the city should adapt for climate change in the next 30 years as it embarks on a yearlong process to develop a climate action plan. …
With lights and some paints, downtown association seeks to bring cheer to city center
A Hanukkah candle painted on the window of a local downtown business. (Courtesy/Caren Ann Jackson) This winter, the Salem Main Street Association decided downtown needed more than white lights to mark the holiday season. Hoping to inspire some cheer in the midst of a pandemic…
Shutdowns haven’t stopped Noble Wave from bringing Louisiana cuisine to Salem
In 2018, three men searched nationwide to find the perfect home for a brewery and restaurant. They chose Salem. In mid-May of 2019, they opened Noble Wave in Suite 112 of the Reed Opera House at 189 Liberty St. N.E. Keeping that restaurant alive throughout…
Oregon’s economy can recover from pandemic, but low-wage earners falling behind
A crane works on top of the Nishioka building construction site in downtown Salem on May 12, 2020. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) The months ahead for Oregon’s employers and workers will be the “most challenging yet” as consumers remain cautious and the U.S. awaits distribution of…
The JCPenney building is empty. How it’s developed could change downtown
Nick Williams, commercial real estate adviser, stands in a back storeroom at the vacant JCPenney store in downtown Salem on Monday, Nov. 23. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) For the first time in over four decades, Salem’s JCPenney was empty on Black Friday. In late October, the…