Category City News
With homelessness an issue, Salem residents “less optimistic” about city’s future
A homeless woman walks behind a city of Salem public works vehicle during an eviction of a camp under the Marion Street Bridge in January. (Troy Brynelson/Salem Reporter) Salem residents’ confidence in Salem city government is sinking because of issues around the homeless, according to…
Three finalists named for open Ward 7 seat on Salem City Council
Salem city hall (Salem Reporter) And then there were three. City leaders on Thursday named Vanessa Nordyke, Reid Sund and Bonnie Heitsch the three finalists to be Ward 7’s voice on Salem City Council. Salem City Council will likely interview the trio at an Oct.…
Eight so far vie to replace Sally Cook on Salem City Council
Salem city hall (Salem Reporter) The Salem City Council will get to pick from a litter of at least eight people to replace Sally Cook later this month and give a new face about 12 months to help the city craft its policies. Warren Bednarz,…
Salem considers hopping aboard e-scooter trend
A row of Lime-branded e-scooters at a recent safety event hosted by the Portland Bureau of Transportation in September 2018. (Courtesy/Portland Bureau of Transportation) E-scooters may soon zip around the streets of Salem, but city staffers must first figure out how they’re going to regulate…
Salem officials seeking your insights into housing
Salem city hall (Salem Reporter) The federal government wants to know: How do you feel about your access to housing in Salem, and the laws in place to protect that access? A pair of surveys announced by city officials Friday morning ask residents how they…
City cuts back more access to Cascades Gateway Park
Inmate workers help the city of Salem Parks and Recreation Department install bollards and place boulders at Cascades Gateway Park on Wednesday morning. (Troy Brynelson/Salem Reporter) Following a spate of clear-outs of homeless camps in Salem, the city has followed through to ensure at least…
Salem residents likely to see new charge on utility bill for services like police, firefighters
Salem city hall (Salem Reporter) If you’re one of about 40,000 homeowners in Salem, you may soon see an $8 fee on your monthly utility bill. It will be the city’s newest way to help pay for firefighters, police and other services. Salem City Council…
Police tactics toward homeless under fire as Salem considers new ordinance
Tammy Hudson holds her dog Shadow at Cascades Gateway Park, where police have recently cleared out campers, on Sept. 12. Hudson said she often has to fight people away from the motor home she lives in. (Troy Brynelson/Salem Reporter) Ken Houghton doesn’t have to look…
On Salem Reporter’s anniversary, thoughts of more local news coverage to come
Les Zaitz, editor and CEO, Salem Reporter (Photo by David Zaitz) In its first year, Salem Reporter delivered on its promise to the community. That’s my assessment as I pause to reflect on our anniversary. We promised in-depth news coverage. Salem Reporter delivered. You got…