Salem has tripled the number of emergency shelter beds in the past five years amid growing concerns from citizens and city leaders about homelessness. But high housing costs, drug abuse and temporary funding remain challenges to tackling the problem.
City News
A guide to Salem’s expanding homeless shelters
Since 2018, Salem nonprofits and the city have worked to more than triple the number of shelter beds available for homeless residents. Here’s a look at what’s available.
DEA agent faces state felony charge in death of Salem cyclist
Witnesses, including three agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and four Salem police officers, testified before the grand jury that charged a DEA agent Wednesday in the March death of cyclist Marganne Allen.
BREAKING NEWS: DEA agent charged in cyclist’s death
A Marion County grand jury on Wednesday indicted a federal agent for criminally negligent homicide in the March death of cyclist Marganne Allen. Samuel T. Landis, 38, works for the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.
UPDATE: City council approves expansions at airport
During their Monday, Aug. 28, meeting, the Salem City Council approved a property purchase to add 230 parking spaces at the Salem Municipal Airport, and rejected a repeal of the payroll tax.
Salem City Council rejects motion to repeal payroll tax
During Monday’s city council meeting, councilors voted 6-3 to reject a motion to repeal the tax, meaning it is still set to go to the November ballot. Both sides of the motion said they were voting in the best interest of rebuilding public trust.
UPDATE: Cherriots approves contracts for tech, community surveys
During its Aug. 24 meeting, Cherriots’ board of directors approved a $2.9 million project for systemwide communication and bus tracking, and a contract for community surveys.
New details emerge on how Salem police managed DEA crash information
Newly released records show spokespeople for Salem police kept in much closer contact with the DEA than previously disclosed in the days following its agent colliding with a cyclist. The Salem agency exchanged repeated phone calls with the driver’s federal employer while telling the public little after the March 28 fatal crash.
Liberty Fire contained after burning 25 acres, threatening hundreds of homes
A fast-spreading grass fire that came close to south Salem subdivisions Wednesday was controlled within hours thanks to help from a nearby construction crew, air support and over 100 firefighters. Fire crews are monitoring the area as Salem’s forecast calls for high temperatures and low humidity in the coming days.
Downtown Salem bake shop rebuilding after window smashed in bar fight
Sewell Sweets, a bakery which has had a downtown storefront for about nine months, suffered a smashed window and furniture damage from a bar fight that sent two people through their side window Saturday night.
