Category City News
920 gallons of raw sewage spilled into Claggett Creek following blockage
On Sunday evening, about 920 gallons of raw sewage spilled into Claggett Creek near 1860 Hawthorne Ave. N.E. The spill was caused by a blockage which city crews quickly removed.
Oregon’s business reputation has taken a hit. Are businesses really leaving?
Data shows companies doing business in Oregon are frequently choosing to expand elsewhere. Limited industrial land, taxes and duplicate regulations are among the issues business leaders cite.
Salem business community offers to fund police bike patrols for downtown
Concerned with safety, Salem business organizations are offering to pay the full costs for two police officers to patrol downtown on bikes. Such bike patrols were eliminated as part of budget cuts in early 2025.
New Salem-based hospice opens with focus on nursing staff wellness
Solterra Hospice, which began accepting patients in November, is a new venture led by a Salem hospice nurse that limits the amount of patients per nurse to 10, far below what’s become the industry standard since Covid.
Stayton hospital offering Covid vaccines without prescription, a rarity in Oregon
A delay in a yearly federal health decision and narrower eligibility requirements for the 2025-2026 Covid-19 vaccine has made it difficult for Oregonians to get the most recent shot. Uncertainty continues to loom as health care providers await the recommendations expected in mid-September.
Salem Fire Department took medic calls to boost revenues according to Falck legal filing
A new legal filing in Marion County Circuit Court claimed the Salem Fire Department took medical calls to boost its own revenues while cutting out Falck Northwest, the private company tasked with providing ambulance service in Salem. The company also said the city's attempt to seek $7 million for calls the fire agency had already billed for was 'double dipping.'
‘Frustrated’ Oregon governor says she’s trying to ensure COVID vaccine access amid confusion
Gov. Tina Kotek on Thursday said she’s trying her best to ensure affordable access to the COVID-19 vaccine for Oregonians, pushing back on criticism that other Democrat-led states across the nation have been more efficient at providing quick inoculations and support for providers before an…
Councilor Vanessa Nordyke will challenge Mayor Julie Hoy in 2026 city election
Salem City Councilor Vanessa Nordyke has filed to run for mayor, challenging Julie Hoy, who’s seeking a second term. Nordyke announced her campaign on Thursday and said if she becomes mayor she will prioritize Salem’s most vulnerable and will conduct city business with more transparency and ethical conduct.
Oregon Democrats mull options to divorce state tax code from GOP cuts
Oregon taxpayers would pay about $400 million less in state income tax under the GOP megabill, because federal income tax changes automatically roll down to the state level.