Category City News
Travel Salem working with new airline with hopes of resuming commercial air service
Travel Salem is currently negotiating with a new airline and raising money for a revenue guarantee of $1 to $3 million. City councilors on Monday gave little indication of how they’re leaning on approving a new agreement.
Facing federal uncertainty, Oregon quietly halted a new Medicaid program for people leaving prison
State health officials delayed a $64 million Medicaid expansion intended to help people leaving prison because of the Trump administration’s tax and spending cuts package.
Homeownership to become reality for dozens of Salem families as housing authority sells old properties
The Salem Housing Authority is selling decades-old rental homes at a discount, moving ahead with “a crazy opportunity” to expand affordable homeownership in the community.
Salem city councilors discuss Avelo, public meetings law and city drinking water Monday
Salem city councilors will discuss new public meetings requirements and Avelo Airlines’ departure on Monday at an upcoming city council meeting. The council will also consider declaring a state of emergency over a planned 2026 drawdown of Detroit Reservoir meant to improve fish passage.
Two top airport officials resign days after Avelo announces it will cease service in Salem
City officials say two veteran employees managing the Salem Airport are leaving but have provided no explanation for the departures. The announcement followed by days word that Avelo Airlines was canceling its service to Salem. City officials say they will handle airport duties with other employees.
Salem councilors staying mum in instances, fearing ethics trouble
Salem city officials are temporarily avoiding neighborhood association meetings and other engagements out of fear they might inadvertently participate in illegal serial communications. The concern stems from a recent Oregon Government Ethics Commission training that left councilors uncertain about the rules. The state agency says it will clarify matters soon.
Helping Hands Resources gets state boost to deliver more clothes, necessities to community
Thousands of people in Salem have gotten free clothes and a fresh start through Helping Hands Resources, a volunteer-run nonprofit which processes and distributes donations. They recently received a state grant bringing them closer to a larger, renovated facility.
Suspect in UGM stabbing ordered to receive mental care at Oregon State Hospital
The Bend man charged in last month’s mass stabbing at the Union Gospel Mission was ordered Thursday to be committed to the Oregon State Hospital within a week. Tony L. Williams, 42, has been ordered to mental care at the state hospital twice before, records show.
City councilors consider pairing mental health professionals with emergency responders
Salem city councilors weighed the costs and benefits of creating a program pairing mental health specialists with first responders to answer mental health and homelessness related calls. Such a program would help free up strained police and fire resources currently burdened by numerous mental health related calls, department leadership said.