Category City News

Deputy police chief’s retirement remains a mystery as city withholds documents
The city of Salem Friday refused to release public records sought by Salem Reporter of events leading up to the retirement of Deputy Chief Steve Bellshaw. Awarded extra public money, he left while facing misconduct allegations.

PHOTOS: Fallen tree leaves thousands without power in West Salem
A fallen oak tree branch left about 2,400 customers without power Monday night in west Salem, with outages and road detours continuing into Tuesday for some as crews made repairs. Salem Electric Member Services Manager Jacob Knudsen said the outage, which occurred just after 10…

Teen accused of wounding two in northeast Salem shooting
A teen boy shot and injured two people at a northeast Salem apartment complex early Monday, Salem police said. Just after 12 a.m. Monday, Salem Police Department officers responded to the 3300 block of Northeast D Street, according to a Monday evening news release. Officers…

Councilor Tom Andersen stepping down to focus on House campaign
Salem City Councilor Tom Andersen is resigning after nearly eight years in office. Andersen announced his plans Monday, saying he wants to focus on his campaign for the open House District 19 seat after winning a three-way primary for the Democratic Party nomination in May.…

LISTEN IN: A top Salem police official leaves without a word – or explanation
TODAY’S BROADCAST: Reporter Ardeshir Tabrizian explains efforts to learn why a deputy police chief from the Salem Police Department retired while under investigation. City officials have provided little information and delayed disclosure of a key city agreement. His original story is HERE. He also explains…

AGENDA: Council to vote on manager pay raises
Salem city councilors will vote on pay increases for city department leaders at their Monday meeting. The council will consider adopting a salary schedule for city executives, replacing the current system which sets only a minimum and maximum pay amount, with salaries set by the…

Salem weekly Covid report for Aug. 5: Marion county cases up, hospitalizations down
The number of Salem-area Covid hospitalizations are down compared to last week, while cases are up statewide and in Marion County. HOSPITAL CAPACITY The average number of Covid patients at Salem Hospital and in the mid-Willamette region are down compared to last week. As of…

City detects high E. coli levels in discharge to Willamette River
The sample was taken Wednesday morning during a routine monitoring of treated sewage from the Willow Lake Water Pollution Control Facility.

Salem lands federal grant to help attract commercial air service
The $850,000 from the Department of Transportation can be used for revenue guarantees for airlines and marketing of local flights, but leaves unresolved the issue of how the city would pay for major terminal upgrades and ongoing staffing needed to support flights.