Category Columns
COLUMN: Salem’s Community Emergency Response Team needs you
Mark Wardell, the leader of West Salem’s Community Emergency Response Team, explains why and how you should get trained to aid your neighborhood in disaster.
COLUMN: Fewer Medicare Advantage plans offered in Marion, Polk counties
Jim Sellers, former Oregon journalist and state agency employee, writes a regular column to help thousands in Salem deal with the confusing world of Medicare and federal benefits. He's available to answer your questions.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
EDITOR’S NOTE: With our mayor’s debate set aside, what should we do instead?
Salem Reporter planned another mayoral debate like the one in 2024 but Mayor Julie Hoy didn’t respond, so it was canceled. Challenger Vanessa Nordyke agreed to participate, and Hoy later criticized the prior debate while still not confirming for this one. Now we’re weighing alternatives –and we want your ideas on the best forum for voters.
COLUMN: Tiny hummingbirds deserve wonder
Warmer winters mean a year-round hummingbird presence in the Willamette Valley, columnist and bird expert Harry Fuller writes.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
COLUMN: In the new year, commit to being “2 weeks ready” for disaster
Mark Wardell, the leader of West Salem’s Community Emergency Response Team, explains why and how to build a two-week supply of necessities in case of major disaster.
COLUMN: 8 Medicare rules that might surprise you
Jim Sellers, former Oregon journalist and state agency employee, writes a regular column to help thousands in Salem deal with the confusing world of Medicare and federal benefits. He's available to answer your questions.
COLUMN: Reflections on Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day
Columnist Lynelle Wilcox shares memories of Salem residents she's known who have died while homeless. Salem City Council declared Dec. 21 Homeless Persons Memorial Day.
COLUMN: Habitat restoration is the future at Baskett Slough
Columnist and bird expert Harry Fuller details restoration work underway at the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Polk County.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Behind Salem Reporter’s coverage of a local immigration arrest
Managing Editor Rachel Alexander explains what goes into covering immigration arrests, and why journalists often can’t get basic information about federal government actions.