Category Columns
EDITOR’S NOTE: Readers share what they want covered in Salem
EDITOR'S NOTE: Salem Reporter is adjusting its coverage to meet expectations shared in a recent survey of readers. Editor Les Zaitz shares some of the findings.
COLUMN: New crop of volunteers train to help Salem in emergencies
Mark Wardell, the leader of West Salem’s Community Emergency Response Team, covers common winter hazards and the city's latest CERT graduates.
COLUMN: Salem-area turkey flocks expand their range
Columnist and bird expert Harry Fuller checks in with Salem's wild turkey population ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
COLUMN: How to prepare for ice, wind storms
Mark Wardell, the leader of West Salem’s Community Emergency Response Team, explains how to get ready for extreme winter weather.
COLUMN: Insurance options for those losing Medicare Advantage plans
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: Meet Salem’s wintering and resident geese
Columnist and bird expert Harry Fuller introduces us to the cackling geese who overwinter in Salem, and the Canada geese who live here year-round.
COLUMN: I run a shelter. Here’s why people can’t always stay in them.
Columnist Lynelle Wilcox, who runs the Safe Sleep United shelter, shares stories from her day-to-day work with homeless Salemites.
COLUMN: Job growth slows, but Salem fares better than Portland, Eugene
Salem has seen steady job growth from pre-pandemic levels, but local unemployment is ticking up, writes columnist Pamela Ferrara.
COLUMN: 2026 Medicare Advantage options shrink 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.