Category Community
Help rescue a pirate’s family during Powerland Halloween event
Pirates appear in this Great Northern/SP&S red caboose that was built in 1909. It is currently in restoration. (Courtesy/Joe Tracy) Most Halloween themed events don’t require you to get past an FBI agent into a trolley barn full of paranormal activity. But at Powerland Heritage…
Neighbors angry over plan to bring managed homeless camp to west Salem
West Salem residents gathered at Salemtowne on Tuesday, Oct. 5 to vent their frustrations about a managed camp proposed nearby during a meeting that resulted in frequent shouting and interruptions. (Saphara Harrell/ Salem Reporter) A town hall over a planned managed homeless camp in west…
A Disney-themed surprise lifts spirits for June
June, a two-year-old cancer patient from Mill City at a Make-A-Wish Foundation event in her honor at Capitol Auto Group in Salem on Sept. 30, 2021 (Courtesy/Capitol Auto Group) A two-year-old cancer patient was so overwhelmed when she came through the front door of Capitol…
The Reed renovation brings new eateries, shops and flair to downtown Salem
The Reed Opera House hosted a soft opening on Oct. 1, 2021. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) When the owners of the Reed Opera House decided to sell the building, real estate developer Scott Chernoff saw an opportunity for a re-emergence of downtown Salem. Chernoff has led…
Haunted hot spots, murder stories on Salem’s Ghost Tour
A photo of the late Tim King leading a ghost tour. (Courtesy/Salem Ghost Tours) Austin and Christian King wanted to carry on their father’s legacy, offering Salemites a glimpse into the darker side of the city’s history. There are haunted hot spots, public hangings…
Local art and poetry exhibit slated for October in Bush’s Pasture Park
“Dusk at Baskett Slough,” painted by Salem artist Deanna White. Salem’s outdoor scenery will be rendered in watercolor, acrylic and verse at an exhibit opening Friday. For the 23rd year, Salem nonprofit Artists in Action will display its annual Paint & Write the Town Exhibition,…
Historic downtown Salem building turned food hall earns award for historic preservation
The Gray Belle building which houses Fork Forty at 440 State Street won an award for historic preservation. (Courtesy/Fork Forty) When Charles Weathers looked at the vacant building at 440 State Street four years ago, he saw potential. He wasn’t aware at the time that…
Salem nurse delivers gift baskets to beleaguered health care workers
Kelsie Powell delivered gift baskets to nurses at Salem Hospital in September to lift their spirits. (Courtesy/ Kelsie Powell) Kelsie Powell wanted a way to lift the spirits of nurses like herself. She teaches nursing at Chemeketa Community College and said, “things have gotten really…
Salem’s longest-running high school reunion going strong after 77 years
Trudie Meier Gavette, left, and William Juza look at their high school yearbook at the Salem High School Class of 1944 77th reunion on Sept. 16, 2021 (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Trudie Meier Gavette never doubted she’d make it to another high school reunion. Even when…