Category COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell announces run for governor
Danielle Bethell, who’s in her fifth year as a Marion County Commissioner, is seeking the Republican nomination for governor to challenge Gov. Tina Kotek in 2026.
Commissioners call for police in schools, celebrate wildfire recovery in State of the County
The three Marion County Commissioners talked about their top priorities during the annual State of the County address and recognized some of the achievements made in the last several years. The commissioners discussed expanding law enforcement, behavioral health and housing.
Bridgeway ends plan for recovery home as local treatment providers brace for state funding cuts
Two of Salem’s largest addiction treatment providers will lose at least $1 million in annual state funding for recovery services due to funding changes made by the Oregon Health Authority last week. Bridgeway Community Health will be unable to fund a new men’s stabilization center, which it planned to open early this year.
Polk County taps voters for property tax increase to maintain aging fairgrounds
The original structures on the Polk County Fairgrounds in Rickreall were built in 1952 and the county is seeking about $45 a year from a typical homeowner to bring the facility up to date. It’s one of three property tax measures West Salem voters will see on the May ballot.
Mother of physician killed in kayak crash with Buena Vista Ferry sues Marion County
Jacob Jackson, a longtime family doctor in Salem, died in June 2024 after a ferry operator collided with his kayak. His family is suing Marion County, which operates two ferries, in hopes of preventing future tragedies on the Willamette River.
Police, sheriffs across Oregon scramble to find place to destroy drugs as incinerator closes
Police and sheriff’s offices across the state that have relied for decades on Marion County's incinerator must find another place to dispose of drug evidence, drug paraphernalia and other contraband.
Marion County seeks federal help for Santiam Canyon rebuilding, bridges
County officials recently discussed their federal lobbying priorities, which include money for infrastructure projects and changes allowing governments to bill federal health insurance programs for jail and institutional care.
Playground, picnic tables coming to Hayesville’s Parkdale Park
A state grant is funding the development of Marion County’s Parkdale Park, bringing a place for people to gather in northeast Salem. Work is expected to be finished this summer.
Marion County Commissioners extend contract for Brooks incinerator through June, increase garbage rates
Reworld Marion, the waste management company formerly known as Covanta will have until June 30, 2025, to dispose of leftover waste on site at its Brooks garbage incinerator as it continues the process of shuttering or selling the facility.