Reworld Marion, formerly known as Covanta, will shut down its garbage incinerator near Brooks on December 31. The incinerator currently burns a large portion of garbage from Marion County homes and businesses, which will go to the Coffin Butte Landfill starting next year.
COUNTY GOVERNMENT
UPDATE: Police boosted summer patrols, reached out to teens in Salem’s hotspots for violence
The Salem Police Department and Marion County Sheriff’s Office this past summer assigned officers to overtime patrols in northeast Salem and downtown, and checked in more with minors on parole and probation.
New Marion County team resolving crisis calls, but numbers remain low
A new civilian Marion County team has resolved nearly all crisis incidents they’ve been called to without police. But officials say more public awareness and an improved system would allow them to help more people.
After suing Polk County, treasurer seeks reelection against challenger focused on fiscal oversight
Polk County Treasurer Steve Milligan last year sued his employer, saying the county illegally stripped the treasurer of duties spelled out in state law. Challenger Chris Patoine said the suit was a waste of money and wants to bring a watchdog approach to the role.
Here’s how Salem-area governments spent their Covid relief money
Reports submitted by Marion and Polk counties and the city of Salem showed most money went toward infrastructure projects, general government services and homeless shelters.
Polk County illegally blocks treasurer from doing his job, judge rules
Polk County’s treasurer alleged in a lawsuit last November that the county had shrunk the treasurer’s salary to almost zero and handed off his responsibilities to an unelected county official. Now, a state judge has ruled that the county’s handling of the treasurer job is illegal.
Marion County Sustainable Business Network to put on second sustainability summit
Marion County’s sustainability program, , formerly EARTHWise, is hosting a free gathering to help businesses become more environmentally friendly and cut costs at the Keizer Civic Center at 930 Chemawa Road from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27.
Simonka Place renovation will add space for 11 homeless women, children
Renovations to the Simonka Place women’s shelter will add more space and repair a deteriorating building. Marion County approved $1.4 million in federal funds for the project earlier this month.
New Marion County program aims to keep drug users out of jail as possession is criminalized again
Last Friday, Marion County officials announced a new court program designed to divert drug users away from jail as drug possession becomes criminalized starting on Sept. 1.
Brooks garbage incinerator fined for exceeding emissions limits
State regulators said the Brooks plant, which is contracted by Marion County to dispose of much of the county’s garbage, exceeded acceptable pollutant emission levels on multiple occasions. The company has until Sept. 5 to pay the $22,800 fine.
