Voters in both Marion and Polk counties have rare contested races for sheriff, while Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell is running for reelection unopposed.
COUNTY GOVERNMENT
YOUR GOVERNMENT: Marion County receives federal grant for River Road bridge repairs
A $7 million federal grant will help Marion County pay for repairs and strengthening of the River Road bridge outside of Independence. Construction would likely begin in 2026.
YOUR GOVERNMENT: Marion County Commissioners consider creating emergency plans for rural areas
Commissioners on Wednesday, March 13, will consider accepting $1 million from the state to split among six projects in the north Santiam Canyon that were impacted by wildfire in 2020.
Who’s filed to run for Salem, county offices as deadline approaches
Voters have a chance to elect a majority of the Salem City Council during the May 21 primary election.
YOUR GOVERNMENT: Marion County Commissioners to hear update on federal wildfire recovery funds
Commissioners on Wednesday will consider expanding a contract with an insurance agency for services covered by the state’s publicly funded Medicaid program.
Marion County crisis team gets underway after years of planning
A civilian crisis response team covering Marion County started taking calls at the start of the year. Mental health workers and addiction recovery mentors meet people in person who have called for help with a personal crisis.
UPDATE: Marion County Commissioners adds nearly $2 million to budget
Commissioners on Wednesday approved a five-year strategic plan intended to boost the county’s economy and employment.
YOUR GOVERNMENT: Marion County Commissioners approve state money for mental health treatment
Commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved money from the Oregon Health Authority for behavioral health treatment, care coordination, and treatment for people with serious and persistent mental illness.
WATCHDOG: Jail inmate overdoses continue with little action from Marion County leaders
Medical records show drugs were being trafficked into the Marion County Jail as recently as November, with multiple overdoses last year. Prosecutors haven’t decided whether to charge anyone with Will Schultz’s death over a year after he fatally overdosed in jail.
YOUR GOVERNMENT: Commissioners consider grant for expanded women’s shelter
Marion County Commissioners will vote Wednesday on paying for case workers to help with the expansion of the Safe Sleep United shelter, and moving forward on Santiam Canyon infrastructure projects.
