Category Marion & Polk County
Brooks incinerator closure prompts Saturday discussion about the future of trash in Salem
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.
Former Salem police sergeant acquitted of DUI
Former Salem police Sgt. Dustin Wann is not guilty of driving home drunk from a West Salem party in May 2023, a state judge found after a day-long trial on Monday. The verdict came after an earlier trial in August ended in a hung jury.
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.
Marion and Polk counties plan road, bridge improvements for 2025
As legislators consider a major transportation funding package in 2025, Marion and Polk counties are facing a backlog of deferred maintenance on roads and bridges.
Former prison worker charged with brother’s murder after standoff at Salem prison
Alonzo Rowell is accused of fatally shooting his brother, Tony Miller, in Dallas on Saturday and then getting into a standoff with police at the Salem prison where he used to work as a prison guard.
Hunter holds commanding lead for sheriff, Carlson narrowly ahead in judge contest
Marion and Polk county voters overwhelmingly favored current sheriffs in contested races. Here's a breakdown of Marion and Polk county races.
Salem homeowners see moderate tax increases, rise in property values slowing
Homeowners in Salem on average will pay about $120 more in property taxes this year. Home values previously skyrocketed until around 2022, but that rise has since slowed down.
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.