Category Marion & Polk County
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.
Two Keizer residents accused of using Dallas auto shop to steal customers’ cars
Police arrested a Keizer man and woman accused of stealing four vehicles from customers of Kameleon Collision in Dallas.
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.
Local League of Women Voters is one constant as candidates, voters face increased polarization
While political polarization has increased among voters, Marion and Polk County’s League of Women Voters is a steadfast source of information on voter rights, ballot measures and local candidates for the community. This election cycle, the league is engaging with groups often left out of political conversations, like unhoused and senior voters.
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.
Owner of West Salem jewelry business sentenced to 20 years for stealing money, heirlooms from customers
A Portland man was sentenced to 20 years in prison after he used Timeless Jeweler, his Salem business, to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from his customers.
City plans insecticide injections for ash trees to combat invasive insect found in Marion County
Emerald ash borers, an invasive insect, were detected in Marion County, prompting Salem to plan insecticide treatments. The Oregon Department of Agriculture announced a permanent quarantine for four counties in Oregon barring them from moving wood products that could be infested.
Polk County’s new program to keep drug users out of jail launches Sept. 1
Polk County will start a new program on Sunday focused on diverting drug users away from the justice system. With a smaller population and budget than Marion County, Polk County officials focused on tailoring the program to its communities.
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.