Category Public Safety
Wildfires increase mercury in Pacific Northwest headwater streams, USGS study shows
A new study from the U.S. Geological Survey looked at how wildfires impact mercury concentrations in headwater streams in Idaho, Washington and Oregon.
Marion County sees most measles cases in over 50 years
Marion County has recorded 20 cases of measles so far this year, according to Oregon Health Authority data. It’s the most the county has seen since 1973.
Man dies after July stabbing at Wallace Marine Park
19-year-old Riley John Adams died in the hospital Monday. He had been stabbed multiple times at Wallace Marine Park early in the morning on July 27, according to Salem police who are investigating the incident as a homicide.
St. Joseph’s arsonist sentenced to prison one year after fire
Billy J. Sweeten has been sentenced to over three years in prison for intentionally lighting a recycling bin on fire which climbed up the walls of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church last August. The church saw extensive damage, and repairs are still underway.
Police continue to investigate death of 67-year-old pedestrian
Teresita Telesfora Millard, 67, of Salem, died at a hospital in Salem Saturday after she was hit by an SUV four days earlier, according to Salem police.
Woman sentenced for running over, killing ex during custody dispute
Branda Myshelle Myers was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter for the 2022 killing of her ex-partner.
Police leaders say body, car cameras are helping solve crimes
Cameras are now worn by all Salem police officers interacting with the public and are mounted on 60 police vehicles. Chief Trevor Womack says they’re helping police identify vehicles and reducing complaints.
Wildfires hammer carefully balanced sagebrush ecosystems in Malheur County
While fire is a natural part of sagebrush rangeland, the frequency and intensity of fires has increased, disrupting wildlife who rely on the range for survival.
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.