Good morning………
Tomorrow morning, we launch what I consider extraordinary journalism – a three-part series by reporter Abbey McDonald that is disturbing, enlightening and, I hope, motivating.
Abbey spent months delving into the troubled life of Melinda Lou Kayser. She interviewed relatives and experts. She poured over government records, including files normally shielded from public view. The result is a powerful, deeply human story about how Oregon’s long-neglected mental health system and laws intended to protect civil rights have left some of Salem’s most vulnerable to die from neglect on the streets.
“Sentenced to the Sidewalk” is worth your time. Watch for it on Monday morning.
Another way Salem Reporter serves the community is hosting community conversations about important topics. Let me remind you of our Tax Levy Town Hall, scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Elsinore Theatre. Bring your curiosity and your questions. Reserve your free ticket now.
This public session comes as we’ve shared a fair amount of news in recent days about Salem’s city budget.
Reporter Joe Siess explained how city officials intend to cut $14 million from spending. Libraries and parks would be hit hard. Managing Editor Rachel Alexander breaks down all the numbers so you can quickly get a sense of what’s at stake.
These proposals are all written in pencil, so to speak, because they aren’t final. You and other Salem residents have a chance to pipe up about what you think should happen with city spending. Public hearings are already scheduled.
And numbers of another kind came out this week – crime statistics.
Reporter Ardeshir Tabrizian digs into the latest report from the Salem Police Department, documenting a rise in violent crime. He also shares what experts found in researching gun violence for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. As with Salem’s report last year, the new report identifies a surge in violent crime among young people.
Marion County commissioners separately are calling for a return of school resource officers. Reporter Madeleine Moore explains that was part of the commissioners’ recent State of the County address.
In other public safety reporting:
•Lawsuits have targeted several companies, seeking compensation for the crash that killed several farmworkers on Interstate 5 south of Salem.
•A Salem man tied to the Gypsy Jokers motorcycle club is charged with drug crimes in California after police said they found 48 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop.
In community reporting:
•Salem’s school superintendent is bucking federal policies coming down on diversity matters. Gov. Tina Kotek spoke out as well in recent days.
•A shift in state funding means Salem-based Bridgeway won’t go ahead with creating a new recovery center for men undergoing treatment.
•A pair of Sprague High School students finished high in state competition regarding the U.S. Constitution. Word comes over the weekend that they did even better in subsequent competition at the national level last week.
•A team from Salem Reporter got a chance to prowl around the now-closed Macy’s store in downtown Salem. See what they found in the nooks and crannies.
About obituaries:
The privately-written stories of people who have passed are often moving and revealing. Here’s an excerpt from one we published last week about Alice Joyce Doumitt: “She lived simply but fully, with laughter in her home and warmth in her heart. Her friends loved her for her sense of humor and ever-present wit.”
Such notes are part of the history of our community. To learn more about our obituary service: Publishing an obituary on Salem Reporter.
HAVE A COMMENT? SUGGESTION?
Have thoughts about our reporting? A story we should do? A person we should profile? Or do you have questions about how we do our work? You’re welcome to send me an email – I read every one of them. Email: [email protected].
–Les Zaitz, Editor and co-founder
TAX LEVY TOWN HALL TICKETS – GET THEM NOW
Salem Reporter’s Town Hall on Taxes will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, at the Elsinore Theatre.
A panel of experts will explain and explore the city of Salem’s tax levy, on the May 20 ballot. The team at Salem Reporter invites you to join us for an extraordinary evening.
DATE/TIME: 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 15. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
PROGRAM: 90 minutes with Irvin Brown, Salem city councilor; Josh Eggelston, the city’s chief finance officer; and Tom Hoffert, chief executive officer, Salem Area Chamber of Commerce.
LOCATION: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. S.E.
TICKETS: Free online
NOTE: Tickets are needed so Elsinore staff can plan for audience size.
HAVE A COMMENT? SUGGESTION?
Have thoughts about our reporting? A story we should do? A person we should profile? Or do you have questions about how we do our work? You’re welcome to send me an email – I read every one of them. Email: [email protected].
–Les Zaitz, Editor and co-founder
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