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It’s been over a year since a Hillsboro man died of an apparent fentanyl overdose while in the Marion County Jail.

Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

Will Schultz, 33, had been in the jail for six days when he died. Prosecutors haven’t decided whether to charge anyone with his death.

Meantime, records show county officials have done little to investigate or stop the illegal trafficking of drugs into the jail.

Drug use was active in the jail as recently as November, according to medical records provided by the county. Multiple inmates last year overdosed in jail or were hospitalized after swallowing bags of drugs to sneak in.

Marion County commissioners have repeatedly criticized Measure 110, which decriminalized user quantities of street drugs in early 2021. In a newsletter mailed to county residents earlier this year, they called the measure a “massive failure” and said the surge in overdoses since its passage was “heartbreaking but not a surprise.”

But the county could produce no record showing its elected leaders communicated about the issue of drug trafficking in the jail they oversee even after two inmates fatally overdosed. Find that story below.

Here’s some of today’s news. You can always find our latest reports on our website.

www.salemreporter.com

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…

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www.salemreporter.com

How affordable housing takes shape in Salem

This is the second part in a special series by Salem Reporter examining how affordable housing is funded and why public support is needed. Today: Looking at how the pieces…

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www.salemreporter.com

YOUR GOVERNMENT: Bus ridership up 20% in Salem, report finds

The Cherriots board meets Thursday, Feb. 22, to hear reports on customer satisfaction, finances, and ridership. They will also hear details about assaults against employees last year.

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www.salemreporter.com

Senate passes ‘right to repair’ bill on fixing electronics

The proposal would require electronics manufacturers to provide repair tools and supplies at a fair cost to consumers and independent repair shops.

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