The Latest Stories For You From Salem Reporter

Good morning, Salem.

It’s become an annual summer Salem tradition – herbicide treatment along the Willamette River.

Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

Crews are back at it starting today through Aug. 8, applying herbicide to kill an invasive water plant, Ludwigia, along the Oxbow Slough and Willamette Slough. Work will be visible from Minto-Brown Island Park, and city and Willamette Riverkeeper representatives will be on hand to answer questions today about their work.

“Ludwigia forms dense mats in slow-moving backwater channels, oxbow lakes and sloughs. While this yellow-flowered plant may appear pretty, it has the potential to choke entire waterways, severely restricting recreational access, degrading water quality and creating an environment that is unfriendly to native fish and wildlife,” the city of Salem said in an announcement Friday.

Residents should avoid the sloughs during treatment and for 24 hours after to avoid exposure and allow the treatment to work. Treated plants may show signs of a blue-green dye, which can persist for up to two weeks.

Reporter Abbey McDonald spoke to the organizers of the effort in 2023, as they wrapped up treatment on the Willamette Slough and prepared to move to the current Oxbow Slough location. Read more about the project in her article here.

Here’s some of today’s news. For the latest, you can always head to our website.

www.salemreporter.com

Homeownership to become reality for dozens of Salem families as housing authority sells old properties

The Salem Housing Authority is selling decades-old rental homes at a discount, moving ahead with “a crazy opportunity” to expand affordable homeownership in the community.

www.salemreporter.com

Facing federal uncertainty, Oregon quietly halted a new Medicaid program for people leaving prison

State health officials delayed a $64 million Medicaid expansion intended to help people leaving prison because of the Trump administration’s tax and spending cuts package.

www.salemreporter.com

COLUMN: A hands-on guide for emergency planning

Mark Wardell, the leader of West Salem’s Community Emergency Response Team, walks step-by-step through his family guide for preparing for an emergency.

Garden Angels Landscape Design and Consulting Salem Oregon

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Homeownership to become reality for dozens of Salem families as housing authority sells old properties

Facing federal uncertainty, Oregon quietly halted a new Medicaid program for people leaving prison

COLUMN: A hands-on guide for emergency planning

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