Your Wednesday evening update on Salem news

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Good evening, Salem.

City officials are holding off on cutting down Salem’s oldest known tree pending more tests of two diseased oaks that sit on Northeast Marion Street.

The trees were slated for removal April 1 due to disease which rendered them likely to fall or drop large limbs on nearby homes and passersby.

But the city is now testing the trees’ root crowns and doing a sonic tomography test, similar to “tree radar,” city spokeswoman Kathy Ursprung told Salem Reporter on Tuesday, March 31. She said the results will likely take a few weeks and will determine next steps.

We’ll keep you posted on new developments.

Here’s some of today’s news. Head to our website anytime for the latest in Salem.

www.salemreporter.com

Nordyke casts herself as transparent, compassionate alternative in mayor’s race

Councilor Vanessa Nordyke, who’s running for mayor, took questions at Salem Reporter’s Town Hall Tuesday, March 31. Mayor Julie Hoy declined to participate as she runs for a second term.…

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www.salemreporter.com

Commissioners decry homeless camps, seek more behavioral health support

During their annual State of the County address Tuesday, March 31, Marion County commissioners talked about the planned drawdown of Detroit Lake, the homeless population in Polk County’s Wallace Marine…

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www.salemreporter.com

Oregon State Police search for missing Marion County woman 

Oregon State Police are searching for a missing Marion County woman, Maria Linda Jade Kilmer. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or state police directly. To comment on…

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www.salemreporter.com

Acting ICE director says feds not ‘currently’ planning new Oregon detention centers

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has no current plans to build new detention facilities or expand existing ICE locations in the state of Oregon, a top ICE official said, tempering…

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READERS REACT: “I feel proud to live in Salem where an event like this brings us face to face with candidates. It was informative and exciting. I also appreciate our Salem Reporter staff working with the candidates and audience to bring us this opportunity.”

That was among the reactions to our city election Town Hall, held Tuesday, March 31.

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