Your Thursday evening update on Salem news

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Good evening, Salem.

Earlier this week, we shared a story about rising power rates for Portland General Electric and Pacific Power.

The report, by our partners at Oregon Capital Chronicle, covered state-regulated utilities. That prompted a question from some readers: what about Salem Electric?

The co-op that supplies power for most of West Salem also saw a rate increase April 1 of 5.4%. That’s about $6.55 a month for the average person. We reported that previously as part of a roundup of expected utility rate increases in 2026.

Salem Electric last raised rates in October 2023 and has generally seen smaller increases in recent years compared to PGE and other large power companies.

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

www.salemreporter.com

Most middle and high schools in Salem will lose several teachers next year as educators shuffle to vacant jobs. The cuts are in response to declining enrollment and rising costs.…

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On Saturday, April 4, the community is invited to Salem Pioneer Cemetery to experience the sights and sounds of the traditional Chinese Qingming festival. The festival was first celebrated in…

www.salemreporter.com

Four current city councilors and their four challengers took the stage at the Elsinore Theatre Tuesday, March 31, to tell voters what they want to do if elected. The Town…

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State parks haven’t consistently completed or recorded safety inspections and don’t adequately track property like vehicles, putting the agency at risk of expensive lawsuits or fines.

READERS REACT: “Great reporting detail; thank you. I really enjoyed reading this.”

That was among the reactions to Skeet Starr’s recent profile of a Salem martial arts school that’s been teaching for 30 years.

Join the conversation by filing out the form at the bottom of any of our articles.

SEND US NEWS TIPS: Send your information, ideas or questions to our editor, Les Zaitz, at [email protected].

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