Ongoing construction at North Salem High School on May 6, 2020. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Major construction projects have recently started at three Salem-Keizer schools, and crews are on track to finish expansions at four others this summer. Though nearly every other piece of schooling has been disrupted by the coronavirus[Read More…]
Latest News
COUNTY ELECTIONS: Polk County commissioner candidates list rural broadband and safer roads as priorities
Polk County Courthouse (Courtesy of Jolene Guzman/Polk Itemizer-Observer) Salem Reporter wanted to know what issues were top of mind for the candidates seeking a position as Polk County commissioner. We provided each candidate written questions intended to elicit their understanding of challenges the county faces and how they would overcome[Read More…]
After a decline, claims for unemployment benefits rise locally
Bath and Body Works in the Willamette Town Center was closed. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) Unemployment claims from Marion and Polk counties increased slightly last week after seeing weeks of decline. Weekly numbers released by the Oregon Employment Department show that 2,073 people in Marion County filed initial claims for unemployment[Read More…]
Lawsuit accuses Chemeketa Community College of violating students’ free-speech rights
Chemeketa Community College (File/Salem Reporter) Chemeketa Community College violated the constitutional rights of a pro-life student group by only allowing its members to distribute pamphlets, flyers and other materials in small “speech zones,” a lawsuit alleges. The complaint was filed on March 5 in U.S. District Court in Eugene on[Read More…]
State issues detailed guidelines for sectors as parts of Oregon prepare to open
The playground is closed at Wallace Marine Park in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) State officials on Thursday released new guidance for steps needs to ensure the coronavirus outbreak doesn’t get out of control while reducing restrictions. Gov. Kate Brown and the Oregon Health[Read More…]
Governor eases restrictions – you can buy furniture – but major events are likely gone until at least September
Bath and Body Works in the Willamette Town Center closed after state restrictions were put in place. Gov. Kate Brown said retailers could open again on May 15 with social distancing in mind. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) The clamp on Oregon activities will ease up next week as Gov. Kate Brown[Read More…]
With highest COVID-19 rate in the state, Marion County wants to start reopening businesses
Center 50+, a city-run senior center, closed on Monday, March 16 . (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) Marion County says it is ready to start lifting restrictions intended to slow the spread of COVID-19. But the county’s plan, released Wednesday, will face its first test when it’s sent to the governor’s office[Read More…]
Drop in child abuse hotline calls masks continuing trauma for Salem kids
A garden at Liberty House, a child abuse assessment center serving Marion and Polk Counties. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Alison Kelley worries the coronavirus is putting additional stress on struggling families in ways that are leading to child abuse that is largely masked from public view. The CEO of Liberty House,[Read More…]
PHOTOS: One fed-up salon owner in Salem opened her doors in defiance of state orders
Supporters cheer the opening on Tuesday, May 5, of Glamour Salon at 195 Liberty St. S.E. Owner Lindsey Graham said she opened in defiance of state restrictions to earn an income (Ron Cooper/Salem Reporter) Lindsey Graham, the owner of Salem’s Glamour Salon, opened her doors to customers on Tuesday. But[Read More…]
Steve Betschart, 71, retired Dallas High School teacher, remembered for legacy of service and faith
Steve and Jenni Betschart in 2016 (Courtesy/Jenni Betschart) Steve Betschart could make friends and strangers cry with a few notes from his bugle. Betschart, 71, was an accomplished musician, playing trumpet in high school band and later accompanying services at Salem First Church of the Nazarene. Whether they knew him[Read More…]