In the wake of a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision some billed as a death knell to organized labor, unions in Oregon say the impact has been minimal. Some have even found a silver lining. “It is a financial hit, but I think it is less significant than they people[Read More…]
Latest News
Bennett biding his time, but plans to seek investigation into city’s water crisis
Salem Mayor Chuck Bennett (Special to Salem Reporter/Moriah Ratner) Mayor Chuck Bennett’s lasting memory of his long trip to England earlier this year is a lot of confusion. Bennett, 70, and his wife had carefully planned to celebrate his retirement from the private sector that May. They landed in London,[Read More…]
Uncategorized Plastic bags ban heads to city council Monday
Updated 9 p.m. Sept. 10: After nearly two hours of public testimony, the Salem City Council decided not to ban on single-use plastic bags — at least not yet. Council voted 5 to 4 to send the proposed ban back to staff for them to do more outreach on the[Read More…]
Salem schools tackle high student absenteeism
Emily Hicks, a communications coordinator for Salem-Keizer schools, hands a refrigerator magnet to track student attendance to an Auburn Elementary family at a school kick-off event Tuesday, Sept. 5 (Salem Reporter/Rachel Alexander). As the school year kicks off, Salem-Keizer is sending a simple message to students and parents: show up.[Read More…]
Meeting introduces local public officials to Salem Reporter
Salem City Councilor Jim Lewis talks with developer Chuck Sides Thursday, Aug. 16, at a morning coffee hosted by Salem Reporter. (Salem Reporter/Aubrey Wieber) Area public officials on Thursday were encouraged to share both information and concerns about press coverage as they learned about Salem Reporter. Editor Les Zaitz outlined[Read More…]
Uncategorized Experienced journalists start at Salem Reporter
The news staff of the all-new Salem Reporter – Rachel Alexander, Troy Brynelson, and Aubrey Wieber. They are making requests for government records. They are setting up appointments with key public officials. And they’re discussing how to reach out to Salem citizens to get acquainted. That was the first day[Read More…]
Uncategorized Groundbreaking news source starts in Salem
An innovative news source providing accurate in-depth and enterprising local coverage online is coming to Salem in September. Salem Reporter, locally owned and managed, will provide readers a mix of investigative reports, clear and compelling coverage of local government, and insights into the people who hold power in the Salem[Read More…]
Uncategorized Who is behind Salem Reporter?
Salem Reporter is a web-based news organization focused exclusively on reporting in the Salem area. Its team of experienced journalists will delve into local government, schools, business, nonprofits, and state government. Salem Reporter also will give the community unmatched coverage of major breaking news events, aiming to be the “go[Read More…]
Uncategorized Co-founder Les Zaitz is former reporter, editor at The Oregonian
Two-time Pulitzer finalist Les Zaitz is an Oregon native. He started his professional journalism career right out of high school, hired in 1973 as a general assignment reporter for the Salem Statesman Journal. He continued writing as a staff reporter and correspondent while attending the University of Oregon, working for[Read More…]
Larry Tokarski, co-founder, is a Salem businessman
Lawrence E. Tokarski (Larry) is president of Mountain West Investment Corporation. He was born in Hamtramck, Michigan, and attended Catholic schools for 12 years. He graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Business Administration. He worked four years for Shell Oil Company doing marketing in the Willamette Valley.[Read More…]