Former Salem police Sgt. Dustin Wann is not guilty of driving home drunk from a West Salem party in May 2023, a state judge found after a day-long trial on Monday. The verdict came after an earlier trial in August ended in a hung jury.
Tag: POLK COUNTY
Marion and Polk counties plan road, bridge improvements for 2025
As legislators consider a major transportation funding package in 2025, Marion and Polk counties are facing a backlog of deferred maintenance on roads and bridges.
Former prison worker charged with brother’s murder after standoff at Salem prison
Alonzo Rowell is accused of fatally shooting his brother, Tony Miller, in Dallas on Saturday and then getting into a standoff with police at the Salem prison where he used to work as a prison guard.
Hunter holds commanding lead for sheriff, Carlson narrowly ahead in judge contest
Marion and Polk county voters overwhelmingly favored current sheriffs in contested races. Here’s a breakdown of Marion and Polk county races.
Salem homeowners see moderate tax increases, rise in property values slowing
Homeowners in Salem on average will pay about $120 more in property taxes this year. Home values previously skyrocketed until around 2022, but that rise has since slowed down.
After suing Polk County, treasurer seeks reelection against challenger focused on fiscal oversight
Polk County Treasurer Steve Milligan last year sued his employer, saying the county illegally stripped the treasurer of duties spelled out in state law. Challenger Chris Patoine said the suit was a waste of money and wants to bring a watchdog approach to the role.
Two Keizer residents accused of using Dallas auto shop to steal customers’ cars
Police arrested a Keizer man and woman accused of stealing four vehicles from customers of Kameleon Collision in Dallas.
Polk County illegally blocks treasurer from doing his job, judge rules
Polk County’s treasurer alleged in a lawsuit last November that the county had shrunk the treasurer’s salary to almost zero and handed off his responsibilities to an unelected county official. Now, a state judge has ruled that the county’s handling of the treasurer job is illegal.
Local League of Women Voters is one constant as candidates, voters face increased polarization
While political polarization has increased among voters, Marion and Polk County’s League of Women Voters is a steadfast source of information on voter rights, ballot measures and local candidates for the community. This election cycle, the league is engaging with groups often left out of political conversations, like unhoused and senior voters.
Owner of West Salem jewelry business sentenced to 20 years for stealing money, heirlooms from customers
A Portland man was sentenced to 20 years in prison after he used Timeless Jeweler, his Salem business, to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from his customers.