Friends and family of Kammi Murray and Jordan Hoover filled a Polk County courtroom on Tuesday, July 7 to celebrate the couple’s graduation from Family Recovery Court. The program brings together case workers, service providers, lawyers and a judge to help families navigate housing and substance use treatment in order to regain custody of their…

The beloved theme park south of Salem was evacuated by law enforcement Thursday after a caller reported a bomb threat involving the park. A Marion County Sheriff’s Office spokesman said the threat appeared similar to fake 911 calls, or swatting.

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.

A special committee of the Keizer City Council is investigating Mayor Cathy Clark and Councilor Dan Kohler over an episode in a closed-door meeting in early June. The committee directed the city to hire an attorney and an investigator to conduct the probe. What exactly is being investigated is unclear. A finding that either Clark…

Marion County Circuit Judge Channing Bennett kept a gun attached to the underside of his work desk. It was discovered days after he was put on leave for directing obscenities at his colleagues during an April after-hours work event.

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.

The city of Salem wants to hear from northeast residents to get a sense of what issues people face as it prepares to expand services into the area. A community survey designed to help the city pinpoint resources in northeast Salem is available through Aug. 2. To comment on this story, use the form at…

Salem Health and Santiam Hospital & Clinics are asking state officials for accelerated, emergency approval of an acquisition they say would keep Santiam solvent. That coincided with a request to withdraw the hospitals’ initial application going through the state’s approval process

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.

The city of Salem filed a lawsuit in federal court Wednesday, July 8, against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over a deep drawdown of the Detroit reservoir scheduled for the fall. The drawdown is meant to facilitate young salmon migration, but city leaders say it will temporarily overwhelm the sand filters that clean the…

Thomas D. Ewing, a psychology instructor at Chemeketa Community College, is facing assault and reckless endangering charges in Polk County after witnesses said he sped along the Center Street Bridge and damaged five vehicles. Polk County District Attorney Aaron Felton said he’d heard community concerns about Ewing’s driving months ahead of the crash. To comment…

A judge on Tuesday appeared incredulous that the Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments fired its Safe Routes to School coordinator for wearing a shirt featuring an iconic Norman Rockwell portrait.

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.

The city of Salem announced Tuesday afternoon that Betsy Vega is qualified under city charter to serve on the Salem City Council representing Ward 6 in northeast Salem, after a complaint claiming she was not eligible due to discrepancies with her address. City Recorder Amy Johnson made the final determination based on a review and…

Since January, three men ages 18 and 19 have been sentenced to years in prison for assaulting a man near Wallace Marine Park last August. Polk County’s top prosecutor said there “was no validity” to the men’s claim the attack had been an act of retaliation. To comment on this story, use the form at…

The Marion County Fair will kick off Thursday for another four-day run, featuring animal exhibits, family entertainment, live performances and carnival fun. 

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Salem Reporter is rolling out several improvements to its subscription system. That includes a new family plan, a 2-person account, and a way for businesses and government agencies to manage several accounts in one place.

All-women law firm founded by a Willamette Law grad was recognized for its excellence in business and community engagement.

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.

Events in Salem this week include the Marion County Fair starting Thursday, an orchestra concert at the Capitol honoring America’s 250th birthday and a special Christmas in July screening of “Home Alone” at Salem Center.

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.

A groundskeeper on private property asked a group setting off fireworks to leave prior to shooting.

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.

In response to the city of Salem’s lawsuit claiming that the White House has illegally imposed its political agenda against immigration and diversity, equity and inclusion, spokespeople for federal agencies named in the lawsuit said it “is another attempt to obstruct President Trump’s agenda and the will of the American people.” To comment on this…

Lawmakers watered down their original legislation that sought to limit immigration enforcement’s access to data. The new law focuses on data handled by state agencies.

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.

Late Saturday night, on the Fourth of July, an explosion of illegal fireworks injured five people on a northeast Salem street. Neighbors recalled seeing people lying on the ground in the aftermath, surrounded by glass from broken car windows. The victims are in stable condition as of Sunday afternoon. To comment on this story, use…

The city of Salem is seeking about 100 volunteers to fan out across the city to collect data to be used for heat mapping. The city is working with Portland-based CAPA Strategies LLC and expects the initiative to be done later this year. The data will help identify hot spots in the city in need…

Chemeketa Community College’s production of “Mean Girls the Musical” will premiere Tuesday, July 7, for the college’s third year of outdoor evening shows at Riverfront Park.

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.