2011 Press Releases NOVEMBER 2011 County and Transit District Release RFP for Remediation of Courthouse Square Posted Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 3:25 p.m. Salem , OR – Today Marion County and the Salem Area Mass Transit District released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for remediation, or repair, of the Courthouse Square complex.
The RFP will provide the county and transit district with market-based costs for repair of the complex. The owners are seeking a qualified Design-Build firm specializing in remediation and experienced in post-tensioned concrete structures to provide a viable solution for the complex. Proposed solutions must ensure a service life of 50 years or greater. Bidders will be asked to provide a detailed response including design and construction costs for their proposed solution. read more...
2011 Holiday Book Drive: Twelve Thousand Books in Twelve Days Posted Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 12:30 p.m.SALEM, OR - The Marion County Children and Families Department will launch the third annual 2011 Holiday Book Drive on Thursday, December 1. This county-wide book drive will again seek 12,000 new or gently used children’s books from the community for its “Reading for All” project. The 2011 Holiday Book Drive will culminate in an all-day drive-through event based at the Salem Conference Center on Monday, December 12, 2011. read more...Holiday Book Collection Sites2012 Mid-Valley Green Awards Nominations Sought Posted Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 12:00 noonSALEM, OR - The Friends of Straub Environmental Learning Center, Marion County Public Works Environmental Services and Garten Services, Inc. are seeking nominations for the third annual Mid-Valley Green Awards. Nominations are being sought for individuals, businesses, and organizations located in Marion County and the greater Salem area. Nominations must be received by January 17, 2012. read more...
Silverton Road Pedestrian Crossing Improved Near Valley Medical College Posted Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 3:00 p.m.SALEM, OR - As part of a campus expansion, Valley Medical College located at 4707 Silverton Road NE is renovating an existing building across the street and adding a new surface parking lot. To safely accommodate students and staff crossing between the campus buildings, Marion County Public Works is working with the college’s operator, Brightstar Education Group, Inc., to add a pedestrian crossing facility on Silverton Road adjacent to the campus. read more...
Public Safety Coordinating Council Releases Annual Report and Strategic Plan Posted Friday, October 21, 2011 at 3:00 p.m.Salem, OR - The Marion County Board of Commissioners approved at their October 19 meeting the strategic plan developed and presented by its Public Safety Coordinating Council. “The council sees public safety entities operating in a ‘new normal,’ a time of decreasing crime trends and funding, and yet increasing numbers of quality of life problems compounded by mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness,” said Commissioner Patti Milne, who serves as chair of the Public Safety Coordinating Council. read more... Members needed for Marion County Parks Commission Posted Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 3:30 p.m.Salem, OR – Marion County is currently recruiting for two open positions on the county Parks Commission. The seven-member commission meets quarterly to advise the Board of Commissioners on land acquisition, development, operation and maintenance of the system of 19 developed and three undeveloped county parks. read more...
Solid Waste Management Advisory Council Seeking New MembersPosted Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 3:30 p.m.Salem, OR - Marion County’s Solid Waste Management Advisory Council is seeking three new members. The open positions include two laypersons and one available for a public health representative. Among the issues the advisory council works on are waste reduction, protection of the environment, increasing public education concerning waste issues, and improving operations of solid waste management facilities. read more...
Local Alcohol & Drug Planning Committee Seeking Members Posted Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.The Marion County Local Alcohol & Drug Planning Committee is looking for new members who can represent the interests of one or more minority cultural groups, including the Hispanic, Native American and/or Russian communities, rural communities, and education and physical health. read more...County Sets Public Hearing on Alternative Procurement Process Posted October 12, 2011 at 8:45 a.m.Salem, OR - The Marion County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding use of an alternative procurement process for Design-Build project services for the Courthouse Square Complex. The hearing will be held on Wednesday, October 26, 2011, at 9:30 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room located at 1115 Commercial Street NE, Salem. read more...
Marion County Fair Board Seeking a New MemberPosted September 29, 2011, at 5:00 p.m.the Marion County Fair Board is seeking an energetic, forward-thinking person ready to roll up his or her sleeves to help produce the annual Marion County Fiar. read more...
2011 Salem Green and Solar Fair Posted September 23, 2011, at 2:15 p.m.(Salem, OR) The 2011 Salem Green + Solar Fair kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 1, at Pringle Creek Community's Painter's Hall located at 3911 Village Center Dr. SE, Salem, and will focus on strategies to increase a home’s value through “green remodeling.”
The fair will start with a keynote presentation by Stephen Aiguier, president and founder of Green Hammer Construction (www.greenhammer.com/remodels.shtml), which has built and renovated several high-performance LEED Platinum homes. read more...Courthouse Square Activity Posted on September 16, 2011, at 5:00 p.m.Salem, OR – On Monday, September 19, engineering firm Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) will be at Courthouse Square to begin site survey and other non-destructive work in preparation for additional structural and materials tests on Courthouse Square. read more...
Marion County Fair Board Seeking a New MemberPosted on September 8, 2011, at 2:20 p.m. The Marion County Fair Board is seeking an energetic, forward-thinking person ready to roll up his or her sleeves to help produce the annual Marion County Fair. One position is open on the seven-member Fair Board which oversees management of the fair. The Fair Board works from an annual Strategic Plan in determining the distribution of responsibilities and the timing in which tasks are completed. The open position will have a variety of duties including working with other board members, fair staff, and volunteers to organize, manage, and promote the fair. In addition, each board member must be available to complete assigned duties during the week of the fair, which will be held July 12-15, 2012. read more... National Suicide Prevention Week – September 4 through September 10, 2011 Posted on September 1, 2011, at 4:45 p.m.(Salem, OR) - National Suicide Prevention Week for 2011 is set for September 4th through 10th. This year’s theme is “Changing the Legacy of Suicide” read more...
Recommendation Received for Courthouse Square Owners’ Representative Posted on August 31, at 4:20 p.m.Salem, OR – An evaluation committee, representing Marion County and the Salem Area Mass Transit District, has recommended Golder Associates, Inc. to serve as an owners’ representative as the future of the Courthouse Square complex is considered. Transit’s Board of Directors formally approved the recommendation at their regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, August 25. The Marion County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to consider the recommendation at their regular Wednesday, August 31, board session. read more...Marion County Deputy Receives Recycling AwardsPosted on August 26, 2011 at 2:40 p.m.Salem, OR – On Wednesday, the Marion County Board of Commissioners presented Deputy Bob Ferris with the 2011 Association of Oregon Recyclers Recycler of the Year Award in the government category. A two decade veteran of the Marion County Jail, Deputy Ferris, who is also a Master Recycler, has worked for many years to improve recycling and waste reduction efforts at the county jail. As a result of Deputy Ferris’ efforts, the county jail is now realizing savings of over $20,000 per year by decreasing the size and frequency of garbage collection. read more...
County Reminds Area Landowners to Prevent Spread of Tansy Ragwort Posted on August 1, 2011, at 8:40 a.m.SALEM OR - The Marion County Weed Control District would like to remind area landowners to be on the lookout for, and remove, tansy ragwort from their property. This highly invasive weed is toxic to livestock. Tansy ragwort is both a state and county listed noxious weed and is particularly toxic to cows and horses. Even incidental consumption, over time, can lead to extreme illness and even death in livestock. It is important that removal of this weed begins before the seeds spread and increase the population. read more... Ragwort Fact Sheet
Marion County and Volcanoes Baseball present 6th annualStriking Out Meth in Marion CountyPosted on July 18, 2011, at 4:10 p.m.SALEM, OR - Striking Out Meth in Marion County pitches its 6th annual event at Volcanoes Stadium in Keizer on Friday, July 29. The summer highlight has become one of the top draws of the season for the Class A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Before the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes battle the Yakima Bears in a hot baseball rivalry, fans of all ages can visit with local, state and federal law enforcement professionals and see many of their vehicles and special equipment. In addition, local non-profit agencies and sponsoring businesses host displays to provide information about their services, interact with youth, and encourage positive family friendly activities. read more...
JUNE 2011
Talented Individuals Sought for the Marion County Fair Posted on June 24, 2011 at 5:10 p.m.SALEM, OR - The Marion County Fair wants all talented individuals to bring their best to the 2011 fair. Join us July 7 through July 10 for over twenty (20) contests and competitions featuring the best of Marion County! read more... VERTIGO! AT THE MARION COUNTY FAIR Posted on June 24, 2011 at 5:10 p.m.SALEM, OR - This year, the Marion County Fair brings the newest and most exciting ride ever, VERTIGO. The ride rises to 80 feet, taking between two and three minutes from the base to the top, with the swings spinning at a moderate speed. At the top, riders will have panoramic views of both the Oregon State Fairgrounds and the city of Salem. It’s an experience that will be spectacular! read more...
Marion County Budget Committee Approves FY 2011-2012 Budget Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.SALEM, OR – On Wednesday, June 8, the Marion County Budget Committee voted to approve the FY 2011-12 county budget and recommended forwarding it to the Board of Commissioners for final adoption. The total approved budget is $341,796,802, with a general fund of $77,007,416. read more...
Marion County Extends Due Date for Literacy Award Nominations Posted on June 8, 2011, at 2:30 p.m.SALEM, OR - The Marion County Children and Families Department has extended the due date for nominations for the 2011 “Reading for All” Literacy Awards. Nominations will be accepted for three categories: youth, adult, and business/organization. Nominations may be submitted by mail, fax, or online at the “Reading for All” website, www.reading4all.com. All nominations will now be due June 24, 2011. read more... Nomination Form
MAY 2011
New Buena Vista Ferry Scheduled to Arrive Saturday, May 14 Posted on May 10, 2011, at 3:00 p.m.SALEM - The new Buena Vista Ferry is tentatively scheduled to pass through Salem on the Willamette River between Saturday, May 14, and Sunday, May 15, as it is transported up the river from Portland. The boat will travel through the Willamette Falls Locks on May 12 on its way to the Buena Vista launch site. Upon arrival, Marion County Public Works crews will spend the next several weeks hooking the vessel up to the shore power supply and guide cables, and perform testing and training. Regular service is anticipated to resume in early to mid-June with a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration in late June. read more...
One position is open on the seven-member Fair Board which oversees management of the fair. The Fair Board works from an annual strategic plan in determining the distribution of responsibilities and the timing in which tasks are completed. The open position will have a variety of duties, read more...
The Heart of Literacy ConferencePosted on February 14, 2011, at 9:15a.m.Salem, OR - On Saturday, February 26, 2011, the 2011 Heart of Literacy Conference will be held at McKay High School at 2440 Lancaster Drive in Salem. The conference is designed for parents, community members, childcare and pre-school providers, and educators to help them support the healthy development and education of children. The conference is free and will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Lunch is included and free childcare is available for all attendees with children ages two through twelve. People from all areas in Marion County are welcome to attend. read more...
JANUARY 2011Board of Commissioners to Present State of the County Posted on February 2, 2011, at 4:00 p.m.Salem, OR – On Thursday, February 10, 2011, the Marion County Board of Commissioners will present their annual State of the County address at the SEDCOR Economic Business Forum. The program is scheduled from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. and will be held at the Salem Conference Center located at 200 Commercial Street SE, Salem. read more...
Marion County Dog Shelter to Begin New Operating Hours on MondayPosted on January 27, at 12:30p.m.(Salem, OR) – Beginning Monday, January 10, 2011, the Marion County Dog Shelter will be closed to the public on Mondays. The shelter will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Shelter staff will be available on Mondays to return dogs to their owners from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. However, dog adoptions and dog licensing will not be offered on Mondays. Those wishing to purchase dog licenses on a Monday may do so at the Public Works main campus or at many area veterinary clinics. read more...
Marion County Public Works Sets Public Meeting to Discuss Nusom Road Options Posted on January 14, 2011 at 11:30 a.m.Salem, OR – The Marion County Public Works Department has set a public meeting to discuss repair options for the failed culvert on Nusom Road near Silverton. A detour remains in place, due to the closure of Nusom Road, using Howell Prairie, Saratoga and North Howell Roads. read more...