Oregon School Exclusion Day is Just Around the Corner Posted Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 3:45 p.m.Salem, OR - Wednesday February 20, 2013 is school exclusion day. Oregon law requires that all children in public and private schools, preschools, Head Start and certified child care facilities have up-to-date immunizations, or have a religious or medical exemption. If local school and county records show children are missing required immunizations, they will be excluded from school on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 and there after until immunization records are updated. The Marion County Health Department would like to remind parents to make sure their children’s vaccination records are complete before the February exclusion date. Winter break is a great opportunity to get your child’s immunizations updated. read more...
Solid Waste Management Advisory Council Seeking New MembersPosted Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 11:30 a.m.Salem, OR - Marion County’s Solid Waste Management Advisory Council is seeking new members for two positions that will become available in January 2013. Among the issues the advisory council works on are waste reduction, protection of the environment, increasing public awareness concerning waste issues, and improving operations of solid waste management facilities. read more...
2012 Holiday Book Drive: Drive-Through Book Drop-off Wednesday, December 12, 2012Posted Tuesday, December 11, 2012, 8:45 a.m.SALEM, OR – The 2012 Holiday Book Drive will feature a drive-through donation site Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at the Salem Conference Center at 200 Commercial Street SE, Salem. Volunteers will be on hand to accept donations of children’s books on the west side of the Salem Conference Center from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. People can access the drive-through from the left lane of Commercial Street and contribute books without having to get out of their cars. read more... DeMuniz Pine Street Resource Center to Hold Holiday Open House Posted Tuesday, December 11, 2012, 8:45 a.m.Salem, OR – The DeMuniz Pine Street Resource Center will be hosting its 2nd annual Holiday Party and Open House on Friday, December 14, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The resource center is located at 355 Pine Street NE, Salem. Clients, staff, volunteers, and community supporters are invited to attend. read more...NOVEMBER
ILEAD YOUTH SUMMIT Marion and Polk County Teens Plan to Participate in 1-Day Leadership EventPosted Tuesday, October 30, 2012, 2:00 p.m.Salem, OR – “Street Glow: Make the Future Bright ” is the theme for the Fall 2012 ILEAD Youth Summit set for Saturday, November 3rd. High school students representing Woodburn, North Marion, Central, Dallas, and Salem-Keizer School Districts and others will meet at the 4-H Conference and Education Center in West Salem to learn about service, advocacy, personal goal-setting and leadership. read more...
Solid Waste Management Advisory Council Seeking New MembersPosted Tuesday, October 30, 2012, 2:00 p.m.Salem, OR - Marion County’s Solid Waste Management Advisory Council is seeking new members. The open positions include two laypersons and as well as the Public Health position and the Community Organization position. 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...
This is the commissioners’ fourth stop in a series to community board sessions aimed at highlighting issues important to Marion County’s cities. The board encourages community participation and time is set aside at the beginning of each meeting for public comment. read more... Link to board session agenda
Hair Salon Qualifies for EarthWISE CertificationPosted Monday, October 8, 2012, 11:00 a.m.Salem, OR – Designer Cut of Salem is the first hair and nail salon to qualify for EarthWISE certification. Certification is achieved when businesses commit to sustainable practices that meet Marion County’s EarthWISE standards.
“The quest for this certification not only educated me, but is educating the other hairstylists and nail techs on all the ways we can recycle and reduce waste,” reported Roberta Olfert, owner of Designer Cut. read more...
Oregon Garden Foundation Seeking Two New MembersPosted Friday, October 5, 2012, 12:30 p.m. Salem, OR – The Oregon Garden Foundation Board of Directors has openings for two new members. It is a five member board with three members appointed by the Marion County Board of Commissioners. Responsibilities of board members include maintaining knowledge of the organization, personal commitment to its goals and objectives, and attending monthly board meetings. read more…County Public Works Employees Presented “Everyday Hero” Award Posted on Friday, October 5, 2012, 12:30 p.m.Salem, OR – Four Marion County Public Works employees were presented with an “Everyday Hero” award by the Oregon Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA). Recipients include Road Operations Supervisor Don Clark, Crew Leader Leonard Lopes, and Heavy Equipment Operators Marek Lloyd and Mike Harmel. The group was presented with the award on October 4th during the association’s annual conference in Gleneden Beach. read more.. . SEPTEMBERCommunity Services Department Seeks Fair Board MemberPosted on Tuesday September 25, 2012, 3.00 p.m.SALEM,OR - The Marion County Fair Board is seeking a new member to fill a recent vacancy. read more...
“Economic Summit” to Explore Property Values, Land Use, Development and JobsPosted on Thursday, September 20, 2012, 12:05 p.m.SALEM, OR – An “Economic Summit” is set for Wednesday, October 17, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Keizer Civic Center, to learn more about strong economic forces at work in Marion County. A panel of speakers from the public sector and private sector includes: read more...
Marion County Providing Free Political Yard Sign RecyclingPosted on Thursday, September 20, 2012, 12:05 p.m.Salem, OR – Marion County Public Works Environmental Services Division will be accepting political campaign signs at no cost for recycling from Wednesday, November 7 through Sunday, November 18. This 12 day collection following the election will be for plastic political campaign signs that are free of staples, metal or wood posts, and tape. The signs will be accepted at the Salem-Keizer and North Marion Recycling and Transfer Stations and also the Brown's Island Demolition Landfill. read more... County and Transit District Reach Contract Agreement with Structural Preservation Systems to Repair Courthouse Square Posted on Tuesday, September 18, 2012, 12:15 p.m.Salem, OR – On Monday, September 17, the Marion County Board of Commissioners and Salem Area Mass Transit Board of Directors met in joint session and voted to approve a contract with Structural Preservation Systems to remediate the Courthouse Square complex. Repairs are expected to take about 19 months with a substantial completion date of March 2014. During construction the bus mall will remain open with no anticipated service disruptions. read more...
Secor Park Restoration ProjectPosted Monday, September 17, 2012SALEM, OR – Join the Marion Soil and Water Conservation District, Marion County Weed Control District and Salem’s Parks Department for a project at Secor Park.
Community Services Department Seeks Fair Board MemberPosted on September 4, 2012, 12:00 p.m.SALEM, OR - The Marion County Fair Board is seeking a new member to fill a recent vacancy. The seven-member Fair Board oversees management of the county 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 11-14, 2013. read more...
AUGUST
Cooling Shelters Available in Marion CountyPosted Friday, August 17, 2012, 12:30 p.m.Salem, OR – Several cooling shelters have been established throughout Marion County to help people cope during this heat wave. Cooling shelter information, as well as information on dealing with extreme heat, is available on the Marion County Health Department website at: http://www.co.marion.or.us/HLT/ep/ExtremeHeatResources.htm.
If a cooling shelter is not available in your area, please take the following precautions:§ Drink plenty of fluids§ Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen§ Schedule outdoor activities carefully§ Pace yourself§ Use a buddy system§ Do not leave children or pets in cars§ Be able to recognize the signs of heat stroke, exhaustion, cramps, or rash read more...
Marion County Health Advisory Board Seeks Additional MembersPosted Monday, August 13, 2012, 11:30 a.m.Salem, OR – The Marion County Health Advisory Board (HAB) is looking for new members who are interested in improving our community’s health. We need members who understand the health concerns of various groups, including Latino, Russian and/or other cultural communities; and youth or young adults ages 17-24. We also need new members who can represent the communities of northern Marion County including Woodburn, Gervais or Hubbard; as well as persons currently working in Marion County in the fields of education, health care and/or dental care. Read more…
JULYMarion County Juvenile Department Seeking Community VolunteersPosted Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at 11.30 a.m.Salem, OR - The Marion County Juvenile Department is seeking energetic and open-minded people to serve as role-models and mentors for the Juvenile Department’s youth. Staff at the Juvenile Department is hoping to engage individuals available to come into the detention facility and provide positive hands-on learning and skill building in an area of the volunteer’s expertise. read more...
Marion County Seeks Fair Board MemberPosted Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at 11.30 a.m.SALEM, OR - The Marion County Fair Board is seeking a new member to fill a recent vacancy. The seven-member Fair Board oversees management of the county fair. The Fair Board works from an annual strategic plan in determining the distribution of responsibilities and the timing in which tasks are completed. read more...Marion County and Volcanoes Baseball present 7th annualStriking Out Meth in Marion CountyPosted Monday, July 23, 2012 at 4:20 p.m.Salem, OR – The Marion County Public Safety Coordinating Council in cooperation with Volcanoes Baseball is pleased to announce the 7th annual “Striking Out Meth in Marion County” set for Friday, August 10, at Volcanoes Stadium in Keizer. read more...
JUNE
Bat Rabies Detected in Marion CountyPosted Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 4:20 p.m.Salem, OR - Marion County health officials are reporting that a bat found inside the home of a county resident tested positive for rabies on Wednesday afternoon at the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory. This is the fourth bat to test positive for rabies in 2012 in Oregon.read more...
Animal Rescue Organizations Invited to Participate in the Marion County FairPosted Thursday, June 14, 2012 at 10:45 a.m.Salem - Continuing its support of community organizations, the Marion County Fair is excited to promote one of its newest programs, “Rescue Row.” Rescue Row offers animal rescue organizations the opportunity to showcase animals awaiting adoption, educate the public about their work, and demonstrate the importance of their mission. Read more...
Open Class Exhibits at the Marion County FairPosted Thursday, June 14, 2012 at 10:45 a.m.Salem - The Marion County Fair announces it is taking pre-registrations for the Open Class Exhibits at this year's fair. Anyone is invited to participate and all ages are welcome. Exhibits range from displays of Lego models to hand-tied quilts. The 2012 Marion County Fair is held July 12-15 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Read more...Marion County Extends Due Date for 2012 Reading for All Literacy Award Nominations Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at 2.30 p.m.Salem, OR - The Marion County Children and Families Department has extended the due date for nominations for the 2012 “Reading for All!” Literacy Awards. All nominations will now be due June 18, 2012. Nominations will be accepted for three categories: youth, adult, and business/organization. Nominations may be submitted. Read more...2012 Marion County Fair Announces Three Days of Major EntertainmentPosted Monday, June 11, 2012 at 3:30 p.m.Salem, OR – The 2012 Marion County Fair has announced three days of major entertainment at this year’s fair. The fair is scheduled to run Thursday, July 12, through Sunday, July 15, and will take place at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Acts include: Joe Diffie - Friday, July 13 Blue Öyster Cult – Saturday, July 14Marion County Fair Truck & Tractor Pull - Saturday & Sunday, July 14 & 15read more...
Marion County Fair Talent ShowPosted Monday, June 11, 2012 at 3:30 p.m.Salem, OR – Attention all local talent! Come show us what you’ve got at the Marion County Fair. The fair is looking for talented individuals and groups for this year’s Marion County Fair Talent Show. The fair runs July 12-15 and is held the Oregon State Fairgrounds. The Talent Show is set for July 13 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Singers, dancers, instrumentalists, baton twirlers, and other talent will be showcased. All ages and talents welcome! The deadline to sign up is June 22. Apply on-line at http://www.kloo.com/ or you can download the application at http://www.mcfair.net/ under the Events link. read more...Talent Contest PosterArea Authors Encouraged to Participate in the Marion County Fair
Oregon Garden Foundation Seeks New MemberPosted Wednesday, June 6, 2012, 10:45 a.m.Salem, OR – The Oregon Garden Foundation Board of Directors is looking for a new member who can serve in the position of Treasurer. This position entails:• Attend monthly board meetings;• Maintain knowledge of the organization and a personal commitment to its goals and objectives; • Understand financial accounting for nonprofit organizations;• Manage the board's review of and action related to the board's financial responsibilities;• Ensure appropriate financial reports are made available to the board at board meetings; and • Present the annual budget to the board for approval. read more...
Marion County Budget Committee Meetings Underway Posted Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 11:30 a.m.Salem, OR – Marion County Chief Administrative Officer and Budget Officer John Lattimer presented his FY 2012-13 proposed budget and budget message to the Marion County Budget Committee today. The total proposed budget is $352,254,582, with a general fund of $78,021,105, and funds 1,296.83 FTE. This is a reduction of 20.47 FTE, all of which are vacant positions. read more...FY12-13 Budget MessageMAY PSA on Underage Drinking Released “You’ve taught us so many valuable things already…why stop now?” Posted Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 11:30 a.m.Salem, OR – The Marion County Health Department, Law Enforcement for Youth and a group of local high school students have teamed up to produce a public service announcement (PSA) on underage drinking with a simple message for adults: “You’ve taught us so many valuable things already…why stop now?” It speaks directly to adults who influence the decisions youth make every day, including the decision whether or not to drink alcohol at an early age. The video is available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIZusE2GG0E. read more...
Open Class Exhibits at the Marion County FairPosted Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 9:30 a.m.Salem, OR - The Marion County fair encourages community members to show off their handicrafts at the 2012 fair held July 12-15 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. All ages are invited to participate in displaying handmade quilts, best chocolate cake, Lego models, and much more. Exhibits are displayed throughout the fair and then returned to their owners once the fair is over. read more...
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) in Marion County UpdatePosted Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 9:30 a.m.Salem, OR - Washington State is experiencing a pertussis (whooping cough) epidemic in 2012. According to the Oregon Health Authority, as of April 28, there have been 1,132 cases reported in Washington, compared with 117 at this time in 2011. Pertussis has been on the rise in Oregon since 2006, but we are not seeing the high levels we experienced in 2004-2005, nor Washington’s epidemic number of cases. Seven cases of pertussis have been recorded in Marion County from January 1, 2012 to May 3, 2012, compared to six cases for the same time period in 2011. read more...Marion County Health Advisory Board Seeks Additional MembersPosted Monday, May 14, 2012 at 2.30 p.m.Salem, OR – The Marion County Health Advisory Board (HAB) is looking for new members who understand the concerns of one or more groups, including the Latino, Russian and/or other cultural communities; youth or young adults ages 17-24; northern Marion County communities such as Woodburn, Gervais or Hubbard; and persons currently working in Marion County in the fields of education, health and/or dental care. Read More
Draft Coordinated Care Organization Operating Agreement Available for ReviewPosted Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 8:20 p.m.Salem, OR – On Wednesday, May 16, the Marion County Board of Commissioners will formally consider joining local health care stakeholders in a limited liability company that will serve as a local Coordinated Care Organization as required by state health care transformation legislation.
The agreement outlines the proposed governance structure, rights and responsibilities of member entities, as well as the role of the boards of commissioners of Marion and Polk Counties within the Coordinated Care Organization. The draft agreement is available for public review and can be accessed at www.co.marion.or.us. read more...
Owners’ Vote to Repair Courthouse SquarePosted Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 12:15 p.m.Salem, OR – On Monday, at a joint session of the Marion County Board of Commissioners and Salem Area Mass Transit Board of Directors meeting the two owners of Courthouse Square voted unanimously to repair the complex. Last night’s decision comes after the complex was closed in the summer of 2010 after structural deficiencies were identified. read more...
APRILCounty Commissioners and Transit District to Meet in Joint Session to Determine Future of Courthouse Square Posted Friday, April 27, 2012 at 4:30 p.m.Salem, OR – On Monday, April 30, the Marion County Board of Commissioners and Salem Area Mass Transit Board of Directors will meet in joint session to deliberate and then take formal action on the future of Courthouse Square. The meeting will be held in the Commissioners Board Room located at 1115 Commercial Street NE, Salem and will begin at 5:30 p.m. read more...
County Sponsors Essay Contest for National County Government MonthPosted Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 4:30 p.m.Salem, OR – The Marion County Board of Commissioners is sponsoring an essay contest for all middle school students (grades 6, 7, and 8) in Marion County. The contest celebrates National County Government Month and the theme is, “In my life, the most important aspect of county government is __________.” read more...
County Commissioners to Hold Board Session in TurnerPosted Friday, April 20, 2012 at 3:50 p.m.Salem, OR – The Marion County Board of Commissioners will hold their regular weekly board session in Turner on Wednesday, April 25. The meeting will be held at the Turner Fire District office located at 7605 3rd Street and will begin at 9:00 a.m. Agenda items include an update on the city’s recovery efforts from the January winter storm and flood event and a proclamation designating April 2012 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Marion County. read more...
Commercial Vendors Invited to Participate in the Marion County FairPosted Friday, April 20, 2012 at 9:05 a.m.Salem, OR - The Marion County Fair is inviting commercial vendors to participate in this year’s fair July 12-15, 2012. The fair is held at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Vendor booths are available both inside the exhibit hall and outside along the main concourse. Booth fees are minimal and come with one table and two chairs; electrical service is also available. read more...Marion County Health Advisory Board Seeks Additional MembersPosted Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 9:10 a.m.Salem, OR – The Marion County Health Advisory Board (HAB) is looking for new members who understand the concerns of one or more groups, including the Latino, Russian and/or other cultural communities; youth or young adults ages 17-24; northern Marion County communities such as Woodburn, Gervais or Hubbard; and persons currently working in Marion County in the fields of education, health and/or dental care. read more... Marion County Fair Seeks EntertainersPosted on Friday April 13, 2012Salem, OR - The Marion County Fair, scheduled for July 12-15 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, is seeking entertainers to fill the community stage. The fair seeks a variety of talent from singers, dancers, and instrumentalists, to exhibitions and demonstrations. All ages are welcome. read more... County and Transit District Receive Recommendation on Courthouse SquarePosted on Friday April 13, 2012Salem, OR – Today the Courthouse Square Complex RFP Evaluation Committee presented their report and recommendation for Courthouse Square to a joint session of the Marion County Board of Commissioners and Salem Area Mass Transit Board of Directors. The evaluation committee is recommending that the joint boards’ select Structural Preservations Systems as the design-build firm to complete the remediation. read more...
County and Transit District to Meet in Joint SessionPosted on Tuesday, April 10, 2012Salem, OR – On Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. the Marion County Board of Commissioners and the Salem Area Mass Transit District Board of Directors will meet in a joint session in the Commissioners’ Board Room located at 1115 Commercial Street NE, Salem.
The purpose of the joint board meeting is to receive the Courthouse Square Complex RFP Evaluation Committee Report and Recommendation regarding the remediation of the Courthouse Square Complex. read more...
Earth Day Ivy Pull at Niagara County ParkPosted April 4, 2012 at 5:10 p.m.Salem, OR - In celebration of Earth Day, Marion County is sponsoring an ivy pull at Niagara County Park on Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Participants should wear weather-appropriate clothing and bring gloves and clippers if they have them. Other tools will be provided. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. read more...
Local Volunteers Encouraged to Celebrate Power of VolunteerismDuring National Volunteer WeekPosted April 4, 2012 at 4:56 p.m.WHAT: Volunteers from all HandsOn Mid-Willamette Valley partners will gather at the IkeBox Café to celebrate national volunteer week and recognize the power of service. WHERE: IkeBox Café – 299 Cottage St NE, Salem, OR 97301 WHEN: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM WHY: Do you volunteer? Then, this is a party for you! An evening of fun, prizes, music, food and projects await volunteers throughout the county who have contributed their time toward making a difference in their community. If you have volunteered, please join us! All are welcome.
This is an event sponsored by Umpqua Bank and food will be provided by Venti’s. read more...County Announces Plans for 2012 National Volunteer Week
Marion County Celebrates National County Government MonthPosted April 3, 2012 at 1:40 p.m.Salem, OR – The Marion County Board of Commissioners recently approved a proclamation recognizing April as National County Government Month in Marion County. The county will observe National County Government Month during April and extend efforts throughout the year to highlight county programs and services. read more...
Solid Waste Management Advisory Council Seeking New Members Posted April 3, 2012 at 10:35 a.m.Salem, OR – The Marion County Solid Waste Management Advisory Council is seeking three new members. The open positions include two laypersons and one for a public health representative. The advisory council makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on issues involving waste reduction, protection of the environment, increasing public education concerning waste issues, and improving operations of solid waste management facilities. read more...
Marion County Health Department Celebrates Public Health Week April 2-8Posted April 2, 2012 at 9:05 a.m.Salem, OR - Oregon Public Health Week is April 2-8. The theme of this year’s public heath celebration, A Healthier America Begins Today: Join the Movement, focuses on addressing the issues of prevention and wellness to ensure that all is being done to improve our county’s health. Among other public health efforts, Marion County Health Department is a committed partner in the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), which will systematically identify priority health issues in four different Marion County communities and develop individual plans for addressing those issues. read more...
2012 Oregon Garden Earth Day Poster Contest Winners Announced Posted March 22, 2012 at 2:30 p.m.Salem, OR – Delaney Sump, a 10th grade student at St. Paul High School, has been announced as the grand prize winner of the 13th Annual Oregon Garden Earth Day Fair poster contest. Her work will be used in this year’s poster and other promotional ads for the upcoming Earth Day event that will take place on April 21st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oregon Garden in Silverton. Admission to the annual event is free. read more...April is Child Abuse Prevention Month!Posted March 20, 2012 at 12:00 p.m.Salem, OR - April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Local organizations including the Marion County Children and Families Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, City of Salem, Family Building Blocks, Liberty House, Salem-Keizer School District 24-J, Oregon Department of Human Services, and Hands and Words are not for Hurting Project will spearhead activities during the month of April as part of a national “Child Abuse Prevention Month” effort. On April 4, 2012, officials will gather at 8:30 a.m. in front of the Marion County Courthouse with PGE to begin hanging blue ribbons on the large tree on the northwest corner of the block. The ribbons will symbolize the 11,188 confirmed victims of child abuse in the State of Oregon in 2010, the most recent year for which data is available. There were 996 cases in Marion County and 210 in Polk County for the same year. read more...
Marion County to Host Literacy ConferencePosted February 29, 2012The “Unlock the Power” ConferenceSaturday, March 10, 2012McKay High School, 2440 Lancaster Drive NE, Salem, OR Salem, OR - On Saturday, March 10, 2012, the 2012 “Unlock the Power” Literacy Conference will be held at McKay High School at 2440 Lancaster Drive in Salem. The conference is designed for parents, foster parents, grandparents, community members, childcare providers, preschool teachers, and educators to help them support the learning needs of children in their lives. The conference is free and free onsite childcare will be available for all attendees with children ages 2 through 12. A light breakfast and lunch will be included at no charge. People from all areas of Marion County are welcome to attend. read more...Member needed for Marion County Parks Commission Posted February 29, 2012Salem, OR - There is one open position on the Marion County Parks Commission. The seven-member commission meets quarterly to advise the Board of Commissioners on land acquisition, development, operation, and maintenance of 19 developed and three undeveloped county parks. read more...
2012 Mid-Valley Green Awards to be presented March 3rd Posted: February 17, 2012 at 8:45 a.m.Salem, OR – Twenty-two nominations throughout Marion, Polk, and Lane Counties have been submitted for the 2012 Mid-Valley Green Awards. This event honors local businesses, organizations, and individuals who have made significant efforts in sustainability and environmental education. read more . . .
JANUARY