On Monday afternoon, a federal judge granted a Disability Rights Oregon (DRO) motion to exclude many criminally-charged individuals from the Oregon State Hospital in the ongoing Mink/Bowman case, which will force early release of mentally unstable individuals charged with serious Measure 11 crimes like rape, murder, kidnapping, assault, and robbery.

Today, the Marion County Board of Commissioners formally announced that the county is filing a lawsuit asking the United States District Court to order the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to pause efforts to drain Detroit Lake until the Army Corps completes the turbidity report required by federal law and allows informed public comments.

On Monday, a federal judge denied Marion County’s request asking the court to allow the county to file a response opposing a Disability Rights Oregon (DRO) motion to exclude more criminally-charged individuals from the Oregon State Hospital in the ongoing Mink/Bowman case.

“It’s unfortunate to see our legislators fail to be responsive to the very real needs of our community,” said Commissioner Danielle Bethell. “This bill would have filled a crucial gap in the process of law right now that prohibits us from doing the best we can to take care of vulnerable individuals experiencing mental health crises.”

The Marion County Bar Association (MCBA) has selected Marion County Justice of the Peace Justin Kidd as the recipient of the Carson Award for service to the community, recognizing his sustained commitment to public service.

You are cordially invited to the 2026 Marion County State of the County Address on Tuesday, March 31! Join your Marion County Commissioners for an important update on the past year's accomplishments and an outline of future plans.

“REACH builds on the work already underway through our Behavioral Health Crisis Center mobile response programs,” said Commissioner Danielle Bethell. “By integrating with Salem Fire, we can respond more effectively in the moment and connect people to the services that support longer-term stability.”

“The loss of over a million Kokanee salmon at Green Peter wasn’t theoretical,” said Commissioner Colm Willis, Chair. “It was real, it was catastrophic, and it was preventable.”

Marion County called on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to strengthen its analysis of turbidity, drinking water impacts, and community risks associated with the proposed deep drawdown of Detroit Lake.

“When I was placed into foster care, I arrived with nothing,. Project Joy gave me a backpack filled with clothes, pajamas, and a pink teddy bear. That bear gave me my first safe place. It wasn’t just stuff—it was a powerful message that I mattered, that I was seen, and that I deserved comfort.”

Today, the Marion County Board of Commissioners signed a proclamation recognizing November 11, 2025, as Veterans Day in Marion County, honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans through Operation Green Light.

Today, the Marion County Board of Commissioners approved a six-month pilot program with the Salem Fire Department to launch a new emergency co-response model in downtown Salem…

With SNAP benefits set to expire November 1, 2025 due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Marion County Board of Commissioners held an urgent meeting this evening to discuss how the County can support food insecure individuals in the community.

The Marion County community took a significant step forward in bolstering its behavioral health resources this week…

Marion County Health & Human Services (MCHHS) is proud to announce the relocation of its Behavioral Health Crisis Center (BHCC) to a newly renovated facility at 1234 Commercial Street SE in Salem.

Today, 20 of Oregon’s 36 Counties joined together in sending a letter to the United States Attorney General and the Oregon Attorney General seeking legal clarity for the good of all.

Oregon’s Sheriffs “agree that there is a good deal of legal uncertainty” that needs to be resolved by a court decision “that provides the type of clarity that will help all local governments in Oregon ensure they are properly following federal, state, and local laws.”

Today, Marion County filed a lawsuit seeking clarification on whether the County is allowed under the state’s sanctuary law to turn over parole-related records of four alleged undocumented immigrants in response to subpoenas from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Marion County took another significant step forward yesterday in addressing community behavioral health and public safety needs with the official ribbon cutting for a new Secure Residential Treatment Facility (SRTF) at 325 Lancaster Drive in Salem.

“House Bill 2005 puts two systems of work together and harms one or both,” said Commissioner Bethell. “The counties are not being heard at all in the aid and assist space.”