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Everhome Suites opened its 114-room extended-stay hotel on State Street on Oct.

1, featuring full kitchens, a fitness center, laundry and outdoor fire pit seating. City leaders, including Mayor Julie Hoy and Chamber representative Jameson Gideon, celebrated the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

On Oct. 2, Salem-Keizer Public Schools reported 1,263 more staff than in 2006 as student enrollment declined; classified staff increased nearly 70% while teacher numbers rose only 9% amid financial challenges.

OakFest, in its fifth year, honors the oak trees that once shaped the valley by offering guided walks in Salem—organized by Growing Oaks at Willamette University.

The festival runs Oct. 1-4.

Keizer Community Food Bank asks for cash donations to raise $155,000 for a $350,000 expansion project that will triple its storage capacity at a church parking lot facility, cutting food preparation time for weekly distributions.

SEDCOR honored 11 local businesses, leaders and projects at its awards meeting on Wednesday, Sept.

30 at the Salem Convention Center. The ceremony recognized contributions in agriculture, manufacturing and economic development + celebrated innovative products and community partnerships.

On Sept. 9, The Asher House animal sanctuary held a pack walk featuring 50 rescued dogs and other animals to highlight the care provided by founder Lee Asher & staff in Salem.

Salem Housing Authority will soon begin issuing more housing vouchers after HUD lifted its shortfall restrictions — easing local rental assistance for eligible households.

It distributed $3.17 million in payments last month and will add vouchers gradually as local rental options expand.

Lee Asher, founder of a multi-million-dollar animal sanctuary south of Salem, addressed ongoing state investigations into nonprofit finances and animal welfare during a recent tour as his organization cares for hundreds of animals on 240 acres with 80 staff (including roughly 200 dogs and 20 cats).