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Bush House Museum tours now include the servants' quarters (upstairs) in the 1878 Italianate Victorian mansion, giving visitors a new look at household life; check the museum's schedule for tour days and times.

Candidates for Oregon governor laid out competing plans to improve kindergarten through 12th grade: Drazan would tighten graduation rules, expand school choice, and push smaller classes and a federal scholarship tax credit, while Gov. Kotek would expand literacy programs, protect instructional time, and limit social media on school devices.

Salem-Keizer Public Schools has recommended closing Brush College, Candalaria, Cummings, Englewood, Liberty and Richmond elementary schools at the end of the 2026-27 school year, citing declining enrollment, $15 million in deferred maintenance, accessibility and safety problems, and difficult building layouts.

Salem officials opened the renovated Riverfront Park playground on Oct.

30, featuring refreshed play areas, a dedicated play space for 2- to 5-year-olds, an accessibility ramp, and inclusive equipment (pictured). The project was funded in part by the $300 million infrastructure bond voters approved in 2022.

A roller-skating rink called The Expo will open on Jan.

2 in the former Macy’s at Salem Center mall (400 High St. NE), with Skateland 2 You moving operations there after its contract ends Dec. 31.

Social studies teachers in Salem-Keizer held a mock gubernatorial + U.S. Senate election on Oct.

23 to teach students how to analyze candidates; North Salem High students voted on Chromebooks and received “I voted” stickers.

The Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency is recruiting volunteers to staff warming shelters that open when temperatures fall below freezing to serve meals and offer shelter to people experiencing homelessness; shifts run at Salem First Presbyterian Church (770 Chemeketa St. N.E.) and in Dallas, and volunteers should contact the agency to apply.

McKay coaches launched WIS3 UP in 2025 to boost female athlete participation and leadership, and more than 50 girls attended a lunch-and-relay event on Oct.

21 at the school; coaches will hold monthly sessions to build confidence + recruit athletes.