Good morning, Salem.

Salem artist Yanely Rivas Maldonado has been named a Fields Artist Fellow, earning $150,000 to support community art projects across Oregon.

The two-year fellowship runs from May 2026 to May 2028 and includes professional development, networking, and a residency opportunity in Oaxaca (Mexico).

Salem Public Library’s Salem Reads returns in February with events built around the popular novel Remarkably Bright Creatures, featuring a giant octopus display and interactive arts programs.

Author Shelby Van Pelt will appear on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Grand Theatre (advance registration is required).

Local groups observe MLK Day on Jan.

19 with events — the Salem-NAACP holds a peace walk at McKay High School from 1 to 3 p.m., and Silverton People For Peace hosts a vigil at Town Square Park at 2:30 p.m. with an observance at Silverton Grange at 6:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, education experts told lawmakers that Oregon students receive fewer hours in class than peers—ranking 47th among states as elementary and middle schools require 900 hours and high schoolers nearly 990 hours of instruction.

Chemeketa Community College received a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to fund its six-year S-STEM project that will offer 18-20 scholarships per year for low-income students in key STEM fields in Salem.

The grant aims to boost student success and expand transfer pathways.

Chemeketa Community College is helping Oregon join a national program that builds chances for job training and education for those with past incarceration.

Over the next four years, Oregon will get up to $2.1 million to help align training with employer needs + support community reentry programs.

City of Salem asked the Army Corps of Engineers to delay the Detroit Lake drawdown so it can test new wells for safe winter drinking water, although the Corps said the plan will proceed to support endangered fish in November or December (affecting water for over 200,000 residents).

The Oregon State Capitol's new press offices were dedicated on Jan.

14 in Salem in honor of longtime reporter Peter Wong — local officials and former lawmakers celebrated his 40 years of service.

Starting Jan. 26, Oregonians may file their 2025 federal and state tax returns electronically to get refunds by Feb.

15; paper returns (delayed until late March) will be processed later, and eligible filers could receive a kicker rebate from a $1.4 billion surplus.

Salem homeless services will continue to apply for federal funding under last year’s rules after a court halted new guidelines that threatened local aid.

Providers such as Coral House start using the same process today + federal changes may be revisited next summer.

Today, amid below-freezing temperatures and reported home fires this winter, the state Fire Marshal reminds residents to test smoke alarms monthly and to keep flammable materials three feet from heaters — this advice comes after three fire-related deaths and 10 fires since Jan.

1.

Cheese products from Ambriola, Boar’s Head, Locatelli, Member’s Mark and Pinna sold in Oregon have been recalled over listeria concerns; the items were sold between Nov.

3 and Nov. 20 last year and may expire in May, so consumers should discard or return them (call 1-800-962-8224).

Cascade Creatives Grand Opening

12-3 p.m. — LAP Studio — Free entry — Celebrate the opening of a new design studio with giveaways, tacos, and community connection.

First Taste Oregon

January 23-24 — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Admission info available — Celebrate Oregon's finest offerings in art, brew, food, music, and more.

Tales the Winds Remember

3-5 p.m. — Rose Auditorium — Free entry — Experience a musical journey through stories and legends with the Salem Symphonic Winds.

January Paint & Sip at Flight Deck Restaurant & Lounge

6-8 p.m. — Flight Deck Restaurant & Lounge — Food and beverages available for purchase — Unwind with a creative night of painting an adorable Winter Scene.

Genealogy Workshop: Ancestry & FamilySearch

4:30-5:45 p.m. — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Explore genealogy resources with hands-on assistance from experts.

Hybrid Apprenticeship Workshop at WorkSource Salem

2-3:30 p.m. — WorkSource Oregon - Salem Center — Free entry — Discover hands-on training opportunities in various apprenticeship programs to kickstart your career.

English as a Second Language Beginner Class

3 PM — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Enhance your English skills with a supportive, multilingual atmosphere.

Indoor Winter Market at Wavra Farms

10 AM – 3 PM — Wavra Farms & Nursery — Free entry — Explore a diverse indoor market featuring local vendors from woodworking to gourmet foods.

The Severin Sisters Evensong Concert

4:00 p.m. — St. Paul’s Episcopal Church — Donations accepted — Experience the sacred harmonies of local talent in a bluegrass and gospel concert.

Music & Poetry Open Mic Night

7-10 p.m. — Infinity Room — No cover — A vibrant evening showcasing local music and poetry talents.