Good morning, Salem.

A recent review shows homeless encampments are growing under downtown bridges, and city officials will study the social and economic factors behind this trend (more details are expected soon).

Salem’s CERT, led by Mark Wardell, will offer a free six-week emergency preparedness course starting Feb.

5 at Fire Station #6 Training Room (2740 25th St S.E.) and ending with a drill on Saturday, March 14.

Volunteers and city staff improved the dog trails at Minto-Brown Island Park on Jan.

30 by spreading wood chips, giving local dogs a better place to play.

Registration is open now for the free ILEAD youth summit on March 7 at the Boys + Girls Club of Salem – Knudson Branch where high schoolers from Marion, Linn, and Polk counties will join leadership workshops, and nominations for award categories are due by Feb.

3.

Oregon’s direct cash transfer program gave 120 homeless young adults $1,000 monthly until January 2025 in three counties, with 94% reporting stable housing after the pilot ended.

Payments for a second round began in September in Jackson County, supported by legislative appropriations + a nonprofit grant.

The Oregon Department of Revenue said around 500 taxpayers may see lower refunds after receiving the Kids Credit in error due to wrong instructions.

Taxpayers should wait to file until Direct File Oregon is updated (expected early next week).

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation issued a cease-and-desist order to LoanMart for consumer loans exceeding the 36 percent interest cap and impermissible fees, requiring repayment of $900,000 and a $660,000 fine that will be suspended if the company complies within three years (announced on Jan. 30).

Downtown Salem leaders met Thursday morning to review the REACH pilot that began Jan.

20, discuss paid parking reports surpassing forecasts, and preview updated business grant options while pausing sign enforcement to gather feedback.

Oregon Housing and Community Services and the Network for Oregon Affordable Housing launched the Construction Loan Guarantee Program on Friday, Jan.

30 (after a $20 million allocation in 2023) to reduce lender risks and support affordable housing projects such as single-family homes, manufactured communities and multifamily rentals for low-income families.

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.

You Can’t Take it with You — Cue Captions

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Pentacle Theatre — Ticket info available — Enjoy a captioned performance of this classic comedy.

Indoor Winter Market at Wavra Farms

10 AM – 3 PM — Wavra Farms & Nursery — Free entry — Explore a diverse market with 45+ vendors offering unique goods in a cozy greenhouse setting.

Polar Plunge Fundraiser

9 AM - 1 PM — Illahe Hills Country Club — $60 — Take the plunge to support Special Olympics Oregon athletes in a fun and chilly challenge.

Salem's Premier Trading Card Showcase & Collectibles Show

10 AM – 4 PM — Scottish Rite Center — Free admission — Discover a treasure trove of sports cards, rare collectibles, and unique items at this vibrant showcase.

Paint & Sip Night

6-8 p.m. — Flight Deck Restaurant & Lounge — Full food and drink menu available — Unleash your inner artist at a chill painting session with friends.

North East Salem Community Association Meeting

7-8:30 p.m. — The Jory Apartments — Free entry — Engage with your neighbors to help shape community decisions and improvements.

Oregon Symphony Young People's Concert

11:30 AM — Smith Auditorium — $7 per person — Experience a symphony performance specifically curated for students in a fun and engaging setting.

Preschool Storytime

10:15 AM — Salem Public Library — Free — Engage in interactive stories, songs, and movement designed for young children and their caregivers.