Daily
Salem
Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, Salem. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Church at the Park reported that 240 people moved from microshelters to homes & shelters last year, which is more than half of all departing residents. The organization will expand its shelter capacity with a new training kitchen project despite recent budget cuts. Salem Reporter
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A woman was bitten by a coyote on Feb. 11 while walking along Orchard Heights Road near West Salem; she was treated and released, while wildlife officials continue to search for the animal & advise residents to monitor children & pets. Statesman Journal
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Photos capture the legacy of Tim Knight + longtime owner of Guitar Castle, who died Feb. 7 at a local memory care facility, and his contributions to Salem’s music and art scene remain celebrated by community members. Statesman Journal
- ➤ Churchgoers gathered at Salem First United Methodist Church on Feb. 18 for an Ash Wednesday service marking the start of Lent and featuring prayers, hymns, and the imposition of ashes (a sign of reflection) by local clergy. Statesman Journal
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Salem Reporter is launching a new education beat this summer to investigate why student performance is lagging in local schools. The newsroom will raise $40,000 by July 1 through the Salem Reporter News Fund with support from Report for America. Salem Reporter
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Oregon Department of Revenue is sending out 2025 tax refunds for electronically filed returns after processing 500K by Feb. 17; paper returns will be processed late March with refunds issued in April. Taxpayers who filed in 2024+2025 will get kicker credit from a $1.41B surplus. 1430 KYKN
- ➤ The Bureau of Land Management invites public comment on updating timber management on 2.5 million acres in western Oregon to boost domestic production and support local services. The comment period opens tomorrow and runs through March 23. 1430 KYKN
- ➤ Cherriots released its 2025 survey results showing the transit agency earned a net promoter score of 65, 81 points above the national average, and exceeded benchmarks in service quality, cleanliness (+49%) and safety, confirming its role as a key link to jobs and services in the region. 1430 KYKN
- ➤ A judge ruled on Feb. 13 that Rudy’s Steakhouse and its owner must pay Salem $90,058 in unpaid rent and fees from before the restaurant closed in April 2025. City officials said repairs are needed before the vacant downtown space is ready for rent. Salem Reporter
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Mid-Valley real estate leaders report a shift toward caution as financing tightens in commercial deals & home buyers face affordability pressures. Developers plan practical concessions and more middle housing, reflecting a stable market anchored by strong industrial demand. Salem Business Journal
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Preschool Storytime
10:15 AM — Salem Public Library — Free — Engage in interactive stories, songs, and movement designed for young children and their caregivers.
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Indoor Winter Market at Wavra Farms
10 AM – 3 PM — Wavra Farms & Nursery — Free entry — Explore a cozy indoor market featuring over 45 local vendors with a variety of goods.
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Paint and Sip at The Rabbit Cellar Lounge
7-9 p.m. — The Rabbit Cellar Lounge — Ticket required — Unleash your artistic side with painting, food, and great company in a relaxed atmosphere.
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Trivia Night at Stomp
6-8 p.m. — Stomp by Croft Vineyards — Winning team gets a $50 gift card — Test your trivia skills with great food and wine in a lively atmosphere.
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Preschool Storytime
10:15 – 10:40 AM — Salem Public Library — Free — Enjoy interactive stories, songs, and movement for young children and their caregivers.
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Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons Concert
8:30-9:45 p.m. — Willamette Heritage Center — Ticketed entry — Experience a captivating candlelight concert featuring the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons.
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Marketing Psychology for Hairstylists
10 a.m. — Salon Abode — $— Discover the psychological principles that enhance client trust and decision-making in hairstyling marketing.
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4th Annual Marion-Polk Children, Youth, & Family Services Summit
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Salem Convention Center — Free entry — Explore child and family-centered services and ignite hope in the community through engaging discussions and networking.
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Plant and Seed Swap
1-3 p.m. — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Trade seeds, cuttings, and plants while getting expert gardening advice.
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Toast: A Tribute to BREAD
7-8:30 p.m. — Elsinore Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the top tribute act that brings the timeless 70's sound of BREAD to life.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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