Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Salem. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ At 1321 Smith St. NE in north Salem, the World of Flavors Food Park opened in November and plans to close parking in May for an outdoor family area with tents (fire pits and seating) to accommodate 19 food carts. It remains open today with five food trucks offering fare. Statesman Journal
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday, Feb. 11, a woman walking along Northwest Orchard Heights Road just outside West Salem was bitten on her upper thigh by a coyote, and medics treated her for minor injuries (state wildlife officials are now teaming with local law enforcement to capture the animal). Salem Reporter
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Salem entrepreneur Ellen Yin and her husband Dustin Nelson have taken over a Corvallis clothing resale store and plan to refresh its marketing and community ties. The business will maintain its current operations while inviting local sellers to contribute one-of-a-kind pieces & encourage downtown collaborations. Salem Business Journal
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Bruce Campbell, an Oregon native known for Evil Dead, debuted his independent film 'Ernie and Emma' on Valentine's Day in Medford; the movie, which highlights local landmarks (including the Big Foot Trap) and personal storytelling, is set for a screening in Portland on April 4. Statesman Journal
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Oregon Department of Revenue began issuing refunds on Feb. 17 to electronically filed returns (over 500,000 processed) and warns that paper filers will face longer wait times (track refunds online). File 2025 tax returns by Apr. 15 to avoid penalties. Statesman Journal
- ➤ Commissioner Danielle Bethell testified last week on HB 4106 to offer a tool for moving individuals in mental health crisis away from jail settings. The House Judiciary Committee Chair did not advance the bill, and its sponsors plan to revise it for the next session. 1430 KYKN
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ State health officials announced Thursday that five measles cases were confirmed in Oregon, with four unvaccinated and viral traces found in wastewater across several counties & urging families to verify their vaccination status to reduce transmission. Oregon Capital Chronicle
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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.
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Sonic Journey: Sound Meditation Experience
7-8:45 p.m. — Salem Friends Meeting — $20-40 sliding scale — Immerse in a sound meditation journey with gongs and singing bowls for deep relaxation and self-discovery.
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No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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