Good morning, Salem.

The Salem Saturday Market returns today at 9 a.m. at 865 Marion St. N.E. with around 70 vendors offering produce, art and hot food (new vendors include a Thai food stall, fresh meat, and a woodworking booth) and will run each Saturday until October from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Nine weeks into Q1, Salem business owners use five simple questions to check progress & spot issues, planning to fix small problems before they grow.

The approach helps them adjust strategies early for a steadier rest of 2026.

Don Froylan Creamery in Salem earned Best of Class at the World Championship Cheese Contest in Madison, Wisconsin, boosting the local producer’s reputation for authentic Mexican string cheese (named after owner Francisco Ochoa’s daughter Liliana) and reinforcing Salem’s status as a food business leader.

Resident eagle eggs in a nest near Riverfront Park will hatch in April after a 35-day incubation period before nestlings take up to three months to fledge.

Bird expert Harry Fuller notes that the eagles have thrived since DDT was banned.

State lawmakers increased the lodging tax from 1.5% to 2.75% (20 to 9 Senate vote) to generate about $37 million a year for wildlife conservation.

The measure now goes to Gov. Tina Kotek for approval.

The Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 4178 by a 26-2 vote last Thursday allowing vendors to round cash transactions to the nearest five cents.

Once Gov. Tina Kotek signs the emergency measure, stores will apply a consistent rounding rule — a change prompted by the federal penny shortage.

Salem Health and Santiam Hospital & Clinics are seeking state approval for a merger that aims to improve services and ease concerns over Regence BlueCross insurance (30,000 patients faced higher costs at Salem Health before talks stalled).

Hospital leaders held a town hall on March 3 at the Salem Public Library, and more meetings are planned.

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.

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.

Celtic Celebration with The Gothard Sisters

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Grand Theater — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an enchanting evening of music blending Celtic, folk, and classical influences.

Salem Slam IV

8:00 a.m. — The Madhouse — $25.00 – $50.00 — Watch top MRDA teams compete as Concussion defends its title in this thrilling tournament.

Hyprov - Improv Under Hypnosis

7:30 p.m. — Elsinore Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of mesmerizing comedy and magic with Asad Mecci as he blends hypnosis and improv for a unique show.

St. Paddy's Day Paint Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — South Liberty Bar & Grill — Cost of food and beverages — Celebrate St. Paddy's Day while creating art in a festive atmosphere.

Journey in Exporting: Salem

4-6 p.m. — Chemeketa Community College — Free entry — Hear seasoned exporters share their inspiring paths to success in global trade.

Infant/Toddler Storytime

11:00-11:20 a.m. — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Participate in engaging stories, songs, and rhymes perfect for infants and toddlers.

Breakthrough Basketball Shooting & Offensive Skills Camp

March 21-22 — Home Courts Powered by NPJ — Registration required — Rapidly improve your basketball skills with high-intensity drills and focused coaching.

English/Spanish Language Exchange

5:30 PM — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Practice your English or Spanish with fellow learners while enjoying light refreshments.