Good morning, Salem.

The Oregon State Elks Association donated $27,000 to three recovery high schools, giving $9,000 each to Discovery Academy in Salem, Harmony Academy in Lake Oswego, and Rivercrest Academy in Portland as part of its statewide fundraising drive.

The school board will vote today to adopt Into Reading, a new curriculum aimed at boosting elementary reading skills; teachers will get summer training, and the new materials cost about $11 million as the board invites public comment at 6 p.m. at the Commercial St. S.E. boardroom.

Salem’s oldest Oregon white oak at 1307 Marion St. N.E. is set to be removed on April 1 because a severe fungal infection poses a fall risk; arborist Milan Davis will answer neighbor questions today at Center 50+ meeting.

NOAA data released this week show Oregon’s winter tied as the warmest on record with an average of 38.7°—matching 1934—and resulted in a low snowpack.

Experts say warm atmospheric rivers and an unusual high pressure ridge, combined with climate change, kept winter warmer than expected.

Brooklake Road is closed to eastbound traffic just east of I-5 at the railroad tracks for waterline installation until March 27.

Drivers are advised to take alternate routes — use Highway 99E, then Quinaby Road and River Road.

At Monday, Mar. 9's council meeting in Loucks Auditorium, officials reviewed the Salem Fire Department’s REACH team results—49 calls, 12 non-ER transports, and 45 referrals—to ease emergency service strain while discussing a proposed 2% fee on short-term rentals to boost tourism funds and review local crime and climate data.

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.

Infant/Toddler Storytime

11:00 – 11:20 a.m. — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes ideal for babies and toddlers with their grownups.