Good morning, Salem.

Salem hosts a series of Easter events that include egg hunts, face painting, photos with the Easter Bunny, and rides at local venues.

Families can choose free and ticketed activities scheduled from April 18th through April 20th—options are available at the Tennis and Swim Club, Riverfront Carousel, museums and churches.

A fire early Monday on Southeast Ratcliff Drive in south Salem's Morningside neighborhood displaced a resident and their dog as firefighters controlled the blaze by 9:30 a.m. (the American Red Cross provided support).

Thomas Healy, 59, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter for fatally shooting 35-year-old Scott Tanner at Geer Park in August 2022 and was sentenced to 15 years in jail—crediting his 2.5 years served and adding three years of post-prison supervision—while Tanner’s widow, Debby Clark, still wonders what started the fight.

Chemeketa Community College is renewing efforts for a $140 million bond measure in May to upgrade aging facilities and expand training programs without raising property taxes — a plan that follows a narrow loss in November.

College leaders say that if voters approve the measure, it will keep tax rates steady while funding important safety and infrastructure improvements at campuses in Salem and the surrounding area.

Salem voters will attend a public Town Hall today at 6 p.m. at Elsinore Theatre to discuss plans for a property tax increase aimed at funding city operations in the upcoming May election—three local experts will answer community questions submitted by McKay High School orchestra students.

Melinda Lou Kayser, 62, died nearly naked on a Salem sidewalk in November 2024 after investigators determined she did not qualify for mental health care despite her severe needs.

The case has sparked criticism over Oregon’s strict civil commitment system—local advocates and officials call for reforms to better support unsheltered residents in crisis.

A series of four budget committee meetings will let Salem residents weigh in on the city’s $764 million budget proposal that would cut about 51 full-time jobs and two part-time positions to address a nearly $14 million deficit.

The first meeting is set for Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the city council chambers at 555 Liberty St. S.E.—city leaders say a proposed property tax increase on May 20 could avoid the cuts.

An ODOT report released Friday showed that data entry mistakes had incorrectly registered more than 1,700 people to vote without verifying citizenship—errors that began years earlier than previously thought.

The report also noted 118 extra mistakes and that 13 people had already voted, prompting the Secretary of State’s office to forward three names to the Department of Justice for review.

Needle Felting Class - Nest

6-8 p.m. — CreativiTEE & rofe designs — Pre-registration required — Learn to needle felt a wool nest and expand your fiber arts skills with a fun spring project.

Resource Fair for Individuals with IDD

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Salem Convention Center — Free entry — Connect with valuable resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and enjoy family-friendly activities.

April Paint Night at Valiant The Sandwich

6-8 p.m. — Valiant The Sandwich — Cost varies — Unleash your creativity with a fun paint night while enjoying delicious sandwiches in a cozy atmosphere.

Stargazing Workshop

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Center 50+ — $10 — Explore key terms for night sky observation, followed by a live stargazing session with hands-on app use.

Make Parenting a Pleasure Workshop

4:30-6:30 p.m. — Willamette Family Medical Center: Fay Shannon — Registration required — Discover parenting insights and boost your confidence in family goals through engaging education.

2025 USA Gymnastics Region 2 Xcel Championships

8 a.m. — The Pavilion — Parking $10 — Top gymnasts compete for glory from States across the region.

Oregon Ag Festival

All day — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Admission details not provided — Discover Oregon agriculture through hands-on exhibits and family-friendly activities.

Oregon Ag Fest

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Free for kids 15 and under — Experience hands-on activities and learn about the vital role of agriculture in Oregon.

Pine Needle Basket Making Class

9 AM – 12 PM — Center 50+ — $15 for five classes — Learn to weave beautiful baskets with experienced instructors in this engaging arts and crafts class.

Line Dancing Classes

11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Center 50+ — $20 punch card for five classes — Get moving with fun line dancing sessions suited for both beginners and intermediates.