Good morning, Salem.

Keizer’s Bloomin’ Iris KeizerFEST Parade will take place on Saturday, May 17, starting at 10:30 a.m. at the River Road and Lockhaven Drive intersection and will move to North Glynbrook Street near Burger King—marking 75 years of the event’s heritage.

A separate children/pet parade will start at 10:20 a.m. from the shopping center parking lot at River Road and Lockhaven Drive, and police will enforce road exits—Lockhaven Drive will close at 6:45 a.m. and River Road at 9:45 a.m.

A collision occurred Thursday morning at the intersection of Northwest Doaks Ferry Road and Hidden Valley Drive in West Salem—injuring one person who was taken to a hospital and prompting traffic to be diverted onto Northwest Grayhawk Court and Northwest Gehlar Road.

Jamie McGowen, a 43-year-old partial owner of a Salem payroll processing company, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for stealing nearly $1.3 million in Covid-relief funds and failing to pay over $700,000 in payroll taxes—she is also ordered to pay more than $2 million in restitution.

On May 15, 2025, just before 10:00 a.m., Marion County Sheriff's Office responded to gunshots on the 3100 block of Tierra Dr NE in Salem where deputies found a 48-year-old man with gunshot wounds who was taken to Salem Hospital in critical condition and arrested 27-year-old Emily Smith from Keizer on charges including Attempted Murder - she is scheduled to appear in court today at 2:30 p.m.

A Keizer woman was accused of shooting a 48 year old man on Northeast Tierra Drive in Hayesville yesterday and was arrested by Marion County detectives on charges of attempted murder—first degree assault, first degree burglary, and unlawful use of a weapon, while the injured man remains in critical condition at Salem Hospital.

At Wright Elementary School, library media assistant Michelle Muth keeps recess fun and reading engaging by setting up hands-on activities and introducing a wide range of books—she is nominated for a Crystal Apple award on May 29 in recognition of her efforts to support student learning. She also works to make the school library a welcoming space where students can explore and enjoy literature.

Marion County reported an increase in syphilis among pregnant individuals last year with 22 cases recorded—nearly one in four congenital cases statewide were from the county.

Health officials are expanding testing, early treatment and outreach to curb further complications.

Data from the school year starting in 2024 show nearly one in 10 kindergarteners in Oregon received nonmedical vaccine exemptions, hitting a record 9.7 percent rate while just about 86 percent were fully vaccinated.

About 90.4 percent of all students remain fully immunized + public health officials warn that rising exemptions could weaken community immunity.

Paint and Sip Experience

3-5 p.m. — Honky Tonk Bar & Grill — $35 per person — Unleash your creativity with a fun painting class while enjoying a drink.

Memorial Day Weekend Vineyard Tours

11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Willamette Valley Vineyards — Ticketed entry — Experience a curated wine tasting with live music in the scenic Salem Hills.

Memorial Day Weekend...Cuban Style! 2025

12-6 p.m. — Cubanisimo Vineyards — Enjoy a festive Cuban-themed celebration with live music, food, salsa lessons, and raffles.

Bazooka Sharkz and Friends Live Show

7 p.m. — Blast Off Vintage — $10 — Experience a night of local punk and folk punk music with exciting performances from Salem's own Bazooka Sharkz and others.

ColorSync: The Integrative Art of Cut & Color Mastery

10 AM – 5 PM — Salon Abode — Lunch provided — Elevate your hair cutting and coloring techniques for impactful transformations.

Yoga and Wine Evening at Legacy Estate Vineyard

6-7 p.m. — Eola Hills Legacy Estate Vineyard — Suggested donation of $5-10 — Enjoy a rejuvenating yoga class by the lake followed by wine and a picnic.

206 Tube Bending & Iso Drawing Class

2-6 p.m. — Local 290 Training CENTER SALEM — Free for members, $35 for travelers — Master essential tubing bending techniques in this hands-on class.

Salem Mystic Fair

10 a.m.-5 p.m. — The Reed Opera House — Admission varies — Experience tarot readings, Reiki, and explore over 40 vendors at this mystical gathering.

Yoga + Beer at Riverfront Park

6-7 p.m. — Gerry Frank Amphitheater — Suggested donation $5-$10 — Experience community and relaxation with a yoga session followed by local downtown support.

Pinot & Pizza at Hudak House

12-6 p.m. — Hudak House - Winery & Vineyard — Free entry — Indulge in custom pizzas and delightful Pinot Noirs while enjoying live music in a scenic vineyard setting.