Good morning, Salem.

Initial vote counts from Tuesday evening show progressive candidates Lisa Harnisch, Karina Guzmán Ortiz, and Mel Fuller—leading in their races—with conservative candidate Jennifer Parker ahead.

If additional ballots do not change the totals, the board will form a 4—3 progressive majority when its members take office on July 1.

The Salem-Keizer School District budget committee approved a $1.15 billion plan that keeps Superintendent Andrea Castañeda’s proposal unchanged and adds about 66 full-time positions — including roles in behavior, special education, dual language support and library media staffing.

The budget will move to the school board for a final vote on June 10.

Protesters rallied Monday at the Capitol in Salem against House Bill 2410 that would exempt Umatilla County from the state ban and allow a demonstration project for small modular nuclear reactors—arguing the bill treats northeast Oregon as an environmental sacrifice zone and heightens local waste risks.

On May 16, Travis Williams, CEO and president of the Willamette River Preservation Trust, led a photo tour of the 270 acre Oak Meadows Natural Area between Scio and Stayton to highlight wetland habitats and native wildflowers as part of its nature restoration efforts.

The tour captured images of pollinators, elk tracks, and native blooms — details that illustrate the area’s role in habitat protection — and provided a snapshot of ongoing conservation efforts.

Initial counts show 54.2% of 12,838 ballots supported a new property tax levy on Tuesday night to fund the Public Library, parks and Center 50+; the levy will raise about $220 per year for an average home and bring in $14 million over its first years to keep services running.

City council will meet on June 23 to finalize a new budget using this funding.

Memorial Day ceremonies are scheduled for May 26 in the Mid-Valley with a statewide tribute at the Oregon World War II Memorial in Salem at 11 a.m., and additional events at City View Cemetery, Calvary Cemetery in Mt. Angel, and Dallas Cemetery.

The Oregon Air National Guard has not yet announced its military flyover schedule—details expected to be released closer to the day.

The City of Salem began an investigation into PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination at the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport after the chemical was found in the soil; officials will test soil and groundwater from the Salem Fire Department’s Station 6 training area and other locations while updating the community on the findings.

Gov. Tina Kotek said on Monday that she supports withholding $1B of next year's tax refund for wildfire costs—an idea that aims to shift funds from urban areas—and state lawmakers are still discussing other options to cover wildfire expenses.

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.

Beginning of Summer Garden Festival

10 a.m.–3 p.m. — Sebright Gardens — Free admission — Celebrate the arrival of summer with a plant-themed festival featuring local nurseries and special guests.