Good morning, Salem.

Salem man Jered J. Hayward (45) ran a drug trafficking group that mailed thousands of pounds of marijuana candy and cereal and made millions in cash and digital coins before federal agents seized his warehouse last September.

He pleaded guilty in Portland U.S. District Court and was sentenced to 13 years in prison while agreeing to give up more than $2 million in assets including his home and vehicles.

Salem Police SWAT and bomb squad assisted Eugene Police in arresting a juvenile at a home on the corner of Arlene Avenue and Clarence Court in south Salem on June 5 after he refused to exit the house—he reportedly carried a firearm and faces charges for unlawful weapon use and disorderly conduct following a May 29 shooting dispute at 2080 River Road in Eugene.

This summer, four Salem neighborhood parks—Hoover, Highland, Livingston and Morningside—will get new playground equipment, water fountains, pickleball courts and more funded by a bond measure approved by voters in 2022.

The city chose the projects based on community input and scheduled renovations include sports facility updates and new play areas.

Residents in Keizer voiced concerns about rising costs, worsening traffic, and the loss of a small-town feel during town halls on May 10 and May 27.

Councilors and Mayor Cathy Clark said they will conduct further studies and plan more community forums — aiming to clarify growth costs and improve transportation — as they consider adjusting the city boundary.

Advocates gathered near the Oregon Capitol on Wednesday to ask lawmakers to keep funding for programs that help victims of abuse because cuts in money could mean fewer staff, beds, and longer wait times.

The proposed bills include plans to allocate funds—such as $400,000 for a sexual assault task force and $22 million for emergency shelter services—to keep these supports running.

The POWER Act creates a separate rate class for data centers and Bitcoin mining facilities so tech companies pay for grid expansion instead of local customers—Senate approved the bill on Tuesday and it won bipartisan House support on Thursday.

Gov. Kotek is expected to sign it to let the Public Utility Commission protect homes and small businesses from rising energy costs.

Two new OHA reports found that in 2024, 14.5% of Oregonians—and about one in five in Southwest—delayed or avoided care because of high costs with dental care most often postponed, and spending per person grew 5.2% from 2022 to 2023, exceeding the 3.4% goal.

The Oregon Health Policy Board will name members to new health care affordability committees on June 10, and the public can share their concerns at the related hearing.

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.

Run For The Rare

Fundraiser Run to benefit Haley’s Heroes Foundation 5K & 10K Run or 1 Mile Walk. Register at haleysheroesfoundation.org.

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.

Return to Middle Earth Concert

3-5 p.m. — South Salem High School — Ticket info not provided — Experience the symphonic journey through Middle Earth with stunning performances by Salem Symphonic Winds and guest artists.

Wire Wrapping Jewelry Class

3:30-6:30 p.m. — Center 50+ — Punch card fee $15 for five classes — Learn the art of creating beautiful jewelry pieces with wire wrapping techniques.

Preschool Storytime

10:15 – 10:40 a.m. — Salem Public Library — Free — Engage in interactive stories, songs, and movement designed for young children and their caregivers.

Tube Bending & Iso Drawing Workshop

2-6 p.m. — Local 290 Training CENTER SALEM — Free for Local 290 Members, $35 for UA Travelers — Learn the fundamental math and techniques for bending tubing in this hands-on workshop.

Yarn and Thread Handwork Studio

12:30-2:30 p.m. — Center 50+ — $15 for five classes — Craft your own stylish accessories like stocking caps, scarves, or mittens with guidance from experienced students.