Good morning, Salem.

On June 17 in Salem, the Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial was updated with three names to honor firefighters who died in the line of duty—Division Chief Nicholas Berg, U.S. Forest Service firefighter Benjamin Charles Sapper, and retired Salem Fire Department Captain Larry Dean. Officials and fire service members attended the ceremony to pay their respects.

On June 18, a shooting at a West Salem apartment complex injured one person with serious wounds after a disturbance among teenagers on Northwest Orchard Heights Road; police arrested a suspect and closed part of the road.

Salem Police closed Orchard Heights Road Northwest at Lupin Road in West Salem after one person was shot in the 1200 block and a suspect is in custody—officials asked residents to avoid the area.

Salem residents will soon see door hangers that notify them that City-owned ash trees next to their homes will be injected with a special insecticide every two years—this summer the treatment will protect the trees from the emerald ash borer beetle that harms ash trees.

The message will also show if a tree has been inspected or treated.

The Oregon House passed House Bill 2138 yesterday to ease land-use rules so developers can build more duplexes, triplexes, and townhouses — the bill now heads to the Senate where lawmakers say the changes will help address Oregon’s housing shortage.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized two structural task forces from Lane and Marion counties through Immediate Response to the 120-acre Upper Applegate Fire near Ruch in Jackson County, and firefighters from several agencies worked to control the blaze reported on Wednesday.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation notices while air units—including helicopters and two large air tankers—were ordered to help protect structures.

An Oregon Government Ethics Commission investigator reported that Mayor Julie Hoy and several city council members held private discussions before former city manager Keith Stahley left in February that may have broken open meetings law.

The commission voted to open a formal investigation that could lead to fines or education letters — details are still emerging.

Oregon park rangers have spent nearly 800,000 hours this year clearing sand, removing debris, and repairing trails to ready more than 250 state parks for the busy summer camping season that starts this weekend.

Cape Lookout cleared over 1.5 million pounds of sand and other parks fixed winter storm damage—ensuring safe and welcoming sites for thousands of campers.

Oregon Health Authority is asking patients and caregivers to share their experiences with Providence home health and hospice services as Compassus proposes to take over management of 50 percent of its operations in Salem and other local cities; comments can be submitted via email, the online form (or by voicemail at 503-945-6161) until mid-September.

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.

2025 Sumpter Annual Neighborhood Garage Sale

June 27-30 — Sumpter School City Park — Free entry — Discover amazing deals and hidden treasures at this popular neighborhood-wide garage sale in SE Salem.

Free Foot Check Day

10 AM – 4 PM — The Good Feet Store — Free entry — Get your feet evaluated by a healthcare professional to enhance your overall comfort.

Letter Writing Social

2-4 p.m. — IKE Box Café — Bring your own supplies — A creative monthly gathering for letter writing and mail art enthusiasts.

Beginning/Intermediate Woodcarving Class

6:45-8:45 p.m. — Center 50+ — $20 for four classes — Explore your creativity through woodcarving while working on personal or guided projects.

Lavender Wreath Making Class

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Arrowhead Lavender Farm & Co. — Costs vary — Create a beautiful lavender wreath while enjoying a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

4th of July Spectacular

3-11 p.m. — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Free admission — Celebrate Independence Day with food, rides, music, and a spectacular fireworks display.

Marion County Fair

Noon-10 p.m. — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Adults: $9, Kids 5 and under FREE — Celebrate summer with thrilling rides, tasty food, and live music at the Marion County Fair.