Good morning, Salem.

Salem events from today until July 2 feature the World Beat Festival at Riverfront Park with global music and food—Black Comedy is showing at the Pentacle Theatre, and train rides and scavenger hunts are planned at Powerland Heritage Park along with an enchanted market at the Grand Theatre. The Salem Marion Berries will host home baseball games this week with special giveaways and events honoring local high school graduates.

A 43-year-old man was extradited from Mexico and taken to Marion County jail on June 25 on charges related to the 2008 fatal shooting of Rafael Garcia in Salem, according to the district attorney's office.

A Salem man, Gary W. Ronning, 40, was sentenced on Wednesday to nearly 11 years in federal prison for sending sexual messages, photos and videos to undercover detectives posing as minors aged 13 to 15—he arranged to meet with them but did not follow through.

Salem’s World Beat Festival runs from June 27 to 29 at Riverfront Park and will showcase Indigenous cultures with music, storytelling, family activities and food vendors from around the world.

Hosted by the Salem Multicultural Alliance, the event will include a social powwow and dragon boat races—offering locals a vibrant celebration.

The Salem-Keizer School Board approved a $15.5 million purchase of a 15.9-acre property that formerly housed a Wells Fargo call center to bring alternative education programs under one roof.

The district will inspect and renovate the building before a November closing, using state funds and expected property sales to help cover the cost.

Mark Johnston, assistant chief deputy with the Oregon State Fire Marshal, outlines four key tips to safely use fireworks ahead of Fourth of July celebrations—he stresses that following these guidelines can help prevent injuries and fires.

On May 22, DEQ fined the Drug Take-Back Solutions Foundation nearly $650,000 for not operating enough drop sites and collection events—$617,000 of the fine was for failing to meet the drop site requirement—and the nonprofit is now appealing the penalty.

The foundation said law enforcement limitations affected its ability to hold the required events.

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.

Breakthrough Basketball Camp: Ball Handling and Scoring Skills

N/A — July 11-13 — NPJ Sports Complex — $97 fee for observing coaches — Improve your basketball skills with high-intensity drills and expert coaching.

Vintage Datsun Swap Meet

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Powerland Heritage Park — $20 Admission (plus camping fee) — Enjoy classic car swaps along with access to park museums and local food options.

Lavender Wreath Making Workshop

11 AM – 2 PM — Arrowhead Lavender Farm & Co. — Cost included — Create your own beautiful lavender wreath with expert guidance in a serene setting.