Good morning, Salem.

On Monday, July 13, Newsmakers at Noon recapped the successful Marion County Fair at KYKN; the live broadcast shared festival highlights & congratulated prize winners, celebrating one of the Willamette Valley’s favorite summer traditions.

On Any Sundae will open a new Market Street location in Salem (the property currently houses Baskin-Robbins) soon.

The dessert shop plans to offer creative treats to local fans.

Salem City Manager Krishna Namburi announced Monday that the city is in talks with a California-based company for a data center project at Mill Creek Corporate Center, which could add about $9 million a year to the general fund.

The disclosure follows the end of a non-disclosure agreement with Verrus last week.

Willamette University and Pacific University have merged to form the state's largest private higher education institution—serving over 6,000 students at both existing campuses.

Board approvals were completed on June 6 with final leadership agreement made July 14.

Gov. Kotek said her upcoming budget—focusing on summer learning programs—will draw on state reserves as needed, with the plan for 2027-29 set to prioritize education.

She made her remarks at Faubion School in Northeast Portland.

ODOT announced that Bethel Road, linking Hwy 221 and 99W, will close on July 20 for a three-week renovation to improve intersection safety.

Drivers from nearby areas must use the Highway 153 detour, with construction on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. plus an early finish on Fridays.

Officials expect work on a new deck wrapping around the base of the Oregon Pioneer at the state Capitol — currently under improvement — to finish by the end of August.

Providence at Home with Compassus is a joint venture between Compassus and nonprofit Providence (first announced October 2024).

Staff face higher visit quotas and record issues after Compassus took control in May 2025, while Oregon regulators approved the deal with conditions requiring a $30 million investment over five years.

Amy McLeod from The McLeod Group & Samantha Reddick of Success Mortgage discussed the cooling real estate market, mortgage rates, and down payment assistance on Newsmakers at Noon yesterday.

Their conversation highlighted how balanced market conditions are opening new opportunities for buyers and sellers as the year continues.

Salem will host Ironman 70.3 Oregon July 17-19, drawing thousands to a 70-mile course with a swim in the Willamette, a bike ride from South Salem to Ankeny Nature Preserve and a run through Minto-Brown Island Park.

Road closures on July 19 from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. affect travel.

Santiam Canyon Stampede PRCA Rodeo

7-10 p.m. — Sublimity Harvest Festival — Ticket required — Celebrate Military Night with rodeo action, mutton busting, donkey races, and live music.

Spearhead Oregon

July 24-25 — Salem Armory Auditorium — Paid entry — Experience two days of worship, prophetic impartation, and spiritual activation.

Paint & Sip Night at The Pour House Saloon

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Pour House Saloon — Drinks and food available for purchase — Unwind with friends and explore your creativity while sipping your favorite beverages.

Story Night Featuring Kourtney Ferrua

6-9 p.m. — Zenith Vineyard — Wine available for purchase — Enjoy an evening of friendship, food, and an inspirational story with Kourtney Ferrua.

Sell Your Camera Gear at The Shutterbug

July 31st - August 1st — The Shutterbug — Free entry — Sell your used camera gear for top dollar and enjoy additional trade bonuses.

Regional Music Festival

7-10 p.m. — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Ticket information available — Experience a vibrant night with electrifying performances from popular regional artists.

Englewood Forest Festival

10 AM – 4 PM — Englewood Park — Free entry — Celebrate art, nature, and community with entertainment and activities for all ages.