Good morning, Salem.

Family and friends will gather Thursday, August 14, at 2 p.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church in Keizer for a public memorial service to honor 17-year-old Elijah Jung, who died on July 29 in a car crash on Northwest Gibson Road, while his family raises funds for a memorial scholarship — for a West Salem student in the Class of 2026 — and pursues plans to rename Gibson Road and study road safety including improved signage to help prevent future tragedies.

A two-alarm fire damaged two mobile homes and displaced residents in a south Salem mobile home park Sunday night — firefighters controlled the blaze in little over two hours and treated a firefighter injured by the heat who was later released from the hospital.

Four farmworkers were arrested by ICE on August 7 near Woodburn while traveling to work at a blueberry farm, and the incident has raised fears among Salem's farmworkers and growers—who worry the arrest may cut into peak harvest work.

Former state Rep. Tracy Cramer announced on Aug.

11 that she is running for Oregon Senate District 11, which covers Brooks, Gervais, Keizer, Labish Village and north Salem as well as Woodburn. She plans to succeed outgoing Sen. Kim Thatcher—whose term ends in January—by focusing on tax relief, housing, education and rural issues.

ODOT announced sweeping layoffs in early July that cut 76 technical and planning positions in Marion County and raised concerns about the state’s road safety and infrastructure work—Governor Kotek delayed the cuts by 45 days to let lawmakers work on emergency funding, and more layoffs may follow if funding gaps continue into 2026.

The Oregon Supreme Court ruled Aug 7 that the Water Resources Commission must revisit its denial of water rights for a proposed dam on farmland south of Silverton because it considered only the impact on native cutthroat trout — ignoring all other required public interest factors.

East Valley Water District’s dam plan, which lacks a fish passage, will now be reexamined for issues like water quality and local economic development.

Oregon officials will install executive SNAP error watchdogs to lower the error rate—from 14.06% to under 6%—so the state can meet new federal cost-sharing rules and avoid extra costs.

Governor Kotek said the changes come as more than 740,000 Oregonians face work requirements and benefit reductions that may hit food banks hard.

7th Annual No BS OBS Truck Show and Swap

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Powerland Heritage Park — $20 entry — Experience one of the largest gatherings of 1980-97 Ford trucks and Broncos with vendors, food, and community fun.

The Shinkle Band Live Performance

5-7 p.m. — West Hills Vineyards — Enjoy a delightful evening with live country and rock music while savoring fine wine and bistro bites.

The All-American Rejects Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — L.B. Day Amphitheater — Part of Columbia Bank Concert Series — Enjoy a night of nostalgia with The All-American Rejects at the Oregon State Fair.

Train Stop Workshops: Dance and Derby

9:15 a.m.–8 p.m. — Cherry City Roller Derby — Promo code available — Learn dance skating skills and enhance roller derby footwork with Freight Train.

Paint Night at Vortex Eatery & Taphouse

6-8 p.m. — Vortex Eatery + Taphouse — Food and drink available for purchase — Unleash your creativity while sipping and painting in a fun atmosphere.

Pinot & Pizza Event

12-6 p.m. — Hudak House - Winery & Vineyard — No reservations required — Enjoy fresh pizza and Pinot Noir in a scenic setting with live music.

Dylan Scott Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Cost TBD — Experience the powerful vocals and heartfelt songs of Curb Records artist Dylan Scott.

Banda Los Sebastianes Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Free entry — Experience the lively sounds of Banda Los Sebastianes at the Columbia Bank Concert Series during the Oregon State Fair.

The Beach Boys Concert

4-9:30 p.m. — The Pavilion — Cost info not available — Experience over six decades of musical brilliance from The Beach Boys.

Tropical Treasures: Paper Art Exhibition by Eileen Downes

5-8 p.m. — Stefani Art Gallery — Free entry — Explore vibrant collages that transform torn paper into tropical dreams and hidden stories.