Good morning, Salem.

At noon on August 13th, Salem officials, community leaders — along with local artists — gathered at the corner of Portland Road and Hyacinth Street NE to unveil the new 'Welcome to Salem, Capital of Oregon' sign that replaces a long-criticized marker.

The metal sign, featuring large gold letters on a deep blue background, was corrected from an earlier wording error and funded through the City Entranceways program.

Gene Shriner, a 90-year-old Salem veteran, took a free Dream Flight on Aug.

12 in a 1940s Stearman biplane above McMinnville—he said the ride lifted his spirits during a hot day and offered a rare view of the Willamette Valley.

Community members gathered on Wednesday for a ribbon cutting ceremony on Northeast Portland Road to celebrate Salem’s new welcome sign—corrected after six years of effort and a spelling error in the original design.

City Councilor Irvin Brown and County Commissioner Danielle Bethell joined local artist Kaethe Mentrum at the event that cost about $78,000 with the sign priced at $8,800.

Salem’s new Cascadia Creative Conservatory is staging two experimental plays by young playwright Maeve Z.

O’Connor at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation — The Icarus Paradox plays today at 7:30 p.m. for audiences 10 and up while Omission runs Aug. 16, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. for teens and adults — as the project fills a local theater gap and plans more seasonal shows.

Oregon's unemployment rate climbed to 5.0% in July — the highest since 2016 excluding the pandemic — with 2,700 jobs lost mostly in manufacturing, banking, and health care, while the national rate was 4.2%.

Marion County voted 3-0 on Aug.

13 to expand the Aurora State Airport boundary so that a former church camp can be developed into hangars—office space and landing pads for helicopters and electric aircraft. Life Flight Network has shown interest while opponents have 21 days to appeal the decision.

Former Salem Area Chamber leaders say Cherriots has broken a 2018 deal by not including local business input before it plans a payroll tax—planned to start on January 1, 2026.

Business voices will be heard at a Chamber board meeting on Aug. 20 as community members push for proper consultation.

A state report from the Oregon Health Authority showed that more than 80% of behavioral health workers had completed suicide prevention training—needed for licensure—from 2022 to 2024.

However, the report noted that Oregon’s suicide rate stayed high with 888 suicides and a rate of 19.4 per 100,000 in 2023—spurring calls for stronger training rules.

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.

Boot Scoot and Brew Music Festival

11 a.m.-10 p.m. — Salem Riverfront Park Amphitheater — Cost info unavailable — Enjoy a full day of music featuring the Catnip Brothers and more.