Good morning, Salem.

Mountain West Community Excellence has pledged $2.7 million to Friends of Center 50+ to expand senior services at the center on Portland Road NE.

The funds will be delivered over three years as tailored grants — supporting new outreach programs and classes to meet growing community needs.

Keizer youth Vincent Brooks and Hudson Erickson earned national recognition on LEGO Masters Jr. after they built a Peter Pan-themed LEGO set with celebrity guest Ravi Patel— a community watch party was held at the Kroc Center in Salem to view the episode that aired on Monday, Aug.

18.

Residents should know that on unregulated streets in Salem, neighbors and visitors can park in front of houses as long as they do not block driveways, fire hydrants, bike lanes, or crosswalks.

In areas marked as Residential Parking Districts, those without permits — parking is limited to 90 minutes during monitored hours and vehicles cannot remain in the same spot for more than five days.

Cascade Tire Pros, a family-owned tire shop at 1795 12th St. S.E. that has served Salem for over 50 years, was named Business of the Year by the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce earlier this year—thanks to its charitable outreach and community commitment.

Ryan Hazelbaker, who took over the business from his father Lance, continues to run the shop while supporting local events.

On August 21, 2025, 17-year-old Jordan Hall Fernandez pled guilty in adult court to armed robbery and firearm charges from a crime he committed at 16 while on parole from the Oregon Youth Authority, receiving a 60-month corrections sentence with placement at a closed youth facility—his co-defendant Barry Johnson awaits sentencing for similar charges.

The Oregon Employment Department said that the unemployment rate in July rose to 5% after 2,700 jobs were lost—declines in health care, professional services and manufacturing were partly offset by gains in construction and transportation.

Lawmakers passed changes to unemployment benefits for striking workers that will take effect in January.

A federal appeals court ruled on Monday that the state rule for youth grants will only cover programs that take state money—leaving groups like Youth 71Five Ministries under a different rule.

The education department is reviewing the decision and may change the rule soon.

Salem’s longtime north Grocery Outlet will close in September — operations will shift to a new store on South Commercial Street opening Sept.

25. Portland investor Alan Mela is working with the Grant Neighborhood Association and Councilor Paul Tigan to find a new tenant for the 23,000 square foot space as its lease ends in February and becomes available in March.

Today, a dozen current and former Chemeketa Community College staff will start a 196-mile Hood to Coast relay at 3 a.m. from Salem and complete the race in about 36 hours—each running three legs and keeping a unique 'road kill' tally as they honor a long tradition.

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.

Wine & Yoga Experience

6-8 p.m. — Cubanisimo Vineyards — Suggested donation of $5-10 — Enjoy a relaxing yoga class with mountain views followed by a beverage.

Yoga + Libations at Lively Station

6-7 p.m. — Lively Station — $5-$10 suggested donation — Enjoy a relaxing outdoor yoga session followed by dinner and drinks in a vibrant setting.