Good morning, Salem.

Santiam Bicycle closed its downtown shop on Sept 2 after decades of serving local cyclists and organizing group rides—competition from online shopping and big box stores led to the closure.

The shop had played an important role in Salem’s cycling community.

Cherie MacDougall, a 42-year-old former Oregon Youth Authority staffer from Salem, was arraigned on charges of having sex with an incarcerated youth and giving him two guns and vaping devices at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility during 2022 — she resigned in May 2023 — and her next court date is set for Sept. 11.

Battle Creek Elementary School welcomed kindergartners on September 8th in Salem as teachers guided students through reading, writing, and art — marking a joyful first day of school.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the USDA’s Wildlife Services program plan to begin killing barred owls in Oregon to protect endangered spotted owls—efforts will start early this month at Crater Laker and in national forests bordering the Willamette Valley.

State officials have proposed a redesign plan for Willson Park that will reconfigure the Walk of Flags and relocate some features while leaving others, like the octagon-shaped gazebo and war memorials, unchanged— the plan also envisions replacing the long-dry E.M.

Waite Memorial Fountain with a memorial garden near the Oregon State Capitol.

Gov. Tina Kotek and the Oregon Health Authority are reviewing laws and considering a standing order to keep Covid-19 vaccines available at pharmacies after new federal rules limited access and confused patients+the Oregon Board of Pharmacy said clearer guidance may come after the federal advisory meeting on Sept. 18-19, following similar measures taken by other states.

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.

Pinot & Pizza at Hudak House

4-8 p.m. — Hudak House - Winery & Vineyard — No reservations required — Savor custom pizzas and Pinot while enjoying live music in a scenic setting.

Salem Saturday Market

9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. — State of Oregon Green Lot — Free entry — Celebrate 27 years of local vendors showcasing handmade and homegrown treasures from the Mid-Willamette Valley.

SPCC Annual Luncheon 2025

12-2 p.m. — Broadway Commons — Free lunch — Enjoy insights from Ben Olson on thriving in relationships with practical tools for connection.

Bringing Sea Otters Back to Oregon

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Venti's Cafe + Beer Vault — Free entry — Discover the importance of sea otters and the ecosystem from a passionate marine biologist.

IN A LANDSCAPE: Riverfront Park

4-10 p.m. — Riverfront City Park — Free entry — Experience classical music amidst the stunning natural landscapes of the American West.

Art, Books, and Music Evening

5-7 p.m. — Center 50+ — Free entry — A creative showcase for authors and artists to connect and display their talents.

Beginner ESL Class

3 PM — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Participate in a multilingual beginner-level English class with supportive instruction.

Yoga + Coffee at Prismatic

12-1 p.m. — Prismatic Coffee Company — Suggested donation of $5-10 — Enjoy a midday yoga flow followed by coffee in a sustainable community.

Timeless Footprints with Annette Jensen

2-11:59 p.m. — Center 50+ — Free entry — Explore how to make a lasting impact on the world around you with an inspiring talk from Annette Jensen.