Good morning, Salem.

Jonathan Williams, who joined the Statesman Journal in July 2022 as daily news editor, has been promoted to top editor where he will report to Greg Burton—marking a new step for the paper in Salem.

His move creates a vacancy for the daily news editor role, opening a new opportunity for local talent.

At the Union Gospel Mission, Perry La Mire recalled his family’s backyard trolley built by his father that once gave free rides to local kids.

He noted he is working with a local provider to secure housing while voicing concern about changes in Salem—he loves his city despite its challenges.

Lillian Anderson, Chemeketa Community College student president—a Sprague graduate who helped students with tutoring and the food pantry—was chosen for the Newman Civic Fellowship and will travel to Chicago in October to meet other leaders after being nominated by President Jessica Howard.

The Oregon Department of Forestry warns that even though fall has arrived, fire regulations remain in effect as dry fuels and east winds keep fire risk high—new fires have been started daily, with 1,091 fires reported on ODF lands so far, 671 of which were human-caused.

ODF urges residents to follow safety tips and check local restrictions to help prevent wildfires.

Downtown Salem business leaders will meet with city and county officials tomorrow at the Elsinore Theatre from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. to discuss how city parking revenue will be used and get updates on safety and livability, with Mayor Julie Hoy, Police Chief Trevor Womack, Commissioner Colm Willis, and District Attorney Paige Clarkson set to address their concerns — a step toward improving downtown collaboration.

The Oregon Senate met in Salem on Sept.

29 to vote on a transportation package during a special legislative session—senators Bruce Starr and Daniel Bonham spoke at press conferences about the proposal.

October Salem Stoic Society Meeting

5:00 – 6:30 PM — IKE Box Café — Free entry — Explore practical Stoicism to navigate life's challenges and cultivate resilience with like-minded individuals.

Michael Carbonaro Live Show

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Elsinore Theatre — All ages welcome — Experience the magic and comedy of Michael Carbonaro known for his hidden camera magic series.

Sonic Journey – Sound Bath Experience

7-8:45 p.m. — Salem Friends Meeting — $20-40 sliding scale — Immerse yourself in a meditative sound bath with gongs and crystal singing bowls for profound relaxation.

Oregon Ready Fair 2025

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. — 3930 Fairview Industrial Dr SE, Salem, OR — Free entry — A community event focused on practical emergency preparedness and hands-on learning for all ages.

Spooky Boo Paint Night

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Valiant the Sandwich — All materials included — Unleash your creativity with a ghostly painting experience this Halloween.

Spooky Cute Paint Night

6-8 p.m. — Vortex Eatery + Taphouse — All materials included — Unleash your creativity with a fun, spooky painting experience designed for all skill levels.

The Winery Comedy Tour

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Cubanisimo Vineyards — Drinks available — Enjoy a night filled with laughter from some of the funniest comedians in the country.

Author Meet & Greet Book Signing

1-4 p.m. — Barnes & Noble Salem — Free entry — Celebrate the release of the final book in the Alex McKenna series with a cozy book signing event.

North East Salem Community Association Meeting

7-8:30 p.m. — The Jory Apartments — Free entry — Engage with your community and participate in important neighborhood discussions.

Needle Felting Class - Pumpkin

6-8 p.m. — CreativiTee — Pre-registration required — Learn to needle felt a pumpkin and expand your fiber arts knowledge this fall.