Good morning, Salem.

On Sept. 9, The Asher House animal sanctuary held a pack walk featuring 50 rescued dogs and other animals to highlight the care provided by founder Lee Asher & staff in Salem.

Lee Asher, founder of a multi-million-dollar animal sanctuary south of Salem, addressed ongoing state investigations into nonprofit finances and animal welfare during a recent tour as his organization cares for hundreds of animals on 240 acres with 80 staff (including roughly 200 dogs and 20 cats).

A Marion County grand jury reported on Sept.

28 that Oregon State Hospital in Salem lacks the capacity to provide proper treatment — citing issues with staff training, seclusion room use, and leadership turnover — which may hinder patient recovery.

Salem Health will invest $75 million to nearly triple the emergency room at West Valley Hospital in Dallas (Polk County’s only hospital) to meet growing emergency care demand.

Salem Housing Authority will soon begin issuing more housing vouchers after HUD lifted its shortfall restrictions — easing local rental assistance for eligible households.

It distributed $3.17 million in payments last month and will add vouchers gradually as local rental options expand.