Good morning, Salem.

Local farms in Salem hosted their annual harvest festivals on Friday as families picked pumpkins, rode hayrides, and explored corn mazes and apple orchards at Fordyce Farm and E.Z.

Orchards. Festivities will continue through the end of the month — offering more fall fun to local visitors.

Snap Fitness Salem reopens its fully upgraded gym at 4555 Liberty Rd. in South Salem under new local ownership by Kamille Laws, featuring new flooring, modern lighting, and expanded fitness equipment.

The grand reopening celebration is set for Friday, October 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting at 11 a.m. and local vendors involved — emphasizing a strong commitment to local investment.

Oregon Housing and Community Services is funding 340 affordable homes this month in five projects so more families have safe places to live.

The agency will use tax credits, state funds + $40 million from ORCA to build and preserve these homes.

Gov. Tina Kotek called for the 400 National Guard members waiting at Camp Rilea to be sent home—following a federal judge's order that blocked their planned deployment to Portland.

She met with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who said she is working to secure partnerships that will help keep our officers safe as federal law enforcement efforts continue.

Marion County public defenders have filed a lawsuit against the Oregon Public Defense Commission — alleging that the new contract forces lawyers to resolve 195 serious felony cases in 11 hours, leaving little time to properly defend clients.

The contract also sets a quota of 300 misdemeanor cases a year for the team of 20 attorneys and may lead to cuts in funding and staff if quotas are not met.

An ethics investigation showed that Mayor Julie Hoy misled Council President Linda Nishioka by falsely claiming that most councilors supported firing former City Manager Keith Stahley, leading to his abrupt resignation.

The ethics report—based on interviews—found that none of the councilors said they supported his removal.

The Idanha Detroit Rural Fire Protection District is building a new fire station on Blowout Road because its old facility is no longer safe, but construction stalled when funds ran out and a $2 million federal appropriation is tied up in the government shutdown—officials say they will seek more grants if the money does not come through. The district plans to move into the station in March and hold a public opening in May.

Lawmakers questioned Oregon’s nearly two-week delay in broadening Covid-19 vaccine access compared to Washington.

Sen. Reynolds is considering legislation for the 2026 session—allowing providers to follow West Coast Health Alliance guidelines—while Gov. Kotek defends her administration’s quick response.

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.

Indoor Winter Market at Wavra Farms

10 AM – 3 PM — Wavra Farms & Nursery — Free entry — Discover local vendors and enjoy the warmth of the indoor market this winter.

The Ty Curtis Band

4-8 p.m. — Beehive Station — Entry details not specified — Ty Curtis returns to his bluesy roots with new music on the way.

Flu Clinic at Lancaster Family Health Center

2-6 p.m. — Lancaster Family Health Center at Lancaster — No cost — Help combat the flu with a quick visit to the clinic for vaccinations.

Finding Hope, Resilience, and Strength During Turbulent Times All-inclusive Retreat

This retreat will offer a restorative space to rest and rejuvenate in the healing waters as well as guide you on your journey to mindfulness and hopefulness. Find healing and hope through activities like guided meditations, exploration and discovery of strengths and resilience, movement and mobility, soothing sound baths, artistic endeavors, and more!