Good morning, Salem.

Oregon congressional leaders asked USDA to buy surplus hazelnuts for food banks after prices dropped sharply last year — the Oct.13 letter cited market imbalances threatening Willamette Valley growers.

Oregon added 5,800 payroll jobs in September as construction and health care grew while retail lost 1,500 jobs.

The Oregon Employment Department will release Salem-area employment figures on Tuesday, Oct. 20 (to show if state gains extended locally).

Gov. Tina Kotek and Sen. Christine Drazan urged local school officials in Salem-Keizer and Portland to delay closing up to 20 schools amid community calls for more time and clearer data.

Salem-Keizer board members plan additional feedback sessions before a meeting (Dec. 8) decides the future of the schools.

Salem-Keizer Public Schools officials recommended that six elementary schools—Brush College, Candalaria, Cummings, Englewood, Liberty and Richmond—be closed due to building condition, age and enrollment considerations, with deferred maintenance costs near $15 million.

The decision was based on recent presentations and documents.

Gov. Tina Kotek ordered flags at Oregon public buildings to be flown at half staff tomorrow to honor firefighter David Taylor, who died Aug.

29 while aiding evacuations in Oklahoma. His memorial service will be held in Salem on the same day.