Good morning Salem! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: 2026 Open Studios and 5 more events.
Today's riddle: What is full of holes but still holds water? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. How Salem, Oregon, Turned Culture Change Into a No. 1 Fleet Ranking (government-fleet.com) — Salem's city fleet just earned a No. 1 national ranking after nearly a decade of culture change, data-driven decisions, and employee empowerment that pushed vehicle availability to almost 99%. City staff describe how telematics, tighter parts management, and steady small improvements have cut costs, sped up repairs for police and fire, and strengthened services residents rely on every day.
2. 11 Ways to Spend Labor Day Weekend in the Northwest (mynorthwest.com) — A quirky Labor Day Floaty Float paddle on the Willamette from Salem's Wallace Marine Park is one of several standout Northwest events coming up over the holiday weekend. The roundup also spotlights festivals, rodeos, art fairs, and parades across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, giving Salem residents plenty of regional getaway ideas.
3. Police Policy Committee recommends Rowan serve three years of ineligibility (elkhornmediagroup.com) — In Salem's Police Policy Committee recommended that Umatilla County Sheriff Terry Rowan be ineligible to serve for three years following his 2025 DUII-related arrest, focusing on dishonesty and misconduct charges. The committee dropped a misuse of authority allegation and cited his treatment efforts and support letters, with the final decision now headed to the DPSST Board in October.
4. Unauthorized Drone Flights Over Wildfires Can Ground Life-Saving Air Operations (theashlandchronicle.com) — State officials in Salem are warning Oregonians that flying drones near wildfires can immediately ground firefighting aircraft and carry fines up to $75,000 and possible prison time. The Oregon Departments of Aviation and Emergency Management urge residents to check flight restrictions, keep drones away from fire zones, and report unauthorized flights so aerial crews can safely protect communities.
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Ok Salem! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A sponge (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
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