Good morning Salem! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Sundial Tour of Homes and 7 more events.
Today's riddle: What did the tree say when Spring arrived? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Salem 9-Member Data Center Task Force Forming (kxl.com) — Salem officials are forming a nine-member task force to study a proposed data center at Mill Creek while a temporary moratorium is in place. The group will hold at least three town halls before issuing recommendations to the City Council by year's end. Residents are already pushing for more time and stronger public engagement, citing environmental concerns seen in other Oregon counties.
2. How to apply for wildland firefighting jobs near Salem and Eugene (statesmanjournal.com subscription) — Wildland firefighting jobs are open now for the 2027 fire season in national forests near Salem, Corvallis and Eugene, with applications accepted through Sept. 22. Positions range from senior firefighters to supervisory engine operators, with competitive federal pay and benefits. Any U.S. citizen 18 or older can apply online through Forest Service sites or USAJobs.
3. Kotek says federal assistance is still flowing amid record-breaking 2026 wildfire season (kgw.com) — From Salem, Gov. Tina Kotek says federal wildfire aid is again flowing as Oregon endures its most destructive fire season on record, with more than 2.5 million acres burned. She describes strained firefighting crews, challenges getting out-of-state help, and urges residents to avoid recreational fires and stay alert heading into Labor Day.
4. Oregon Data Center Moratorium Rally + Lobby Day (columbiariverkeeper.org) — Organizers are inviting residents to the Oregon State Capitol in Salem on September 8 for a rally and lobby day urging legislators to pass a three-year moratorium on new data centers. The all-day event includes meetings with lawmakers, a noon rally on the Capitol steps, and hearings focused on energy and environmental impacts of large data facilities.
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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: What a re-leaf! (Thank you Flo G. for sending it in!)
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