Good morning Salem! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Salem Hardy Plant Society 2026 Fall Plant Sale and 4 more events.
Today's riddle: I'm a rock group with 4 members; one member was assassinated. What am I? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Small but mighty: Salem's Hallie Ford Museum of Art punches above its weight • Oregon ArtsWatch (orartswatch.org) — Salem's Hallie Ford Museum of Art has grown into a major cultural hub, showcasing Northwest and Indigenous art, publishing dozens of books, and drawing thousands of visitors each year. Located on State Street, the museum offers frequent free-admission days, school partnerships, and programs with tribes and neurodivergent artists. New leadership is now guiding the museum as Willamette University navigates broader changes.
2. Before the Water Rose: Celilo Falls, 1956 at Stefani Art Gallery (salemreporter.com) — An upcoming photography exhibition at Stefani Art Gallery in downtown Salem will showcase rare images of Celilo Falls taken just months before the site was flooded by The Dalles Dam. The show opens with a reception on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. on Court Street NE and runs through Nov. 27, inviting Salem residents to explore a powerful piece of Northwest history.
3. 16-year-old armed with knife at Salem middle school restrained by staff, police say (koin.com) — A 16-year-old student at Salem's Straub Middle School was restrained by staff and police after reportedly damaging property with a knife, but no one was hurt. Officers say the student was detained and taken to Salem Hospital's emergency department for a behavioral health evaluation, and the investigation into the incident is still underway.
4. I-5 northbound lanes closed in Salem due to crash (kptv.com) — All northbound lanes of I-5 in Salem near the Pacific Highway East intersection were shut down Thursday afternoon after a crash, with ODOT warning of delays from 20 minutes to two hours. If you're driving through the area, expect significant congestion while crews work and check ODOT's online updates before heading out. Details on vehicles involved or injuries have not yet been released.
5. South Salem looks to carry momentum of win, 76-point outburst (statesmanjournal.com) — South Salem High's football team is riding high after a 76–50 season-opening win over Forest Grove, highlighted by a record-chasing 575-yard passing performance from senior quarterback Kellen Bowman. Coaches say the victory validates years of work and sets up a big home matchup against Southridge, where the Saxons hope their fast-paced, pass-heavy offense and improving defense can keep momentum going.
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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: Mount Rushmore (Thank you J.J. W. for sending it in!)
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