Good morning to you Salem! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Wagon Wheel Dollers Club and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: How do billboards talk? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Salem-Keizer recommends closing six elementary schools (kptv.com) — Salem-Keizer Public Schools is proposing to close six Salem elementary schools and redraw attendance boundaries starting in fall 2027, citing years of declining enrollment. District leaders say the plan would concentrate resources, preserve special education and dual-language programs, and will go before the school board Oct. 13, with community input and transition support promised for affected families.
2. Reser's Fine Foods Completes Energy Efficiency Projects at Oregon Facility (foodengineeringmag.com) — A major Salem food manufacturing facility has completed significant energy-efficiency upgrades expected to cut its electricity use by more than 20% and reduce emissions by 8%. The Don Pancho West plant now uses advanced refrigeration and compressed air systems, supported by Energy Trust of Oregon, positioning the Salem operation for more reliable, environmentally friendly growth.
3. Oregon's 2026 Walk for Recovery Takes On Stigma Statewide (kxl.com) — Salem residents still have time to register for Oregon's 2026 Walk for Recovery, which includes a Marion County event focused on substance use and mental health recovery. The family-friendly walks aim to reduce stigma, honor loved ones, and raise funds for local recovery services, housing assistance, and outreach programs across Oregon.
4. Salem teen arrested after victim struck with handgun (koin.com) — Salem police arrested a local teenager after he allegedly struck someone in the head with a handgun near Church and Bellevue streets, then ran before being caught near Pringle Creek. Officers recovered the gun and lodged the teen at the Marion County Juvenile Center on multiple charges, and they're still trying to identify the injured victim.
5. Cascade defeats Estacada, plus more high school football scores (statesmanjournal.com) — High school football fans in the Salem-Keizer area can follow No. 1 Cascade's homecoming showdown against No. 4 Estacada, with live updates and statewide scores from the Statesman Journal. The story highlights Cascade's dominant season so far and points readers to more coverage of top regional matchups, including Silverton's preparations for West Albany.
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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: "How do billboards talk?" — Sign language (Thank you Ellen S. for sending it in!)
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