Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How can you influence Salem’s rules for new data centers?

Be sure to catch Chelsea Wolfe on the Salem Patch calendar

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Thursday September 10th Patch AM
Thursday September 10th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

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:

  • How can you influence Salem's rules for new data centers?
  • Which Salem art exhibits should you visit first this month?
  • What funding fixes for Oregon roads are on today's Salem agenda?

Also on today's calendar: Salem Hardy Plant Society 2026 Fall Plant Sale and 8 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you get when you cross an angry cow with an angry sheep? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Sun and some clouds, with a high of 80 and low of 49 degrees.
  • Friday: Partly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 71, low: 53.
  • Saturday: Cloudy, a shower and t-storm, with a high of 66 and low of 50 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Salem wants your thoughts on data centers. How to participate (statesmanjournal.com) — Salem is asking residents to weigh in on how data centers should be regulated, with three town halls and an online survey open through Oct. 9. A city task force, formed after opposition to a proposed Verrus facility, will use your feedback to shape recommendations headed to the Salem City Council in December.
   

2. 5 exhibits to see at Salem's galleries, museums in September (salemreporter.com) — Salem residents have several new art exhibits to explore this month, from Indigenous work at the Salem Art Association to a wine-themed show downtown and historic textiles at Willamette Heritage Center. You can also catch a Celilo Falls photography exhibit and a "hometown" themed show in nearby Keizer, with many events free or low-cost and some featuring special artist talks and receptions.
   

3. Oregon transportation workgroup meets today (elkhornmediagroup.com) — A key state transportation workgroup is meeting in Salem this afternoon to tackle Oregon's looming road funding crisis and refine recommendations for the 2027 Legislature. While the session happens at the Capitol, you can follow along online as members weigh new funding tools, priorities, and accountability measures that will shape future highway, transit, and safety investments affecting Salem drivers and businesses.
   

4. Kotek Pauses Data Centers on State Land, Demonstrators Push for Her to Go Further (corvallisadvocate.com) — Salem residents are at the center of Oregon's debate over data centers, with Gov. Tina Kotek pausing new projects on state-owned land and previously blocking one planned on Department of Corrections property in the city. Her move comes as Salem's City Council weighs its own temporary moratorium and statewide advocates push for a longer, three-year pause to address water, energy, and tax concerns.
   

5. Oregon Leaders United In Protecting Vote-By-Mail Elections (theashlandchronicle.com) — State leaders gathered in Salem to reaffirm support for Oregon's vote-by-mail system and respond to rising ballot rejections from late postmarks in the May primary. They're urging voters to use secure drop boxes, seeking funds for more locations and ballot tracking, and preparing legislative requests that could make it easier for Salem voters to confirm their ballots are counted on time.
   

📸 Around Salem

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Salem

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📣 Salem Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Thursday September 10
  • Western Oregon University: Art & Wine Event
    Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Illahe Hills Country Club (3376 Country Club Rd S, Salem, OR
    5:30 pm
  • Opening Night Party for the 77th Annual Salem Art Fair & Festival
    Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Bush's Pasture Park Corner of Miller and High Street
    6:00 pm
    • Friday September 11
  • Greeters Hosted by TBD
    Salem Area Chamber of Commerce 1110 Commercial St NE, Salem, OR 97301
    8:30 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Praise sweet Jesus.
    Thank you everyone for your love, support, and prayers. My baby boy is coming home. (Nextdoor West End Croisan Creek)
  • Hello i have a dog that needs re-homing due to us not being able to take care of him any longer since we don't have the space for him if anyone wants an affectionate dog with lots of energy please reach out
    This is Tyson i believe he is a heeler mix we have owned him for about a year but due to work and school we cant give him the attention and exercise… (Nextdoor Surfwood Villa)
  • Salem Health Hospitals & Clinics posted a job opening for ASL U Status Medical Interpreter in Salem. Apply here.
  • Salem-Keizer Public Schools posted a job opening for Wrestling - Assistant Coach, Claggett Creek Middle School in Salem. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Salem here.

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: An animal that's in a baaaaad mooood! (Thank you Lisa A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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