Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How will Salem’s tree plan fight the emerald ash borer invasion?
Also, don't miss 2026 Open Studios on the Salem Patch calendar
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:
- How will Salem's tree plan fight the emerald ash borer invasion?
- Want to adopt a rescued cat at Oregon Humane's Salem campus?
- Which South Salem football faces are leading the Saxons this season?
Also on today's calendar: 2026 Open Studios and 6 more events.
Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Salem Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Salem Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Salem. 
- Thursday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 90 and low of 58 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Friday: Partial sunshine, temps: high: 82, low: 56.
- Saturday: Low clouds, with a high of 78 and low of 57 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Nation's most destructive forest pest found in Salem, Beaverton (naturalresourcereport.com) — Emerald ash borer has now been confirmed in Salem, and the city has already inventoried nearly 4,000 ash trees, begun removals, and injected about 1,200 high‑value trees with insecticide. Officials outline long‑term treatment, replanting, and public education plans, while state experts explain how residents can spot and report the pest to help protect Salem's tree canopy. 
2. 50 cats rescued from animal neglect case are ready for adoption through Oregon Humane (kgw.com) — Fifty cats rescued from a severe neglect case in southern Oregon are now ready for new homes through Oregon Humane, with adoptions available at both the Portland and Salem campuses. After months of costly medical care, the nonprofit is urging people to visit between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily or check their website to meet these rehabilitated cats and other adoptable animals.
3. See photos from South Salem football's 2026 media day (statesmanjournal.com) — South Salem High School football players and head coach Josh Vanlue just posed for a series of portrait-style photos during the team's Aug. 14 media day in Salem. The gallery highlights key Saxons like Kellen Bowman, Ben Greer, Sam Johnson, and others as they gear up for the 2026 season, giving local fans an early look at this year's squad.
4. Why people said Oregon psilocybin services improved mental well being (statesmanjournal.com) — Oregon researchers tracked 346 adults using state‑regulated psilocybin services and found most reported better mental health and highly meaningful experiences over three months. The statewide program, which includes a service center in Salem, appears generally safe but carries some risks, especially for psychedelic‑naive people with existing conditions. Officials are now weighing higher fees to keep the program financially sustainable.
📸 Around Salem
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Salem
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Greeters Hosted by The REC
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce 3500 River Rd N Keizer, OR 97303
8:30 am - Free Pour Latte Art Competition and Fundraiser
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Broadway Coffeehouse 1300 Broadway St. NE Suite #100 Salem, OR 97301
6:00 pm - 2026 Open Studios →
Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St SE, Salem
5:00 pm - GH4GU: Night at the Museum (Y2K Edition)
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Gilbert House Children's Museum 116 Marion St NE Salem, OR 97301
7:00 pm - Wonder Walk Impressions →
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce The Oregon Garden
11:00 am - Salem Emerging Leaders - Coffee Social - 08.27.2026 →
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Location & Address to be announced.
8:30 am - Catalyst Member Dinner - Exclusive Invite →
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce RH Estate Wines 2995 Michigan City Lane NW Salem, OR 97304
6:00 pm - Greeters Hosted by Center 50+
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Center 50+ 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301
8:30 am - Sundial Tour of Homes →
2310 Lancaster Dr SE, Salem
12:00 pm
Friday August 21
Saturday August 22
Sunday August 23
Thursday August 27
Friday August 28
Saturday August 29
📣 Salem Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Hawaiian Luau
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce 4138 Market St NE Salem, OR 97301
12:00 pm - Portland Mavericks vs Salem-Keizer Volcanoes →
Volcanoes Stadium, 6700 Field Of Dreams Way Northeast Suite 101, Keizer
6:00 pm - Greeters Hosted by The REC
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce 3500 River Rd N Keizer, OR 97303
8:30 am - Free Pour Latte Art Competition and Fundraiser
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Broadway Coffeehouse 1300 Broadway St. NE Suite #100 Salem, OR 97301
6:00 pm
Thursday August 20
Friday August 21
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Salem PatchAM possible:
- Sundial 55+ Active Lifestyle Community — (503) 363-6234
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Good afternoon everyone, I thought I would share my spider adventure I had this morning.
My daughter woke me up to get this humongous spider out of the bathroom, granddaughter saw it as she was going to take a shower. I was trying to get… (Nextdoor Lansing) - Update: Pet Reunited
Kiwi, a cat who went missing in Salem, OR, has been safely reunited with their family after 1 hours, 56 minutes. Message from Owner: "Kiwi is lost… (Nextdoor Kale-Hayesville)
- Ulta Beauty, Inc. posted a job opening for Lead Cashier in Salem. Apply here.
- MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Customer Service Supervisor Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $18-$47/Hr 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: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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