Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What we know about the arson arrest at Hallman Elementary

Also, don't miss Men's Coffee Group on the Salem Patch calendar

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Monday September 21st Patch AM
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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:

  • What we know about the arson arrest at Hallman Elementary
  • Could Salem's beloved Walling Pond really become a new city park?
  • How did Salem's latest college soccer showdown end 4-1?

Also on today's calendar: Caught Dead Handed (Grateful Dead tribute) @ Elysium Botanicals and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call advice from a cow ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Monday: Partial sunshine, with a high of 73 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Partly sunny and nice, temps: high: 73, low: 48.
  • Wednesday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 72 and low of 50 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Man Arrested on Arson Charge After Fire at Hallman Elementary School in Northeast Salem (kykn.com) — A major fire at Hallman Elementary School in northeast Salem caused an estimated $500,000 in damage late Thursday night, and a 32-year-old Keizer man was arrested on arson-related charges early Friday. Salem Fire and Salem Police used a drone to search the scene, and school security helped detectives identify the suspect. No injuries were reported, but the investigation into the blaze is still ongoing.
   

2. Residents push to save historic Salem fishing hole (statesmanjournal.com) — Neighbors in southeast Salem are rallying to have the city buy privately owned Walling Pond and turn the longtime fishing spot into a public park, even though it's not in the current master plan. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is enthusiastic but must weigh the $408,290 price tag, funding sources, and long timelines against other park projects. If purchased, the site could restore stocked fishing and add rare green space in an industrial corridor.
   

3. Saint Martin's men's soccer blows past West Texas A&M in Salem (thurstonchronicle.com) — A men's college soccer matchup in Salem saw Saint Martin's roll past West Texas A&M 4-1, with Juan Diaz scoring twice to continue his strong season. The game featured early and second-half goals that kept momentum firmly with the Saints, plus a milestone for goalkeeper Connor Leistiko, who surpassed 200 career saves. The team now turns its focus to conference play.
   

4. The Hallie Ford Museum of Art found a friend in John Obrantz • Oregon ArtsWatch (orartswatch.org) — In Salem, the Hallie Ford Museum of Art is marking the retirement of longtime director John Olbrantz, who led Willamette University's museum for 28 years and helped build its endowment, collection, and regional reputation. Colleagues credit him with organizing hundreds of exhibitions, championing Northwest and Indigenous artists, and keeping the institution financially stable. Olbrantz plans to stay in Salem, consulting, traveling, and remaining active in the arts community.
   

5. Sponge Share New Single and Announce Final Studio Album (ghostcultmag.com) — Sponge is bringing its farewell studio-album tour to Salem's Elsinore Theatre on September 27, giving local fans a chance to hear songs from their final record, "Recuerda Tu Muerte," live. The Detroit alt-rock band just released the single "Self Inflicted Loss," recorded the new album with a raw, no-Auto-Tune approach, and will be on the road with Candlebox through fall. Salem's stop is one of only a few Northwest dates.
   

📸 Around Salem

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: Dogs have been returned home!
    Our neighbors found these sweet boys together on Glen Creek Rd NW and 31st CT. They are safe at my house for tonight. They have water and a warm bed… (Nextdoor Chatnicka Heights)
  • My boy is missing
    His name is whino We have had him since the day he was born and miss him like crazy . He is super social likes dogs and everyone. We live right by… (Nextdoor Morningside)
  • Lancer Hospitality Group posted a job opening for Prep Cook in Salem. Apply here.
  • Momiji Master LLC posted a job opening for Sushi Chef 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: Beef Tips (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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