Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

Your Thursday evening update on Salem news

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Good evening, Salem.

Firefighters quickly got a high-risk grass fire south of Salem under control Thursday afternoon.

Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

The fire along South Riverside Road was reported around 2 p.m. near Ankeny Vineyard, north of the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post at 3:30 p.m. that Riverside would be closed at South Skyline Road for an undetermined amount of time due to the contained fire.

Polk County firefighters responded, with assistance from Salem and Jefferson fire.

Recorded temperatures at McNary Field in Salem hit 100 degrees just before 4 p.m. Thursday, and fire officials have warned in recent days that the risk of wildfire is high.

Salem had large grass fires that threatened homes in the south Salem hills the past two summers.

In other heat news, the Salem-Keizer School District is delaying district-hosted outdoor events until 6 p.m., but hasn’t otherwise modified school schedules in light of the heat. About half of district schools lack air conditioning.

Here’s some of today’s news. You can read all our latest coverage anytime on our website.

www.salemreporter.com

ARCHES hopes new day center fence will help clients feel safer, deter after-hours gatherings

The ARCHES Day Center plans to install an iron fence around its downtown facility and the neighboring Coldwell Banker building. ARCHES leadership said they hope it will make the vulnerable…

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www.salemreporter.com

The 2024 school year begins for thousands of Salem kids

Optimism and smiles greeted students as elementary schoolers returned to class Wednesday.

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www.salemreporter.com

REPORT: Salem police chased fleeing drivers far less in 2023

Police vehicular pursuit data for 2023 showed the vast majority of people leading police on car chases in Salem were men between the ages of 22 and 40. Police chases…

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www.salemreporter.com

Oregon hires new state economist with Wall Street background

Carl Riccadonna will craft the economic forecasts that determine what the state can spend, and whether Oregonians receive a kicker.

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