Here’s why field burning is allowed in the Willamette Valley heat

With temperatures nearing or surpassing record levels and air quality warnings in effect, burn bans are commonplace. But there are still sometimes long plumes of smoke headed into the skies over Salem begging the question: Why? “It’s a very visible…
Oregon State Fair looking for workers at Saturday job fair

The Oregon State Fair is hiring more than 400 people for the annual event by hosting a job fair on Saturday in Salem. “We are looking for people who are upbeat, hardworking, on time, and feel comfortable helping guests with…
Artists take to the streets in Salem

The Plein Air Invitational put on by Salem on the Edge fine art gallery will see 10 artists painting in Riverfront Park and throughout downtown on Saturday.
The man behind Salem’s couch races brings pinewood derby to Fork Forty

A decade ago, Davis Buerge started an annual event racing couches down the soapbox derby track in Bush’s Pasture Park. On Aug. 20, he’s hosting a smaller derby event at the bar he owns in downtown Salem.
UPDATED: Police identify man hit, killed by train in southeast Salem

UPDATE: The Salem Police Department identified the victim as 55-year-old Wesley James Crossman on Monday, Aug. 8. Investigators have not located Crossman’s family to notify them of his death, according to a news release. Police asked anyone who knows Crossman…
At the Capitol, a bilingual ranger hopes to inspire visitors

John Graham patrols one of Oregon’s smallest state parks, sharing state history and tending the grass and flowers.
Ike Box gets a boost to help Salem kids

After about five years of fostering children, Mark Bulgin and his wife Tiffany welcomed a biological baby, Isaac in 1998. The child was born with a heart condition and lived just a few months. “Losing Isaac awakened a parental instinct…
Salem-area food pantries continue to see climb in visits

Food pantries in and around Salem continued to see a sharp increase in visitors as residents content with inflation and high gas prices. It’s a change the Marion Polk Food Share first detected in March, though it was too early…
Free book program takes aim at child literacy in Salem, Keizer

Dolly Parton is coming to Salem. While the country music legend won’t be visiting Oregon’s capital, her Dolly Parton Imagination Library will soon offer books to kids in two local ZIP codes each month. The nationwide program is an effort…
Capital Fieldhouse embarks on community-driven mission

Capital Fieldhouse, formerly known as The Hoop, is hosting a free summer sports camp Aug. 1-3 for underprivileged and homeless kids. (Courtesy/Capital Fieldhouse) Everyone who grew up in Salem knows The Hoop, says Jack Moothart–a freshly graduated college student who…