Downtown Salem will be a busy place Sunday as the community again hosts Ironman 70.3. The  triathlon with about 2,500 competitors was scheduled to start just after 6 a.m. with a swim.
The event, considered an economic boost for Salem, got underway with a weather system moving through that was producing lots of lightning west of Salem.
You can find out what downtown streets are closed or otherwise limited in reporter Madeleine Moore’s story about the competition.
The big story in Oregon this morning is the wildfire season. At least two more fires grew into “megafire” category – covering more than 100,000 acres. According to the state wildfire website tracking fires, crews on Sunday faced 82 active wildfires that had covered 495,921 acres and prompted evacuations of several small communities.
Those communities continue to get help from fire agencies that dispatch crews to protect homes and other structures. Marion County agencies have been in the mix and, with lightning forecast across much of the state today, the demand is likely to grow.
Memories and tributes poured out this week on word of the passing of Peter Courtney, one of Salem’s most dynamic leaders. Courtney got his political start with a seat on the Salem City Council and ended his public service as the longest-serving president of the Oregon Senate.
In government news, Salem city officials consider where to get more money to pay for services. City councilors last week listened as a citizen task force weighed in with options on where to get that money. Reporter Joe Siess captured the discussion, noting the Salem City Council made no decisions but will consider what to do in an August meeting.
And the Salem-Keizer School District could be better off if Gov. Tina Kotek has her way. The governor has a plan to boost state money flowing to local schools. The plan is a long way from a done deal but Managing Editor Rachel Alexander reports on the millions of dollars that could flow to Salem schools.
U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas was in town last week, listening to parents describe how hard it can be to get child care. The Congresswoman said some in the U.S. House are considering how to have the federal government help out.
On the public safety front, Madeleine reported on a quirky scam that leads victims to hand over huge sums of money to strangers. The effort involves computers, phony FBI agents and threats of arrest.  A Salem victim, though, helped real FBI agents arrest one of the suspected scam artists.
Officials say security cameras caught on tape an arsonist setting fire to Washington Elementary School in northeast Salem. Reporter Abbey McDonald reports that fire crews got out the fire before there was too much damage and a suspect was later charged with first-degree arson.
And the unusual case of motorcyclists firing shots in the air near Salem police officers took another twist. A 28-year-old Salem man was the second to be arrested, authorities said, in connection with the brazen crime. Among the charges: Felon in possession of a weapon.
On a lighter note, we introduced you to a small business owner who has built a strong clientele at The Fussy Duck in south Salem. From our story: Risa Cowley “works hard to make The Fussy Duck not feel or smell like a typical antique store. Instead of must, metal or mold, customers are greeted by the herbal smell of sachets.”
And in a fun look back, photographer Laura Tesler captured Family Day at the Marion County Fair.