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Your Thursday evening update on Salem news

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Good evening, Salem.

Many members of Salem’s budget committee want to bring back summer park concerts and movies that are on the chopping block.

Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

But they haven’t settled on a way to do it.

The city’s budget committee met Wednesday evening and discussed moving money around to find about $75,000 to pay for the events, which were cut from the proposed 2024-25 budget.

City councilor Virginia Stapleton said summer gatherings are an important boost for downtown businesses, because people go out to eat and drink when they come to Riverfront Park. She proposed taking the money from the annual amount Salem pays to SEDCOR, the regional economic development nonprofit, for business retention.

Other councilors raised concerns that cut could reduce money available for a Latino Business Alliance program helping small Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs get off the ground. SEDCOR helps with the program.

Ultimately, the group directed the city manager to come back next week with a suggestion for how to preserve parks events. The committee next meets Wednesday, May 1.

“We will come back with at least one path to solve this small problem,” City Manager Keith Stahley said.

We’ll have more on the latest city budget discussions tomorrow.

Here’s some of today’s news. Find all our coverage on our website here.

www.salemreporter.com

VOTE 2024: Commissioner Mordhorst, Monmouth Councilor Beltz vie for Polk County seat

Lyle Mordhorst hopes to finish the work he started in his first term as a Polk County commissioner. Challenger Roxanne Beltz, a Monmouth city councilor, believes she has a broader…

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www.salemreporter.com

YOUR GOVERNMENT: Federal money approved to design Santiam Canyon sewer system

Marion County Commissioners on Wednesday approved $4.16 of federal Covid relief money for an engineering firm to design a new sanitary sewer system that would serve the cities of Idanha,…

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www.salemreporter.com

Oregon newspaper wins national award for fighting government secrecy

The Malheur Enterprise has won a national award for fighting secrecy as it reported on the Treasure Valley Reload Center. The First Amendment Award was given to the family-owned newspaper by…

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www.salemreporter.com

Salem-area community center will help young people learn music, screenprinting and business skills

Radness Ensues, a new nonprofit community center, plans to open in Keizer this summer with a range of skill-building opportunities for local youth, from screenprinting to music management. They hope…

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ATTEND THE DEBATE – SALEM MAYOR’S RACE

You’re invited to attend a live debate between two city leaders who want to be Salem’s mayor.

You’re also invited to send questions you would like asked.

Here are the details:

Who’s debating: Chris Hoy is the current mayor, seeking a second term. Julie Hoy, a local restaurateur, is serving on the Salem City Council. The Hoys are not related.

Who’s asking questons: Cindy Condon of Salem City Club, Abbey McDonald of Salem Reporter.

Who’s moderating: Les Zaitz, editor, Salem Reporter.

When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 30. Doors open: 5 p.m.

Where: The Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. S.E.

Tickets: Free, available online HERE.

Broadcast: Capital Community Media will broadcast live on Channel 21 and stream on Youtube.

Your questions: Email your questions to Editor Les Zaitz – [email protected].

NEWS TIP? Send your information or idea to [email protected]. If your topic requires confidentiality, contact Managing Editor Rachel Alexander: [email protected].

SUBMITTING AN OBITUARY – Our service is $100 with up to five photos and unlimited text. Read our suggestions for a meaningful story.

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