Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

Your Friday evening update on Salem news

Salem Reporter logo

Good evening, Salem.

A team of 12 Marion County firefighters is headed over the mountains to assist with the rapidly-growing Cow Valley Fire in Malheur County.

Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

The task force is one of four deployed by the Oregon State Fire Marshal to assist in protecting lives and structures as the out-of-control range fire has grown to more than 115 square miles.

Gov. Tina Kotek on Friday morning invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act, which allows the fire marshal to mobilize help from across Oregon.

Local firefighters from the Aumsville Fire District, Silverton Fire District, Mt. Angel Fire District, Marion County Fire District #1 and Keizer Fire District are headed to the Cow Valley Fire. The task force has four engines, 1 water tender, and 12 firefighters, the fire marshal’s office said.

Other crews are assisting from Multnomah, Umatilla and Lane counties.

As fire and extreme heat grow more serious in Oregon and across the Northwest, Salem’s First Congregational Church kicks off a climate film festival tonight, as reporter Madeleine Moore explains in her story below. For the next month, catch free screenings of climate-related films meant to inspire action and discussion at 7 p.m. Fridays.

In lighter news, the Marion County Fair runs through Sunday at the state fairgrounds. You’ll find our guide to the festivities below.

And our news team will be at the Salem Saturday Market near the Winter Street side tomorrow morning from 9 a.m. to noon. Come say hi and grab an Otter Pop!

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

www.salemreporter.com

Salem’s Environmental Faith Network is putting on its first film festival starting July 12, showing climate films every Friday for a month. The festival will be free to the public…

www.salemreporter.com

Two recent measles cases in Marion County are not connected to each other, or to local cases confirmed in mid-June, health authorities said.

www.salemreporter.com

Police arrested three adults and one teenager after a stolen motorcycle investigation resulted in gunfire, a vehicle chase and one motorcyclist crashing.

www.salemreporter.com

From July 11-14, the Marion County Fair returns to the state fairgrounds. Catch a llama obstacle course contest, roving performers on stilts or enter a cheesecake in competition.

www.salemreporter.com

Police said a pickup truck driver turned south from Northeast Market Street onto Northeast 23rd Street when a motorcyclist, William D. Ryan, 44, of Salem, collided with the truck. The…

www.salemreporter.com

Events in Salem this week include a free outdoor showing of “Barbie” at Riverfront Park and comedy from Colin Jost of “Saturday Night Live” at Elsinore Theatre.

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.

SUBSCRIPTION ISSUE? Get clear answers from our Subscription Policies and Help page.

Copyright © 2025 Salem Reporter. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is: 494 State St., #410 • Salem, Oregon 97301

You are receiving this email because you signed up through our website or participated in a promotion.

Create a free account, or log in.

Gain access to read this article, plus limited free content.

Yes! I would like to receive new content and updates.