🌮 More Chicken, an arrest near the hospital, and our documentary is live!

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Who is ready for Salem Tea?

🎥 Our Documentary is Live! Thanks to everyone who was able to join us for our premier last week. Our documentary is now live and available for you to watch on YouTube. I know this is a topic many of you are passionate about. I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts and what we should focus on as we start thinking about a second part of this series.

😱  We Made a Mistake! Last week we reported that Keizer Sub Shop is closed. The truth is they actually rebranded and are looking to expand their services to other areas. The are now Subs With Love. Please visit them and tell them Jacob says sorry.

✈️ Salem Airport Master Plan Update – The Salem City Council reviewed proposed changes to the airport, including the potential closure of Runway 16/34 due to lack of FAA funding. Closing it could open 110 acres for development, while keeping it would require $10M+ in city funds. Public input will shape the final decision.

🍗 Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers plans to open a restaurant at Keizer Station, issuing a letter of intent to buy 1.4 acres for $1.9 million. The Keizer City Council is reviewing the proposal, which requires state land-use approval. The chain, with over 700 locations, would open its second Oregon spot. A separate developer is also eyeing land nearby.

🚔 Salem Police arrested Luis Angel Escobedo Castaneda near Salem Health on February 18 after he was spotted carrying a rifle. He fled but was caught after officers used less-lethal rounds and a K9. A loaded rifle was recovered. Castaneda faces multiple charges, including unlawful firearm possession, and is set for arraignment at Marion County Circuit Court today.

What's inside:

• Our brand new events calendar is LIVE (It’s a work in progress, but we are excited to get started.)

• Embrace the nostalgia - 90s cover bands galore!

• Building homes, strengthening communities

And much more. Let's explore what's happening, Salem!

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Community Updates

Internal tests show promising improvements in Salem-Keizer student reading, district leaders say

Nearly half of Salem-Keizer third graders are now reading at grade level, a significant improvement from last year when just one in four met expectations. District leaders credit standardized curriculum, expanded teacher training, and better student assessment systems for the progress, though they emphasize more work is needed to reach all students.

For more information on the district’s reading initiatives, student attendance trends, safety measures, and mental health programs, read the full Salem Reporter article.

Oregon educators rally for special education funding reform at Salem hearing

Hundreds of educators gathered in Salem to support House Bill 2953, which would lift funding caps for special education services in Oregon’s public schools. Currently, state funding covers only up to 11% of students needing special education, though the actual average is closer to 14.8%. Advocates argue the funding gap limits resources, leaving many students without proper classroom support. (KMTR NBC 16)

Pints for Pups | February 20

Santiam Brewing • 5:30PM - 7:00PM

Enjoy a pint and meet adorable adoptable dogs at this fundraising event benefiting 4 All Muttkind Rescue. The evening combines great beer, furry friends, and opportunities to support local rescue efforts. $1 from every pint sold goes directly to 4 All Muttkind Rescue. A perfect evening to relax, sip some brews, and support a great cause—don’t miss out! 🐾🍻✨

Nevermind & Fighting Foos: Tributes To Nirvana & Foo Fighters | February 21

Historic Grand Theatre • 8:00PM

Nevermind, Seattle’s premier Nirvana tribute band, brings the grunge revolution to life with an electrifying performance at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. This powerhouse trio captures the raw energy and authentic sound of Nirvana, covering iconic tracks from Bleach, Nevermind, Unplugged, In Utero, and more. Come as you are and relive the raw power of 90s grunge in a night of pure rock nostalgia! 🎸🔥✨

Schwing: A Tribute to the 90s | February 22

Half Penny • 8:00PM - 11:00PM

Schwing: A Tribute to the 90s delivers an exhilarating throwback experience, bringing the best of 90s alternative hits to life. With tracks from Nirvana, Chumbawamba, Radiohead, Gin Blossoms, Green Day, and Third Eye Blind, this high-energy performance promises to transport audiences back to the decade of flannel, butterfly clips, and gigapets. 🎸✨🕺

Soup Wars | February 25

Salem Scottish Rite • 4:00PM - 6:30PM

Experience an epic culinary showdown where 30 chefs compete in a Star Wars-themed battle of flavor. Featuring categories for soups, chowders, chilis, and desserts, this event combines delicious dishes with galactic fun, including themed decor, costumes, and interactive voting opportunities. Guests are encouraged to dress as favorite Star Wars characters.

🍽️ RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK

Wolfhounds Bar & Grill has quickly become a standout destination in downtown Salem, offering a fresh and upscale take on the sports bar experience. Founded by Executive Chef Travis Gunn, who brings over a decade of culinary expertise, Wolfhounds provides a welcoming atmosphere with cozy seating areas, high-top tables, and multiple TVs for optimal sports viewing. The restaurant delivers an elevated dining experience with locally sourced dishes, drawing crowds since its soft opening in late November in the former Palomino's space. With creative events and a private rental space ideal for birthdays and special gatherings, Wolfhounds Bar & Grill is contributing to the growing vibrancy of Salem’s downtown scene.

• Must try: Wolfhounds Meatballs, Wagyu Beef Sliders, Mama Margarita

• Price range: $$

• Location: 466 Court St NE

• Hours: Thurs & Mon 2PM - 10PM, Fri & Sat 2-11PM, Sun 2-9PM

💝 NON-PROFIT OF THE WEEK

Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Willamette Valley is committed to building strong communities by providing safe, affordable housing for families in need. Their mission is to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope, believing that stable housing lays the foundation for better health, education, and financial security. Since 1991, they have built over 100 homes, serving hundreds of individuals and offering vital repair services to keep families in safe living conditions. With a focus on diversity, inclusiveness, and volunteerism, Habitat empowers families to achieve independence through homeownership. Their upcoming Women Build 2025 event (May 12th to May 17th) highlights the essential role women play in building resilient communities and offers opportunities for volunteers, sponsors, and team captains to get involved. Join Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Willamette Valley in making a lasting impact by helping create a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

• How to help: There are many ways to support, including donating time, money, vehicles, and more! See the full list here.

• Location: 1220 12th St SE

• Contact: 503-364-6642 or file an inquiry.

• Learn more: https://salemhabitat.org/

Are you a Salem business interested in offering a discount in next week’s issue? Send me an email at [email protected] and let me know what discount you’d like to offer to our audience.

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Thanks for keeping up with Salem this week!

Spotted something interesting in town? Drop us a note at [email protected] We love hearing from you.

See you next Thursday,

Ernie