Salem Beat News

10/22/2024

Happy Halloween!

Here's a little something we just produced at our Salem Studios for Halloween.

Halloween: The Untold Story.

Boo! 😉

Watch: https://youtu.be/vdBZl9c36KI

What if Halloween wasn’t just about costumes and candy? What if the night we think we know holds ancient secrets, long-buried beneath centuries of folklore and tradition?

Join us as we uncover the forgotten roots of Halloween in Halloween: The Untold Story (Now Told), a deep dive into the rich cultural history and mysterious origins of one of the world’s most beloved holidays. From the Celtic festival of Samhain to the tales of witches and Jack-o’-lanterns, this journey will take you beyond the surface of spooky celebrations to the traditions that still echo through the ages.

Discover the untold origins. Confront the ancient superstitions. Experience the magic of Halloween like never before.

🎥 Watch the full video and explore the darker, richer history of Halloween.

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Unveil the forgotten origins and hidden secrets of Halloween in Halloween: The Untold Story (Now Told). This hauntingly captivating documentary takes you bey...

10/21/2024

Soaring high above the Umpqua River Valley, Oregon. (This past Saturday afternoon for a most fascinating non-profit story.) Here's a short drone flight highlight reel. A retreat of pure nature and breathtaking beauty! Enjoy! 😉 T

09/24/2024

Happy Monday! Taking in Mount Hood from the foot of the Willamette Valley.

04/02/2024

Salem Beat Community | Earth Day Event

Get Ready for Earth Day in Marion County!

As Earth Day 2024 approaches, Marion County Environmental Services is gearing up for an extended celebration. This year, the festivities will span beyond a single day, aiming to foster a stronger connection with the environment.

[[[ People, Planet, Party! ]]]

The community is invited to join a Party in the Park on Friday, April 26, from 3-7pm at Spong's Landing Park.

The theme for this year is "Building a Brighter Future," promising a plethora of activities and prizes for everyone to enjoy.

This family-friendly event is open to all and offers an opportunity to embrace Earth Day with outdoor fun.

[[[ Party in the Park ]]]

Attendees can indulge in a variety of activities, including:

+ An Educational Scavenger Hunt
+ Face Painting
+ Arts & Crafts
+ An Inflatable Obstacle Course
+ Bird House Building
+ A Photo Booth
+ Seed Bomb Building
+ Guided Nature Walks
+ Baby Goats
+ FREE Ice Cream
+ and much more!

Prizes will be available while supplies last. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP to earn an extra prize ticket redeemable at the event.

RSVP Now: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/db2a38abc04f4ea0859bad58757108c3

[[[ Passport to Sustainability ]]]

In addition to the party, Marion County Environmental Services is offering a Passport to Sustainability, running until April 22.

This digital activity tracker provides a range of engaging activities for all ages to contribute to the planet's well-being.

Participants stand a chance to win fantastic prizes, including sustainable home and garden kits, recreational essentials, and local business gift cards.

Once users create a username, their activities will be automatically tracked, allowing them to complete them at their convenience until April 22.

Passport to Sustainability: https://earth-day-2024-marioncounty.hub.arcgis.com/pages/passport-to-sustainability

[[[ For Kids ]]]

Young eco-warriors are encouraged to join the Passport to Sustainability for Kids!

With 8 kid-friendly activities and a special prize package awaiting those who complete them all, it's an excellent opportunity to involve children in environmental conservation.

Passport to Sustainability for Kids: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/3ddc982920ea4075a430be96fe786af3

[[[ Learn More ]]]

Explore further details about Earth Day 2024 in Marion County and stay informed about all event updates by visiting the event website.

Learn More: https://earth-day-2024-marioncounty.hub.arcgis.com/

[[[ Earth Day 2024 ]]]

Let's unite as a community to celebrate our planet and make a positive impact. Marion County Environmental Services looks forward to seeing everyone there!

City of Salem Salem Police Department City Of Keizer Marion County Environmental Services

03/13/2024

Salem Beat Streets | Salem Traffic Alert Notification

TRAFFIC ALERT: HYACINTH RD NE CLOSED FOR TWO-DAY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

The City of Salem is warning drivers who use Hyacinth Road NE that the road will be closed to through traffic between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and 25th Avenue NE beginning this Friday, March 15, 2024, and ending on Saturday, March 16, 2024.

The two-day closure is necessary to repair and replace the pavement pad at the railroad crossing on Hyacinth Avenue NE. Detours will be marked on Portland Road, 25th Avenue, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway as construction is taking place.

Location: Hyacinth Road NE at 25th Avenue, Salem, Oregon

Date and Time: Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 7AM to 7PM (PDT)

Affected Areas: The Hyacinth Road closure will include travel lanes and sidewalks near the train tracks in the construction zone.

Caution: Drivers are urged to be cautious while traveling, follow all signage, and watch for workers in the area.

Active Construction Map: https://public-construction-salem.hub.arcgis.com/

The Active Construction Map provides up-to-date information on scheduled or emergency road closures in Salem.

For additional information, please contact the City of Salem at 503-588-6211 or [email protected]

City of Salem City Of Keizer Salem Police Department

03/09/2024

Salem Beat Community | Introducing SPD's New Deputy Chief

Yesterday, Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack presided over a special ceremony to promote Lieutenant Debra Aguilar to the rank of deputy chief.

Aguilar started with the agency in December 2000 and has served in various assignments since then. While in the Field Operations Division, she worked as a school resource officer at West Salem High School. In 2011, she promoted to the rank of sergeant. Just two years later in 2013, she was again promoted, receiving the rank of lieutenant. In the decade-plus that followed, Aguilar was assigned to several specialty disciplines, such as threat assessment, crisis negotiations, and defensive tactics. She also assisted in several key roles for the department, acting as liaison to the Human Rights Commission and the local non-profit Salem for Refugees.

The new deputy chief is a graduate of Western Oregon University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish. In 2017, Aguilar also attended the prestigious FBI National Academy, a ten-week program that brings together elite law enforcement officers for focused training in a variety of disciplines. Aguilar is also second-generation law enforcement. She followed the career path of her father, a now-retired sergeant with Oregon State Police.

Aguilar is also the second woman in department history to hold the rank of deputy chief. During the ceremony Chief Womack underscored his trust and confidence in her, and also observed Aguilar “earned her new rank, having served our community for 24 years and passed a rigorous, competitive deputy chief testing process to get here today. And, she happens to be a woman in a profession still dominated by men. That is worth noting since coincidentally, she is being promoted in March which is National Women’s History Month.”

In her assignment as a new division commander, Aguilar will lead the Investigations Division.

City of Salem Salem Police Department

02/22/2024

Salem Beat Coastal Event | Newport Seafood & Wine Festival

Perfect weather! Making ready for this weekend's Reel Oregon Coast on-location production in Newport, Oregon! Newport Seafood & Wine Festival! Keep on coasting! 😉

All the details: https://www.newportchamber.org/newport-seafood-wine-festival/

Always drive smart! Always drink responsibly! Never mix the two! Have a ball!

Oregon Coast Breaking News City of Salem Newport Oregon Police Department DJI Federal Aviation Administration Travel Salem Travel Oregon Oregon Wine

01/24/2024

𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗺 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 | 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗺 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱

City Celebrates Clean Audit And Excellence Award

During its meeting on January 22, the Salem City Council celebrated the City of Salem's successful independent audit for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2023, which revealed no findings or recommendations.

Salem City Manager, Keith Stahley, emphasized the significance of the achievement, stating, "They don't just hand that out. They spend time with us reviewing hundreds of documents to verify that we're managing the City's finances appropriately."

Conducted by the certified public accounting firm of Grove, Mueller & Swank, PC, the financial audit involved a meticulous examination of financial statements. The auditor's report stated, "In our opinion, based on our audit and the report of other auditors, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the governmental activities, the business-type activities, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information of the City of Salem."

While audits do not provide insight into the organization's financial condition, they ensure that users of financial statements have reliable information when engaging in business with the City.

In addition to the clean audit, the City Manager proudly announced the receipt of the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the comprehensive financial report for the year ended June 30, 2022. This prestigious award was bestowed by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.

According to the award announcement, "The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive 'spirit of full disclosure' to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report." The Certificate of Achievement is recognized as the highest form of acknowledgment in governmental accounting and financial reporting, signifying a significant accomplishment by the government and its management.

More Infomation:
https://www.cityofsalem.net

City of Salem City Of Keizer

01/23/2024

𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗺 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 | 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰

Salem City Council Affirms 2024 Priorities

At its January 8 meeting, Salem City Council approved changes in its 2024 Council Policy Agenda that put sustaining infrastructure and services at the top of the priority list.

Council reordered priorities to reflect pressing issues for 2024 and limited resources:

① Sustaining infrastructure and services.
② Engaging our community.
③ Planning for our future.
④ Responding to our sheltering crisis.

“In addition to furthering work from 2023, our first priority is to ensure adequate funding to provide the essential services that our residents deserve,” the Mayor’s introduction to the Policy Agenda states. “We’ll begin 2024 by empaneling a task force to explore new, additional revenue sources and adjustment to fees to sustain services without a dedicated revenue stream.”

Through its annual Policy Agenda, the City Council makes its priorities for action clear to staff and the community. It also provides direction on aligning resources toward the Strategic Plan policy areas through the City’s budgeting process.

Changes to the Policy Agenda were discussed at a November 2023 work session where the Council heard about annual progress in 2023 including Salem Housing Authority’s 52-unit affordable housing at Yaquina Hall, the 75-bed Navigation Center and the one-stop Customer Service Center at Salem’s Civic Center. In June 2023, City Council adopted the Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan.

At a July 2023 work session, Council received a briefing on the Strategic Engagement and Communications Plan findings and recommendations.

The 2024 Policy Agenda identifies specific projects under each priority.

𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝟭 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀: 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀:

• Convene a community conversation about increasing revenue to continue community services.

• Deliver projects in the Community Improvement Bond and report progress.

• Continue to pursue opportunities to lower expenses and improve efficiency and effectiveness.

𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝟮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀: 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆:

• Improve engagement and communications.

• Expand neighbor to neighbor communications.

• Incorporate equity in delivery of Salem programs and services.

• Review City Charter.

• Continue investment in Community-Engaged Policing.

• Strengthen our community’s resilience and emergency response.

𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝟯 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀: 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲:

• Connect people and places, advancing Salem in Motion.

• Advance housing production strategy.

• Further Climate Action Plan.

• Prepare solid waste policy.

𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝟰 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀: 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀:

• Expand housing options to prevent homelessness in our community.

• Respond to community complaints with clean-up at scattered unmanaged tent, car, and RV camping sights, and clean up accumulated trash.

• Pursue partnerships and funding support for our most vulnerable, including funding to keep micro-shelter village communities and the Navigation Center open.

• Transition more households into supportive housing.

• Build more permanent supportive housing.

• Support regional efforts through the Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance.

𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:

𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗺 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻
https://www.cityofsalem.net/home/showpublisheddocument/5752/637804422145870000

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮
https://www.cityofsalem.net/home/showpublisheddocument/21699

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁
https://www.cityofsalem.net/home/showpublisheddocument/21265/638360925069870000

City of Salem