Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How did Salem’s city fleet become best in the nation?

Also, don't miss Chelsea Wolfe on the Salem Patch calendar

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Friday August 21st Patch AM
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Good morning Salem! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How did Salem's city fleet become best in the nation?
  • How wild is Salem's Floaty Float on the Willamette this Labor Day?
  • Why a Salem-based police committee wants Sheriff Rowan benched for three years

Also on today's calendar: 2026 Open Studios and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: What is full of holes but still holds water? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Not as warm with some sun, with a high of 82 and low of 55 degrees.
  • Saturday: Low clouds, temps: high: 76, low: 57.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high of 80 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. How Salem, Oregon, Turned Culture Change Into a No. 1 Fleet Ranking (government-fleet.com) — Salem's city fleet just earned a No. 1 national ranking after nearly a decade of culture change, data-driven decisions, and employee empowerment that pushed vehicle availability to almost 99%. City staff describe how telematics, tighter parts management, and steady small improvements have cut costs, sped up repairs for police and fire, and strengthened services residents rely on every day.
   

2. 11 Ways to Spend Labor Day Weekend in the Northwest (mynorthwest.com) — A quirky Labor Day Floaty Float paddle on the Willamette from Salem's Wallace Marine Park is one of several standout Northwest events coming up over the holiday weekend. The roundup also spotlights festivals, rodeos, art fairs, and parades across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, giving Salem residents plenty of regional getaway ideas.
   

3. Police Policy Committee recommends Rowan serve three years of ineligibility (elkhornmediagroup.com) — In Salem's Police Policy Committee recommended that Umatilla County Sheriff Terry Rowan be ineligible to serve for three years following his 2025 DUII-related arrest, focusing on dishonesty and misconduct charges. The committee dropped a misuse of authority allegation and cited his treatment efforts and support letters, with the final decision now headed to the DPSST Board in October.
   

4. Unauthorized Drone Flights Over Wildfires Can Ground Life-Saving Air Operations (theashlandchronicle.com) — State officials in Salem are warning Oregonians that flying drones near wildfires can immediately ground firefighting aircraft and carry fines up to $75,000 and possible prison time. The Oregon Departments of Aviation and Emergency Management urge residents to check flight restrictions, keep drones away from fire zones, and report unauthorized flights so aerial crews can safely protect communities.
   

📸 Around Salem

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Salem

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★ Featured events ★

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Other local events

📣 Salem Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Friday August 21
  • Greeters Hosted by The REC
    Salem Area Chamber of Commerce 3500 River Rd N Keizer, OR 97303
    8:30 am
  • Free Pour Latte Art Competition and Fundraiser
    Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Broadway Coffeehouse 1300 Broadway St. NE Suite #100 Salem, OR 97301
    6:00 pm
    • Saturday August 22
  • GH4GU: Night at the Museum (Y2K Edition)
    Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Gilbert House Children's Museum 116 Marion St NE Salem, OR 97301
    7:00 pm
    • Friday August 28
  • Greeters Hosted by Center 50+
    Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Center 50+ 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301
    8:30 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Please Help!
    He is an indoor/outdoor cat. He comes in and out of our home multiple times a day every day. He needs his cuddles. We miss him!!! Thank you! His name… (Nextdoor West Hills Estates)
  • Anyone missing a cat/kitten.
    She has been hanging around my house and will not leave. She has a blue collar on and we live near Connecticut and Boulder SE. (Nextdoor Pennsylvania Ave)
  • Ross Stores posted a job opening for Early Morning Stock Associate in Salem. Apply here.
  • ManpowerGroup posted a job opening for Sanitation Technician in Salem. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Salem here.

Ok Salem! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A sponge (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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