🌱 Driver Charged In I-5 Crash + Glass Bird Project Beginning Jun. 1

Hello again, friends! It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Partly sunny and nice. High: 76 Low: 50.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 83 Low: 55.

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Here are the top three stories in Salem today:

1. The driver of a semi-truck involved in a fatal crash on Interstate 5 in Oregon, which resulted in the death of seven people and injuries to four others, is facing charges for allegedly driving under the influence. Lincoln Smith, the 52-year-old driver from California, was arraigned on charges including manslaughter, DUI, reckless driving, and assault. The crash, which occurred between Salem and Albany, involved a van carrying 11 farmworkers and was one of the deadliest accidents in Oregon in recent years. (USA Today)
2. Art Obendorf, the owner of Glass Art Oregon, has teamed up with community organizer Pamela Garland to create and distribute glass birds throughout Salem parks as part of a community project. Starting Jun. 1, the birds will be hidden in plain sight for community members to find and take home for free. The project aims to bring the community together, foster connections, and promote a sense of camaraderie and kinship among Salem residents. (Subscription: Salem Reporter)
3. Oregon is facing a fentanyl crisis. To address the issue, a bill has passed the Oregon House, calling for an age-appropriate fentanyl curriculum to be integrated into drug and alcohol classes in middle and high schools. The curriculum aims to educate students about fentanyl and its risks, as well as inform them about the laws that offer immunity to those who report fentanyl use or seek treatment. Efforts at the county level include enhancing youth drug screening and distributing naloxone, an opioid overdose-reversal drug. (KOBI 5)

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Today and tomorrow in Salem:

Wednesday, May 24

• Preschool Storytime At Salem Public Library (10:15 AM)

Thursday, May 25

• WSBA Luncheon At Roth's Event Center (11:45 AM)
• Circus On Ice At Columbia Hall (4:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• With the arrival of spring, it's time to embrace the outdoors and enjoy Oregon's natural beauty. Whether you're planning a trip or engaging in outdoor activities, it's important to follow some principles to protect the environment. Check out the Leave No Trace guidelines before you go! (City of Salem via Facebook)
• A single-engine plane crashed in a field near Redding Regional Airport while en route to Watsonville after experiencing engine trouble. The 1960 Cessna 210 plane had departed from Salem and was flying at an altitude of about 7,000 feet when the engine failed. The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, sustained minor injuries. (Record Spotlight)
• Join Salem's Riverfront Carousel to celebrate its 22nd birthday on Saturday, Jun. 3 at 12:00 p.m.! Enjoy one-dollar rides throughout the day and sing happy birthday while indulging in a complimentary slice of birthday cake (available while supplies last). (Salem's Riverfront Carousel via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday. I'll see you around!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!