🌱 OR Secretary Griffin-Valade Sworn In + Assault Suspect Arrested

Hi, Salem! Like many of you, the Patch staff will be taking some time off for the Fourth of July. I’ll be back in your inbox after the holiday, but until then, here’s what’s happening in town today.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Sunny and very warm. High: 90 Low: 58.
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny and hot. High: 99 Low: 61.
• Wednesday: Scorching sunshine and hot. High: 96 Low: 56.

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Here are the top three stories in Salem:

1. LaVonne Griffin-Valade was sworn in as Oregon's 29th Secretary of State in a ceremony held in Salem. In her remarks, Griffin-Valade emphasized her commitment to providing steady leadership and bringing her experience as a government auditor to shape the functioning of the office. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Oregonians and vowed to make decisions that uphold the law, serve the people, and restore faith in the office. (KGW8)
2. A 17-year-old juvenile has been arrested in connection with an assault incident in northeast Salem. Witnesses reported a young man physically attacking another person walking down the street, prompting a police response. The victim, a 64-year-old man, sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to Salem Health before being transferred to a Portland-area hospital for critical care. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of family members. The juvenile suspect has been charged with second-degree assault and is being held at the Marion County Juvenile Department. The case remains under investigation, and no further details are currently available. (City of Salem)
3. A 48-year-old man named Oscar MacCrae was apprehended early Friday by the Marion County Sheriff's Office following an alleged burglary at a Salem bar. Upon arriving at the locked Hollywood Tavern to start work, an employee contacted 911 after encountering a masked burglar. Responding officers quickly located the suspect, who attempted to evade capture but was ultimately apprehended after a 45-minute search. MacCrae faces multiple charges, including second-degree burglary, first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree theft, and possession of burglary tools. Authorities recovered most of the stolen money and returned it to the tavern owners. (FOX 12 Oregon)

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Coming up in Salem:

Monday, July 3

• Sensory Hour At Salem's Riverfront Carousel (10:00 AM)

Tuesday, July 4

• 4th Of July Spectacular With ALABAMA At Oregon State Fairgrounds (3:00 PM)

Wednesday, July 5

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

From my notebook:

• The City of Salem marked the inauguration of its new customer service center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and guided tours. The center provides a convenient hub for residents to access various city services, such as applications, payments, reports, requests, and reservations, all in one place. (City of Salem via Facebook)
• The Salem Art Association announced the upcoming Salem Art Fair, which is just three weeks away. The fair will take place from Jul. 21-23 at Bush's Pasture Park in Salem, Oregon, and attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets in advance. (Salem Art Association via Facebook)
• Salem Public Library is calling on kids and teens to showcase their artistic talents by submitting original masterpieces for the library's Tiny Art Show in August. Artworks no larger than 5" x 5" can be submitted to the Children's Desk by Jul. 31, and participants can pick up a 3" x 3" canvas from the desk while supplies last. (Salem Public Library (Salem, OR) via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! I'll see you back in your inbox soon with another update. Have a happy Fourth.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.