Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How a new tutoring program could boost Highland students’ reading skills
Be sure to catch HUGE Salem Holiday Market (Day 3) on the Salem Patch calendar
Hello Salem! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How a new tutoring program could boost Highland students’ reading skills
- How will the Center Street Bridge work snarl your Salem commute?
- How did Salem Reporter verify this controversial northeast Salem ICE arrest?
Also on today's calendar: Elves in the Kitchen (11am) and 5 more events.
Find out what's happening in Salemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: What did the boat dock say when it was arrested? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Salemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Saturday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 49 and low of 43 degrees.
- Sunday: Cloudy, temps: high: 54, low: 48.
- Monday: Breezy with rain, with a high of 61 and low of 51 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Students at Highland get reading help through new tutoring program (salemreporter.com) — Highland Elementary in Salem is piloting an intensive Reading Results tutoring program that’s giving first- through fourth-graders small-group, phonics-focused reading help three times a week. Funded by local philanthropy, the effort aims to lift low reading scores in the Salem-Keizer district, with trained parent and community tutors providing close-up instruction and early signs of progress. 
2. Center Street Bridge retrofit will mean eastbound lane closures, more traffic for six months (salemreporter.com) — Drivers heading between West Salem and downtown should brace for months of lane reductions and occasional full overnight closures as the Center Street Bridge gets a major seismic upgrade starting in 2026. Expect heavier traffic, detours, reduced Riverfront Park parking, tree removal, and displacement of homeless camps while ODOT strengthens the bridge to better withstand a major earthquake.
3. EDITOR'S NOTE: Behind Salem Reporter's coverage of a local immigration arrest (salemreporter.com) — An immigration arrest in northeast Salem left a man injured, prompting Salem Reporter to explain how it verifies details when federal agencies won’t answer questions. The editor walks readers through what’s known, how witnesses and local agencies confirmed key facts, and why some information about immigration status and identities often remains unavailable.
4. See our best photos from the 2025 high school football season (statesmanjournal.com) — Salem-area football fans can relive the 2025 high school season through standout photos featuring North, South, West and McNary in action across Salem and nearby towns. From Mayor’s Cup drama to state championship runs, the gallery highlights big plays, student sections, and memorable moments from late August through the title games.
5. Wilsonville man pleads guilty to shooting ex-girlfriend in the chest in 2024 (koin.com) — A man who shot his ex-girlfriend near a Wilsonville apartment complex was arrested in Salem just three hours after fleeing the scene, and now faces a 7.5-year prison sentence. Prosecutors say he fired multiple shots during a custody dispute, critically injuring the woman, who is still recovering from extensive surgeries at an area hospital.
📸 Around Salem
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Salem
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- HUGE Salem Holiday Market (Day 3)
Salem Holiday Mkt, 2330 17th St NE, Salem
10:00 am
Sunday December 14
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Elves in the Kitchen (11am)
Salem's Riverfront Carousel , 101 Front St NE , Salem
11:00 am - McKinley Winter Concert
McKinley Elementary School , 466 McGilchrist St SE , Salem
7:00 pm - Chamber Business Women 12.16.2025
Roth's Fresh Markets , 1130 Wallace Road NW , Salem
11:45 am - LMS Winter Band Concert
Leslie Middle School , 3850 Pringle Rd SE , Salem
7:00 pm - Greeters Hosted by Laser Therapy of Oregon
Northern Lights Theatre and Pub , 3893 Commercial St SE , Salem
8:30 am - Community Fundraiser for Toys for Tots- Sponsored by Salem Jumper Rentals
St. Paul's Episcopal Church , Salem Oregon
10:00 am - Santa Comes to Freeman Motor Company
Freeman Motor Company , 3784 Portland Rd NE , Salem
11:00 am
Sunday December 14
Monday December 15
Tuesday December 16
Friday December 19
Saturday December 20
📣 Salem Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Lunch at Magnolia on the Green
Magnolia on the Green , 2025 Golf Course Rd S , Salem
12:00 pm - The Roundhouse Band live at Elysium Botanicals Wines & Vineyards
Elysium Botanical Wines & Vineyards
6:00 pm - Keizer Holiday Lights Parade
Keizer Miracle of Lights , Lockhaven Dr NE , Keizer
7:00 pm - Holiday Open House Party at Oregon State Grange
Oregon State Grange , 643 Union St NE , Salem
2:00 pm
Saturday December 13
Sunday December 14
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Keizer is having their Holiday Lights parade Saturday from 7-9pm.
There will be road closures on River Road from Lockhaven to Glynbrook starting at 6pm. Silver Falls State Park is having their winter festival… (Nextdoor Northeast Salem) - Found outside on Sand Piper CT NE, friendly, looks to be blind in one eye maybe?
She looks way too well kempt for a fluffy cat to be a stray so I wanted to check if she belongs to anyone or if anyone has seen her before (Nextdoor East Lancaster)
- Fred Meyer Stores, Inc. posted a job opening for Grocery Clerk in Salem. Apply here.
- The Walt Disney Company posted a job opening for Youth Activities Counselor 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: I demand a jury of my piers.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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