Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How smaller raises could spare Salem-Keizer schools from more layoffs
And check out FREE WEBINAR | "The Golden Age of Florence" on the Salem Patch calendar
Hello Salem! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How smaller raises could spare Salem-Keizer schools from more layoffs
- What a Pacific–Willamette merger could mean for Salem students
- What does the Rose Quarter decision mean for Salem’s Center Street Bridge?
Also on today's calendar: Elves in the Kitchen (11am) and 6 more events.
Find out what's happening in Salemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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Find out what's happening in Salemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Friday: Low clouds, with a high of 53 and low of 43 degrees.
- Saturday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 52, low: 44.
- Sunday: Cloudy, with a high of 54 and low of 48 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Salem-Keizer School District asks teachers to consider lower raise amid budget cuts (salemreporter.com) — Salem-Keizer school leaders are asking nearly 2,500 teachers to accept a smaller cost-of-living raise in 2026 to help close a looming budget gap and avoid layoffs. The proposal would cut next year’s promised raise from 3.5% to 1.5%, saving about $5.3 million as the district confronts rising payroll and benefit costs that outpace state funding. 
2. ‘Oregon's largest private university': Pacific, Willamette announce intent to merge (koin.com) — Willamette University’s Salem campus could soon be part of Oregon’s largest private university as Willamette and Pacific University move toward a merger. The plan would keep existing campus locations and names in Salem, Forest Grove, and Portland while unifying administration, potentially reshaping local academic programs, admissions, and opportunities for Salem students over the coming years.
3. Portland Rose Quarter project continues amid calls for lawmaker input (statesmanjournal.com) — State transportation leaders voted to keep Portland’s Rose Quarter I-5 project moving while inviting more community and legislative input, even as costs soar and funding gaps remain. At the same time, they recently advanced Salem’s Center Street Bridge seismic retrofit, a key safety upgrade for local commuters. Lawmakers and the governor’s office are being pressed to engage more before the next construction phase in 2027.
4. SNAP Food Benefit Work Rules Now Apply Statewide (kykn.com) — SNAP recipients in Salem and across Oregon now face new federal work rules that took effect statewide on Dec. 1, potentially affecting about 37,000 people. Adults 18–64 without young children must meet 80 hours of work or approved activities monthly or risk time-limited benefits, but ODHS can help residents understand exemptions, requirements, and job-training options.
5. Grindol awarded Quilt of Valor (guardonline.com) — Longtime Oregon resident and World War II veteran Paul Grindol, recently honored with a Quilt of Valor, once served as an administrative supervisor for the city of Salem and financial supervisor for Oregon’s DMV. He also helped lead Fairview Hospital and personally financed and helped build a larger Evangelical church before later returning to Michigan to farm and build homes.
📸 Around Salem
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Salem
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- FREE WEBINAR | “The Golden Age of Florence”
Online,
11:30 am - HUGE Salem Holiday Market (Day 3)
Salem Holiday Mkt, 2330 17th St NE, Salem
10:00 am
Tuesday December 16
Sunday December 14
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- The Roundhouse Band live at Elysium Botanicals Wines & Vineyards
Elysium Botanical Wines & Vineyards
6:00 pm - 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
Saturday December 13
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
- CAREER CENTER– GMAIL, DRIVE, DOCS (SALEM)
Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette , 3535 Lancaster Dr NE , Salem
1:00 pm - 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
Friday December 12
Saturday December 13
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
- Heads Up!
Homedepot had a data breach. If you have a registered credit card within their website consider putting a freeze on it (Nextdoor Sunnyslope II) - Does anyone recognize this dog?
It’s been on our property several times off halls ferry rd. In s Salem and barking at the kids when they get off the bus. (Nextdoor Riverdale Road)
- Reser's Fine Foods Stay Connected email address posted a job opening for Pallet Puller in Salem. Apply here.
- BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. posted a job opening for Material Handler 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 couldn’t put it down.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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