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🌱 Patch AM: Why is Salem’s mayor the lone holdout in this ethics case?

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Friday December 19th Patch AM
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Good morning to you Salem! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why is Salem’s mayor the lone holdout in this ethics case?
  • Why Salem is suing the former Rudy’s Steakhouse for nearly $89,000
  • How widespread are tonight’s storm-related power outages across Salem?

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Salemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Cooler with showers around, with a high of 48 and low of 41 degrees.
  • Saturday: Mostly cloudy, showers around, temps: high: 52, low: 41.
  • Sunday: Cloudy with afternoon rain, with a high of 48 and low of 43 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 3 more Salem councilors to settle ethics case, Mayor Hoy sole holdout (statesmanjournal.com) — Several Salem city councilors have agreed to settle an Oregon Government Ethics Commission case over alleged public meetings violations tied to former City Manager Keith Stahley’s resignation, opting for letters of education instead of fines. Mayor Julie Hoy remains the only Salem official who hasn’t settled, even as one of her political challengers, Councilor Vanessa Nordyke, calls for more transparent city leadership.
   

2. City of Salem sues Rudy's Steakhouse for over $88k in unpaid rent, fees (salemreporter.com) — Salem city officials have filed a lawsuit seeking nearly $89,000 in unpaid rent, fees and late charges from the former operators of Rudy’s Steakhouse, which closed downtown in April. The case follows years of payment troubles and a failed repayment agreement, and the city now controls the restaurant space and any fixtures left behind. Residents may see this dispute influence future use of the high-profile downtown location.
   

3. Storm knocks out power for thousands in and around Salem (statesmanjournal.com) — Power is out for more than 1,000 Portland General Electric customers in Salem after a major storm, with additional outages reported in West Salem and nearby Mid-Willamette Valley communities. Utilities including PGE, Pacific Power, Salem Electric, and Consumers Power are tracking scattered blackouts from Silverton and Woodburn to Mill City and rural areas between Sublimity and Lyons.
   

4. 2 charged in Oregon SNAP scheme that stole from ‘struggling American families' (koin.com) — A federal fraud case tied to a multi-state SNAP skimming scheme includes a key connection to Salem, where stolen goods were stored before being shipped to California. Prosecutors say two men and others used cloned EBT cards to buy thousands of dollars in items and withdraw cash from low-income families across Oregon and beyond, with a jury trial set for February 2026.
   

5. Oregon Reduces Barriers to Birth Control for Medicaid Members (kykn.com) — Oregon officials in Salem have made it easier for Oregon Health Plan members, including those in Salem, to get over-the-counter birth control pills and emergency contraception for free at pharmacies. A new statewide standing order lets pharmacists provide these medications without a prescription, closing a gap between Medicaid and private insurance and reducing cost and access barriers for low-income residents.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • "Avoid the area" due to fire in Scio, Oregon.
    3:45PM on Dec 17: Lebanon Fire District units are working a mutual aid fire with Scio Fire on Richardson Gap Rd near Rainbow Dr, and the area should… (Nextdoor )
  • Hi neighbors 👋
    Living alone for a while has made me really appreciate small connections. The house can be pretty quiet sometimes, and I’ve realized how much a… (Nextdoor West Hills Estates)
  • ServiceMaster Clean posted a job opening for Janitor in Salem. Apply here.
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Shift Manager 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 don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
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