Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why Salem is taking Rudy’s former owner to court over rent
And check out Premiere Academy of Performing Arts - The Nutcracker on the Salem Patch calendar
What's up Salem! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Why Salem is taking Rudy’s former owner to court over rent
- Recognize this suspect from a costly Salem school burglary?
- What Salem Health’s planned Santiam takeover could mean for your medical care
Today's riddle: Last night I had a dream. 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Salemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
From our Partner
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Find out what's happening in Salemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, showers around, with a high of 52 and low of 39 degrees.
- Sunday: Cloudy with a few showers, temps: high: 49, low: 43.
- Monday: A little afternoon rain, with a high of 53 and low of 43 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Salem sues former owner of Rudy's Steakhouse for $88K (statesmanjournal.com) — The city of Salem is suing the former owner of Rudy’s Steakhouse for nearly $89,000 in unpaid rent on three downtown, city-owned spaces that abruptly closed in April. Court records outline earlier rent disputes and a separate New York judgment, while a new Rudy’s-branded steakhouse is slated to open at Creekside Golf Club under different owners in early 2026. 
2. Police seek suspect who stole vehicle from Oregon School for the Deaf (statesmanjournal.com) — A burglary at the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem left about $50,000 in equipment missing, including a side-by-side vehicle, and state police are asking for your help. Investigators say a man with red facial hair broke in through a window around 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 18. Anyone with information is urged to contact Oregon State Police and reference case SP25-504177.
3. Salem Health in talks to acquire Stayton hospital (salemreporter.com) — Salem Health, the region’s largest medical provider based in Salem, is negotiating to acquire financially struggling Santiam Hospital & Clinics in Stayton, potentially expanding its already dominant role in local healthcare. Leaders say patients shouldn’t see immediate changes, but an affiliation agreement with the Oregon Health Authority is expected in 2026, shaping how thousands of mid-valley residents, including many in Salem, receive care.
4. Critical audit says Oregon's Measure 110 efforts lack stability, coordination and clear data on results (ktvz.com) — State officials in Salem are grappling with a critical audit that says Oregon’s Measure 110 addiction services still lack stability, coordination, and usable data to show results. The Oregon Health Authority and legislative leaders outline both shortcomings and recent improvements, stressing better oversight, clearer laws, and stronger data systems to make treatment and recovery services more effective statewide.
5. Salem Human Rights Commission planning immigration rights session (salemreporter.com) — Salem’s Human Rights Commission is organizing a virtual “Know Your Rights” session to help residents understand their legal protections during encounters with federal immigration officials, following the city’s recent emergency declaration over increased ICE activity. The livestreamed, bilingual event will be posted on the Salem public meetings YouTube channel and is part of broader city efforts to train staff, coordinate with advocates, and support affected families and students.
📸 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 ★
- Premiere Academy of Performing Arts - The Nutcracker
Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE, Salem
3:00 pm
Sunday December 21
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- No Greeters
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce , 1110 Commercial St NE , Salem
Friday December 26
📣 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
- Keizer Chamber Foundation Giving Basket Distribution
Keizer Chamber of Commerce , 4118 River Rd N , Keizer
9:00 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 - Ky and Maddie
Silverback Estate Winery , 11374 Sunnyview Rd NE , Salem
3:00 pm - Game Night & Coffee Social
Radness Ensues , 3837 River Rd N , Keizer
6:30 pm - Center 50+ Holiday Dance
Center 50+ , 2615 Portland Rd NE , Salem
4:00 pm - GLOW Christmas Light Adventure at Volcanoes Stadium
Volcanoes Stadium , 6700 Field Of Dreams Way Northeast Suite 101 , Keizer
4:45 pm - Tuesday String Band: Gilgamesh Brewing: The River
Gilgamesh Brewing: The River , 370 S Main St , Independence
5:00 pm - Greater Northeast Keizer Neighborhood Association
Keizer City , 930 Chemawa Rd NE , Keizer
6:00 pm - Indy Coffee Club for Business Owners
Indy Commons , 154 S Main St , Independence
9:00 am
Saturday December 20
Sunday December 21
Tuesday December 23
Wednesday December 24
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
- Hello neighbors 👋just a friendly reminder to please put away anything that may fly away in the strong winds.
We're having a storm today and tomorrow. I just picked up someone's big trash container from the middle of the road. Stay safe (Nextdoor East Lancaster) - Please help me find my dog .
Any information would be really helpful. Thank you! https://neighbors.ring.com/n/Omqy33YtQO (Nextdoor S Salem)
- Fred Meyer Stores, Inc. posted a job opening for Online Grocery Pick-Up Clerk in Salem. Apply here.
- McDonald's posted a job opening for Custodian 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 dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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