🌱 Patch AM: Why two Salem councilors settled their ethics case before the others

Hello again Salem! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Why two Salem councilors settled their ethics case before the others
• Why did Oregon’s ethics watchdog delay a decision on Greg Smith?
• How Salem-based consumer advocates put $5.6 million back in wallets

Today's riddle: What did the alien say to the puzzle? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: Cloudy and breezy, with a high of 61 and low of 55 degrees.
• Thursday: Cloudy with occasional rain, temps: high: 62, low: 49.
• Friday: Low clouds, with a high of 57 and low of 43 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• 2 Salem city councilors agree to settle ethics case. What to know (statesmanjournal.com) — Two Salem city councilors, Vanessa Nordyke and Linda Nishioka, have agreed to settle an Oregon Government Ethics Commission case over alleged public meetings violations tied to former City Manager Keith Stahley’s resignation, accepting letters of education instead of fines. The mayor and three other councilors still have open cases, even as Hoy and Nordyke face off in the next mayoral race.
   

• JUST IN: Oregon ethics commission extends Greg Smith case (eastoregonian.com) — In Salem, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission has extended its investigation into lawmaker Greg Smith’s work for the Columbia Development Authority for up to 30 more days. Commissioners said they need additional time to fold in recent interviews and loose ends, emphasizing a complete, transparent review over rushing a decision at their upcoming meetings.
   

• Oregon Consumer Advocates Recover $2 Million For Oregonians In 3rd Quarter (theashlandchronicle.com) — From Salem, state financial regulators report recovering nearly $1.8 million for Oregonians in the third quarter alone, with more than $5.6 million returned so far this year. Their Salem-based consumer advocates handle thousands of complaints about insurance, banking, mortgages, and student loans, and local residents can call or email for free help resolving complex financial disputes.
   

📸 Around Salem

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Salem

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Thursday December 11

• Salem Emerging Leaders - Lunch with Leaders - Nat Borchers
  Cellar 54 @ The Forge , 285 Liberty St NE , Salem
  11:30 am
• Annual Classic Christmas Open House
  Willamette Lutheran Homes , 7693 Wheatland RD N , Keizer
  6:00 pm

Monday December 15

• McKinley Winter Concert
  McKinley Elementary School , 466 McGilchrist St SE , Salem
  7:00 pm

Tuesday December 16

• 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

Friday December 19

• Greeters Hosted by Laser Therapy of Oregon
  Northern Lights Theatre and Pub , 3893 Commercial St SE , Salem
  8:30 am

📣 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

Thursday December 11

• Salem Emerging Leaders - Lunch with Leaders - Nat Borchers
  Cellar 54 @ The Forge , 285 Liberty St NE , Salem
  11:30 am
• Rotary and Chamber Joint Holiday Luncheon
  Keizer Civic Center , 930 Chemawa Rd NE , Keizer
  11:45 am
• Annual Classic Christmas Open House
  Willamette Lutheran Homes , 7693 Wheatland RD N , Keizer
  6:00 pm
• Youth First! Open Mic
  Radness Ensues , 3837 River Rd N , Keizer
  6:00 pm

Friday December 12

• Community Play Group | Family Building Blocks 2nd Friday/mo
  Cascade Child Development Center , 574 N 11th St , Aumsville
  10:00 am
• CAREER CENTER– GMAIL, DRIVE, DOCS (SALEM)
  Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette , 3535 Lancaster Dr NE , Salem
  1:00 pm

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

• Wanting to take the family out driving and looking at Christmas lights..
  Are there any neighborhoods in particular we should be headed towards? (Nextdoor West Hills Estates)
• Missing Bunny.
  Last seen on Dover Ave her name is Boss Babe, if found please let us know, she is dearly loved. (Nextdoor Labish Village)

• DoorDash posted a job opening for Restaurant Delivery - Sign Up and Start Earning in Salem. Apply here.
• TradeJobsWorkforce posted a job opening for Walmart Stocker in Albany. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Salem here.

🗞 Nearby News

Keizer

• Rotary Foundation awards $10,000 to Keizer Kloset (keizertimes.com)
• LIGHTS ON! Keizer's kids and Santa gather for annual tree lighting (keizertimes.com)
• Moldy whipped cream, thawing raw chicken top restaurant inspections (statesmanjournal.com)

Dallas

• OCF Grants Bring Major Support to Nonprofits in Salem, Stayton, Woodburn & Dallas (kykn.com)

Woodburn

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 come in peace. You come in pieces.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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