🌱 Salem Hotel Turns Into Homeless Shelter + Therapy Dog Retires

Hello, friends! I'm here with your Friday edition of the Salem Patch newsletter, filled with everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Some sun, then clouds. High: 61 Low: 38.
• Saturday: Mostly cloudy. High: 64 Low: 42.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Salem who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories today in Salem:

1. The Capital Inns & Suites, a former Northeast Salem hotel, will now be called the ARCHES Lodge and reopen next month as an emergency shelter. People without a home will have a safe place to start rebuilding their lives and transition out of homelessness. The new shelter has received millions from the state to renovate the inn, which includes 72 guest rooms and will include supportive services. (Subscription: Salem Reporter)
2. After years of comforting patients, families, and staff at Salem Hospital, a golden retriever named Krycek will retire. The 10-year-old dog is one of the hospital's most beloved therapy dogs. (Subscription: Salem Reporter)
3. The "Jurassic Quest," a popular interactive dinosaur experience, will be at the Exposition Center at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem this weekend, Mar. 17-19! Don't miss the life-like dinosaurs roaming in realistic herds or their bellowing roars. (Keizer Times)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Salem Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Salem Patch newsletter possible.

Today and tomorrow in Salem:

Friday, March 17

• Jurassic Quest At Oregon State Fair And Exposition Center (5:00 PM)
• Shoot To Thrill - AC/DC Tribute Band At Elsinore Theatre (7:30 PM)

Saturday, March 18

• St. Patrick's Day Walk-About At Salem's Riverfront Carousel (11:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• On Mar. 13, Rep. Lily Morgan (R-Grants Pass) and Rep. E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls) announced the introduction of House Bill 3549. Morgan explained that the bill would reform Oregon’s drug laws with "a tiered approach that is focused on treatment for those who want it. For those who don’t, there needs to be accountability." (Klamath Falls News)
• The Salem Public Library has two new options to help you get connected! There are now 30 circulating hotspots and 20 circulating Chromebooks with integrated wireless internet access in the Library. (Salem Public Library (Salem, OR) via Facebook)
• Did you know that disabled or senior homeowners can borrow from the State of Oregon to pay property taxes? See details and if you qualify here. (Oregon Revenue Department via Twitter)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with another update!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!