🌱 Salem PD Investigates I-5 Fatal Shooting + Possible Salem Flights

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

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Cool with occasional rain. High: 51 Low: 33.
• Thursday: Mostly cloudy. High: 52 Low: 39.

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Here are the top three stories in Salem today:

1. The Salem Police Department has been tasked with investigating the fatal shooting that closed northbound Interstate 5 in Salem for most of the day Monday, Apr. 10. According to officials, Oregon State Police Trooper Andrew Tuttle stopped to help a disabled semi-truck near the Mission Street exit and discovered a suspect holding the driver at gunpoint. The suspect, 31-year-old Felipe Amezcua Manzo, allegedly shot at Tuttle, who returned fire. Manzo was shot and fled from the scene, where he died from his injuries in nearby shrubbery. Salem police are investigating Tuttle's non-life-threatening injuries as well as the gun engraved with the words "Clay County Sheriff" that was found near Manzo's body. (Statesman Journal)
2. The city council of Salem is considering authorizing a 10-year Air Carrier Operating Agreement for at least two weekly Salem flights. Currently, those wishing to travel to or from Salem by airplane must go to Portland International Airport, 60 miles away, or Eugene Airport, 72 miles away. Salem Mayor Chris Hoy expects commercial flights to be operational by Jul. 4. In the agreement, the city would guarantee the undisclosed carrier a set minimum of revenue for operating flights from Salem. (Simple Flying)
3. Salem's annual Fourth of July fireworks are back after a three-year absence! Due to concerns about the fireworks show's impact on the returning eagle population, the show will take place at the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center instead of the Riverfront Park. Admission to the fairgrounds and the fireworks show is free. Tickets for the musical performances will go on sale on Apr. 14. (Statesman Journal)

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Today and tomorrow in Salem:

Wednesday, April 12

• Spring 2023 Rogers Gallery Visiting Artist Exhibition: Melanie Stevens At Rogers Gallery, Rogers Music Center (8:00 AM)
• Live Music Happy Hour At Taproot Lounge & Cafe (4:00 PM)

Thursday, April 13

• Salem On The Edge Fine Art Gallery Presents Artist Zue Stevenson & Guest Artist Sarah Wentz At 156 Liberty Street NE (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Corporation Division of the Secretary of State’s Office sent a lobbying email to business owners in the Salem area to garner support for a $2.6 million increase to its budget over the next two years to hire more staff and digitize millions of public records. Many in Salem are skeptical of the state department using state resources, such as the emails business owners use to register their businesses, for bill lobbying. (Salem Reporter)
• The Oregon Humane Society Salem has created a new Facebook page due to ongoing issues with its first Facebook page. The new handle is @OHSSalem, and the old page is now inactive. (Oregon Humane Society Salem via Facebook)
• On the hunt for a new place to live, or just interested in what else is out there these days? Check out the latest homes for sale in the Salem area, including a four-bedroom on Bluff Avenue for $549,000. (Salem Patch)
• Members of the Willamette Community planted 20 trees in Salem for Willamette University's annual Global Day of Service! (Willamette University via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today. See you all soon for 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!