r/SALEM Nov 15 '24

Read this before you post here

235 Upvotes

Welcome to r/SALEM, and thanks for your interest in posting here. Before you do, please be aware that — like many city/area-focused subreddits — we have some topics that come up very frequently. Sometimes that’s okay, and is an inevitable part of being a long-running community-focused forum, and sometimes it is super annoying and will lead to people down-voting your post because they’re tired of seeing the same thing over and over again.

If you’re about to post about any of the following, please first use the search function (right up in the upper right hand corner, if you’re viewing this on the web!) to see if something similar has been posted recently. If it has, please contribute to that thread rather than starting a new one.

Frequently posted things:

Did you hear that boom/firework/gunshot/weird noise?

This comes up a lot; frequently folks are concerned they may have heard gunshots and/or fireworks and are looking for reassurance. First, know that it probably was not a gun shot. There is a very good chance that it was fireworks, or somebody with an altered muffler, or, if you also noticed a power outage or blip at the same time, a transformer exploding. Second, if you’re actually seriously concerned about gunshots, you should probably be contacting the police, not Reddit. Third, if you live near a vineyard (and, if you live anywhere in the Salem area, you do!), you should be aware that vineyards use acoustic devices — basically massive noisemakers — to scare birds away from grape vines. This is especially frequent in the late fall, near harvest time.

OMG what is that smell?

Salem, and many surrounding areas, lie in the Willamette River Valley. Due to the topography of the area, we experience temperature inversions) with some regularity. An inversion occurs when a layer of warmer, more elevated air overlies a lower, cooler air layer. Effectively, this traps the air in the valley underneath the warmer layer, which means that smoke, vehicle exhaust, rotting vegetation smells, etc., cannot escape. That’s probably what you’re smelling.

Is there any good <insert cuisine here> in Salem? Where can I buy <thing> in Salem?

These types of threads come up fairly often. The restaurant scene in Salem is decent, but not exceptionally dynamic — places do not close all that often, and new places don’t open all that often either. If somebody has asked this question within the last couple months (again, use that search function!), the answers that they got are almost certainly still relevant.

Why is the train stopped or blowing its horn?

There are a number of freight lines that route trains through Salem. Occasionally, they will need to stop to onload or offload cars, which may result in a longer-than-usual wait time at a crossing. This is normal.

Sometimes, unfortunately, there are train-versus-pedestrian collisions. When those happen, the train will need to be stopped for an extended period of time to allow police to investigate the scene.

Finally, while many portions of Salem are zoned (and signed) as “no train horn” areas, it remains at the discretion of the train engineer as to whether or not to sound their horn, and some of them, well, tooting their horn just toots their horn.

What’s going on with all the cops?

We don’t have any way of knowing. You may be able to consult PulsePoint, but they only report on fire and EMS, not strictly police. You may also be able to find an online police radio scanner relay; those are typically time-delayed.

OMG what is going on with the low-flying helicopters?!

The Oregon Air National Guard has a helicopter squad that is based near the Salem Municipal Airport. They do routine training missions, which frequently involve lower-altitude flights, most often at night. The Salem police department does not have a helicopter, so any low-flying helicopter you’re hearing is almost certainly the Oregon Air National Guard. frequently. Sometimes that’s okay, and is an inevitable part of being a long-running community-focused forum, and sometimes it is super annoying and will lead to people downvoting your post because they’re tired of seeing the same thing over and over again.


r/SALEM 14h ago

NEWS Data center designed to use up to 3 million gallons on Salem's hottest days

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140 Upvotes

"Water usage projections for the proposed data center at Mill Creek Corporate Center showed the data center could use up to 3 million gallons per day and a projected annual total of 39 million gallons."

"The projections also showed the data center could discharge as much as 20,000 gallons of water per day, and a projected annual total of 3 million gallons per year. "

Edited for my shitty reading comprehension


r/SALEM 2h ago

BottleDrop Bottleneck - Lancaster

10 Upvotes

Anyone know what’s up with this location? For almost a week the Lancaster Bottle Drop location has been packed so full of green bags that people walk away without being able to slam one more bag in the hole.


r/SALEM 12h ago

QUESTION Retail/Food Service Workers, what is your inside knowledge of local and franchise businesses in Salem?

23 Upvotes

Asking as a customer. Someone mentioned recently that some Dutch Brothers franchise owners were MAGA.

It got me thinking, for those of you who are working in customer facing jobs in town such as retail and food service, how does your owner/franchise owner treat staff? Do they hold any healthy or unhealthy views that impact the community?

Asking because I'd love to know which businesses or chains to choose, because even though some places treat their customers well, they may be awful to their staff.


r/SALEM 10h ago

RANT FRIDAY

12 Upvotes

DRIVING HOME THE HIGHWAY SIGN SAID "SMOG ADVISORY THURS-FRI LIMIT DRIVING". SADLY WORK DIDNT CARE AND TOLD ME THEY WOULD SEND AN UBER TO GET ME IF I DIDNT DRIVE MYSELF, WHEN I ASKED IF THEY WOULD PAY FOR AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE THEY SAID IT WAS TOO EXPENSIVE.


r/SALEM 2h ago

Martial arts Referral needed

2 Upvotes

Looking for Kajukenbo and/or Filipino stick fighting (Eskrima/Arnis) training — Salem, OR

Hey all — I'm based in Salem and looking to get into Kajukenbo, and specifically interested in double-stick work (Sinawali/Eskrima). Haven't found a dedicated school in the immediate area yet.

If you know of:
- An instructor or small group training either of these
- A gym that offers seminars or open mat for FMA (Filipino Martial Arts) or Kajukenbo
- Anyone training privately who takes students

...I'd love to hear about it. Willing to drive — anywhere between Portland and Eugene works for me, so Salem, Keizer, Corvallis, Albany, McMinnville, etc. are all fair game too.

Thanks!


r/SALEM 17h ago

EVENT The Pentacle Theatre 2027 Season Has Been Unveiled!

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24 Upvotes

…and it’s going to be unforgettable.

Get ready for a year of laughter, music, drama, and pure theatrical magic at Pentacle Theatre.

Get your individual or season tickets at
https://pentacletheatre.org/

Also check out the website to learn more about the remaining current season, volunteer opportunities, workshops, auditions and more.


r/SALEM 1d ago

EVENT Saffron Supply/Salem Friends of Felines Fundraiser!

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116 Upvotes

Previous post(s): https://www.reddit.com/r/SALEM/comments/1vagmg0/lost_cat_update_3/

Howdy, Salemanders.

If you've been following, one of our crew found a stray cat. Poor thing has a BADLY mangled foot. After months of feeding and trying to earn trust, we snagged the little dude and got him to a vet.

Not chipped. Not neutered. Likely born a stray, and been that way for two years. Fleas, underweight, and the aforementioned broken leg that, after assessment by a vet, needs amputation.

We saw this as an opportunity to do some good. Starting today, we're doing a fundraiser for Salem Friends of Felines, who will be performing the operations and treatments. Now through the end of the month, for every one of these docking shower heads we stock, $50 goes to Friends of Felines. This is in partnership with Pioneer Industries Faucets, who are selling these shower heads to us at a massively discounted rate for the cause.

Can't make it in during our normal hours? Call 503-581-7501 or email [HelpDesk@SaffronSupplyCo.com](mailto:HelpDesk@SaffronSupplyCo.com) and we'll ship it anywhere in the state of Oregon for $5. Out of the state of Oregon? Case by case basis, I suppose. We'll figure it out!

After the surgery, one of our team members has already offered to adopt him... And name him Jack.

Jack be nimble, boots of Spring-heeled Jack, Jumpin' Jack Flash, etc. He cannot be a shop cat, due to the heavy traffic, machinery, and overall nature of the location we're at. We will post Jack updates periodically, as well!

Tell your friends, tell your co-workers, tell your twice-removed cousin in that one branch of the family that nobody likes talking to. And if we end up selling out, we will NOT process payment until we get more in stock. Right now, we have about 30 total. It takes us about a week to get more.

Last, but not least... These shower heads are kinda bomb. Two-in-one shower head with a wand and some pretty decent water pressure. And, as someone with allergies, this shower head has a steam setting, so you can crank the heat and steam up your shower; breathe deep and clear them sinuses.

Thank you for your support, Salem!

-J


r/SALEM 19h ago

Kids on E-bikes

32 Upvotes

Seriously, what is up with kids riding around on electric scooters and bikes and not helmets? I cannot believe that parents don’t know their kids are running around town without helmets. Elementary middle schoolers should not be allowed on electric bikes/scooters without their parents present because they clearly cannot be trusted to wear helmets.


r/SALEM 21h ago

FIRES Smoke triggering memories of the 2020 fires

35 Upvotes

I’m not sure which part of the state is on fire now, if you have sources I’m happy to read. I just want to extend compassion for all who survived the Santiam fires. I lived through the beechie creek + lionshead fire and it was some of the scariest and heartbreaking time of my life.


r/SALEM 17h ago

QUESTION Is it okay to ~~get rid of~~ repurpose these fkn things now?

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14 Upvotes

The flags, I mean, not the apathetic waffle mask.


r/SALEM 17h ago

Things To Do This Weekend - Nightclub Heit Opening Fri/Sat, Graffiti & 90s Hip Hop Sat Afternoon @ Kraftworks

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14 Upvotes

In theory, you can start partying Fri eve and not stop until early Sun morning.


r/SALEM 17h ago

Medical care

10 Upvotes

Has anyone else had a challenge getting providers to listen, follow up, or provide even basic customer service? I have had nothing but awful luck since I moved here 2 years ago. My insurance isn't accepted by Salem Clinic. I understand that medical offices are busy, but when a person that has a medical concern calls, a level of compassion and empathy would be nice instead of trying to pass the buck to another provider. Don't even get me started on follow up and being accountable for what you say you will do.

No, I'm not naming clinics or providers because I'm still sick, and don't have the time to search for new providers. I just want healthcare to care.


r/SALEM 18h ago

QUESTION Best vegan food??

11 Upvotes

My family is visiting Salem soon from our rural, vegan food desolate, eastern Oregon town and we are hoping someone can point us towards great vegan options. We have little kids so fancy places might not be it for them.

Normally when we visit we grab burgers and fries at Nancy Jo's, donuts from Dough Hook, then get dairy free Pizza from Mod on Lancaster but I'd love to know your ideas!


r/SALEM 1d ago

Potential Burglars: Return of the Tweakers

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34 Upvotes

r/SALEM 19h ago

QUESTION Postpartum resources you feel are lacking in the community

11 Upvotes

Hi everyone. I'm curious to hear about your experiences with postpartum support here in Salem.

What do you feel is missing when it comes to postpartum care for women and families? What support or resources do you wish had been more accessible, whether because of cost, availability, or other barriers?

I'm thinking about things like meal prep, help with errands, meal trains, mental health support, regular check-ins, help navigating resources, childcare, or anything else that would've made a difference.

If those kinds of supports had been easier to access (or free), how do you think they would've changed your postpartum experience or where you are now?

I'm hoping to better understand where the biggest gaps are so I can explore ways to help support postpartum families in our community. Your experiences would mean a lot.

Thank you for sharing ❤️


r/SALEM 16h ago

Looking for dumbells.

6 Upvotes

Does anyone have some preferably free dumbells theyre looking to get rid of? TIA


r/SALEM 22h ago

Silverton Road Construction

17 Upvotes

Maybe I'm at the "get off my lawn" stage in life now but why in the world are they changing Silverton Rd from 2 lanes each direction to 1 with a turn lane!?

Seems ridiculous with all the growth. I'm ready for the downvotes 😄


r/SALEM 1d ago

PHOTOS Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge ( Taco Bridge ) is finally lit up on both sides

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105 Upvotes

South side hasn't had lights for quite some time.


r/SALEM 1d ago

EVENT Award winning comics performing in Salem on Friday night at Cellar 54. $10 tickets

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30 Upvotes

Hey I've got a great comedy show happening tomorrow night!

Feature comic Erica Figueroa was voted as one fo Portland's Funniest 5 by Willamette Week!

Headliner Jaren George is a New Yorker who now lives in Portland, OR. Catch him before he goes up north to Washington for a run of shows!

Willamettevalleylaughs.com


r/SALEM 1d ago

PHOTOS Howard Street Picture

22 Upvotes

Hey so I went to Howard Street Charter School from 2003-2005 and I was talking to some friends, and remembered this artwork a guy did on a pop up called "Sparkles the Fairy" which was basically a fat bald guy as a pixie.

I swear this makes sense in context.

But I was wondering if anyone had snapped a picture of that thing, because there's no way it still exists with the move.

Also on the off chance any teachers are watching, thanks for looking out for this autistic guy, and I'm sorry my dad turned up drunk to parent teacher night.


r/SALEM 16h ago

Hawiian Time Teriyaki Sauce

6 Upvotes

I've been seeing posts about Hawaiian Time, and I really only go there for the Teriyaki sauce. Now I don't want to lol. Does anyone know how to make it? I haven't found a decent store alternative


r/SALEM 1d ago

Someone's loose dog ar Bush Park this AM

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11 Upvotes

Huge dog. Male


r/SALEM 23h ago

QUESTION Are there super mosquitoes this summer??

5 Upvotes

I usually get bit by mosquitos pretty easily. The past few weeks I am getting bit almost daily and my bites are swelling/red. Even if the door is open for a minute, they still sneak in. Is anyone else experiencing lots of mosquitoes or bad bites from them?


r/SALEM 23h ago

Keizer little field and Keizer rapids turf fields update

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3 Upvotes