Whitney Woodworth

2 weeks ago | statesmanjournal.com | Whitney Woodworth

Punx With Purpose opened Stormie's Place for youths ages 11-18 in downtown Salem. The center offers low-barrier services including a lounge, food pantry, clothing closet and case management. The annual Punx in the Park event will be held at Riverfront Park on Aug. 31. This is part of a weekly series introducing readers to individuals who are passionate about our Mid-Valley community. Local nonprofit Punx With Purpose has been helping Mid-Valley youths, with a punky twist, since 2023.

3 weeks ago | statesmanjournal.com | Whitney Woodworth

Salem's remaining two Rite Aid stores in south Salem and on Lancaster Drive are set to close amid the national chain's bankruptcy proceedings. Officials filed notice that the location at 4500 Commercial St. SE next to Trader Joe's and Ulta Beauty in south Salem would be closing. According to an advertisement in The Oregonian, that location will close June 5. On June 6, all prescription files will be transferred to the Fred Meyer pharmacy at 3450 Commercial St. SE.

3 weeks ago | statesmanjournal.com | Whitney Woodworth

12 people were injured in a stabbing incident at the Union Gospel Mission of SalemSalem Health hospital enacted mass casualty protocols, with staff and physicians responding to treat the influx of patients. The stabbing at Union Gospel Mission of of Salem that left 12 people injured triggered a "mass casualty safety" response at Salem Health hospital. Within five minutes of emergency personnel responding, the first of 11 patients was already being prepped for surgery at the hospital.

3 weeks ago | statesmanjournal.com | Whitney Woodworth

Improvements include new sports courts, playgrounds, fencing and lighting. Hoover, Highland, Livingston, and Morningside parks are the focus of this summer's projects. Future bond-funded projects include upgrades to Geer, McKay and Riverfront parks. Four Salem neighborhood parks will get bond-funded playgrounds, sport courts, fencing or lighting this summer.

3 weeks ago | usatoday.com | Isabel Funk |Capi Lynn |Jonathan Williams |Whitney Woodworth

Police have arrested a man in connection with a stabbing at a mission in Salem, Oregon that left 11 people injured on June 1. Salem Police responded to the stabbing incident at Union Gospel Mission of Salem north of downtown at about 7:15 p.m. on June 1. Almost a dozen people were taken to Salem Health hospital with various injuries,, and a male suspect, who was not identified, was arrested, police said. The mission is a faith-based organization on the front lines of the homelessness crisis.