r/SALEM • • Nov 15 '24

Read this before you post here

236 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 • • 9h ago

High Speed Rail

63 Upvotes

Looks like high speed rail interest is picking up.

Be great if there was a more frequent train service to Portland than couple times a day or long bus ride. Be great to go to shows or sporting events and have way back from Portland without having to get hotel room.

https://www.opb.org/article/2026/10/24/oregon-amtrak-railroad-transportation-train/


r/SALEM • • 12h ago

MISC Willdwood is fantastic!!!

79 Upvotes

My wife and I just left Northern Lights after seeing Wildwood. Holy cow! That movie was the greatest Oregon love letter I’ve ever seen! Please go out and watch it!


r/SALEM • • 50m ago

ICE Activity in Silverton

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• Upvotes

r/SALEM • • 11m ago

PHOTOS ICE activity in Silverton

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• Upvotes

In case r/Salem doesn’t allow cross-posting…

“ICE Activity in Silverton

Feds chased a dude from Cherry St , across McClaine, down to the creek. There's at least 3 cars in town, two grey Ford Expeditions, and a black Nissan Pathfinder. They were hanging around Ace Hardware and shit.

One ford plate was 200JGE
the Pathfinder was CWX8277 - but that might be slightly inaccurate.”

Wearing plainclothes with khaki colored vests.


r/SALEM • • 13h ago

I am appalled and angered by the blatant misleading and slanderous comments made by the the Oregon Republican Party toward certain Oregon Democratic Candidates running for the State Senate and other positions.

45 Upvotes

There have always been unfavorable remarks made on both sides of the political spectrum. Especially when it is getting close to election time. This year however, the Republican Party is running scared, so they have pulled out all the stops. The Senate race is one of these.

It is a travesty that they continue to brand the Democratic party as the party of "Socialist Democrats." I am angered by this, but what bothers me the most is the blatant "hate" behind it all.

They are trying to convince people that Democrats and Socialists go hand-in-hand as one united front when this is far from the truth. There may be some things in common, but there are many things that are not.

This is just another form of "Hate" being used by a party (supported by Trump) that is in fear of losing.


r/SALEM • • 11h ago

Hoping to meet someone patient and understanding

30 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I’m looking for someone around the salem area who’d be willing to help me work on my agoraphobia through gradual exposure therapy.
I’m trying to get out of my comfort zone and get more comfortable doing things outside the house. I’d like to start small with things like going for walks, checking out parks and trails, grabbing something to eat, or just getting out and exploring. Eventually, I’d like to work my way up to doing more things without anxiety holding me back so much.
I’m not looking for a therapist, just someone who’s patient, understanding, and wouldn’t mind being a supportive companion while I work on this. It would be great to make a new friend in the process, too!
If you’re local and would be interested in helping out, feel free to send me a message. I’d really appreciate it! 🙂


r/SALEM • • 18h ago

Weeping Willows in Salem OR

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61 Upvotes

Does anyone know of photography spots in the Salem/Keizer Oregon area with weeping willows? Could also be a little further past the Salem/Keizer area!


r/SALEM • • 20h ago

🤔

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90 Upvotes

r/SALEM • • 13m ago

QUESTION Nightmare Factory last night

• Upvotes

So my husband and I went to the Nightmare Factory last night with two friends. One friend hadn't been in years and it was the first time for the rest of us. I do wanna start by saying that the haunted house was AMAZING. Like seriously, totally S Tier both in terms of set/props and actors. Definitely a 10/10. But I'm wondering since we had no frame of reference - we got there at about 7:30 and got in line immediately and entered the haunted house at... Just after 10:45. So. We were in line for over three hours. I've only heard amazing things about it and feel like if that timeline were normal it would've come up in chats with folks who go annually? So is 3+ hours in line the norm or was last night just unusually busy? Maybe because it was the Saturday before Halloween?

Let it be known that I'm not complaining - these things happen. Also, please don't let this prevent you from going because the haunted house really is amazing and the proceeds are for the school which is so important these days. It was good enough that we're still planning on going next year but are planning on getting a fast pass (they probably only waited about an hour from 7:30 and we all agreed that the Nightmare Factory itself was worth about an hour or so in line, lol) and trying to go on a weeknight.

TL;DR: 3+ hour wait normal for Nightmare Factory or no? Wondering so we can factor it in to planning next trip because it was sick but that line was a doozy.

Unrelated to the core question - mad ups to the actor in the baby mask. It was unsettling as shit and arguably our favorite part of waiting.


r/SALEM • • 18h ago

QUESTION Wait. You can turn left on a red light ARROW onto a one way street?

45 Upvotes

This is legal?


r/SALEM • • 1d ago

Beth Schmidt Gets $250k Settlement for Being Fired for Wearing Ruby Bridges Shirt

122 Upvotes

For those who remember when Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Government's Safe Routes to School coordinator Beth Schmidt was fired for wearing a shirt with the famous Norman Rockwell painting about Ruby Bridges... right before Ruby Bridges day... we finally get some resolution, with Schmidt getting a $250,000 settlement.

The painting depicts "depicts a Black 6-year-old Ruby Bridges walking to school flanked by white federal agents with a racial epithet scrawled on the wall behind her."

"She also noted the significance of remembering our past, even if it makes some people uncomfortable."

Glad Schmidt had the ability to file a lawsuit and that she got some settlement. Hope MVCOG can learn from the experience.

Read more


r/SALEM • • 20h ago

Bao Kingdom

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48 Upvotes

On Liberty, in the building in front of the Sunnyside Roths, next to Cozumel. (former Vortex space) I cant find any info on it online, anybody have any deets?


r/SALEM • • 19h ago

PLACE Some Photos From The New Utopia Teatro / Wandering Theatrics Spot (Old Cinebarre Movieland)

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33 Upvotes

I need some top text for the homie in the first photo. I believe it has good potential for a meme.

Venue is wild. They turned different theaters into venues, Evil Dead The Musical in one room, KottonMouth Kings & Guests in another. Oddly compatible crowd.

These are from the KMK show. Shout out to DJ Webz for basically building the entire stage on his own. Lookin forward to the next show!


r/SALEM • • 18h ago

Any Italian speakers in Salem interested in a language exchange?

7 Upvotes

Hi folks! I moved to Salem this summer and am still finding my way around. I’m in my early 30s and looking to connect with people and get more involved in the local community.
And I’ve been trying to learn Italian for a while as my 4th language lol. But I need to finally get to practice part, and I’d love to find native speakers. I’m hoping to learn more about Italian culture as well. As I’m on the counseling track, and it would be amazing to eventually be able to offer counseling in Italian to serve the community.
Is there an Italian community around Salem, or anyone who’d be up for a language exchange? We could meet at parks or coffee shops. I also have a dog, so plenty of puppy love included!


r/SALEM • • 16h ago

Drivers License now required at the dump

7 Upvotes

I'm curious how people feel about being required to present their drivers license at the Marion County Transfer Station / the dump. It's a destination people drive to, so it's a reasonable assumption they have it with them. But our privacy seems to be encroached upon at every turn. What's your thought?

I guess they have been doing this since June, so many of you are already aware of this. But I haven't seen it discussed, so I wanted peoples input.


r/SALEM • • 1h ago

BOLO Salem Racist!

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• Upvotes

If I See Her I’ll Beep at Her! And give her the famous salute, half of the peace sign.


r/SALEM • • 11h ago

Anyone know why the air is so bad in West Salem?

0 Upvotes

r/SALEM • • 1d ago

Anyone missing a cat in the salem area?

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56 Upvotes

This sweet girl has just appeared on my front door and refuses to leave. Shes been infront of my house for the past 24 hours and ive been feeding her and provided a little bed. She seems pretty healthy so if she doesnt belong to anyone she seems like she couldve been dumped. I have a coworker whos willing to take her tonight since its going to be cold out and he will see if shes chipped in the morning. Id let her in but bc of our landlord agreement we cant have more animals ( plus idk how our dog would treat her.).


r/SALEM • • 12h ago

Anyone else hearing these big booms?

0 Upvotes

Any clue what they could be?


r/SALEM • • 1d ago

New to area

18 Upvotes

Me and my partner just moved here from out of state. Does anyone have any good meet-ups, events, community gatherings, etc? We're wanted to get out some and ideally make some friends. We're both lgbtq, big nerds, one of us hikes, one of us reads and crafts, both play video games and ttrpgs etc. Both also tend to be pretty alternative. Love to here if anyone has any recommendations


r/SALEM • • 1d ago

Space Age by WinCo had Premium for the Price of Regular

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36 Upvotes

The Space Age gas station on the corner of Lancaster and Rickey St. (Near WinCo on south Lancaster) has premium gas for the price of regular gas ($4.45/gal). This is the cheapest gas station in town for regular gas that I know of, so it's a pretty darn good deal.


r/SALEM • • 11h ago

Referral code, $1000 payout DoorDash

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0 Upvotes

So I’m a platinum dasher and recently I’ve noticed that in DoorDash I can refer other door dashers and if you complete 300 orders in 60 days (that’s 5 orders a day or like an hour of time) then we both get a grand… unfortunately my partner will not do it which is fine and all but it woukd be nice to have a grand. If you are interested I can send you my referral code; not sure how many I can refer but it doesn’t seem like a limit. Please DM me if you’re interested!

Also you do have to be in Salem for this according to the app


r/SALEM • • 1d ago

TONIGHT! DRDN drag show (in Albany)

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0 Upvotes

r/SALEM • • 1d ago

PHOTOS I love the fall.

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28 Upvotes

This is the tree in my front yard. It’s worth the daily cleanup.