Salem, OR — January 30, 2026 — Local News Brief
Salem, OR — January 30, 2026 — A correctional officer hiring event was held at the Oregon State Penitentiary, and Salem Township Hospital reports a surge in COVID-19 and flu cas…
Correctional Officer Hiring Event at Oregon State Penitentiary
On January 29, 2026, the Oregon Department of Corrections hosted a hiring event at the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem. The event aimed to recruit multiple correctional officers, offering assistance with the National Testing Network REACT test and online applications. Applicants were required to be U.S. citizens, at least 21 years old, and pass a criminal background check. For more information, contact Jeana Jeffries at 458-251-9137 or [email protected].
Surge in COVID-19 and Flu Cases at Salem Township Hospital
Salem Township Hospital has reported a significant increase in respiratory illnesses this January. As of January 27, the hospital confirmed 31 COVID-19 cases and 81 cases of influenza A, with three additional cases of influenza B. Six COVID-19 patients visited the emergency room, and two were admitted. Three flu patients required hospitalization. Despite the rise, COVID-19 numbers are lower compared to the previous year, with 100 cases recorded last winter. Flu season typically peaks in February. In contrast, SSM Health St. Mary’s in Centralia and Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon have reported relatively moderate to low inpatient respiratory cases. COVID-19 hospitalizations remained low from January 12 to 16, averaging 2-3 inpatient admissions during this period.
Salem Store Sells $500K Winning Powerball Ticket
A Powerball ticket worth $500,000 was sold at the Nouria convenience store on South Broadway in Salem, New Hampshire. The winning numbers were 21, 35, 40, 46, and 68, with the Powerball number 11. The ticket holder matched four white balls plus the Powerball, initially winning $50,000. With the Power Play multiplier, the prize increased to $500,000. Lottery officials have not yet announced the winner’s identity. The Power Play multiplier was 10x for this drawing.
Salem Township Hospital’s $17 Million Renovation Project on Schedule
Salem Township Hospital’s $17 million renovation and expansion project is progressing on schedule and within budget. CEO Jim Timpe reported that the first phase is nearing completion, with state approval expected in March. Phase two, starting in April, will involve temporarily relocating the emergency room to a newly constructed area within the hospital. The expanded emergency and operating rooms are slated to be completed by August 2027.
Wise World of Wellen Presented by Salem Eye Clinic
In the latest edition of ‘Wise World of Wellen,’ presented by Salem Eye Clinic, several interesting facts were shared: The British enlisted 500,000 cats during World War I to control rats; magicians have been performing the ‘sawing people in half’ trick since 1921; the frozen margarita machine was invented in 1971; a Braille version of ‘Playboy’ was published starting in 1970; and as of 2025, there are over 242 million licensed drivers in the U.S., up from 237.7 million in 2023.
Salem Lady Wildcats Host Columbia Tonight
The Salem Lady Wildcats are set to host Columbia tonight at ‘The Gum’ for an exciting basketball matchup. Fans are encouraged to attend and support the team as they continue their season.
Upcoming Events in Salem
- The Super 70s Rock Show
January 30, 2026, 9:00 AM at The Cut – Stage • Studio • Restaurant • Bar, 177 Main St, Gloucester. - Jammin’ with Jessica Storytime for Ages 0-5
January 30, 2026, 10:00 AM at Salem Public Library, 370 Essex St, Salem. - Panorama Queer and Trans International Film Festival
January 30, 2026, 7:00 PM at Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St, Salem. - Arctic Slime Potions
January 31, 2026, 10:00 AM at The Good Witch of Salem Spell Studio, 281 Essex St, Salem. - Lego Club for Kids Ages 4 and Up
January 31, 2026, 10:30 AM at Salem Public Library, 370 Essex St, Salem.
Sources
- Hiring Event for Correctional Officers
- COVID and Flu Cases Soar at Salem Township Hospital
- Salem Store Sells Powerball Ticket That Ballooned into a $500K Win
- Salem Township Hospital Board Learns $17-Million Project is ‘On Budget and On Time’
- Wise World of Wellen Presented by Salem Eye Clinic
- Teen Nights: Beach Art for Teens and Tweens in Grades 5-12
