Salem Seeks Photo for Water Report Cover

The City of Salem seeks photo submissions for the ’25 Water Quality Report cover, student artists from three counties displayed their work at a public exhibit, the City of Toledo decides to contract for emergency dispatch services, and Salem has a new interim city manager. You’re watching the “Local News Roundup” brought to you by FASTSIGNS. I’m Connor Shreve. The City of Salem’s 2025 Water Quality Report Cover Photo Contest is open. This year’s theme is, “What does Salem’s drinking water mean to you?” The first place photo will be featured on the cover, while second and third place photos will appear inside the report. Additional entries may be shared on social media. Submissions must be original, high resolution photos taken in Marion or Polk Counties. The submission deadline is Tuesday, April 1st. For contest rules and submission details, visit the City of Salem website. The Salem Art Association’s Young Artists’ Showcase is on display at the Bush Barn Art Center through Sunday, April 27th. Now, in its 16th year, the exhibit has become one of the association’s most popular annual showcases. It features artwork from kindergarten through 12th grade students in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties. Awards include Best in Show, the Mayor’s Awards and sponsored awards. The gallery is open from noon to 4:00 PM, Thursday through Saturday. For more information, visit the Salem Art Association website. After facing years of critical staffing shortages, the City of Toledo will use a contractor to operate its emergency dispatch services. Willamette Valley Communication Center, one of the busiest emergency communication centers in the region, will be the new provider. The center has 79 employees and handled more than 400,000 calls last year. The new partnership is expected to improve emergency response times, enhance dispatch technology, and strengthen coordination between the Toledo police and fire departments and neighboring agencies to ensure public safety. The Salem City Council named Krishna Namburi as Salem’s interim city manager. Namburi has 25 years of experience in a number of city leadership roles, including deputy city manager and enterprise services director. During her time with the City of Salem, she increased efficiency of city services by shifting from a reactive to proactive approach. The search for a permanent city manager is delayed until at least September, 2025. Learn more about these and other stories online at midvalleylocal.news. Thank you for watching this edition of the “Local News Roundup.” I’m Connor Shreve.