Salem-News.com Articles written by Bonnie King

George Clayton Johnson has Died (UPDATED)

EDITOR: “Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated”: George Clayton Johnson died Dec 25, 2015, not the 22nd as previously reported.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The illuminating, exoterical, astronomical George Clayton Johnson has died. He was 86. The genius science-fiction writer behind so much of what we’ve all watched and enjoyed has passed on to his next adventure. The cause was cancer, his son, Paul B. Johnson, told the Associated Press.

George Clayton Johnson wrote the very first episode of Star Trek, The Man Trap; he wrote eight original Twilight Zone episodes for series creator Rod Serling including "Nothing in the Dark", "Kick the Can", "A Game of Pool", and "A Penny for Your Thoughts".

S.T.E.V.E. Feeds Salem Needy Sixth Year in a Row

S.T.E.V.E. is More than a Man, it’s a Movement.

(SALEM, Ore.) - As the weather gets wetter, stormier, and colder, the need for warmth and sustenance is priority for all of us. For Salem’s homeless population, it becomes a fine line between life and death.

Today is a day many have been anxiously waiting for. Today, they can count on a delicious, hot meal, a warm gathering of people, and some cold weather gear to leave with.

Graphic Video Shows Chicago Police Shooting of 17-Year Old

WARNING: This video contains graphic violence.

(CHICAGO) - 17-year old Laquan McDonald was shot 16 times by a Chicago police officer in October 2014 and the police dashcam video was released Tuesday.

A judge had ordered the city to release the disturbing video by Wednesday, but a version was leaded to ABC7 Chicago Eyewitness News on Tuesday morning, so the Chicago police moved up the scheduled release.

At Least 153 Killed in Paris in Six Terror Attacks

No group has taken responsibility for the Friday the 13th attacks

(SALEM, Ore.) - Paris suffered six strikes of terror Friday night killing at least 153 people. The President of France has closed the borders to the country.

French President Francois Hollande has declared a state of emergency. "We have to show compassion and solidarity and we also have to show unity and keep our cool. France must be strong and great," he said.

The Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald: 40 Years Ago

Gordon Lightfoot said this song is his most significant contribution to music.

(SALEM, Ore.) - 40 years ago, on November 10, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior. This two score anniversary commemorates the ship, an ore carrier, which went down in a November storm, taking all 29 crew members to their graves.

Most of us (outside the area) know about the tragedy because of one thing: the song.

Cannabis is Medicine for Crohn`s Patient Teenager Coltyn Turner

What seemed like a long shot has turned out to be the best option available. And it’s natural.

(COLORADO SPRINGS, CO.) - A young man named Coltyn Turner may turn out to be an integral cog in the wheel that gets the Federal government to pay attention to patients benefiting from cannabis as medicine. In fact, Coltyn would greatly appreciate some time with the President of the United States. He would tell him that cannabis saved his life.

2 years ago, Coltyn Turner was dying from Crohn's Disease. He was diagnosed at age 11, though he suffered from the condition since birth.

2015 Hempstalk Harvest Festival Kicks off Saturday at 10am

Thousands Ascending on Portland to Celebrate Hemp and Cannabis, Rain or Shine!

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The 11th Portland Hempstalk Harvest Festival is taking over Tom McCall Waterfront Park this weekend, and hemp enthusiasts couldn’t be happier.

Portland's annual Hempstalk Festival advocates decriminalization of hemp and cannabis for medicinal, industrial, and recreational use. Though stories to the contrary were spread without foundation, Hempstalk is on!

George Martorano, the Longest-Serving First-Time Non-Violent Offender in US Fed Prisons is FREE

My being truly truly thanks all of those upon moving earth, that care so much about me.

(SALEM, Ore.) - FREE AT LAST! George Martorano, the longest-serving first-time non-violent offender in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, HAS BEEN RELEASED. After 32 years....he is HOME.

In 1984, on the advice of his attorney Robert Simone, Martorano pled guilty to 19 counts of drug possession and distribution.

UPDATE: Shooter is Dead after Killing 10, Wounding 7 at Umpqua Community College

UPDATE: SOME INFORMATION BELOW IS NOW KNOWN TO BE INACCURATE. PLEASE SEE UPDATED NEWS ARTICLES ON THIS SUBJECT.

(SALEM, Ore.) - A 911 call came into the Douglas County emergency services at 10:38 a.m. alerting authorities of an active shooter at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg.

13 are confirmed dead by the State Attorney General Rosenblum, and there are 20 wounded, many critically.

"There's no more threat," the Sheriff told KOIN 6.
It appears, at this time, there was one shooter. The shooter is among the dead.

MARIJUANA FOR SALE! Legal Pot for Oregon Adults

No longer do marijuana consumers have to hide their preference for pot.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Pot enthusiasts in Oregon are especially happy today. Recreational cannabis sales begin as of now.

Oregon voters passed Measure 91 last November by a wide margin, and their voices have been heard. The Legislature gave Oregon medical marijuana dispensaries permission to sell to the non-medical market until retail stores are set up, and those sales begin today.