Salem-News.com Articles written by Bonnie King

Oregon Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Prepare for Early Retail Sales

Marijuana goes on sale in just a few short weeks... here's what you need to know

(SALEM, Ore.) - Effective October 1, 2015 registered medical marijuana dispensaries in Oregon will be able to sell limited marijuana products to adults 21 years or older. "Early sales" of recreational marijuana includes seeds, dried leaves and flowers, and immature marijuana plants.

There are 345 approved medical marijuana dispensaries in Oregon, however, not all of them will have recreational "early sales" available.

Canna Medicine Medical Marijuana Dispensary is OPEN for Business

Canna Medicine is the biggest dispensary in Salem and, according to the State inspector, may be the second largest in Oregon.

(SALEM, Ore.) - After four long months of building rehab, demolition and renovations, all the hard work is paying off. Canna Medicine is open for business, with all official permits and certifications properly – and proudly- displayed.

“We are beside ourselves, so happy to be open!” said Crystal Young, PRF (Person Responsible for Facility).

Salem City Council Approves Early Pot Sales for 21+

The Oregon Legislature gave each city the chance to legally opt out of recreational marijuana sales

(SALEM, Ore.) - There’s excitement in the air! Salem has joined the cities in Oregon that have gone with the State’s voters, and will allow recreational marijuana sales.

At 6:30 pm Monday, a large crowd made their way into the Salem city council chambers. There was a lot of wariness in regard to this meeting, with business owners and concerned citizens anxious to know what Salem politicians would decide.

Well-Known Northwest Motorcyclist Irish McKinney Killed in Accident

McKinney was a generous soul, known for helping others.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Longtime community advocate 56-year old Irish McKinney was killed in a tragic motorcycle accident near Needles, California on Monday, Aug. 17.

Irish was well-known to the White Center/Burien-area as both an avid Harley rider as well as a tireless fundraiser for the needy, raising over $26,000 for the White Center Food Bank in the last few years, including $15,000 last year, according to Sean Robinson. “That was his passion people...helping...and the motorcycle community,” Sean told The B-Town Blog.

Salem-News.com + Readers = Honest Reporting

Freedom of Speech is nothing without the opportunity to be heard.

(SALEM, Ore.) - A gentle late summer reminder that Salem-News.com gets by largely thanks to the generosity of its readers. In other words, your contributions truly matter! They ensure that we can continue to bring you voices, analysis and eye-witness reporting you’re unlikely to find elsewhere.

Salem-News.com brings voices from outside the typical reporting arena, and exposes the truth from beneath, and within.

Newberg City Manager Put on Leave After She Put Police Chief on Leave

Serious questions are swarming after the manager put the Chief of Police on leave without notice.

(NEWBERG, Ore.) - Jacque Betz is the City Manager for Newberg, Oregon, a town of less than 25,000 people situated about 30 miles south of Portland.

For reasons unknown, Ms. Betz placed Chief of Police, Brian Casey, on paid administrative leave last week. Casey's gun, badge and identification were taken from him and he was banned from city property.

710 Festival Bursts Its Seams and Moves to Keizer

July 10 (710) is a fairly new "holiday" for pro-cannabis supporters.

(SALEM, Ore.) - There's a hot cannabis event hitting the Willamette Valley this Friday. The event had its launch a year ago in a field in Turner, Oregon, and the response has grown so fast that it has been relocated to Keizer, Oregon, at the PGN Lodge.

The "710" festival is scheduled to begin Friday July 10th at 10:00 am, running through 11pm at PGN Lodge (patient growers network) located on 4090 cherry Ave. NE, Keizer, Oregon.

Keep Oregon Green! Marijuana is Minutes from Being Legal for 21+ Adults!

Remember those Cannabis Freedom Fighters who gave their all as we witness the end of Cannabis prohibition in Oregon ... Dr. Phil Leveque ... Larry “LK” Kirk ... Lindsey Bradshaw ... Jack “the Hemperor” Herer ... Jim Klahr ... Jim Greig ... and so many more.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The countdown is in full force for adults, soon-to-be LEGAL cannabis users, in the state of Oregon.

The west side of the Burnside Bridge will be a most popular spot very shortly. It is rumored that at midnight (July 1) all 21+ adults with ID will be given free marijuana and cannabis seeds, courtesy of medical marijuana providers and activists.

Walery`s Pizza Shows Local Support Fundraising for NWHS

Northwest Human Services helps with Medical, Dental, Mental Health care and social services for those in need.

(SALEM, Ore.) - There was a party going on in West Salem today, and it all had to do with the best pizza around. Hungry people always find their way to Walery's, but today was special. A portion of the proceeds at Walery's Pizza were donated to Northwest Human Services' Youth and Family program.

NWHS volunteers bused tables and delivered dessert to the very well-fed customers.

170 Outlaw Bikers in Texas Charged with Capital Murder

Bonds Set At $1 Million For Shooting Suspects

(SALEM, Ore.) - What started out as a huge gathering of bikers enjoying food and drink ended with nine people dead, 18 wounded, and 170 arrested in Waco, Texas on Sunday.

Police say at least 5 outlaw biker clubs were involved in a deadly shootout with each other and police in a restaurant parking lot.