Salem-News.com Articles written by Bonnie King

Kitzhaber Calls It Quits!

Since Oregon's Secretary of State was called home earlier this week, it has been clear that the torch was being passed.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon's only Governor to be elected for a fourth term is resigning.

Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber resigned effective next Wednesday, Feb. 18, in a letter submitted to Secretary of State Kate Brown. He met with his staff late this morning, then released this statement just after noon today.

Brilliant Director-Producer-Truthteller Anthony Lawson Remembered

Salem-News.com is sad to share this news of Anthony's passing, the 8th of January, 2015 in Phuket, Thailand, at the age of 79.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Anthony Lawson was an international prize-winning commercial director, cameraman, ad-agency creative director and voice over talent. He used to be known for shooting humorous commercials, but as he learned more about the world and why things are the way they are, he found less to laugh about, and instead found his passion about sharing the truth.

He spent his final years using his vast experience to shed light on the events of 9/11 and the terrible world events that have since followed.

Oregon Farmers can Legally Grow Hemp as of Now!

Oregonians will soon be looking o'er fields of Hemp, after nearly 60 years.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Hemp hasn't been grown in Oregon since 1957, when prohibitionists went on the offensive and demanded a total ban on hemp production...  but this spring that all changes.

As of today, the State of Oregon has accepted the rules presented by the committee and will accept applications to become a hemp farmer, handler, or hemp seed producer.

13 Little Pot Plants May Set Religious Sacrament Standard for Oregon

This milestone cannabis case continues Thursday, December the 4th, at 3:45 at the Grant county courthouse in Canyon City, Oregon for defendants of the ONAC KM Sanctuary Garden Raid. The public is invited to attend.

(SALEM, Ore.) - “This case will liberate Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Ruderalis from prosecution once-and-for-all as they are not federally controlled substances. It will also ensure our civil rights, liberties and freedoms regarding Mother Earth's healing sacraments for all native born American peoples - hopefully even beyond those borders as well,” said Joy Graves, Sachem Healer of the Oklevueha Native American Church.

For authorities, it seems the question is whether the newly planted garden was medicinal, sacramental or simply another run-of-the-mill illegal marijuana grow.

Joshua Cavett is Guilty of Murder in the First Degree

The nightmare of a man who murdered a mother in front of her children gets 28 years in Prison.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - “408 days. The family has suffered 408 days, waiting for the end of this torment. To finally lay their daughter, friend and sister to rest,” Christine Mascal, Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney, said as the hearing began.

Josh Cavett killed his wife, Jessie Doyle Cavett, in cold blood. Now, over a year after he confessed and was arrested, an agreement has been made, and he will begin his sentence.

“Justice is not served,” said the victim’s mother, Judy Doyle. “No number of years is enough."

Confessed Murderer Joshua Cavett Sentencing Monday

Multnomah DA Agrees to a Plea of a Minimum 28 Years

(SALEM, Ore.) - Admitted murderer Josh Cavett will be granted a plea deal next week for the shooting death of his estranged wife, 27-year old Jessie Doyle, in the presence of her two young daughters.

Chris Mascal, the Multnomah Deputy District Attorney said they are 99.9% sure that on Monday, the man who has been in custody since the night of the killing will Change his Plea. Cavett will plead Guilty to Murder and receive 28 years in prison, and will not be eligible for parole before his time is served.

Ban on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries is Lifted in Salem

Salem is respecting the Oregon voters by giving patients a place to access their medicine, legally.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The City of Salem Council Subcommittee on Medical Marijuana Dispensary Regulations was formed last spring and has worked for months on a plan that would work best for all involved.

Done. The Council agreed to the detailed plan and applications for licenses to operate a medical marijuana dispensary in Salem were accepted beginning October 28, 2014. Now that the council has voted to lift the moratorium, several new dispensaries will be opening up in Salem. But what will it cost them?

Murdered Mother-of-Two Honored at Fundraiser

The murder of Jessie Doyle is an example of Domestic Violence at it's very worst.

(SALEM, Ore.) - One year ago this week, a young mother was murdered in front of her two little girls. The perpetrator was the woman’s estranged husband, who had no care whatsoever that a Restraining Order said he should stay away from her. Joshua Cavett walked up the stairs to the second floor apartment where he yelled and banged on a door until, finally, the door was opened.

Before 27-year old Jessie Doyle could make a move, there was a gun at her head and suddenly it was over. He shot her once, point blank.

Oregon Body-Art Center Celebrates First Birthday with BBQ Potluck

All are welcome to enjoy the afternoon with great artwork, food, and camaraderie.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Oregon Body-Art Center celebrates its first birthday with a community BBQ on Sunday. Founded by experienced tattoo artist Mike Kondash in 2013, the Oregon Body-Art Center has enjoyed sustained success since its inception.

“It’s a great chance for people to meet tattoo artists and see them at work. Examples of their tattoos will be displayed, and plenty of flash to look at,” Kondash said. “Come and get to know the people who work here.”
The event kicks off at 1 p.m.

Small Town Politicians Living in Reefer Madness Bubble

Ending Cannabigotry is vital if patients are to be respected.

(AUMSVILLE, Ore.) - Serving the needs of patients is Amy Zimmerman's ongoing goal. She cares for the sick and ill and dying, providing them with medicine that they prefer, and that may be their key to a longer life, or at least one with more quality.

The Aumsville city council is attempting to ban all cultivation, dispensaries and even the use of medical marijuana. An ordinance proposal hearing is taking place Thursday at 6:30pm in Aumsville, the public is invited to join the meeting, and pro-cannabis supporters are expected to show up en masse. What happens in this tiny town may have more of an impact statewide than anyone expected.