Salem-News.com Articles written by Bonnie King

Medical Marijuana Dispensary, Gifts and Art Gallery Open in Salem Oregon

First Choice Cannabis is Open for Business!

(SALEM, Ore.) - A new art and glass gallery and medical marijuana dispensary hosted their grand opening last weekend in South Salem. First Choice Cannabis is owned and operated by Amy Zimmerman. This store is open to the public, featuring the only “live” glassblower in the capitol city.

“The community needs to come together like this, we have common goals,” said Amy Zimmerman. She believes patients should have a high quality selection of medicinal cannabis, and that means cooperating with other people in the industry.

Exploding Whale is One of Oregon`s Most Memorable Moments

It’s no wonder this event was, for many years, considered to be an urban legend.

(SALEM, Ore.) - November 12, 1970 is a day that has lived in infamy for Oregonians and bizarre-story enthusiasts the world over.

That fall day, 43 years ago, the Oregon Department of Transportation delivered half a ton of explosives to the underside of a getting-smellier-everyday decomposing whale and blew it to smithereens. Millions of bits of stinky whale goo and pieces of blubber, splattered up to half a mile away.

Medical Marijuana Focus of Seminar Hosting Dr. Phil Leveque

Dr. Leveque spoke to those learning the facts about the medical marijuana industry in Oregon.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Dr. Phil Leveque spoke to a group of medical marijuana enthusiasts Sunday in Portland, Oregon. This gathering was a part of the Portlandsterdam University curriculum. They provide the unique opportunity for the public to attend classes that teach the A to Z's of medical marijuana, with or without an Oregon Medical Marijuana Permit. Of course, those without a permit are “not allowed to touch”, during the hands-on labs.

The two-day seminar was held at the Monarch Hotel, near Clackamas Town Center, and is a regularly scheduled event created to educate those interested in the fast-growing Canna-Business industry.

Oregon`s Pfc. Cody Patterson Memorial Attended by Thousands

Many hundreds of motorcycles roared in and filled the parking areas.

(CORVALLIS, Ore.) - About 5,000 people are estimated to have been at the memorial service in Corvallis today to show their respect for an Oregon man killed by a suicide bomber on Oct 6 in Afghanistan. Philomath High School graduate Pfc. Cody James Patterson's memorial service was held at Oregon State University’s LaSells Stewart Center.

In addition to the thousands of family, friends and community members attending, were several Oregon Motorcycle Clubs and non-club members, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other patriotic citizens to honor Cody Patterson.

Oregon Mother of Two Shot and Killed by Estranged Husband

Motorcycle club disavows behavior of member.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Jessie Cavett grew up in Salem. She was a 27-year old mother of two, and worked at the Bella Institute School of Cosmetology in Portland as an instructor. She loved spending time with her mother, her daughters, and making the most of every day.

Yesterday, her estranged husband came into her home and shot her, point blank, in front of her two little girls. She died at the hospital late last night. Cavett left his 5-year old step daughter, Peyton, at the scene but took 2-year old Paige with him when he fled. Peyton was able to call one of her mother's friends for help, who then called 9-1-1.

Two Reports of NORAD Intercepting Aircraft over New York

The airspace over New York was busy this morning.

(PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.) - At 10:46 am (PT) it was reported by North American Aerospace Defense Command, NORAD helicopter intercepts aircraft in restricted area over New York: A U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter flying under the direction of North American Aerospace Defense Command intercepted a general aviation aircraft that had entered the Temporary Flight Restricted area over New York City, N.Y. this morning.

The aircraft which entered the TFR at approximately 1:00 p.m. EST was intercepted and then escorted out of the area. Then, at 11:06 am (PT) we received another release from NORAD and USNORTHCOM.

Oregon`s Modified Dolls Help Fight Cancer with Charity Event

“Keep Calm and Battle On!” is the warcry of Modified Dolls, as they reach out to others in need.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Oregon Modified Dolls are hosting a charity event benefiting The American Cancer Society in Salem next weekend, and anyone over 21 is invited to stop by to see all the action.

This special event will feature a 250-pound pig roast with all the fixings that will be available for a $5 suggested donation, and TNT Hollywood Tavern has graciously donated a beer garden which will be covered, in case of inclement weather.

Oregon Body-Art Center Celebrates Grand Opening in Salem

Salem Tattoo Mall Invites Community to Tour Facility at Noon Sunday

(SALEM, Ore.) - A Grand Opening party kicks off Sunday at noon to introduce the Oregon Body-Art Center, the only “tattoo mall” in Salem, Oregon, to the community-at-large.

“We started the center to have a place where body art practitioners, young and old together, could learn, share, promote and practice their art to help bring our art community closer together,” said Mike Kondash, owner of the Oregon Body-Art Center.

“It is a one-stop tattoo shop where people can visit to find information about all things “body art” in a licensed, safe and clean environment.”

Drag the Gut 2013 was a Hot Time in the City

Just like the good ole days, Mac's "Gut" was roaring with action all weekend. [SLIDESHOW BELOW]

(MCMINNVILLE, OR) - The old Mack Theatre sign and marquee were lit up once again and the sights and sounds of slow moving cars came alive on Third Street as the Dragging the Gut Festival took over the town of McMinnville for the fourth year in a row.

Hundreds of cars took to the streets and thousands of onlookers lined the sidewalks to watch the show, and what an incredible parade of eye candy on wheels it was.

Oregon Governor Signs Marijuana Dispensary Bill into Law

Oregon’s cannabis culture rises to the occasion becoming the 13th state to approve dispensaries

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber signed the bill legalizing medical marijuana dispensaries today.

Medical marijuana advocates rejoiced as the Oregon House and Senate passed a bill legalizing medical marijuana retail establishments. The bill has been on the governor’s desk since July 10th.