Salem-News.com Articles written by Bonnie King

Hostile Takeover of a Longtime Cannabis Icon

“They haven’t paid me a penny, but they’ve taken everything I’ve owned in my whole life.” - Paul Stanford

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Paul Stanford was fired June 10th. BLINDSIDED, he would say. He received a certified letter from S.M.A.A.R.T., the corporation he owns a majority of, telling him he was out.

Instantly, Stanford’s share in his own company was reduced to as low as 3%. According to Stanford’s attorney, the issuance of an additional 23 million shares is a deliberate attempt, done in bad faith, to dilute Stanford’s shares in S.M.A.A.R.T.

Oregon Rakes in $25.5 Million from Marijuana Taxes So Far This Year

Oregon counts up the revenue while sick and dying patients lose out.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The green, green grass of home... Cannabis money is flowing like water in the State of Oregon.

In January, Medical marijuana dispensaries started collecting a 25% tax on recreational marijuana sales, and as of July 31, the Department of Revenue has processed $25.5 million in marijuana tax payments.

Everybody’s happy, right? In general, yes... but that would exclude the patients of Oregon.

Oregon Fire Marshall Urges Vigilance During Dangerously Dry Days

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for the majority of NW Oregon

(SALEM, Ore.) - With Oregon's hottest temperatures, gusty winds and low humidity occurring throughout the next few days, Oregon State Fire Marshal Jim Walker is urging all residents to take the utmost care and thorough caution to prevent wildfires.

"A majority of this year's wildfires have been human caused," says State Fire Marshal Jim Walker.

Memorial Service Set for KATU Veteran Kirby Brumfield

Kirby Earnest Brumfield, Jr
Feb. 06, 1932 - July 21, 2016

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - In 1962, Kirby Brumfield signed on with Portland's KATU Channel 2 as Director of Agricultural Programming, the station's first weatherman, and he was the first voice to come over the air.

As an actor, he was cast in many prime time TV shows including The Green Hornet (1966), Batman (1966) and 12 O'Clock High (1964), as well as Jessie James, FBI, and General Hospital.

Marion County Commissioners Push Marijuana Issues to November Ballot

Will unincorporated Marion County turn their nose up at tax revenue?

(SALEM, Ore.) - Measure 91 passed by approximately 56% to 44%. However, Marion County voters voted 48.44% in favor to 51.46% against. As such, state law allows the county to put the future expansion of recreational marijuana businesses to a vote.

On Wednesday, the Marion County Board of Commissioners referred measures related to marijuana for placement on the November ballot

Marijuana Robbery Leaves One Man Dead in North Salem

Three are behind bars as detectives investigate the fatal shooting.

(SALEM, Ore.) - A report of shots fired brought officers to the 4800 block of Jean Court Northeast Monday morning, just after 8 a.m. When they arrived, they found one man with a single gunshot wound to the head, apparently an armed robbery-gone-wrong.

Two suspects were on the run nearly 24 hours.

Search Continues for Overdue Hiker in the Jefferson Wilderness

Volunteers are searching for a Portland man, missing for nearly a full week now.

(DETROIT, Ore.) - 21-year old Ryan Zickel is the overdue hiker, missing since last Wednesday. He arrived in the Jefferson Wilderness with the intent to explore the park and possibly summit Mt. Jefferson, and planned on staying only one night at Jefferson Park.

Mr. Zickel told family he intended to exit the park Thursday to meet friends for another hike in the Seattle area.

Sailor Killed When Car Crashes Into Truck Pulling Loaded Horse Trailer

Tragedy included one fatality and injuries to 3 people and 2 horses.

(AURORA, Ore.) - The driver of the passenger car was seriously injured and life flighted to a Portland hospital. The passenger died on scene. She has been identified as 25-year old Stephanie Stover. She was in the Navy and stationed in Everett, Washington on the USS Gridley.

The truck's occupants were both taken to area hospitals and are expected to live.

Oregon Country Fair Attracts Law Enforcement DUII Saturation

Agencies were in full force for this "High Visibility DUII Saturation Event"

(SALEM, Ore.) - When it was all finished, a total of fourteen (14) drivers were arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) during the Country Fair's weekend.

Half of those (7) arrested for DUII were under the influence of Marijuana. The remaining seven arrests were for alcohol.

Pokemon Go Search Turns Up Loaded Firearm in Field

A surprise "find" for two Pokemon game players.

(CLARK COUNTY, Wash.) - Two young adult brothers hot on the trail of a "Pokémon character" instead came across a loaded handgun lying in a field off Hwy 99 in Hazel Dell.

Without touching the gun, the brothers suspended their GPS search for virtual creatures, called 911 and awaited the arrival of Deputy Brian Wade.