Salem-News.com Articles written by Bonnie King

DDT Makes a Comeback to Save Millions of Lives

A 1948 Nobel Prize winner learned that DDT could eliminate malaria, but since 1972, that’s been a crime.

(SALEM) - Two deaths from E. Coli-tainted spinach have dominated the news media during the last week, while the West Nile Virus has caused an average of 111 deaths annually across the entire United States over the past seven years.

Though tragic, those numbers don’t compare to what is happening in Uganda, a small country in central Africa with a total population about 3/4 that of the state of California.

Healing Field is an American Experience (VIDEO)

The display at Salem's Riverfront runs through September 11th.

(SALEM) - Salem-News.com's Bonnie King takes you on a visual journey of the Healing Field in Salem, Oregon to commemorate Americans lost in the wars overseas and those who died during the September 11th attacks on the United States.

Each of the fallen veterans from conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan is remembered in name by a special marked plaque beneath each flag.

Rodeo Roared in With Thunder

The St. Paul Rodeo in its 71st year, is the nation's largest 4th of July Rodeo.

(ST PAUL) - The sky was thick with the clouds of a summer thunderstorm Tuesday morning, and crashing thunder and lightning made getting lined up for the St Paul Rodeo parade interesting for participants, who wondered what it would mean if the rain began.

Just as the parade kicked off, in a wondrous Oregon moment, the clouds broke open and the sun shined through, casting light and color on the event and the entire day.

“This is the Nation’s biggest 4th of July rodeo and it takes the whole community to make this happen. Things went very well this year. We almost equaled last year’s attendance record, even though the weather was hot the first three days, so yesterday was rodeo weather,” commented Dave Wilson, spokesman for the St Paul Rodeo.

The Countdown Is On for HOPE

The HOPE Initiative is within 25,000 signatures to qualify for the November ballot, but the deadline draws near. This Friday is the last day for all signatures to be in Salem.

(SALEM) - There are currently 615,000 Oregonians without health insurance.

Knowing the number is the easy part. Finding a way to decrease it, a whole other story.

Last August, 76% of Oregonians polled said they believe that health care is a fundamental right. This Friday, we’ll see if they put their signatures where their percentage points were.

The Night of Fire Car Show Returns (VIDEO)

A Salem Summertime tradition returns tonight, as what started out as a one-time fundraiser to help someone in need has become an annual gathering not to be missed.

(SALEM) - The formula is simple, mix street roads with the thunder of drag racing cars, add in venders and kids activities, and what you get is an evening of good, clean fun, and the making of great memories.

This year The Night of Fire will take place on the Morningstar Church grounds. `Morningstar Church is our best venue yet,` comments Mike Adams, who has helped coordinate the event since the beginning five years ago. `It's bigger than the shopping centers we have used in the past and the grassy park like setting makes this a more enjoyable environment. Plus there is plenty of parking for everyone. We`re working hard to bring in the top local drag racing cars, street rods, venders, prizes, and activities that have made our shows so unique.`

It`s not just a car show though, every year a benefactor for the money raised is selected. This year it`s a baby boy named Joshua.

Show-Biz 2006 is a Hit

This annual event attracts thousands every spring

(SALEM) - Show-Biz 2006, the Salem Chamber of Commerce`s biggest event of the year, took place Thursday at the State Fairgrounds. Thousands of people streamed through the doors for the five hour event where hundreds of businesses came together under one roof.

Wednesday`s Farmer`s Market Has a Little of Everything

Watch the streaming video news report by Bonnie King.

(Salem) - Spring has sprung. And in Salem, that means the beginning of the Wednesday Farmer`s Market. The event takes place along Chemeketa Street in downtown Salem. Vendors draw visitors from throughout the Willamette Valley who want to experience this traditional marketplace. Be careful, some describe the experience as habit-forming.

BBQ Season Starts NOW

Salem barbecue professionals gear up for 2006 season

(KNOXVILLE, TN) - America`s top barbecue professionals, including Salem`s Mike and Katrina Adams of Adams Ribs Smokehouse, recently spent four days at the 2006 National Barbecue Association Conference and EXPO in Knoxville, Tenn., honing their skills for the barbecue season that is already upon us.

`Most people think begins on Memorial Day. But, what we learned is that over 89% of people barbecue year round,` said Katrina Adams.

2006 show attendees loaded buses for a tour which included two of the hottest barbecue restaurants in the Knoxville area; Buddy`s BBQ and Calhoun`s Tennessee Microbrewery. This gave plenty of time for attendees to visit with barbecue restaurant owners and caterers from all over America.

Oregon`s Most Notorious Prisoner Dies

Serial killer Jerry Brudos died Tuesday of natural causes at the age of 67.

(SALEM) - Jerome `Jerry` Brudos pleaded guilty in 1969 to the strangulation murders of Jan Susan Whitney, Karen Elena Sprinker and Linda Dawn Salee. When Brudos`s crimes were revealed, the news shocked the people of Oregon and beyond. He was convicted for murdering three young women in his Salem home, near the State Hospital, and he did it all without ever alerting his wife to the devious acts he performed inside his home-based workshop. His disdain for women was not lost on his victims. He mutilated and cut up the bodies and dumped all three corpses into local rivers.

Oregon did not have the death penalty at the time. He was serving three life sentences when he died.

Salem Police Make Heroin Arrests

A home in NE Salem was searched by Police Wednesday morning, and turned up Heroin, Cocaine and Methamphetamine- all with a kid in the house.

(SALEM) - A couple was taken into custody, and an eleven-year old child removed from their home Wednesday, March 15. The child`s placement in protective custody adds to the ever-increasing roll of children removed from their homes due to drugs.

Salem Police Department's Community Response Team and Salem SWAT served a search warrant at 3691 Michel Street NE at 6:00 AM, which led to the seizure of 2 grams of Methamphetamine, 13 grams of Cocaine, and 26 grams of Heroin.