Salem-News.com Articles written by Bonnie King

Eclipse Info for Oregon`s Path of Totality Salem-Area Viewing

Important reminders and announcements for Monday's total solar eclipse

(SALEM, Ore.) - The first total solar eclipse since 1979 is an anxiously-awaited event. The shadow of the Moon, the umbra, does not touch any other landmass or island before it touches Oregon on Monday morning.

The eclipse hits the Oregon Coast between Newport & Lincoln City at 10:15 a.m. (PDT), and will continue moving across the path of totality throughout the day.

Tobacco Use Declining But Laws Increasing

Treating adults over 18 like children, Oregon will be the third state in the Nation to raise the legal age to buy tobacco to 21.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Smoking cigarettes is bad for you. The Oregon Legislature voted on behalf of Oregon citizens recently to "protect kids from tobacco addiction and save lives" by voting to prohibit the sale of tobacco products to anyone under 21.

That's right. A full-fledged adult in the state of Oregon over the age of 18 will no longer be able to buy cigarettes (or any tobacco products) as of January 1, 2018.

INDO EXPO Cannabis Trade Show Encourages Oregon Hemp Businesses

Get your cannabis industry friends and head to Portland!

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Hemp is where it’s at. Finally, “everybody” is talking about hemp and its history in our country and beyond. In fact, some say the cannabis movement wouldn’t be here at all, without hemp.

There have been important groups formed to bring about an end to cannabis (aka “marijuana”) prohibition in the United States, including NORML, formed in 1970 by Keith Stroup. Another, very passionate leader, was Jack Herer, affectionately known as “the Hemperor”.

Crashed Truckload of Slimy Hagfish Will be Remembered Always

Last Thursday, Oregon coast travelers learned that when Hagfish become stressed, they secrete a slime. That'll be hard to forget.

(LINCOLN CITY, Ore.) - When Oregon State Police and emergency workers responded to a multi-vehicle crash at noon last Thursday, little did they know that there was a slime-fest waiting.

It all began when a 1993 Mitsubishi truck was traveling northbound on US Highway 101 near milepost 131, approaching roadway construction. An ODOT flagger had northbound traffic stopped, but Mr. Tragale was unable to stop the vehicle- or the load he was hauling.

2017 Oregon Country Fair Springs to Life

"The Oregon Country Fair is so much more than a party in the woods."

(VENETA, Ore.) - Just one day and a wake up until the 48th Annual Oregon Country Fair kicks off. The three-day annual event runs from July 7 thru 9, 2017, on the Fair site near Veneta, Oregon.

Nestled on the banks of the Long Tom River, just west of Veneta, off Highway 126, the Oregon Country Fair features 18 stages of entertainment, more than 80 food booths, and nearly 350 craft booths featuring more than 700 vendors

Old McKenzie Pass Highway Opens for Summer Season

Drivers urged to use caution on OR Hwy 242, it's a fun but very narrow road.

(BEND, Ore.) - The Old McKenzie Pass Highway (OR 242) will officially open to all traffic on Monday, June 19, 2017 at 8 a.m. The highway has been closed due to winter snows.

Motorists driving on this curvy road need to be aware of bicyclists and pedestrians on the roadway and take proper precautions. Vehicles longer than 35 feet are prohibited from using the highway.

USS Liberty Attacked by Israel 50 Years Ago Today

The USS Liberty was a spy ship, keeping tabs on Israel's Arab neighbors and their Soviet advisers.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Fifty years ago today, on June 8, 1967, 34 American servicemen were killed and 174 were wounded when Israel attacked the USS Liberty navy ship in international waters.

It was the highest casualty rate ever inflicted on a U.S. naval vessel. Still, no investigation.

Driver Arrested for Crashing into Motorcycles Killing Two and Injuring Many Others

Bikers were traveling to Fossil for annual Campout

(FOSSIL, Ore.) - What started out as what would be the perfect 3-day weekend at an Oregon campground, complete with camp fires, cool bikes and unparalleled camaraderie was changed forever in a split second.

For several people riding toward the campout, a deadly nightmare ensued.

Two Motorcyclists Killed and Others Injured in Tragic Crash

A sad day for bikers in Oregon, and beyond.

(FOSSIL, Ore.) - Two motorcyclists on their way to a campout were killed and several others seriously injured late Saturday night when a car crossed over and struck several riders.

OSP Troopers, Wheeler County sheriff's deputies and ODOT responded to the crash around 10:40 p.m.

Many Fatalities after Blast at Ariana Grande Concert

Number of fatalities has not been disclosed at this time.

(SALEM, Ore.) - UK Police have confirmed that there are a "Number of fatalities" in the alleged explosion today at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchaster Arena (England).

Immediately after the loud blast, a speaker came on telling everyone to evacuate. Screaming ensured. All Twitter reports describe a horrific scene of stampeding people.