Wind, rain and heavy surf to mark the end of 2009
Strong winds, a bit of rain and possible coastal flooding aren’t the way that most people think of celebrating the new year. But, those things are entirely possible tonight. The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning through early this evening for winds possibly gusting to as high as 65 miles an hour along exposed headlands and open beaches. Sustained winds of 35 to 45 miles an hour are probable. A strong warm front is expected to move north across the region today, and following close on its heels will be strong southerly winds. The main impact of the storm is expected to be centered on the Florence area and forecasters say there is a possibility of downed trees and power lines. Coupled with the winds, there’s also an increasing threat of coastal flooding through Saturday. A combination of high tides due to the full moon, winds from the south, a heavy swell from the west, heavy surf , and storm runoff could lead to high water in low lying areas.
Thinking of going out and having a good time to celebrate the new year tonight? If that good time involves ‘adult beverages’ Florence Police Chief Maury Sanders has a suggestion: if you drink, don’t drive.
210 – “Well, you could be arrested, prosecuted. You could end up having to serve time in jail. Pay fines, have your insurance go up because it counts against your driving record. There’s a whole lot of things that could happen, all of them are bad.”
There will be a heavier than usual police presence on area streets and roads tonight as well as tomorrow afternoon during the Rose Bowl.
One of the top stories of 2009 related to school finance. The year started off with Siuslaw School District dealing with a mid-year cutback because of reduced state funding. The board chair at the time, Paul Burns, talked about the aftermath of a budget slashing session that took place in mid January.
200 – “You know any time that you lose 14 people directly out of the classrooms and one administrator at the middle school it’s definitely going to affect the kids.”
And that was already the second round of cuts in that school year and followed a 2008failure at the polls of a special operating levy. Officials mounted another campaign that asked tax payers for less money than before… that passed in May and former superintendent George Winterscheid said they would make do with what voters gave them.
202 – “even though we have a $1.7 million deficit and you know one point, say 1.32 million doesn’t meet that, oh my goodness, this puts the district on such a better sound financial footing.”
Now officials are concerned about another possible mid-year cut. Oregon voters will decide two initiatives next month that, if they fail, would mean the loss of up to $720-million from the state’s general fund… more than half of that would come from education.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
HILLSBORO, Ore. (AP) - A 25-year-old former medical assistant
has pleaded guilty to poisoning her 2-month-old daughter in an
attempt to get the attention of the girl's father. Sara Rose
Dillard of Beaverton appeared in Washington County Circuit Court
yesterday and admitted giving the child a high dose of morphine in
June. Dillard was sentenced to seven years in prison.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Gresham-area man whose 5-month-old son
died in August has filed a $5 million lawsuit against the maker of
hammock-like baby beds. Jonathan Kuzma filed the lawsuit Tuesday in
Multnomah County Circuit Court, saying the bed from Amby Baby USA
of Minneapolis was defective and dangerous, leading to the
suffocation death of his son, Matteo.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Oregonian president Patrick Stickel has
retired from the newspaper where he spent much of his life. The
Oregonian says the 59-year-old Stickel retired Wednesday. Stickel
was named president of the newspaper in 1993. He briefly took on
the title of interim publisher of the Oregonian when his father,
88-year-old Fred Stickel, retired in September.
MEDFORD - More than $100,000 worth of jewelry and other items
were stolen from a Medford pawnshop Wednesday morning. Medford
police say an alarm notified the owner of Medford Pawn about 1:30
a.m. When police arrived about 150 rings had been taken from the
jewelry case. No arrests were made.
CORVALLIS - Two Corvallis men have been arrested and accused of
stealing about $4,000 worth of equipment from the Oregon State
University rowing team. Police say 19-year-old Robert Lee Griffin
and 18-year-old Johnathan Dakota Appelt were arrested Tuesday. The
accused of stealing computerized training devices and a digital
camera among other items. The two men are not OSU students. The
stolen items were recovered.
PORTLAND - A Multnomah County corrections deputy has been
sentenced to two years probation after Tasering a man at a strip
club a block down from the Sheriff's office in June. Steven Douglas
Cowles says a man was threatening a stripper who he has known for a
long time. As part of his probation, the 45-year-old Cowles has
agreed to enroll in an alcohol evaluation program and not drink or
visit bars. Cowles was drinking when he used his own stun gun in
the incident.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Nike co-founder and Chairman Phil Knight
placed about $1.32 billion worth of his shares in the company in
three trusts, according to a filing with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on Wednesday. Such trusts are commonly used for
estate planning.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Oregon police officers will soon be able
to pull over motorists for talking on hand-held cell phones. The
new law passed by the 2009 Oregon Legislature takes effect New
Year's Day. It exempts motorists who are on their hand-held cell
phones if using one is necessary for the person's job.
GRESHAM, Ore. (AP) - A 44-year-old woman pleaded not guilty to
accusations she stole purses and wallets during parent-teacher
conferences at two Gresham elementary schools. Kamila Joy Rhodes
faces charges or burglary, theft, identity theft and possession of
heroin.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Portland man just earned more than
$98,000 during a five-day run on "Jeopardy!" Stephen Weingarten
tells The Oregonian that he and his wife plan to use the money to
get out of debt and start a nest egg for their newborn daughter.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Prep Wrestling:
The Siuslaw Vikings brought home the third place trophy from Tuesday’s Myrtle Point Invitational. The Vikings had three individual champions and two more in the top three of their weight classes. At 112 pounds Jacob Graber defeated his teammate, Blake Huff in the championship for a Siuslaw one-two finish; Jason Graber won two matches by fall in less than a minute and then claimed first place at 130 by decision; Nick Ough (OW) followed a similar path to the 140-pound title; and at 215 Sonny Tupua lost his first match by decision but went on to win four straight to claim third place. Siuslaw is back in action Saturday at the Reedsport Invitational.
On the Schedule today…
The Pac-10 basketball schedule gets underway for the men with the Oregon Ducks in Pullman against Washington State at 3:30. The pregame show on KCST is at 3:00. Oregon State is in Seattle for a 7:00 game this evening against the Washington Huskies. The pregame on KCFM is at 6:30.
Rose Bowl..
The Oregon coaches and players met the media yesterday in the obligatory press conference before tomorrow’s Rose Bowl. Head Coach Chip Kelly ran it down for the Ducks and said all the things a coach is supposed to say.
220 – “We’re excited to be here, we’re getting within 48-hours of game time. For our team we’re really starting to get dialed in for a focus standpoint. We’ve kept the same schedule, our players are excited to play in this game to represent the state of Oregon and really to represent the Pac-10 against an outstanding Ohio State team. We’re looking forward to the challenge, we expect a heck of a game we have a tremendous respect for Coach Tressel and his team, all you have to do is watch them on film and understand what a great football program they are. I think it’s going to be a heck of a game.”
Kickoff for tomorrow’s Rose Bowl will be at 2:10. The pregame show on KCST is set for one.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Gas prices in Florence; Reedsport man dies in 128 crash; Rose Bowl travelers need chains and extra time; and how about a New Year's eve eve party?
’09 Fuel prices take steady climb followed by gradual decline.
The tale at the pump over the past 12-months has been far different than the one told in 2008. This week’s average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is just under a dollar higher than it was at this time last year. 2009 opened with an average price in Florence of $1.60 and is closing with an average of $2.58 a gallon. Between January and August prices took a slow and gradual climb to the year’s high of $2.80 before beginning to slip to this week’s price. Oregon’s average price as measured by Triple-A took a similar trip over the past 12-months and is currently at $2.70 a gallon. This year’s prices were far lower… and the swings considerably less than in 2008 when the record high price in the Florence was recorded in July 2008 at $4.20 on average… and ending the year last year $2.60 a gallon less. By the way, Oregon’s average price this week is ninth highest in the nation … Alaska has the highest average at $3.38… Missouri is least expensive at $2.41.
A 66-year old Reedsport man was found dead after his car drove off Highway 138 near Elkton late Monday. Oregon State Police say an unidentified medical problem may have caused the crash. Laurence Burke was identified as the driver of a Mazda Miata that left the roadway and rolled on a sharp curve. Burke was alone and was wearing safety restraints.
If you’re one of the lucky ones headed to Pasadena and the Rose Bowl this week, you better listen up. The National Weather Service has issued winter weather alerts for Southern Oregon over the Siskiyous. If you’re driving down Interstate Five you’ll have to carry chains. Many motorists that headed out early were delayed late yesterday for several hours as snow closed portions of I-5 in Northern California. If you’re flying… be sure to get to the airport with plenty of time to spare. Departures out of the Eugene airport are expected to be heavy over the next two days with extra charters carrying hundreds of Duck fans south for Friday’s game.
If you’re looking to start the New Year’s celebration a little early the members of an artists cooperative in Florence would like to accommodate you. They’ll be hosting their monthly ‘after hours’ reception this evening at the Back Street Gallery on Bay Street. From five until seven pm they’re offering live music and refreshments. It’s being billed as a “New Year’s Eve Eve celebration”.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
BURNS, Ore. (AP) - A 19-year-old Coast Guardman is dead after a
single-vehicle crash in southeast Oregon. State police say Ethan
Gorringe's car veered off Highway 20 west of Burns and rolled
several times. An Oregon Department of Transportation worker saw
the crashed car at daybreak yesterday. Gorringe is from Boise,
Idaho.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - About $10.5 million in U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service grants have been awarded to buy and enhance
coastal wetlands in Oregon and Washington. The agency said
yesterday that the money will help preserve and protect more than
2,500 acres of coastal marshes, estuaries and watersheds that serve
as wildlife habitat.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Oregon Zoo officials say a 2-year-old
cheetah named Scooter has died. The zoo said yesterday that initial
necropsy results show an enlarged pancreas and that the cheetah's
liver was also abnormal. A spokesman says pathology reports are
pending. Scooter died Sunday after being examined earlier in the
day because he'd been listless since Christmas.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Conservative activist and Republican
gubernatorial hopeful Bill Sizemore has pleaded not guilty to state
tax evasion charges and said he'll represent himself during the
criminal trial. Sizemore and his wife, Cindy, are charged with
failing to file Oregon tax returns over the past three years.
VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) - The unexpectedly strong snowstorm that
dumped up to 4 inches of snow on Clark County and the Portland area
is making the early morning commute difficult for some drivers and
bus riders. The weather is starting to dry up, but authorities are
advising drivers to be careful and bus riders to expect delays.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - One of the biggest beneficiaries of
Oregon's new tax subsidies for renewable energy projects is
Wal-Mart. The retail giant isn't installing solar panels or wind
turbines. The large corporation is taking advantage of a provision
in Oregon's Business Energy Tax Credit that allows third parties to
buy renewable energy credits at a discount and reduce their state
income tax bills.
VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) - The unexpectedly strong snowstorm that
dumped up to 4 inches of snow on Clark County and the Portland area
is making the early morning commute difficult for some drivers and
bus riders. The weather is starting to dry up, but authorities are
advising drivers to be careful and bus riders to expect delays.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - One of the biggest beneficiaries of
Oregon's new tax subsidies for renewable energy projects is
Wal-Mart. The retail giant isn't installing solar panels or wind
turbines. The large corporation is taking advantage of a provision
in Oregon's Business Energy Tax Credit that allows third parties to
buy renewable energy credits at a discount and reduce their state
income tax bills.
BANDON, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon State Police this morning are at
the scene of fatal traffic crash on Highway 101 south of Bandon.
Meanwhile, two people were injured last night in a head-on crash on
Highway 370 between Prineville and Redmond.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - Medford police arrested a couple accused of
blackmailing a married man who had a relationship with the woman.
Georgina Pinheiro and Jeffrey Kenton were each booked on a charge
of theft by extortion. Police say the man paid off several demands
for money before finally contacting authorities.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - A grand jury indicted two men who allegedly
barged into a Southern Oregon home at gunpoint and robbed a man and
a woman of medical marijuana and cash before taking a vehicle.
Jackson County authorities say investigators arrested 35-year-old
Jack Watt and 43-year-old Mark Anders after tracking a trail of
stolen vehicles and other evidence of the robbery to Salem and
Portland.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
On the court last night…
The Oregon State Women closed out their early non-conference basketball schedule with a 58 – 49 win over Portland State at the Stott Center. Talisa Rhea (REE-uh) led the Beavers with 19 points. OSU is at 8-and-2; on a four-game winning streak headed into the conference opener New Year’s Day against Washington State. Last night’s game, by the way, started more than an hour late because of a heavy snowfall in the Portland area.
Rose Bowl…
Jeremiah Masoli is always in a rush when he’s running Oregon’s high-octane spread offense. He’s constantly scrambling from the pocket, fast-forwarding through his progression of receivers, looking to the sideline for the next play, or simply urging his teammates to hustle, hustle, hustle. Maybe that’s why he’s having a hard time slowing down and smelling the roses as the Number Seven Ducks wind down their football season. He’s conditioned to think ahead to see what’s happening before it happens… but he’s also looking back. Masoli says he’s well aware that Oregon’s recovery from a rough season-opening loss at Boise State is among college football’s more remarkable stories of the year. The Ducks tackle the Ohio State Buckeyes New Year’s Day in the Granddaddy of ‘em all… The Rose Bowl.
The tale at the pump over the past 12-months has been far different than the one told in 2008. This week’s average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is just under a dollar higher than it was at this time last year. 2009 opened with an average price in Florence of $1.60 and is closing with an average of $2.58 a gallon. Between January and August prices took a slow and gradual climb to the year’s high of $2.80 before beginning to slip to this week’s price. Oregon’s average price as measured by Triple-A took a similar trip over the past 12-months and is currently at $2.70 a gallon. This year’s prices were far lower… and the swings considerably less than in 2008 when the record high price in the Florence was recorded in July 2008 at $4.20 on average… and ending the year last year $2.60 a gallon less. By the way, Oregon’s average price this week is ninth highest in the nation … Alaska has the highest average at $3.38… Missouri is least expensive at $2.41.
A 66-year old Reedsport man was found dead after his car drove off Highway 138 near Elkton late Monday. Oregon State Police say an unidentified medical problem may have caused the crash. Laurence Burke was identified as the driver of a Mazda Miata that left the roadway and rolled on a sharp curve. Burke was alone and was wearing safety restraints.
If you’re one of the lucky ones headed to Pasadena and the Rose Bowl this week, you better listen up. The National Weather Service has issued winter weather alerts for Southern Oregon over the Siskiyous. If you’re driving down Interstate Five you’ll have to carry chains. Many motorists that headed out early were delayed late yesterday for several hours as snow closed portions of I-5 in Northern California. If you’re flying… be sure to get to the airport with plenty of time to spare. Departures out of the Eugene airport are expected to be heavy over the next two days with extra charters carrying hundreds of Duck fans south for Friday’s game.
If you’re looking to start the New Year’s celebration a little early the members of an artists cooperative in Florence would like to accommodate you. They’ll be hosting their monthly ‘after hours’ reception this evening at the Back Street Gallery on Bay Street. From five until seven pm they’re offering live music and refreshments. It’s being billed as a “New Year’s Eve Eve celebration”.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
BURNS, Ore. (AP) - A 19-year-old Coast Guardman is dead after a
single-vehicle crash in southeast Oregon. State police say Ethan
Gorringe's car veered off Highway 20 west of Burns and rolled
several times. An Oregon Department of Transportation worker saw
the crashed car at daybreak yesterday. Gorringe is from Boise,
Idaho.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - About $10.5 million in U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service grants have been awarded to buy and enhance
coastal wetlands in Oregon and Washington. The agency said
yesterday that the money will help preserve and protect more than
2,500 acres of coastal marshes, estuaries and watersheds that serve
as wildlife habitat.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Oregon Zoo officials say a 2-year-old
cheetah named Scooter has died. The zoo said yesterday that initial
necropsy results show an enlarged pancreas and that the cheetah's
liver was also abnormal. A spokesman says pathology reports are
pending. Scooter died Sunday after being examined earlier in the
day because he'd been listless since Christmas.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Conservative activist and Republican
gubernatorial hopeful Bill Sizemore has pleaded not guilty to state
tax evasion charges and said he'll represent himself during the
criminal trial. Sizemore and his wife, Cindy, are charged with
failing to file Oregon tax returns over the past three years.
VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) - The unexpectedly strong snowstorm that
dumped up to 4 inches of snow on Clark County and the Portland area
is making the early morning commute difficult for some drivers and
bus riders. The weather is starting to dry up, but authorities are
advising drivers to be careful and bus riders to expect delays.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - One of the biggest beneficiaries of
Oregon's new tax subsidies for renewable energy projects is
Wal-Mart. The retail giant isn't installing solar panels or wind
turbines. The large corporation is taking advantage of a provision
in Oregon's Business Energy Tax Credit that allows third parties to
buy renewable energy credits at a discount and reduce their state
income tax bills.
VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) - The unexpectedly strong snowstorm that
dumped up to 4 inches of snow on Clark County and the Portland area
is making the early morning commute difficult for some drivers and
bus riders. The weather is starting to dry up, but authorities are
advising drivers to be careful and bus riders to expect delays.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - One of the biggest beneficiaries of
Oregon's new tax subsidies for renewable energy projects is
Wal-Mart. The retail giant isn't installing solar panels or wind
turbines. The large corporation is taking advantage of a provision
in Oregon's Business Energy Tax Credit that allows third parties to
buy renewable energy credits at a discount and reduce their state
income tax bills.
BANDON, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon State Police this morning are at
the scene of fatal traffic crash on Highway 101 south of Bandon.
Meanwhile, two people were injured last night in a head-on crash on
Highway 370 between Prineville and Redmond.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - Medford police arrested a couple accused of
blackmailing a married man who had a relationship with the woman.
Georgina Pinheiro and Jeffrey Kenton were each booked on a charge
of theft by extortion. Police say the man paid off several demands
for money before finally contacting authorities.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - A grand jury indicted two men who allegedly
barged into a Southern Oregon home at gunpoint and robbed a man and
a woman of medical marijuana and cash before taking a vehicle.
Jackson County authorities say investigators arrested 35-year-old
Jack Watt and 43-year-old Mark Anders after tracking a trail of
stolen vehicles and other evidence of the robbery to Salem and
Portland.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
On the court last night…
The Oregon State Women closed out their early non-conference basketball schedule with a 58 – 49 win over Portland State at the Stott Center. Talisa Rhea (REE-uh) led the Beavers with 19 points. OSU is at 8-and-2; on a four-game winning streak headed into the conference opener New Year’s Day against Washington State. Last night’s game, by the way, started more than an hour late because of a heavy snowfall in the Portland area.
Rose Bowl…
Jeremiah Masoli is always in a rush when he’s running Oregon’s high-octane spread offense. He’s constantly scrambling from the pocket, fast-forwarding through his progression of receivers, looking to the sideline for the next play, or simply urging his teammates to hustle, hustle, hustle. Maybe that’s why he’s having a hard time slowing down and smelling the roses as the Number Seven Ducks wind down their football season. He’s conditioned to think ahead to see what’s happening before it happens… but he’s also looking back. Masoli says he’s well aware that Oregon’s recovery from a rough season-opening loss at Boise State is among college football’s more remarkable stories of the year. The Ducks tackle the Ohio State Buckeyes New Year’s Day in the Granddaddy of ‘em all… The Rose Bowl.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
City seeking input from residents on fire service; home sales up, prices down; two new laws expand Friday
Florence residents asked for fire service input…
One of the top goals of the Florence City Council this coming year is going to be developing a long term solution on how they pay for fire services. Ten years ago the city disbanded its fire department and began contracting with the Siuslaw Rural Fire District.
200 – “That contract, by its terms hasn’t covered all of their costs for providing those services and they’ve put us on notice they can’t keep doing that.”
Florence city manager Bob Willoughby says that initial contract was only supposed to be temporary and last no more than three or four years. The council heard from a fire services consultant earlier this year who laid out three different options… either increase the rate being paid under the temporary agreement; make it permanent with the annexation of the city into the district or the city could be faced with rebuilding its own department. Willoughby says the council is now turning to residents.
201 – “To assist them in doing that they’ll be sending out a survey the first ten days of January so people should expect to find in their mail a survey with questions about some of those options and what people are and aren’t willing to do about paying for fire services.”
Mayor Phil Brubaker says while costs will be a definite concern as they explore their options, providing for public safety will be a top priority.
Home sales in the Florence area continue to outpace totals from a year ago, but prices have dropped dramatically. Steve Earnshaw compiled the sales figures for November of this year and says they’re nearly two-thirds higher than sales in the past two Novembers. 26 sales were closed in November this year, compared to 16 a year ago and only 18 in 2007. But the average price has fallen by more than 21 percent. Two years ago the average price was $231-thousand, it grew to nearly $245-thousand last year but plummeted to less than $180-thousand this year. Earnshaw’s figures were compiled for the region’s Multiple Listing Service.
Florence Police Chief Maury Sanders says his officers will be enforcing some new and amended laws that become effective this Friday. Two of the most prominent changes involve the use of cell phones while driving and moving over if there is an emergency vehicle alongside the roadway. Oregon’s “Move Over” law already requires motorists to slow down or change lanes when a police, fire or emergency medical vehicle is parked with it’s emergency lights on. Now they must do the same for a roadside assistance or tow vehicle. The mobile communications law prohibits most drivers from texting or speaking on a cell phone while driving unless the driver meets a specific exemption or they’re using an allowed ‘hands free’ device.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Portland police are investigating the
death of a 15-year-old boy who fell from a downtown parking garage.
Crowds of shoppers filled the sidewalks yesterday afternoon when
the boy fell. Police Detective Mary Wheat says it's too early to
tell whether the death was an accident or a suicide.
OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) - A 41-year-old Sandy man has been
charged with murder in the Christmas Day shooting of his mother at
her home. Clackamas County deputies said Vivian Bighaus was shot
with a high-powered rifle. A sheriff's spokesman says a family
member reported that Michael Bighaus suffered from a mental
disorder but was not taking his prescribed medication.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon attorney general's office says an
investigator's search has failed to turn up missing evidence in the
triple murder case of Philip Cannon, a finding that makes it
doubtful prosecutors will seek a retrial. Cannon had said he was
wrongly convicted of the 1998 killing three people in a mobile home
near Salem, claiming evidence was flawed.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - An equipment malfunction led about 4,000
Oregon state employees to get more than the usual information in
their enrollment packet from Providence Health Plans this month.
Information about other members of the insurance pool was printed
on the back of reverse side of their letters from the company. The
company says it will give out thousands of new insurance cards to
make up for the problem.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Marion County Sheriff's office says a
traffic stop near a Salem middle school led to the seizure of more
than $5,000 worth of methamphetamine from a 38-year-old felon.
Deputies say they found a half-ounce of meth in the man's jacket
pocket and 11 small bags in his pants.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The state is starting to mail more than 1.7
million Oregon voters' pamphlets. The 92-page booklet contains
arguments for and against Measure 66 and Measure 67. Measure 66
raises the taxes on wealthy Oregonians while Measure 67 raises the
state's corporate minimum tax. Ballots for the Jan. 26 election go
in the mail Jan. 8.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - The National Weather Service says a storm
will sweep across southern Oregon today. A winter weather advisory
is in effect from noon today until tomorrow morning. It warns that
snow could make travel difficult, particularly on highways 62 and
230 through the Cascades. The forecast calls for 3 to 9 inches of
snow to fall in the Cascades and Siskiyous by Wednesday morning.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - Starting New Year's Day, Oregonians using
disabled parking permits must provide the Driver and Motor Vehicles
Division with a medical professional's certification of their
disability each time they renew their licenses. Drivers previously
needed medical confirmation only when they first applied for a
placard. Some drivers, however, abused the rule by continuing to
use the permit after their health improved.
ALBANY, Ore. (AP) - A teddy bear placed at the front door of the
Oregon State Police office in Albany proved to be as harmless as a
teddy bear. Employees arriving for work yesterday thought it might
be a bomb. They evacuated the building, cleared the front parking
lot of cars and called in the agency's bomb unit. An X-ray image
showed there were nothing dangerous inside the bear.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Michael Dunigan had 26 points and five rebounds last night as Oregon overcame a sluggish start to down winless Arkansas-Pine Bluff 73 – 53 at Mac Court in Eugene. Last night’s game also marked the return of senior guard Tajuan Porter, coming off an ankle injury that caused him to miss six games. Porter scored 15 points helping the Ducks to their fourth straight win. Oregon opens the Pac-10 schedule Thursday in Pullman against Washington State. Oregon State will be in Seattle against the Washington Huskies.
Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor revealed yesterday he’s been playing on a bad knee, but he didn’t say which one. The Sophomore said he partially tore a knee ligament earlier this year but it didn’t slow him down much as he led the Buckeyes to the Big Ten title. Ohio State and Oregon meet in the Rose Bowl New Year’s Day.
Coming up on the schedule today…. The Oregon State women are in Portland this evening where they’ll face the Portland State Vikings. Viking Wrestlers are on the mat in the Myrtle Point Invitational.
One of the top goals of the Florence City Council this coming year is going to be developing a long term solution on how they pay for fire services. Ten years ago the city disbanded its fire department and began contracting with the Siuslaw Rural Fire District.
200 – “That contract, by its terms hasn’t covered all of their costs for providing those services and they’ve put us on notice they can’t keep doing that.”
Florence city manager Bob Willoughby says that initial contract was only supposed to be temporary and last no more than three or four years. The council heard from a fire services consultant earlier this year who laid out three different options… either increase the rate being paid under the temporary agreement; make it permanent with the annexation of the city into the district or the city could be faced with rebuilding its own department. Willoughby says the council is now turning to residents.
201 – “To assist them in doing that they’ll be sending out a survey the first ten days of January so people should expect to find in their mail a survey with questions about some of those options and what people are and aren’t willing to do about paying for fire services.”
Mayor Phil Brubaker says while costs will be a definite concern as they explore their options, providing for public safety will be a top priority.
Home sales in the Florence area continue to outpace totals from a year ago, but prices have dropped dramatically. Steve Earnshaw compiled the sales figures for November of this year and says they’re nearly two-thirds higher than sales in the past two Novembers. 26 sales were closed in November this year, compared to 16 a year ago and only 18 in 2007. But the average price has fallen by more than 21 percent. Two years ago the average price was $231-thousand, it grew to nearly $245-thousand last year but plummeted to less than $180-thousand this year. Earnshaw’s figures were compiled for the region’s Multiple Listing Service.
Florence Police Chief Maury Sanders says his officers will be enforcing some new and amended laws that become effective this Friday. Two of the most prominent changes involve the use of cell phones while driving and moving over if there is an emergency vehicle alongside the roadway. Oregon’s “Move Over” law already requires motorists to slow down or change lanes when a police, fire or emergency medical vehicle is parked with it’s emergency lights on. Now they must do the same for a roadside assistance or tow vehicle. The mobile communications law prohibits most drivers from texting or speaking on a cell phone while driving unless the driver meets a specific exemption or they’re using an allowed ‘hands free’ device.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Portland police are investigating the
death of a 15-year-old boy who fell from a downtown parking garage.
Crowds of shoppers filled the sidewalks yesterday afternoon when
the boy fell. Police Detective Mary Wheat says it's too early to
tell whether the death was an accident or a suicide.
OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) - A 41-year-old Sandy man has been
charged with murder in the Christmas Day shooting of his mother at
her home. Clackamas County deputies said Vivian Bighaus was shot
with a high-powered rifle. A sheriff's spokesman says a family
member reported that Michael Bighaus suffered from a mental
disorder but was not taking his prescribed medication.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon attorney general's office says an
investigator's search has failed to turn up missing evidence in the
triple murder case of Philip Cannon, a finding that makes it
doubtful prosecutors will seek a retrial. Cannon had said he was
wrongly convicted of the 1998 killing three people in a mobile home
near Salem, claiming evidence was flawed.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - An equipment malfunction led about 4,000
Oregon state employees to get more than the usual information in
their enrollment packet from Providence Health Plans this month.
Information about other members of the insurance pool was printed
on the back of reverse side of their letters from the company. The
company says it will give out thousands of new insurance cards to
make up for the problem.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Marion County Sheriff's office says a
traffic stop near a Salem middle school led to the seizure of more
than $5,000 worth of methamphetamine from a 38-year-old felon.
Deputies say they found a half-ounce of meth in the man's jacket
pocket and 11 small bags in his pants.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The state is starting to mail more than 1.7
million Oregon voters' pamphlets. The 92-page booklet contains
arguments for and against Measure 66 and Measure 67. Measure 66
raises the taxes on wealthy Oregonians while Measure 67 raises the
state's corporate minimum tax. Ballots for the Jan. 26 election go
in the mail Jan. 8.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - The National Weather Service says a storm
will sweep across southern Oregon today. A winter weather advisory
is in effect from noon today until tomorrow morning. It warns that
snow could make travel difficult, particularly on highways 62 and
230 through the Cascades. The forecast calls for 3 to 9 inches of
snow to fall in the Cascades and Siskiyous by Wednesday morning.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - Starting New Year's Day, Oregonians using
disabled parking permits must provide the Driver and Motor Vehicles
Division with a medical professional's certification of their
disability each time they renew their licenses. Drivers previously
needed medical confirmation only when they first applied for a
placard. Some drivers, however, abused the rule by continuing to
use the permit after their health improved.
ALBANY, Ore. (AP) - A teddy bear placed at the front door of the
Oregon State Police office in Albany proved to be as harmless as a
teddy bear. Employees arriving for work yesterday thought it might
be a bomb. They evacuated the building, cleared the front parking
lot of cars and called in the agency's bomb unit. An X-ray image
showed there were nothing dangerous inside the bear.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Michael Dunigan had 26 points and five rebounds last night as Oregon overcame a sluggish start to down winless Arkansas-Pine Bluff 73 – 53 at Mac Court in Eugene. Last night’s game also marked the return of senior guard Tajuan Porter, coming off an ankle injury that caused him to miss six games. Porter scored 15 points helping the Ducks to their fourth straight win. Oregon opens the Pac-10 schedule Thursday in Pullman against Washington State. Oregon State will be in Seattle against the Washington Huskies.
Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor revealed yesterday he’s been playing on a bad knee, but he didn’t say which one. The Sophomore said he partially tore a knee ligament earlier this year but it didn’t slow him down much as he led the Buckeyes to the Big Ten title. Ohio State and Oregon meet in the Rose Bowl New Year’s Day.
Coming up on the schedule today…. The Oregon State women are in Portland this evening where they’ll face the Portland State Vikings. Viking Wrestlers are on the mat in the Myrtle Point Invitational.
Monday, December 28, 2009
2009 a bleak one in Oregon; Fleenor says he won't... again; ten digit dialing coming; and what to do with the tree.
Some spots bright, but 2009 mostly a glum year in Oregon…
As years go, Oregon’s 2009 was bleak. An Associated Press year-end survey found the news focused on the economy with an unemployment rate among the highest in the nation, foreclosures, bankruptcies and the misery that followed. That includes homelessness and great demand for relief such as food stamps. The year also saw brutality. A mother forced her two-children off a Portland bridge, although one amazingly survived. In Hillsboro, a woman was accused of murdering a pregnant woman by cutting her baby from her womb. And, near the year’s end, three climbers died on Mount Hood and a series of Christmas crashes on highways in Coos and Douglas Counties killed three people. The bright spots? The Oregon Ducks are going to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1995 and the Portland Trailblazers made the playoffs earlier this year for the first time since 2003. An Oregonian, Jane Lubchenco, was named to run the agency in charge of the weather service and marine fisheries.
First he says he won’t, then he says he will, then he says he won’t again. Bill Fleenor announced last week that he will not, after all, seek reelection to the Lane County Commission. In a letter to supporters he said despite his “better judgment” to not run, he opted to enter the race because of the support of others. He’s now withdrawn from the race again. Fleenor did not elaborate, but said he’s now faced with the same set of circumstances that shaped his “original decision to not run for re-election”. There are currently three candidates officially in the race, all with ties to Lane Community College. Professor Anselmo Villaneuva; current LCC Board member Tony McCown; and former board chair Jay Bozeivich. The official deadline for enter the race is in March; the primary election is May 18th.
By this time in two weeks seven just won’t be enough. Beginning January Tenth Oregonians who live in the 541 area code must dial an extra three digits for local calls. Actually ten-digit dialing began July 12th, but it’s been optional for the past six months. The reason for the change is because an additional area code… 458… is being added to the same territory. Bob Valdez with the Oregon Public Utility Commission says it may take some time before the new code begins showing up because phone companies will first use up the remaining 541 numbers available.
Siuslaw Valley Firefighters will do their annual Christmas Tree pickup over the next two weekends. Crews will be out Saturday January second and then again on the ninth. There’s a $5 voluntary donation. Call 997-3212 during business hours to schedule a pickup.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
BEND, Ore. (AP) - The owners of a Bend-based helicopter flight
school have been indicted for allegedly defrauding banks and
commercial lenders out of $19 million. The charges led the men to
shut down the school, leaving students hundreds of thousands of
dollars in debt and with no licenses.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - An elderly Lebanon man is dead after
crashing his car into a downed tree on Oregon 211, near Estacada.
The Oregonian reports 81-year-old William Fredrick Walling died at
a hospital hours after the crash Saturday. State Police say a
portion of the downed tree went through Walling's windshield and
struck him in the face and neck.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Businesses in Lane County have received
award notices that may be a someone's scheme to get companies to
purchase plaques. The Eugene Register-Guard reports a letter from
the "US Commerce Association" says the businesses have been
selected for the "2009 Best of Eugene Award." The Eugene Area
Chamber of Commerce says it never had any contact with the group.
SANDY, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon man suspected of shooting his
mother to death on Christmas Day has been captured. Clackamas
County authorities say 41-year-old Michael Bighaus (BIG'-hahs) came
back to the home in Sandy yesterday as deputies were watching, and
he surrendered. Deputies haven't described a motive for the
shooting of 66-year-old Vivian Bighaus.
BEND, Ore. (AP) - A 58-year-old woman has been arrested on
drunken driving and other charges on Christmas after a wild pursuit
in Bend. Police say that at one point, they blocked the car on a
dead-end road, but it backed onto the hood of a patrol car and
drove off. Driver Lauren Wells, faces 48 driving, assault and other
charges. Police say she faced charges in April after a similar
incident.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The rebuilding of Oregon's state mental
hospital means welcome work for about 100 regional businesses
hammered by the economic downturn. The $280 million project will
replace Oregon's 126-year-old mental hospital, long criticized as
obsolete and understaffed.
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (AP) - Authorities say a Central Oregon man who
shot a cougar in his chicken pen killed it in self-defense. Crook
County deputies say Kevin Gotcher returned to his home near
Prineville Wednesday afternoon to see the cougar going after a
chicken. It had already killed two. Gotcher told deputies that when
he approached with his dog, the cougar turned toward them, and he
shot it.
COQUILLE, Ore. (AP) - A 60-year-old Coos Bay man has accepted a
plea deal in the death of his half brother. Nickolas L. Crooks
pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter. Kevin Nelson died May
30 from a gunshot wound to the chest. Medics declared him dead
outside a motor home.
ROSEBURG, Ore. (AP) - Three members of Oregon's congressional
delegation have sent a letter to the new chairman of the federal
Surface Transportation Board, asking him to quickly decide on
whether to let the Yreka Western Railroad Co. operate a 218-mile
rail line between Oregon and California. Shippers have petitioned
the board to allow Yreka Western to take over the line.
DEPOE BAY, Ore. (AP) - Trained volunteers will be at 24 sites
along the Oregon Coast to help visitors spot whales from 10 a.m. to
1 p.m. between Saturday and Jan. 1. Marine mammal experts estimate
that 18,000 gray whales and 1,100 humpback whales pass the Oregon
Coast at the peak of their migration south to the waters off the
Baja Peninsula.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Christmas Eve crash on Highway 20
between Corvallis and Albany left nine people injured, some
seriously. Oregon State Police Lt. Gregg Hastings says a westbound
Ford Taurus crossed the center of the road, striking the side of
eastbound Chrysler Cirrus before hitting another car head-on.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Fire officials say a burning ember from a
fireplace ignited a shake roof on a West Linn home and caused
$125,000 in damage. Firefighters say the homeowners had been
burning branches from their Christmas tree in the fireplace when
they discovered the fire in the attic.
SISTERS, Ore. (AP) - Conservation groups in Oregon and
Washington are hoping to take advantage of depressed land prices to
purchase forests to prevent them from being developed for
subdivisions and stores. But even though it's a good time to buy,
it's also a hard time to fundraise.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP - The University of Oregon is one of the
leaders in sales of licensed merchandise. The university has 333
trademark licenses for anything that features the university logo
to phrases such as "Go Ducks." And now that T-shirt printers are
gearing up for the Ducks' trip to the Rose Bowl, the university
stands to make some money on licensed merchandise.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
On the Schedule… The Oregon Men are at home tonight in Mac court when they host Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the final non-conference matchup of the season at seven o’clock. Airtime on KCST is at 6:30.
Coming up later this week… area runners are encouraged to make time for the “Morning After 5K Fun Run” January 1st at ten am. It starts and ends on Bay Street under the Siuslaw River Bridge. Organizer Jim Archer says there’s no entry fee and only one rule… everyone must have fun.
As years go, Oregon’s 2009 was bleak. An Associated Press year-end survey found the news focused on the economy with an unemployment rate among the highest in the nation, foreclosures, bankruptcies and the misery that followed. That includes homelessness and great demand for relief such as food stamps. The year also saw brutality. A mother forced her two-children off a Portland bridge, although one amazingly survived. In Hillsboro, a woman was accused of murdering a pregnant woman by cutting her baby from her womb. And, near the year’s end, three climbers died on Mount Hood and a series of Christmas crashes on highways in Coos and Douglas Counties killed three people. The bright spots? The Oregon Ducks are going to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1995 and the Portland Trailblazers made the playoffs earlier this year for the first time since 2003. An Oregonian, Jane Lubchenco, was named to run the agency in charge of the weather service and marine fisheries.
First he says he won’t, then he says he will, then he says he won’t again. Bill Fleenor announced last week that he will not, after all, seek reelection to the Lane County Commission. In a letter to supporters he said despite his “better judgment” to not run, he opted to enter the race because of the support of others. He’s now withdrawn from the race again. Fleenor did not elaborate, but said he’s now faced with the same set of circumstances that shaped his “original decision to not run for re-election”. There are currently three candidates officially in the race, all with ties to Lane Community College. Professor Anselmo Villaneuva; current LCC Board member Tony McCown; and former board chair Jay Bozeivich. The official deadline for enter the race is in March; the primary election is May 18th.
By this time in two weeks seven just won’t be enough. Beginning January Tenth Oregonians who live in the 541 area code must dial an extra three digits for local calls. Actually ten-digit dialing began July 12th, but it’s been optional for the past six months. The reason for the change is because an additional area code… 458… is being added to the same territory. Bob Valdez with the Oregon Public Utility Commission says it may take some time before the new code begins showing up because phone companies will first use up the remaining 541 numbers available.
Siuslaw Valley Firefighters will do their annual Christmas Tree pickup over the next two weekends. Crews will be out Saturday January second and then again on the ninth. There’s a $5 voluntary donation. Call 997-3212 during business hours to schedule a pickup.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
BEND, Ore. (AP) - The owners of a Bend-based helicopter flight
school have been indicted for allegedly defrauding banks and
commercial lenders out of $19 million. The charges led the men to
shut down the school, leaving students hundreds of thousands of
dollars in debt and with no licenses.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - An elderly Lebanon man is dead after
crashing his car into a downed tree on Oregon 211, near Estacada.
The Oregonian reports 81-year-old William Fredrick Walling died at
a hospital hours after the crash Saturday. State Police say a
portion of the downed tree went through Walling's windshield and
struck him in the face and neck.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Businesses in Lane County have received
award notices that may be a someone's scheme to get companies to
purchase plaques. The Eugene Register-Guard reports a letter from
the "US Commerce Association" says the businesses have been
selected for the "2009 Best of Eugene Award." The Eugene Area
Chamber of Commerce says it never had any contact with the group.
SANDY, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon man suspected of shooting his
mother to death on Christmas Day has been captured. Clackamas
County authorities say 41-year-old Michael Bighaus (BIG'-hahs) came
back to the home in Sandy yesterday as deputies were watching, and
he surrendered. Deputies haven't described a motive for the
shooting of 66-year-old Vivian Bighaus.
BEND, Ore. (AP) - A 58-year-old woman has been arrested on
drunken driving and other charges on Christmas after a wild pursuit
in Bend. Police say that at one point, they blocked the car on a
dead-end road, but it backed onto the hood of a patrol car and
drove off. Driver Lauren Wells, faces 48 driving, assault and other
charges. Police say she faced charges in April after a similar
incident.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The rebuilding of Oregon's state mental
hospital means welcome work for about 100 regional businesses
hammered by the economic downturn. The $280 million project will
replace Oregon's 126-year-old mental hospital, long criticized as
obsolete and understaffed.
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (AP) - Authorities say a Central Oregon man who
shot a cougar in his chicken pen killed it in self-defense. Crook
County deputies say Kevin Gotcher returned to his home near
Prineville Wednesday afternoon to see the cougar going after a
chicken. It had already killed two. Gotcher told deputies that when
he approached with his dog, the cougar turned toward them, and he
shot it.
COQUILLE, Ore. (AP) - A 60-year-old Coos Bay man has accepted a
plea deal in the death of his half brother. Nickolas L. Crooks
pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter. Kevin Nelson died May
30 from a gunshot wound to the chest. Medics declared him dead
outside a motor home.
ROSEBURG, Ore. (AP) - Three members of Oregon's congressional
delegation have sent a letter to the new chairman of the federal
Surface Transportation Board, asking him to quickly decide on
whether to let the Yreka Western Railroad Co. operate a 218-mile
rail line between Oregon and California. Shippers have petitioned
the board to allow Yreka Western to take over the line.
DEPOE BAY, Ore. (AP) - Trained volunteers will be at 24 sites
along the Oregon Coast to help visitors spot whales from 10 a.m. to
1 p.m. between Saturday and Jan. 1. Marine mammal experts estimate
that 18,000 gray whales and 1,100 humpback whales pass the Oregon
Coast at the peak of their migration south to the waters off the
Baja Peninsula.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Christmas Eve crash on Highway 20
between Corvallis and Albany left nine people injured, some
seriously. Oregon State Police Lt. Gregg Hastings says a westbound
Ford Taurus crossed the center of the road, striking the side of
eastbound Chrysler Cirrus before hitting another car head-on.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Fire officials say a burning ember from a
fireplace ignited a shake roof on a West Linn home and caused
$125,000 in damage. Firefighters say the homeowners had been
burning branches from their Christmas tree in the fireplace when
they discovered the fire in the attic.
SISTERS, Ore. (AP) - Conservation groups in Oregon and
Washington are hoping to take advantage of depressed land prices to
purchase forests to prevent them from being developed for
subdivisions and stores. But even though it's a good time to buy,
it's also a hard time to fundraise.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP - The University of Oregon is one of the
leaders in sales of licensed merchandise. The university has 333
trademark licenses for anything that features the university logo
to phrases such as "Go Ducks." And now that T-shirt printers are
gearing up for the Ducks' trip to the Rose Bowl, the university
stands to make some money on licensed merchandise.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
On the Schedule… The Oregon Men are at home tonight in Mac court when they host Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the final non-conference matchup of the season at seven o’clock. Airtime on KCST is at 6:30.
Coming up later this week… area runners are encouraged to make time for the “Morning After 5K Fun Run” January 1st at ten am. It starts and ends on Bay Street under the Siuslaw River Bridge. Organizer Jim Archer says there’s no entry fee and only one rule… everyone must have fun.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Fire takes no holiday; Newport lawmaker cries foul; Gas dips slightly; and Christmas Eve services.
Fire takes no holiday….
Over a five-year period from 2004 through 2008 there were 584 candle-related fires in Oregon resulting in 14 deaths; 93 injuries… 22 of those to firefighters… and estimated property losses of nearly $16-million. According to information from the Oregon State Fire Marshall’s Office, almost half of that death, injury and destruction came during the three-week period between December 17th and January 8th. Siuslaw Valley Fire Marshall Sean Barrett says, especially this weekend, people need to use extra care with candles.
210 – “It’s very important to keep them away from combustibles. Put them in trays or in containers that are not combustible or won’t catch fire, and if you leave the room, always blow them out. It’s amazing what candles can do when they’re left alone.”
Gift wrap, greenery and blankets seem to be in abundant supply around living rooms and family rooms over the Christmas holiday, presenting exceptional risks. Barrett says it’s also a good idea to make sure your fire extinguisher is readily available and your smoke detectors have fresh batteries and are in good working order.
A state legislator from Newport is calling the threat of U.S. Senate hearings on relocation of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Pacific Operations Center a – quote – “abuse of power”. Democratic Oregon State Representative Jean Cowan also said comments made by Washington Senator Maria Cantwell about the proposed site in Newport were ‘disrespectful. Cantwell, said she wanted to investigate whether the move, from Puget Sound to the Oregon Coast, would harm NOAA’s capacity to hire and retain qualified mariners. Cowan said the entire process has been ‘open and transparent’. NOAA already has a significant operation in Newport and the center would bring more than 100 additional employees and their families.
Holiday travelers will find slightly lower gas prices this weekend. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded dipped by about a penny this week to $2.59. According to Triple-A, the statewide average in Oregon fell by more than two cents… it’s now at $2.70. Florence’s average fell by one cent this week… it’s ten cents below the Oregon average at $2.60.
There are several options for those wishing to observe Christmas Eve with other congregants. The Florence Church of the Nazarene will offer a special service at 5:30; Siuslaw Valley Christian Center at six. St. Andrews Episcopal will host “lessons and carols” at eight pm and St. Mary’s Catholic Church will offer two services… 5:30 and 10:30.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) - Oregon State Police say a multi-state,
multi-agency investigation has led to the seizure of more than 225
pounds of marijuana with ties to the Oregon Medical Marijuana
Program. OSP says three people were arrested and additional arrests
are pending as investigations continue in Oregon and Minnesota. The
drugs' street value is at least $750,000.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Oregon attorney general John Kroger has
become the victim of a car prowler. The Oregonian reports that a
briefcase containing official items was stolen from Kroger's
vehicle between 1 and 8 a.m. on Tuesday. Police say officers combed
Kroger's neighborhood and brought in a fingerprint specialist. The
briefcase contained his official badge, his law enforcement
credentials, information on drug treatment programs, a draft policy
document and confidential information.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Some dogs left behind in rural Eastern
Oregon are getting another chance. Some 60 dogs were left behind
earlier this month, and a Long Beach, Wash. woman who grew up in
Harney County is set on saving them. Melanie Eppig is the founder
of Harney County Save a Stray. She headed to the site yesterday and
rounded up 23 of the dogs, including six puppies, put them in
kennels and hauled them to Salem. She also plans on heading back to
the property on Saturday.
JUNCTION CITY, Ore. (AP) - Financial woes have forced the
closure of two small weekly newspaper. The Register-Guard reports
the Tri-County News in Junction City and the West Lane News in
Veneta stopped publishing Tuesday night. Publisher Andrew Polin
says he just doesn't have the money to continue and hopes someone
will come along and resurrect the papers.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Public employee unions and business groups
are fighting over two state tax increases on the January ballot.
Election finance records show each side has raised about $2.3
million for their campaigns.
COOS BAY, Ore. (AP) - A dance club in Coos Bay is losing its
liquor license. State officials say bartenders over-served patrons
at Mak's Old City Hall Lounge and didn't keep the crown under
control which led to problems inside and outside the club.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - Fire tore through a Medford apartment
complex last night, displacing eight families just before
Christmas. There were no injuries and the cause has yet to be
determined.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Firefighters were also busy in Salem, where a
two-alarm fire heavily damaged a home this morning. The Salem Fire
Department says it's believed the occupants were away at the time.
JACKSONVILLE, Ore. (AP) - Police arrested three southern Oregon
men accused of growing and distributing more pot than is legally
allowed under the state's medical marijuana program. Police say an
undercover officer recently bought 65 pounds of marijuana in a
Grants Pass parking lot. Information gained from the buy allowed
them to obtain three search warrants in Josephine and Jackson
counties. Police seized a total 225 pounds of marijuana at homes in
Williams and Jacksonville.
ALBANY, Ore. (AP) - Albany police arrested a motorist involved
in an Oct. 28 crash that killed a man. A grand jury indicted
48-year-old Clayton Baunach on charges of manslaughter, assault and
criminally negligent homicide. A warrant was issued Dec. 16. Police
say the victim, 50-year-old Bently Wells, was working on a car when
a Ford Expedition towing a flatbed utility trailer failed to
negotiate a curve. The trailer struck the back of the car, causing
it to roll and pin Wells.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Prep Basketball:
First the boys… The Vikings led briefly very early in the game, but after that it was all Cheesemakers as Tillamook routed Siuslaw 61 – 33 last night in Florence. Trevor Roberts led scoring with nine points.
The girls were in Tillamook against the Cheesemakers… where they trailed by five at the half. In the second half the defense broke down and Tillamook ran away with a 37-21 victory.
College Basketball:
Calvin Haynes tied a career high with 25 points to lead Oregon State to a 73-65 victory over Fresno State last night in Corvallis. It was program win number 16-hundred for Oregon State… only the 15th program in the country to reach that milestone.
Over a five-year period from 2004 through 2008 there were 584 candle-related fires in Oregon resulting in 14 deaths; 93 injuries… 22 of those to firefighters… and estimated property losses of nearly $16-million. According to information from the Oregon State Fire Marshall’s Office, almost half of that death, injury and destruction came during the three-week period between December 17th and January 8th. Siuslaw Valley Fire Marshall Sean Barrett says, especially this weekend, people need to use extra care with candles.
210 – “It’s very important to keep them away from combustibles. Put them in trays or in containers that are not combustible or won’t catch fire, and if you leave the room, always blow them out. It’s amazing what candles can do when they’re left alone.”
Gift wrap, greenery and blankets seem to be in abundant supply around living rooms and family rooms over the Christmas holiday, presenting exceptional risks. Barrett says it’s also a good idea to make sure your fire extinguisher is readily available and your smoke detectors have fresh batteries and are in good working order.
A state legislator from Newport is calling the threat of U.S. Senate hearings on relocation of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Pacific Operations Center a – quote – “abuse of power”. Democratic Oregon State Representative Jean Cowan also said comments made by Washington Senator Maria Cantwell about the proposed site in Newport were ‘disrespectful. Cantwell, said she wanted to investigate whether the move, from Puget Sound to the Oregon Coast, would harm NOAA’s capacity to hire and retain qualified mariners. Cowan said the entire process has been ‘open and transparent’. NOAA already has a significant operation in Newport and the center would bring more than 100 additional employees and their families.
Holiday travelers will find slightly lower gas prices this weekend. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded dipped by about a penny this week to $2.59. According to Triple-A, the statewide average in Oregon fell by more than two cents… it’s now at $2.70. Florence’s average fell by one cent this week… it’s ten cents below the Oregon average at $2.60.
There are several options for those wishing to observe Christmas Eve with other congregants. The Florence Church of the Nazarene will offer a special service at 5:30; Siuslaw Valley Christian Center at six. St. Andrews Episcopal will host “lessons and carols” at eight pm and St. Mary’s Catholic Church will offer two services… 5:30 and 10:30.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) - Oregon State Police say a multi-state,
multi-agency investigation has led to the seizure of more than 225
pounds of marijuana with ties to the Oregon Medical Marijuana
Program. OSP says three people were arrested and additional arrests
are pending as investigations continue in Oregon and Minnesota. The
drugs' street value is at least $750,000.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Oregon attorney general John Kroger has
become the victim of a car prowler. The Oregonian reports that a
briefcase containing official items was stolen from Kroger's
vehicle between 1 and 8 a.m. on Tuesday. Police say officers combed
Kroger's neighborhood and brought in a fingerprint specialist. The
briefcase contained his official badge, his law enforcement
credentials, information on drug treatment programs, a draft policy
document and confidential information.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Some dogs left behind in rural Eastern
Oregon are getting another chance. Some 60 dogs were left behind
earlier this month, and a Long Beach, Wash. woman who grew up in
Harney County is set on saving them. Melanie Eppig is the founder
of Harney County Save a Stray. She headed to the site yesterday and
rounded up 23 of the dogs, including six puppies, put them in
kennels and hauled them to Salem. She also plans on heading back to
the property on Saturday.
JUNCTION CITY, Ore. (AP) - Financial woes have forced the
closure of two small weekly newspaper. The Register-Guard reports
the Tri-County News in Junction City and the West Lane News in
Veneta stopped publishing Tuesday night. Publisher Andrew Polin
says he just doesn't have the money to continue and hopes someone
will come along and resurrect the papers.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Public employee unions and business groups
are fighting over two state tax increases on the January ballot.
Election finance records show each side has raised about $2.3
million for their campaigns.
COOS BAY, Ore. (AP) - A dance club in Coos Bay is losing its
liquor license. State officials say bartenders over-served patrons
at Mak's Old City Hall Lounge and didn't keep the crown under
control which led to problems inside and outside the club.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - Fire tore through a Medford apartment
complex last night, displacing eight families just before
Christmas. There were no injuries and the cause has yet to be
determined.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Firefighters were also busy in Salem, where a
two-alarm fire heavily damaged a home this morning. The Salem Fire
Department says it's believed the occupants were away at the time.
JACKSONVILLE, Ore. (AP) - Police arrested three southern Oregon
men accused of growing and distributing more pot than is legally
allowed under the state's medical marijuana program. Police say an
undercover officer recently bought 65 pounds of marijuana in a
Grants Pass parking lot. Information gained from the buy allowed
them to obtain three search warrants in Josephine and Jackson
counties. Police seized a total 225 pounds of marijuana at homes in
Williams and Jacksonville.
ALBANY, Ore. (AP) - Albany police arrested a motorist involved
in an Oct. 28 crash that killed a man. A grand jury indicted
48-year-old Clayton Baunach on charges of manslaughter, assault and
criminally negligent homicide. A warrant was issued Dec. 16. Police
say the victim, 50-year-old Bently Wells, was working on a car when
a Ford Expedition towing a flatbed utility trailer failed to
negotiate a curve. The trailer struck the back of the car, causing
it to roll and pin Wells.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Prep Basketball:
First the boys… The Vikings led briefly very early in the game, but after that it was all Cheesemakers as Tillamook routed Siuslaw 61 – 33 last night in Florence. Trevor Roberts led scoring with nine points.
The girls were in Tillamook against the Cheesemakers… where they trailed by five at the half. In the second half the defense broke down and Tillamook ran away with a 37-21 victory.
College Basketball:
Calvin Haynes tied a career high with 25 points to lead Oregon State to a 73-65 victory over Fresno State last night in Corvallis. It was program win number 16-hundred for Oregon State… only the 15th program in the country to reach that milestone.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Coos Rail Update - Swine flu vaccine - voter registration deadline - county charter committees sought. And what happens in Vegas: you know the drill
Coos Bay Rail Line making progress…
It’s been 28-months since the last train made the run between Coos Bay and Eugene, and just under a year since the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay bought the line. But, it still may be another year before freight service is restored to the entire 110-mile long railway that connects the Willamette Valley with Coos Bay. Martin Callery with the port says L-R-L Construction recently completed renovation work on a tunnel near Vaughn and another at the south end of Tahkenitch Lake and is currently working on a third tunnel near Florence at Canary Road. From there, the crews will switch to the Tenmile Lake area and Callery says if there is enough funding, engineers have identified additional work. The port has applied for federal stimulus and state transportation money to continue rehabilitating the line that serves about a half-dozen central and south coast manufacturers. The port won’t be operating the rail line itself. After the first of the year they’ll begin the process of selecting an experienced and qualified shortline rail operator.
Health officials call it the gift that keeps on giving. The H1N1 vaccine is in ample supply across Oregon with the total number of doses reaching more than 1.2-million. Oregon’s Public Heath Director, Dr. Mel Kohn, says there are many good reasons to get the vaccine, but the most significant is to protect you and those close to you from getting the flu. He says the flu is still around and can be spread easily, especially during the holiday season when people gather together in large, closely confined groups.
Oregonians will be deciding a pair of tax measures next month. Anyone who is not already registered to vote must do so at least 21 days prior to the January 26th election. That means the cutoff is January 5th. Elections officials say many people change their address or name and forget about re-registering until it’s too late. Registration information is available at any DMV office, or can be found online at the Lane County Elections website.
Speaking of elections, Lane County will be presenting three measures to voters in May aimed at changing the county charter. They’re seeking volunteers to serve on three committees that will draw up the explanatory statements to be included in the voter’s pamphlet. Zoe Gilstrap with Lane County says the three measures are all in response to recent changes in state law requiring the formation of a voluntary citizen charter review committee; state-required qualifications for elected office; and changes in election laws. Interested applicants can contact her directly at Lane County Administration, the deadline to apply is January 5th.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Friends and family members remember a
Portland climber lost on Mount Hood as a woman who lived a life of
adventure and compassion for others. A memorial service yesterday
in Portland for 29-year-old Katie Nolan was the third for members
of a party that ran into trouble on a Dec. 11 climb. She and
25-year-old Anthony Vietti of Longview, Wash., are missing and
presumed dead. The body of 26-year-old Luke Gullberg of Des Moines,
Wash., was found on a glacier.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Two Eugene roommates have been convicted of
murdering a Eugene homeless man known as "Pac-Man."
Twenty-three-year-old Michael Andrew Baughman and 22-year-old Ryan
Eugene Casch were convicted yesterday of intentionally murdering
Herbert "Pac-Man" Bishop on May 11. Court documents show the two
also stole Bishop's belongings.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Authorities are offering a reward of up to
$10,000 for information about a serial bank robber nicknamed the
"Grandpa Bandit." The gray haired man robbed his fifth bank in
the Willamette Valley on Tuesday. He robbed a Bank of America
branch in Hillsboro. Witnesses have described the man as white,
5-foot-8 to 5-foot-10 and 160 to 180 pounds.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Multnomah County judge has denied early
release to a man who had plotted to kill an entire family.
Prosecutor Chuck Sparks told the judge that Daniel Loren Jenkins,
is incredibly dangerous and would be a terrible candidate to
receive a 30 percent reduction in his prison term. A law that took
effect in July is allowing about 4,600 inmates across the state to
be eligible for a 30 percent decrease in their sentences for good
behavior, instead of the standard 20 percent.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - As Pendleton Woolen Mills celebrates its
100th anniversary, the company is celebrating a rebirth of sorts.
No longer just the maker of woolen blankets and heritage fabrics,
Pendleton is also partnering with small, upscale fashion labels
that want to include woolens in their designs.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Walmart want to try again to make friends
with Portland. The world's largest retailer says it plans to build
a second Portland store on the city's northern edge. But Walmart's
recent history with the City of Roses suggests it could be in for a
fight over wages, health care and trade practices. The retailer has
pulled back twice in the past five yeas on proposed Portland
stores.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The mother of a Salem toddler who was
murdered last year has pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal
mistreatment. Prosecutors say 20-year-old Amanda Burciaga failed to
provide adequate physical care for her two children when she left
them with a boyfriend who abused them. The boyfriend is now serving
more than 75 years in prison.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon commercial crabbers are enjoying the
largest early harvest in at least five years. Crabbers landed 12
million pounds of Dungeness crab in the first two weeks of the
season that started Dec. 1. That's almost as much as last season's
total harvest. Crabbers credit the catch to good weather, hungry
crabs and a season that started on time.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - An 11-year-old Medford girl was treated for
smoke inhalation after rushing inside her family's burning
apartment to search for her 12-year-old brother. The boy had gone
to a friend's house without his sister's knowledge. There were no
other injuries.
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) - Thavin Saliphan is lucky she was in
Klamath Falls instead of Bedford Falls. The owner of Siam Thai
nearly lost the restaurant's receipts Monday night when she left a
bank bag containing more than $600 in a Wal-Mart shopping basket.
Fortunately for Saliphan, that greedy Mr. Potter wasn't in the
store. Shara Sampson was the next person to touch the shopping
cart. She gave the bag to store managers who returned it to the
restaurant.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Las Vegas Bowl:
Forget all the catchy leads… the Beavers were blown away; the Cougars mauled the Beavers; BYU Bowls over Oregon State; Quizz Rodgers woke up with Sean Canfield’s tooth in his pocket… // Oregon State scored first, on their second possession but their offense then went dormant as the BYU Cougars put up 37 straight points on their way to a dominating performance over the Beavers, 44 – 20, in the Maaco Las Vegas Bowl last night. The loss was the first in recent history for Beavers’ head coach Mike Riley, ending a streak of five consecutive bowl wins.
College Basketball:
Malcom Armstead scored a career high 23-points to help Oregon hold off Idaho State 77 – 71 last night at Mac Court. It was the sophomore’s seventh consecutive start in place of injured point guard Tajuan Porter. The Oregon women were in Salt Lake last night where they lost a 15-point lead in regulation, then lost the game in overtime, falling to Utah 89-86.
Prep Basketball:
The Reedsport Girls claimed the consolation final at the Dunes Country Classic in Reedsport yesterday with a 43-25 victory over Taft. The boys fell in their consolation final, Toledo coming out on top of Reedsport 77 – 56.
On the Schedule:
Prep Wrestling today… Siuslaw is in Drain at the North Douglas Invitational… Viking Basketball is taking on Tillamook today: The girls in Tillamook, the boys at home against the Cheesemakers. Both games at six, the boys game will air on Coast Radio Sports. Beaver basketball is on the court at home against Fresno State. The pregame show on KCFM is at 5:00.
It’s been 28-months since the last train made the run between Coos Bay and Eugene, and just under a year since the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay bought the line. But, it still may be another year before freight service is restored to the entire 110-mile long railway that connects the Willamette Valley with Coos Bay. Martin Callery with the port says L-R-L Construction recently completed renovation work on a tunnel near Vaughn and another at the south end of Tahkenitch Lake and is currently working on a third tunnel near Florence at Canary Road. From there, the crews will switch to the Tenmile Lake area and Callery says if there is enough funding, engineers have identified additional work. The port has applied for federal stimulus and state transportation money to continue rehabilitating the line that serves about a half-dozen central and south coast manufacturers. The port won’t be operating the rail line itself. After the first of the year they’ll begin the process of selecting an experienced and qualified shortline rail operator.
Health officials call it the gift that keeps on giving. The H1N1 vaccine is in ample supply across Oregon with the total number of doses reaching more than 1.2-million. Oregon’s Public Heath Director, Dr. Mel Kohn, says there are many good reasons to get the vaccine, but the most significant is to protect you and those close to you from getting the flu. He says the flu is still around and can be spread easily, especially during the holiday season when people gather together in large, closely confined groups.
Oregonians will be deciding a pair of tax measures next month. Anyone who is not already registered to vote must do so at least 21 days prior to the January 26th election. That means the cutoff is January 5th. Elections officials say many people change their address or name and forget about re-registering until it’s too late. Registration information is available at any DMV office, or can be found online at the Lane County Elections website.
Speaking of elections, Lane County will be presenting three measures to voters in May aimed at changing the county charter. They’re seeking volunteers to serve on three committees that will draw up the explanatory statements to be included in the voter’s pamphlet. Zoe Gilstrap with Lane County says the three measures are all in response to recent changes in state law requiring the formation of a voluntary citizen charter review committee; state-required qualifications for elected office; and changes in election laws. Interested applicants can contact her directly at Lane County Administration, the deadline to apply is January 5th.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Friends and family members remember a
Portland climber lost on Mount Hood as a woman who lived a life of
adventure and compassion for others. A memorial service yesterday
in Portland for 29-year-old Katie Nolan was the third for members
of a party that ran into trouble on a Dec. 11 climb. She and
25-year-old Anthony Vietti of Longview, Wash., are missing and
presumed dead. The body of 26-year-old Luke Gullberg of Des Moines,
Wash., was found on a glacier.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Two Eugene roommates have been convicted of
murdering a Eugene homeless man known as "Pac-Man."
Twenty-three-year-old Michael Andrew Baughman and 22-year-old Ryan
Eugene Casch were convicted yesterday of intentionally murdering
Herbert "Pac-Man" Bishop on May 11. Court documents show the two
also stole Bishop's belongings.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Authorities are offering a reward of up to
$10,000 for information about a serial bank robber nicknamed the
"Grandpa Bandit." The gray haired man robbed his fifth bank in
the Willamette Valley on Tuesday. He robbed a Bank of America
branch in Hillsboro. Witnesses have described the man as white,
5-foot-8 to 5-foot-10 and 160 to 180 pounds.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Multnomah County judge has denied early
release to a man who had plotted to kill an entire family.
Prosecutor Chuck Sparks told the judge that Daniel Loren Jenkins,
is incredibly dangerous and would be a terrible candidate to
receive a 30 percent reduction in his prison term. A law that took
effect in July is allowing about 4,600 inmates across the state to
be eligible for a 30 percent decrease in their sentences for good
behavior, instead of the standard 20 percent.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - As Pendleton Woolen Mills celebrates its
100th anniversary, the company is celebrating a rebirth of sorts.
No longer just the maker of woolen blankets and heritage fabrics,
Pendleton is also partnering with small, upscale fashion labels
that want to include woolens in their designs.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Walmart want to try again to make friends
with Portland. The world's largest retailer says it plans to build
a second Portland store on the city's northern edge. But Walmart's
recent history with the City of Roses suggests it could be in for a
fight over wages, health care and trade practices. The retailer has
pulled back twice in the past five yeas on proposed Portland
stores.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The mother of a Salem toddler who was
murdered last year has pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal
mistreatment. Prosecutors say 20-year-old Amanda Burciaga failed to
provide adequate physical care for her two children when she left
them with a boyfriend who abused them. The boyfriend is now serving
more than 75 years in prison.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon commercial crabbers are enjoying the
largest early harvest in at least five years. Crabbers landed 12
million pounds of Dungeness crab in the first two weeks of the
season that started Dec. 1. That's almost as much as last season's
total harvest. Crabbers credit the catch to good weather, hungry
crabs and a season that started on time.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - An 11-year-old Medford girl was treated for
smoke inhalation after rushing inside her family's burning
apartment to search for her 12-year-old brother. The boy had gone
to a friend's house without his sister's knowledge. There were no
other injuries.
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) - Thavin Saliphan is lucky she was in
Klamath Falls instead of Bedford Falls. The owner of Siam Thai
nearly lost the restaurant's receipts Monday night when she left a
bank bag containing more than $600 in a Wal-Mart shopping basket.
Fortunately for Saliphan, that greedy Mr. Potter wasn't in the
store. Shara Sampson was the next person to touch the shopping
cart. She gave the bag to store managers who returned it to the
restaurant.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Las Vegas Bowl:
Forget all the catchy leads… the Beavers were blown away; the Cougars mauled the Beavers; BYU Bowls over Oregon State; Quizz Rodgers woke up with Sean Canfield’s tooth in his pocket… // Oregon State scored first, on their second possession but their offense then went dormant as the BYU Cougars put up 37 straight points on their way to a dominating performance over the Beavers, 44 – 20, in the Maaco Las Vegas Bowl last night. The loss was the first in recent history for Beavers’ head coach Mike Riley, ending a streak of five consecutive bowl wins.
College Basketball:
Malcom Armstead scored a career high 23-points to help Oregon hold off Idaho State 77 – 71 last night at Mac Court. It was the sophomore’s seventh consecutive start in place of injured point guard Tajuan Porter. The Oregon women were in Salt Lake last night where they lost a 15-point lead in regulation, then lost the game in overtime, falling to Utah 89-86.
Prep Basketball:
The Reedsport Girls claimed the consolation final at the Dunes Country Classic in Reedsport yesterday with a 43-25 victory over Taft. The boys fell in their consolation final, Toledo coming out on top of Reedsport 77 – 56.
On the Schedule:
Prep Wrestling today… Siuslaw is in Drain at the North Douglas Invitational… Viking Basketball is taking on Tillamook today: The girls in Tillamook, the boys at home against the Cheesemakers. Both games at six, the boys game will air on Coast Radio Sports. Beaver basketball is on the court at home against Fresno State. The pregame show on KCFM is at 5:00.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Homeless population growing? Whale Watching week starts Saturday; Local girl finishes out of the finals in national PPK; don't toss that tv
Homeless population appears larger than expected
She doesn’t have any firm estimates, but Joni Bour (BOR) with Siuslaw Outreach Services says the number of homeless people in the area is larger than what many people think.
201 -- "I can only say the number of people we've seen in the last one year and that's been 155 people who have declared themselves to be homeless, so I'm sure that there are more."
Bour called for the creation of a Homeless Services Task Force, the first meeting of which last week drew more than 50 people to talk about how to provide services to a segment of population that’s been traditionally small in Florence… but appears to be growing.
202 -- "It's a big number and we're getting a lot of people who are homeless who say when we ask where are you from they'll say I'm from Eugene or I'm from California. And when we ask why would you come from a larger city to a smaller one and they say it's because we're scared."
That first task force meeting Friday at the fire station drew representatives from government agencies; churches; and service clubs. Bour said she hopes that SOS can provide the catalyst for a broader community effort.
200 -- "We hope to be kind of like the center of a wheel and have the spokes going in many directions at once."
The goal is to have at least temporary measures in place to provide assistance in the event temperatures drop back below the freezing level.
Morris Grover says there are two possible experiences waiting for whale watchers next week. Either one would be ‘exciting’ says the Oregon State Park Ranger. Clear skies and calm seas will offer the possibility of exceptional whale watching but even if conditions are less than ‘ideal’ trained whale watching volunteers at 26 different locations up and down the Oregon Coast will add to the experience. Grover coordinates the State Parks’ “Whale Watching Spoken Here” program. He says volunteers will be at posted locations between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day beginning December 26th and through January 1st.
Beginning January First it will be illegal for Oregonians to put televisions and computers in the trash. The new dumping ban will keep products known for a host of toxic components out of landfills, where they could pose a threat to air, soil and water. A year ago, the state established drop-off stations in every county for people to get rid of their old electronic devices free of charge. They’ve proven popular. Lane County, for example, collected 216 tons of electronic devices in the first eleven months of 2009. That's four times the amount collected in 2008.
She was in the running until the final weekend, but 12-year old Ashlee Cole of Florence won’t be making the trip to an NFL playoff game after all. Cole won the regional competition earlier this month in Seattle for the NFL’s Punt Pass and Kick Competition, leaving her in third place nationally at the time. Only the top four scores advance to the finals, after the two final weekends of competition in other cities, Cole wound up in fifth place overall.
From the Associated Press:
SIZEMORE RECORDS
With judge watching, Sizemore turns over laptop
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Republican gubernatorial candidate
accused of using tax-exempt organizations for political gain has
turned over his laptop computer to a computer expert hired by two
teachers unions.
Conservative activist Bill Sizemore surrendered the laptop
Monday when Multnomah County Circuit Judge Janice Wilson enforced a
previously-issued injunction by wresting the organizations' records
away from him.
The Oregonian reports the judge rejected claims that giving up
the computer would violate Sizemore's constitutional rights against
self-incrimination.
The Oregon Education Association and American Federation of
Teachers hired a computer expert to copy the hard drive, but the
files can't be accessed without Wilson's approval.
Sizemore's battle with the teachers unions goes back a decade,
when he placed two anti-union initiatives on the 2000 ballot.
---
(Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com )
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The woman who attacked author Katherine
Dunn is headed to prison for 26 months for violating her probation.
Twenty-five-year-old Brandy Amber Carroll was sentenced yesterday.
She was already on probation for theft when she tried to take
Dunn's purse last month. Dunn says Carroll kicked and slapped her
when she refused to give up the purse.
ROSEBURG, Ore. (AP) - Oregon's appeals court has dismissed a
Douglas County Sheriff's Office challenge of an order that forced
authorities to give pot seized during a drug raid to three patients
who -were- prescribed medical marijuana. The ruling stems from a
2006 raid on the home of a Dixonville man accused of selling pot to
people -without- medical marijuana cards.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The developer of the Pronghorn resort
northeast of Bend have agreed to pay $200,000 to the U.S.
government after the government sued the developers for
trespassing. The Oregonian reports the suit and subsequent
settlement took place simultaneously. High Desert Development
Partners LLC agreed to pay, but did not admit any liability.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Beginning Jan. 1, it will be illegal for
Oregonians to put televisions and computers in the trash. The new
dumping ban will keep products known for a host of toxic components
out of landfills, where they could pose a threat to air, soil and
water. The state has set up county drop-off stations for people to
get rid of old electronic devices free of charge.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - An Ashland man who fled the U.S. after
pleading guilty to child sex abuse is back in jail. Arthur
Silverman was extradited from Israel and returned to the Jackson
County jail in Medford. Silverman was a former counselor who
treated sexually abused children when he was arrested in December
1996 for molesting two boys who were not clients.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - A Salem man who nearly blew off his hand
while handling a homemade explosive has been convicted of
manufacturing explosives and recklessly endangering others. Marion
County Judge Albin Norblad ordered probation and a mental-health
examination for 42-year-old Patrick Hibler.
MONMOUTH, Ore. (AP) - Petition gatherers seeking to repeal the
prohibition of hard liquor in Monmouth have collected enough valid
signatures to place the issue on the May ballot. Monmouth was a dry
town until voters in 2002 agreed to allow sales of beer and wine.
TIGARD, Ore. (AP) - Authorities say a 60-year-old woman who
suffered burns in a fire at an assisted living center in Tigard has
died. Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue found the woman in a
second-floor unit while responding to Monday's blaze at Park Place
Assisted Living Center.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Athlete of the Week:
Mapleton basketball standout Chad Walker is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. The 6’ 2” Sailor senior forward scored a total of 39 points in two Sailor victories last week, putting up 17 against Highway 36 rival Triangle Lake and 22 against Powers… Honorable mention to Walker’s Mapleton teammate, Micah Espinosa, who scored 14 points in the Sailors’ Friday night victory over Triangle Lake.
Maaco Las Vegas Bowl:
The Oregon State Beavers apparently know how to get ready for bowl games. Head Coach Mike Riley is five-and-oh in bowl appearances over the past few years. But, it’ll be a tough matchup as the number 16 ranked Beavers take on number 15 BYU in the Maaco Las Vegas Bowl this evening. The pregame show on KCFM is set for 4:00… kickoff at 5:01.
Also on the schedule tonight… The Oregon Men host Idaho State in non-league basketball action at seven o’clock. The pregame show on KCST is at 6:30. The Oregon women are in Salt Lake City where they’ll take on Utah. On the prep schedule, the 38th Dune Country Classic Basketball Tournament wraps up in Reedsport this afternoon… and Viking Wrestlers are in Drain at the North Douglas Invitational.
She doesn’t have any firm estimates, but Joni Bour (BOR) with Siuslaw Outreach Services says the number of homeless people in the area is larger than what many people think.
201 -- "I can only say the number of people we've seen in the last one year and that's been 155 people who have declared themselves to be homeless, so I'm sure that there are more."
Bour called for the creation of a Homeless Services Task Force, the first meeting of which last week drew more than 50 people to talk about how to provide services to a segment of population that’s been traditionally small in Florence… but appears to be growing.
202 -- "It's a big number and we're getting a lot of people who are homeless who say when we ask where are you from they'll say I'm from Eugene or I'm from California. And when we ask why would you come from a larger city to a smaller one and they say it's because we're scared."
That first task force meeting Friday at the fire station drew representatives from government agencies; churches; and service clubs. Bour said she hopes that SOS can provide the catalyst for a broader community effort.
200 -- "We hope to be kind of like the center of a wheel and have the spokes going in many directions at once."
The goal is to have at least temporary measures in place to provide assistance in the event temperatures drop back below the freezing level.
Morris Grover says there are two possible experiences waiting for whale watchers next week. Either one would be ‘exciting’ says the Oregon State Park Ranger. Clear skies and calm seas will offer the possibility of exceptional whale watching but even if conditions are less than ‘ideal’ trained whale watching volunteers at 26 different locations up and down the Oregon Coast will add to the experience. Grover coordinates the State Parks’ “Whale Watching Spoken Here” program. He says volunteers will be at posted locations between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day beginning December 26th and through January 1st.
Beginning January First it will be illegal for Oregonians to put televisions and computers in the trash. The new dumping ban will keep products known for a host of toxic components out of landfills, where they could pose a threat to air, soil and water. A year ago, the state established drop-off stations in every county for people to get rid of their old electronic devices free of charge. They’ve proven popular. Lane County, for example, collected 216 tons of electronic devices in the first eleven months of 2009. That's four times the amount collected in 2008.
She was in the running until the final weekend, but 12-year old Ashlee Cole of Florence won’t be making the trip to an NFL playoff game after all. Cole won the regional competition earlier this month in Seattle for the NFL’s Punt Pass and Kick Competition, leaving her in third place nationally at the time. Only the top four scores advance to the finals, after the two final weekends of competition in other cities, Cole wound up in fifth place overall.
From the Associated Press:
SIZEMORE RECORDS
With judge watching, Sizemore turns over laptop
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Republican gubernatorial candidate
accused of using tax-exempt organizations for political gain has
turned over his laptop computer to a computer expert hired by two
teachers unions.
Conservative activist Bill Sizemore surrendered the laptop
Monday when Multnomah County Circuit Judge Janice Wilson enforced a
previously-issued injunction by wresting the organizations' records
away from him.
The Oregonian reports the judge rejected claims that giving up
the computer would violate Sizemore's constitutional rights against
self-incrimination.
The Oregon Education Association and American Federation of
Teachers hired a computer expert to copy the hard drive, but the
files can't be accessed without Wilson's approval.
Sizemore's battle with the teachers unions goes back a decade,
when he placed two anti-union initiatives on the 2000 ballot.
---
(Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com )
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The woman who attacked author Katherine
Dunn is headed to prison for 26 months for violating her probation.
Twenty-five-year-old Brandy Amber Carroll was sentenced yesterday.
She was already on probation for theft when she tried to take
Dunn's purse last month. Dunn says Carroll kicked and slapped her
when she refused to give up the purse.
ROSEBURG, Ore. (AP) - Oregon's appeals court has dismissed a
Douglas County Sheriff's Office challenge of an order that forced
authorities to give pot seized during a drug raid to three patients
who -were- prescribed medical marijuana. The ruling stems from a
2006 raid on the home of a Dixonville man accused of selling pot to
people -without- medical marijuana cards.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The developer of the Pronghorn resort
northeast of Bend have agreed to pay $200,000 to the U.S.
government after the government sued the developers for
trespassing. The Oregonian reports the suit and subsequent
settlement took place simultaneously. High Desert Development
Partners LLC agreed to pay, but did not admit any liability.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Beginning Jan. 1, it will be illegal for
Oregonians to put televisions and computers in the trash. The new
dumping ban will keep products known for a host of toxic components
out of landfills, where they could pose a threat to air, soil and
water. The state has set up county drop-off stations for people to
get rid of old electronic devices free of charge.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - An Ashland man who fled the U.S. after
pleading guilty to child sex abuse is back in jail. Arthur
Silverman was extradited from Israel and returned to the Jackson
County jail in Medford. Silverman was a former counselor who
treated sexually abused children when he was arrested in December
1996 for molesting two boys who were not clients.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - A Salem man who nearly blew off his hand
while handling a homemade explosive has been convicted of
manufacturing explosives and recklessly endangering others. Marion
County Judge Albin Norblad ordered probation and a mental-health
examination for 42-year-old Patrick Hibler.
MONMOUTH, Ore. (AP) - Petition gatherers seeking to repeal the
prohibition of hard liquor in Monmouth have collected enough valid
signatures to place the issue on the May ballot. Monmouth was a dry
town until voters in 2002 agreed to allow sales of beer and wine.
TIGARD, Ore. (AP) - Authorities say a 60-year-old woman who
suffered burns in a fire at an assisted living center in Tigard has
died. Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue found the woman in a
second-floor unit while responding to Monday's blaze at Park Place
Assisted Living Center.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Athlete of the Week:
Mapleton basketball standout Chad Walker is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. The 6’ 2” Sailor senior forward scored a total of 39 points in two Sailor victories last week, putting up 17 against Highway 36 rival Triangle Lake and 22 against Powers… Honorable mention to Walker’s Mapleton teammate, Micah Espinosa, who scored 14 points in the Sailors’ Friday night victory over Triangle Lake.
Maaco Las Vegas Bowl:
The Oregon State Beavers apparently know how to get ready for bowl games. Head Coach Mike Riley is five-and-oh in bowl appearances over the past few years. But, it’ll be a tough matchup as the number 16 ranked Beavers take on number 15 BYU in the Maaco Las Vegas Bowl this evening. The pregame show on KCFM is set for 4:00… kickoff at 5:01.
Also on the schedule tonight… The Oregon Men host Idaho State in non-league basketball action at seven o’clock. The pregame show on KCST is at 6:30. The Oregon women are in Salt Lake City where they’ll take on Utah. On the prep schedule, the 38th Dune Country Classic Basketball Tournament wraps up in Reedsport this afternoon… and Viking Wrestlers are in Drain at the North Douglas Invitational.
Local woman leads police on long and winding road; Sex offenders listed; City Council to hear update on HWD
Florence woman leads police on long and winding road…
A Florence woman is facing a variety of charges including Fleeing, Attempting to Elude and Reckless Driving after she allegedly led police on a chase from Florence to a remote road in the forest near Swisshome. It began about 4:30 Saturday afternoon on Highway 101 near the Siuslaw River when a Lane County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a 1996 red Ford Mustang for failing to stop at a stop sign. The car then fled north through Florence, taking several turns and managed to elude officers. A passenger in the car exited at one point and called 911, identifying the driver as 27-year old Tosha Marie Gustina. Police picked up the trail, followed the car on Munsel Lake Road to North Fork, and from there, via a logging road, onto Highway 36 north of Mapleton. The vehicle was eventually located, abandoned, on Stagecoach Road. Sergeant Spence Slater said officers lost sight of the car several times during the pursuit but were able to pick up the trail with the assistance of several residents who called 911 to report the car’s location. Slater said officers searched the area after finding the abandoned car and eventually located Gustina, on foot, near the Swisshome Store.
In an effort to keep local residents informed of risks in the community the Florence Police have compiled a report detailing sex offenders in the area. First off, according to spokesperson Sarah Huff, there are no predatory sex offenders living in the Florence zip code. But, she says, there are 52 individuals identified as being registered offenders. Of those, two are wanted for absconding from parole or probation and seven are currently supervised by the Sheriff’s Department. Huff said disclosure of information on non-predatory sex offenders is restrictive, but any member of the public can obtain a list simply by requesting it. She said it takes about two-weeks to process the request. Information on how to do so is available on the website www.florencepolice.net.
The Florence City Council will hear an update this evening on the status of current talks with the Heceta Water District to forge a series of inter-governmental agreements. City Manager Bob Willoughby says a series of issues are being worked on, including the charging of a franchise fee for Heceta water lines that run in city owned rights-of-way. In his report to the council Willoughby says the two parties are working out the details of how to implement such a fee that is not only easy to administer, but equitable for both agencies. The Council meets at seven pm at City Hall.
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
Boys’ Prep Basketball:
The Viking Boys basketball team picked up their first victory of the 09-10 campaign Saturday afternoon in Myrtle Point with a 59-49 victory over Gold Beach. With the win, Siuslaw picked up the consolation trophy at the Oregon First Community Classic basketball tournament. Friday night, they fell to tourney host Myrtle Point 54-31. In the Mountain West League, the Mapleton Sailors cruised to a 45-21 victory over Triangle Lake Friday evening. The win moves the Sailors to 2-1 in league play.
Girls’ Prep Basketball:
Siuslaw won the first round at the Oregon First Community Classic in Myrtle Point Friday evening, downing Myrtle Point 43-30. Gold Beach came away with the tournament trophy Saturday evening though, beating the Lady Viks 69 – 46. In the Mountain West, Mapleton fell to Triangle Lake Friday afternoon 41-30.
Oregon’s longest-running prep invitational basketball tournament opens up this afternoon in Reedsport. The 38th Dune Country Classic features boys and girls teams from Taft, Toledo, Yoncalla and Reedsport. It wraps up tomorrow.
College Basketball:
First the men… it took a while to get some separation, but the Oregon State Beavers eventually outpaced the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils 76 – 62 Saturday evening in Corvallis. Head Coach Craig Robinson expressed his displeasure with the Beavers’ lackluster performance in the first half. Down Highway 99 in Eugene, Sophomore center Michael Dunigan had 16-points and ten rebounds to lead Oregon to a 72-60 win over Oakland of Michigan. Grizzlies’ coach Greg Kampe was ejected from the game with 4:29 remaining after strenuously arguing an offensive foul called on one of his players.
For the women… Talisa Rhea (REE-uh) led the Beavers with 20-points and Oregon State ended a four-game homestand with a 64-48 victory over Seattle University Friday night. The Oregon women are off to their best start in five years, improving to 9-2 with a 78-66 victory Sunday afternoon over Wyoming. Senior guard Micaela Cocks scored 15 of her 17 points in the second half to lead the way for the Ducks.
A Florence woman is facing a variety of charges including Fleeing, Attempting to Elude and Reckless Driving after she allegedly led police on a chase from Florence to a remote road in the forest near Swisshome. It began about 4:30 Saturday afternoon on Highway 101 near the Siuslaw River when a Lane County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a 1996 red Ford Mustang for failing to stop at a stop sign. The car then fled north through Florence, taking several turns and managed to elude officers. A passenger in the car exited at one point and called 911, identifying the driver as 27-year old Tosha Marie Gustina. Police picked up the trail, followed the car on Munsel Lake Road to North Fork, and from there, via a logging road, onto Highway 36 north of Mapleton. The vehicle was eventually located, abandoned, on Stagecoach Road. Sergeant Spence Slater said officers lost sight of the car several times during the pursuit but were able to pick up the trail with the assistance of several residents who called 911 to report the car’s location. Slater said officers searched the area after finding the abandoned car and eventually located Gustina, on foot, near the Swisshome Store.
In an effort to keep local residents informed of risks in the community the Florence Police have compiled a report detailing sex offenders in the area. First off, according to spokesperson Sarah Huff, there are no predatory sex offenders living in the Florence zip code. But, she says, there are 52 individuals identified as being registered offenders. Of those, two are wanted for absconding from parole or probation and seven are currently supervised by the Sheriff’s Department. Huff said disclosure of information on non-predatory sex offenders is restrictive, but any member of the public can obtain a list simply by requesting it. She said it takes about two-weeks to process the request. Information on how to do so is available on the website www.florencepolice.net.
The Florence City Council will hear an update this evening on the status of current talks with the Heceta Water District to forge a series of inter-governmental agreements. City Manager Bob Willoughby says a series of issues are being worked on, including the charging of a franchise fee for Heceta water lines that run in city owned rights-of-way. In his report to the council Willoughby says the two parties are working out the details of how to implement such a fee that is not only easy to administer, but equitable for both agencies. The Council meets at seven pm at City Hall.
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
Boys’ Prep Basketball:
The Viking Boys basketball team picked up their first victory of the 09-10 campaign Saturday afternoon in Myrtle Point with a 59-49 victory over Gold Beach. With the win, Siuslaw picked up the consolation trophy at the Oregon First Community Classic basketball tournament. Friday night, they fell to tourney host Myrtle Point 54-31. In the Mountain West League, the Mapleton Sailors cruised to a 45-21 victory over Triangle Lake Friday evening. The win moves the Sailors to 2-1 in league play.
Girls’ Prep Basketball:
Siuslaw won the first round at the Oregon First Community Classic in Myrtle Point Friday evening, downing Myrtle Point 43-30. Gold Beach came away with the tournament trophy Saturday evening though, beating the Lady Viks 69 – 46. In the Mountain West, Mapleton fell to Triangle Lake Friday afternoon 41-30.
Oregon’s longest-running prep invitational basketball tournament opens up this afternoon in Reedsport. The 38th Dune Country Classic features boys and girls teams from Taft, Toledo, Yoncalla and Reedsport. It wraps up tomorrow.
College Basketball:
First the men… it took a while to get some separation, but the Oregon State Beavers eventually outpaced the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils 76 – 62 Saturday evening in Corvallis. Head Coach Craig Robinson expressed his displeasure with the Beavers’ lackluster performance in the first half. Down Highway 99 in Eugene, Sophomore center Michael Dunigan had 16-points and ten rebounds to lead Oregon to a 72-60 win over Oakland of Michigan. Grizzlies’ coach Greg Kampe was ejected from the game with 4:29 remaining after strenuously arguing an offensive foul called on one of his players.
For the women… Talisa Rhea (REE-uh) led the Beavers with 20-points and Oregon State ended a four-game homestand with a 64-48 victory over Seattle University Friday night. The Oregon women are off to their best start in five years, improving to 9-2 with a 78-66 victory Sunday afternoon over Wyoming. Senior guard Micaela Cocks scored 15 of her 17 points in the second half to lead the way for the Ducks.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Christmas Baskets get a bump; Jordan Cove approved by FERC; Urban Renewal targets water project; and Museum gets the land
Christmas Baskets get a boost…
The volunteers with the Community Christmas Basket project had extra large smiles and an extra spring in their step yesterday afternoon as they prepared for tomorrow’s distribution.
217 -- "We're doing much better than we were about a week ago. We're about $25,000 which means we're going, at this point, to be able to do nice baskets for about 550 families."
That also means they raised about $10-thousand in just over the past week alone. Something that made Carol Bennett beam as she talked about preparations. For the second year in a row the baskets will be handed out at the former Dunham Motors site on Highway 101. Bennett said there are no requirements… all someone has to do is say they have a need. They’ll begin handing out the boxes at ten A.M. tomorrow morning. Bennett said people need to enter from Spruce Street and use the 25th street entrance.
A $1.25-million project to install a new 12-inch water line in the historic Old Town Florence area got the nod recently by the Florence Urban Renewal Agency Board of Directors.
216 -- "as the top infrastructure priority for the first bond issue and the board approved that recommendation. So that's the initial step in the structuring of a bond issue and getting into the program next year."
Mayor Phil Brubaker said there’s still a lot of planning and engineering needed and it may be up to two years before they begin to dig. When it’s completed however, it’s expected to provide more reliable service and dramatically increase the ‘fire-flow’… the amount of water that can be used in event of an emergency.
Backers of the Oregon Coast Military Heritage Museum now have some real estate to go under the building that they purchased earlier this year. They signed a lease with the City of Florence earlier this week to place the new museum on a parcel of ground in the Business Park on Kingwood near the airport.
215 -- "The next move is to continue our museum design so that we can finalize a construction budget, start pulling permits, prepping the ground, and actually get the building started. We think that we are still on schedule to meet our building shell to be completed by November 11 of 2010."
Cal Applebee said the group is grateful for the assistance and cooperation of the city through the entire process so far.
Federal regulators approved the construction of a liquefied natural gas terminal on the north edge of Coos Bay along with a pipeline through South-West Oregon to the California state line. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission… FERC… voted 3-1 yesterday in Washington, DC to approved the Jordan Cove project. The super-cooled gas would be delivered to the terminal by ship, then distributed through the 230-mile long pipeline set to run through Douglas, Jackson and Klamath Counties. Economic development proponents say the terminal will bring much needed jobs to the region, but opponents say they plan to appeal. Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski and Attorney General John Kroger say they intend to request a re-hearing of the decision.
From the Associated Press...
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A suspended Portland high school teacher
has been indicted on charges of delivery and possession of
methamphetamine. A Multnomah County grand jury indicted 35-year-old
Zuleyma Noemi Figueroa, who taught Spanish at Benson Polytechnic
High School. The Oregonian reports she is due to be arraigned today
in Multnomah County Circuit Court.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Environmental activist Jeffrey "Free"
Luers has been released from prison after spending more than eight
years behind bars for setting three SUVs on fire at a Eugene
dealership. Luers was initially sentenced to almost 23 years in
prison, but the Oregon Court of Appeals ordered resentencing in
2007. A Lane County Circuit Court judge cut it to 10 years.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon's attorney general says the popular
Cash for Clunkers program required that car dealers pass along the
scrap value of old cars to the customers who traded them in.
Attorney General John Kroger says that two Portland-area
dealerships have agreed to settle disputes by paying 236 customers
a combined $43,571 for the scrap value of trade-ins.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An analysis by The Oregonian newspaper shows
that more people in Oregon are committing fraud to get government
benefits. Since the economy dived into a deep recession last year,
instances of cheating to get unemployment and Medicaid benefits
have jumped. Investigators confirmed nearly 1,500 cases of
unemployment fraud in October 2009 - a 122 percent increase over
October 2008.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Zoo has taken in two orphaned
cougar cubs over the past week and a half. The brother-and-sister
duo were captured by wildlife officials after a homeowner near the
Springfield Country Club shot and killed their mother as she
approached his dogs. Orphaned cubs nurse until three months and
can't survive on their own in the wild.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Portland television station is reporting
that a 43-year-old man convicted of a 1998 triple homicide in West
Salem could soon be out of jail. K-A-T-U reports that the Polk
County district attorney's office has decided to dismiss the case
against Phillip Cannon, who has maintained that he did NOT murder
Jason Kinzer, Suzan Osborne and Celesta Graves.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - Water flowing from southern Oregon's
Applegate Dam could start generating electricity by 2014 under a
new federal hydropower license issued yesterday. The Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission issued the license to Symbiotics, a
Utah-based utility that plans to attach a 10-megawatt generating
facility to the dam on the Applegate River.
EAGLE POINT, Ore. (AP) - Authorities are deciding whether to
file felony charges against three Eagle Point teenagers accused of
sending sexually explicit photos of minors by text message. Eagle
Point Police Chief David Strand says the teens - two boys and one
girl - sent the photos to numerous students at the local high
school.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Lots of prep basketball on the court today and tomorrow… the Mapleton Sailors are at home this afternoon for a double-header against Triangle lake… the girls tip off at three, the boys at 4:30. Siuslaw enters the holiday tournament season in Myrtle Point this evening… the Viking Girls take on Myrtle Point at six… the boys also face the Bobcats in their game at 7:30. The tourney continues tomorrow.
On the college court… the Oregon State women are at home this evening against Seattle University. The Oregon women are in Laramie Sunday afternoon where they’ll face the University of Wyoming. Tomorrow for the men, it’s Oregon State against Mississippi Valley State at seven… .a 6:30 airtime is set for KCFM. The Oregon Men are also at home tomorrow… they’re hosting Oakland of Michigan at 7:30… the pregame here on Coast Radio will be at seven.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Three Oregon football players are scheduled
to appear in Eugene Municipal Court next month on charges of
discharging a firearm. Police say one of the players shattered an
apartment window Monday with a shot from a pellet gun. The
department says 18-year-old Brian Harris, 18-year-old Benjamin
Butterfield and 19-year-old Brian Jackson were playfully shooting
at each other and did not aim for the window. They're due in court
Jan. 4 -- three days after the Rose Bowl.
The volunteers with the Community Christmas Basket project had extra large smiles and an extra spring in their step yesterday afternoon as they prepared for tomorrow’s distribution.
217 -- "We're doing much better than we were about a week ago. We're about $25,000 which means we're going, at this point, to be able to do nice baskets for about 550 families."
That also means they raised about $10-thousand in just over the past week alone. Something that made Carol Bennett beam as she talked about preparations. For the second year in a row the baskets will be handed out at the former Dunham Motors site on Highway 101. Bennett said there are no requirements… all someone has to do is say they have a need. They’ll begin handing out the boxes at ten A.M. tomorrow morning. Bennett said people need to enter from Spruce Street and use the 25th street entrance.
A $1.25-million project to install a new 12-inch water line in the historic Old Town Florence area got the nod recently by the Florence Urban Renewal Agency Board of Directors.
216 -- "as the top infrastructure priority for the first bond issue and the board approved that recommendation. So that's the initial step in the structuring of a bond issue and getting into the program next year."
Mayor Phil Brubaker said there’s still a lot of planning and engineering needed and it may be up to two years before they begin to dig. When it’s completed however, it’s expected to provide more reliable service and dramatically increase the ‘fire-flow’… the amount of water that can be used in event of an emergency.
Backers of the Oregon Coast Military Heritage Museum now have some real estate to go under the building that they purchased earlier this year. They signed a lease with the City of Florence earlier this week to place the new museum on a parcel of ground in the Business Park on Kingwood near the airport.
215 -- "The next move is to continue our museum design so that we can finalize a construction budget, start pulling permits, prepping the ground, and actually get the building started. We think that we are still on schedule to meet our building shell to be completed by November 11 of 2010."
Cal Applebee said the group is grateful for the assistance and cooperation of the city through the entire process so far.
Federal regulators approved the construction of a liquefied natural gas terminal on the north edge of Coos Bay along with a pipeline through South-West Oregon to the California state line. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission… FERC… voted 3-1 yesterday in Washington, DC to approved the Jordan Cove project. The super-cooled gas would be delivered to the terminal by ship, then distributed through the 230-mile long pipeline set to run through Douglas, Jackson and Klamath Counties. Economic development proponents say the terminal will bring much needed jobs to the region, but opponents say they plan to appeal. Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski and Attorney General John Kroger say they intend to request a re-hearing of the decision.
From the Associated Press...
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A suspended Portland high school teacher
has been indicted on charges of delivery and possession of
methamphetamine. A Multnomah County grand jury indicted 35-year-old
Zuleyma Noemi Figueroa, who taught Spanish at Benson Polytechnic
High School. The Oregonian reports she is due to be arraigned today
in Multnomah County Circuit Court.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Environmental activist Jeffrey "Free"
Luers has been released from prison after spending more than eight
years behind bars for setting three SUVs on fire at a Eugene
dealership. Luers was initially sentenced to almost 23 years in
prison, but the Oregon Court of Appeals ordered resentencing in
2007. A Lane County Circuit Court judge cut it to 10 years.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon's attorney general says the popular
Cash for Clunkers program required that car dealers pass along the
scrap value of old cars to the customers who traded them in.
Attorney General John Kroger says that two Portland-area
dealerships have agreed to settle disputes by paying 236 customers
a combined $43,571 for the scrap value of trade-ins.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An analysis by The Oregonian newspaper shows
that more people in Oregon are committing fraud to get government
benefits. Since the economy dived into a deep recession last year,
instances of cheating to get unemployment and Medicaid benefits
have jumped. Investigators confirmed nearly 1,500 cases of
unemployment fraud in October 2009 - a 122 percent increase over
October 2008.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Zoo has taken in two orphaned
cougar cubs over the past week and a half. The brother-and-sister
duo were captured by wildlife officials after a homeowner near the
Springfield Country Club shot and killed their mother as she
approached his dogs. Orphaned cubs nurse until three months and
can't survive on their own in the wild.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Portland television station is reporting
that a 43-year-old man convicted of a 1998 triple homicide in West
Salem could soon be out of jail. K-A-T-U reports that the Polk
County district attorney's office has decided to dismiss the case
against Phillip Cannon, who has maintained that he did NOT murder
Jason Kinzer, Suzan Osborne and Celesta Graves.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - Water flowing from southern Oregon's
Applegate Dam could start generating electricity by 2014 under a
new federal hydropower license issued yesterday. The Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission issued the license to Symbiotics, a
Utah-based utility that plans to attach a 10-megawatt generating
facility to the dam on the Applegate River.
EAGLE POINT, Ore. (AP) - Authorities are deciding whether to
file felony charges against three Eagle Point teenagers accused of
sending sexually explicit photos of minors by text message. Eagle
Point Police Chief David Strand says the teens - two boys and one
girl - sent the photos to numerous students at the local high
school.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Lots of prep basketball on the court today and tomorrow… the Mapleton Sailors are at home this afternoon for a double-header against Triangle lake… the girls tip off at three, the boys at 4:30. Siuslaw enters the holiday tournament season in Myrtle Point this evening… the Viking Girls take on Myrtle Point at six… the boys also face the Bobcats in their game at 7:30. The tourney continues tomorrow.
On the college court… the Oregon State women are at home this evening against Seattle University. The Oregon women are in Laramie Sunday afternoon where they’ll face the University of Wyoming. Tomorrow for the men, it’s Oregon State against Mississippi Valley State at seven… .a 6:30 airtime is set for KCFM. The Oregon Men are also at home tomorrow… they’re hosting Oakland of Michigan at 7:30… the pregame here on Coast Radio will be at seven.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Three Oregon football players are scheduled
to appear in Eugene Municipal Court next month on charges of
discharging a firearm. Police say one of the players shattered an
apartment window Monday with a shot from a pellet gun. The
department says 18-year-old Brian Harris, 18-year-old Benjamin
Butterfield and 19-year-old Brian Jackson were playfully shooting
at each other and did not aim for the window. They're due in court
Jan. 4 -- three days after the Rose Bowl.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Music education crucial to young students; LCC science lab nearing completion; Winter Folk Festival lineup previewed; and Florence Urban Renewal...
Younger students get lasting benefits from music in the classroom
His youngest students are in the sixth grade, but Siuslaw High School and Middle School Band Director Steve Conaton (KON-uh-tunn) says including music education in younger grades is imperative.
205 – “You know music is something that is absolutely universal to everyone and not having the opportunity for a musical education will make kids miss out on so many different things.”
Working on rhythms and scales can create a bonding experience for kids and Conaton says it makes them feel like they’re part of something larger.
206 – “That idea of putting this whole group of kids together in one classroom and having them all do something exactly together and learning like the procedures they will always have an opportunity to put on a performance.”
That ability to perform is something that, as adults, we do all the time; whether it’s a business presentation or some other public engagement:
207 – “That experience of being on a stage and performing in some way is a hugely important skill that will definitely last with them for a lifetime.”
Conaton will present sixth, seventh and eighth grade band members as part of the annual Holiday Concert at Siuslaw Middle School this evening. The concert is free and open to the public. It begins at 7:30.
While we’re on the topic of music and music education… For the past several years the Florence Winter Folk Festival has funded a two-week music curriculum in Mapleton and Siuslaw schools culminating in a free concert for grade-schoolers at the Florence Events Center by headliners. This year the popular all-female acoustical group “Misty River” will appear at the festival and offer two free concerts to area grade-schoolers. The Winter Folk Festival is set for January 23rd and 24th.
(Noon Only)
Festival Director Hal Weiner will talk about the lineup this afternoon on KCST’s Community Forum.
Work is wrapping up at Lane Community College in Florence on the construction of a new science lab. Dr. Ken Stone teaches microbiology. He said students are forced to share one small sink and he has do most of his lab preparations at home. That will change when the work is complete just after the first of the year. Stone showed off the new science lab and ‘Smart Classroom’ technology yesterday.
210 – “A podium that has all the electronics in one location to be able to teach using almost all of the media available. It allows us to use more materials in the classroom than we were ever able to.”
When construction is complete there will actually be two ‘smart classrooms’ allowing instructors to switch freely from video to overhead to computer presentations without delay.
The Florence Urban Renewal Agency released its annual report earlier this month. Today at noon the agency’s Vice President, Mike Webb will talk about it during the monthly Chamber of Commerce Noon Forum at Tavolo Restaurant at Sandpines Golf Links… It’s open to the public.
From the Associated Press:
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Authorities say they have officially
suspended the search for two climbers missing and presumed dead on
Mount Hood. Searchers have been able to do little during a snow
storm the past two days. Twenty-nine-year-old Katie Nolan of
Portland and 24-year-old Anthony Vietti of Longview, Wash., have
been missing since Friday. The body of a third climber, 26-year-old
Luke Gullberg of Des Moines, Wash., was found Saturday. Rescuers
suspect they had an accident.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - The mother and stepfather of a 15-year-old
Eugene girl who died last week have been indicted on charges of
aggravated murder. Lawyers entered not guilty pleas on behalf of
Richard and Angela McAnulty yesterday in Lane County Circuit Court.
That hearing took place shortly before a public memorial was held
for Jeanette Maples in Springfield.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Portland Water Bureau says a seagull
is likely to blame for E. coli that contaminated a city reservoir.
The city issued a rare boil water order in November for 50,000
homes and businesses after two samples taken over two days came
back positive for a relatively mild strain of E. coli. The bureau
says genetic testing has indicated seagull DNA.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Multnomah County inmate has been
sentenced to five years in prison while he awaits trial on a murder
charge. Charles Louis Sampson Jr. pleaded guilty to charges that he
cheated Qwest Communications and the county jail by figuring out
how to avoid making collect calls. The scheme involved setting up
business lines for fictional people, and Sampson sold his method to
other prisoners for about $50-$60.
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) - The U.S. Forest Service is rewriting
the basic planning rule that balances logging against wildlife,
clean water, and other benefits of the national forests.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced from Washington D.C.
this morning that work is starting on an environmental impact
statement to take the place of one produced by the Bush
administration that was struck down by a federal judge.
WHITE CITY, Ore. (AP) - A jury has convicted a man who led
police on a chase in White City that injured two Jackson County
sheriff's deputies. Prosecutors say Nathan Lynn Ramey rammed the
patrol cars with his pickup during a May 7 pursuit on Highway 62.
Jurors found him guilty of assault and attempted assault. Ramey
will be sentenced Dec. 22 - the day he turns 45.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - A man responsible for a notorious Southern
Oregon crime spree earlier this decade has been found NOT guilty of
welfare fraud. Eric Ziegler had been out of prison for 13 days when
he was arrested in June on charges of unlawfully obtaining food
stamps, unlawfully obtaining public assistance and theft.
BONANZA, Ore. (AP) - The authorities arrested a motorist accused
of driving his truck into a power pole and telephone box near
Bonanza and then fleeing. Klamath County sheriff's deputies
arrested 30-year-old Tom G. Wilkie at a residence on Bly Mountain
Cutoff Road. He is charged with criminal mischief and failing to
perform duties of a driver.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Prep Basketball:
The Siuslaw Viking girls trailed the number one ranked Cottage Grove Lions early, ultimately falling 68-28 last night in Florence. Leigh Aurich led the Vikings with 8 points.
College Basketball:
First the women… Number-25 Georgia Tech downed the Ducks 87 – 69 last night in Atlanta. Micaela Cocks led Oregon with 19 points. For the men, in Eugene… Garrett Sim had 19 points in the Ducks’ 79-51 victory over Mississippi Valley State. It was Sim’s first start of the season, he was five-of-nine from outside the arc and six of 12 from the field overall. In Chicago, Illinois-Chicago’s Robo Kreps scored on a drive to the basket with six seconds left to rally the Flames to a 63 – 61 upset victory over the Oregon State Men. Head Coach Craig Robinson called the loss – quote – “frustrating”. The Beavers blew a late seven point lead and are now four-and-five overall.
His youngest students are in the sixth grade, but Siuslaw High School and Middle School Band Director Steve Conaton (KON-uh-tunn) says including music education in younger grades is imperative.
205 – “You know music is something that is absolutely universal to everyone and not having the opportunity for a musical education will make kids miss out on so many different things.”
Working on rhythms and scales can create a bonding experience for kids and Conaton says it makes them feel like they’re part of something larger.
206 – “That idea of putting this whole group of kids together in one classroom and having them all do something exactly together and learning like the procedures they will always have an opportunity to put on a performance.”
That ability to perform is something that, as adults, we do all the time; whether it’s a business presentation or some other public engagement:
207 – “That experience of being on a stage and performing in some way is a hugely important skill that will definitely last with them for a lifetime.”
Conaton will present sixth, seventh and eighth grade band members as part of the annual Holiday Concert at Siuslaw Middle School this evening. The concert is free and open to the public. It begins at 7:30.
While we’re on the topic of music and music education… For the past several years the Florence Winter Folk Festival has funded a two-week music curriculum in Mapleton and Siuslaw schools culminating in a free concert for grade-schoolers at the Florence Events Center by headliners. This year the popular all-female acoustical group “Misty River” will appear at the festival and offer two free concerts to area grade-schoolers. The Winter Folk Festival is set for January 23rd and 24th.
(Noon Only)
Festival Director Hal Weiner will talk about the lineup this afternoon on KCST’s Community Forum.
Work is wrapping up at Lane Community College in Florence on the construction of a new science lab. Dr. Ken Stone teaches microbiology. He said students are forced to share one small sink and he has do most of his lab preparations at home. That will change when the work is complete just after the first of the year. Stone showed off the new science lab and ‘Smart Classroom’ technology yesterday.
210 – “A podium that has all the electronics in one location to be able to teach using almost all of the media available. It allows us to use more materials in the classroom than we were ever able to.”
When construction is complete there will actually be two ‘smart classrooms’ allowing instructors to switch freely from video to overhead to computer presentations without delay.
The Florence Urban Renewal Agency released its annual report earlier this month. Today at noon the agency’s Vice President, Mike Webb will talk about it during the monthly Chamber of Commerce Noon Forum at Tavolo Restaurant at Sandpines Golf Links… It’s open to the public.
From the Associated Press:
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Authorities say they have officially
suspended the search for two climbers missing and presumed dead on
Mount Hood. Searchers have been able to do little during a snow
storm the past two days. Twenty-nine-year-old Katie Nolan of
Portland and 24-year-old Anthony Vietti of Longview, Wash., have
been missing since Friday. The body of a third climber, 26-year-old
Luke Gullberg of Des Moines, Wash., was found Saturday. Rescuers
suspect they had an accident.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - The mother and stepfather of a 15-year-old
Eugene girl who died last week have been indicted on charges of
aggravated murder. Lawyers entered not guilty pleas on behalf of
Richard and Angela McAnulty yesterday in Lane County Circuit Court.
That hearing took place shortly before a public memorial was held
for Jeanette Maples in Springfield.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Portland Water Bureau says a seagull
is likely to blame for E. coli that contaminated a city reservoir.
The city issued a rare boil water order in November for 50,000
homes and businesses after two samples taken over two days came
back positive for a relatively mild strain of E. coli. The bureau
says genetic testing has indicated seagull DNA.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Multnomah County inmate has been
sentenced to five years in prison while he awaits trial on a murder
charge. Charles Louis Sampson Jr. pleaded guilty to charges that he
cheated Qwest Communications and the county jail by figuring out
how to avoid making collect calls. The scheme involved setting up
business lines for fictional people, and Sampson sold his method to
other prisoners for about $50-$60.
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) - The U.S. Forest Service is rewriting
the basic planning rule that balances logging against wildlife,
clean water, and other benefits of the national forests.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced from Washington D.C.
this morning that work is starting on an environmental impact
statement to take the place of one produced by the Bush
administration that was struck down by a federal judge.
WHITE CITY, Ore. (AP) - A jury has convicted a man who led
police on a chase in White City that injured two Jackson County
sheriff's deputies. Prosecutors say Nathan Lynn Ramey rammed the
patrol cars with his pickup during a May 7 pursuit on Highway 62.
Jurors found him guilty of assault and attempted assault. Ramey
will be sentenced Dec. 22 - the day he turns 45.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - A man responsible for a notorious Southern
Oregon crime spree earlier this decade has been found NOT guilty of
welfare fraud. Eric Ziegler had been out of prison for 13 days when
he was arrested in June on charges of unlawfully obtaining food
stamps, unlawfully obtaining public assistance and theft.
BONANZA, Ore. (AP) - The authorities arrested a motorist accused
of driving his truck into a power pole and telephone box near
Bonanza and then fleeing. Klamath County sheriff's deputies
arrested 30-year-old Tom G. Wilkie at a residence on Bly Mountain
Cutoff Road. He is charged with criminal mischief and failing to
perform duties of a driver.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Prep Basketball:
The Siuslaw Viking girls trailed the number one ranked Cottage Grove Lions early, ultimately falling 68-28 last night in Florence. Leigh Aurich led the Vikings with 8 points.
College Basketball:
First the women… Number-25 Georgia Tech downed the Ducks 87 – 69 last night in Atlanta. Micaela Cocks led Oregon with 19 points. For the men, in Eugene… Garrett Sim had 19 points in the Ducks’ 79-51 victory over Mississippi Valley State. It was Sim’s first start of the season, he was five-of-nine from outside the arc and six of 12 from the field overall. In Chicago, Illinois-Chicago’s Robo Kreps scored on a drive to the basket with six seconds left to rally the Flames to a 63 – 61 upset victory over the Oregon State Men. Head Coach Craig Robinson called the loss – quote – “frustrating”. The Beavers blew a late seven point lead and are now four-and-five overall.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Clarification of H1N1 Vaccine recall
The voluntary recall of H1N1 vaccine intended for young children doesn't mean the vaccine was unsafe or defective. Christine Stone, Communications Officer with the Oregon Public Health Division says the vaccine was not as potent as specs called for but would be effective enough to provide the anti-bodies needed to prevent H1N1 flu. Any children who may have been vaccinated by the 'under-strength' serum would not neccesarily need to be re-vaccinated, but Centers for Disease Control guidelines suggest that children nine and under receive a second dose about one month following the first one.
An earlier story was unclear and may have suggested that any child who received the low potency vaccine would have to be vaccinated again.
An earlier story was unclear and may have suggested that any child who received the low potency vaccine would have to be vaccinated again.
H1N1 Vaccine recall to have minimal impact; gas holds steady; Sweet Creek Road slide blocked traffic; Hamilton arrested
Recalled H1N1 Vaccine shouldn’t effect
800-thousand doses of H1N1 vaccine intended for children between the ages of six months and three years has been voluntarily recalled nationally. Several hundred of the pre-filled syringes had been received by public health offices in Lane, Coos and Douglas Counties, but officials say none of them had been used. But even if they had been, it would have only meant that children who received the shots would have to be vaccinated again. The manufacturer of the drug said the serum had lost its potency after it was packaged and posed no health threat. Lane County spokesperson Amber Fossen pointed out that children under age nine who have already been vaccinated for the HIN1 virus need to receive a second dose at least one month after the first shot anyway. Oregon is expected to receive another 175-thousand doses of the ‘swine-origin’ flu vaccine this week alone. Officials say anyone who wants the shot… or the nasal spray… can get it. It’s available at most outlets that provide vaccinations.
Officials in Douglas County are investigating the death of a 55-year old man whose body was found on the beach near Winchester Bay Saturday morning. No cause of death, nor the man’s identity has been released. The man was apparently the subject of a search and rescue operation in the area late last week.
Sweet Creek Road one mile south of Highway 126 was restricted to one lane of traffic yesterday because of a slide. Lane County Public Works crews began work on clearing debris late yesterday afternoon.
Florence Police are no longer looking for Jerry Michael Hamilton. The 47-year old Florence man was taken into custody Saturday afternoon by a state trooper. He had been wanted on a Lane County Parole violation and his home, just north of Florence, was the subject of a search warrant served last week. Police found drugs and drug paraphernalia during the search and said they would be seeking additional charges against Hamilton.
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded held steady in Florence for the seventh week in a row at $2.61. According to Triple-A Oregon’s Statewide average fell by two cents this past week to $2.73 a gallon. The national average also dropped… by about three cents. It’s at $2.60.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
College Basketball…
Julie Futch matched her career high with 15 points as the Oregon State Women beat U-C Irvine 58-42 last night in Corvallis. The Beavers, at six-and-two, have held opponents to fewer than 49 points in four of their eight games this season.
On the Schedule tonight… The Oregon Men will be without starting senior Point Guard Tajuan Porter and senior forward Joevan Catron (JO-vonn KAY-tron) tonight when they host the Mississippi State Delta Devils. Both players are dealing with injuries. That game airs on KCST at 7:00 with an airtime of 6:30. Oregon State is in Chicago where they’ll go up against the Illinois-Chicago Flames. Pregame on KCFM is at 4:30 with a 5:00 tipoff. The Oregon women open up the first of three games in A-C-C country tonight when they face Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Prep basketball is on the schedule this evening as well… the Lady Vikings will host Cottage Grove in a makeup game set for seven o’clock at Siuslaw High School.
800-thousand doses of H1N1 vaccine intended for children between the ages of six months and three years has been voluntarily recalled nationally. Several hundred of the pre-filled syringes had been received by public health offices in Lane, Coos and Douglas Counties, but officials say none of them had been used. But even if they had been, it would have only meant that children who received the shots would have to be vaccinated again. The manufacturer of the drug said the serum had lost its potency after it was packaged and posed no health threat. Lane County spokesperson Amber Fossen pointed out that children under age nine who have already been vaccinated for the HIN1 virus need to receive a second dose at least one month after the first shot anyway. Oregon is expected to receive another 175-thousand doses of the ‘swine-origin’ flu vaccine this week alone. Officials say anyone who wants the shot… or the nasal spray… can get it. It’s available at most outlets that provide vaccinations.
Officials in Douglas County are investigating the death of a 55-year old man whose body was found on the beach near Winchester Bay Saturday morning. No cause of death, nor the man’s identity has been released. The man was apparently the subject of a search and rescue operation in the area late last week.
Sweet Creek Road one mile south of Highway 126 was restricted to one lane of traffic yesterday because of a slide. Lane County Public Works crews began work on clearing debris late yesterday afternoon.
Florence Police are no longer looking for Jerry Michael Hamilton. The 47-year old Florence man was taken into custody Saturday afternoon by a state trooper. He had been wanted on a Lane County Parole violation and his home, just north of Florence, was the subject of a search warrant served last week. Police found drugs and drug paraphernalia during the search and said they would be seeking additional charges against Hamilton.
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded held steady in Florence for the seventh week in a row at $2.61. According to Triple-A Oregon’s Statewide average fell by two cents this past week to $2.73 a gallon. The national average also dropped… by about three cents. It’s at $2.60.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
College Basketball…
Julie Futch matched her career high with 15 points as the Oregon State Women beat U-C Irvine 58-42 last night in Corvallis. The Beavers, at six-and-two, have held opponents to fewer than 49 points in four of their eight games this season.
On the Schedule tonight… The Oregon Men will be without starting senior Point Guard Tajuan Porter and senior forward Joevan Catron (JO-vonn KAY-tron) tonight when they host the Mississippi State Delta Devils. Both players are dealing with injuries. That game airs on KCST at 7:00 with an airtime of 6:30. Oregon State is in Chicago where they’ll go up against the Illinois-Chicago Flames. Pregame on KCFM is at 4:30 with a 5:00 tipoff. The Oregon women open up the first of three games in A-C-C country tonight when they face Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Prep basketball is on the schedule this evening as well… the Lady Vikings will host Cottage Grove in a makeup game set for seven o’clock at Siuslaw High School.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
101 Pedestrian crossings get a boost; Second set of remains found on Yachats beach; Reedsport police pursue sex abuse investigation
Pedestrian safety gets a boost…
Officials gathered on the center island of a new pedestrian crossing at Highway 101 and 30th street in the rain yesterday to cut the ribbon on improvements aimed at making it easier and safer to cross the roadway.
200 – “Well, it’s a much more visible presence, the crossing is. All of the features of it, the median island, the flashers and then the crosswalk striping is all designed to make the crossing more visible to motor vehicle drivers.”
Sheila Lyons is the Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Manager for the Oregon Department of Transportation. She and the dozen or so city and state officials were on hand to commemorate the completion of what is hoped to be the first of about a half dozen similar crossings in Florence. Lyons said the cost so far is about $150-thousand.
201 - “That was not all spent at this particular location because we designed another location and then we did preliminary design, I think, on an additional four locations.”
O-DOT and the City of Florence are teaming up on planning for those crossings. The next one is scheduled for sometime next year between Seventh and Eighth Streets. Four others will eventually be installed: At Second; Twelfth; Fifteenth; and between 18th and 19th. All of the crossings are intended to prevent another tragedy like the one that claimed the life of then 14-year old Dustin Eichelberger at 30th street in 2000.
No identification has been made yet on a second body discovered on the beach just north of Yachats over the weekend. The remains were found Sunday about a mile north of the spot at Smelt Sands State Park where another body was found December 3rd. The first remains were later identified as those of Bill Bodewig, one of two fishermen who did not return as expected from a fishing trip on the rocks between Florence and Yachats. 23-year old Nicky Lutz (LOOTZ) of Florence also disappeared at the same time. Authorities say they have not determined whether or not the latest remains are his. A celebration of life has been set for two pm Saturday afternoon at Siuslaw High School for Lutz.
Police in Reedsport are continuing their investigation into possible sex abuse allegations against 33-year old Justin Vail Ure (YURR-ee). Several abuse charges have already been filed aginst the Reedsport man, alleging he victimized two boys, one 11, the other 13. Judy Macho (MOKK-oh) with the Reedsport Police said investigators are seeking information on whether or not there may be other victims. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact them.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Prep Basketball:
First the girls… Siuslaw battled back from an early deficit but led the entire second half for a 41 – 32 victory on the road over the Elmira Falcons last night. Stacie Voogd was six of ten from the free throw line with 14 points to lead all scorers. Seabre Church and Jenna Hanslits had eight apiece. In Crow, Liz Harry led the lady Sailors with 11 points, but Mapleton fell to the Cougars 48 – 30. On the boys court, Eric Tipler had 13 points for the Vikings, but Siuslaw fell for their third straight game, 54 – 41 to the Elmira Falcons. The Mapleton Sailors also a low… this on the road, 77 – 70 to the Crow Cougars. Chad Walker led the Sailors with 33 points.
Athlete of the Week:
Siuslaw Wrestling standout Jacob Graber is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. The Senior 125-pounder won his first three matches with a fall and two decisions before finishing in sixth place overall at the North Bend Coast Classic last week. Honorable Mention goes to Siuslaw basketball standout Leigh Aurich who averaged 8 points per game for the Siuslaw Viking Girls basketball team last week.
On The Schedule Tonight:
The Oregon State women will host the U-C Irvine Anteaters in Corvallis.
Officials gathered on the center island of a new pedestrian crossing at Highway 101 and 30th street in the rain yesterday to cut the ribbon on improvements aimed at making it easier and safer to cross the roadway.
200 – “Well, it’s a much more visible presence, the crossing is. All of the features of it, the median island, the flashers and then the crosswalk striping is all designed to make the crossing more visible to motor vehicle drivers.”
Sheila Lyons is the Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Manager for the Oregon Department of Transportation. She and the dozen or so city and state officials were on hand to commemorate the completion of what is hoped to be the first of about a half dozen similar crossings in Florence. Lyons said the cost so far is about $150-thousand.
201 - “That was not all spent at this particular location because we designed another location and then we did preliminary design, I think, on an additional four locations.”
O-DOT and the City of Florence are teaming up on planning for those crossings. The next one is scheduled for sometime next year between Seventh and Eighth Streets. Four others will eventually be installed: At Second; Twelfth; Fifteenth; and between 18th and 19th. All of the crossings are intended to prevent another tragedy like the one that claimed the life of then 14-year old Dustin Eichelberger at 30th street in 2000.
No identification has been made yet on a second body discovered on the beach just north of Yachats over the weekend. The remains were found Sunday about a mile north of the spot at Smelt Sands State Park where another body was found December 3rd. The first remains were later identified as those of Bill Bodewig, one of two fishermen who did not return as expected from a fishing trip on the rocks between Florence and Yachats. 23-year old Nicky Lutz (LOOTZ) of Florence also disappeared at the same time. Authorities say they have not determined whether or not the latest remains are his. A celebration of life has been set for two pm Saturday afternoon at Siuslaw High School for Lutz.
Police in Reedsport are continuing their investigation into possible sex abuse allegations against 33-year old Justin Vail Ure (YURR-ee). Several abuse charges have already been filed aginst the Reedsport man, alleging he victimized two boys, one 11, the other 13. Judy Macho (MOKK-oh) with the Reedsport Police said investigators are seeking information on whether or not there may be other victims. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact them.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Prep Basketball:
First the girls… Siuslaw battled back from an early deficit but led the entire second half for a 41 – 32 victory on the road over the Elmira Falcons last night. Stacie Voogd was six of ten from the free throw line with 14 points to lead all scorers. Seabre Church and Jenna Hanslits had eight apiece. In Crow, Liz Harry led the lady Sailors with 11 points, but Mapleton fell to the Cougars 48 – 30. On the boys court, Eric Tipler had 13 points for the Vikings, but Siuslaw fell for their third straight game, 54 – 41 to the Elmira Falcons. The Mapleton Sailors also a low… this on the road, 77 – 70 to the Crow Cougars. Chad Walker led the Sailors with 33 points.
Athlete of the Week:
Siuslaw Wrestling standout Jacob Graber is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. The Senior 125-pounder won his first three matches with a fall and two decisions before finishing in sixth place overall at the North Bend Coast Classic last week. Honorable Mention goes to Siuslaw basketball standout Leigh Aurich who averaged 8 points per game for the Siuslaw Viking Girls basketball team last week.
On The Schedule Tonight:
The Oregon State women will host the U-C Irvine Anteaters in Corvallis.
Monday, December 14, 2009
H1N1 Vaccine availability expanding - High Wind Warning in effect - Overnight noise on bridge work again tonight and Florence runner finishes 2nd.
Swine Origin Vaccine available to all…
Beginning today anyone who wants it can get it. Public Health officials say they’ve received more than 861-thousand doses of the H1N1 vaccine in Oregon, 126-thousand of those just in the past week. That means there are adequate supplies and they’re eliminating the restriction that only those at highest risk of contracting swine-origin flu can be vaccinated. The director of the Oregon Public Health Department, Dr. Mel Kohn, said even though cases of the H1N1 flu have dropped over the past few weeks it still ‘makes sense’ to get the vaccination as he fears there is a good possibility that additional waves of the illness may occur over the next few months. County health departments will continue to distribute the vaccine and will work on getting it out to a variety of providers. In the Florence area PeaceHealth has been the sole source, but other retailers now have access to it. Since September 1st, the Health Department says, approximately 13-hundred patients have been hospitalized in Oregon with influenza… and 63 people have died.
The National Weather Service says a strong frontal system is approaching the Oregon Coast today, bringing with it sustained winds in exposed areas of thirty to forty miles an hour… and gusts as high as 70. A High Wind Warning is posted, predicting south-southeast winds expected to increase ahead of that system, then gradually diminish after midnight. The Weather service says strong winds have the potential to damage trees and cause power outages.
A contractor, working on a $5.3-million repair and upgrade project on the Highway 101-Siuslaw River bridge will continue work overnight on removing rivets from the draw-bridge ends. That means the noise level between eight pm and six am may be higher than normal. Oregon Department of Transportation assistant project manager Steve Templin said crews will use a variety of equipment to find a method that works best with the least noise. The work is being done at night to prevent major impacts to traffic as the work requires 20-minute bridge closures. Templin adds the project is on schedule for a summer 2010 completion.
The Florence City Council will be holding interviews this afternoon at City Hall beginning at four pm to meet with applicants to fill vacancies on various city boards and commissions.
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
Cross Country:
Florence 8th grader Mitchell Butler was the second runner across the finish line in the youth division of the USA Track & Field National Cross Country Finals Saturday in Reno, Nevada. Butler, with a time of 13:45 over the four kilometer course was nine seconds behind individual champion Ben Saarel from Provo, Utah. Also running on the Bowerman Athletic Club “A” Team was Matthew Campbell in 46th; Mack Marbas in 57th and Seth Campbell in 155th. The Bowerman team was third overall.
Prep Basketball:
Freezing rain prompted cancellation of the Siuslaw Viking-Cottage Grove Lions’ basketball games Friday. The boys game will not be made up but the girls will meet in Florence this Wednesday. Also postponed… the Mapleton Sailors and Crow Cougars… they’ll make those games up this evening. Also on the court this evening will be the Siuslaw Vikings and the Elmira Falcons... the boys in Florence; the girls in Elmira. The latter will air on Coast Radio Sports with a 7:00 airtime... tipoff at 7:15.
College Basketball:
The Oregon Men fell to St. Mary’s 81 – 76 Saturday afternoon at Mac Court in Eugene. Malcolm Armstead led Oregon with 14 points. In Lincoln, Nebraska the Oregon State Men closed the gap to four twice in the final minute, but the Cornhuskers held on for a 50 – 44 victory. One game on the court for the women over the weekend… Oregon State had four players in double figures and Kirsten Tilleman posted her second career double-double as Oregon State posted a 76-64 win over Weber State in Corvallis.
Beginning today anyone who wants it can get it. Public Health officials say they’ve received more than 861-thousand doses of the H1N1 vaccine in Oregon, 126-thousand of those just in the past week. That means there are adequate supplies and they’re eliminating the restriction that only those at highest risk of contracting swine-origin flu can be vaccinated. The director of the Oregon Public Health Department, Dr. Mel Kohn, said even though cases of the H1N1 flu have dropped over the past few weeks it still ‘makes sense’ to get the vaccination as he fears there is a good possibility that additional waves of the illness may occur over the next few months. County health departments will continue to distribute the vaccine and will work on getting it out to a variety of providers. In the Florence area PeaceHealth has been the sole source, but other retailers now have access to it. Since September 1st, the Health Department says, approximately 13-hundred patients have been hospitalized in Oregon with influenza… and 63 people have died.
The National Weather Service says a strong frontal system is approaching the Oregon Coast today, bringing with it sustained winds in exposed areas of thirty to forty miles an hour… and gusts as high as 70. A High Wind Warning is posted, predicting south-southeast winds expected to increase ahead of that system, then gradually diminish after midnight. The Weather service says strong winds have the potential to damage trees and cause power outages.
A contractor, working on a $5.3-million repair and upgrade project on the Highway 101-Siuslaw River bridge will continue work overnight on removing rivets from the draw-bridge ends. That means the noise level between eight pm and six am may be higher than normal. Oregon Department of Transportation assistant project manager Steve Templin said crews will use a variety of equipment to find a method that works best with the least noise. The work is being done at night to prevent major impacts to traffic as the work requires 20-minute bridge closures. Templin adds the project is on schedule for a summer 2010 completion.
The Florence City Council will be holding interviews this afternoon at City Hall beginning at four pm to meet with applicants to fill vacancies on various city boards and commissions.
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
Cross Country:
Florence 8th grader Mitchell Butler was the second runner across the finish line in the youth division of the USA Track & Field National Cross Country Finals Saturday in Reno, Nevada. Butler, with a time of 13:45 over the four kilometer course was nine seconds behind individual champion Ben Saarel from Provo, Utah. Also running on the Bowerman Athletic Club “A” Team was Matthew Campbell in 46th; Mack Marbas in 57th and Seth Campbell in 155th. The Bowerman team was third overall.
Prep Basketball:
Freezing rain prompted cancellation of the Siuslaw Viking-Cottage Grove Lions’ basketball games Friday. The boys game will not be made up but the girls will meet in Florence this Wednesday. Also postponed… the Mapleton Sailors and Crow Cougars… they’ll make those games up this evening. Also on the court this evening will be the Siuslaw Vikings and the Elmira Falcons... the boys in Florence; the girls in Elmira. The latter will air on Coast Radio Sports with a 7:00 airtime... tipoff at 7:15.
College Basketball:
The Oregon Men fell to St. Mary’s 81 – 76 Saturday afternoon at Mac Court in Eugene. Malcolm Armstead led Oregon with 14 points. In Lincoln, Nebraska the Oregon State Men closed the gap to four twice in the final minute, but the Cornhuskers held on for a 50 – 44 victory. One game on the court for the women over the weekend… Oregon State had four players in double figures and Kirsten Tilleman posted her second career double-double as Oregon State posted a 76-64 win over Weber State in Corvallis.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Oregon Youth Team finishes well at USATF National Cross Country Finals
Mitchell Butler of Florence was the second runner across the line in the USA Track & Field Youth National Cross Country finals this afternoon in Reno, Nevada pacing the Bowerman Athletic Club "A" Team to a third place team finish. Butler ran the 4K course in 13:45, nine seconds behind individual champion Ben Saarel with Team Provo.
2 #1495 Butler, Mitchell 95 Bac - A 13:45 2
31 #1525 Thompson, Kyle 96 Bac - A 14:33 17
46 #1496 Campbell, Matthew 95 Bac - A 14:46 29
57 #1512 Marbas, Mackenzie 95 Bac - A 14:51 33
59 #1527 Truax, Sam 96 Bac - A 14:52 35
72 #1493 Bergmann, Peter 95 Bac - A 15:01 42
136 #1522 Sussman, Mark 96 Bac - A 15:36 78
155 #1497 Campbell, Seth 96 Bac - A 15:51 90
Team Scores
=================================================================================
Rank Team Total 1 2 3 4 5 *6 *7 *8 *9
=================================================================================
1 16 38 Pleasanton Heat 61 6 8 10 14 23 28 36 39
Total Time: 1:11:53.00
Average: 14:22.60
2 15 33 Equalizers 108 4 5 19 27 53 66 74 75
Total Time: 1:12:43.00
Average: 14:32.60
3 13 37 Bowerman Athletic C 116 2 17 29 33 35 42 78 90
Total Time: 1:12:47.00
Average: 14:33.40
2 #1495 Butler, Mitchell 95 Bac - A 13:45 2
31 #1525 Thompson, Kyle 96 Bac - A 14:33 17
46 #1496 Campbell, Matthew 95 Bac - A 14:46 29
57 #1512 Marbas, Mackenzie 95 Bac - A 14:51 33
59 #1527 Truax, Sam 96 Bac - A 14:52 35
72 #1493 Bergmann, Peter 95 Bac - A 15:01 42
136 #1522 Sussman, Mark 96 Bac - A 15:36 78
155 #1497 Campbell, Seth 96 Bac - A 15:51 90
Team Scores
=================================================================================
Rank Team Total 1 2 3 4 5 *6 *7 *8 *9
=================================================================================
1 16 38 Pleasanton Heat 61 6 8 10 14 23 28 36 39
Total Time: 1:11:53.00
Average: 14:22.60
2 15 33 Equalizers 108 4 5 19 27 53 66 74 75
Total Time: 1:12:43.00
Average: 14:32.60
3 13 37 Bowerman Athletic C 116 2 17 29 33 35 42 78 90
Total Time: 1:12:47.00
Average: 14:33.40
Friday, December 11, 2009
Dickens Christmas wraps up this weekend; Florence police reach outside city again; Pedestrian crossing aims at preventing another tragedy.
Dickens Christmas wraps up with a little moonlight madness…
The second annual Dickens Christmas in Historic Old Town Florence will wrap up this weekend with a little bit of a Christmas classic, some hayrides and madness in the moonlight. The final presentation of The Nutcracker, presented by Nouvelle Lune Dance Company at the Florence Events Center takes the stage at seven tonight. Tomorrow, the hay wagon will be circulating through Florence ferrying shoppers through the Old Town area. For those who prefer to walk, there’ll be a ‘mutt strut’ on the Boardwalk from 12:30 to three and the GALA Second Saturday Artwalk from three to five. A wide variety of music, food and events will be offered up and down the avenue and the entire day will be capped with “Ebenezer Scrooge’s Moonlight Madness”. Participating Merchants of Old Town will stay open until ten pm. The final events of the Dickens Christmas Festival will take place Sunday afternoon, two pm, at the Florence Events Center with the Community Chorus Holiday Concert. And of course, don’t forget the Victorian Christmas Open House at Heceta Lighthouse from four to seven tonight and tomorrow.
A Eugene couple have been charged with aggravated murder in what court documents describe as the "intentional maiming and torture" of a teenage daughter. The Lane County sheriff's office said the victim was 16-year-old Jeanette Maples. Authorities say the girl's 41-year-old mother, Angela Darlene McAnulty, and 40-year-old Richard Anthony McAnulty were arrested early Thursday. They were arraigned and are being held in the Lane County jail. The Register-Guard newspaper in Eugene said prosecutors allege in court documents the death was in the course of, or as a result
of, the violence. No cause of death was specified. The sheriff's office says a caller told 911 dispatchers Wednesday night that someone at Maples' house wasn't breathing. Deputies say an ambulance took her to a hospital, but she died.
Florence police officers were reaching outside city limits again yesterday when they served a search warrant on a home at 87738 Highway 101, just north of town. The resident, 47-year old Jerry M. Hamilton, was not present when the warrant was served just before noon. Officers recovered a small amount of various controlled substances, plus marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The search warrant was based on information developed by officers, as well as two controlled buys of methamphetamine. Hamilton is currently wanted on a Felony Warrant out of Lincoln County and is on Felony Probation in Lane County. Police Spokesperson Sarah Huff says this case will be forwarded to the District Attorney to seek an arrest warrant.
Officials from the Oregon Department of Transportation and the City of Florence will officially cut the ribbon Monday morning at eleven on a pedestrian safety improvement on Highway 101 at 30th street. The crossing features pedestrian activated flashing lights and a center refuge island aimed at preventing a repeat of a tragedy that occurred near that location in July of 2000 when then 14-year old Dustin Eichelberger was struck by a car and killed.
Visitors to the beach on the Oregon Coast are once again finding dozens of dead giant squid, this time in the Seaside area. Keith Chandler with the Seaside Aquarium says it’s not unusual to find the dead squid on beaches in the early fall, but this is very late in the season.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Prep basketball is on the court tonight… in Florence the Siuslaw girls will host the number one ranked team in the state tonight when the Cottage Grove Lions come calling. The Viking boys will be in Cottage Grove. Both games tip off at seven. The Boys’ game will air on Coast Radio Sports beginning at 6:45.
Forecasts for freezing rain may cause school officials to cancel both games… the final decision won’t come until 2:30 this afternoon.
The Mapleton Sailors will take on the Cougars in Crow for Mountain West League action with the girls tipping off at 5:30… the boys at seven.
The Reedsport Braves are on the court at home for boys and girls basketball against the North Bend Bulldogs with the first game at six.
Prep wrestling… Reedsport is in Central Oregon at the Culver pre-season tournament… the Siuslaw Vikings are in North Bend tomorrow at the Coast Classic.
College Basketball:
The Oregon State men are in Lincoln, Nebraska tomorrow where they’ll take on the Cornhuskers at five o’clock. Airtime on KCFM is at 4:30. The Oregon men will host St. Mary’s at one tomorrow afternoon… airtime in KCST is at 12:30. The Oregon State Women will host Weber (WEE-bur) State tomorrow night at seven.
College Football:
No. 15 BYU is returning to familiar territory in the Las Vegas Bowl, but coach Bronco Mendenhall says his players are happy with the trip this time around because of their opponent, No. 16 Oregon State. Mendenhall said Thursday that his Cougars are anxious to play and believe the matchup elevates the status of the bowl his team
has been a part of for five years in a row. BYU (10-2) was upset 31-21 by Arizona at Sam Boyd Stadium last year, but tight end Dennis Pitta says his team has a different attitude going into this game. Oregon State (8-4) is shaking off its own disappointment after losing to Oregon with a Rose Bowl berth at stake. The bowl game is Dec. 22.
The second annual Dickens Christmas in Historic Old Town Florence will wrap up this weekend with a little bit of a Christmas classic, some hayrides and madness in the moonlight. The final presentation of The Nutcracker, presented by Nouvelle Lune Dance Company at the Florence Events Center takes the stage at seven tonight. Tomorrow, the hay wagon will be circulating through Florence ferrying shoppers through the Old Town area. For those who prefer to walk, there’ll be a ‘mutt strut’ on the Boardwalk from 12:30 to three and the GALA Second Saturday Artwalk from three to five. A wide variety of music, food and events will be offered up and down the avenue and the entire day will be capped with “Ebenezer Scrooge’s Moonlight Madness”. Participating Merchants of Old Town will stay open until ten pm. The final events of the Dickens Christmas Festival will take place Sunday afternoon, two pm, at the Florence Events Center with the Community Chorus Holiday Concert. And of course, don’t forget the Victorian Christmas Open House at Heceta Lighthouse from four to seven tonight and tomorrow.
A Eugene couple have been charged with aggravated murder in what court documents describe as the "intentional maiming and torture" of a teenage daughter. The Lane County sheriff's office said the victim was 16-year-old Jeanette Maples. Authorities say the girl's 41-year-old mother, Angela Darlene McAnulty, and 40-year-old Richard Anthony McAnulty were arrested early Thursday. They were arraigned and are being held in the Lane County jail. The Register-Guard newspaper in Eugene said prosecutors allege in court documents the death was in the course of, or as a result
of, the violence. No cause of death was specified. The sheriff's office says a caller told 911 dispatchers Wednesday night that someone at Maples' house wasn't breathing. Deputies say an ambulance took her to a hospital, but she died.
Florence police officers were reaching outside city limits again yesterday when they served a search warrant on a home at 87738 Highway 101, just north of town. The resident, 47-year old Jerry M. Hamilton, was not present when the warrant was served just before noon. Officers recovered a small amount of various controlled substances, plus marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The search warrant was based on information developed by officers, as well as two controlled buys of methamphetamine. Hamilton is currently wanted on a Felony Warrant out of Lincoln County and is on Felony Probation in Lane County. Police Spokesperson Sarah Huff says this case will be forwarded to the District Attorney to seek an arrest warrant.
Officials from the Oregon Department of Transportation and the City of Florence will officially cut the ribbon Monday morning at eleven on a pedestrian safety improvement on Highway 101 at 30th street. The crossing features pedestrian activated flashing lights and a center refuge island aimed at preventing a repeat of a tragedy that occurred near that location in July of 2000 when then 14-year old Dustin Eichelberger was struck by a car and killed.
Visitors to the beach on the Oregon Coast are once again finding dozens of dead giant squid, this time in the Seaside area. Keith Chandler with the Seaside Aquarium says it’s not unusual to find the dead squid on beaches in the early fall, but this is very late in the season.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Prep basketball is on the court tonight… in Florence the Siuslaw girls will host the number one ranked team in the state tonight when the Cottage Grove Lions come calling. The Viking boys will be in Cottage Grove. Both games tip off at seven. The Boys’ game will air on Coast Radio Sports beginning at 6:45.
Forecasts for freezing rain may cause school officials to cancel both games… the final decision won’t come until 2:30 this afternoon.
The Mapleton Sailors will take on the Cougars in Crow for Mountain West League action with the girls tipping off at 5:30… the boys at seven.
The Reedsport Braves are on the court at home for boys and girls basketball against the North Bend Bulldogs with the first game at six.
Prep wrestling… Reedsport is in Central Oregon at the Culver pre-season tournament… the Siuslaw Vikings are in North Bend tomorrow at the Coast Classic.
College Basketball:
The Oregon State men are in Lincoln, Nebraska tomorrow where they’ll take on the Cornhuskers at five o’clock. Airtime on KCFM is at 4:30. The Oregon men will host St. Mary’s at one tomorrow afternoon… airtime in KCST is at 12:30. The Oregon State Women will host Weber (WEE-bur) State tomorrow night at seven.
College Football:
No. 15 BYU is returning to familiar territory in the Las Vegas Bowl, but coach Bronco Mendenhall says his players are happy with the trip this time around because of their opponent, No. 16 Oregon State. Mendenhall said Thursday that his Cougars are anxious to play and believe the matchup elevates the status of the bowl his team
has been a part of for five years in a row. BYU (10-2) was upset 31-21 by Arizona at Sam Boyd Stadium last year, but tight end Dennis Pitta says his team has a different attitude going into this game. Oregon State (8-4) is shaking off its own disappointment after losing to Oregon with a Rose Bowl berth at stake. The bowl game is Dec. 22.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Hunger for the Holidays; Early morning blaze destroys home; Community Chorus with a Christmas gift; and transition to rain...
Hunger for the Holidays…
Although the number of households seeking assistance with food in the Florence area may not have grown dramatically in the last 18 months, the size of those households has. That’s because family units have combined to help make ends meet. Ultimately that has meant more people than ever going hungry in our community. Carol Bennett is one of the organizers of the Community Christmas Basket Program. She says the same economic realities that leave an estimated one in six Americans without enough food are also making it tough to raise money for this year’s holiday distribution. Each year for the last 30 the Soroptimist Club has organized the project that includes a food box containing groceries for a traditional holiday meal as well as gifts and toys. As of Monday evening Bennett said they were $6-thousand short of what they require for their basic needs. Many of the traditional donors have had to cut back on their giving she says, but a tax-deductible donation of $32.95 will feed a family of four. That can be mailed to Post Office Box 1209 here in Florence. Bennett points out that the Community Christmas Baskets are independent from Florence Food Share.
Both organizations will be represented this afternoon on KCST’s Community Forum beginning at 4:05.
Firefighters struggled with a blaze early this morning in Florentine Estates. Neighbors of the home at number 175 Florentine Avenue heard smoke alarms, saw smoke coming from the roof and called 9-1-1 about 1:45. Siuslaw Valley Fire Marshall Sean Barrett said the owner, Irma Brown spends the winters in Arizona and was away. But when she comes home it will be to a total loss.
205 – Started above the ceiling in the kitchen. We had to pull the whole ceiling in the whole building, the investigations ongoing, we’re not sure, and it’s pretty much a whole loss. I mean it’s standing, but it’s going to have to be removed and tore down.”
Barrett said they were still investigating the cause but he did not feel it was related to the cold. Two earlier fires this week, one of them last night, were however. Two residents have lost pump houses when makeshift heaters caused fires that destroyed the buildings.
A gradual warming trend is expected by Friday, but when it comes it will bring with it precipitation that will overlap the arctic air. That precipitation will likely begin as snow in the Willamette Valley but is expected to transition to freezing rain later in the afternoon.
The Community Chorus of Florence is presenting a “Gift of Music” this Sunday at the Florence Events Center. They’ll feature old classics and new choral works including the world premiere of “The Feeling of Christmas” by local composers Ken Wannberg and Shirley Packard. Tickets are $15 for adults, they’re available at the FEC Box Office.
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
After ending the last two seasons with only a handful of team members, and in light of budget constraints, it was doubtful that there would be a Siuslaw High School Wrestling Program this year. But, even after the School Board opted to eliminate the sport in a cost-cutting move, backers mounted a fund-raising drive and were able to preserve it. That was encouraging to head coach Neil Wartnick who offered to start the season as a volunteer coach.
210 – “It becomes kind of an adventure. A lot of the guys who show up have never wrestled before. I think the young men who’ve come out are enjoying it very much.”
With the aid of some enthusiastic transfers, they’ve been able to convince 17 or 18 wrestlers to fill out the team with experienced hands as well as newcomers. Because of the uncertainty earlier this year, the initial schedule didn’t include any action until later this month. But they were able to add the Coast Classic in North Bend this weekend to the schedule.
211 – “It’s a big tournament; you’ll see some of the best teams in the state. Roseburg will be there, Newburg, a number of the best teams at the 6A, 5A and 4A level. Anyway, it’ll give our more experienced kids a chance to really see where they’re at right now.”
The first chance to see the Vikings wrestle on their home mat will be January seventh against North Bend.
Although the number of households seeking assistance with food in the Florence area may not have grown dramatically in the last 18 months, the size of those households has. That’s because family units have combined to help make ends meet. Ultimately that has meant more people than ever going hungry in our community. Carol Bennett is one of the organizers of the Community Christmas Basket Program. She says the same economic realities that leave an estimated one in six Americans without enough food are also making it tough to raise money for this year’s holiday distribution. Each year for the last 30 the Soroptimist Club has organized the project that includes a food box containing groceries for a traditional holiday meal as well as gifts and toys. As of Monday evening Bennett said they were $6-thousand short of what they require for their basic needs. Many of the traditional donors have had to cut back on their giving she says, but a tax-deductible donation of $32.95 will feed a family of four. That can be mailed to Post Office Box 1209 here in Florence. Bennett points out that the Community Christmas Baskets are independent from Florence Food Share.
Both organizations will be represented this afternoon on KCST’s Community Forum beginning at 4:05.
Firefighters struggled with a blaze early this morning in Florentine Estates. Neighbors of the home at number 175 Florentine Avenue heard smoke alarms, saw smoke coming from the roof and called 9-1-1 about 1:45. Siuslaw Valley Fire Marshall Sean Barrett said the owner, Irma Brown spends the winters in Arizona and was away. But when she comes home it will be to a total loss.
205 – Started above the ceiling in the kitchen. We had to pull the whole ceiling in the whole building, the investigations ongoing, we’re not sure, and it’s pretty much a whole loss. I mean it’s standing, but it’s going to have to be removed and tore down.”
Barrett said they were still investigating the cause but he did not feel it was related to the cold. Two earlier fires this week, one of them last night, were however. Two residents have lost pump houses when makeshift heaters caused fires that destroyed the buildings.
A gradual warming trend is expected by Friday, but when it comes it will bring with it precipitation that will overlap the arctic air. That precipitation will likely begin as snow in the Willamette Valley but is expected to transition to freezing rain later in the afternoon.
The Community Chorus of Florence is presenting a “Gift of Music” this Sunday at the Florence Events Center. They’ll feature old classics and new choral works including the world premiere of “The Feeling of Christmas” by local composers Ken Wannberg and Shirley Packard. Tickets are $15 for adults, they’re available at the FEC Box Office.
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
After ending the last two seasons with only a handful of team members, and in light of budget constraints, it was doubtful that there would be a Siuslaw High School Wrestling Program this year. But, even after the School Board opted to eliminate the sport in a cost-cutting move, backers mounted a fund-raising drive and were able to preserve it. That was encouraging to head coach Neil Wartnick who offered to start the season as a volunteer coach.
210 – “It becomes kind of an adventure. A lot of the guys who show up have never wrestled before. I think the young men who’ve come out are enjoying it very much.”
With the aid of some enthusiastic transfers, they’ve been able to convince 17 or 18 wrestlers to fill out the team with experienced hands as well as newcomers. Because of the uncertainty earlier this year, the initial schedule didn’t include any action until later this month. But they were able to add the Coast Classic in North Bend this weekend to the schedule.
211 – “It’s a big tournament; you’ll see some of the best teams in the state. Roseburg will be there, Newburg, a number of the best teams at the 6A, 5A and 4A level. Anyway, it’ll give our more experienced kids a chance to really see where they’re at right now.”
The first chance to see the Vikings wrestle on their home mat will be January seventh against North Bend.
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