About 30-people were on hand yesterday afternoon at Florence City Hall to ask questions and provide comment on the creation of a new $2-per month street lighting fee and a 13-percent increase in water and waste water rates. Mayor Phil Brubaker said there were several comments, but no real opposition to the proposal that would take effect in July.
210 – “We have not wrapped up the discussion about it. It’ll be on the agenda for our June 15th city council meeting at the time we take up the entire budget and I’ll be giving a chance for people to weigh in again at that time.”
If approved by the council, residents would pay about $9 per month more for the service in addition to the lighting charge. All customers would be billed monthly for city utilities, as opposed to bi-monthly. The rate hike is coming in response to higher operating costs, projected maintenance and anticipated increases in electricity rates.
Establishment of Oregon’s first two marine reserves, along with funding to continue a discussion of up to four others, cleared the Oregon House yesterday. The unanimous vote was very different from the bitter battles that ensued when then-governor John Kitzhaber first proposed a network o marine conservation areas to offset damage from overfishing. The two reserves, if approved now by the Senate, would be offshore near Otter Rock in the Newport Area, and off the Southern Oregon Coast near Port Orford. Coos Bay Representative Arnie Roblan says the fact that the two reserves are small and primarily for research helped sway fishermen who were afraid their livelihoods would be threatened. The bill taps $1-million from damages awarded over the New Carissa Shipwreck to implement the recommendations of the Oregon Ocean Policy Advisory Council.
Transportation officials say there will be minimal disruption to daytime traffic, but beginning next week a $5.3-million, two-year project to modernize electrical and mechanical components on the Siuslaw River Bridge will get underway. Chuck Lemos (LEE-mose) said lane closures should be expected weeknights between eight pm and seven am. The first phase of work will involve removing paint and applying a new finish to the underside of the lift spans. Electrical work should begin sometime in July.
109 graduates at Siuslaw High School will walk down the aisle tonight at eight pm. Ceremonies are a week earlier than usual due to budget reductions made last year that reduced the number of school days. Several students will speak at the commencement. Jacob Mitchell and Kay Robertson were recipients of the Richard N. Whitmore outstanding senior boy and girl of the year awards. Mitchell, along with Sam Pearson, Jackie Fitch and Amanda Pilcher are all Valedictorians with four-point-oh grade point averages. Daniel Scott is Salutatorian.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
The Oregon State baseball team opens up NCAA Regional play this afternoon against Texas A&M. First pitch from Fort Worth, Texas, is scheduled for noon Pacific. Right-hander Sam Gaviglio starts for the Beavers against Aggies southpaw Brooks Raley. The four-team regional is double-elimination. The winner advances to one of eight Super Regionals. Those winners advance to the College World Series in Omaha. The Beavers, of course, won the series in 2006 and 2007.
The University of Oregon men's golf team capped its season with a 22nd-place finish in the NCAA Championships. The Ducks entered the tournament as the 18th seed in the 30-team field. Only the top eight schools advanced to this weekend's match play. Coach Casey Martin says his young team competed hard, but didn't play as well as hoped. Freshman Daniel Miernicki posted a two-over par 73 to lead the Ducks for the third straight round at the Inverness Golf Club in Ohio. Miernicki is one of four freshmen on the five-man team, so the Ducks should be strong in the coming years.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Florence considering utility rate increases; shopping cart derby nets 10,000 pounds of food; Senior Companions featured on radio forum; and grad night
The Florence City Council will conduct a public hearing this afternoon at a special time to consider the creation of a new fee and increases in water and sewer rates. The hearing, at City Hall at four pm, will also be broadcast live on Charter Cable Channel ten and on the website oregoncities.tv which is accessible on the city’s website.
Public Works Director Mike Miller says utility bills are currently sent every other month, but soon they’ll be mailed out monthly. He’s proposing a new two-dollar fee that would be used to pay for street lights. Currently that is funded through the city’s street fund. Miller says increased electrical costs and reduced funding have prompted the need for the new charge.
The water and sewer rate increases would amount to about nine dollars each month under the proposal. Currently residential customers in the city get a bill, on average, of about $115 every other month. Under the proposed increase residents would get a monthly bill that averages $66… that’s a 13% increase.
City staff estimates an additional $545-thousand would be generated each year by the increases. By not enacting them, they say the alternatives would include violating debt service commitments, possibly turning off street lights and continuing a cycle of large amounts of deferred maintenance.
They were out in force yesterday morning at Florence Grocery Outlet… 41-teams of shopping cart racers, each paying up to $150 for the privilege of racing through the aisles, filling carts with food that will go on the shelves at Florence Food Share. It was the Need For Speed shopping cart derby, the second half of 11-year old Taylor Graham’s Read for the Need Booksale that raises money to feed area hungry.
205 – This year we raised $13,000 from the book sale. We raised $3,500 from the shopping cart derby. All together it’s $16,500 this year.
Using the $35-hundred from the derby and $35-hundred from the book sale each team filled their carts and raced the one-block to food share where it was weighed and put on the shelves. The total amount of food… ten-thousand pounds. That sounds like a lot, but it’s not as much as you might think.
207 – “With this drive we could probably feed everybody for a couple weeks. At least. Not our whole clientele for the month, but at least a couple of weeks.”
Food Share Manager Karen Lyn says they routinely help as many as 600 households each month with an emergency food box.
By the way, there’s another chance to help stock the shelves this Saturday when the Siuslaw Ministerial Association holds their annual Pastors Drive By Food Drive from ten until noon at the Florence Events Center.
More than 500 seniors and disabled adults spend time each month with a cadre of volunteers through the Senior Companion Program. It’s administered by Lane Community College and the director of the program, Barbara Susman, says they need even more than the 70-some volunteers who give their time each month. Susman, along with local volunteer Ginny Murray, will be on the first half of this afternoon’s KCST Community Forum to talk about the program. The second half of the Community Forum will focus on the proposed new senior center in Florence. Jan Nieberlein has spent many hours working on grant requests to help fund the new center that will be built on the grounds of Singing Pines Park near the airport. Ground is expected to be broken later this year. Today’s KCST Community Forum airs from four to five pm on FM 106.9.
109 graduates at Siuslaw High School will walk down the aisle tomorrow night at eight pm. Ceremonies are a week earlier than usual due to budget reductions made last year that reduced the number of school days. Several students will speak at the commencement. Jacob Mitchell and Kay Robertson were recipients of the Richard N. Whitmore outstanding senior boy and girl of the year awards. Mitchell, along with Sam Pearson, Jackie Fitch and Amanda Pilcher are all Valedictorians with four-point-oh grade point averages. Daniel Scott is Salutatorian.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Several Siuslaw Vikings received nods from Far West League Softball coaches for their efforts this season. Freshman Kati Thrall earned first-team honors as a utility player and designated hitter. Second team honors were awarded to Sarah Jennings in the infield and Stephanie Stonelake behind the plate. Honorable mention was given to Makahla Huff and Tammy Flood. The Vikings ended the season tied for fourth place in the standings under second year head coach Terri Gehlke with a 3 – 12 record… they were 6 – 18 overall.
The second annual Siuslaw Triathlon to benefit the Siuslaw Regional Aquatics Center is set for June 28th in Mapleton. Registration for the sprint level triathlon ends June 12th. Competitors will swim 600 yards, bike 13.6 miles, and run 5 kilometers to the finish line. Participants can register for the whole event or for a leg as part of a team. Sanctioned by the United State of America Triathlon, last year’s event drew 88 registered racers, and raised a little over $8000 for the aquatic center.
Public Works Director Mike Miller says utility bills are currently sent every other month, but soon they’ll be mailed out monthly. He’s proposing a new two-dollar fee that would be used to pay for street lights. Currently that is funded through the city’s street fund. Miller says increased electrical costs and reduced funding have prompted the need for the new charge.
The water and sewer rate increases would amount to about nine dollars each month under the proposal. Currently residential customers in the city get a bill, on average, of about $115 every other month. Under the proposed increase residents would get a monthly bill that averages $66… that’s a 13% increase.
City staff estimates an additional $545-thousand would be generated each year by the increases. By not enacting them, they say the alternatives would include violating debt service commitments, possibly turning off street lights and continuing a cycle of large amounts of deferred maintenance.
They were out in force yesterday morning at Florence Grocery Outlet… 41-teams of shopping cart racers, each paying up to $150 for the privilege of racing through the aisles, filling carts with food that will go on the shelves at Florence Food Share. It was the Need For Speed shopping cart derby, the second half of 11-year old Taylor Graham’s Read for the Need Booksale that raises money to feed area hungry.
205 – This year we raised $13,000 from the book sale. We raised $3,500 from the shopping cart derby. All together it’s $16,500 this year.
Using the $35-hundred from the derby and $35-hundred from the book sale each team filled their carts and raced the one-block to food share where it was weighed and put on the shelves. The total amount of food… ten-thousand pounds. That sounds like a lot, but it’s not as much as you might think.
207 – “With this drive we could probably feed everybody for a couple weeks. At least. Not our whole clientele for the month, but at least a couple of weeks.”
Food Share Manager Karen Lyn says they routinely help as many as 600 households each month with an emergency food box.
By the way, there’s another chance to help stock the shelves this Saturday when the Siuslaw Ministerial Association holds their annual Pastors Drive By Food Drive from ten until noon at the Florence Events Center.
More than 500 seniors and disabled adults spend time each month with a cadre of volunteers through the Senior Companion Program. It’s administered by Lane Community College and the director of the program, Barbara Susman, says they need even more than the 70-some volunteers who give their time each month. Susman, along with local volunteer Ginny Murray, will be on the first half of this afternoon’s KCST Community Forum to talk about the program. The second half of the Community Forum will focus on the proposed new senior center in Florence. Jan Nieberlein has spent many hours working on grant requests to help fund the new center that will be built on the grounds of Singing Pines Park near the airport. Ground is expected to be broken later this year. Today’s KCST Community Forum airs from four to five pm on FM 106.9.
109 graduates at Siuslaw High School will walk down the aisle tomorrow night at eight pm. Ceremonies are a week earlier than usual due to budget reductions made last year that reduced the number of school days. Several students will speak at the commencement. Jacob Mitchell and Kay Robertson were recipients of the Richard N. Whitmore outstanding senior boy and girl of the year awards. Mitchell, along with Sam Pearson, Jackie Fitch and Amanda Pilcher are all Valedictorians with four-point-oh grade point averages. Daniel Scott is Salutatorian.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Several Siuslaw Vikings received nods from Far West League Softball coaches for their efforts this season. Freshman Kati Thrall earned first-team honors as a utility player and designated hitter. Second team honors were awarded to Sarah Jennings in the infield and Stephanie Stonelake behind the plate. Honorable mention was given to Makahla Huff and Tammy Flood. The Vikings ended the season tied for fourth place in the standings under second year head coach Terri Gehlke with a 3 – 12 record… they were 6 – 18 overall.
The second annual Siuslaw Triathlon to benefit the Siuslaw Regional Aquatics Center is set for June 28th in Mapleton. Registration for the sprint level triathlon ends June 12th. Competitors will swim 600 yards, bike 13.6 miles, and run 5 kilometers to the finish line. Participants can register for the whole event or for a leg as part of a team. Sanctioned by the United State of America Triathlon, last year’s event drew 88 registered racers, and raised a little over $8000 for the aquatic center.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Traffic still a concern to Ocean Dunes Housing nieghbors; gas prices jump; Siuslaw River Bridge delays tomorrow; and feeding the hungry.
Ocean Dunes Housing Development still stirs traffic concerns
Changes to a proposed 37-acre housing development on the eastern edge of Florence helped ease some concerns, but many residents in the Willow Dunes subdivision still say there’ll be too much traffic coming through their neighborhood. Florence Planning Commissioners heard additional testimony last night on the Ocean Dunes Planned Unit Development, a three-phase, 120-unit project that will fill in land between Ocean Dunes Golf Course, Willow Dunes and Three Rivers Casino. Speaking for the developer, Martha Stiven (STY-ven) said they’ve heard neighbor’s concerns and have made changes to the project to address many of them. But, Stiven stressed that the traffic engineer’s report still clearly shows the existing streets are capable of handling the additional traffic that would be generated by their proposal. Stiven also said an agreement with the City of Florence is in the work to route construction traffic through public land to the north. The request for approval of phase three of the project was withdrawn because of concerns about buffering near a tribal cemetery. Planning Commissioners closed the record for new evidence last night, they’ll deliberate and possibly render a decision June 23rd.
Gasoline prices continue to rise, the national average for a gallon of regular unleaded increased by 11-cents this past week to $2.43. Oregon’s statewide average jumped by eight cents to $2.51. Florence continues to benefit from some of the lowest prices, on average, in the state but prices jumped by a dime in the past week to $2.44 a gallon. Eugene and Springfield offer the highest average prices in the state according to Triple-A… a gallon of regular unleaded there sells on average for $2.52.
Preparation work on a major renovation of electrical and mechanical elements on the Siuslaw River Bridge on Highway 101 will cause some traffic disruption tomorrow evening. Work will be stopped for 15-to-20 minute intervals tomorrow night as crews re-level the draw spans. Ron Beatty with the Oregon Department of Transportation says the work can only be done in the daylight. The work is a prelude to a $5.3-million project set to begin next month. In addition to the mechanical and electrical upgrade it will also include protection elements for the span and bridge columns. That work is expected to take up to two years.
Tickets are on sale this week for the June sixth Coastal Cuisine Gala to benefit Florence Food Share. More than 25 restaurants and wineries will offer samples of their ware to ticket holders. The food and beverages will also be judged by an expert panel. Admission is $50 per person and are available at Three Rivers Casino, Oregon Pacific Bank and Siuslaw Bank.
Florence Food Share will benefit from this morning’s Need for Speed shopping cart derby at Florence Grocery Outlet. Entrants have paid up to $150 each to participate. They’ll fill carts from a grocery list, and then race to Food Share a block away. The first race begins at 9:45.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Prep Baseball:
Siuslaw Baseball Coach Jerry Affinito shared ‘Coach of the Year’ honors with North Bend’s Brad Horning and Douglas’ Ryan Hunter as Far West League honors were handed out last week. The longtime coach began his career more than 30 years ago and served two stints at the helm of Viking Baseball. He’s retiring from the diamond as well as the classroom this year.
Several Viking players were recognized. On the first team: Trevor Roberts as pitcher, Kevin Warren at first base, and Kevin Strenke in the outfield. Hagen Holmes, Tim Raybould, Hayden Hiatt and Cody Grimes were named to the second team. Paul Johnston received Honorable Mention.
The Vikings finished the season tied in the standings for second place with an 11-4 league record, 17 – 8 overall. They were eliminated from the state playoffs last week in the first round.
Changes to a proposed 37-acre housing development on the eastern edge of Florence helped ease some concerns, but many residents in the Willow Dunes subdivision still say there’ll be too much traffic coming through their neighborhood. Florence Planning Commissioners heard additional testimony last night on the Ocean Dunes Planned Unit Development, a three-phase, 120-unit project that will fill in land between Ocean Dunes Golf Course, Willow Dunes and Three Rivers Casino. Speaking for the developer, Martha Stiven (STY-ven) said they’ve heard neighbor’s concerns and have made changes to the project to address many of them. But, Stiven stressed that the traffic engineer’s report still clearly shows the existing streets are capable of handling the additional traffic that would be generated by their proposal. Stiven also said an agreement with the City of Florence is in the work to route construction traffic through public land to the north. The request for approval of phase three of the project was withdrawn because of concerns about buffering near a tribal cemetery. Planning Commissioners closed the record for new evidence last night, they’ll deliberate and possibly render a decision June 23rd.
Gasoline prices continue to rise, the national average for a gallon of regular unleaded increased by 11-cents this past week to $2.43. Oregon’s statewide average jumped by eight cents to $2.51. Florence continues to benefit from some of the lowest prices, on average, in the state but prices jumped by a dime in the past week to $2.44 a gallon. Eugene and Springfield offer the highest average prices in the state according to Triple-A… a gallon of regular unleaded there sells on average for $2.52.
Preparation work on a major renovation of electrical and mechanical elements on the Siuslaw River Bridge on Highway 101 will cause some traffic disruption tomorrow evening. Work will be stopped for 15-to-20 minute intervals tomorrow night as crews re-level the draw spans. Ron Beatty with the Oregon Department of Transportation says the work can only be done in the daylight. The work is a prelude to a $5.3-million project set to begin next month. In addition to the mechanical and electrical upgrade it will also include protection elements for the span and bridge columns. That work is expected to take up to two years.
Tickets are on sale this week for the June sixth Coastal Cuisine Gala to benefit Florence Food Share. More than 25 restaurants and wineries will offer samples of their ware to ticket holders. The food and beverages will also be judged by an expert panel. Admission is $50 per person and are available at Three Rivers Casino, Oregon Pacific Bank and Siuslaw Bank.
Florence Food Share will benefit from this morning’s Need for Speed shopping cart derby at Florence Grocery Outlet. Entrants have paid up to $150 each to participate. They’ll fill carts from a grocery list, and then race to Food Share a block away. The first race begins at 9:45.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Prep Baseball:
Siuslaw Baseball Coach Jerry Affinito shared ‘Coach of the Year’ honors with North Bend’s Brad Horning and Douglas’ Ryan Hunter as Far West League honors were handed out last week. The longtime coach began his career more than 30 years ago and served two stints at the helm of Viking Baseball. He’s retiring from the diamond as well as the classroom this year.
Several Viking players were recognized. On the first team: Trevor Roberts as pitcher, Kevin Warren at first base, and Kevin Strenke in the outfield. Hagen Holmes, Tim Raybould, Hayden Hiatt and Cody Grimes were named to the second team. Paul Johnston received Honorable Mention.
The Vikings finished the season tied in the standings for second place with an 11-4 league record, 17 – 8 overall. They were eliminated from the state playoffs last week in the first round.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
News for Tuesday, May 26th
School officials and community members handed out about three-quarters of a million dollars in scholarships and grant funding last week… the recipients, 36 students, all members of the Siuslaw High School class of 2009.
200 – “About $171,000 was from the community of Florence itself through various community organizations.”
Counselor Cheryl Matthews said she’s worked in much larger communities and…
201 – “Honestly this is the most giving community that I’ve ever, ever seen. I’ve never seen so much generosity, so much concern for our young people.”
Matthews says the level of community caring does have an impact.
202 – “Several of these students would not be attending college without, without this scholarship help.”
Graduation ceremonies for Siuslaw are set for Friday night at eight PM… Mapleton ceremonies will be held a week later.
The crowd spilled over onto Bay Street yesterday morning for a pair of ceremonies at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Old Town. At 11 o’clock a Memorial Service including the ‘laying of wreathes on the water’ was held, then at noon, the dedication and unveiling of the memorial wall.
Florence Planning Commissioners will continue their hearing tonight on a proposal to build up to 120-homes on 37 acres on a parcel of land south of Ocean Dunes Golf Links. Dozens of residents packed the hearing room May 12th when the proposal was first heard. The major concern voiced was that of access. Neighbors want it somewhere else than through the existing Willow Dunes Subdivision. Many people said that would bring too much congestion and traffic. Backers are seeking preliminary approval and must also gain final approval of each phase as it’s submitted. It’s expected to take up to ten years to complete.
Tomorrow will be the fourth ‘Need for Speed’ shopping cart derby to benefit Florence Food Share. Individual donors are sponsoring carts at Grocery Outlet valued at up to $150 each… with matching funds provided by proceeds from the Taylor Graham Read for the Need Book Sale. Each sponsor is given a specific list of grocery items that will go into their cart. Once that’s filled, they’ll do the same for a second cart and then race both carts the one-block to Florence Food Share. In the first three years of the event, community members bought more than 38-thousand pounds of food to fee the area hungry. Events begin at 9 AM tomorrow with the first round of grocery cart races getting off at 9:45.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Athlete of the Week:
Viking Track and Field Standout, Raelyn Robinson is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. The Siuslaw sophomore bettered her previous school record in the 1500 meter with a time of 4:48.51 to finish in second place at the OSAA 4A state meet at Hayward Field in Eugene. Robinson also finished fifth in the 800 meter and was a member of the Viking 4x400 relay team that came in eighth. Honorable mention goes to her fellow middle and long distance runner Samantha Pummer who finished second in the girls’ 3,000 meter and eighth in the 1500.
College Baseball:
The Oregon State baseball team earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament and will play Texas A&M in the first round. The No. 3-seeded Beavers will face the No. 2 Aggies on Friday in one of two first-round regional games at Fort Worth, Texas. The host school is top-seeded Texas Christian, which will meet No. 4 Wright State. The Beavers missed the postseason last year after winning back-to-back College World Series championships. The regional berth is the 10th in Oregon State history, and its fourth in the last five years.
200 – “About $171,000 was from the community of Florence itself through various community organizations.”
Counselor Cheryl Matthews said she’s worked in much larger communities and…
201 – “Honestly this is the most giving community that I’ve ever, ever seen. I’ve never seen so much generosity, so much concern for our young people.”
Matthews says the level of community caring does have an impact.
202 – “Several of these students would not be attending college without, without this scholarship help.”
Graduation ceremonies for Siuslaw are set for Friday night at eight PM… Mapleton ceremonies will be held a week later.
The crowd spilled over onto Bay Street yesterday morning for a pair of ceremonies at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Old Town. At 11 o’clock a Memorial Service including the ‘laying of wreathes on the water’ was held, then at noon, the dedication and unveiling of the memorial wall.
Florence Planning Commissioners will continue their hearing tonight on a proposal to build up to 120-homes on 37 acres on a parcel of land south of Ocean Dunes Golf Links. Dozens of residents packed the hearing room May 12th when the proposal was first heard. The major concern voiced was that of access. Neighbors want it somewhere else than through the existing Willow Dunes Subdivision. Many people said that would bring too much congestion and traffic. Backers are seeking preliminary approval and must also gain final approval of each phase as it’s submitted. It’s expected to take up to ten years to complete.
Tomorrow will be the fourth ‘Need for Speed’ shopping cart derby to benefit Florence Food Share. Individual donors are sponsoring carts at Grocery Outlet valued at up to $150 each… with matching funds provided by proceeds from the Taylor Graham Read for the Need Book Sale. Each sponsor is given a specific list of grocery items that will go into their cart. Once that’s filled, they’ll do the same for a second cart and then race both carts the one-block to Florence Food Share. In the first three years of the event, community members bought more than 38-thousand pounds of food to fee the area hungry. Events begin at 9 AM tomorrow with the first round of grocery cart races getting off at 9:45.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Athlete of the Week:
Viking Track and Field Standout, Raelyn Robinson is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. The Siuslaw sophomore bettered her previous school record in the 1500 meter with a time of 4:48.51 to finish in second place at the OSAA 4A state meet at Hayward Field in Eugene. Robinson also finished fifth in the 800 meter and was a member of the Viking 4x400 relay team that came in eighth. Honorable mention goes to her fellow middle and long distance runner Samantha Pummer who finished second in the girls’ 3,000 meter and eighth in the 1500.
College Baseball:
The Oregon State baseball team earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament and will play Texas A&M in the first round. The No. 3-seeded Beavers will face the No. 2 Aggies on Friday in one of two first-round regional games at Fort Worth, Texas. The host school is top-seeded Texas Christian, which will meet No. 4 Wright State. The Beavers missed the postseason last year after winning back-to-back College World Series championships. The regional berth is the 10th in Oregon State history, and its fourth in the last five years.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Beavers In NCAA Regionals
After missing the NCAA finals last year, the Oregon State Beavers are back in… they’re the number three seed in the Fort Worth Regional that also includes number one seed and host TCU; Texas A&M and Wright State. OSU will square off against Texas A&M in their first round game later this week. The regional berth is Oregon State’s tenth all-time dating back to 1952 and their fourth in five years. In its three most recent tournament appearances the Beavers made it to the college world series in Omaha… winning it all in 2006 and 2007.
Memorial Day Past and Present...
A New York druggist suggested honoring slain Civil War soldiers in 1865 by decorating their graves and within three years the custom became official. Some communities observed the practice on May first, some on the 30th, and eventually it became a federal three-day holiday with Memorial Day falling on the final Monday in May.
The practice of honoring fallen veterans will continue today in Florence and Reedsport. Veteran’s Services Administrator Val Conley of the Oregon Department of Veteran’s Affairs will present comments this morning during dedication ceremonies of Florence’s Veteran’s Park in Old Town. Construction on the memorial began last year after several years of planning and fund-raising. Today’s dedication service begins at 11 AM.
In Reedsport There’ll be a Memorial Day parade at noon followed by a community barbecue and a 1:30 PM memorial service at Hahn Park. A fly-by of a fighter jet from Oregon Air National Guard’s 142 Fighter Wing will take place somewhere around two o’clock.
That baby animal, alone in the woods, on the beach or alongside a trail is probably not abandoned and people should leave it alone. This is the time of year when many wild animals are giving birth and raising their young. Many times parents will leave their offspring in a secure location and only come back to bring them food. When those animals are discovered by humans, many times they’re thought to be orphaned or abandoned. Wildlife experts say it’s most likely they’re not and they should be left alone. Last year, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 628 supposedly ‘orphaned’ animals were admitted to licensed wildlife rehabilitators. Nearly one-third of those didn’t survive to make it back to the wild.
The Oregon Department of Human Services says a majority of flu victims tested recently have had seasonal rather than swine flu. Since March 4, the agency says, swine flu has sickened 120 people in 11 Oregon counties, while strains of seasonal flu have affected 155 people. The state says seven Oregonians have been hospitalized with swine flu. No Oregon swine flu deaths have been reported. Dr. Mel Kohn, Oregon's public health director, says seasonal flu strains in the state affect about one in 10 people and account for some 400 deaths each year.
Many recognize the particular bugle call that will ring through the air today in honor of Memorial Day. But, most don’t know the history behind it. The so-called “Taps” melody was created by Union Army Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield during the Civil War as the army’s bugle call to signal ‘lights out’. Most people now associate “Taps” with military deaths, and with good cause. Shortly after its introduction, a funeral was held for a fallen solder and the man’s commanding officer decided the traditional rifle volley over the grave would trigger more fighting. So, instead, a bugler was called in to play the new tune.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Track and Field:
The Viking Girls finished with 33 points in sixth place overall at the OSAA State Track and Field Finals over the weekend in Eugene. The Siuslaw Boys were 26th with eight points. Top performers for the Viks… Raelyn Robinson improved her school record by two seconds with a time of 4:48.51 to finish second in the 1500 meter. Robinson also finished fifth in the 800. Samantha Pummer had a second place finish in the 3-thousand with a time of 10:45.56. Shelbey McClellan was fourth in the shot put, eighth in the discus. Her sister, Madison McClellan was 10th and 11th respectively in the same events. The girls' 4x400 relay team of Linda Paredes, Brooke Swesey, Mariah Johnston and Raelyn Robinson came in eighth overall.
Brandon Livingston was fifth in the boys' shot put and Jacob Berkner, who ran in the 3,000 and the 1500 placed fifth in the latter with a time of 9:00.57.
Prep Baseball:
Trevor Roberts pitched a complete game four-hitter Friday, but the Vikings gave up five errors, falling to the Tillamook Cheesemakers 5-1 to end their season. The Cheesemakers advance to face Gladstone tomorrow in the second round of the OSAA 4A playoffs. Friday’s game has the possibility of being the final ever for Siuslaw. Baseball, softball and wrestling have been targeted for elimination because of budget cuts.
Pac Ten Baseball:
The Oregon State Beavers will find out this morning if a third place finish in the Pac Ten is good enough to get them into one of the NCAA regional tournaments. The Beavers took two of three games from Stanford over the weekend. The regular season ended for Oregon yesterday in familiar fashion with a 5-2 loss to Arizona. The Ducks ended with a 4-23 conference record, 14-42 overall.
The practice of honoring fallen veterans will continue today in Florence and Reedsport. Veteran’s Services Administrator Val Conley of the Oregon Department of Veteran’s Affairs will present comments this morning during dedication ceremonies of Florence’s Veteran’s Park in Old Town. Construction on the memorial began last year after several years of planning and fund-raising. Today’s dedication service begins at 11 AM.
In Reedsport There’ll be a Memorial Day parade at noon followed by a community barbecue and a 1:30 PM memorial service at Hahn Park. A fly-by of a fighter jet from Oregon Air National Guard’s 142 Fighter Wing will take place somewhere around two o’clock.
That baby animal, alone in the woods, on the beach or alongside a trail is probably not abandoned and people should leave it alone. This is the time of year when many wild animals are giving birth and raising their young. Many times parents will leave their offspring in a secure location and only come back to bring them food. When those animals are discovered by humans, many times they’re thought to be orphaned or abandoned. Wildlife experts say it’s most likely they’re not and they should be left alone. Last year, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 628 supposedly ‘orphaned’ animals were admitted to licensed wildlife rehabilitators. Nearly one-third of those didn’t survive to make it back to the wild.
The Oregon Department of Human Services says a majority of flu victims tested recently have had seasonal rather than swine flu. Since March 4, the agency says, swine flu has sickened 120 people in 11 Oregon counties, while strains of seasonal flu have affected 155 people. The state says seven Oregonians have been hospitalized with swine flu. No Oregon swine flu deaths have been reported. Dr. Mel Kohn, Oregon's public health director, says seasonal flu strains in the state affect about one in 10 people and account for some 400 deaths each year.
Many recognize the particular bugle call that will ring through the air today in honor of Memorial Day. But, most don’t know the history behind it. The so-called “Taps” melody was created by Union Army Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield during the Civil War as the army’s bugle call to signal ‘lights out’. Most people now associate “Taps” with military deaths, and with good cause. Shortly after its introduction, a funeral was held for a fallen solder and the man’s commanding officer decided the traditional rifle volley over the grave would trigger more fighting. So, instead, a bugler was called in to play the new tune.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Track and Field:
The Viking Girls finished with 33 points in sixth place overall at the OSAA State Track and Field Finals over the weekend in Eugene. The Siuslaw Boys were 26th with eight points. Top performers for the Viks… Raelyn Robinson improved her school record by two seconds with a time of 4:48.51 to finish second in the 1500 meter. Robinson also finished fifth in the 800. Samantha Pummer had a second place finish in the 3-thousand with a time of 10:45.56. Shelbey McClellan was fourth in the shot put, eighth in the discus. Her sister, Madison McClellan was 10th and 11th respectively in the same events. The girls' 4x400 relay team of Linda Paredes, Brooke Swesey, Mariah Johnston and Raelyn Robinson came in eighth overall.
Brandon Livingston was fifth in the boys' shot put and Jacob Berkner, who ran in the 3,000 and the 1500 placed fifth in the latter with a time of 9:00.57.
Prep Baseball:
Trevor Roberts pitched a complete game four-hitter Friday, but the Vikings gave up five errors, falling to the Tillamook Cheesemakers 5-1 to end their season. The Cheesemakers advance to face Gladstone tomorrow in the second round of the OSAA 4A playoffs. Friday’s game has the possibility of being the final ever for Siuslaw. Baseball, softball and wrestling have been targeted for elimination because of budget cuts.
Pac Ten Baseball:
The Oregon State Beavers will find out this morning if a third place finish in the Pac Ten is good enough to get them into one of the NCAA regional tournaments. The Beavers took two of three games from Stanford over the weekend. The regular season ended for Oregon yesterday in familiar fashion with a 5-2 loss to Arizona. The Ducks ended with a 4-23 conference record, 14-42 overall.
Friday, May 22, 2009
05-22-09
Read for the Need makes national news… Memorial Day observances set... Siuslaw Public Library moving books...
Quite often when someone you know is featured on a national television newscast it’s not necessarily a positive thing… but a regular feature on NBC’s Nightly News has changed that. It’s called “Making a Difference” and it was developed in response to frustrated viewers who wanted more good news in bad economic times.
The story introduced by news anchor Brian Williams last night featured 11-year Taylor Graham of Florence and his Read for the Need Book Sale. Graham, family and friends held their fourth sale over Rhody Weekend, filling the gym at Siuslaw Elementary School with tables full of books… tables that held far fewer volumes by the time the sale ended Sunday afternoon.
They’ll take the proceeds from that sale and put them to work next week… they’re hosting the “Need for Speed” shopping cart derby. Entrants can sponsor shopping carts for up to $150… they’ll get two carts… the first one paid for by proceeds from the book sale, the second paid by your entry fee thereby effectively doubling the amount of cash used to buy food for the shelves at Florence Food Share.
Information on the shopping cart derby is available online.
This weekend marks the official beginning of the summer season… Memorial Day is a huge recreational weekend. But it’s original meaning was to honor and remember those who have died in service to our country’s military. In Reedsport they mark it with an entire weekend of activities including a community barbecue on Sunday followed by a concert by the U.S. Marine Corps Band. Monday there’ll be a Memorial Day Parade in the city on the Umpqua along with… another barbecue and a flyover by the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142 Fighter Wing. By the way, the Marine Band plays again Tuesday in Winchester Bay. In Florence, there’ll be a special dedication ceremony at Veteran’s Park on Bay Street in Old Town. It will feature comments by the Veterans Services Administator Val Conley of the Oregon Department of Veteran’s Affairs. That ceremony is set for 11 O’Clock Monday.
If you’re thinking about heading to the library to pick up a few extra books for the long weekend… you’re too late. The Siuslaw Public Library is closed today and won’t reopen until Tuesday… and even then you probably won’t be able to check anything out. Library Director Steve Skidmore says they’re moving into the critical stage of their building expansion. Employees and volunteers will be spending the weekend moving more than 50-thousand books, periodicals and other materials into storage. That’s so the empty shelves can be relocated into the new addition. Once that’s done, the books will be returned… but Skidmore says it will be June eighth before items will be checked out. He also notes that anything currently checked out… won’t be due until June 23rd.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Competition begins at 11 this morning at Historic Hayward Field in Eugene for the OSAA 4A Track and Field finals. The 16 Siuslaw Vikings are competing in 18 different events, including both girls’ relays. Several finals are set for today, but the majority of events wrap up tomorrow.
Prep Baseball… The Siuslaw Vikings open up the first round of the OSAA playoffs in Tillamook against the Cheesemakers. Today’s winning team will face number seven ranked Gladstone on Tuesday. Today’s game will air on Coast Radio Sports beginning at 4:15.
The Pac Ten regular baseball season wraps up this weekend… Oregon will host Arizona… the Beavers are in Palo Alto against Stanford. The Beavers, at 33-and-16 look to be a favorite to make the 64 team NCAA Tournament… but could definitely improve their chances by taking at least two games from the Cardinal.
Quite often when someone you know is featured on a national television newscast it’s not necessarily a positive thing… but a regular feature on NBC’s Nightly News has changed that. It’s called “Making a Difference” and it was developed in response to frustrated viewers who wanted more good news in bad economic times.
The story introduced by news anchor Brian Williams last night featured 11-year Taylor Graham of Florence and his Read for the Need Book Sale. Graham, family and friends held their fourth sale over Rhody Weekend, filling the gym at Siuslaw Elementary School with tables full of books… tables that held far fewer volumes by the time the sale ended Sunday afternoon.
They’ll take the proceeds from that sale and put them to work next week… they’re hosting the “Need for Speed” shopping cart derby. Entrants can sponsor shopping carts for up to $150… they’ll get two carts… the first one paid for by proceeds from the book sale, the second paid by your entry fee thereby effectively doubling the amount of cash used to buy food for the shelves at Florence Food Share.
Information on the shopping cart derby is available online.
This weekend marks the official beginning of the summer season… Memorial Day is a huge recreational weekend. But it’s original meaning was to honor and remember those who have died in service to our country’s military. In Reedsport they mark it with an entire weekend of activities including a community barbecue on Sunday followed by a concert by the U.S. Marine Corps Band. Monday there’ll be a Memorial Day Parade in the city on the Umpqua along with… another barbecue and a flyover by the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142 Fighter Wing. By the way, the Marine Band plays again Tuesday in Winchester Bay. In Florence, there’ll be a special dedication ceremony at Veteran’s Park on Bay Street in Old Town. It will feature comments by the Veterans Services Administator Val Conley of the Oregon Department of Veteran’s Affairs. That ceremony is set for 11 O’Clock Monday.
If you’re thinking about heading to the library to pick up a few extra books for the long weekend… you’re too late. The Siuslaw Public Library is closed today and won’t reopen until Tuesday… and even then you probably won’t be able to check anything out. Library Director Steve Skidmore says they’re moving into the critical stage of their building expansion. Employees and volunteers will be spending the weekend moving more than 50-thousand books, periodicals and other materials into storage. That’s so the empty shelves can be relocated into the new addition. Once that’s done, the books will be returned… but Skidmore says it will be June eighth before items will be checked out. He also notes that anything currently checked out… won’t be due until June 23rd.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Competition begins at 11 this morning at Historic Hayward Field in Eugene for the OSAA 4A Track and Field finals. The 16 Siuslaw Vikings are competing in 18 different events, including both girls’ relays. Several finals are set for today, but the majority of events wrap up tomorrow.
Prep Baseball… The Siuslaw Vikings open up the first round of the OSAA playoffs in Tillamook against the Cheesemakers. Today’s winning team will face number seven ranked Gladstone on Tuesday. Today’s game will air on Coast Radio Sports beginning at 4:15.
The Pac Ten regular baseball season wraps up this weekend… Oregon will host Arizona… the Beavers are in Palo Alto against Stanford. The Beavers, at 33-and-16 look to be a favorite to make the 64 team NCAA Tournament… but could definitely improve their chances by taking at least two games from the Cardinal.
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