Friday, July 31, 2009
Highway 101 south of Florence reopens
Traffic has resumed on Highway 101 3 1/2 miles south of Florence following a two vehicle crash that killed two. Police have not released the identity of the two that died.
Crash kills two south of Florence
Highway 101 is closed as of 4:30 PM at milepost 194 in the Sand Dunes Frontier area because of a two vehicle crash that killed two people. Oregon State Police have closed the highway and traffic is being detoured onto Canary and Clear Lake Roads around the scene. The initial call came in shortly after two pm. No other details have been released at this time.
Senior Center Fundraising nearly three-quarters complete; Police arrest walkaway; PeaceHealth prepared for Swine Flu.
Senior Center fund raising nearing four week goal…
They started out just over two weeks ago with a good size target...
200 – “When we started this, the whole idea of raising $100,000 cash in 30-days seemed to be impossible. Now, it’s within range, it’s within sight we’re over the hump at 73-thousand dollars.”
Not only does he expect to make the goal before the August 12th deadline, but he anticipates they’ll exceed it. That will allow them to add back several items that had already been cut from the new Senior Center in an attempt to bring construction costs in line with the budget. The Mayor said a quick review of the donation list yesterday showed varying amounts have been received.
211 – “The exciting thing that’s happened the last two days is that we’ve had two ten-thousand dollar naming contributions from two different individuals to name the card room and the game room.”
Their names will be announced once they’ve reached the goal. Several fund raising activities are still in the works. Area pilots will hold an ‘airport day’ Sunday, giving flights for donations of $100; Volunteers will hold a ‘drop in the bucket’ drive at the current senior center from nine to three that same day; and a fund raising booth will be set up at Dunes City’s Festival of the Lakes on the eighth.
A 22-year old Florence man is back in custody at the Justice Center a week after he walked away while on a medical pass. Police officers, acting on a tip, arrested him at an Eighth Street apartment without incident. Keith Brown had been serving a 90-day sentence in the Florence Jail for failure to pay fines and assessments on a 2008 assault conviction. A police spokesperson said Brown will serve out the remainder of his sentence and faces disciplinary action at the jail, plus additional punishment if convicted on a charge of ‘unauthorized departure’.
Public Health officials say Swine Flu continues to circulate in Oregon with certain groups at increased risk of complications from the illness. A spokesperson for Peace Health says young children, pregnant women and elderly adults are at increased risk of complications. Local health providers have been on ‘alert’ status for several weeks, taking extra precautions for patients and employees. One recommendation they’re offering… if you have a fever along with muscle aches, congestion and or a cough… typical flu symptoms… stay at home and phone your doctor or clinic rather than come in.
State Senator Joanne Verger along with Representative Jean Cowan will recap the recently completed legislative session tomorrow during a Town Hall meeting in Yachates. Verger and Cowan will be at the Adoby from 1:30 to 3 pm.
Northwest League Baseball:
The Spokane Indians used an “excuse me single” in the 11th inning for a 7-6 ‘walk-off’ victory over the Eugene Emeralds last night. The Ems led most of the way but the Indians tied the game at six in the bottom of the seventh inning. Edinson Rincon was 3-for-5 at the plate for Eugene and raised his batting average to .359. The Emeralds have a chance to tie the series tonight in Spokane, they’ll wrap up their road trip tomorrow night before having Sunday off… then will be back at home Monday where they’ll start a five game series against the Tri-City Dust Devils.
Prep Basketball:
How about some round ball? A group of former Siuslaw High School Basketballers have put together a day of fund raising today… the proceeds of which will be split equally between Viking Basketball and the elementary outdoor school. A skills camp for five to eighteen year olds gets underway at noon. There’ll be music and food in the courtyard at the high school later today then a scrimmage with camp participants at six. At 7:00 Alumni Basketball game tips off. The cost is ten dollars for adults, kids five through 18 are five dollars and a paid game admission will get them into the camp for no extra cost.
They started out just over two weeks ago with a good size target...
200 – “When we started this, the whole idea of raising $100,000 cash in 30-days seemed to be impossible. Now, it’s within range, it’s within sight we’re over the hump at 73-thousand dollars.”
Not only does he expect to make the goal before the August 12th deadline, but he anticipates they’ll exceed it. That will allow them to add back several items that had already been cut from the new Senior Center in an attempt to bring construction costs in line with the budget. The Mayor said a quick review of the donation list yesterday showed varying amounts have been received.
211 – “The exciting thing that’s happened the last two days is that we’ve had two ten-thousand dollar naming contributions from two different individuals to name the card room and the game room.”
Their names will be announced once they’ve reached the goal. Several fund raising activities are still in the works. Area pilots will hold an ‘airport day’ Sunday, giving flights for donations of $100; Volunteers will hold a ‘drop in the bucket’ drive at the current senior center from nine to three that same day; and a fund raising booth will be set up at Dunes City’s Festival of the Lakes on the eighth.
A 22-year old Florence man is back in custody at the Justice Center a week after he walked away while on a medical pass. Police officers, acting on a tip, arrested him at an Eighth Street apartment without incident. Keith Brown had been serving a 90-day sentence in the Florence Jail for failure to pay fines and assessments on a 2008 assault conviction. A police spokesperson said Brown will serve out the remainder of his sentence and faces disciplinary action at the jail, plus additional punishment if convicted on a charge of ‘unauthorized departure’.
Public Health officials say Swine Flu continues to circulate in Oregon with certain groups at increased risk of complications from the illness. A spokesperson for Peace Health says young children, pregnant women and elderly adults are at increased risk of complications. Local health providers have been on ‘alert’ status for several weeks, taking extra precautions for patients and employees. One recommendation they’re offering… if you have a fever along with muscle aches, congestion and or a cough… typical flu symptoms… stay at home and phone your doctor or clinic rather than come in.
State Senator Joanne Verger along with Representative Jean Cowan will recap the recently completed legislative session tomorrow during a Town Hall meeting in Yachates. Verger and Cowan will be at the Adoby from 1:30 to 3 pm.
Northwest League Baseball:
The Spokane Indians used an “excuse me single” in the 11th inning for a 7-6 ‘walk-off’ victory over the Eugene Emeralds last night. The Ems led most of the way but the Indians tied the game at six in the bottom of the seventh inning. Edinson Rincon was 3-for-5 at the plate for Eugene and raised his batting average to .359. The Emeralds have a chance to tie the series tonight in Spokane, they’ll wrap up their road trip tomorrow night before having Sunday off… then will be back at home Monday where they’ll start a five game series against the Tri-City Dust Devils.
Prep Basketball:
How about some round ball? A group of former Siuslaw High School Basketballers have put together a day of fund raising today… the proceeds of which will be split equally between Viking Basketball and the elementary outdoor school. A skills camp for five to eighteen year olds gets underway at noon. There’ll be music and food in the courtyard at the high school later today then a scrimmage with camp participants at six. At 7:00 Alumni Basketball game tips off. The cost is ten dollars for adults, kids five through 18 are five dollars and a paid game admission will get them into the camp for no extra cost.
Fire Danger increases, Sheriff to reinstate resident deputy program and Heceta Water District institutes low income program
07-30-09 7,8,9 AM; Noon; 5,6 PM
RBS
Fire restrictions stepped up in response to heat…
An abandoned campfire from over the weekend blossomed into a blaze that covered about a quarter of an acre near Sutton Campground Monday afternoon. Assistant Fire Management Officer Aaron Schneider with the U-S Forest Service said the campfire, in an undeveloped area ‘crept out’ prompting a response by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Two additional Forest Service units responded and contained the fire by that evening. Additional mop-up continued through yesterday. Schneider says more than 90-percent of the fires on the Siuslaw National Forest are human caused, the vast majority of those are attributed to abandoned campfires. Fire agencies in Western Oregon stepped up fire precaution levels yesterday in response to the very hot, dry weather experienced across the state. Wildland fires were reported in many areas over the past few days. Despite the heat, fire danger remains in the ‘moderate’ stage and there are no public use restrictions. Most of the additional limitations are directed at commercial and industrial uses in the forest.
07-30-09 7,8,9 AM; Noon; 5,6 PM
RBS
The Oregon Festivals and Events Association named it the “Best Sporting Event in Oregon” earlier this year. Dune-Fest 2009 is a five-day event offering motorized activities on the Oregon Dunes National Recreation area at Winchester Bay. In addition to the sand-drag races, moto-cross and other activities on the sand, there will be a charity auction and other evening entertainment. Dune Fest also offers a ‘vendor row’ offering ATVs and accessories, riding gear and crafts. It’s sponsored by the Reedsport-Winchester Bay Chamber of Commerce and runs through Sunday.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Department is slated to reinstate a ‘resident deputy’ program in three rural communities as the result of a grant award this week. More than three-quarters of a million dollars will go to the Sheriff over the next three years from the COPS Hiring Recovery Program. Police Services Captain William Thompson said the department is currently defining the geographical boundaries of the districts and making plans for deployment.
The Heceta Water District Board of Directors approved an assistance program aimed at helping low income residents pay for water service earlier this month. District Commissioner Debby Todd said the program is intended to offset the impact of rate increases on low-income households and will be coordinated with an existing state program that provides assistance for electrical bills. Qualifying customers will receive a 50-percent discount on the monthly base rate, or about $14. Todd acknowledged that the rate reductions for the low income program will actually mean slightly higher rates for other households.
RBS
Fire restrictions stepped up in response to heat…
An abandoned campfire from over the weekend blossomed into a blaze that covered about a quarter of an acre near Sutton Campground Monday afternoon. Assistant Fire Management Officer Aaron Schneider with the U-S Forest Service said the campfire, in an undeveloped area ‘crept out’ prompting a response by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Two additional Forest Service units responded and contained the fire by that evening. Additional mop-up continued through yesterday. Schneider says more than 90-percent of the fires on the Siuslaw National Forest are human caused, the vast majority of those are attributed to abandoned campfires. Fire agencies in Western Oregon stepped up fire precaution levels yesterday in response to the very hot, dry weather experienced across the state. Wildland fires were reported in many areas over the past few days. Despite the heat, fire danger remains in the ‘moderate’ stage and there are no public use restrictions. Most of the additional limitations are directed at commercial and industrial uses in the forest.
07-30-09 7,8,9 AM; Noon; 5,6 PM
RBS
The Oregon Festivals and Events Association named it the “Best Sporting Event in Oregon” earlier this year. Dune-Fest 2009 is a five-day event offering motorized activities on the Oregon Dunes National Recreation area at Winchester Bay. In addition to the sand-drag races, moto-cross and other activities on the sand, there will be a charity auction and other evening entertainment. Dune Fest also offers a ‘vendor row’ offering ATVs and accessories, riding gear and crafts. It’s sponsored by the Reedsport-Winchester Bay Chamber of Commerce and runs through Sunday.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Department is slated to reinstate a ‘resident deputy’ program in three rural communities as the result of a grant award this week. More than three-quarters of a million dollars will go to the Sheriff over the next three years from the COPS Hiring Recovery Program. Police Services Captain William Thompson said the department is currently defining the geographical boundaries of the districts and making plans for deployment.
The Heceta Water District Board of Directors approved an assistance program aimed at helping low income residents pay for water service earlier this month. District Commissioner Debby Todd said the program is intended to offset the impact of rate increases on low-income households and will be coordinated with an existing state program that provides assistance for electrical bills. Qualifying customers will receive a 50-percent discount on the monthly base rate, or about $14. Todd acknowledged that the rate reductions for the low income program will actually mean slightly higher rates for other households.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
QCCF Fundraising proceeding at brisk pace; gas prices?; and how to handle the heat!
Q-C-C-F fundraising continuing at a brisk pace…
Efforts at fund raising for a new community child care facility are proceeding well says one of the key people involved in the campaign. It’s becoming – quote – “very real, very fast” according to Jenny Alberty (AL-bir-dee)
207 – “$160-thousand towards our capital campaign. That’s specifically to get a facility for our center that can become state certified.”
Their target is $250-thousand and Alberty, the vice president of Quality Child Care for Florence says they’ve been pursing grants from outside the immediate area. They recently landed $25-thousand from the Oregon Community Foundation and five-grand from the Fred Meyer Foundation. Other grant applications are pending and she’s hoping that if all goes well, they could begin construction this fall with low cost, high quality group care for children becoming available as early as the end of this year.
07-29-09 7,8,9 AM; Noon; 5,6 PM
RBS
It may be tempting to get out and enjoy the warm weather, but when temperatures are ten to 15 degrees hotter than normal, that can bring some unwanted results. Lane County Public Health nursing supervisor Betsy Meredith says something as simple as having plenty to drink can make a big difference. But, she adds, stay away from carbonated beverages and those that contain alcohol. When temperatures rise, people can become more susceptible to heat stroke or exhaustion because they become dehydrated. One of the best ways to cool off, she says, is by spending time in a public building that has air conditioning. Someplace like a large retail store or the library.
After six weeks of declines, the national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded went up a nickel this week to $2.51. That’s still 14-cents less than it was last month at this time. In Oregon, the average price went down a penny to $2.66 a gallon while locally the price dropped one cent to $2.52. Marie Dodds with Triple-A of Oregon says pump prices have mirrored those of crude oil with economic news having the biggest impact. One story to watch, she says is that of the average price for diesel… The Oregon average for a gallon of diesel is $2.56… that’s two-twenty less than last year at this time
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS: Northwest League Baseball:Scoring ten runs in the first three innings last night, the Indians kept the Emeralds from scoring in Spokane last night until the top of the ninth inning. The final was 10 / 3 dropping Eugene to 17 and 21 on the season, 10 games out of first place in the Northwest League West Division standings. The two teams meet again tonight in Spokane. The South Coast 14U All-Star team won three straight games in double elimination play to win the Oregon State Babe Ruth State Championship in Grants Pass last weekend. Four Florence youths start on the team including Alex Snow, Josh Iabichello, Ryan Smith , and Jake Thompson. South Coast defeated the defending State Champion Josephine County All Stars in the first game 6-5. Game two was South Coast over Klamath Falls 13-8, they claimed the South Coast Championship by defeating Josephine County again but in game 3 8 - 5. The team now travels to Moscow, Idaho for regional tournament play beginning August 3rd. The tournament winner would then advance to Wisconsin for the Babe Ruth World Series.
Efforts at fund raising for a new community child care facility are proceeding well says one of the key people involved in the campaign. It’s becoming – quote – “very real, very fast” according to Jenny Alberty (AL-bir-dee)
207 – “$160-thousand towards our capital campaign. That’s specifically to get a facility for our center that can become state certified.”
Their target is $250-thousand and Alberty, the vice president of Quality Child Care for Florence says they’ve been pursing grants from outside the immediate area. They recently landed $25-thousand from the Oregon Community Foundation and five-grand from the Fred Meyer Foundation. Other grant applications are pending and she’s hoping that if all goes well, they could begin construction this fall with low cost, high quality group care for children becoming available as early as the end of this year.
07-29-09 7,8,9 AM; Noon; 5,6 PM
RBS
It may be tempting to get out and enjoy the warm weather, but when temperatures are ten to 15 degrees hotter than normal, that can bring some unwanted results. Lane County Public Health nursing supervisor Betsy Meredith says something as simple as having plenty to drink can make a big difference. But, she adds, stay away from carbonated beverages and those that contain alcohol. When temperatures rise, people can become more susceptible to heat stroke or exhaustion because they become dehydrated. One of the best ways to cool off, she says, is by spending time in a public building that has air conditioning. Someplace like a large retail store or the library.
After six weeks of declines, the national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded went up a nickel this week to $2.51. That’s still 14-cents less than it was last month at this time. In Oregon, the average price went down a penny to $2.66 a gallon while locally the price dropped one cent to $2.52. Marie Dodds with Triple-A of Oregon says pump prices have mirrored those of crude oil with economic news having the biggest impact. One story to watch, she says is that of the average price for diesel… The Oregon average for a gallon of diesel is $2.56… that’s two-twenty less than last year at this time
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS: Northwest League Baseball:Scoring ten runs in the first three innings last night, the Indians kept the Emeralds from scoring in Spokane last night until the top of the ninth inning. The final was 10 / 3 dropping Eugene to 17 and 21 on the season, 10 games out of first place in the Northwest League West Division standings. The two teams meet again tonight in Spokane. The South Coast 14U All-Star team won three straight games in double elimination play to win the Oregon State Babe Ruth State Championship in Grants Pass last weekend. Four Florence youths start on the team including Alex Snow, Josh Iabichello, Ryan Smith , and Jake Thompson. South Coast defeated the defending State Champion Josephine County All Stars in the first game 6-5. Game two was South Coast over Klamath Falls 13-8, they claimed the South Coast Championship by defeating Josephine County again but in game 3 8 - 5. The team now travels to Moscow, Idaho for regional tournament play beginning August 3rd. The tournament winner would then advance to Wisconsin for the Babe Ruth World Series.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Record heat wave to continue in Oregon; Police seeking leads on bicycle hit and run; and Lane County offers funding for fire-proofing rural homes.
Record Setting heat expected to continue…
If you wanted to get a break from the heat in Oregon yesterday, you either went to the coast… or surprisingly, east of the Cascades. A record high temperature was set at Portland International Airport when the National Weather Service recorded a 103-degree reading, edging the previous high of 102 set in 1958. Up the valley, it was more of the same with highs of 103 in Corvallis and Salem. Eugene’s high was pegged at 102 and the hottest spot according to the weather service was in Medford where it topped out at 105 degrees. Along the coast, high temperatures, moderated by a cool ocean breeze were in the upper 60s to mid 70s. While inland, the high at the Redmond Airport was a moderate 89 degrees.
Forecasters are calling for more of the same today with high temperatures of 103 predicted for much of the Willamette Valley. In the Umpqua Valley… Roseburg is expected to peak at 105-degrees. Coastal highs are expected in the mid 70s along the central stretch and into the 80s to the north.
One good spot to cool off… Crater Lake’s forecast high temperature at the rim… expected to be 81 degrees.
Florence police are asking for help in locating a truck that may have been involved in a hit and run Friday afternoon. A 14-year old boy reported to police that he was riding in the bike lane on Highway 101 near 36th street when a full size black pickup truck struck him as it was turning into a Chinese Restaurant. Police said the boy’s only injury was a scraped hand, but the bicycle was damaged to the point that it was no longer ride-able. He told police the truck continued through the parking lot and left without providing any aid or information. Police are asking anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident to call them.
Lane County will use $1.5-million over the next three years to help rural home-owners protect their property against wildfire. The Firewise Incentive Program will grant eligible homeowners up to $12-thousand to partially reimburse them for the costs of installing things like fire-resistant siding and windows; spark arrestors on chimneys; and replacing flammable roofs. The money can also be used to create a ‘defensible space’ around homes by paying for brush removal and installation of irrigation systems… even planting fire-resistive landscaping according to Associate Planner Keir Miller (keer) with the Lane County Land Management Division. The money is part of funding received from the Federal Government under the Secure Rural Schools legislation. Miller calls it a ‘creative use’ that will “help make residents more resilient to wildfire” while also providing an economic boost. Information on how to qualify for the funding can be found on the County’s website or by calling the Land Management Division.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Northwest League Baseball:
The thermometer in right field never dipped below 99 degrees at Civic Stadium last night and the Ems kept the heat on the Boise Hawks, grounding them with a 10-2 victory to wrap up the two teams’ five game series in Eugene. The Emeralds put up 12 hits in the game… three of the ‘round-trippers’ off the bats of Nathan Frieman, Vince Belnome and Matt Vern. Eugene Starter Jerry Sullivan held the Hawks scoreless over five innings for the win. The Emeralds travel to Spokane today where they’ll open up a five game series against the Indians.
If you wanted to get a break from the heat in Oregon yesterday, you either went to the coast… or surprisingly, east of the Cascades. A record high temperature was set at Portland International Airport when the National Weather Service recorded a 103-degree reading, edging the previous high of 102 set in 1958. Up the valley, it was more of the same with highs of 103 in Corvallis and Salem. Eugene’s high was pegged at 102 and the hottest spot according to the weather service was in Medford where it topped out at 105 degrees. Along the coast, high temperatures, moderated by a cool ocean breeze were in the upper 60s to mid 70s. While inland, the high at the Redmond Airport was a moderate 89 degrees.
Forecasters are calling for more of the same today with high temperatures of 103 predicted for much of the Willamette Valley. In the Umpqua Valley… Roseburg is expected to peak at 105-degrees. Coastal highs are expected in the mid 70s along the central stretch and into the 80s to the north.
One good spot to cool off… Crater Lake’s forecast high temperature at the rim… expected to be 81 degrees.
Florence police are asking for help in locating a truck that may have been involved in a hit and run Friday afternoon. A 14-year old boy reported to police that he was riding in the bike lane on Highway 101 near 36th street when a full size black pickup truck struck him as it was turning into a Chinese Restaurant. Police said the boy’s only injury was a scraped hand, but the bicycle was damaged to the point that it was no longer ride-able. He told police the truck continued through the parking lot and left without providing any aid or information. Police are asking anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident to call them.
Lane County will use $1.5-million over the next three years to help rural home-owners protect their property against wildfire. The Firewise Incentive Program will grant eligible homeowners up to $12-thousand to partially reimburse them for the costs of installing things like fire-resistant siding and windows; spark arrestors on chimneys; and replacing flammable roofs. The money can also be used to create a ‘defensible space’ around homes by paying for brush removal and installation of irrigation systems… even planting fire-resistive landscaping according to Associate Planner Keir Miller (keer) with the Lane County Land Management Division. The money is part of funding received from the Federal Government under the Secure Rural Schools legislation. Miller calls it a ‘creative use’ that will “help make residents more resilient to wildfire” while also providing an economic boost. Information on how to qualify for the funding can be found on the County’s website or by calling the Land Management Division.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Northwest League Baseball:
The thermometer in right field never dipped below 99 degrees at Civic Stadium last night and the Ems kept the heat on the Boise Hawks, grounding them with a 10-2 victory to wrap up the two teams’ five game series in Eugene. The Emeralds put up 12 hits in the game… three of the ‘round-trippers’ off the bats of Nathan Frieman, Vince Belnome and Matt Vern. Eugene Starter Jerry Sullivan held the Hawks scoreless over five innings for the win. The Emeralds travel to Spokane today where they’ll open up a five game series against the Indians.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Police had their hands full with crosswalk enforcement; City Council offers naming rights; and Justice Court amnesty program ending soon.
Police had their hands full with crosswalk enforcement…
Already this year five pedestrians have been injured in separate incidents as they tried to use crosswalks on Highway 101 in Florence. That’s one reason why police targeted two different crossings last week, one at 15th street, the other at eighth. During a two hour stretch Wednesday, with an officer in civilian clothes acting as a decoy, they ticketed 15 drivers and handed out the same number of warnings. Police chief Maury Sanders said the action was so heavy at times that officers couldn’t keep up and weren’t able to get to all the offenders. Even a casual observer should have been able to tell something was going on. A half-dozen patrol vehicles were staged a block away on either end, several officers were on the sidewalk or in nearby parking lots observing and recording the action with a video camera. Statistics revealed three-quarters of the citations were given to men and half were written to Oregonians. The majority of tickets or warnings went to non-residents of the Florence area… only a quarter of those went to people with a Florence address.
Florence City Council President Nola Xavier said her reaction was shock when she found out that bids for a new Senior Center were $100-thousand over estimates.
200 – “If we lose this and we lose the grant it will be very difficult to recover from that kind of loss.”
The council has until August 12th to accept or reject the low bid or lose an $800-thousand Community Development Block Grant that will pay the lion’s share of the $1.2-million project. One method they’re using to raise money is by offering naming rights to the center for a single donation of $250-thousand. In addition to funding the shortfall, it would also provide many of the extras that senior center backers had thought they would have to do without.
Lane County Justice Court has been offering an amnesty program for back fines and fees since February of this year, but it’s all coming to an end this week. Charges stemming from court actions before 2003 are eligible and all interest charges will be waived. West Lane Justice of the Peace Cindy Cable noted that it’s been somewhat successful. Over the past six months they’ve collected about $200-thousand throughout the entire system. She says it all comes to an end this Friday.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Northwest League Baseball:
The Eugene Emeralds went one-and-two with the Boise Hawks over the weekend… Winning Friday evening 5-1 at Civic Stadium. Saturday, the Hawks overcame a three run deficit in the top of the ninth to win 10-9. Yesterday, the Hawks took the lead in the fifth inning for good and held on for a 7-4 win. The two teams wrap up their five game series tonight at Civic… the Emeralds head out on the road again tomorrow where they’ll open up a five game stretch in Spokane.
Already this year five pedestrians have been injured in separate incidents as they tried to use crosswalks on Highway 101 in Florence. That’s one reason why police targeted two different crossings last week, one at 15th street, the other at eighth. During a two hour stretch Wednesday, with an officer in civilian clothes acting as a decoy, they ticketed 15 drivers and handed out the same number of warnings. Police chief Maury Sanders said the action was so heavy at times that officers couldn’t keep up and weren’t able to get to all the offenders. Even a casual observer should have been able to tell something was going on. A half-dozen patrol vehicles were staged a block away on either end, several officers were on the sidewalk or in nearby parking lots observing and recording the action with a video camera. Statistics revealed three-quarters of the citations were given to men and half were written to Oregonians. The majority of tickets or warnings went to non-residents of the Florence area… only a quarter of those went to people with a Florence address.
Florence City Council President Nola Xavier said her reaction was shock when she found out that bids for a new Senior Center were $100-thousand over estimates.
200 – “If we lose this and we lose the grant it will be very difficult to recover from that kind of loss.”
The council has until August 12th to accept or reject the low bid or lose an $800-thousand Community Development Block Grant that will pay the lion’s share of the $1.2-million project. One method they’re using to raise money is by offering naming rights to the center for a single donation of $250-thousand. In addition to funding the shortfall, it would also provide many of the extras that senior center backers had thought they would have to do without.
Lane County Justice Court has been offering an amnesty program for back fines and fees since February of this year, but it’s all coming to an end this week. Charges stemming from court actions before 2003 are eligible and all interest charges will be waived. West Lane Justice of the Peace Cindy Cable noted that it’s been somewhat successful. Over the past six months they’ve collected about $200-thousand throughout the entire system. She says it all comes to an end this Friday.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Northwest League Baseball:
The Eugene Emeralds went one-and-two with the Boise Hawks over the weekend… Winning Friday evening 5-1 at Civic Stadium. Saturday, the Hawks overcame a three run deficit in the top of the ninth to win 10-9. Yesterday, the Hawks took the lead in the fifth inning for good and held on for a 7-4 win. The two teams wrap up their five game series tonight at Civic… the Emeralds head out on the road again tomorrow where they’ll open up a five game stretch in Spokane.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Coos Bay man dies; account set up for injured Mapleton man; former Florence resident facing murder charges and Coast Guard searching for missing boat.
Early morning crash kills one east of Florence
A Coos Bay man died early Thursday morning when the truck he was driving side-swiped an oncoming vehicle, then plowed into a boat being towed behind it. 45-year old Shannon Blake Smalley was not wearing safety restraints, but Oregon State Trooper Ron Martin said they most likely would not have made much of a difference. Two Eugene men in the other vehicle, 40-year old Steven Sabin and 41-year old Dale Bohna (BOE-nuh) were not injured. They told police that Smalley’s truck crossed the centerline on a curve. Sabin, driving a 2005 Ford F-150, tried to avoid the crash but could not get completely out of the way. Sgt. Martin said police had received at least two complaints of erratic driving concerning Smalley’s vehicle in the 30-minutes prior to the six A.M. crash. One on Highway 101 south of Florence, another just before the 911 call reporting the collision. He said there was nothing to indicate that Smalley was impaired in any way. Highway 126 was closed eleven miles east of Florence for about 90 minutes before one lane was re-opened. Traffic was routed through the area for the next four-and-a-half hours with the assistance of flaggers from a nearby construction zone and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
A bank account has been set up to receive donations to aid the family of a Mapleton man who suffered a serious spinal cord injury. Johnny Barrows was injured when he dove into the Siuslaw River. Family friend Rachael Miller says 20-year old has insurance, but there are many other expenses to deal with.
206 – “Like the hotel and stuff to be out there closer to John and all the medical bills and just to make sure that they don’t have an extra thing to worry about, they can really focus on John and making sure he’s getting better.”
Barrows remains in critical condition at Springfield’s River Bend Medical Center. Donations can be deposited at any Siuslaw Bank Branch.
A former Florence resident accused of fatally shooting his neighbor was part of an Army unit at Fort Carson, Colorado, but not the same unit whose members have been linked to a number of killings. Jarrod William Pardun (par-DUNN) of Creswell, is charged with last Saturday’s murder of 59-year old Stephen Thurston. An Army spokesman said the 28-year old Pardun served in the 2rd Armored Calvary Regiment. A report released last week found that soldiers from a different Fort Carson unit, the 4th Brigade Combat Team, have been accused of 11 separate killings in Colorado and other states since 2005.
West Lane County Commissioner Bill Fleenor will convene a “community dialogue” Monday morning for Florence area residents at Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue. The 90 minute session begins at ten AM.
A 39-foot fishing boat with three people aboard left Newport Saturday for a four-day tuna fishing trip. The Kay Ann was reported overdue when it didn’t arrive at Warrenton, Oregon as scheduled. The US Coast Guard is searching an area as far south as 70-miles off the Siuslaw River beginning today for the vessel. The Kay Ann is described as having a white hull with red and blue trim. Anyone with information about the boat is encouraged to report it to the Coast Guard.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Northwest League Baseball:
The Boise Hawks used a couple of late game rallies to come from behind and hold off the Eugene Emeralds 6-2 last night at Civic Stadium. The margin was the largest for the Ems in over a month. Eugene gave up a two-run lead in the fifth, allowing two Boise runs on two outs to tie the game. The Hawks added a pair of runs in the seventh and the ninth as the Boise bullpen shut down Emeralds. The two teams will continue their five game series through the weekend, wrapping it up Monday evening at Civic.
A Coos Bay man died early Thursday morning when the truck he was driving side-swiped an oncoming vehicle, then plowed into a boat being towed behind it. 45-year old Shannon Blake Smalley was not wearing safety restraints, but Oregon State Trooper Ron Martin said they most likely would not have made much of a difference. Two Eugene men in the other vehicle, 40-year old Steven Sabin and 41-year old Dale Bohna (BOE-nuh) were not injured. They told police that Smalley’s truck crossed the centerline on a curve. Sabin, driving a 2005 Ford F-150, tried to avoid the crash but could not get completely out of the way. Sgt. Martin said police had received at least two complaints of erratic driving concerning Smalley’s vehicle in the 30-minutes prior to the six A.M. crash. One on Highway 101 south of Florence, another just before the 911 call reporting the collision. He said there was nothing to indicate that Smalley was impaired in any way. Highway 126 was closed eleven miles east of Florence for about 90 minutes before one lane was re-opened. Traffic was routed through the area for the next four-and-a-half hours with the assistance of flaggers from a nearby construction zone and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
A bank account has been set up to receive donations to aid the family of a Mapleton man who suffered a serious spinal cord injury. Johnny Barrows was injured when he dove into the Siuslaw River. Family friend Rachael Miller says 20-year old has insurance, but there are many other expenses to deal with.
206 – “Like the hotel and stuff to be out there closer to John and all the medical bills and just to make sure that they don’t have an extra thing to worry about, they can really focus on John and making sure he’s getting better.”
Barrows remains in critical condition at Springfield’s River Bend Medical Center. Donations can be deposited at any Siuslaw Bank Branch.
A former Florence resident accused of fatally shooting his neighbor was part of an Army unit at Fort Carson, Colorado, but not the same unit whose members have been linked to a number of killings. Jarrod William Pardun (par-DUNN) of Creswell, is charged with last Saturday’s murder of 59-year old Stephen Thurston. An Army spokesman said the 28-year old Pardun served in the 2rd Armored Calvary Regiment. A report released last week found that soldiers from a different Fort Carson unit, the 4th Brigade Combat Team, have been accused of 11 separate killings in Colorado and other states since 2005.
West Lane County Commissioner Bill Fleenor will convene a “community dialogue” Monday morning for Florence area residents at Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue. The 90 minute session begins at ten AM.
A 39-foot fishing boat with three people aboard left Newport Saturday for a four-day tuna fishing trip. The Kay Ann was reported overdue when it didn’t arrive at Warrenton, Oregon as scheduled. The US Coast Guard is searching an area as far south as 70-miles off the Siuslaw River beginning today for the vessel. The Kay Ann is described as having a white hull with red and blue trim. Anyone with information about the boat is encouraged to report it to the Coast Guard.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Northwest League Baseball:
The Boise Hawks used a couple of late game rallies to come from behind and hold off the Eugene Emeralds 6-2 last night at Civic Stadium. The margin was the largest for the Ems in over a month. Eugene gave up a two-run lead in the fifth, allowing two Boise runs on two outs to tie the game. The Hawks added a pair of runs in the seventh and the ninth as the Boise bullpen shut down Emeralds. The two teams will continue their five game series through the weekend, wrapping it up Monday evening at Civic.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
126 Re-opens...
Traffic on Highway 126 will be disrupted until mid-morning as police complete their investigation of a fatal traffic crash that occurred this morning. The two-vehicle collision occurred at six am and closed the highway at milepost 11, just three miles west of Mapleton, off and on over a two hour period. No details on the crash or the fatality have been released pending completion of the investigation and notification of relatives.
Highway 126 closed for fatality investigation; Senior Center fundraising making headway; Heceta Head Coastal Conference to feature NOAA head.
Senior Center Fund Raising Makes Immediate Progress.
Florence Mayor Phil Brubaker says the response has been tremendous. In less than a week the Senior Center Committee has banked just under $20,000. Approximately half of that came in the form of a one-time $10-thousand grant from the Western Lane Community Foundation. Backers of the new center proposed for the north end of Singing Pines Park on Kingwood Street have until August 12th to raise $100-thousand or run the risk of losing an $800-thousand Community Development Block Grant. Brubaker, along with key members of the planning committee will talk about the current efforts this afternoon during the KCST Community Forum. Jan Nieberlien, who wrote the initial grant application, along with Paul Culy and Linda Lauck will talk about why adjusting the project to reduce costs is not a viable option. Also joining the conversation will be City Council President Nola Xavier. That program on 106.9 is at 4:05.
Highway 126 just West of Mapleton will be closed through late morning as authorities investigate a fatal crash. The two-vehicle head-on crash occurred at six this morning. Emergency crews cleared the scene just before seven. That’s when Oregon State Troopers closed the roadway. Alternative routes include using Highway 38 between Reedsport and Interstate Five as well as Highway 20 out of Newport.
Police are seeking a 22-year old Florence man who walked away from the Justice Center while on a medical pass. Keith Brown was serving a 90-day sentence for failure to pay fines and assessments on a previous assault conviction. He was given the pass to receive medical treatment and failed to return. He’s described as being 6’2”, 215 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. Authorities say if anyone knows the whereabouts of Brown they should not confront him, but contact Florence Police.
The Heceta Head Coastal Conference will be turning inland for the first time this fall. The two-day conference, in it’s fifth annual run, will concentrate on the effects of land use on Oregon’s ocean. Two high-profile speakers will grace the program. Dr. Robert Malouf the former director of Oregon Sea Grant will open discussions on Friday, October 23rd. A panel discussion on Saturday will delve into the correlation of land development and ocean impact. Also that day, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Under-Secretary of Commerce and the administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, will address the conference via electronic link from Washington DC on Oregon’s Ocean Policy.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Northwest League Baseball:
Edinson Rincon drove in five runs last night, four with one swing of the bat on a grand slam, aiding the Eugene Emeralds to an 8-3 victory over the Tri-City Dust Devils in Pasco. Rincon’s blast to left field came in the second inning and provided four of the six runs in that frame as the Ems wrapped up an eight game road trip. They’re back at Civic Stadium tonight in Eugene where they’ll open up a five game stretch against the Boise Hawks.
Florence Mayor Phil Brubaker says the response has been tremendous. In less than a week the Senior Center Committee has banked just under $20,000. Approximately half of that came in the form of a one-time $10-thousand grant from the Western Lane Community Foundation. Backers of the new center proposed for the north end of Singing Pines Park on Kingwood Street have until August 12th to raise $100-thousand or run the risk of losing an $800-thousand Community Development Block Grant. Brubaker, along with key members of the planning committee will talk about the current efforts this afternoon during the KCST Community Forum. Jan Nieberlien, who wrote the initial grant application, along with Paul Culy and Linda Lauck will talk about why adjusting the project to reduce costs is not a viable option. Also joining the conversation will be City Council President Nola Xavier. That program on 106.9 is at 4:05.
Highway 126 just West of Mapleton will be closed through late morning as authorities investigate a fatal crash. The two-vehicle head-on crash occurred at six this morning. Emergency crews cleared the scene just before seven. That’s when Oregon State Troopers closed the roadway. Alternative routes include using Highway 38 between Reedsport and Interstate Five as well as Highway 20 out of Newport.
Police are seeking a 22-year old Florence man who walked away from the Justice Center while on a medical pass. Keith Brown was serving a 90-day sentence for failure to pay fines and assessments on a previous assault conviction. He was given the pass to receive medical treatment and failed to return. He’s described as being 6’2”, 215 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. Authorities say if anyone knows the whereabouts of Brown they should not confront him, but contact Florence Police.
The Heceta Head Coastal Conference will be turning inland for the first time this fall. The two-day conference, in it’s fifth annual run, will concentrate on the effects of land use on Oregon’s ocean. Two high-profile speakers will grace the program. Dr. Robert Malouf the former director of Oregon Sea Grant will open discussions on Friday, October 23rd. A panel discussion on Saturday will delve into the correlation of land development and ocean impact. Also that day, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Under-Secretary of Commerce and the administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, will address the conference via electronic link from Washington DC on Oregon’s Ocean Policy.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Northwest League Baseball:
Edinson Rincon drove in five runs last night, four with one swing of the bat on a grand slam, aiding the Eugene Emeralds to an 8-3 victory over the Tri-City Dust Devils in Pasco. Rincon’s blast to left field came in the second inning and provided four of the six runs in that frame as the Ems wrapped up an eight game road trip. They’re back at Civic Stadium tonight in Eugene where they’ll open up a five game stretch against the Boise Hawks.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Mapleton man in intensive care; Dog license are a phone call home for lost pets, tuna catch good and gas prices continue to slide
Mapleton Man seriously injured in diving accident…
A Mapleton man suffered a serious spinal injury after diving into the Siuslaw River near Mapleton and striking a rock Sunday evening. 20-year old Johnny Barrows is in intensive care at River Bend Medical Center in Springfield. He was airlifted there following the accident. According to a family friend Barrows’ spinal cord was injured, but not severed in the accident. and doctors are waiting for swelling to subside before making any long-term diagnoses.
Representatives from Lane County Animal Services will be knocking on doors over the next two months providing information to pet owners about licensing. Animal Services Supervisor Tom Howard says canvassers will also renew or sell new licenses on the spot. He says pet licenses are really a lost dog’s phone call home. Law enforcement can check the registry 24-hours a day to determine the owner of a lost dog. License fees are an important revenue source for the Lane County Animal Services shelter. Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies in order to be licensed and fees will be reduced if you have proof that the animal has been spayed or neutered.
Good ocean conditions have contributed to one of the biggest weeks of sports tuna catches in recent history. According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife more than 10-thousand sport-caught tuna were landed this past week. Average catches along the north coast have been 12 or 13 fish per boat. Averages along the central and south coast have been roughly half that with most fish being caught 30-miles out. Returns of hatchery Coho Salmon have also been relatively good. The same report shows catches are one to two fish per angler with many reporting two releases for every fish retained.
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Florence fell this past week by seven cents to $2.53. That’s 17-cents less than this year’s high recorded three weeks ago. Oregon’s average price fell a similar amount in the last seven days. It’s currently at $2.67 a gallon according to Triple-A.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Northwest League Baseball:
The Tri-City Dust Devils roughed up the Eugene Emeralds’ bull pen for five runs late in the game for a 6-2 victory in Pasco, Washington last night. The Ems were scoreless until the ninth inning, but were unable to sustain a rally. Devils hitters combined for 15 hits in the effort, including a 3-for-5 stint at the plate from Jeremiah Sammy as well as a two-run triple off the bat of Tim Wheeler. The Dust Devils’ victory gives them a 3-1 advantage in the current five game series that wraps up tonight.
A Mapleton man suffered a serious spinal injury after diving into the Siuslaw River near Mapleton and striking a rock Sunday evening. 20-year old Johnny Barrows is in intensive care at River Bend Medical Center in Springfield. He was airlifted there following the accident. According to a family friend Barrows’ spinal cord was injured, but not severed in the accident. and doctors are waiting for swelling to subside before making any long-term diagnoses.
Representatives from Lane County Animal Services will be knocking on doors over the next two months providing information to pet owners about licensing. Animal Services Supervisor Tom Howard says canvassers will also renew or sell new licenses on the spot. He says pet licenses are really a lost dog’s phone call home. Law enforcement can check the registry 24-hours a day to determine the owner of a lost dog. License fees are an important revenue source for the Lane County Animal Services shelter. Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies in order to be licensed and fees will be reduced if you have proof that the animal has been spayed or neutered.
Good ocean conditions have contributed to one of the biggest weeks of sports tuna catches in recent history. According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife more than 10-thousand sport-caught tuna were landed this past week. Average catches along the north coast have been 12 or 13 fish per boat. Averages along the central and south coast have been roughly half that with most fish being caught 30-miles out. Returns of hatchery Coho Salmon have also been relatively good. The same report shows catches are one to two fish per angler with many reporting two releases for every fish retained.
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Florence fell this past week by seven cents to $2.53. That’s 17-cents less than this year’s high recorded three weeks ago. Oregon’s average price fell a similar amount in the last seven days. It’s currently at $2.67 a gallon according to Triple-A.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Northwest League Baseball:
The Tri-City Dust Devils roughed up the Eugene Emeralds’ bull pen for five runs late in the game for a 6-2 victory in Pasco, Washington last night. The Ems were scoreless until the ninth inning, but were unable to sustain a rally. Devils hitters combined for 15 hits in the effort, including a 3-for-5 stint at the plate from Jeremiah Sammy as well as a two-run triple off the bat of Tim Wheeler. The Dust Devils’ victory gives them a 3-1 advantage in the current five game series that wraps up tonight.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Police seek info on daytime theft attempt, fire danger increases, sr center fund raising will impact other charities
Daytime robbery attempt leaves police seeking information…
Florence Police are seeking help in identifying a suspect in the attempted theft of a computer from an office yesterday afternoon in the Florence Business Center on 12th Street. A man asked to use the phone and once inside, reportedly unplugged a personal computer and began boxing it up. An employee interrupted him, confronting the man who denied any wrong-doing and left in a hurry before police could arrive. Officer Tom Siewell said despite Florence’s ‘small town atmosphere’ the episode pointed out the need to be cautious with strangers. He’s asking anyone with possible information on the suspect to contact him. The man was reported to be in his late 20s or early 30s with a slender build and ‘dirty blond hair’. He was wearing jeans and a sweater and left in a small forest green hatchback with a gold stripe along the fender and door. The suspect was not driving, no description was given for the vehicle operator.
Increased fire danger has prompted the Oregon Department of Forestry to implement tighter restrictions in Western Oregon forests. Effective this morning smoking outside of an enclosed vehicle is prohibited while traveling through forestland, as well as open fires except in designated campgrounds. The heightened restrictions are known as ‘regulated use’ and include other limitations and restrictions: motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles are limited to improved roadways only; fireworks are prohibited; No mowing of dried and cured grass with power equipment during the hottest part of the day; and no cutting, grinding or welding of metal is allowed between one and eight pm. A final requirement: anyone driving on forest roads must carry basic firefighting tools… an ax, a shovel and either a gallon of water or a 2 ½ pound fire extinguisher.
Backers of a new senior center in the city of Florence acknowledge that an ‘emergency fund raising’ drive to gather $100-thousand by August 12th will have an impact on other charitable efforts.
215 – “This is one of many, many good causes in Florence. And for the city to come in now and say ‘forget everything else’ is a hard thing to do. What I’m suggesting is people don’t forget everything else, but make the senior center their priority for the next three or four weeks.”
Mayor Phil Brubaker says the City Council must make a decision no later than August 12th whether or not to proceed with construction on the $1.2-million project. If they don’t make the deadline, they’ll forfeit an $800-thousand grant.
One feature returning to this year’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life set for August 14th and 15th at Miller Park is the Memory Wall. Relay spokesperson Pam Hickson says it will be bigger and better this year. She said it was inspired by a photo of a fence near the Oklahoma Courthouse bombing site several years ago when people brought photos and mementos of loved ones and left them attached to the chain link. Hickson said anything that reminds you of loved ones that have battled cancer will add to the experience. The Relay for Life is the signature fundraising event of the American Cancer Society.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
American Legion Baseball:
The Withnell Dodgers shortened the Three Rivers Sandblasters season by one inning last night in Salem, beating the ‘Blasters 11-1 in eight innings. The Sandblasters ended the season with an 8 – 12 league record in fourth place overall in Zone-Three play.
Northwest League Baseball:
The Eugene Emeralds put together 13-hits on their way to a 9-6 pounding of the Tri-City Dust Devils at Gesa Stadium last night in Pasco. Eugene scored twice in the top half of the first inning, setting the tone for the evening. The Ems are seven games behind the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes… third place… in the west division with an overall record of 14-and-16. The Emeralds and the Dust Devils meet again tonight for the fourth game of their five game series.
Florence Police are seeking help in identifying a suspect in the attempted theft of a computer from an office yesterday afternoon in the Florence Business Center on 12th Street. A man asked to use the phone and once inside, reportedly unplugged a personal computer and began boxing it up. An employee interrupted him, confronting the man who denied any wrong-doing and left in a hurry before police could arrive. Officer Tom Siewell said despite Florence’s ‘small town atmosphere’ the episode pointed out the need to be cautious with strangers. He’s asking anyone with possible information on the suspect to contact him. The man was reported to be in his late 20s or early 30s with a slender build and ‘dirty blond hair’. He was wearing jeans and a sweater and left in a small forest green hatchback with a gold stripe along the fender and door. The suspect was not driving, no description was given for the vehicle operator.
Increased fire danger has prompted the Oregon Department of Forestry to implement tighter restrictions in Western Oregon forests. Effective this morning smoking outside of an enclosed vehicle is prohibited while traveling through forestland, as well as open fires except in designated campgrounds. The heightened restrictions are known as ‘regulated use’ and include other limitations and restrictions: motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles are limited to improved roadways only; fireworks are prohibited; No mowing of dried and cured grass with power equipment during the hottest part of the day; and no cutting, grinding or welding of metal is allowed between one and eight pm. A final requirement: anyone driving on forest roads must carry basic firefighting tools… an ax, a shovel and either a gallon of water or a 2 ½ pound fire extinguisher.
Backers of a new senior center in the city of Florence acknowledge that an ‘emergency fund raising’ drive to gather $100-thousand by August 12th will have an impact on other charitable efforts.
215 – “This is one of many, many good causes in Florence. And for the city to come in now and say ‘forget everything else’ is a hard thing to do. What I’m suggesting is people don’t forget everything else, but make the senior center their priority for the next three or four weeks.”
Mayor Phil Brubaker says the City Council must make a decision no later than August 12th whether or not to proceed with construction on the $1.2-million project. If they don’t make the deadline, they’ll forfeit an $800-thousand grant.
One feature returning to this year’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life set for August 14th and 15th at Miller Park is the Memory Wall. Relay spokesperson Pam Hickson says it will be bigger and better this year. She said it was inspired by a photo of a fence near the Oklahoma Courthouse bombing site several years ago when people brought photos and mementos of loved ones and left them attached to the chain link. Hickson said anything that reminds you of loved ones that have battled cancer will add to the experience. The Relay for Life is the signature fundraising event of the American Cancer Society.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
American Legion Baseball:
The Withnell Dodgers shortened the Three Rivers Sandblasters season by one inning last night in Salem, beating the ‘Blasters 11-1 in eight innings. The Sandblasters ended the season with an 8 – 12 league record in fourth place overall in Zone-Three play.
Northwest League Baseball:
The Eugene Emeralds put together 13-hits on their way to a 9-6 pounding of the Tri-City Dust Devils at Gesa Stadium last night in Pasco. Eugene scored twice in the top half of the first inning, setting the tone for the evening. The Ems are seven games behind the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes… third place… in the west division with an overall record of 14-and-16. The Emeralds and the Dust Devils meet again tonight for the fourth game of their five game series.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Senior Center bids discouraging; another million dollar jackpot; swine flu still hanging around; and a night in the wilderness...
Fund-raiser says Senior Center shortfall could be catastrophic…
One of the key members of the Senior Center Fund Raising Committee says the news last week that construction bids were well over estimates was discouraging. Paul Culy said a four-week emergency fund raising drive must succeed.
210 – “Well it would be a catastrophe. I don’t think that we could redo this, what we have done in the past. We’re at the point now where we must succeed.”
The committee has already been hard at work raising money for the center, raising $92-thousand that would go towards several extras not included in the base bid package.
211 – “So that will probably eat into our $92,000 substantially. We do need new hundred-thousand dollar money to make this float.”
Bids were opened last week for the new center, the lowest was about 100-thousand dollars over construction estimates, placing an $800-thousand grant at risk. The Florence City Council will hear an update on the project this evening.
Lane County authorities say swine flu hasn't taken a summer vacation. Sacred Heart Medical Center at River Bend reports treating 13 patients for pneumonia, a complication of the disease. Five of those were sick enough to be admitted to intensive care. About 40 patients showing flu-like symptoms have been seen in recent weeks at PeaceHealth Medical Group clinics and emergency departments. Public health officials say the flu season usually begins in Oregon in October and continues until early spring. Betsy Meredith of Lane County Public Health says the county has 24 confirmed cases of swine flu, but the actual number is probably much higher.
Three Eugene men, all brothers in their 60s, spent a night in the wilderness east of Reedsport last week. Fred, Glen and Dale Forrest attempted to hike to the Devil’s Staircase waterfall near Wells Creek Tuesday but their GPS unit wasn’t working well because of the steep terrain. A search party from Douglas County Search and Rescue on Wednesday met up with them late Wednesday as they were returning to their truck. All were in good condition with no injuries.
Three Rivers Casino reported another million dollar winner over the weekend. CEO Mike Rose announced a jackpot of $1,078,000 was paid to a retired Florence woman playing a penny-slot machine Friday night. The award was the latest in a string of big prize payouts, including three new car giveaways and a progressive slot jackpot of over $5-million in March, continuing a five-month streak of nearly $7-million.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
American Legion Baseball:
The Springfield Titans broke a six game losing streak in big fashion yesterday with a 15-1 win over the Three Rivers Sandblasters. It was the final home game of the season for the ‘Blasters who will finish in fourth place in Zone Three. The Titans’ Cody Garner put the exclamation mark on the game with a bases-clearing grand slam in the top of the ninth. Grady Wood pitched a complete game for the win on the mound. Kevin Warren picked up the loss as four Sandblasters pitchers combined to give up 17 hits in all. The season will end in Salem this evening for Three Rivers as they go up against the Withnell Dodgers.
Northwest League Baseball:
The Eugene Emeralds wrapped up their three-night stay Friday night in Keizer with a 5-2 loss to the Volcanoes. Saturday it was on to Pasco, Washington and the Tri-City Dust Devils where the Emeralds came out on top 4-3 in the first of a five-game series. Yesterday, the Devils came out on top 2-1 in 11-innings. Game three of that series is set for tonight.
One of the key members of the Senior Center Fund Raising Committee says the news last week that construction bids were well over estimates was discouraging. Paul Culy said a four-week emergency fund raising drive must succeed.
210 – “Well it would be a catastrophe. I don’t think that we could redo this, what we have done in the past. We’re at the point now where we must succeed.”
The committee has already been hard at work raising money for the center, raising $92-thousand that would go towards several extras not included in the base bid package.
211 – “So that will probably eat into our $92,000 substantially. We do need new hundred-thousand dollar money to make this float.”
Bids were opened last week for the new center, the lowest was about 100-thousand dollars over construction estimates, placing an $800-thousand grant at risk. The Florence City Council will hear an update on the project this evening.
Lane County authorities say swine flu hasn't taken a summer vacation. Sacred Heart Medical Center at River Bend reports treating 13 patients for pneumonia, a complication of the disease. Five of those were sick enough to be admitted to intensive care. About 40 patients showing flu-like symptoms have been seen in recent weeks at PeaceHealth Medical Group clinics and emergency departments. Public health officials say the flu season usually begins in Oregon in October and continues until early spring. Betsy Meredith of Lane County Public Health says the county has 24 confirmed cases of swine flu, but the actual number is probably much higher.
Three Eugene men, all brothers in their 60s, spent a night in the wilderness east of Reedsport last week. Fred, Glen and Dale Forrest attempted to hike to the Devil’s Staircase waterfall near Wells Creek Tuesday but their GPS unit wasn’t working well because of the steep terrain. A search party from Douglas County Search and Rescue on Wednesday met up with them late Wednesday as they were returning to their truck. All were in good condition with no injuries.
Three Rivers Casino reported another million dollar winner over the weekend. CEO Mike Rose announced a jackpot of $1,078,000 was paid to a retired Florence woman playing a penny-slot machine Friday night. The award was the latest in a string of big prize payouts, including three new car giveaways and a progressive slot jackpot of over $5-million in March, continuing a five-month streak of nearly $7-million.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
American Legion Baseball:
The Springfield Titans broke a six game losing streak in big fashion yesterday with a 15-1 win over the Three Rivers Sandblasters. It was the final home game of the season for the ‘Blasters who will finish in fourth place in Zone Three. The Titans’ Cody Garner put the exclamation mark on the game with a bases-clearing grand slam in the top of the ninth. Grady Wood pitched a complete game for the win on the mound. Kevin Warren picked up the loss as four Sandblasters pitchers combined to give up 17 hits in all. The season will end in Salem this evening for Three Rivers as they go up against the Withnell Dodgers.
Northwest League Baseball:
The Eugene Emeralds wrapped up their three-night stay Friday night in Keizer with a 5-2 loss to the Volcanoes. Saturday it was on to Pasco, Washington and the Tri-City Dust Devils where the Emeralds came out on top 4-3 in the first of a five-game series. Yesterday, the Devils came out on top 2-1 in 11-innings. Game three of that series is set for tonight.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Senior Center Bids come in over budget; US Senate working on health care reform; and Surfrider working on river cleanup
Senior Center plans facing hurdle…
Expectations were high this week when bids were opened for a new senior center in Florence. The architectural and design firm for the City of Florence had estimated that many of the 11 bids received would be well within the budget allocated for construction.
200 -- "The four for the modular were all higher than the seven for the built in place building. And the lowest bidder came in above budget."
In fact, the lowest bid received was just over $100-thousand higher than expected says Mayor Phil Brubaker. That puts the city in a tight spot. If they reject the bids, they’ll lose a Community Development Block Grant that will two-thirds of the $1.2-million project. But, they can’t accept the bid without having all construction funds in the bank.
201 -- "In order to proceed with this project we have a challenge in front of us to raise $100,000 in cash, not pledges, in cash, over the next 28 days to make the award deadline to preserve the Community Development Block Grant of $800,000."
Brubaker is confident that it can be done. Members of the Senior Center fund-raising committee agree. They’re embarking on an immediate campaign and say they expect they’ll have enough money by August 12th to allow the council to move forward with construction.
A U-S Senate subcommittee approved a plan this week that US Senator Jeff Merkley expects will improve access to health insurance coverage and help keep costs down.
203 – “What it would do is enable individuals and small businesses which previously have had to negotiate on their own for health care and therefore like lambs to the slaughter… enable them to join an exchange and have the collective marketing clout of hundreds of thousands of folks behind them and thereby get a much better deal on health care.”
The Health Care Exchange is just one part of the Senate plan that would require all Americans to have some sort of coverage. Merkley said there are provisions that would allow residents to opt-out for an annual fee.
From a distance, the Siuslaw River looks great… but Melisa Buckwald, a member of the Siuslaw Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, says there really is quite a bit of trash and litter in spots.
205 -- "If you look closely, yes. From far away you don't really see it, not as much. You know when you're along the river bank, yes there is. The tide brings up the trash and it kind of gets stuck there at the waterline."
That’s why she and other volunteers are planning to spend three hours tomorrow cleaning up. Buckwald says anyone with a boat, a raft, a kayak or a canoe can meet at one of four locations… the Port of Siuslaw Boat launch in Florence; Bender Landing on the North Fork; Siuslaw Marina in Cushman or at the county dock in Mapleton. No boat? No problem she adds… meet up at Rain Rock on Highway 36 or the Deadwood store. Be there at 11 AM and don’t forget your own life jacket.
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
American Legion Baseball:
A 16-run fifth inning carried the Eugene Bi-Mart Challengers to a 23-10 victory over the Three Rivers Sandblasters last night at Swede Johnson Stadium in Eugene. The Sandblasters led by three runs going into the frame, but gave up eight hits, eight walks and committed two errors. Zach Laxague had a home run for the ‘Blasters and Kevin Warren and Drew Rainwater each had two run doubles. Three Rivers has two games remaining on their schedule… Sunday they’ll host the Springfield Titans at 2:00… that game will air on Coast Radio Sports at 1:45.
Northwest League Baseball:
The Salem Keizer Volcanoes ended the Eugene Emeralds four-game win streak with an 8-7 victory over the Ems in Keizer last night. Volcano shortstop Ryan Cavan (kuh-VANN) drilled a three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning to put Salem-Keizer on top for good. The two teams wrap up their three-game series at Volcano Stadium tonight… the Emeralds head out for Pasco, Washington tomorrow where they’ll take on the Tri-City Dust Devils.
Expectations were high this week when bids were opened for a new senior center in Florence. The architectural and design firm for the City of Florence had estimated that many of the 11 bids received would be well within the budget allocated for construction.
200 -- "The four for the modular were all higher than the seven for the built in place building. And the lowest bidder came in above budget."
In fact, the lowest bid received was just over $100-thousand higher than expected says Mayor Phil Brubaker. That puts the city in a tight spot. If they reject the bids, they’ll lose a Community Development Block Grant that will two-thirds of the $1.2-million project. But, they can’t accept the bid without having all construction funds in the bank.
201 -- "In order to proceed with this project we have a challenge in front of us to raise $100,000 in cash, not pledges, in cash, over the next 28 days to make the award deadline to preserve the Community Development Block Grant of $800,000."
Brubaker is confident that it can be done. Members of the Senior Center fund-raising committee agree. They’re embarking on an immediate campaign and say they expect they’ll have enough money by August 12th to allow the council to move forward with construction.
A U-S Senate subcommittee approved a plan this week that US Senator Jeff Merkley expects will improve access to health insurance coverage and help keep costs down.
203 – “What it would do is enable individuals and small businesses which previously have had to negotiate on their own for health care and therefore like lambs to the slaughter… enable them to join an exchange and have the collective marketing clout of hundreds of thousands of folks behind them and thereby get a much better deal on health care.”
The Health Care Exchange is just one part of the Senate plan that would require all Americans to have some sort of coverage. Merkley said there are provisions that would allow residents to opt-out for an annual fee.
From a distance, the Siuslaw River looks great… but Melisa Buckwald, a member of the Siuslaw Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, says there really is quite a bit of trash and litter in spots.
205 -- "If you look closely, yes. From far away you don't really see it, not as much. You know when you're along the river bank, yes there is. The tide brings up the trash and it kind of gets stuck there at the waterline."
That’s why she and other volunteers are planning to spend three hours tomorrow cleaning up. Buckwald says anyone with a boat, a raft, a kayak or a canoe can meet at one of four locations… the Port of Siuslaw Boat launch in Florence; Bender Landing on the North Fork; Siuslaw Marina in Cushman or at the county dock in Mapleton. No boat? No problem she adds… meet up at Rain Rock on Highway 36 or the Deadwood store. Be there at 11 AM and don’t forget your own life jacket.
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
American Legion Baseball:
A 16-run fifth inning carried the Eugene Bi-Mart Challengers to a 23-10 victory over the Three Rivers Sandblasters last night at Swede Johnson Stadium in Eugene. The Sandblasters led by three runs going into the frame, but gave up eight hits, eight walks and committed two errors. Zach Laxague had a home run for the ‘Blasters and Kevin Warren and Drew Rainwater each had two run doubles. Three Rivers has two games remaining on their schedule… Sunday they’ll host the Springfield Titans at 2:00… that game will air on Coast Radio Sports at 1:45.
Northwest League Baseball:
The Salem Keizer Volcanoes ended the Eugene Emeralds four-game win streak with an 8-7 victory over the Ems in Keizer last night. Volcano shortstop Ryan Cavan (kuh-VANN) drilled a three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning to put Salem-Keizer on top for good. The two teams wrap up their three-game series at Volcano Stadium tonight… the Emeralds head out for Pasco, Washington tomorrow where they’ll take on the Tri-City Dust Devils.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Senior and Disable Services reduce coverage; Relay for life four weeks away; Dunes City Stormwater Ordinance explored; and the State of the Port
Senior and Disable Services availability reduced…
Because of budget constraints, access to Senior and Disabled Services in Lane County will be reduced by one day each month. Agency director Kay Metzger says, through the end of this year, offices in Florence, Cottage Grove and Eugene will be closed the third Friday of each month. The closures will have no impact on nutrition sites or Meals on Wheels… those services will continue on their normal schedules. Metzger says funding reductions ordered by the legislature last month eliminated ‘cost of living’ and ‘merit’ pay increases for union represented employees, plus requires all employees to take six ‘furlough’ days through the end of this calendar year. That amounts to a 3.5% pay reduction overall. Metzger added the pay and service reductions were efforts to stave off other broader personnel cuts. Senior and Disabled Services are provided in Lane County by the Lane Council of Governments under contract with the State Department of Human Services. L-COG Executive Director George Kloeppel (KLEP-pel) said funding formulas from the state have still not been finalized and more budget adjustments may be required in the fall.
When you check in for the tenth Florence Relay for Life at Miller Park August 14th, chances are good that you’ll run into one of the co-chairs of the registration committee… Clara Simons or Jean Schmaling. The duo met in 2005 when Simons was having a mammogram done. Schmaling was the technician. She didn’t waste any time when Simons expressed an interest in volunteering with an organization that might be active in cancer research. Simon had lost three friends to cancer in her previous hometown and had been active in fund-raising before moving to Florence. Since that encounter, the pair have worked together registering participants in the Relay for Life. The 2009 version in Florence kicks off at Noon, Friday August 14th.
The Dunes City Committee for Citizen Involvement is set to meet tonight at Dunes City Hall to continue discussions on a proposed stormwater ordinance. Early drafts of the rules have been criticized by several residents and officials as being confusing and difficult to enforce. The Dunes City CCI is open to any Dunes City resident… that meeting is at six pm.
Incoming Port of Siuslaw President Joshua Greene will present a brief talk on the ‘state of the Port of Siuslaw’ today during the monthly Chamber of Commerce Noon Forum. Green presented similar comments last night at the port’s regular monthly meeting. The Chamber Forum is open to the public, it’s at Three Rivers Casino and Hotel.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Northwest League Baseball:
The Eugene Emeralds used a five-run second inning to gain the lead for good and then held on for a 7-2 win over the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes last night. The win was Eugene’s fourth straight and brings their record to 12-13, a half game below .500 for the first time since the first week of the season. Game two of the three game series in Keizer is tonight.
American Legion Baseball:
The Three Rivers Sandblasters have a non-league contest this evening at North Eugene High School against the Challengers. Airtime on Coast Radio Sports will be at 4:45 with the first pitch at 5:00.
Pac-Ten Football:
Fall practice officially begins August seventh, but it’s a midnight special tonight for single-game reserved tickets to Oregon football games for the coming season. Online sales begin at midnight tonight with only a limited number of spaces available for home games against Cal, USC and Oregon State. Selections are better for the home opener against Purdue on September 12th as well as games against Utah, Arizona State and Washington State.
Because of budget constraints, access to Senior and Disabled Services in Lane County will be reduced by one day each month. Agency director Kay Metzger says, through the end of this year, offices in Florence, Cottage Grove and Eugene will be closed the third Friday of each month. The closures will have no impact on nutrition sites or Meals on Wheels… those services will continue on their normal schedules. Metzger says funding reductions ordered by the legislature last month eliminated ‘cost of living’ and ‘merit’ pay increases for union represented employees, plus requires all employees to take six ‘furlough’ days through the end of this calendar year. That amounts to a 3.5% pay reduction overall. Metzger added the pay and service reductions were efforts to stave off other broader personnel cuts. Senior and Disabled Services are provided in Lane County by the Lane Council of Governments under contract with the State Department of Human Services. L-COG Executive Director George Kloeppel (KLEP-pel) said funding formulas from the state have still not been finalized and more budget adjustments may be required in the fall.
When you check in for the tenth Florence Relay for Life at Miller Park August 14th, chances are good that you’ll run into one of the co-chairs of the registration committee… Clara Simons or Jean Schmaling. The duo met in 2005 when Simons was having a mammogram done. Schmaling was the technician. She didn’t waste any time when Simons expressed an interest in volunteering with an organization that might be active in cancer research. Simon had lost three friends to cancer in her previous hometown and had been active in fund-raising before moving to Florence. Since that encounter, the pair have worked together registering participants in the Relay for Life. The 2009 version in Florence kicks off at Noon, Friday August 14th.
The Dunes City Committee for Citizen Involvement is set to meet tonight at Dunes City Hall to continue discussions on a proposed stormwater ordinance. Early drafts of the rules have been criticized by several residents and officials as being confusing and difficult to enforce. The Dunes City CCI is open to any Dunes City resident… that meeting is at six pm.
Incoming Port of Siuslaw President Joshua Greene will present a brief talk on the ‘state of the Port of Siuslaw’ today during the monthly Chamber of Commerce Noon Forum. Green presented similar comments last night at the port’s regular monthly meeting. The Chamber Forum is open to the public, it’s at Three Rivers Casino and Hotel.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Northwest League Baseball:
The Eugene Emeralds used a five-run second inning to gain the lead for good and then held on for a 7-2 win over the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes last night. The win was Eugene’s fourth straight and brings their record to 12-13, a half game below .500 for the first time since the first week of the season. Game two of the three game series in Keizer is tonight.
American Legion Baseball:
The Three Rivers Sandblasters have a non-league contest this evening at North Eugene High School against the Challengers. Airtime on Coast Radio Sports will be at 4:45 with the first pitch at 5:00.
Pac-Ten Football:
Fall practice officially begins August seventh, but it’s a midnight special tonight for single-game reserved tickets to Oregon football games for the coming season. Online sales begin at midnight tonight with only a limited number of spaces available for home games against Cal, USC and Oregon State. Selections are better for the home opener against Purdue on September 12th as well as games against Utah, Arizona State and Washington State.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The cost of staying in jail; marine reserve prep; gas prices fall; and halibut season closes until August.
Jail stay in Florence will now include financial consideration…
Beginning next month, overnight visitors to the jail at the Florence Justice Center could be paying part of the way. The Florence City Council approved a booking fee that will be charged to prisoners serving a court-ordered sentence.
215 – “If somebody is actually convicted, and that will be collected by the court and so that won’t put any administrative burden on the jail staff.”
No estimate was given as to how much money might be raised by the fee, but it is one way for the city to recapture some of the costs of law enforcement. City Manager Bob Willoughby says having the court collect the one-time $50 fee during sentencing is a more efficient method than charging a daily fee.
216 – “I think it increases the chance of reimbursement and decreases the impact on the police staff in terms of trying to implement it.”
That’s because the booking fee would be included with other charges ordered by the court and jail employees would not have to add another administrative duty.
Work on how to turn marine reserves into a reality has begun in Oregon. In Coos Bay tonight, an advisory committee to the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay will meet. The Marine Reserves Recommendation Committee is holding informational discussions on the impacts of reserves on commercial fishers. In Florence, the Port of Siuslaw also has an advisory committee… the Florence Oregon Ocean Resources Coalition will meet at the Port of Siuslaw office tomorrow at five pm.
The local average for a gallon of regular unleaded dropped by six cents this week to $2.60… that’s eight cents more than the national average, but still 12-cents less than the average price in Oregon. Marie Dodds with Triple-A of Oregon says this is the third week in a row that prices have fallen in the state. Indeed, the average price in Florence is ten cents a gallon less than last month… and one-dollar and sixty-cents less than it was a year ago. Dodds said wholesale crude oil prices and reduced retail demand have combined to hold prices down.
The all-depth sport halibut season has been closed off the Central Oregon Coast between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mountain. The next all-depth halibut fishery is set to begin August seventh and will run through October 31st or until a quota of 165-thousand pounds is reached.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Triathlon:
The annual Ocean Festival is set to open later this week in Reedsport. When it does, it will sport a new event. The Gardiner-Reedsport Lions and the Reedsport-Winchester Bay Chamber of Commerce have organized a Triathlon for Saturday. Registration opens at 6:30 AM at Coho Point in Winchester Bay. The race includes a four-mile kayak race, eight-mile bicyle circuit and a four-mile run.
American Legion Baseball:
The Three Rivers Sandblasters continued their ‘mid-july’ slump last night, losing 19-9 to the Corvallis Richey’s in eight innings at home. Coach Ben Johnson was ejected from the game in the fifth inning for arguing a call at second base. Three Rivers put up 19 hits, but committed five errors and left 12 runners stranded in the loss. They have a day off today and will face the Eugene Challengers tomorrow in Eugene for a nonleague game.
Northwest League Baseball:
It’s back to work after the All Star Break… the Eugene Emeralds are in Keizer for the first of a three-game series tonight against the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes.
Beginning next month, overnight visitors to the jail at the Florence Justice Center could be paying part of the way. The Florence City Council approved a booking fee that will be charged to prisoners serving a court-ordered sentence.
215 – “If somebody is actually convicted, and that will be collected by the court and so that won’t put any administrative burden on the jail staff.”
No estimate was given as to how much money might be raised by the fee, but it is one way for the city to recapture some of the costs of law enforcement. City Manager Bob Willoughby says having the court collect the one-time $50 fee during sentencing is a more efficient method than charging a daily fee.
216 – “I think it increases the chance of reimbursement and decreases the impact on the police staff in terms of trying to implement it.”
That’s because the booking fee would be included with other charges ordered by the court and jail employees would not have to add another administrative duty.
Work on how to turn marine reserves into a reality has begun in Oregon. In Coos Bay tonight, an advisory committee to the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay will meet. The Marine Reserves Recommendation Committee is holding informational discussions on the impacts of reserves on commercial fishers. In Florence, the Port of Siuslaw also has an advisory committee… the Florence Oregon Ocean Resources Coalition will meet at the Port of Siuslaw office tomorrow at five pm.
The local average for a gallon of regular unleaded dropped by six cents this week to $2.60… that’s eight cents more than the national average, but still 12-cents less than the average price in Oregon. Marie Dodds with Triple-A of Oregon says this is the third week in a row that prices have fallen in the state. Indeed, the average price in Florence is ten cents a gallon less than last month… and one-dollar and sixty-cents less than it was a year ago. Dodds said wholesale crude oil prices and reduced retail demand have combined to hold prices down.
The all-depth sport halibut season has been closed off the Central Oregon Coast between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mountain. The next all-depth halibut fishery is set to begin August seventh and will run through October 31st or until a quota of 165-thousand pounds is reached.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Triathlon:
The annual Ocean Festival is set to open later this week in Reedsport. When it does, it will sport a new event. The Gardiner-Reedsport Lions and the Reedsport-Winchester Bay Chamber of Commerce have organized a Triathlon for Saturday. Registration opens at 6:30 AM at Coho Point in Winchester Bay. The race includes a four-mile kayak race, eight-mile bicyle circuit and a four-mile run.
American Legion Baseball:
The Three Rivers Sandblasters continued their ‘mid-july’ slump last night, losing 19-9 to the Corvallis Richey’s in eight innings at home. Coach Ben Johnson was ejected from the game in the fifth inning for arguing a call at second base. Three Rivers put up 19 hits, but committed five errors and left 12 runners stranded in the loss. They have a day off today and will face the Eugene Challengers tomorrow in Eugene for a nonleague game.
Northwest League Baseball:
It’s back to work after the All Star Break… the Eugene Emeralds are in Keizer for the first of a three-game series tonight against the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Ten-digit dialing; Cleawox Market robbery; Oregon Unemployment Rate; and Lane County Human Rights Commission.
Phone Transition begins this week…
Telephone users in most of Oregon are facing a big change in six months…
210 – “We’re running out of numbers, I know it’s hard for people to believe that.”
Unless something was done in the next couple of years according to Public Utilities Commission Chair Lee Beyer, the number of seven-digit phone combinations in the 541-area code would be exhausted.
211 – “We asked people throughout the 541 area, which would you rather do? Should we split that area in half or some proportion and change everybody’s numbers there? Or go to an overlay which is what we do in Portland.”
The preferred option: adding a second area code.
212 – “Nobody likes change, but the preference was 10-digit dialing”
Actually that option minimizes change. Had they split the area code, Beyer says everyone in one of the two new areas would have had to change their numbers. This way nobody changes but everyone must dial three more digits than they used to. The transition period for ten-digit dialing began over the weekend. That means for the next six months if you want to call across town you’ll have the option of using the area code. But, he says, it’ll be required by January 12th, 2010.
Oregon's unemployment rate hovered at 12.2 percent in June, essentially unchanged from May. The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained well above the U.S. rate of 9.5 percent as Oregon's recession-bound economy shed another 7,200 jobs last month. In all, there were 241,000 Oregonians on the unemployment rolls last month, compared with 114,000 jobless a year ago. Industries such as manufacturing, trade and business services continue to mirror national trends of job declines, but the bright spot was construction, which posted a gain of 3,600 jobs in June.
Police arrested a man at a Florence residence early Sunday morning after the report of an armed robbery south of town. Oregon State Police Sergeant Ron Martin said a white male claimed to have a bomb and demanded cash from the clerk at Cleawox Market on Highway 101 Saturday evening. The employee emptied the cash register and the suspect left with the money. Witnesses were able to provide a description of the man and his vehicle. Police arrested 29-year old John Jeremy Angeli several hours later. He reportedly had evidence linking him to the robbery along with ‘user amounts’ of methamphetamine.
Lane County’s Commission for the Advancement of Human Rights will meet in Florence tomorrow night. Program Specialist Sascha Cosio says the 11-member panel is committed to ensuring human rights are a “central part of every County program”. They’ll meet at the Florence Events Center tomorrow evening at 5:30.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
American Legion Baseball:
The Three Rivers Sandblasters fell below .500 in league play last night with an eight-run shutout loss to the Post 9 Highwaymen in Salem. Three Rivers will host Corvallis’ Richey’s Market today at Jiggs Dodson Field. Game time is 5:00 with the pregame show on Coast Radio Sports at 4:45…
Northwest League Baseball:
The Eugene Emeralds swept both halves of a double-header last night in Eugene, beating the Spokane Indians 7-5 in the opener, then, closing the night out with a five-nothing shutout. The entire Northwest League has the night off for the All-Star break. The Ems will hit the road tomorrow where they’ll open a three game series against the league-leading Volcanoes in Keizer.
Telephone users in most of Oregon are facing a big change in six months…
210 – “We’re running out of numbers, I know it’s hard for people to believe that.”
Unless something was done in the next couple of years according to Public Utilities Commission Chair Lee Beyer, the number of seven-digit phone combinations in the 541-area code would be exhausted.
211 – “We asked people throughout the 541 area, which would you rather do? Should we split that area in half or some proportion and change everybody’s numbers there? Or go to an overlay which is what we do in Portland.”
The preferred option: adding a second area code.
212 – “Nobody likes change, but the preference was 10-digit dialing”
Actually that option minimizes change. Had they split the area code, Beyer says everyone in one of the two new areas would have had to change their numbers. This way nobody changes but everyone must dial three more digits than they used to. The transition period for ten-digit dialing began over the weekend. That means for the next six months if you want to call across town you’ll have the option of using the area code. But, he says, it’ll be required by January 12th, 2010.
Oregon's unemployment rate hovered at 12.2 percent in June, essentially unchanged from May. The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained well above the U.S. rate of 9.5 percent as Oregon's recession-bound economy shed another 7,200 jobs last month. In all, there were 241,000 Oregonians on the unemployment rolls last month, compared with 114,000 jobless a year ago. Industries such as manufacturing, trade and business services continue to mirror national trends of job declines, but the bright spot was construction, which posted a gain of 3,600 jobs in June.
Police arrested a man at a Florence residence early Sunday morning after the report of an armed robbery south of town. Oregon State Police Sergeant Ron Martin said a white male claimed to have a bomb and demanded cash from the clerk at Cleawox Market on Highway 101 Saturday evening. The employee emptied the cash register and the suspect left with the money. Witnesses were able to provide a description of the man and his vehicle. Police arrested 29-year old John Jeremy Angeli several hours later. He reportedly had evidence linking him to the robbery along with ‘user amounts’ of methamphetamine.
Lane County’s Commission for the Advancement of Human Rights will meet in Florence tomorrow night. Program Specialist Sascha Cosio says the 11-member panel is committed to ensuring human rights are a “central part of every County program”. They’ll meet at the Florence Events Center tomorrow evening at 5:30.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
American Legion Baseball:
The Three Rivers Sandblasters fell below .500 in league play last night with an eight-run shutout loss to the Post 9 Highwaymen in Salem. Three Rivers will host Corvallis’ Richey’s Market today at Jiggs Dodson Field. Game time is 5:00 with the pregame show on Coast Radio Sports at 4:45…
Northwest League Baseball:
The Eugene Emeralds swept both halves of a double-header last night in Eugene, beating the Spokane Indians 7-5 in the opener, then, closing the night out with a five-nothing shutout. The entire Northwest League has the night off for the All-Star break. The Ems will hit the road tomorrow where they’ll open a three game series against the league-leading Volcanoes in Keizer.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Library Expands; Backstreet Moves; and UT pedals
Library expansion making progress…
Since late February, regular visitors to the Siuslaw Public Library have experienced something different almost on a daily basis.
205 – “It changes from day to day. Right now we’re completely open, all the book… people have access to all the books and all the cassettes and the DVDs.”
Library Director Steve Skidmore says only $300-thousand of the $1.7-million expansion and renovation project is coming from public money… the rest, about 80-percent, is being funded through private grants and donations. When it’s all done, more space will available in the ‘front’ of the house for books and other resources. There’ll be additional private meeting and study space, and volunteers will have more room in the ‘back’ of the house to sort books and do other work.
207 – “Scheduled to be completed by September 18th, I think probably by the end of August we’re going to have things close to being done.”
There’ll also be more parking. Part of the funding went to pay for additional property at the corner of Eighth and Maple Streets. Skidmore anticipates that the outside portions… the parking, landscaping work and sidewalks… will be the final items to be completed.
The Florence Arts Community gathered for a gallery opening Saturday.
208 – “Back Street on Bay Street! We’re kind of back a little bit so hey, it still works.”
It was the grand opening of the new location for the Back Street Gallery, recently relocated from Laurel Street just off Highway 101 to new digs at 1421 Bay Street. It’s a co-op of nearly two-dozen artists according to president Jennifer French.
209 -- “The other place has been wonderful. It served a wonderful purpose. We learned how to be together, how to grow, how to run a business together and now that we’re on Bay Street we’re ready and we’re just a bunch of giggling idiots.”
French says the Bay Street exposure… and their Laurel Street experience… is invaluable for local artists.
They started in Austin, Texas June sixth and by the time they reach Anchorage, Alaska in mid August the 50 bicyclists from the University of Texas will have ridden more than 4,500 miles… and more importantly will have raised more than $110-thousand for cancer research. The “Sense Corps Texas 4,000” splits riders over two different courses, “Rockies” and “Coastal”. The riders on the latter will be in Florence by this afternoon where they’re expected to stop at St. Andrews Episcopal Church. Terri Pennington says this is the fourth year they’ve hosted the riders. They’ll have dinner at the Church and then talk about the ride at seven pm. Every rider has a personal connection with the disease… either directly as a survivor or through a close friend or family member. Pennington says local bicyclists are welcome to join the group as they ride into town this afternoon… or tomorrow for their eight AM departure.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
American Legion Baseball:
Bryce Weidman threw a complete game with 17 strikeouts as the Three Rivers Sandblasters held on for a two-nothing shutout win over the Mid Valley Rockets yesterday afternoon in Florence. The win put the ‘Blasters back at .500 in league play after losing Friday night, 12-2 to Corvallis’ Richey’s Market and then Saturday 3-2 to the Springfield Titans. Three Rivers is back on the diamond this evening at Corban College in Salem against the Post 9 Highwaymen.
Northwest League Baseball:
The Emeralds went one-one-and-one over the weekend… losing Friday night 5-1 to the Spokane Indians; picking up an 8-2 win Saturday; then giving in to the rain yesterday. The Indians and the Ems double up at Civic Stadium for two games tonight.
Pac Ten Football:
Single game tickets for Oregon State Beaver Football go on sale this morning online only. Phone or ticket office sales open up in two weeks. Single game tickets are available for the home opener September Fifth against Portland State, then a non-league game against Cincinnati as well as Pac-Ten rivals Arizona, Stanford, UCLA and Washington.
Since late February, regular visitors to the Siuslaw Public Library have experienced something different almost on a daily basis.
205 – “It changes from day to day. Right now we’re completely open, all the book… people have access to all the books and all the cassettes and the DVDs.”
Library Director Steve Skidmore says only $300-thousand of the $1.7-million expansion and renovation project is coming from public money… the rest, about 80-percent, is being funded through private grants and donations. When it’s all done, more space will available in the ‘front’ of the house for books and other resources. There’ll be additional private meeting and study space, and volunteers will have more room in the ‘back’ of the house to sort books and do other work.
207 – “Scheduled to be completed by September 18th, I think probably by the end of August we’re going to have things close to being done.”
There’ll also be more parking. Part of the funding went to pay for additional property at the corner of Eighth and Maple Streets. Skidmore anticipates that the outside portions… the parking, landscaping work and sidewalks… will be the final items to be completed.
The Florence Arts Community gathered for a gallery opening Saturday.
208 – “Back Street on Bay Street! We’re kind of back a little bit so hey, it still works.”
It was the grand opening of the new location for the Back Street Gallery, recently relocated from Laurel Street just off Highway 101 to new digs at 1421 Bay Street. It’s a co-op of nearly two-dozen artists according to president Jennifer French.
209 -- “The other place has been wonderful. It served a wonderful purpose. We learned how to be together, how to grow, how to run a business together and now that we’re on Bay Street we’re ready and we’re just a bunch of giggling idiots.”
French says the Bay Street exposure… and their Laurel Street experience… is invaluable for local artists.
They started in Austin, Texas June sixth and by the time they reach Anchorage, Alaska in mid August the 50 bicyclists from the University of Texas will have ridden more than 4,500 miles… and more importantly will have raised more than $110-thousand for cancer research. The “Sense Corps Texas 4,000” splits riders over two different courses, “Rockies” and “Coastal”. The riders on the latter will be in Florence by this afternoon where they’re expected to stop at St. Andrews Episcopal Church. Terri Pennington says this is the fourth year they’ve hosted the riders. They’ll have dinner at the Church and then talk about the ride at seven pm. Every rider has a personal connection with the disease… either directly as a survivor or through a close friend or family member. Pennington says local bicyclists are welcome to join the group as they ride into town this afternoon… or tomorrow for their eight AM departure.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
American Legion Baseball:
Bryce Weidman threw a complete game with 17 strikeouts as the Three Rivers Sandblasters held on for a two-nothing shutout win over the Mid Valley Rockets yesterday afternoon in Florence. The win put the ‘Blasters back at .500 in league play after losing Friday night, 12-2 to Corvallis’ Richey’s Market and then Saturday 3-2 to the Springfield Titans. Three Rivers is back on the diamond this evening at Corban College in Salem against the Post 9 Highwaymen.
Northwest League Baseball:
The Emeralds went one-one-and-one over the weekend… losing Friday night 5-1 to the Spokane Indians; picking up an 8-2 win Saturday; then giving in to the rain yesterday. The Indians and the Ems double up at Civic Stadium for two games tonight.
Pac Ten Football:
Single game tickets for Oregon State Beaver Football go on sale this morning online only. Phone or ticket office sales open up in two weeks. Single game tickets are available for the home opener September Fifth against Portland State, then a non-league game against Cincinnati as well as Pac-Ten rivals Arizona, Stanford, UCLA and Washington.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Oregon Country Fair at 40; Traffic saturation patrols on 126; And, more protesters arrested in Elliot State Forest.
Party with a purpose turns 40…
The preparations are complete and the gates will open this morning on the 40th edition of the Oregon Country Fair in Veneta.
200 – “The surf is up. We are definitely picking up speed around here and looking very much forward to what we hope is a very good celebration for everybody.”
Doug Green is the backup Operations Manager for the fair. He says visitors today will have a similar experience to what they felt in 1969 at what was then a benefit for an alternative school… with a few changes.
201 – “I think they’d see the same love and energy, but I think they’d see it multiplied by a tremendous amount.”
Green says there are more than 800 craft vendors, 80 food booths and 17 stages with all manner of entertainment. In fact, one of the final events of the fair will be Portland’s Nowhere Band on stage Sunday afternoon to commemorate another 40th anniversary.
202 – “It’s the Beatles’ White Album 40th anniversary as well. And, so they will be performing that out on a new stage we’ve built out on Pirate’s Cove which is a little bit of a lush meadow type place where there’ll be a lot of open space.”
Tickets to the fair are not available at the gate, they can only be purchased at TicketsWest outlets or at TicketsWest.com.
Four more protesters at the Umpcoos Ridge Number 2 timber sale southeast of Reedsport were taken into custody yesterday, bringing the total arrests there to 27. All will face charges of interfering with an agricultural operation. The four arrests yesterday were protesters that had suspended themselves from trees around a homemade blockade that was erected to stop logging on the Elliott State Forest. Demonstrators from Earth First! and Cascadia Rising Tide said they wanted to stop the logging to protect fish and wildlife habitat.
Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies, in conjunction with Oregon State Troopers, will be focusing their attentions on roads in Western Lane County between Eugene and Mapleton beginning today in response to an expected increase in traffic due to the Oregon Country Fair in Veneta. Traffic Team Sergeant Fred Swank says the saturation patrols will be focusing on alcohol and unsafe driving related situations. Swank says the traffic increases will likely cause delays on Highway 36 as well at Territorial and Suttle Roads in the Elmira areas.
The head of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration - former Oregon State University marine biologist Jane Lubchenco - is coming to the Oregon Coast. She will be at the Newport waterfront on Friday highlighting how federal stimulus funds are being used to clean up derelict crab pots that pose a hazard to fishing boats as well as marine life. Afterwards, she will be meeting with commercial fishermen at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in what is being called a listening session.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Northwest League Baseball:
The Eugene Emeralds broke a two-two tie with a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the ninth inning last night for a 3-2 victory over the Spokane Indians at Civic Stadium. Bo Davis, who drew the free pass, said it was his first ever ‘walk-off-walk’ and danced his way to first base as Nate Freiman came across the plate. It was the fourth time on the night that the Ems had the bases loaded with two outs… the other three times, in the first, sixth and eighth, they couldn’t capitalize… Eugene stranded 17 base runners in all. The Indians and the Emeralds continue with game two of their five game series tonight in Eugene.
Also on the schedule… this evening the Three Rivers Sandblasters will be in Corvallis where they’ll face the Richies at seven o’clock. Corvallis is coming off an 11-3 upset loss to Springfield last night. Tonight’s game will air on Coast Radio Sports beginning at 6:45. Three Rivers will face Springfield tomorrow in Springfield at one, then takes on Albany’s Mid-Valley Rockets at home Sunday afternoon at two… that game also will air on Coast Radio Sports.
The preparations are complete and the gates will open this morning on the 40th edition of the Oregon Country Fair in Veneta.
200 – “The surf is up. We are definitely picking up speed around here and looking very much forward to what we hope is a very good celebration for everybody.”
Doug Green is the backup Operations Manager for the fair. He says visitors today will have a similar experience to what they felt in 1969 at what was then a benefit for an alternative school… with a few changes.
201 – “I think they’d see the same love and energy, but I think they’d see it multiplied by a tremendous amount.”
Green says there are more than 800 craft vendors, 80 food booths and 17 stages with all manner of entertainment. In fact, one of the final events of the fair will be Portland’s Nowhere Band on stage Sunday afternoon to commemorate another 40th anniversary.
202 – “It’s the Beatles’ White Album 40th anniversary as well. And, so they will be performing that out on a new stage we’ve built out on Pirate’s Cove which is a little bit of a lush meadow type place where there’ll be a lot of open space.”
Tickets to the fair are not available at the gate, they can only be purchased at TicketsWest outlets or at TicketsWest.com.
Four more protesters at the Umpcoos Ridge Number 2 timber sale southeast of Reedsport were taken into custody yesterday, bringing the total arrests there to 27. All will face charges of interfering with an agricultural operation. The four arrests yesterday were protesters that had suspended themselves from trees around a homemade blockade that was erected to stop logging on the Elliott State Forest. Demonstrators from Earth First! and Cascadia Rising Tide said they wanted to stop the logging to protect fish and wildlife habitat.
Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies, in conjunction with Oregon State Troopers, will be focusing their attentions on roads in Western Lane County between Eugene and Mapleton beginning today in response to an expected increase in traffic due to the Oregon Country Fair in Veneta. Traffic Team Sergeant Fred Swank says the saturation patrols will be focusing on alcohol and unsafe driving related situations. Swank says the traffic increases will likely cause delays on Highway 36 as well at Territorial and Suttle Roads in the Elmira areas.
The head of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration - former Oregon State University marine biologist Jane Lubchenco - is coming to the Oregon Coast. She will be at the Newport waterfront on Friday highlighting how federal stimulus funds are being used to clean up derelict crab pots that pose a hazard to fishing boats as well as marine life. Afterwards, she will be meeting with commercial fishermen at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in what is being called a listening session.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Northwest League Baseball:
The Eugene Emeralds broke a two-two tie with a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the ninth inning last night for a 3-2 victory over the Spokane Indians at Civic Stadium. Bo Davis, who drew the free pass, said it was his first ever ‘walk-off-walk’ and danced his way to first base as Nate Freiman came across the plate. It was the fourth time on the night that the Ems had the bases loaded with two outs… the other three times, in the first, sixth and eighth, they couldn’t capitalize… Eugene stranded 17 base runners in all. The Indians and the Emeralds continue with game two of their five game series tonight in Eugene.
Also on the schedule… this evening the Three Rivers Sandblasters will be in Corvallis where they’ll face the Richies at seven o’clock. Corvallis is coming off an 11-3 upset loss to Springfield last night. Tonight’s game will air on Coast Radio Sports beginning at 6:45. Three Rivers will face Springfield tomorrow in Springfield at one, then takes on Albany’s Mid-Valley Rockets at home Sunday afternoon at two… that game also will air on Coast Radio Sports.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Swisshome man accused of shooting stepfather...
AP-OR--Stepfather Shot,0125
Swisshome man accused of shooting stepfather
SWISSHOME, Ore. (AP) - Lane County authorities arrested a
29-year-old Swisshome man accused of shooting at his stepfather
with a shotgun.
Bud Morris Flynn was booked into the county jail on charges of
attempted murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The sheriff's office says Flynn's stepfather was doing work on
their house at Stagecoach Road when he was hit by several pellets
from the round. Another relative retrieved a rifle and fired at
Flynn, who fled into the forest surrounding the house.
Deputies found Flynn in the woods Wednesday. He needed treatment
for a bite he received from a police dog.
The stepfather's injuries were described as minor.
---
Information from: The Register-Guard,
Swisshome man accused of shooting stepfather
SWISSHOME, Ore. (AP) - Lane County authorities arrested a
29-year-old Swisshome man accused of shooting at his stepfather
with a shotgun.
Bud Morris Flynn was booked into the county jail on charges of
attempted murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The sheriff's office says Flynn's stepfather was doing work on
their house at Stagecoach Road when he was hit by several pellets
from the round. Another relative retrieved a rifle and fired at
Flynn, who fled into the forest surrounding the house.
Deputies found Flynn in the woods Wednesday. He needed treatment
for a bite he received from a police dog.
The stepfather's injuries were described as minor.
---
Information from: The Register-Guard,
Logging protest ends in arrests; Single payer health care and Oregon Country fair topic of Community Forum; Bikers, skaters and sister cities...
Police make two dozen arrests in logging blockade…
More than 50 Oregon State Troopers and Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputies moved in on an illegal blockade southeast of Reedsport yesterday morning. Protesters with Earth First! And Cascadia Rising Tide were protesting logging on 79-acres of 100-year old second growth timber in the Elliot State Forest. Protesters had barricaded the road into the Umpcoos Ridge number 2 sale, keeping fallers out of the site and officials notified them Tuesday that they were breaking the law. More than four dozen officers arrived yesterday and about half of the 50-or-so protesters left the scene voluntarily. Police arrested 23 by last night, taking them to the Douglas County Jail in Roseburg. It was estimated that eight more protesters were hiding in trees or had chained themselves to the barricade. A spokesperson for Cascadia Rising Tide said they would give up their protest if Roseburg Forest Products would sell the timber back to the state. Proceeds from the initial sale to Roseburg go to the State School Fund.
She describes herself as an agitator first, a musician second. Anne Feeney is in the middle of the ‘Sing Out for Single Payer Road Show’ with fellow musician Jason Luckett. They’ll appear at this weekend’s Oregon Country Fair in Veneta, as well as tonight at the Florence Events Center. Before that, they duo will be on KCST’s Community Forum to talk about their thoughts on health-care reform. Also on the show this afternoon will be Charlie Ruff, the Oregon Country Fair Operations Manager. That program on 106.9 FM airs at 4:05 pm.
For the next six months, an experiment will be taking place… can bicyclists and skaters coexist on the skate park at Miller Park.
210 -"Since it was built, bicycles haven't been allowed at the skate park. It's been basically inline skates and skate boards only."
Florence City Manager Bob Willoughby says the decision, made by the Florence City Council Monday evening, was at the request of the Parks and Recreation Committee who in turn were hearing from the users of the park.
211 -- "The parks committee based on a lot of input they had from the community wants to try seeing if they can share the park. As long as the bicycles are appropriately appointed so they won't damage the facility."
Bicycles that used the skate park must not have exposed metal 'pegs' and handlebars and pedals must have flexible protective coatings to protect the skate park surface.
The Dunes City Council is expected to formalize a relationship with the community of Dunes, France this evening. A resolution declaring the two cities as Sister Cities is on the agenda. Tonight’s Dunes City… Oregon.. council meeting starts at seven pm.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
American Legion Baseball:
The Three Rivers Sandblasters fell to the Withnell Dodgers 12-1 in a ‘ten-run’ shortened game that went seven innings last night. Travis Iverson pitched five innings, giving up 12 runs on 12 hits for the loss.
Northwest League Baseball:
The Boise Hawks stopped the Eugene Emeralds, coming from behind last night for a 6-3 win in Boise. The Emeralds had several chances to put the game away, stranding 12 base-runners, including leaving the bases loaded in both the sixth and eighth innings. Dionis Nunez pitched two scoreless innings for the win, Danny Keefe earned his first professional save, throwing the final four outs for Boise. Ems starter Chris Fetter allowed two runs in five innings of work, Mauricio Tabachnik was tagged with the loss. Eugene will open up a five game home stand tonight at Civic against the Spokane Indians.
More than 50 Oregon State Troopers and Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputies moved in on an illegal blockade southeast of Reedsport yesterday morning. Protesters with Earth First! And Cascadia Rising Tide were protesting logging on 79-acres of 100-year old second growth timber in the Elliot State Forest. Protesters had barricaded the road into the Umpcoos Ridge number 2 sale, keeping fallers out of the site and officials notified them Tuesday that they were breaking the law. More than four dozen officers arrived yesterday and about half of the 50-or-so protesters left the scene voluntarily. Police arrested 23 by last night, taking them to the Douglas County Jail in Roseburg. It was estimated that eight more protesters were hiding in trees or had chained themselves to the barricade. A spokesperson for Cascadia Rising Tide said they would give up their protest if Roseburg Forest Products would sell the timber back to the state. Proceeds from the initial sale to Roseburg go to the State School Fund.
She describes herself as an agitator first, a musician second. Anne Feeney is in the middle of the ‘Sing Out for Single Payer Road Show’ with fellow musician Jason Luckett. They’ll appear at this weekend’s Oregon Country Fair in Veneta, as well as tonight at the Florence Events Center. Before that, they duo will be on KCST’s Community Forum to talk about their thoughts on health-care reform. Also on the show this afternoon will be Charlie Ruff, the Oregon Country Fair Operations Manager. That program on 106.9 FM airs at 4:05 pm.
For the next six months, an experiment will be taking place… can bicyclists and skaters coexist on the skate park at Miller Park.
210 -"Since it was built, bicycles haven't been allowed at the skate park. It's been basically inline skates and skate boards only."
Florence City Manager Bob Willoughby says the decision, made by the Florence City Council Monday evening, was at the request of the Parks and Recreation Committee who in turn were hearing from the users of the park.
211 -- "The parks committee based on a lot of input they had from the community wants to try seeing if they can share the park. As long as the bicycles are appropriately appointed so they won't damage the facility."
Bicycles that used the skate park must not have exposed metal 'pegs' and handlebars and pedals must have flexible protective coatings to protect the skate park surface.
The Dunes City Council is expected to formalize a relationship with the community of Dunes, France this evening. A resolution declaring the two cities as Sister Cities is on the agenda. Tonight’s Dunes City… Oregon.. council meeting starts at seven pm.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
American Legion Baseball:
The Three Rivers Sandblasters fell to the Withnell Dodgers 12-1 in a ‘ten-run’ shortened game that went seven innings last night. Travis Iverson pitched five innings, giving up 12 runs on 12 hits for the loss.
Northwest League Baseball:
The Boise Hawks stopped the Eugene Emeralds, coming from behind last night for a 6-3 win in Boise. The Emeralds had several chances to put the game away, stranding 12 base-runners, including leaving the bases loaded in both the sixth and eighth innings. Dionis Nunez pitched two scoreless innings for the win, Danny Keefe earned his first professional save, throwing the final four outs for Boise. Ems starter Chris Fetter allowed two runs in five innings of work, Mauricio Tabachnik was tagged with the loss. Eugene will open up a five game home stand tonight at Civic against the Spokane Indians.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
New Superintendent assumes role at Siuslaw; gas prices may have found season high; and protestors continue to block timber sale east of Reedsport.
New Superintendent takes over at Siuslaw…
He’s officially been on the job a week, but he’s been in and out of Florence and the Siuslaw School District several times since accepting the position earlier this spring. Superintendent Jeff Davis made his first official appearance Monday night before the school board and laid out a plan for his transition. One of Davis’ highest priorities?
205 – “Probably the linkage with the community, and so, communication with the community, the various agencies and civic groups. I would like to extend a warm welcome to them to become a vital part of the relationship with our school system.”
Davis says he’s spending a lot of time right now asking questions…
206 – “Coming in with some fresh eyes, asking questions, penetrating questions as to why we do things the way we do. With that, we talk about what’s working, what’s working well, what’s worth preserving, what needs to be changed, what are the challenges?”
He acknowledged the past several months have been very stressful and he says he wants to focus on getting beyond that and the main mission of the district… education.
After a slight rise before the holiday weekend, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline fell slightly to $2.66 today. That’s 12-cents less than the statewide average as measured by Oregon Triple-A, which dropped two cents in the same period to $2.78. Marie Dodds with Triple-A said the national average fell by three cents to $2.60 a gallon. She adds gas prices may have peaked for the summer as historically the highest prices have been around Independence Day. Much of the first half of 2009 has been marked by a steady climb in oil and gas prices after market lows late in 2008. Two states still have prices that average above the three-dollar mark… Hawaii at $3.29 and Alaska at $3.06. California’s average price is $2.96 and in Washington, the average is $2.85 a gallon.
Protestors continue to barricade a logging road in the Elliot State Forest southeast of Reedsport, protesting a sale of second-growth timber on 79-acres known as Umpcoos Ridge. Demonstrators for the environmental groups Earth First! And Cascadia Rising say they want to protect native forest habitat and will remain at the site until the sale is cancelled. Kevin Weeks with the Oregon Department of Forestry said authorities have met with protestors, but no move has been made to arrest them. They’re using overturned vans and other items to block the road into the site.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
American Legion Baseball:
Thomas McCarthy’s back-to-back solo homeruns yesterday helped the Corvallis Richies to a 7-nothing shutout over the Three Rivers Sandblasters in Florence. But, it was Jake Likewise’ three run shot following a two-out error in the sixth inning that sealed the deal. The ‘Blasters move from one top team in the zone to the other as they travel to Willamette University tonight in Salem to take on the Withnell Dodgers. That game at 5:00… airtime on 106.9 FM is at 4:45.
Northwest League Baseball:
Three Eugene pitchers combined to toss a four-hit shutout as the Emeralds evened the five game series with the Boise Hawks at two games apiece last night. The Emeralds scored six runs in the effort. Starter Matt Jackson faced the minimum number of batters through five innings, allowing only one single, walking one and striking out three. The rubber game of the series is set for tonight in Boise.
He’s officially been on the job a week, but he’s been in and out of Florence and the Siuslaw School District several times since accepting the position earlier this spring. Superintendent Jeff Davis made his first official appearance Monday night before the school board and laid out a plan for his transition. One of Davis’ highest priorities?
205 – “Probably the linkage with the community, and so, communication with the community, the various agencies and civic groups. I would like to extend a warm welcome to them to become a vital part of the relationship with our school system.”
Davis says he’s spending a lot of time right now asking questions…
206 – “Coming in with some fresh eyes, asking questions, penetrating questions as to why we do things the way we do. With that, we talk about what’s working, what’s working well, what’s worth preserving, what needs to be changed, what are the challenges?”
He acknowledged the past several months have been very stressful and he says he wants to focus on getting beyond that and the main mission of the district… education.
After a slight rise before the holiday weekend, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline fell slightly to $2.66 today. That’s 12-cents less than the statewide average as measured by Oregon Triple-A, which dropped two cents in the same period to $2.78. Marie Dodds with Triple-A said the national average fell by three cents to $2.60 a gallon. She adds gas prices may have peaked for the summer as historically the highest prices have been around Independence Day. Much of the first half of 2009 has been marked by a steady climb in oil and gas prices after market lows late in 2008. Two states still have prices that average above the three-dollar mark… Hawaii at $3.29 and Alaska at $3.06. California’s average price is $2.96 and in Washington, the average is $2.85 a gallon.
Protestors continue to barricade a logging road in the Elliot State Forest southeast of Reedsport, protesting a sale of second-growth timber on 79-acres known as Umpcoos Ridge. Demonstrators for the environmental groups Earth First! And Cascadia Rising say they want to protect native forest habitat and will remain at the site until the sale is cancelled. Kevin Weeks with the Oregon Department of Forestry said authorities have met with protestors, but no move has been made to arrest them. They’re using overturned vans and other items to block the road into the site.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
American Legion Baseball:
Thomas McCarthy’s back-to-back solo homeruns yesterday helped the Corvallis Richies to a 7-nothing shutout over the Three Rivers Sandblasters in Florence. But, it was Jake Likewise’ three run shot following a two-out error in the sixth inning that sealed the deal. The ‘Blasters move from one top team in the zone to the other as they travel to Willamette University tonight in Salem to take on the Withnell Dodgers. That game at 5:00… airtime on 106.9 FM is at 4:45.
Northwest League Baseball:
Three Eugene pitchers combined to toss a four-hit shutout as the Emeralds evened the five game series with the Boise Hawks at two games apiece last night. The Emeralds scored six runs in the effort. Starter Matt Jackson faced the minimum number of batters through five innings, allowing only one single, walking one and striking out three. The rubber game of the series is set for tonight in Boise.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Florence Housing Market still low; Lane County opens 84 jail beds; Dunes City expands hours
Area Housing Market still lagging…
Housing sales improved in the second quarter of this year, but are still well below what they were last year at this time. Tawfik Ahdab (tah-FEEK ah-DAWB), a certified property appraiser with the Pacific Valuation Group, released sales figures for the Florence market this week. The report shows sales increased from a low of 32 closings in the first quarter of this year to 39 homes in the second quarter. That puts housing sales on track for 142 units this year, still well below last year’s – quote – “pathetic” sales figures of 214 according to Ahdab. The increase in the second quarter may be a bright spot, he says, but adds that there is still “little evidence of a reversal of the continuing contraction” of the local real estate market. The appraiser says most of the sales are focused in the lower end of the market with a median sale price of just under $180-thousand. He concluded by saying the silver lining in the current real estate market is that purchasers who are able to buy are responding to what he calls ‘excellent deals’ in the local market.
Office hours at Dunes City Hall have been available for only nine hours each week in recent months, but that changed last week.
202 – “The new office hours are going to be Monday through Thursday from ten to four o’clock.”
Dunes City Recorder Amy Graham says that stretches the available time to 24 hours. Part of the extension of service is because even during ‘off’ hours, staff was willing to help out when they could.
202 – “Anytime if, even if our doors were closed and we saw somebody at the front door we would run out and open the door and, you know, offer assistance. We just figured it would make it a lot easier for them to just walk through the door.”
Staff members, none of whom have been on the job more than a year, are also becoming more efficient as they settle into their routine.
An additional 84 beds at the Lane County Jail will be opening by the end of this month, but that still means dozens of potentially violent criminals will be released early. The additional beds will allow the Sheriff’s Department to hold on to only about 70-percent of the inmates that might be expected to commit a violent crime within two years of an early release. Sheriff Russ Burger says that other 30-percent should still be in custody.
About a thousand gallons of raw sewage spilled onto Nye Beach in Newport after a pump failed during a power outage over the weekend. Newport City Manager Jim Voetberg said a backup generator kicked in, but stopped after the pump became clogged with debris. City staff cleaned the beach and posted public notifications.
A 28-year-old Eugene man who pleaded guilty to identity theft crimes that involved the names of more than 100 individuals or businesses has been sentenced to 16 years in prison. Lane County Circuit Judge Eveleen Henry told Jason Lennon Bell yesterday she found his victim count – quote – “breathtaking”. Bell pleaded guilty last month to 17 felonies in which he used the names of 107 people or businesses. He had been charged with 50 other identity theft-related felonies, but those were dismissed as part of his plea agreement. Detectives estimated Bell victimized hundreds of
other people as well.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Northwest League Baseball:
A two-out error in the sixth inning allowed the Boise Hawks to put three unearned runs on the board, then a two-run triple in the seventh put them ahead for good as Boise beat Eugene 5-4 yesterday. The loss was the second straight for the Emeralds who lost by one run the night before on a tenth inning error. The two teams meet again for game four of their five game series in Idaho.
Also on the schedule today, the Three Rivers Sandblasters host the Corvallis Richey’s at 1:30…. The Richey’s are in second place in league play, two games ahead of the third place ‘Blasters.
Housing sales improved in the second quarter of this year, but are still well below what they were last year at this time. Tawfik Ahdab (tah-FEEK ah-DAWB), a certified property appraiser with the Pacific Valuation Group, released sales figures for the Florence market this week. The report shows sales increased from a low of 32 closings in the first quarter of this year to 39 homes in the second quarter. That puts housing sales on track for 142 units this year, still well below last year’s – quote – “pathetic” sales figures of 214 according to Ahdab. The increase in the second quarter may be a bright spot, he says, but adds that there is still “little evidence of a reversal of the continuing contraction” of the local real estate market. The appraiser says most of the sales are focused in the lower end of the market with a median sale price of just under $180-thousand. He concluded by saying the silver lining in the current real estate market is that purchasers who are able to buy are responding to what he calls ‘excellent deals’ in the local market.
Office hours at Dunes City Hall have been available for only nine hours each week in recent months, but that changed last week.
202 – “The new office hours are going to be Monday through Thursday from ten to four o’clock.”
Dunes City Recorder Amy Graham says that stretches the available time to 24 hours. Part of the extension of service is because even during ‘off’ hours, staff was willing to help out when they could.
202 – “Anytime if, even if our doors were closed and we saw somebody at the front door we would run out and open the door and, you know, offer assistance. We just figured it would make it a lot easier for them to just walk through the door.”
Staff members, none of whom have been on the job more than a year, are also becoming more efficient as they settle into their routine.
An additional 84 beds at the Lane County Jail will be opening by the end of this month, but that still means dozens of potentially violent criminals will be released early. The additional beds will allow the Sheriff’s Department to hold on to only about 70-percent of the inmates that might be expected to commit a violent crime within two years of an early release. Sheriff Russ Burger says that other 30-percent should still be in custody.
About a thousand gallons of raw sewage spilled onto Nye Beach in Newport after a pump failed during a power outage over the weekend. Newport City Manager Jim Voetberg said a backup generator kicked in, but stopped after the pump became clogged with debris. City staff cleaned the beach and posted public notifications.
A 28-year-old Eugene man who pleaded guilty to identity theft crimes that involved the names of more than 100 individuals or businesses has been sentenced to 16 years in prison. Lane County Circuit Judge Eveleen Henry told Jason Lennon Bell yesterday she found his victim count – quote – “breathtaking”. Bell pleaded guilty last month to 17 felonies in which he used the names of 107 people or businesses. He had been charged with 50 other identity theft-related felonies, but those were dismissed as part of his plea agreement. Detectives estimated Bell victimized hundreds of
other people as well.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Northwest League Baseball:
A two-out error in the sixth inning allowed the Boise Hawks to put three unearned runs on the board, then a two-run triple in the seventh put them ahead for good as Boise beat Eugene 5-4 yesterday. The loss was the second straight for the Emeralds who lost by one run the night before on a tenth inning error. The two teams meet again for game four of their five game series in Idaho.
Also on the schedule today, the Three Rivers Sandblasters host the Corvallis Richey’s at 1:30…. The Richey’s are in second place in league play, two games ahead of the third place ‘Blasters.
Monday, July 6, 2009
A Florence Fourth…
A horde of visitors and residents alike converged on Old Town Florence Saturday for what turned out to be a good old fashioned Fourth of July celebration, complete with a pie and watermelon eating contest. One contestant, seven year old Josiah Lorenz from Veneta, was preparing himself for the competition.
200 – “Well, basically my strategy is to… well… basically I don’t have a strategy.”
The Last Resort Players had a stage set up in front of the Port of Siuslaw office on Bay Street that kept crowds entertained all weekend. Joshua Greene was enjoying the festivities and was himself impressed with the crowd.
201 – “It’s fantastic, the place is great, the wind seems to be cooperating, the barbecues are going, the band’s set up it’s all looking great. And the market! Look how great the market is!”
The second annual Arts and Crafts Association show at the FEC drew visitors to that facility. Saturday was capped by the fireworks display fired off from a barge in the middle of the Siuslaw River. Fog began moving in late in the afternoon and threatened to obscure the show, but the ceiling raised just enough so that most of the display could be seen from anywhere in the Old Town District.
Several public agencies in the Florence area will be holding meetings today… their first of the fiscal year. The Florence City Council has a regularly scheduled meeting at seven tonight… among the agenda items will be consideration of awarding a bid for construction of two pedestrian crossings on Highway 101. The first, a mid-block crossing between seventh and eighth; the second would be at 30th street. Both projects include new concrete work and flashing lights.
The Dunes City Council will have a special session today at noon. They’ll immediately go to private, executive session to consult with legal counsel regarding litigation. Dunes City has a regular session set for Thursday evening.
Also on tap for tonight, the Siuslaw School District Board will hold a special session at 6:30 in the District Office. It will be the first meeting with new superintendent Jeff Davis who officially took over last week. Davis will present organizational requirements for the coming year as will as review his transition and entry plan with the board. A summary of state funding will be presented by the district’s business manager.
A dispute over a contract for government services has the potential for a court test involving an Oregon city and a sovereign tribe. The Coquille (ko-KWILL) Tribe operates The Mill Casino in North Bend and pays for city services through lodging revenue, matching the rates paid by other motel and hotels in an occupancy tax. But the tribe, after a $40 million expansion, has laid off 7 percent of the casino's workforce, and it is pressing the city for better contract terms. It has withheld $88,000 in payments this year. Last year, it paid $440,000. The city won't say whether it would take the tribe to court, which could raise the prospect of debate over the tribe's sovereign status.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
American Legion Baseball:
The Three Rivers Sandblasters completed their three game series against the Beaverton Allstars Friday with a pair of wins in Florence. The ‘Blasters took the first game 14-4, ending it in five innings. Game two went seven innings with Three Rivers coming out on top 10-7. The Beaverton crew trailed 10-3 going into the seventh inning and mounted a four-run rally but fell short. Sunday, the Sandblasters picked up another non-conference win over Grants Pass 10-7. Kyle Davis went seven innings on the mound for the win, helping himself out with a solo home run. Bryce Weidman finished on the hill and picked up the save. It’s back to work tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 for league action against Corvallis in Florence.
Northwest League Baseball:
The Eugene Emeralds wrapped up their home series against Everett with a 4-3 loss to the Aqua Sox Friday night. Then, they hit the road where they split the first two games of a six game series against Boise, beating the Hawks Saturday 8-4; losing yesterday 8 – 9.
A horde of visitors and residents alike converged on Old Town Florence Saturday for what turned out to be a good old fashioned Fourth of July celebration, complete with a pie and watermelon eating contest. One contestant, seven year old Josiah Lorenz from Veneta, was preparing himself for the competition.
200 – “Well, basically my strategy is to… well… basically I don’t have a strategy.”
The Last Resort Players had a stage set up in front of the Port of Siuslaw office on Bay Street that kept crowds entertained all weekend. Joshua Greene was enjoying the festivities and was himself impressed with the crowd.
201 – “It’s fantastic, the place is great, the wind seems to be cooperating, the barbecues are going, the band’s set up it’s all looking great. And the market! Look how great the market is!”
The second annual Arts and Crafts Association show at the FEC drew visitors to that facility. Saturday was capped by the fireworks display fired off from a barge in the middle of the Siuslaw River. Fog began moving in late in the afternoon and threatened to obscure the show, but the ceiling raised just enough so that most of the display could be seen from anywhere in the Old Town District.
Several public agencies in the Florence area will be holding meetings today… their first of the fiscal year. The Florence City Council has a regularly scheduled meeting at seven tonight… among the agenda items will be consideration of awarding a bid for construction of two pedestrian crossings on Highway 101. The first, a mid-block crossing between seventh and eighth; the second would be at 30th street. Both projects include new concrete work and flashing lights.
The Dunes City Council will have a special session today at noon. They’ll immediately go to private, executive session to consult with legal counsel regarding litigation. Dunes City has a regular session set for Thursday evening.
Also on tap for tonight, the Siuslaw School District Board will hold a special session at 6:30 in the District Office. It will be the first meeting with new superintendent Jeff Davis who officially took over last week. Davis will present organizational requirements for the coming year as will as review his transition and entry plan with the board. A summary of state funding will be presented by the district’s business manager.
A dispute over a contract for government services has the potential for a court test involving an Oregon city and a sovereign tribe. The Coquille (ko-KWILL) Tribe operates The Mill Casino in North Bend and pays for city services through lodging revenue, matching the rates paid by other motel and hotels in an occupancy tax. But the tribe, after a $40 million expansion, has laid off 7 percent of the casino's workforce, and it is pressing the city for better contract terms. It has withheld $88,000 in payments this year. Last year, it paid $440,000. The city won't say whether it would take the tribe to court, which could raise the prospect of debate over the tribe's sovereign status.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
American Legion Baseball:
The Three Rivers Sandblasters completed their three game series against the Beaverton Allstars Friday with a pair of wins in Florence. The ‘Blasters took the first game 14-4, ending it in five innings. Game two went seven innings with Three Rivers coming out on top 10-7. The Beaverton crew trailed 10-3 going into the seventh inning and mounted a four-run rally but fell short. Sunday, the Sandblasters picked up another non-conference win over Grants Pass 10-7. Kyle Davis went seven innings on the mound for the win, helping himself out with a solo home run. Bryce Weidman finished on the hill and picked up the save. It’s back to work tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 for league action against Corvallis in Florence.
Northwest League Baseball:
The Eugene Emeralds wrapped up their home series against Everett with a 4-3 loss to the Aqua Sox Friday night. Then, they hit the road where they split the first two games of a six game series against Boise, beating the Hawks Saturday 8-4; losing yesterday 8 – 9.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Last Resort Players hosting music in Old Town; plenty of fireworks viewing options are available; and fire danger is up despite the clouds.
Independence Celebration to take over Old Town…
Visitors to Old Town Florence this weekend will be treated to a party atmosphere.
215 – “The whole idea is to celebrate Fourth of July and the wonderful talent in Florence.”
The Last Resort Players have set up a stage in the center of Old Town and organizer Laura Merz says it’s designed to encourage people to stay and enjoy what Florence has to offer.
216 – “There’s lots of room. People can bring picnic, or their lawn chairs or, you know, just sit on the grass.”
The Florence-Siuslaw Lions Club will be on hand with food, and there are food vendors across the street in the Old Town Public Market… plus at all of the restaurants in the area. Merz said the music starts tonight at six.
217 – “We have lots of rock and roll on Friday and then Saturday is a hodgepodge of all kinds of wonderful entertainment; lots and lots of fabulous musicians.”
Tomorrow’s festivities run from one until just before the fireworks at ten… then Sunday’s lineup will feature a little light jazz and soft rock from one to five.
Speaking of fireworks… there are two locations on the Oregon Coast where you can catch an early show. Depoe Bay and Waldport both offer up displays tonight. In addition to the display over the Siuslaw River here in Florence tomorrow night there are several other shows. Mapleton, Gardiner, Winchester Bay, Lakeside and Newport also boast fireworks.
By the way, the east sidewalk on the Siuslaw River bridge will be open and available tomorrow night. It’s become a favorite perch for fireworks viewers. Rick Little with the Oregon Department of Transportation says renovation work will keep the west walkway closed. O-DOT will also have electronic message boards operating at each end of the bridge advising motorists to watch out for pedestrians.
Banks are open today… in fact you can get free ice cream at at least two area banks… but the stock market is closed, as are most offices at Lane County.
Don’t let the clouds fool you… just a bit inland the forecast is for warmer and drier weather, creating a higher fire danger. Oregon Department of Forestry officials say that makes forest fuels more susceptible to fire… they’re urging caution this weekend.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
American Legion Baseball:
The Beaverton Allstars lead from the first inning and never looked back, cruising to an 8-4 non-league victory over the Three Rivers Sandblasters last night in Florence. The two teams meet again today for two games… the first starts at noon. The Sandblasters have another non-league game Sunday evening in Grants Pass.
Northwest League Baseball:
One night after scoring 15 runs on 13 hits, the Eugene Emeralds were held scoreless on two hits, losing 3-nothing to the Everett Aqua Sox at Civic Stadium. Despite only two hits, the Emeralds stranded eight base runners, including six in scoring position. Their six-game home series against the Sox wraps up tonight with a fireworks show… the game is sold out… Eugene hits the road for a five-game series against the Hawks in Boise beginning tomorrow.
Visitors to Old Town Florence this weekend will be treated to a party atmosphere.
215 – “The whole idea is to celebrate Fourth of July and the wonderful talent in Florence.”
The Last Resort Players have set up a stage in the center of Old Town and organizer Laura Merz says it’s designed to encourage people to stay and enjoy what Florence has to offer.
216 – “There’s lots of room. People can bring picnic, or their lawn chairs or, you know, just sit on the grass.”
The Florence-Siuslaw Lions Club will be on hand with food, and there are food vendors across the street in the Old Town Public Market… plus at all of the restaurants in the area. Merz said the music starts tonight at six.
217 – “We have lots of rock and roll on Friday and then Saturday is a hodgepodge of all kinds of wonderful entertainment; lots and lots of fabulous musicians.”
Tomorrow’s festivities run from one until just before the fireworks at ten… then Sunday’s lineup will feature a little light jazz and soft rock from one to five.
Speaking of fireworks… there are two locations on the Oregon Coast where you can catch an early show. Depoe Bay and Waldport both offer up displays tonight. In addition to the display over the Siuslaw River here in Florence tomorrow night there are several other shows. Mapleton, Gardiner, Winchester Bay, Lakeside and Newport also boast fireworks.
By the way, the east sidewalk on the Siuslaw River bridge will be open and available tomorrow night. It’s become a favorite perch for fireworks viewers. Rick Little with the Oregon Department of Transportation says renovation work will keep the west walkway closed. O-DOT will also have electronic message boards operating at each end of the bridge advising motorists to watch out for pedestrians.
Banks are open today… in fact you can get free ice cream at at least two area banks… but the stock market is closed, as are most offices at Lane County.
Don’t let the clouds fool you… just a bit inland the forecast is for warmer and drier weather, creating a higher fire danger. Oregon Department of Forestry officials say that makes forest fuels more susceptible to fire… they’re urging caution this weekend.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
American Legion Baseball:
The Beaverton Allstars lead from the first inning and never looked back, cruising to an 8-4 non-league victory over the Three Rivers Sandblasters last night in Florence. The two teams meet again today for two games… the first starts at noon. The Sandblasters have another non-league game Sunday evening in Grants Pass.
Northwest League Baseball:
One night after scoring 15 runs on 13 hits, the Eugene Emeralds were held scoreless on two hits, losing 3-nothing to the Everett Aqua Sox at Civic Stadium. Despite only two hits, the Emeralds stranded eight base runners, including six in scoring position. Their six-game home series against the Sox wraps up tonight with a fireworks show… the game is sold out… Eugene hits the road for a five-game series against the Hawks in Boise beginning tomorrow.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Beachcomber reward extended; noisy bridge renovations; don't drink and boat; and possession of a sparkler can cost big bucks.
Reward Extended for Beachcomber Robbery
In February 2008 an unidentified gunman terrorized the owner and employees of the Beachcomber Pub and Grille, getting away with an unknown amount of money. Within days, Siuslaw Stop Crime had posted a $1,000 reward.
210 – “Shortly after the robbery I was contacted by an individual who wanted to donate $9-thousand in addition to the thousand that Siuslaw Stop Crime put up.”
Stop Crime spokesman Jim Sievers says there were a couple of conditions… first that the reward would only be paid following an indictment of the person or people responsible. The second… the reward would only be available for a year.
211 – “As of a week ago I contacted them and they asked that we keep the money and run other articles… more publicity and see if could bring this thing to a head.”
Sievers said police have no clues in the case. He’s hoping that the promise of $10,000 might prompt someone to come forward… but so far nobody has.
Renovation work on the Siuslaw River Bridge is moving into a noisy stage. Oregon Department of Transportation project manager Chuck Lemos (LEE-mose) says workers will be removing weakened rivets using air-impact wrenches and replacing them with high-strength bolts. Lemos acknowledged the noise will be distracting. But, he says, crews will work as quickly as possible. The 101 bridge is in the beginning stages of a two-year $5.3-million electrical and mechanical renovation.
Operating a boat while intoxicated can cost you up to a year in jail and a fine up to $6,250. Lane County Sheriff’s Marine Deputy Harold Clifton says just as it’s illegal to drink and drive a car… it’s against the law to operate a boat in the same way. Now’s a good time to make that reminder Clifton adds. With hot weather and the holiday weekend coming there will be a lot of people on lakes and waterways over the next few days. Clifton says there are several ‘stressors’ common to the boating environment that can intensify the effects of alcohol… thinks like sun, wind, noise and vibration… as well as fatigue. He cited US Coast Guard Statistics from 2007 that show one in five boating fatalities are alcohol related.
It’s not just illegal to use any type of fireworks on National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands, but it’s against the law to have them in your possession while visiting. A reminder issued this week by a Siuslaw National Forest spokesperson points out that the penalty for just having a sparkler in your possession while on National Forest land can be as high as $5-thousand.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
American Legion Baseball:
Fresh off the injured list, Travis Iverson pitched eight strikeouts in seven innings for the win as the Three Rivers Sandblasters defeated the Mid Valley Rockets 5-3 in Albany last night. Trevor Roberts earned a save in the effort, coming in for relief in the eighth inning. At 7 – 4, the ‘Blasters are two-and-a-half games out of the lead in third place. The Withnell Dodgers moved into the number one spot last night with a 22-12 win over the Corvallis Richies. Three Rivers has a non-conference game set for tonight against Beaverton here in Florence.
Northwest League Baseball:
Eugene leadoff hitter Bo Davis was four-for-four at the plate, scored five runs, picked up two RBI and stole three bases as the Emeralds knocked holes in the Everett Aqua-Sox 15-5 last night at Civic Stadium. Eugene hitters batted around in the sixth inning to break a 4-4 tie, then followed that up with the same in the seventh inning to put the game away. Eugene and Everett meet again tonight at Civic…
In February 2008 an unidentified gunman terrorized the owner and employees of the Beachcomber Pub and Grille, getting away with an unknown amount of money. Within days, Siuslaw Stop Crime had posted a $1,000 reward.
210 – “Shortly after the robbery I was contacted by an individual who wanted to donate $9-thousand in addition to the thousand that Siuslaw Stop Crime put up.”
Stop Crime spokesman Jim Sievers says there were a couple of conditions… first that the reward would only be paid following an indictment of the person or people responsible. The second… the reward would only be available for a year.
211 – “As of a week ago I contacted them and they asked that we keep the money and run other articles… more publicity and see if could bring this thing to a head.”
Sievers said police have no clues in the case. He’s hoping that the promise of $10,000 might prompt someone to come forward… but so far nobody has.
Renovation work on the Siuslaw River Bridge is moving into a noisy stage. Oregon Department of Transportation project manager Chuck Lemos (LEE-mose) says workers will be removing weakened rivets using air-impact wrenches and replacing them with high-strength bolts. Lemos acknowledged the noise will be distracting. But, he says, crews will work as quickly as possible. The 101 bridge is in the beginning stages of a two-year $5.3-million electrical and mechanical renovation.
Operating a boat while intoxicated can cost you up to a year in jail and a fine up to $6,250. Lane County Sheriff’s Marine Deputy Harold Clifton says just as it’s illegal to drink and drive a car… it’s against the law to operate a boat in the same way. Now’s a good time to make that reminder Clifton adds. With hot weather and the holiday weekend coming there will be a lot of people on lakes and waterways over the next few days. Clifton says there are several ‘stressors’ common to the boating environment that can intensify the effects of alcohol… thinks like sun, wind, noise and vibration… as well as fatigue. He cited US Coast Guard Statistics from 2007 that show one in five boating fatalities are alcohol related.
It’s not just illegal to use any type of fireworks on National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands, but it’s against the law to have them in your possession while visiting. A reminder issued this week by a Siuslaw National Forest spokesperson points out that the penalty for just having a sparkler in your possession while on National Forest land can be as high as $5-thousand.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
American Legion Baseball:
Fresh off the injured list, Travis Iverson pitched eight strikeouts in seven innings for the win as the Three Rivers Sandblasters defeated the Mid Valley Rockets 5-3 in Albany last night. Trevor Roberts earned a save in the effort, coming in for relief in the eighth inning. At 7 – 4, the ‘Blasters are two-and-a-half games out of the lead in third place. The Withnell Dodgers moved into the number one spot last night with a 22-12 win over the Corvallis Richies. Three Rivers has a non-conference game set for tonight against Beaverton here in Florence.
Northwest League Baseball:
Eugene leadoff hitter Bo Davis was four-for-four at the plate, scored five runs, picked up two RBI and stole three bases as the Emeralds knocked holes in the Everett Aqua-Sox 15-5 last night at Civic Stadium. Eugene hitters batted around in the sixth inning to break a 4-4 tie, then followed that up with the same in the seventh inning to put the game away. Eugene and Everett meet again tonight at Civic…
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Free business software today only; gas holds steady; fire season set to begin; and reward offered in theft of jewelry.
Free Business Software Available in Florence Today…
A Eugene business software company is giving away $3-million worth of their product today only. Florence residents can get in it. Vouchers for Business Plan Pro Premier, a $200 value, are available for free at the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce.
205 – “It is designed initially for people who are starting a new business or doing an expansion to where they would need an actual business plan. But it is also very helpful for people who are already in business, small business owners, to enhance their existing operation.”
Chamber Executive Director Kady Sneddon says there are a limited number of vouchers available through today only. Once businesses get theirs, they’ll have until five pm Friday to download the software. Palo Alto Software company officials say they’re doing it as a way to give back to businesses in the state. They’ve set up 85 distribution centers in Oregon.
Fire officials at several different levels have declared the start of fire season effective tomorrow morning.
206 – “There’s no real regulations involved yet, but it’s more to be cautions, more of awareness that they’re out there watching and they will cite people for illegal burning.”
Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue Fire Marshall Sean Barrett says the forecast of warmer, dryer weather inland, along with the upcoming Fourth of July holiday brings an awareness of growing fire danger. At this stage, the fire season declaration effects mostly industrial logging operations. But, he adds, it means recreational users need to be careful as well.
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Florence held steady for the second week in a row at $2.70 while the statewide average dropped by a penny to $2.80. The national average price, according to Triple-A went down a nickel this week to $2.63. Triple-A spokesperson Marie Dodds says demand, which has slipped in recent weeks despite summer driving season, appears to have had an impact on prices. They’ve gone down in other Oregon communities: In Portland it’s dropped two cents to $2.77; Salem registered the same reduction to $2.78; and in Eugene the average went down nearly four cents to $2.79 a gallon.
The theft of four unique pieces of hand-crafted jewelry from a display case at Siuslaw Public Library has prompted an offering of a reward. Siuslaw Stop Crime will pay $500 for recovery of the items and-or the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for their theft. Anonymous tips can called in to 997-9604.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
American Legion Baseball:
Bryce Weidman pitched a complete game and the Three Rivers Sandblasters snapped a five-game losing streak with an 18-8 win over the Mid-Valley Rockets in Florence last night. Zach Laxague was three-for-six at the plate with a pair of solo home runs. Drew Rainwater had a home run also… but it never left the ballpark. He hit a deep ball into right-center field. The outfielder misplayed the ball, then the cutoff man threw the ball home as Rainwater came across the plate. Three Rivers and Mid-Valley are back on the diamond together tonight in Albany. That game will air on Coast Radio Sports with a 4:45 airtime.
Northwest League Baseball:
The Aqua-Sox snapped a Eugene Emeralds three-game win-streak last night, handing the Ems a 7-4 loss at Civic Stadium. The game was marked by a stiff breeze in the first three innings that aided Everett hitters. What should have been four routine fly-balls were turned into extra base-hits, including a pair of home runs that helped the Sox to an early four-run lead. Game four of the six-game series is set for tonight in Eugene.
A Eugene business software company is giving away $3-million worth of their product today only. Florence residents can get in it. Vouchers for Business Plan Pro Premier, a $200 value, are available for free at the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce.
205 – “It is designed initially for people who are starting a new business or doing an expansion to where they would need an actual business plan. But it is also very helpful for people who are already in business, small business owners, to enhance their existing operation.”
Chamber Executive Director Kady Sneddon says there are a limited number of vouchers available through today only. Once businesses get theirs, they’ll have until five pm Friday to download the software. Palo Alto Software company officials say they’re doing it as a way to give back to businesses in the state. They’ve set up 85 distribution centers in Oregon.
Fire officials at several different levels have declared the start of fire season effective tomorrow morning.
206 – “There’s no real regulations involved yet, but it’s more to be cautions, more of awareness that they’re out there watching and they will cite people for illegal burning.”
Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue Fire Marshall Sean Barrett says the forecast of warmer, dryer weather inland, along with the upcoming Fourth of July holiday brings an awareness of growing fire danger. At this stage, the fire season declaration effects mostly industrial logging operations. But, he adds, it means recreational users need to be careful as well.
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Florence held steady for the second week in a row at $2.70 while the statewide average dropped by a penny to $2.80. The national average price, according to Triple-A went down a nickel this week to $2.63. Triple-A spokesperson Marie Dodds says demand, which has slipped in recent weeks despite summer driving season, appears to have had an impact on prices. They’ve gone down in other Oregon communities: In Portland it’s dropped two cents to $2.77; Salem registered the same reduction to $2.78; and in Eugene the average went down nearly four cents to $2.79 a gallon.
The theft of four unique pieces of hand-crafted jewelry from a display case at Siuslaw Public Library has prompted an offering of a reward. Siuslaw Stop Crime will pay $500 for recovery of the items and-or the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for their theft. Anonymous tips can called in to 997-9604.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
American Legion Baseball:
Bryce Weidman pitched a complete game and the Three Rivers Sandblasters snapped a five-game losing streak with an 18-8 win over the Mid-Valley Rockets in Florence last night. Zach Laxague was three-for-six at the plate with a pair of solo home runs. Drew Rainwater had a home run also… but it never left the ballpark. He hit a deep ball into right-center field. The outfielder misplayed the ball, then the cutoff man threw the ball home as Rainwater came across the plate. Three Rivers and Mid-Valley are back on the diamond together tonight in Albany. That game will air on Coast Radio Sports with a 4:45 airtime.
Northwest League Baseball:
The Aqua-Sox snapped a Eugene Emeralds three-game win-streak last night, handing the Ems a 7-4 loss at Civic Stadium. The game was marked by a stiff breeze in the first three innings that aided Everett hitters. What should have been four routine fly-balls were turned into extra base-hits, including a pair of home runs that helped the Sox to an early four-run lead. Game four of the six-game series is set for tonight in Eugene.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
