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.