Heceta Water Commissioners exploring change; Port to discuss market; Tavolo tabbed as best chowder on Florence; and gas avgs $2.75 in Florence

Water Commissioners discussing change…

They’re not talking about it publicly yet, but Heceta Water District Commissioners are considering the possibility of making big changes in the way they do business. The water commission met in a private executive session yesterday afternoon for the purpose of talking with Andy Jordan, an attorney who specializes in working with special districts and municipalities. Jordan has guided the formation of a handful of “People’s Utility Districts” in the state over the past few years. In fact, the only item listed on yesterday’s agenda was a workshop on the formation of a ‘Public Utility District’. Under Oregon Statute, residents can form a PUD only at the ballot box. Before the meeting Heceta Water District Manager Scott Meyers said one advantage of a PUD over the current arrangement would be that it would prevent the City of Florence from withdrawing their territory as it’s annexed into the city. Water commissioners have long worried that a continual erosion of their district would undermine their ability to serve their remaining customers. Following the meeting, commission chair Bob Hursh declined to elaborate, saying only that they are interested in – quote – “what’s best for the district”.

Prices have remained relatively stable nationwide and across Oregon, but the retail price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline increased by three cents a gallon this past week. But, at $2.75 a gallon, it’s still below the statewide average of $2.79. Average prices in specific communities around Oregon continue to track higher than in Florence. In Eugene it’s $2.80 a gallon and in Medford the average price is $2.84. The current national average this week, according to Triple-A, is $2.62 a gallon.

More than 200 people lined up for a taste of chowder Sunday afternoon in Old Town Florence… and their selection matched that of a panel of professional judges. In a ‘blind’ tasting, the Clam Chowder from Tavolo (TAH-veh-lo) Restaurant at Sandpines earned the distinction of the best chowder in Florence. Tavolo will represent the Florence area at the Oregon Coast Professional Chowder Cookoff October 9th and 10th during the annual Chowder Blues and Brews. The local cookoff was sponsored by the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce.

Port of Siuslaw Commissioners will meet today at noon in a special session to discuss the petition submitted to them in July by 15 old town business owners asking that the Old Town Public Market be terminated. Commissioners heard from petitioners who claim the market has an unfair advantage over established businesses. Supporters of the market, including many of the three-dozen regular vendors have also expressed their views, saying they provide an atmosphere that is vital to the success of old town. That meeting today, at noon, at the Port office on Bay Street.

TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Babe Ruth World Series:
The host team took the opportunity to rough up the South Coast All Stars last night at the 14-under Babe Ruth World Series as Appleton, Wisconsin downed the Coasters 9-1. The loss leaves the team, made up of 14-year olds from Florence and Coos County, with four losses in pool play, eliminating them from the tournament. The team from the Oregon Coast earned the trip to Appleton by claiming the Northwest Championship two weeks ago in Moscow, Idaho.

Northwest League Baseball:
Continuing in their role as spoilers, the Eugene Emeralds downed the Everett Aqua Sox 4-3 last night. The win gave the Ems a sweep of the three game series in Everett and dropped the Sox to six games behind division leading Salem-Keizer. Eugene returns home to Civic Stadium this evening where they’ll open up the first half of a six-game split series against the Vancouver Canadians.