Lane County leads state in highway deaths; Oregon Parks seeking fee increase; Oregon Dunes trail input sought; and registration begins at SHS

Lane County leads the state in traffic deaths…

33 people died in crashes on Lane County highways last year, more than in any other Oregon County. The figures, compiled by the Oregon Department of Transportation, show Clackamas County was number two at 30 traffic deaths and Douglas county tied with Washington and Multnomah Counties for third place with 27 each. Captain William Thompson with the Lane County Sheriff’s Department says the 2008 figures actually reflect a 23-percent reduction from the previous year when 43 traffic deaths were recorded in Lane County… and that was down from 50 deaths in 2006. Thompson said speed was a contributing factor in 12 of the 33 Lane County deaths last year and almost half of the total deaths involved alcohol or other intoxicants. He also noted that the Lane County Sheriff’s Office has had to reduce the number of traffic deputies over the past 15 months from 21 to ten. The O-DOT figures were for calendar year 2008. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office did not have figures immediately available for 2009.

Oregon residents have until September 23rd to weigh in on a proposal by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to increase camping and day-use fees. When the current fees were set 13-years ago, state park visitors provided nearly three-fourths of the funds need to keep parks operating. Vehicle registration fees and State Lottery funds have filled the broadening gap. It’s estimated that user fees now account for just over half of the needed funding. A 66-percent increase in the day use fee… from three to five dollars per day… is on the table, along with a $4 per night site fee increase. Depending on the campsite, that would account for a hike ranging between 20 and 25-percent. Four public hearings on the increases are set next month in La Grande, Bend and Newport with the final meeting at Champoeg State Park. Input can also be forwarded via email or by regular mail. Details are available on the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department website.

The Oregon Dunes Recreation Area is seeking members of the public to participate in a work group that would help recommend designated off-highway vehicle routes in uplands portions of the Oregon Dunes. Pam Gardner, Central Coast District Ranger, says the ODNRA is seeking a diverse set of interests, including off-highway users, conservation groups, tribal representatives and local community leaders. Committee members will have to commit to a total of ten days of meetings over the next year. Those interested can contact Ross Holloway at 503-812-4056.

Registration for classes at Siuslaw High School begin tomorrow with incoming seniors being asked to check in between nine and eleven AM. Juniors can begin registering and paying fees tomorrow after one pm, and then sophomores and freshmen register on Wednesday morning and afternoon respectively. Students new to Siuslaw High School can sign up all day Thursday. Classes at Siuslaw High School begin Tuesday September eighth for Freshmen, all other grades begin Wednesday the ninth.

TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:

Babe Ruth World Series:
Things looked good Saturday afternoon in Appleton, Wisconsin for the South Coast All Stars… they had added three insurance runs in the top of the seventh inning and led 6-1 going into the bottom half… then they gave up six runs to Forth Smith Church, Arkansas and went on to lose 7-6 in their first game at the 14-under Babe Ruth World Series. In their second game yesterday, the Coasters fell 9-2 to Minnetonka, Minnesota. The team, made up of four Florence residents and six from Coos County, will face Cranston, Rhode Island this evening.

Northwest League Baseball:
The Eugene Emeralds split with the Vancouver Canadians in their final two games Friday and Saturday, the Ems out on top 9-6 Friday night, the Canucks 5-3 Saturday. Eugene opened up a three game road trip against the Aqua Sox in Everett yesterday with a 9-8 victory.

Pac Ten Football:
The Oregon Ducks ar ranked number 16 in the AP’s preseason college football poll. The Ducks went 10-3 last season and will open up against the number 14 ranked Boise State Broncos September third in Boise. Oregon State was ranked just outside the top-25… at number 26. Florida is number one, followed by Texas, Oklahoma, USC and Alabama.