Majority of Old Town Market Petitioners say they wouldn't sign it again; Gas prices jump a nickel in Florence; Habitat Homeowners pay their share.

Port to consider Old Town Market Petition

An informal survey of signers of a petition asking the Port of Siuslaw to shut down the Old Town Public Market shows most of them actually support some sort of commercial activity on the Port’s boardwalk. Port President Joshua Greene, who also originated the idea of the market two years ago, conducted the survey. It shows ten of the 15 signers actually said they support the collection of tents and booths that pops up along the boardwalk every weekend. Three said they believed it should be closed down and one refused to discuss the matter. Greene will present his findings tonight to the Port Commission. Andres Ruiz, who owns The Wizard of Odds had circulated and submitted the petition last month, demanding the Port close down the weekend market because of the negative impact on his and other businesses along Bay Street. According to Greene, most of the signers said they did so as a show of support for other businesses in the area, but at least five say the petition was misrepresented to them and they would not have signed it had they understood it. In other business tonight, the Port Commission will conduct their annual evaluation of manager Mark Freeman. The meeting begins at seven PM.

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Florence increased by a nickel this week. It’s at $2.72… seven cents less than Oregon’s Statewide average and nine cents above the national average. According to Triple-A, Oregon’s average went up about a half-cent while the national average dropped by a penny. Marie Dodds, Triple-A spokesperson, notes retail prices have fluctuated quite a bit over the summer mostly in response to economic news. Florence continues to have the lowest average in the state. In Portland it’s $2.76; Eugene is at $2.80 and in Medford the average price is $2.85 a gallon.

A recent study by the Florence Chapter of Habitat for Humanity shows that owners of homes built by the organization pay their share of taxes. Since the first home was completed in 2001, Habitat homeowners have paid a combined $56-thousand in taxes to various agencies in the area. Habitat president Don Stewart calls it a – quote – “nice payback for a community that has offered so much support for Habitat’s efforts”. New homes have gone on the tax rolls each year with three being added this year alone.

Local favorite KUSH will share the headline with two other bands during September 13th’s Concert by the Lake at East Woahink.. The annual free outdoor concert will raise money for Quality Child Care of Florence this year. In addition to KUSH, The Tina Fulps Band will perform, along with Paul Moore and Friends. The concert is sponsored by the Florence Kiwanis in cooperation with Honeyman State Park…

TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:

Northwest League Baseball:
The bats were lively last night at Civic Stadium. First Baseman Nathan Frieman started things off for the Eugene Emeralds with a three run homer in the first inning, but the Yakima Bears were prolific at the plate as well. They put up 15 hits and ten runs on the way to a 10-7 victory. The Bears scored all ten runs in the first three innings, then coasted the rest of the way. At 25-and-33, Eugene has the second worst record in the Northwest League… only better than… the Yakima Bears. The Emeralds have today off, they’ll begin a three game series at home tomorrow against the Vancouver Canadians.

Prep Sports:
Registration packets for fall sports at Siuslaw High School are available this week and can be turned in Thursday and Friday during regular business hours. Season tickets for Viking Football will go on sale September First with returning ticket holders having the chance to redeem their seats beginning at eight. Open sales begin at nine o’clock. The Vikings will have six home games this year… prices are $30 for reserved seating.