Bridge renovation work to disrupt 101 traffic next week; crime stats down in NW, up in Eugene, Craig and Terry reunite; HWD vacancy to be filled

Bridge work to disrupt overnight traffic next week.

Emergency services will not be disrupted, but overnight traffic will be subject to delays of up to two hours next week because of continuing work on the Siuslaw River Bridge. Beginning next Monday night and continuing for four nights, traffic will be blocked beginning at 11 pm with full access restored by five the next morning. Crews working sandblasting, painting and repairing rivets on the ends of the draw spans will also stop work every two hours to allow traffic through. Officials say emergency services will not be affected by the closures. An ambulance and law enforcement will be posted south of the river during the closures and traffic on the bridge can also be quickly restored in the event of an emergency. The work is part of the 15-month, $5.3-million bridge renovation project that began in June.

New numbers released by the FBI show Oregon's violent crime and property crime rates fell in 2008. The only area in which crime increased statewide was murder and non-negligent manslaughter, which grew to 2.2 for every 100,000 Oregonians from 1.9 in 2007. Otherwise, Oregonians saw fewer instances of rape, robbery, assault, burglary and theft. The fall in violent and property crimes was mirrored in most of Oregon's largest cities with the exception of Eugene. There, the violent crime rate increased 14.2 percent and the property crime rate by 23.5 percent.

The Heceta Water District Board of Commissioners is seeking applications for anyone wishing to fill a vacancy on their panel. Commissioner Lea Patten recently stepped down, citing unexpected personal responsibilities. Letters of interest from any qualified resident of the district can be submitted no later than September 25th. The Commission will appoint a replacement at their October 13th meeting.

A popular group of musicians will reunite for a pair of benefit concerts later this month. Craig and Terry, a pair of – quote – “well known local guys that sing logging songs and other fun music” will perform Saturday and Sunday September 26th and 27th at Mapleton High School. The concerts will raise money to benefit the family of Mapleton resident Johnny Barrows who suffered a serious spinal cord injury earlier this summer. Barrows’ dad, Rick Barrows will be playing keyboard with the band, as he has in the past. Advance tickets are $12.50 each… $15 at the door.

TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:

Athlete of the Week:
Mapleton Football Standout Micah Espinosa is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. The junior running back carried the ball nine times for 171 yards and three touchdowns on the way to the Sailors’ season opening 66 – 14 win against Portland Lutheran last week… Honorable Mention goes to Siuslaw cross country standout Joe Campbell who led the pack at the Reedsport Road, Lake and Dune meet last week with a first place finish.

On the Schedule…
Viking Volleyball is at home tonight against the Tillamook Cheesemakers. Reedsport will host Myrtle Point and Mapleton is also at home, hosting Fairview Christian.

The Far West League cross country ‘preview’ meet is set for this afternoon at Tugman State Park in Lakeside for Siuslaw. Reedsport runners are at the Bandon Invitational.