H1N1 vaccine delivery schedule slow; HWD special meeting to address possible agreement with City; Property tax statements in mail; and prep sports.

Lane County Public Health Streamlines Vaccine Distribution..

Vaccination clinics for the general public will be delayed a little longer as public health officials in Lane County take steps to make sure the H1N1 vaccine for swine-origin flu is available for those at highest risk from the disease. Public Health Nursing Supervisor Betsy Meredith says she knows it’s frustrating, but they’re directing available supplies of the vaccine to local obstetricians, gynecologists, pediatricians, schools and other health care partners serving youth. Meredith says studies indicate that the H1N1 flu virus is causing more significant illness in groups that include young people and pregnant women. She says they anticipate the H1N1 flu to continue to circulate in the community for several months and adds that even if you’re not immunized immediately, it’s still important to get a flu shot later as the illness seems to sweep through communities in ‘waves’. In the meantime, she says you can slow the spread of flu by taking simple steps like washing your hands frequently; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and stay home if you’re sick.

The Heceta Water District board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting tomorrow evening to discuss work on a possible inter-governmental agreement with the city of Florence. District Manager Scott Meyer says the board will not be discussing water rates, nor will they be taking any public comment during the five pm session. The bulk of the meeting will be held in private executive session to review written advice from the district’s attorney on the matter.

More than 172-thousand property tax statements are in the mail to Lane County taxpayers. The first mailings were sent late last week and many property owners should already have them in their mailboxes. Payments are typically due by November 15th, but since that falls on a Sunday there’ll be an extra day. Taxpayers can get a discount if the full or two-thirds payment is submitted with a post mark no later than November 16th. The second payments are due by February 16th, the final installment must be post-marked no later than May 17th.

Recreational mussel harvesting along the entire Oregon Coast was closed last week by a joint announcement of the Oregon Departments of Agriculture and Fish and Wildlife. The north and central portions of the coast were closed earlier due to elevated levels of paralytic shellfish toxins. The latest announcement covers the area from the Coos Bay entrance to the California border. P-S-T does not effect crab and oysters, the agencies say those shellfish are safe to eat as are razor clams.

TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:

Prep Volleyball:
The Siuslaw Vikings went winless in the Marshfield Invitational Saturday in Coos Bay, losing to Hidden Valley and Dallas, then forcing a tie with Myrtle Point. The Reedsport Braves made it to the Quarterfinal where they fell to the Marshfield Pirates.

Prep Football:
The Siuslaw Vikings effectively ended any post-season hopes for the North Bend Bulldogs Friday night in Florence, coming out on top 27-12. Sonny Tupua rushed for 146 yards on 32 carries. John Johnson was 11 of 17 passing for 117 yards and two touchdowns. In other Far West League games, South Umpqua picked up their first league victory over Sutherlin and Brookings-Harbor fell to Douglas. In the Sunset League Reedsport fell to Bandon 26 – 16. And, in the Mountain West… James Moore threw two touchdown passes in the first half and the Mapleton Sailors held on for a 36 – nothing victory over Triangle Lake

College Football:
Then number 12 ranked Oregon cruised to a 43-19 victory over Washington Saturday afternoon in Seattle. They’re now up to number ten in the rankings and remain the only undefeated team in Pac-Ten play. In Los Angeles, the Oregon State Beavers mounted more than one comeback but could never get back on top as the USC Trojans held on for a 42-36 victory.

On The Schedule Tonight:The Mapleton Sailors will face Triangle Lake in a Mountain West League Volleyball playoff at Mohawk High School this evening at five. The winner will take on the Red Devils at Lowell tomorrow night.