Library expansion nearing completion; Oregon Senator expects change in Afghanistan; Water and Garbage!; and Vets Parade to honor Coast Guard

Loose ends remain at Library…

Work on a major building expansion at the Siuslaw Public Library is nearly complete.
207 – “People are saying wow, this place sure is big. We’ve added six thousand square feet, we’ve got some new spaces that we didn’t have before. We have some small, two small study rooms. We have a genealogy local history room that we didn’t have before. The Friends of the Library have their own work space.”

Library Director Steve Skidmore says most work is complete but there are still a few loose ends.
206 – “I would hope by the first of the year. There are still some things that aren’t resolved. The major issue that are unresolved are the sidewalks on Ninth Street.”

The current city code requires nine-foot wide sidewalks, but that provision is in the process of being revised and should be wrapped up in the next few weeks. The overall cost of the project is about $1.9-million and includes a major parking expansion. Most of the funding has come from grants and donations and Skidmore is proud to say no additional taxes were required. There is some public money involved though, $300-thousand came from the Florence Urban Renewal Agency and a similar amount is coming out of regular library operating funds.

Oregon’s Junior Senator says he expects there will be come some changes in troop levels now that Afghan elections have been finalized.
202 – “Well I think what we’re looking at is the Administration was waiting for the election process to be resolved in Afghanistan before making its recommendation. That is now resolved so I think in the next two weeks we’re going to see the administration lay out their vision.”

Senator Jeff Merkley said our presence in Afghanistan is full of dilemmas because of an historical lack of a strong central government. He adds the U.S. needs to have a realistic sense of what is possible in that country.

A proposal that would allow higher rates for garbage carriers in Florence is on the table today with a public hearing on the matter beginning at four pm at City Hall. The Florence Environmental Management Advisory Committee is exploring the increase to offset increased costs charged to the carriers by Lane County.

Where does your drinking water come from? Is it safe and how much is there? Those are just a few of the questions that will be explored during this afternoon’s KCST Community Forum at 4:05. Florence Public Works Director Mike Miller and Heceta Water District Manager Scott Meyer will talk about their respective water systems.

Saturday’s Veterans Parade will honor members of the U.S. Coast Guard Siuslaw River Station. That facility will be holding an open house from two to five pm that day following the parade. The public will be invited to tour the station’s search and rescue boats and the station itself. The Veteran’s Parade is set for one o’clock Saturday.

TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Prep Volleyball:
The Elkton Elks took the first two games, but the Mapleton Sailors battled back and swept three straight to claim a first round victory in the OSAA 1A Volleyball Playoffs last night. Emily Erickson had 14 kills and Lindsey Logan added eight of her own along with five aces. Mapleton advances to the second round of playoffs now, traveling to Portland Saturday where they’ll face Columbia Christian.

In the 4A playoffs, Banks downed Brookings-Harbor in four games last night, eliminating the Bruins from post-season play. Far West League champs North Bend will host Estacada on Saturday night. The Siuslaw Vikings will travel to Newport that same evening where they’ll face the Valco League champion Cubs.