Voters say yes to tax measures; Library expansion dedication set; Kiwanis See's Candy sale set; and gas prices posted.

Voters say yes by a 53-47 margin…

Oregon voters approved a pair of tax measures in yesterday’s special election, granting approval to the $727-million in higher taxes for corporations and wealthy Oregonians by well over a five-point margin. The outcome prompted a quick response by supporters. Within 90-minutes of the polls closing, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski thanked voters for their support, but acknowledged that there are still tough economic times ahead. Gubernatorial candidate Bill Bradbury called the outcome a – quote – “total relief” and Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain said the victory shows Oregonians value services in the state. Opponents however, cast a more negative note. Oregon Republican Party Chair Bob Teirnan said the ‘success of a nationally-bankrolled campaign does not accurately reflect the views of all Oregonians”. Barry Bushue of the Oregon Farm Bureau campaigned heavily against Measures 66 and 67. He expressed concern… as he did throughout the campaign… that the tax increases will hurt the economy. Voter turnout in the mail-in election didn’t reach the heights that had been predicted. Elections officials anticipated a 60-percent turnout but only about 55-percent of Oregon’s two-plus million registered voters returned ballots



10-27-10 7,8,9 AM; Noon; 5,6 PM
RBS

The finishing touches are nearly done and the date has been set for the dedication of a $1.9-million, six-thousand square foot expansion of Siuslaw Public Library. Oregon State Librarian Jim Scheppke (SHEPP-kee) will preside over the ceremonies, set for Sunday, February 14th. Approximately three-fourths of the funding for the job came from private sources: donations from residents and grants from foundations. Improvements include more storage and work space in the back of the library; additional meeting and public space;a combined circulation and reference desk area and twice the parking as before. The project is being completed about 30-days ahead of the scheduled March 1st target date.

The Florence Kiwanis Club will help area residents satisfy that Valentine's chocolate craving and help kids out at the same time. The Kiwanis See's Candy sales will open this Saturday at Sears once again. Kiwanis President Kathleen Forbes said the Christmas candy sale exceeded expectations and they ran out more than a week before that holiday. The Kiwanis candy booth will be open seven days a week at Sears until February 14th… or until they sell out.

The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline fell for the second week in a row.. this time dropping by four cents a gallon according to Triple-A. The wholesale price for crude oil has dropped below the $80-per-barrell mark, and retail demand has softened as well. Oregon's statewide average price slipped down a penny this week to $2.79 a gallon… Florence's average price held steady for the second week in a row at $2.64.

Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports...
Prep Basketball last night

Far West League:

Girls:

South Umpqua defeated Siuslaw 60 – 52. Kasey Strenke led the Vikings with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Brookings-Harbor edged North Bend 45-43; and Sutherlin got by Douglas 52-47 in overtime.

No results posted for Reedsport, nor for Mapleton

For the boys…

The South Umpqua Lancers pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 71-39 win in Myrtle Creek. North Bend beat Brookings-Harbor 56-39 and Douglas edged Sutherlin 44-38.

In the Sunset League, Myrtle Point clipped Reedsport 65-60

And in the Mountain West… no results posted.